bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Applying design of experiments to optimize the performance level of a curling sport team
Authors: Antony Jiju , Lauterbach Laynes , Viles Elisabeth , Tanco Martin , Furterer Sandy , Snee Ronald D. 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThis article presents a novel case study that analyzes the applicability of DoE in the curling sport in order to improve their own performance and the performance of its athletes. Specifically, this study analyzes the most important factors to increase accuracy and precision in the draw game with curlers' opinions. It was decided to use the “Last Stone Draw (LSD)’ as an appropriate play situation.Design/methodology/approachSpecifically, this study analyzes most important factors to increase accuracy and precision in the draw game with curlers opinions from the German Curling association. Three research techniques were used in this study: case study, interviews and a well-designed experiment. The analysis through the use of DoE includes a measurement system analysis, an initial variance test between two players, a screening and a characterization experiment.FindingsThe results obtained from DoE suggest that the factors routine, stress, release, balance, and the previous play situation have a substantial impact on the score of the player's draw game. However, no factor has a statistically significant impact on the average distance to the center of the target. Moreover, the DoE analysis also concludes that the accuracy and precision of the player's performance is not affected equally by all analyzed factors, but they turn into highly significant when examining their relationship to the other factors.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study can be beneficial to other sports events in improving the performance. Moreover, DoE has proved to be an invaluable tool for many people in the German Curling Association in understanding the factors which influence the curlers performance and also factors which do not affect the curlers performance.Originality/valueThis research attempts to contribute to the existing sports management literature by identifying a way in which DoE can be an effective tool in non-manufacturing settings for identification of most important factors which influence the curling performance.
Post‐orgasmic illness syndrome with positive intradermal test for autologous semen
Authors: Kawamura Hisho , Watanabe Tomoya , Yamamura Hitomi , Sano Saori , Kanaoka Miwa , Watanabe Yuko , Ohta Mitsuyasu , Yamaguchi Yukie 
Published: March 2023

AbstractPost‐orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS) is a rare disease characterized by flu‐like symptoms persisting for 2–7 days after ejaculation. POIS has been chiefly attributed to allergic reactions to autologous seminal plasma. However, the exact pathophysiology remains unclear, and there is no effective treatment. We present the case of a 38‐year‐old man with a 10‐year history of recurrent episodes of flu‐like symptoms of 1‐week duration after ejaculation. The patient was diagnosed with irritating bowel syndrome because of fatigue, myalgia, and lateral abdominal pain. After starting infertility treatment and increasing the frequency of intercourse with his wife, the patient noticed these symptoms after ejaculation. Based on these episodes and symptoms, POIS was suspected. To diagnose POIS, a skin prick test and an intradermal test were performed using his seminal fluid, with the latter yielding a positive result. The patient was diagnosed with POIS, and treatment with antihistamines was continued. Due to its rarity, POIS is often underdiagnosed and underreported; however, the skin test can be a valid diagnostic tool. In this case, the intradermal test result was positive according to the broadly accepted criteria for POIS. Although quality of life is often severely affected in patients with POIS, a lack of a clear understanding of the pathogenesis of POIS prevents early diagnosis. To make diagnoses earlier, it is undoubtedly important to take a detailed medical history and perform skin allergy tests, although the latter requires further validation.
A counterexample to secularization theory? Assessing the Georgian religious revival
Authors: Stolz Jörg , Gugushvili Alexi , Molteni Francesco , Antonietti Jean‐Philippe 
Published: March 2023

AbstractSecularization theory allows for transitory religious revivals under certain conditions, such as extreme societal crises or state weakness. The country of Georgia has witnessed the largest religious revival of Orthodox countries and one of the most striking religious resurgences worldwide. This paper gives both a statistical and historical description of this revival and asks whether it is a counterexample to secularization theory. We show that the main thrust of the religious revival in Georgia lasted 25 years and seized the entire society in what was mainly a period effect. The most significant cause for the revival was a major societal and economic crisis starting in 1985 combined with a very weak state, creating massive individual insecurity. In these circumstances, the Georgian Orthodox Church was able to provide identity for individuals and legitimacy for governments. Other possible causes of the revival—state funding, too rapid modernization, or emigration—can be excluded as primary drivers of the process. The Georgian case shows a situation in which secularization theory expects transitory revivals and is thus not a counterexample.
The Black Foe: Being Towards Death1
Authors: Mills Jon 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe ontology of death is universal, hence archetypal. Nowhere do we witness any organic creature escape its talons. Analytical psychology has had an intimate relationship to death for the simple fact that it contemplates the soul, the numinous, and an afterlife. From Hegel to Heidegger, Freud and Jung, death was an existential force that sustained and transformed life, the positive significance of the negative. Rather than merely a destructive phenomenon, death informs Being, the power of nothingness that dialectically drives life. In this paper, I will introduce the notion of what I call the omega principle, the psychological orientation and trajectory of our being towards death, which we may say is a universal preoccupation and recapitulation of the collective unconscious that subsumes our personal relation to death, an eternal return of the objective psyche constellated as esse in anima.
Effects of lactic acid bacteria fermentation on the physicochemical and structural characteristics of starch in blends of glutinous and japonica rice
Authors: Wang Dengyu , Fan Hongchen , Wang Bing , Liu Linlin , Shi Yanguo , Zhang Na 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn this study, the effects of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation on the physicochemical and structural characteristics of mixed starches in blends of glutinous and japonica rice were investigated. Five starter cultures improved in varying degrees the hydration ability, transparency, and freeze–thaw stability of the mixed starches. Mixed starch I, prepared by fermentation of Lactobacillus acidophilus HSP001, exhibited optimal water‐holding capacity, solubility, and swelling power. In comparison, mixed starches V and III involved fermentation of L. acidophilus HSP001 and Latilactobacillus sakei HSP002, using ratios of 2:1 and 1:1 to achieve higher transparency and freeze–thaw stability, respectively. The LAB‐fermented, mixed starches exhibited excellent pasting properties due to their high peak viscosities and low setback values. Moreover, the viscoelasticity of mixed starches III–V, prepared by compound fermentation of L. acidophilus HSP001 and L. sakei HSP002 in ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1, respectively, proved superior to their single strain fermentation counterparts. Meanwhile, LAB fermentation resulted in reduced gelatinization enthalpy, relative crystallinity, and short‐range ordered degree. Thus, the effects of five LAB starter cultures on mixed starches were inconsistent, but these results provide a theoretical basis for the application of mixed starches.Practical Application
Lactic acid bacteria was used to ferment blends of glutinous and japonica rice.
Fermented mixed starch had better hydration, transparency, and freeze–thaw stability.
Fermented mixed starch exhibited nice pasting properties and viscoelasticity.
LAB fermentation corroded starch granules, leading to the decrease of ΔH.
Relative crystallinity and short‐range order of fermented mixed starch decreased.
“It's all my fault”: a qualitative study of how heterosexual couples experience living with vulvodynia
Authors: Myrtveit‐Stensrud Linn , Haugstad Gro Killi , Rème Silje Endresen , Schaller Sidsel Louise , Groven Karen Synne 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIntroductionVulvodynia, a chronic genital pain disorder with a high lifetime prevalence among women, has a significant negative impact on both women and their partners. Although there is a growing body of literature on the experiences of women with vulvodynia, there has been little research on the condition's implications for partners and romantic relationships. The aim of this study is to explore how heterosexual couples experience living with vulvodynia.Material and methodsEight Norwegian women diagnosed with vulvodynia by gynecologists were recruited with their partners (couples aged 19–32 years). Data was collected via individual semi‐structured interviews and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.ResultsThree main themes were identified in the analysis: Mysterious disorder, Social exclusion and Sexual expectations. The results show that the couples struggle with understanding the pain, as well as navigating their social and sexual lives. We discuss these findings in light of a new theoretical model: the fear‐avoidance‐endurance model of vulvodynia.ConclusionsHeterosexual couples living with vulvodynia experience communication difficulties with partners, health professionals, and their social network. This sustains avoidance and endurance behavior, increasing pain and dysfunction over time and giving rise to feelings of powerlessness and loneliness. Social expectations regarding male and female sexuality also promote guilt and shame for both parties in couples affected by vulvodynia. Our results suggest that heterosexual couples living with vulvodynia, as well as health professionals treating them, should be helped to communicate more effectively in order to break vicious circles of maladaptive avoidance and endurance behavior.
Accuracy of colposcopy in the Swedish screening program
Authors: Alfonzo Emilia , Zhang Chenyang , Daneshpip Forogh , Strander Björn 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIntroductionSensitivity and specificity of colposcopy vary greatly between studies and efficacy in clinical studies seldom corresponds with effectiveness in a real‐life setting. It is unclear whether colposcopists’ experience affects assessment; studies show divergent results. The study's objective was to investigate the accuracy of colposcopies in the Swedish screening program, the variability in colposcopists’ assessments and whether degree of experience affects accuracy in a routine setting.Material and methodsCross‐sectional register study. All colposcopic assessments with a concomitant histopathological sample from women aged at least 18 years, performed between 1999 and September 2020 in Sweden. The main outcome measure was accuracy. The accuracy of colposcopic assessments was calculated as overall agreement with linked biopsies, with three outcomes: Normal vs Atypical, Normal vs Low‐Grade Atypical vs High‐Grade Atypical, and Non‐High‐Grade Atypical vs High‐Grade Atypical. A time‐trend analysis was performed. The accuracy of identifiable colposcopists related to experience was analyzed.ResultsIn total, 82 289 colposcopic assessments with linked biopsies were included for analysis of the outcome Normal vs Atypical; average accuracy was 63%. Overrating colposcopic findings was four times more common than underrating. No time trend in accuracy was noted during the study period. Accuracy in distinguishing High‐Grade from Non‐High‐Grade lesions was better: 76%. Among identifiable colposcopists, overall accuracy was 67%. Some had significantly better accuracy than others, but no correlation with experience was found.ConclusionsColposcopy, including in a referral setting, has low accuracy in distinguishing Normal from Atypical. Increased experience alone does not lead to improvement. This is supported by the substantial differences in performance between colposcopists.
Deciphering structural aspects of reverse cholesterol transport: mapping the knowns and unknowns
Authors: Sacher Sukriti , Mukherjee Abhishek , Ray Arjun 
Published: March 2023

ABSTRACTAtherosclerosis is a major contributor to the onset and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Cholesterol‐loaded foam cells play a pivotal role in forming atherosclerotic plaques. Induction of cholesterol efflux from these cells may be a promising approach in treating CVD. The reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) pathway delivers cholesteryl ester (CE) packaged in high‐density lipoproteins (HDL) from non‐hepatic cells to the liver, thereby minimising cholesterol load of peripheral cells. RCT takes place via a well‐organised interplay amongst apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), scavenger receptor‐B1 (SR‐B1), and the amount of free cholesterol. Unfortunately, modulation of RCT for treating atherosclerosis has failed in clinical trials owing to our lack of understanding of the relationship between HDL function and RCT. The fate of non‐hepatic CEs in HDL is dependent on their access to proteins involved in remodelling and can be regulated at the structural level. An inadequate understanding of this inhibits the design of rational strategies for therapeutic interventions. Herein we extensively review the structure–function relationships that are essential for RCT. We also focus on genetic mutations that disturb the structural stability of proteins involved in RCT, rendering them partially or completely non‐functional. Further studies are necessary for understanding the structural aspects of RCT pathway completely, and this review highlights alternative theories and unanswered questions.
The effect of mandala art therapy on the comfort and resilience levels of mothers who have children with special needs: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Özsavran Musa , Ayyıldız Tülay Kuzlu 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe study was conducted in order to determine the effect of mandala therapy applied to mothers who have children with special needs on the mothers' comfort and resilience levels.MethodsThe study was conducted as a randomized controlled study at a special education school in Turkey. The study sample consisted of 51 mothers (24 mothers in the experimental group and 27 mothers in the control group) who had children with special needs. A 16‐h mandala therapy was applied to the mothers in the experimental group. Identifying Information Form, General Comfort Questionnaire and Adult Resilience Scale were used as data collection tools.ResultsAccording to the regression analysis performed in order to explain the difference between the first and third measurements of General Comfort Questionnaire, mandala art therapy was found to be effective, and the model established was determined to be statistically significant. It was also determined that the change that occurred between the third and first measurements performed in order to identify the change in the general comfort levels of the individuals was higher in the experimental group in comparison to the control group (P < 0.05). It was seen that the mothers' mean scores obtained from the Adult Resilience Scale total scale and its subscales significantly increased in the second and third measurements (P < 0.05) but that the increase in the mean scores of the control group was not significant (P > 0.05).ConclusionsMandala Art Therapy is a method that improves the comfort levels and resilience of mothers who have children with special needs. It might be beneficial for mothers to perform these applications at special education schools in collaboration with nurses.
Patient satisfaction following dental implant treatment: A survey
Authors: Pradyachaipimol Natthasit , Tangsathian Teerawut , Supanimitkul Kakanang , Sophon Navawan , Suwanwichit Tharntip , Manopattanasoontorn Sukuma , Arunyanak Sirikarn P. , Kungsadalpipob Kajorn 
Published: March 2023

AbstractPurposesThis aim of this cross‐sectional study was to investigate the factors associated with patient satisfaction in patients with a dental implant‐supported single crown or fixed prosthesis.Materials and methodsOne hundred and ninety‐six patients with dental implants functioning more than 1 year were provided with a 13‐question questionnaire to report their satisfaction regarding the functional aspects, aesthetic outcome, cleansing ability, general satisfaction, treatment cost, and overall satisfaction. Patient satisfaction was reported using a visual analogue scale (VAS). The association of these variables and each aspect of satisfaction were investigated by multivariate linear regression analysis.ResultsOne hundred forty‐four of 196 patients reported high overall satisfaction (VAS > 80%). All aspects of patient satisfaction levels were very high (mean VAS > 80%), except for satisfaction in cleansing ability and treatment cost (mean VAS < 75%). The patients with a history of implant failure had significantly lower satisfaction in the functional aspects, aesthetic outcome, and general satisfaction than patients without implant failure (p ≤ 0.001). The subjects who experienced mechanical complication were less satisfied with treatment cost (p = 0.002). Sinus augmentation negatively affected functional satisfaction compared with individuals without sinus augmentation (p = 0.041). The subjects with a higher income or a posterior implant had significantly higher overall satisfaction (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001, respectively). Moreover, restoration by specialists positively affected general satisfaction compared with being restored by post‐graduate students (p = 0.01).ConclusionPatients restored with a dental implant‐supported single crown or fixed prosthesis had very high patient satisfaction. Implant failure, mechanical complication, and sinus augmentation negatively affected patient satisfaction in multiple aspects. In contrast, the factors positively affecting patient satisfaction were a posterior implant, patient's monthly income, and restoration by specialists. These results have to be interpreted with care due to the cross‐sectional study design.
Intravenous thrombolysis versus antiplatelet therapy in minor stroke patients with large vessel occlusion
Authors: Duan Chunmiao , Xiong Yunyun , Gu Hongqiu , Wang Shang , Yang Kai‐Xuan , Hao Manjun , Feng Xueyan , Zhao Xingquan , Meng Xia , Wang Yongjun 
Published: March 2023

AbstractAimOur study aimed to explore the effectiveness and safety of intravenous t‐PA compared with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and aspirin alone for minor stroke with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≤5 and large vessel occlusion (LVO).MethodsPatients with minor stroke harboring LVO within 4.5‐h time window were included from the Third China National Stroke Registry (CNSR‐III) between August 2015 and March 2018 in China. Clinical outcomes including modified Rankin scale (mRS) score, recurrent stroke, and all‐cause mortality at 90 days and 36‐h symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) were collected. Multivariable logistic regression models and propensity score matching analyses were used to determine the association between treatment groups and clinical outcomes.ResultsA total of 1401 minor stroke patients with LVO were included. Overall 251 patients (17.9%) received intravenous t‐PA, 722 patients (51.5%) received DAPT, and 428 patients (30.5%) received aspirin alone. The intravenous t‐PA was associated with greater proportions of mRS 0–1 (aspirin versus t‐PA: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32 to 0.80; p = 0.004; DAPT versus t‐PA: aOR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.49 to 1.19; p = 0.23). Using propensity score matching analyses, the results were similar. There was no difference in 90‐day recurrent stroke among the groups. The rates of all‐cause mortality in intravenous t‐PA, DAPT, and aspirin groups were 0%, 0.55%, 2.34%, respectively. No patient developed sICH within 36 h of intravenous t‐PA.ConclusionIn patients with minor stroke harboring LVO within 4.5‐h time window, intravenous t‐PA was associated with higher odds for the excellent functional outcome, as compared with the aspirin alone. Further randomized controlled trials are warranted.
Transplantation of glutamatergic neuronal precursor cells in the paraventricular thalamus and claustrum facilitates awakening with recovery of consciousness
Authors: Zhao Tong , Wei Naili , Li Tianwen , Chen Kezhu , Cui Wenqiang , Wang Zhifu , Wang Fan , Lin Yuanxiang , Zhu Jianhong 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundStem cells offer a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), but the optimal transplantation sites and cells are not clear. Although the paraventricular thalamus (PVT) and claustrum (CLA) are associated with consciousness and are candidate transplantation targets, few studies have been designed to investigate this possibility.MethodsControlled cortical injury (CCI) was performed to establish a mouse model of DOC. CCI‐DOC paradigm was established to investigate the role of excitatory neurons of PVT and CLA in disorders of consciousness. The role of excitatory neuron transplantation in promoting arousal and recovery of consciousness was determined by optogenetics, chemogenetics, electrophysiology, Western blot, RT‐PCR, double immunofluorescence labeling, and neurobehavioral experiments.ResultsAfter CCI‐DOC, neuronal apoptosis was found to be concentrated in the PVT and CLA. Prolonged awaking latency and cognitive decline were also seen after destruction of the PVT and CLA, suggesting that the PVT and CLA may be key nuclei in DOC. Awaking latency and cognitive performance could be altered by inhibiting or activating excitatory neurons, implying that excitatory neurons may play an important role in DOC. Furthermore, we found that the PVT and CLA function differently, with the PVT mainly involved in arousal maintenance while the CLA plays a role mainly in the generation of conscious content. Finally, we found that by transplanting excitatory neuron precursor cells in the PVT and CLA, respectively, we could facilitate awakening with recovery of consciousness, which was mainly manifested by shortened awaking latency, reduced duration of loss of consciousness (LOC), enhanced cognitive ability, enhanced memory, and improved limb sensation.ConclusionIn this study, we found that the deterioration in the level and content of consciousness after TBI was associated with a large reduction in glutamatergic neurons within the PVT and CLA. Transplantation of glutamatergic neuronal precursor cells could play a beneficial role in promoting arousal and recovery of consciousness. Thus, these findings have the potential to provide a favorable basis for promoting awakening and recovery in patients with DOC.