COVID-19 Vaccine Discourse on Twitter: A Content Analysis of Persuasion Techniques, Sentiment and Mis/Disinformation.

This research aims to understand the persuasion techniques used in Twitter posts about COVID-19 vaccines by the different vaccine sentiments (i.e., Pro-Vaccine, Anti-Vaccine, and Neutral) using the Elaboration Likelihood Model, Social judgment Theory, and the Extended Parallel Process Model as theoretical frameworks. A content analysis was conducted on a data set of 1,000 Twitter posts. The corpus of Tweets was examined using the persuasion frameworks; tweets that were identified as emanating from bots were further examined. Results found Anti-Vaccine messages predominantly used Anecdotal stories, Humor/Sarcasm, and Celebrity figures as persuasion techniques, while Pro-Vaccine messages primarily used Information, Celebrity figures, and Participation. Results also showed the Anti-Vaccine messages primarily focused on values related to the categories of Safety, Political/Conspiracy Theories, and Choice. Finally, results revealed Anti-Vaccine messages primarily used Perceived Severity and Perceived Susceptibility, which are fear appeal elements. The findings for messages by bots were comparable to the messages in the larger corpus of tweets. Based on the findings, a response framework-Health Information Persuasion Exploration (HIPE)-is proposed to address mis/disinformation and Anti-Vaccine messaging. The results of this study and the HIPE framework can inform a national COVID-19 vaccine health campaign to increase vaccine adoption.

An investigation into perceived autonomy support, motivation and competence in chronic pain patients in Ireland: A cross-sectional study.

Autonomy supportive healthcare settings are associated with enhanced behaviour change and self-management strategies in individuals living with chronic disease. The level of autonomy support provided by healthcare professionals to individuals living with chronic pain in Ireland is unknown. A cross-sectional study was completed on participants living with chronic pain (>3 months) in Ireland. Participants (n = 389) completed an anonymous survey constructed of patient reported outcome measures relating to autonomy support (HCCQ), motivation (TSRQ), competence in physical activity (PCS), pain interference (BPI) and psychological factors (PHQ-9, GAD-7). Results showed the median HCCQ (H = 39.287, p < .001), Autonomous Motivation (H = 13.568, p = 0.019) and PCS (H = 30.701, p < .001) scores were significantly different when patients received care from different healthcare professionals. There was a negative correlation between PCS and pain severity (r = -0.32, <0.01), pain interference (r = -0.44, p = <0.01), PHQ-9 (r = -0.50, p = <0.01) and GAD-7 (r = -0.34, p = <0.01). This study has identified that perceived healthcare support in Ireland varies according to the healthcare professional leading pain care. Furthermore, higher levels of self-determination were associated with decreased depression and anxiety in individuals with chronic pain. Given the limited number of multidisciplinary team clinics to provide pain management programs, an alternative cost-effective community led solution is required. The results of this study indicate that allied health professionals may be well placed to fill this void. Future research exploring the barriers to providing healthcare supportive settings is required.

Use of bovine thrombin to reduce blood loss in primary total knee arthroplasty: a controlled randomized trial.

Reducing blood loss during primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) can improve outcomes by reducing transfusion requirements and wound complications. We examined the use of bovine thrombin to augment hemostasis during primary TKA. A double-blinded randomized trial was performed with 80 primary TKA patients. Half received intraarticular bovine thrombin at the time of wound closure, and half did not. Hemoglobin levels in the study group did decline less than the control group, but no statistically significant difference was found in rates of transfusion, drain outputs, length of stay, or Knee Society scores. This agent does appear to slightly reduce blood loss, but routine use is not cost effective. Thrombin may be considered for patients who would benefit more from greater blood conservation.

Centering intersectional sustainability in leadership education: A case for the sustainable development goals.

Sustainability leadership has the transformative potential of helping to center an array of skills and mindsets needed for leaders and leaderful organizations and collectives to successfully address the many interrelated and connected challenges of the 21st century. This article makes the case that the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a useful framework for integrating sustainability into leadership education and development broadly and can advance these needed skill sets and learning orientations. Leadership educators should consider centering this in their work in order to effectively prepare learners for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Coral spawning patterns of Acropora across two Maldivian reef ecosystems.

Understanding patterns in coral reproductive biology at local and regional scales is crucial to elucidate our knowledge of characteristics that regulate populations and communities. The lack of published data on coral spawning patterns in the Maldives hinders our understanding of coral reproductive biology and limits our ability to assess shifts in reproductive phenology over time. Here we document baseline environmental cues, spawning patterns, exact timings and oocyte development of restored and wild Acropora, inhabiting shallow water reefs, across two Maldivian atolls. A total of 1,200 colonies were recorded spawning across the two sites between October 2021 and April 2023. These colonies represent 22 species of Acropora, with coral spawning observed over an extended period of eight months. This research details exact spawning times of multi-specific spawning, asynchronous spawning and 'split spawning' of Acropora, across multiple lunar phases; and highlights the need to consider restored colonies when discussing the sexual reproductive patterns of Maldivian Acropora in the future. Overall, corals spawned earlier in North Male Atoll compared with Baa Atoll. Earlier spawning events were significantly correlated with lower tide depths, wind speeds, daily precipitation and higher sea surface temperatures which helped explain inter-atoll, inter-annual, and intra-annual variations in spawning day. This study contributes to understanding sexual reproductive cycles of Acropora in the Maldives; knowledge that is vital for effective management of a critically endangered ecosystem in a changing climate.

Measurement accuracy of foot conformation parameters on low-field magnetic resonance images in horses.

Foot imbalance and malalignment of the digits are common in horses. Angle and distance measurements performed on bones, joints and hoof wall on radiographs provide essential guidance for precise corrective trimming and shoeing. This study aimed to investigate, if selected standing low-field magnetic resonance (MR) images can be used to accurately measure dorsopalmar and lateromedial foot conformation parameters in comparison to the radiographic gold standard. Images of 100 horses referred for standing low-field MR examination were selected. Foot conformation angles and distances were measured and compared between radiographs and MR images. Measurements from most imaging sources were significantly different from each other. Moderate to high correlation of foot conformation angles between radiographs and MR images in the lateromedial and dorsopalmar planes was found, with exception of the proximal interphalangeal joint angle, where there was only moderate agreement between radiographs and the 5-plane MR pilot (0.47, P < .001) and between radiographs and the 3-plane MR pilot (0.4, P < .001), respectively. Measurement of foot conformation parameters from low-field MR images should be used with caution in clinical practice and acquisition of current foot radiographs immediately before or after MR examination should be considered to facilitate precise trimming and shoeing.

One surgeon's experience with the 2-incision technique for total hip arthroplasty.

This study's purpose was to analyze the complications that occurred during and after one surgeon's first 200 two-incision total hip arthroplasties. Complications included 4 intraoperative femur fractures, 4 postoperative femur fractures, 2 nondisplaced greater trochanter fractures greater than 2 cm, 14 asymptomatic greater trochanter fractures 2 cm or less, 1 malpositioned cup requiring revision, 1 loose stem, 7 cases of heterotopic ossification of grade 2 or higher, 4 dislocations, 1 superficial infection, 80 lateral femoral cutaneous nerve neuropraxias (78 resolved within 6 weeks), and 4 femoral nerve neuropraxias (3 resolved within 12 weeks). This study shows that the 2-incision technique can be performed with a low risk of major complications, and patients can expect reduced tissue trauma and faster rehabilitation. When carefully sought out, minor complications were not uncommon after 2-incision total hip arthroplasty.

Lack of axial rotation in mobile-bearing knee designs.

It has often been assumed rotational kinematics are improved with mobile-bearing TKA designs as the terms mobile-bearing and rotating platform imply. We tested this assumption by assessing the in vivo axial rotation magnitudes and patterns of 527 knees implanted with 12 different mobile-bearing TKA designs. Implants were grouped and compared by type--posterior stabilized (PS), posterior cruciate retaining (PCR), and posterior cruciate sacrificing (PCS)--and by specific design. We hypothesized all three mobile-bearing types (PS, PCR, and PCS) would achieve greater than 10 degrees average axial rotation and we would find no differences in axial rotation between types. Only 14% of PS knees, 3% of PCS knees, and 17% of PCR knees attained greater than 10 degrees axial rotation when measured from 0 degrees to 90 degrees . The percentage of PCS knees with greater than 10 degrees axial rotation was less compared with the other two groups. Axial rotation averaged 4.3 degrees , 2.5 degrees , and 3.8 degrees for the PS, PCS, and PCR knees, respectively. Incidences of reverse rotation were observed in 17% of PS knees, 32% of PCS knees, and 28% of PCR knees. Compared with the PCS group, the PS group achieved greater average axial rotation and had a lower percentage of knees displaying incidences of reverse rotation. The data refuted the hypotheses.

Coralline hydroxyapatite in complex acetabular reconstruction.

This retrospective study examined whether a coralline hydroxyapatite bone graft substitute adequately repaired bone defects during complex acetabular reconstructions. Seventeen patients who underwent acetabular revision using Pro Osteon 500 were assessed to determine whether any cups required re-revision, whether bone had incorporated into the coralline hydroxyapatite grafts, and whether the coralline hydroxyapatite grafts resorbed with time. At latest follow-up, no cups required re-revision, but 1 had failed. Radiographic evidence of bone incorporation was observed in every coralline hydroxyapatite graft. Graft resorption was not observed.

The effect of varus and valgus deformity on results of cementless mobile bearing TKA.

We aimed to determine whether preoperative angular deformity affects survivorship or postoperative alignment after cementless mobile bearing total knee arthroplasty. Nine hundred seventeen knees were grouped according to preoperative mechanical alignment: normal, 0-5 degrees ; abnormal, 6-10 degrees ; severely abnormal, >10 degrees. Ten-year survival estimates were 89.7% for the severely abnormal alignment group, 95.5% for the abnormal alignment group, and 94.9% for the normal alignment group. Postoperatively, normal alignment was restored in 95.6% of knees in the severely abnormal group and 94.5% of knees in the abnormal group. For the normal alignment group, 99.2% of knees remained normally aligned after TKA. These differences in postoperative alignment may explain the severely abnormal alignment group's inferior survivorship outcome. This study shows that cementless mobile bearing implants can be successfully used in a wide range of angulated deformed knees, although preoperatively deformed knees did not do as well as preoperatively undeformed knees.

Biological efficacy of low versus medium dose aspirin after coronary surgery: results from a randomized trial [NCT00262275].

BACKGROUND: The beneficial effect of aspirin after coronary surgery is established; however, a recent study reported the inability of low doses (100 mg) to inhibit postoperative platelet function. We conducted a double-blind randomised trial to establish the efficacy of low dose aspirin and to compare it against medium dose aspirin. METHODS: Patients undergoing coronary surgery were invited to participate and consenting patients were randomised to 100 mg or 325 mg of aspirin daily for 5 days. Our primary outcome was the difference in platelet aggregation (day 5 - baseline) using 1 microg/ml of collagen. Secondary outcomes were differences in EC50 of collagen, ADP and epinephrine (assessed using the technique of Born). RESULTS: From September 2002 to April 2004, 72 patients were randomised; 3 patients discontinued, leaving 35 and 34 in the low and medium dose aspirin arms respectively. The mean aggregation (using 1.1 microg/ml of collagen) was reduced in both the medium and low dose aspirin arms by 37% and 36% respectively. The baseline adjusted difference (low - medium) was 6% (95% CI -3 to 14; p = 0.19). The directions of the results for the differences in EC50 (low - medium) were consistent for collagen, ADP and epinephrine at -0.07 (-0.53 to 0.40), -0.08 (-0.28 to 0.11) and -4.41 (-10.56 to 1.72) respectively, but none were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Contrary to recent findings, low dose aspirin is effective and medium dose aspirin did not prove superior for inhibiting platelet aggregation after coronary surgery.

Biological efficacy of low against medium dose aspirin regimen after coronary surgery: analysis of platelet function.

The failure of aspirin to inhibit platelet function has been documented in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, but the causes of "aspirin-resistance" remain uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of aspirin in patients undergoing CABG surgery receiving either 100 mg or 325 mg of oral aspirin for 5-days. Platelet function was tested the day before surgery and on day +1 and day +5, and evaluated by changes in collagen-induced thromboxane-A2 (TxA2) release and platelet aggregation following stimulation with collagen, ADP and epinephrine. In all patients, baseline platelet aggregation was significantly inhibited by pre-incubation with in vitro aspirin (150 micromol/l), with a mean reduction in TxA2-release of >or=95.5% (82.3,99.1). After 5-days of oral aspirin, platelet aggregation was significantly inhibited, and was not further inhibited by in vitro aspirin. Oral aspirin was also associated with a >or=99.5% (97.8, 99.7) reduction in TxA2-release, and with the reversal of the second-phase of ADP-induced aggregation which is TxA2-dependent. In addition a single-dose of 325 mg aspirin on the first post-operative morning may have a greater inhibitory effect on collagen-induced aggregation than 100 mg aspirin. Western blot analysis provided no evidence for the presence of COX-2 in platelets, while the up-regulation of p38-MAPK following platelet-stimulation and surgery was seen. The inhibition of COX-2 (NS398) or p38-MAPK (SB203580) activity did not affect platelet aggregation and TxA2-release on day +5. In summary, there was no evidence for inherent or acquired aspirin-resistance in this surgical population, or for the involvement of either COX-2 or p38-MAPK.

Acetabular anatomy and transacetabular screw fixation at the high hip center.

A quadrant system that defines the safe acetabular locations for screw placement exists for the anatomic hip center. We wanted to develop a similar system for the high hip center. The purposes of our study were to identify the anatomic structures at risk during placement of transacetabular screws in the high hip center, to identify maximum bone depth for screw purchase, and to determine if a high hip center quadrant system could be validated to guide placement of screws during acetabular arthroplasty. For this cadaver study of nine pelves, an acetabulum was reamed superiorly into the high hip center a distance equal to (1/2) of the native acetabular diameter. Screws exiting the acetabular bone by 15 mm were inserted before a computed tomography scan and a precise anatomic dissection were done. Structures at risk of penetration by screws include the external iliac vessels, the obturator nerve and vessels, the superior gluteal nerve and vessels, and the sciatic nerve. We found that a quadrant system at the high hip center can demarcate safe zones for screw placement. At the high hip center, only the peripheral (1/2) of the posterior quadrants are safe for screw placement.