bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mournful Mothers and Damaged Damsels: Are We Really Listening to Women During Parliamentary Human Rights Scrutiny?
Authors: Mulcahy Sean , Seear Kate
Published: August 2024

Scrutiny regimes in some Australian parliaments require consideration of human rights impacts of proposed legislation, but routinely ignore gendered impacts of legislation, particularly those relating to alcohol and other drugs. Where women's voices are heard, they are often only listened to according to stereotypes. Drawing on Anne Summers’ work on stereotypes of Australian women, an analysis of reports and hearing transcripts from major parliamentary inquiries into drug law reform, and in-depth interviews with those involved in parliamentary human rights scrutiny, we argue that parliamentary scrutiny regimes perpetuate paternalistic accounts of women to be pitied or punished: the ‘mournful mother’ whose child is affected by alcohol or other drugs and needs to be heard, and the ‘damaged damsel’ who is themselves affected by alcohol or other drugs and needs to be protected. This raises the question: are women listened to during parliamentary scrutiny processes or simply talked about in stereotypical ways?
Global vs Local: A Choice Influenced by Consumer Ethnocentrism Level
Authors: Yadav Shashi , Kishor Nawal
Published: August 2024

Purpose:

The purpose of the research is to investigate the determinants of consumer ethnocentrism (CE) and its influence on the actual purchase behaviour (APB) of domestic versus foreign products among Indians post COVID-19 pandemic using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB).

Design/methodology/approach:

To obtain the results, statistical techniques such as EFA, CFA, t-test, ANOVA and regression were applied to 861 responses, conducted via a structured questionnaire in the different metropolitan cities of India in two phases.

Findings:

Two major determinants of CE, i.e., patriotism and nationalism, are found. Indians have moderate to high ethnocentrism levels, and their tendency to be ethnocentric significantly differs across demographic traits; there is a significant influence of CE on attitude formation that subsequently leads to favourable intention and finally to APB.

Practical implications:

The findings indicate that marketers can feel confident in targeting both genders in their promotional campaigns as there were no pertinent variations in both genders’ ethnocentric tendencies. The increasing level of ethnocentrism will surely be an opportunity for Indian manufacturers and sellers. Their promotional tools must carry a visible message that the product is domestically manufactured and its consumption will lead to value addition in the country.

Originality/value:

The research provides insights to understand ethnocentrism through the lenses of TPB and social identity theory. The study will augment our understanding of the plausible reasons behind the increasing ethnocentrism among Indians, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Women’s Rights in India’s IT Sector: Does Equality Work Across Continents?
Authors: Dhar-Bhattacharjee Sunrita , Dwivedi Priyanka
Published: August 2024

The paper investigates the experiences of women IT professionals in India from two groups: the first group comprises women experiencing differences in work–life balance (WLB), inequalities and challenges of equal rights when they are working on different IT projects with a Swedish or US client. The second group of women comprising activists who have initiated to set up solidarity network groups on social media to ensure better WLB and equal rights. An interpretive research approach with 150 semi-structured interviews with IT professionals and an inductive analysis was adopted for this study. Findings highlight how equality, diversity and inclusion policies from the West are transformed in the Indian context, and how this has implications for women’s WLB and retention in transnational organizations in India. The importance of women’s activism in IT is highlighted as it contributes to creating solidarity networks providing unique bonding space and comfort for women IT professionals.
The Saga of Brand Equity: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Mikul  , Mittal Ishwar
Published: August 2024

Purpose:

The purpose of this research is to undertake a rigorous bibliometric analysis of the trends and patterns in brand equity research; to map the intellectual and social structure of brand equity; and to propose a transition plan for future work in this discipline.

Methodology:

This study has adopted (SPAR-4) systematic performance analysis and review technique. Following a specified search string, 1,842 journal articles from the previous 31 years (1992–2022) were pulled from the Scopus database. In order to comprehend the field’s knowledge base, various techniques of performance analysis and science mapping were employed using RStudio and VOSviewer.

Findings:

The results suggest that over the past three decades, both the volume and influence of brand equity studies have surged. Using co-citation analysis, we discovered four distinct subfields within the brand equity literature. Furthermore, the co-authorship network revealed that nations with little geographical, historical, and cultural proximity, such as the United States and South Korea exhibited the most active cross-country brand equity collaborations.

Originality/Value:

Despite the increasing amount of research being done on brand equity, the current look back is not adequate. This research is the first of its kind to provide practitioners, academics, and future scholars with valuable information about the intellectual and social structure of brand equity.
Hybrid dynamical modeling of shape memory alloy actuators with phase kinetic equations
Authors: Kennedy Scott , Vlajic Nicholas , Perkins Edmon
Published: August 2024

Shape memory alloy morphing actuators are a type of composite soft actuator with many attractive properties such as large deformation, small form factor, self-sensing ability, and physical reservoir computing potential. These actuators are composed of active shape memory alloy wires and a passive material to magnify the overall deflection. However, the dynamic modeling of these actuators is difficult due to both shape memory alloy characteristics and the nonlinearity of the passive layer. Here, a hybrid dynamical model is proposed that couples the phase kinetics and thermal modeling for the shape memory alloy with a dynamic Cosserat beam model. This hybrid model is benchmarked against experimental linear and morphing actuators resulting in a root mean squared error of 0.87 mm for the linear actuator and root mean squared error of 1.34 and 1.42 mm for the two morphing actuator configurations evaluated in this work. This model applies continuous phase kinetic equations in a comprehensive hybrid dynamical model to accurately simulate the hysteretic transition of the alloy, which is then coupled to a high deformation beam model. This work can expand the capability and design of novel morphing actuators to achieve specified dynamic characteristics for increased application in robotic fields.
Inundated With “Bounce Back” Culture: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Postpartum First-Time Mothers’ Body Image Dissatisfaction and Mental Health Implications
Authors: Horton Emily , Everett Brenda , Romito Madelaine
Published: August 2024

This study explored the lived experiences of and meaning made from postpartum mothers and their journey with their body image following childbirth. Using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis design, seven women were interviewed to understand their lived experiences. The Developmental Theory of Embodiment was used to help make sense of the postpartum mothers’ experience and meaning-making processes. Themes included: (a) transformation of maternal body image, (b) sociocultural pressures of bouncing back, and (c) holding the duality of postpartum body dissatisfaction and body appreciation. Implications are provided for counselors. Recommendations include thoroughly assessing for and treating body image and related mental health needs for postpartum mothers.
Exploring Marital Satisfaction and Work-Home Balance in a Church in North Texas Using Solution Focused Narrative Therapy
Authors: Rodriguez-Schupmann Emilia Elena , Kadieva Violeta
Published: August 2024

This qualitative research explored marital satisfaction and work-home balance using Solution Focused Narrative Therapy (SFNT) with Christian couples. Phenomenological analysis was used to look at the experiences of six married Christian couples. The results demonstrated that many Christian couples would be noticing a healthy work-home balance. The main umbrella theme that came up was spousal roles and there were seven sub themes/categories. The other umbrella theme was work-home balance with six sub themes. The findings contributed to filling a gap in the literature related to work-home balance in Christian couples.
A Theoretical Article: Exploring the Evolutionary Dynamics of Couples and Family Therapy
Authors: Jhamb Shruti , Kolte Akash , Prashanth Aparna , Roy Arik Singha , Roy Hazel , Maheshwari Ketan , Mathur Preeti , Raj Rohit K. , Abhyankar Shalmali , Rani Akanksha
Published: August 2024

This article provides a comprehensive review of how the field of family therapy has evolved, tracing its roots from early practices influenced by eugenics to its current diverse theoretical frameworks, which are ever-expanding. In the mid-20th century, family therapy expanded beyond its eugenic roots, embracing diverse theoretical frameworks and giving rise to various therapeutic modalities like behavioral and emotionally focused family and couples therapy. However, due to cultural disparities, these concepts and models cannot holistically capture the essence of family therapy in India. They do not compute the central role of the intergenerational subsystem or understand hierarchical dynamics. What is deemed “okay” in the Western context does not hold true in the Indian context. Postmodern approaches show a marked improvement in dealing with these problems in cultural adaptations of family and couples therapy by integrating diverse therapeutic practices, technological advances, and cultural and diversity-sensitive practices. However, despite these advancements, the adapted modalities have a scope for improvement, posing a pressing need for research that bridges this gap. Moving forward research should focus on family change mechanisms, symptom improvement factors, and prioritizing culturally sensitive approaches to meet the unique needs of Indian families.
Life Course Models of Child Maltreatment: Effects on General Psychopathology Outcomes in a Longitudinal Sample
Authors: Wong Dylan R. , Anderson Kristen G.
Published: August 2024

The study compared life course models (LCM; accumulation, recency, and sensitive period) of child maltreatment and general psychopathology in a large, national longitudinal data set of 1354 youth ages birth-16 years (657 boys, 53.2% Black, 59.7% <$40K caregiver income). Previous research has supported the accumulation and recency models, albeit with shorter or fewer time periods of outcome measurement. We extend this work by modeling the impact of combined abuse and neglect allegations on a general psychopathology factor (dysregulation profile). Cross-sectional structural equation models were constructed using LCMs and tested across two-year periods from 4–16 years old and compared using Akaike Information Criterion weights. The recency variable generally explained the greatest proportion of variance in psychopathology. Notably, maltreatment more proximal to the time of outcome measurement had the strongest effect, suggesting that more recent maltreatment may have stronger effects on general psychopathology. These results lend support to a recency effect of maltreatment on psychopathology outcomes, although substantive overlaps with the accumulation model are noted.
Strategies for communicating and mitigating algorithmic control on delivery platforms
Authors: Tuomi Aarni , Jianu Brana , Hua Maizi , Roelofsen Maartje , Ascenção Mário Passos
Published: August 2024

Delivery platforms use algorithmic control mechanisms to control couriers’ work. Despite studies looking at how algorithmic control manifests on different delivery platforms, there is a dearth of research exploring how delivery platforms communicate their approaches to algorithmic control, what kinds of strategies delivery workers adopt to mitigate algorithmic control, and to what extent information regarding such ‘algoactivistic approaches’ is shared among communities of delivery couriers who in many cases are in direct competition with one another. To that end, two studies are conducted. Study 1 analyses five publicly listed delivery companies’ annual reports ( n = 14), highlighting a lack of transparency on how the platforms’ algorithms function. In Study 2, a netnographic approach is used to conduct interviews ( n = 12) and a qualitative analysis of delivery workers’ online discussion forum posts ( n = 830) on the discussion forum Reddit. Four approaches to mitigating algorithmic control are found, and the way these are shared among couriers is considered.
Exploring the political character of decision-making: The BJPIR and the politics of (de)politicisation
Authors: Kerr Peter , Kettell Steven
Published: August 2024

In this short contribution to this special issue, we attempt three main things. Firstly, to highlight the pivotal role that the BJPIR has played in helping to initiate and develop a myriad of attempts to understand processes of (de)politicisation. Secondly, to provide a very brief and admittedly selective overview of some of the broader developments in these debates. Thirdly, to pay a brief tribute to the seminal contribution and wider legacy that Pete Burnham’s work has made to our understanding of depoliticisation and its wider role in the state’s attempts to manage its credibility and legitimacy and avoid crises.
The increasing value of status in low-performing organizations: Evidence from the video game industry
Authors: Szatmari Balazs , Deichmann Dirk , van den Ende Jan
Published: August 2024

Strategic management research generally assumes that high-status teams outperform their low-status counterparts. Indeed, status can cause decision makers to favor high-status teams, providing them with better access to resources. However, we theorize that in organizations which demonstrated high previous performance, status has a much weaker influence on decision makers. This is because in these organizations, there is no expected resource scarcity that would push decision makers to favor high-status teams. We therefore hypothesize that the difference between low- and high-status teams in terms of performance is smaller in organizations that exhibited high performance in the recent past. By analyzing a unique data set from the video game industry, we find support for our theory. Our results confirm that the relationship between team status and performance is much stronger in organizations with low previous performance. Our study provides fresh insights about the organizational contingencies of the Matthew effect.
Exploring the mediating role of teacher expectation on whole class participation
Authors: KIRMIZI Mehmet
Published: August 2024

Teacher expectation mediates the interaction between teacher and students, and teachers tend to differentiate their interaction with their students based on their expectation. In this study, I explore the mediator role of teacher expectation to the participation of ongoing mathematical discussion. Academic interaction between an 8th grade mathematics teacher, and her students ( n = 20) academic interactions were recorded ( n = 20) and analyzed by using EQUIP during two grading periods. Results of this study reveal that the majority of academic interaction happens between a teacher and a small subset (high expected) of students. High expected students had much more opportunities than all the other students to participate to the ongoing mathematical discussion.
A qualitative study of patients’ experience during vaginal examination & transvaginal ultrasound in a tertiary hospital in Singapore
Authors: Lee Jean-Jasmin ML , Cheong Xinyi , Tan Tse Yeun , Zhong Yuting , Chua Caroline , Goy Wee Lip Raymond , Ang Seng Bin
Published: August 2024

Background and objectives

Vaginal digital examination and transvaginal ultrasound are routinely for clinical assessment. Many women find these procedures uncomfortable, embarrassing, and stressful. Negative experiences increase anxiety and discomfort experienced during subsequent examinations. Emotional distress and fear of pain result in women avoiding gynaecological screening and follow-up. This study uses qualitative methods to evaluate the experience of patients who have undergone both vaginal digital and transvaginal ultrasound examinations, collectively called pelvic examinations (PE) in the outpatient setting of a tertiary hospital in Singapore.

Methods

Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted on 12 participants aged 30-57 years. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, audited, and analysed iteratively based on grounded theory. Emergent themes were first externally validated and finalized after rounds of deliberations amongst the investigators. This included descriptions and concepts reflecting the most important matters experienced by participants.

Results

Majority of participants found PE unpleasant and uncomfortable especially when providers were perceived to have poor communication and examination skills. Factors that improve their experience include a conducive environment that is, privacy, dim lights, and warm lubricant. Having adequate information before and during the procedure was important especially for first time.

Conclusion

Patient-centred care ensures a positive experience in relation to the themes found in this study. Gaps in HCP training on communication and procedure skills should be addressed. Efforts should be made improve the clinic environment and provide adequate information to patients.
Infiltrating lobular carcinoma of LUMB HER2+ subtype with rhabdoid feature coexisting with synchronous malignant transformation of phyllodes tumor: An exceedingly rare clinicopathological characteristic in Vietnam
Authors: Do Tu Anh , Mai Nhung Thi , Nguyen Duong Ngoc , Pham Khoa Hong , Le Duc Thanh , Van Pham Hung , Van Nguyen Chu
Published: August 2024

The transformation of a benign phyllodes tumor (PT) into a malignant PT and/or carcinoma is extremely uncommon. We present a case of a 66-year-old female with a huge mass on the left breast which was successfully removed by surgical resection. The pathological diagnosis was infiltrating lobular carcinoma with pure rhabdoid features and the malignant transformation of a benign phyllodes tumor. The first time this rare case was reported, it is demonstrated a special phenomenon through the synchronous transformation of PT grades and the carcinomatous transformation of PT.
Reconceptualizing early childhood education: Cartographic relational stories
Authors: Nxumalo Fikile , Peers Joanne
Published: August 2024

In this article, we enact a partial cartographic storying of reconceptualist turns in our work. We do this by situating ourselves in relation to each other and our work across time as a mode of tracing the (situated) possibilities that these turns have enacted for children-in-relation with worlds. In enacting this dialogic and cartographic storying, we collaborate in a way that is inspired by Black methodologies. This means that we intentionally think with liberatory possibilities in our work in early childhood education research and practice across modalities, disciplines, temporalities and geographies. Importantly, like Black methodologies this co-theorizing is also ontological; it is inseparable from our own relational becomings. Following an anticolonial ethos, we are interested in the liberatory potentials of our work, at multiple scales and in different but specific places. We attempt to enact the difficult task of (re)storying our childhood education research and practice in ways that pay attention to the interconnected presences and effects of white supremacy, human supremacy and colonialism, while simultaneously refusing to reinscribe a flattened damage-centred understanding of children, educators and their relational worlds.
Collective dreaming as conduits to enact just futures in childhood/s education and care
Authors: Abril-Gonzalez Paty , Harmon Flora J. , Pérez Michelle Salazar
Published: August 2024

We joined this collaborative space as colegas and friends, who come from diverse personal and professional backgrounds and have connected to Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) in various ways. When we asked ourselves what it means to reconceptualize ECEC, we began with situating this idea within our own childhood, familial, and professional lived experiences, and based on these, how they have inspired us to dream for more just futures, particularly for children who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. In this collective dreaming piece, we imagine a different reality, transforming how education and society engage with the children in our educational care. Through the act of going back in time, stories are affirmed and validated, knowing we are, and were not, alone when it came to experiencing white supremacy and Anti-Blackness in education. While we cannot do much to change the past, we engage and connect through a sisterhood, and in our commitments to social justice in education, in the present and future.
Patient satisfaction with telemedicine for substance-related disorders
Authors: Farias María Alejandra , Badino Manuel , Fuster de Apocada María Jose
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Telemedicine has been shown to be an effective approach for people with substance-related disorders. Analyzing patient satisfaction with telemedicine is necessary for improving treatment outcomes. This study aims to assess patient satisfaction with telemedicine for substance-related disorders at the Centro Asistencial Córdoba in Argentina.

Methods

A cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational design was carried out. A patient satisfaction survey was created, consisting of eight questions and a quality-of-life question, which was administered to N = 115 patients.

Results

The results showed that more than 90% agreed with the ease of use of virtual consultations, 82% felt they received the same level of care as if the consultation had been in person, 86% agreed with the adequacy of time utilized during the virtual session, and over 85% agreed to repeat their telemedicine treatment. Regarding the composite variable “users’ assessment of telemedicine,” we found an average of 17.41 ± 2.80. Concerning satisfaction with virtual care and the previous use of telemedicine, 95.7% were satisfied, and nearly 61.7% reported not having used virtual care previously. In terms of money and time saved, 93.9% saved money with virtual consultations, 66.1% saved more than two hours per week, 23.5% saved more than one hour per week, and 10.4% saved less than one hour per week.

Conclusions

Overall, there is significant approval of telemedicine among users of substance-related disorders services. In particular, they were satisfied with the time employed, the benefits of saving time and money, and the ease of use of telemedicine; furthermore, they were positive about undergoing telemedicine treatment in the future.
Implementation of a conversational, videoconferencing-based therapy group for postpartum depression and anxiety symptoms: A pragmatic evaluation
Authors: Hussain-Shamsy Neesha , Wasserman Lori , Slyfield Cook Greer , Macdonald Kaeli , Greene Keisha , Barker Lucy C. , Zaheer Juveria , Mukerji Geetha , Vigod Simone N. , Seto Emily
Published: August 2024

Background

Group psychotherapy is an effective treatment for postpartum depressive and anxiety symptoms, and interpersonal connection and support through the group process can aid recovery. Little is known about the implication of the delivery of interpersonally oriented group therapy in this population through videoconferencing.

Objective

To pragmatically evaluate the implementation of a conversationally-oriented postpartum videoconferencing psychotherapy group for depression and anxiety within the clinical setting.

Methods

Over 8 weeks, five to six patients and one therapist facilitator (closed group) meet weekly for 1 hour via a secure videoconferencing platform. We evaluated group adoption metrics for all postpartum videoconferencing psychotherapy groups offered during the evaluation period (October 2021–August 2022), and offered patients the opportunity to complete baseline and post-group quality improvement surveys to evaluate outcomes including acceptability (Satisfaction with Therapist and Therapy Scale-Revised, STTS-R), group process (Group Questionnaire, GQ), and effectiveness (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, EPDS).

Results

Of 153 patients ( n = 26 groups), most (72.5%) attended >70% of group sessions. Of 137 patients ( n = 24 groups) who were sent surveys, n = 50 (36.5%) completed both baseline and post-group surveys. Mean ( SD) ratings were high for acceptability (STTS-R-therapy: 25.0/30 (3.1); STTS-R-therapist: 27.6/30 (2.3)) and group process with GQ ratings of 81.4/91 (7.8) (positive bond), 34.1/56 (3.8) (positive working relationship) and 23.5/63 (4.4) (negative relationship). Patients with probable depression (EPDS ≥ 13) significantly decreased from n = 23 (50%) to n = 19 (41.3%, p < .001), although the absolute score difference was minimal.

Discussion

Videoconferencing-based group therapy can be implemented with a robust group process and acceptability in the postpartum period. Impact on clinical outcomes should be further investigated.
Domination and the Arts of Digital Resistance in Social Media Creator Labor
Authors: Salamon Errol , Saunders Rebecca
Published: August 2024

This article conducts a collaborative qualitative thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with social media content creators ( N = 53) based in and/or originated from the United Kingdom. It aims to better understand how creators within one peripheral region in Northern England express their labor experiences as both practices of domination and e-resistance. The article contributes an original typology of the relationships between practices of creator domination and forms of individual or collective e-resistance, encompassing varying levels of visibility, targets, sources, and underlying motives. It develops a novel creator workers’ inquiry methodology to establish this multifaceted typology of creator e-resistance. The findings suggest that creator e-resistance should consider the relationships among practices of material, status, and ideological domination, and forms of non-resistance, individual hidden e-resistance, collective hidden e-resistance, and collective public e-resistance.
Determining the Health Care Behavior Needs of Older Adults Based on the Omaha System
Authors: Kızılkaya Nazmiye , Kubilay Gulumser , Sucu Dag Gulten
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to identify the health behavioral needs of older adults based on the Omaha System. This descriptive study was conducted in Northern Cyprus between May and October 2021. The sample comprised 400 older adults who resided in the Gecitkale municipality. The problem-classification scheme of the Omaha system was used for data collection. The main behavioral health problems concerned nutrition (100%), physical activity (87.25%), and medication regimen (87.25%). In addition, all behavioral health problems defined by the Omaha system were evident in participants who were 75 years and older, female, single, childless, educated, and with incomes that did not cover expenses ( p < .05). This study identified the basic healthcare needs of older adults, which increased in parallel with age. The Omaha system may help health professionals deliver services focusing on older people’s needs.
Brand Authenticity: A 21-Year Bibliometric Review and Future Outlook
Authors: Li Xiaoqing , Lim Ming-Fook , Ramlee Aizah Nadia Aknie , Chekima Brahim
Published: August 2024

Brand Authenticity plays a crucial role in marketing activities. Over the past two decades, considerable progress has been made in the academic research on Brand Authenticity. However, a more comprehensive investigation on this subject still needs to be done. This paper aims to conduct a literature review using a bibliometric approach to summarize articles published between 2003 and 2023. The aim is to identify the publication trends, key authors, pivotal literature, significant journals, research clusters, intellectual base, and topic trends. We intend to establish a foundation for future agendas by consolidating existing achievements and identifying gaps. We employed two analysis tools, VOSviewer and Bibliometrix, to analyze and visualize 880 selected articles. The result indicates an overall increasing trend in publications; several authoritative scholars have emerged, and international collaborations are extensive. Several knowledge groups have also been formed, focusing on tourism, food and retail, and marketing/management. There need to be more significant breakthroughs, prompting the exploration of new topics to expand the scope of brand authenticity research. Some potential areas of investigation include exploring more antecedents and consequences variables, cross-cultural marketing, specific product authenticity, and the impact of corporate social responsibility on perceived authenticity. By addressing these directions, we can advance the understanding of brand authenticity and enrich the existing knowledge on this topic, thereby contributing to its future development.
Assessing Stroke Awareness and Behavioural Response Following the National ‘Act Fast’ Stroke Awareness Campaign – Insights from a Cross-Sectional Survey in Qatar
Authors: Bhutta Zain A. , Pathan Sameer A. , Puolakka Tuukka , Akhtar Naveed , Thomas Stephen H. , Harris Tim , Shuaib Ashfaq , Cameron Peter A. , Castren Maaret
Published: August 2024

Evaluating stroke campaigns and associated behavioural changes is crucial to assess intervention effectiveness and inform future strategies. We aimed to evaluate patient's and bystanders’ foreknowledge of stroke signs and symptoms and their response at stroke onset. We interviewed stroke patients using a validated questionnaire or their bystanders if the stroke patient had disabling stroke. The questionnaire was administered to 165 participants, 142 (86.1%) stroke patients and 23 (13.9%) bystanders. The mean age was 52.6 (SD = 11.7), and male–female ratio was 7:1. Among the participants, 33 (20.1%) had foreknowledge of stroke signs, and of these, 27 (16.5%) were aware of the stroke campaign in Qatar. The behavioural responses at stroke onset included; activating Emergency Medical Services (EMS) ( n = 55, 33.3%), calling friends/relatives ( n = 69, 41.8%), driving to hospital ( n = 33, 20%), waiting for improvement in condition ( n = 21, 12.7%). There was no association of ethnicity, marital status, or campaign awareness with EMS activation. Despite limited community awareness of stroke signs and campaign, help-seeking behaviour through EMS activation was generally high, underscoring the need for focused educational efforts and public health interventions.
Pre-therapy Laparoscopic Jejunostomy Provides Safe, Reliable Nutrition for Trimodality GEJ Cancer Care
Authors: Sillcox Rachel , Mohammadi Daniel , Czerwonko Matias , Oelschlager Brant K.
Published: August 2024

Background:

Patients with locally advanced GEJ cancer may have severe obstruction and irreversible malnutrition requiring intervention such as TPN, stenting, or enteral access. Laparoscopic jejunostomy (LJ) is a reliable method of supplementing nutrition but is not widely used for fear of complications. At our institution we place LJ tubes preoperatively in such patients and aimed to evaluate their effectiveness.

Methods:

A retrospective review of patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemo-radiation and laparoscopic transhiatal esophagectomy (LTHE) from 2013 to 2022 was performed. Nutritional markers, weight, and height were recorded, LJ associated complications were recorded from placement time to removal. Thirty-day complications after LTHE were recorded using Clavien-Dindo classification.

Results:

Of 165 patients who underwent LTHE, twenty patients (12.1%) had LJ placement prior to neoadjuvant therapy due to obstructive symptoms and a median [IQR] weight loss of 13.6 kg [9.07, 16.74] despite dietary modification. LJs were placed a median [IQR] of 103.5 [93.3, 116.8] days prior to LTHE. Median [IQR] weight gain from LJ placement to LTHE was 2.09 kg [0.1, 5.03], P = .01. There were no major complications and 3 (15%) minor complications. There were no unplanned feeding interruptions greater than 48 hours or disruptions in neoadjuvant treatment. There was 1 (5%) 30-day complication after LTHE and there was no mortality. The median [IQR] hospital stay was 7 days [6.5, 9].

Conclusion:

Jejunostomy feeding tube prior to neoadjuvant treatment consistently reverses weight loss with minor, manageable complications. Reliable pre-therapy nutrition in obstructed patients is associated with excellent esophagectomy results and should be considered the adjuvant nutritional treatment of choice.
Mitigation of checkpoint inhibitor–induced autoimmune hemolytic anemia through modulation of purinergic signaling
Authors: Dei Zotti Flavia , Qiu Annie , D’Agati Vivette D. , Jagnarine Shwatina , Kyritsis Emmalene , Miller Anabel , Tredicine Maria , Fliginger Daysha , Stone Elizabeth F. , Panch Sandhya , Hudson Krystalyn E.
Published: August 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPis) have revolutionized cancer immunotherapy but also can induce autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), a severe disease with high mortality. However, the cellular and molecular mechanism(s) of AIHA secondary to ICPi therapy (ICPi-AIHA) are unclear, other than being initiated through decreased checkpoint inhibition. Herein, we report ICPi-AIHA in a novel mouse model that shows similar characteristics of known human ICPi-AIHA (eg, autoantibodies, hemolysis, and increased mortality). During ICPi-AIHA, there is the simultaneous reduction of 2 regulatory T-cell populations (FoxP3+ and Tr1 [type 1 regulatory cells]) and an increase in inflammatory T helper cell 17 (TH17). Moreover, a novel CD39+CD73–FoxP3–CD25– CD4+ T-cell subset (ie, CD39 single positive [CD39SP]) emerges, and early increases in CD39SP predict AIHA development; CD39 is an ectonuclease that breaks down adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Additionally, we found that boosting ATPase activity by injecting recombinant apyrase mitigates AIHA development and significant CD39SP reductions, both suggesting a functional role for CD39 and demonstrating a novel therapeutic approach. Importantly, CD39SP are detectable in multiple mouse models developing AIHA and in patients with AIHA, demonstrating applicability to idiopathic and secondary AIHA. Highlighting broader autoimmunity relevance, ICPi-treated NZB mice experienced accelerated onset and severity of lupus, including AIHA. Moreover, ICPi treatment of healthy B6 animals led to detectable CD39SP and development of autoantibodies against multiple autoantigens including those on red blood cells and platelets. Together, our findings provide further insight into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of ICPi-AIHA, leading to novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches with translational potential for use in humans being treated with ICPi.
Anticancer activity of quantum size carbon dots: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Bhattacharya Tanima , Preetam Subham , Mukherjee Sohini , Kar Sanjukta , Roy Debanjan Singha , Singh Harshita , Ghose Arak , Das Tanmoy , Mohapatra Gautam
Published: August 2024

Research into the anticancer activity of quantum-sized carbon dots (CDs) has emerged as a promising avenue in cancer research. This CDs delves into the opportunities and challenges associated with harnessing the potential of these nanostructures for combating cancer. Quantum-sized carbon dots, owing to their unique physicochemical properties, exhibit distinct advantages as potential therapeutic agents. Opportunities lie in their tunable size, surface functionalization capabilities, and biocompatibility, enabling targeted drug delivery and imaging in cancer cells. However, we include challenges, a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms, potential toxicity concerns, and the optimization of synthesis methods for enhanced therapeutic efficacy. A succinct summary of the state of the research in this area is given in this review, emphasizing the exciting possibilities and ongoing challenges in utilizing quantum-sized carbon dots as a novel strategy for cancer treatment.
RING finger protein 5 protects against acute myocardial infarction by inhibiting ASK1
Authors: Wan Hong , Zhang Jianqing , Liu Zhen , Dong Bizhen , Tao Zhangqian , Wang Guanglin , Wang Chihua
Published: August 2024

Background

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a major disease with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, existing treatments are far from satisfactory, making the exploration of potent molecular targets more imperative. The E3 ubiquitin ligase RING finger protein 5 (RNF5) has been previously reported to be involved in several diseases by regulating ubiquitination-mediated protein degradation. Nevertheless, few reports have focused on its function in cardiovascular diseases, including MI.

Methods

In this study, we established RNF5 knockout mice through precise CRISPR-mediated genome editing and utilized left anterior descending coronary artery ligation in 9-11-week-old male C57BL/6 mice. Subsequently, serum biochemical analysis and histopathological examination of heart tissues were performed. Furthermore, we engineered adenoviruses for modulating RNF5 expression and subjected neonatal rat cardiomyocytes to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) to mimic ischemic conditions, demonstrating the impact of RNF5 manipulation on cellular viability. Gene and protein expression analysis provided insights into the molecular mechanisms. Statistical methods were rigorously employed to assess the significance of experimental findings.

Results

We found RNF5 was downregulated in infarcted heart tissue of mice and NRCMs subjected to OGD treatment. RNF5 knockout in mice resulted in exacerbated heart dysfunction, more severe inflammatory responses, and increased apoptosis after MI surgery. In vitro, RNF5 knockdown exacerbated the OGD-induced decline in cell activity, increased apoptosis, while RNF5 overexpression had the opposite effect. Mechanistically, it was proven that the kinase cascade initiated by apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) activation was closely regulated by RNF5 and mediated RNF5’s protective function during MI.

Conclusions

We demonstrated the protective effect of RNF5 on myocardial infarction and its function was dependent on inhibiting the activation of ASK1, which adds a new regulatory component to the myocardial infarction associated network and promises to enable new therapeutic strategy.
Initial non-adherence to lipid-lowering medication: a systematic literature review
Authors: Cooke Catherine E. , Robertson Teisha
Published: August 2024

Background

The impact on cardiovascular health is lost when a patient does not obtain a newly prescribed lipid-lowering medication, a situation termed “initial medication nonadherence” (IMN). This research summarizes the published evidence on the prevalence, associated factors, consequences, and solutions for IMN to prescribed lipid-lowering medication in the United States.

Methods

A systematic literature search using PubMed and Google Scholar, along with screening citations of systematic reviews, identified articles published from 2010 to 2021. Studies reporting results of IMN to lipid-lowering medications were included. Studies that evaluated non-adult or non-US populations, used weaker study designs (e.g., case series), or were not written in English were excluded.

Results

There were 19 articles/18 studies that met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Estimates of the prevalence of IMN to newly prescribed lipid-lowering medications ranged from 10 to 18.2% of patients and 1.4–43.8% of prescriptions (n = 9 studies). Three studies reported prescriber and patient characteristics associated with IMN. Hispanic ethnicity, Black race, lower Charlson Comorbidity Index score and no ED visits or hospitalization were associated with IMN. Lipid lowering prescriptions from primary care providers were also associated with IMN. Four studies described patient-reported reasons for IMN, including preference for lifestyle modifications, lack of perceived need, and side effect concerns. Four intervention studies reported mixed results with automated calls, live calls, or letters. One study reported worse clinical outcomes in patients with IMN: higher levels of low-density lipoprotein and greater risk of emergency department visits.

Conclusions

Up to one-fifth of patients fail to obtain a newly prescribed lipid-lowering medication but there is limited information about the clinical consequences. Future research should assess outcomes and determine cost-effective approaches to address IMN to lipid-lowering therapy.
Evaluating the health outcomes of aging in place: the role of medicaid aging waiver program on U.S. older adults
Authors: Zai Xianhua
Published: August 2024

The Medicaid Aging Waiver program (MAW) subsidizes the cost of long-term care (LTC) at home or in communities to satisfy older people’s increasing desire to age in place. The MAW program might be health improving for older people by allowing them to age at home. However, less quality and quantity of home-based care comparing to nursing home care could offset some of the potential benefits. I use policy expenditure across states over time linked with detailed health information from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) to identify the associated effects of MAWs on health outcomes of older adults who are at risk of needing LTC and who are resources constrained to be potentially eligible for Medicaid. Overall, the findings suggest that the MAW program is beneficial to health: a $1,000 increase in MAW spending for each older person results is associated with a 1.4 percent improvement in self-reported health status, a 1.5 percent reduction in functional mobility limitations, a 1.6 percent decrease in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) limitations, and a 1.7 percent improvement in negative psychological feelings. For older people who are most likely not eligible for MAWs, such as those who are wealthy or in good health and do not require LTC, these health-improving effects have not been observed.
Estimating the risk of gastrointestinal illness associated with drinking tap water in Norway: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Hyllestad Susanne , Lyngstad Trude Marie , Lindstrøm Jonas Christoffer , White Richard Aubrey , Andreassen Monica , Svendsen Camilla
Published: August 2024

Background

The delivery of safe drinking water has high public health relevance, as reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG6). Several precautionary actions have reduced the burden associated with infectious diseases in high-income countries; however, pollution in source waters, inadequate disinfection, and premise plumbing, along with an increased awareness that intrusion in the drinking water distribution system, represents risk factors for gastrointestinal illness linked to consume of drinking water. Sporadic cases of waterborne infections are expected to be underreported since a sick person is less likely to seek healthcare for a self-limiting gastrointestinal infection. Hence, knowledge on the true burden of waterborne diseases is scarce. The primary aim with the present study was to estimate the risk of gastrointestinal illness associated with drinking tap water in Norway.

Methods

We conducted a 12-month prospective cohort study where participants were recruited by telephone interview after invitation based on randomised selection. A start up e-survey were followed by 12 monthly SMS questionnaires to gather information on participants characteristics and drinking tap water (number of 0.2L glasses per day), incidence, duration and symptoms associated with gastrointestinal illness. Associations between the exposure of drinking tap water and the outcome of risk of acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI) were analysed with linear mixed effects models. Age, sex, education level and size of the drinking water supply were identified as potential confounders and included in the adjusted model.

Results

In total, 9,946 persons participated in this cohort study, accounting for 11.5% of all invited participants. According to the data per person and month (99,446 monthly submissions), AGI was reported for 5,508 person-months (5.5 per 100 person-months). Severe AGI was reported in 819 person-months (0.8 per 100 person-months). Our study estimates that 2–4% of AGI in Norway is attributable to drinking tap water.

Conclusions

This is the largest cohort study in Norway estimating the burden of self-reported gastrointestinal infections linked to the amount of tap water drunk in Norway. The data indicate that waterborne AGI is not currently a burden in Norway, but the findings need to be used with caution. The importance of continued efforts and investments in the maintenance of drinking water supplies in Norway to address the low burden of sporadic waterborne cases and to prevent future outbreaks needs to be emphasised.
Achilles’ heel: elderly COVID-19 vaccination policy in China
Authors: Deng Ziru , Grépin Karen A.
Published: August 2024

Background

Despite high overall COVID-19 vaccine coverage, the continuously low elderly vaccination rate in mainland China remains a dangerous threat as the country shifts away from its zero-Covid policy. This retrospective study uses the Multiple Streams Framework to examine how macro-level factors may explain poor elderly vaccination outcomes.

Methods

We performed a thematic analysis of qualitative data obtained from 95 official press conferences from October 20, 2020, to February 27, 2023, vaccination-related policy documents, and media coverage, using both inductive and deductive coding approaches.

Results

Our findings suggest that in the problem stream, elderly vaccination was not a “focusing event” during the initial vaccine rollout, resulting in delayed outreach to this population. Additionally, ideologically driven complacency and discrepancies in top-down implementation undermined elderly vaccination in the political stream. In the policy stream, precautious and ambiguous statements, inconsistent policy content, radical shifting media messages, and less age-friendly digital technologies also affected elderly vaccination.

Conclusions

The poor convergence of the three streams led the elderly to be the Achilles’ heel of China’s COVID-19 containment strategy. Future studies should focus on priority identification, adoption of enforcement measures, and timely and effective policy dissemination. The empirical lessons from China can inform and optimize elderly vaccination policy design and implementation in the post-pandemic era.