bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing Diversity in Canadian Radiology: From the Hiring Process to Needed Active Retention Efforts
Authors: Doria Andrea S. , Khosa Faisal , Maiga Souleymane , Brown Maura , Momh Barakat , Hanneman Kate , Zaki-Metias Kaitlin , Glanc Phyllis , Miller Elka , Seely Jean , Cashin Paula , Yong-Hing Charlotte J. , Hillier Tracey
Published: May 2024

The Canadian Association of Radiologists supports equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in employment. It is imperative that institutions implement recruitment and retention practices to ensure a diverse workforce. This requires considerable attention to each step in the process, including the job posting, candidate search, hiring committee composition, interviews, hiring decision, and retention and promotion. Job postings must be widely distributed and visible to underrepresented groups. The candidate search should be completed by a diverse committee with expertise in EDI. All committee members must complete EDI and anti-bias training and conduct a broad search that ensures underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. Interviews must be offered to all candidates. The hiring decision must avoid the use of subjective criteria. Recruitment of members of underrepresented groups ensures a diverse workforce, and organizations should commit resources to the retention and promotion of these members. Mentorship programs must be implemented and incentives provided to faculty members to serve as mentors. Transparent guidelines for promotion made universally available on department or institution websites. Recruiting a diverse workforce in Medical Imaging will only be achieved if EDI are central to the organization’s goals and strategic plan. All organizational policies, practices, and procedures must be reviewed with an intersectional lens to identify potential gaps, areas for improvement, and areas of strength in the recruitment and retention of members of underrepresented groups.
Investigating the Impact of Reproductive Coercion and Intimate Partner Violence on Psychological and Sexual Wellbeing
Authors: Sheeran Nicola , Jenkins Alisha , Humphreys Tiffany , Ter Horst Sonja , Higgins Mary
Published: May 2024

Emerging research suggests that reproductive coercion and abuse (RCA), like intimate partner violence (IPV), is associated with poorer mental and sexual health outcomes, including greater symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression and poorer markers of physical and sexual health such as sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancies and lowered sexual agency. Although victims/survivors of RCA report long-lasting impacts on future relationships, including fear and anxiety, little is known about impacts of RCA on anxiety and general wellbeing, nor emotional and mental components of sexual health that comprise a person’s sexual self-concept. With community samples of participants in Australia, we conducted two studies to explore the impact of RCA and IPV on psychological (study 1) and sexual (study 2) health outcomes. Study 1 ( n = 368) found that experiencing IPV and RCA both significantly and uniquely contributed to poorer mental health outcomes. After controlling for age and IPV, RCA significantly predicted symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, PTSD, and reduced satisfaction with life. Study 2 ( n = 329) found that IPV and RCA differentially predicted various components of sexual health. IPV predicted decreased sexual satisfaction and increased sexual anxiety, depression, and fear of sexual encounters. After controlling for age and IPV, RCA significantly and uniquely predicted lower levels of sexual assertiveness and increased sexual depression and fear of sexual encounters, but not sexual satisfaction or anxiety. We conclude that RCA is associated with significant psychological distress and a negative sexual self-concept that may impact future relationships. Screening for both IPV and RCA across settings is warranted.
Flexural behavior of SS316-based metal matrix composite prepared through microwave heating
Authors: Pal Jatinder , Gupta Dheeraj , Singh Tejinder Paul
Published: May 2024

SS316 is the most commonly used material among the existing stainless steels. SS316-based composite materials provide tailor-made stuff to the various automotive and machinery components due to their competent properties. In the current work, SS316, EWAC, and Cr7C3 powders have been selected for the development of cast specimens in the domestic microwave applicator. The cast of the SS316+15EWAC+5Cr7C3, SS316+15EWAC+10Cr7C3, and SS316+15EWAC+15Cr7C3 compositions has been prepared using a novel technique of microwave hybrid heating. The sample size of 30 × 6 mm2 has been used for flexural strength analysis. The flexural modulus, flexural strength, maximum load, strain at break, and strain at peak load have been tested on a universal testing machine. The maximum values of flexural strength, flexural modulus, peak load, and microhardness were found 469.86 MPa, 10,2321.79 MPa, 4510.65 N, and 585.93 ± 203.33 HV respectively for SS316+15EWAC+15Cr7C3 cast, and maximum strain at peak load and the maximum strain at breaking load were 3.07 and 4.29% respectively for SS316+15EWAC+10Cr7C3 cast. The highest microhardness of 615 HV has been obtained at the carbide phase in the case of SS316+15EWAC+15Cr7C3 cast. The XRD presented the leading peaks of σ-Fe, μ-Fe3Ni2, τ-Cr23C6, α-MoNi4, γ-Mo2C, and β-Fe5C2. The microstructural morphology of the composite casting revealed the proper coalescence of the matrix, homogeneous dispersion of reinforcements, dendrites formation, and equiaxed grain growth. Overall the metallurgical and mechanical properties of the composite cast were improved.
Vibration response analysis of boneless wiper-windshield system based on multi-body dynamics model
Authors: Wang Yansong , Huang Zhichao , Guo Hui , Xie Xiaolong , Sun Pei , Yang Chao
Published: May 2024

The vibration and noise generated by the boneless wiper-windshield system during its actual operation bother the occupants. Exploring the dynamic characteristics of the boneless wiper-windshield system is a prerequisite for understanding vibration and noise. In this paper, the dynamic characteristics of the boneless wiper-windshield system are investigated, and a rigid-flexible coupled multi-body dynamic model matching the real boneless wiper-windshield system is constructed. The friction characteristic of the dynamic model is studied through the wiper test bench experiment. The nonlinear dynamic response of the dynamic model is calculated with the Adams and results of the frictional vibration are well reproduced in real motions. The parallel analysis of the simulation calculation results and the real vehicle test results confirms the validity of the model. The results show that the vibration generation mechanism at the moments before and after the reversal can be explained by the instability of the wiper blades due to the negative friction characteristic. There are differences in the magnitude of the reversal impact force and the moment of reversal at each position of the wiper blade. The effect of the speed-gears on the system vibration is analyzed through the simulation results. The analysis method and simulation results in this article can provide reference for the research on vibration and noise control of boneless wiper systems.
Assessment of a staged and inclined hopper-air injection in enhancing low-NOx combustion and establishing a safe hopper environment for a large-scale arch-fired furnace
Authors: Cheng Shuting , Kuang Min , Zhao Yiping
Published: May 2024

In response to the high NO x emissions and hopper overheating problem of a 600-MWe arch-fired furnace, a staged arch-firing framework (SAF) with an upper/lower staged hopper-air pattern was proposed to replace the original low-NO x technique. With implementing such a staged hopper-air configuration to enhance air staging and reduce the downward flame penetration, it was required to (i) affirm the SAF's effectiveness related to the mentioned problems and (ii) assess the upper hopper-air (UHA) angle effect for obtaining a reasonable UHA angle. Accordingly, the in-furnace flow, combustion, and NO x generation were respectively investigated under five UHA angles of θ = 0°, 20°, 30°, 35°, and 40°. Meanwhile, real-furnace tests and simulations in the original furnace were conducted to make comparisons with the SAF furnace. As θ increased, the flame penetration progressively deepened. The primary hopper-air function in favoring char combustion and overall combustion performance first strengthened and then weakened, while the production of CO and NO and combustible matter in fly ash first dropped and then ascended. The setup with θ = 35° demonstrated the most favorable low-NO x performance, exhibiting NO x levels of about 600 mg/m3 (O2 = 6%) and combustible matter of about 5% in fly ash. A comparison before and after the SAF application indicates that, despite reducing downward flame penetration, the SAF bolstered primary combustion and increased air utilization to facilitate char combustion in the hopper and the burnout zone. Consequently, a further 33.5% NO x reduction was achieved, along with slight burnout improvement and notably reduced hopper temperatures.
Understanding Role of Digital Asset and LOSI for Rural Areas: An Evidence-based Study in Indian Context
Authors: Misra Harekrishna , Singh Shyam
Published: May 2024

Digital assets (DAs) are growing to be one of the most promising utilities due to the emerging digital transformation opportunities for society to harness. The innovations in contemporary DAs have led to the use of mobile computing, internet of things, edge computing and services like software as a service, platform as a service and desktop as a service. DAs have the potential to leverage and support other assets defined by the International Fund for Agricultural Development to enhance livelihood prospects in rural areas. The E-government services, aimed at mitigating digital divides and enhancing rural–urban continuum, need appropriate DAs. The UN has been conducting periodical E-government readiness assessments with a focus on Local Online Services Index (LOSI). All the countries participating in this readiness exercise are creating and upgrading through their E-government policies. LOSI is largely dependent on the availability of desired DAs, supply of digital transformation-based services and an emerging demand. The LOSI, introduced in 2018, is currently limited to the municipalities, providing a scope to assess rural areas where digital divides are still prevalent. This article presents a framework to discuss the associated DAs to develop LOSI for the rural areas in the Indian context. The article also presents a use case in the Indian context to understand how the Indian E-government efforts are poised to leverage the DAs to deepen rural digital services. Through the use cases, it is observed that the rural DAs need converged effort of policymakers to have a better LOSI.
Lentinan Regulates Glioma Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis by Activating p53 and Caspases Pathways
Authors: Sun Ying , Gao Peng , Wan Xilin , Liu Xinze , Xu Fang , Wang Jiaqi
Published: May 2024

Background

Gliomas are highly lethal malignancies that develop in the central nervous system. The primary treatment for gliomas involves surgical resection followed by chemoradiotherapy. However, due to the infiltrative growth nature of gliomas, surgical resection is often incomplete. Moreover, the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs is constrained by their ability to cross the blood–brain barrier, and the currently utilized agents can lose effectiveness, particularly with prolonged administration. Lentinan, an active compound in Lentinula edodes, exhibits various pharmacological activities.

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the anti-tumor effects of lentinan on glioma U251 cells.

Materials and Methods

Cell proliferation assays, cell fluorescence staining, scratch healing experiments, and transwell chamber experiments were conducted to assess the anti-tumor activity of lentinan on U251 cells. Additionally, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot experiments were performed to validate the anti-tumor mechanism of lentinan.

Results

The findings revealed that lentinan significantly suppressed the proliferation of U251 cells, induced robust apoptosis, and decreased the cells’ migration and invasion capabilities. Furthermore, lentinan notably influenced the gene and protein expression of p53, Bcl-2, Cyto-c, Bax, Caspases, and MMP-9 in U251 cells.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that lentinan may inhibit glioma cells by activating P53 and caspase-related apoptosis pathways.
Influence of Ascorbic Acid on Di-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate-induced Ovarian Gene Alterations in Pubertal Female Wistar Rats
Authors: Ali Shifana , Ziyad Ahmed , Pai Karkala Sreedhara Ranganath , Muraleedharan Anju , Gopan Adhithya , Upadhya Raghavendra , Seetharam Raviraja N , Manokaran Kalaivani
Published: May 2024

Background

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a plasticizer compound affecting female reproduction, leads to scenarios, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and infertility through oxidative stress (OS) mechanisms. Ascorbic acid (AA) is one of the antioxidants in infertility issues.

Objectives

The present study investigates the ameliorative effect of AA on DEHP-induced ovarian toxicity in pubertal female Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods

Thirty female Wistar rats of four weeks of age were stratified into five groups. Group I was treated with corn oil (Vehicle), groups II and III with low and high dose DEHP, and groups IV and V with low and high dose DEHP+AA were administered for 30 days.

Results

Increased body weight gain was noted in DEHP groups. Estradiol hormone was considerably reduced, whereas progesterone levels were increased in both low- and high-dose DEHP-treated groups. DEHP+AA groups have shown significant ( p < 0.005) protection of these hormone levels as equal to the control group. The high-dose DEHP group shows an increased, ovarian estrogen receptor (ER) alpha, ER-beta, and progesterone receptor gene expression, and DEHP+AA groups have significantly ( p < 0.005) showed expression similar to the control. OS was noted with decreased superoxide dismutase and increased malondialdehyde expression in Group III (GR III) compared to control, whereas the DEHP+AA treated group significantly protected OS by restoring the expression levels. DEHP-treated groups show elevated levels of both Bcl-2 and BAX which is specific to apoptotic expression and restored by AA treatment ( p < 0.005).

Conclusion

Evidence suggests that AA may protect against DEHP-induced ovarian toxicity by decreasing OS levels, improving folliculogenesis, and restoring the hormonal with receptor level alterations.
User accounts: How technological concepts permeate public law through the EU's AI Act
Authors: Koivisto Ida , Koulu Riikka , Larsson Stefan
Published: May 2024

This article argues that through the EU's technology regulation, technological concepts permeate legal language. Such concepts may function as transplants, even irritants, causing tensions and uncertainties. As technology regulation is increasingly horizontal, i.e. obligating private and public actors alike, these newfound legal concepts remain disconnected from established public law vocabulary and the power constellations it represents and embeds. We approach this evolution of legal language from public law perspective and concentrate on the concepts of ‘user’ and ‘deployer’ in the EU's upcoming Artificial Intelligence Act. We discuss these emerging legal concepts in relation to the rich theorizing on the concepts in human–computer interaction research. Our analysis demonstrates a discrepancy between legal and technology-oriented conceptualizations of the ‘user-deployer’. We draw three conclusions. First, the digital revolution is taking place in conceptual-linguistic practices of law, and not only when translating law into code. Second, when external concepts are appropriated into law, they are uprooted from their established habitat, which may result in unpredictability in future legal interpretation. Third, in public law, adopting the ‘user-deployer’ may have some additional challenges, as it introduces a new agent into the relationship between public authority and private entities. Simultaneously, citizens seem to be mainly excluded from the legal conceptualizing, which risks blurring traditional power constellations.
Daily Family Interactions are Associated with Body Mass Index in Couples with Children Experiencing Pandemic Stress
Authors: Meyer Dixie , Ferber Megan , Bernardino Annalise , Chen Stephanie , Keyvani Shadi
Published: May 2024

A host of factors, including family distress, may contribute to obesity. While weight gain happens over time, day-to-day interactions may explain how family interactions between one's romantic partner and one's children relate to weight (i.e., individuals may use food to compensate for poor relationships). The study aimed to examine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and daily family distress (e.g., romantic partners and children) with couples experiencing pandemic-related stress. This diary method designed study sampled heterosexual couples with children ( n = 59, N = 118) reporting pandemic stress. We conducted Actor-Partner Interdependence Models to test actor-partner effects between romantic partners. Results suggested, for men, more upsetting partner interactions were related to their own higher BMI. Women's BMI increased when their romantic partner reported upsetting interactions with them and when the women reported parenting distress.
Assessment of polypharmacy, potentially inappropriate medications, and drug-drug interactions in older patients with cancer
Authors: Albayrak Aslınur , Erbay Bahar , Kayıkçıoğlu Erkan
Published: May 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to determine polypharmacy, potentially inappropriate medications, and potential drug-drug interactions in elderly patients hospitalized in the oncology services of a university hospital in Turkey.

Methods

This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2021 and September 2022 on cancer patients over 65 years old hospitalized at Suleyman Demirel University Medical Faculty Hospital in Isparta, Turkey. Potentially inappropriate medications were defined according to the 2023 Beers Criteria of the American Geriatrics Society. Potential drug-drug interactions were determined with Medscape® drug interaction checker.

Results

The median (min-max) of drugs used by the patients was 6 (2–15). Most of the patients (74.3%) had polypharmacy. Approximately half of the patients (51.4%) had potentially inappropriate medications. The most commonly used potentially inappropriate medications were diuretics (22.1%), metoclopramide (11.4%), antidepressant drugs (7.9%), and opioids (6.4%). The presence of comorbidities, mental, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental disorders, circulatory system diseases, and respiratory system diseases were found to be statistically significantly higher in the group with potentially inappropriate medication than in the group without potentially inappropriate medication ( p < 0.05). In total, 98 patients (70%) had at least one potential drug-drug interaction. Potential drug-drug interactions were minor in 33.3%, major in 57.5%, serious in 7.74%, and contraindicated in 0.22%

Conclusion

According to our study, polypharmacy, potentially inappropriate medications, and potential drug-drug interactions were high in elderly cancer patients. It is important to determine potential drug-drug interactions and potentially inappropriate medications in cancer patients by a multidisciplinary team, including the clinical pharmacist, to prevent possible negative consequences.
Genes Differentially Expressed Across Major Arteries Are Enriched in Endothelial Dysfunction-Related Gene Sets: Implications for Relative Inter-artery Atherosclerosis Risk
Authors: Brown Paul A
Published: May 2024

Atherosclerosis differs across major arteries. Although the biological basis is not fully understood, limited evidence of genetic differences has been documented. This study, therefore, was aimed to identify differentially expressed genes between clinically relevant major arteries and investigate their enrichment in endothelial dysfunction-related gene sets. A bioinformatic analysis of publicly available gene-level read counts for coronary, aortic, and tibial arteries was performed. Differential gene expression was conducted with DeSeq2 at a false discovery rate of 0.05. Differentially expressed genes were then subjected to over-representation analysis and active-subnetwork-oriented enrichment analysis, both at a false discovery rate of 0.005. Enriched terms common to both analyses were categorized for each contrast into immunity/inflammation-, membrane biology-, lipid metabolism-, and coagulation-related terms, and the top differentially expressed genes validated against Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics’ Bgee database. There was mostly upregulation of differentially expressed genes for the coronary/tibial and aorta/tibial contrasts, but milder changes for the coronary/aorta contrast. Transcriptomic differences between coronary or aortic versus tibial samples largely involved immunity/inflammation-, membrane biology-, lipid metabolism-, and coagulation-related genes, suggesting potential to modulate endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. These results imply atheroprone coronary and aortic environments compared with tibial artery tissue, which may explain observed relative inter-artery atherosclerosis risk.
Trends in central nervous system-active polypharmacy among people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Naizer Hayden , Wozny Joseph , Krause Trudy Millard , Huson Ethan , Freeman Leorah
Published: May 2024

Background:

People with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) are at risk of concurrently using multiple central nervous system (CNS)-active drugs, yet the prevalence of CNS-active polypharmacy remains unmeasured in pwMS.

Objective:

The objective is to measure the prevalence of CNS-active polypharmacy in pwMS.

Methods:

This serial, cross-sectional study measured CNS-active polypharmacy in people with MS in the United States from 2008 to 2021 using insurance claims data. CNS-active polypharmacy was defined as the concurrent prescription of ⩾3 CNS-active drugs for >30 continuous days. CNS-active drugs included antidepressants, antiepileptics, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepine benzodiazepine receptor agonist hypnotics, opioids, and skeletal muscle relaxants.

Results:

The number of subjects included at each time point ranged from 23,917 subjects in 2008 to 55,797 subjects in 2021. In 2021, subjects with CNS-active polypharmacy were more likely to be 46–65 years of age and have CNS-related comorbidities compared to those without CNS-active polypharmacy. From 2008 to 2021, the age-adjusted prevalence of CNS-active polypharmacy among female subjects increased from 19.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 19.1–20.4) to 26.4% (95% CI = 25.9–26.8) versus 15.9% (95% CI = 14.8–17.0) to 18.6% (95% CI = 17.9–19.2) in male subjects.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of CNS-active polypharmacy has increased among people with MS with a growing disparity by sex.
Destination love and addiction: Insights from positive addiction theory
Authors: Junaid Muhammad , Abdul Hamid Abu B , binti Ya’akub Noor I , Akram Umair , Hussain Khalid
Published: May 2024

This study proposes a novel framework to comprehend tourists’ relationships with eco-friendly destinations and their respective outcomes. Building on the positive addiction theory and brand love literature, this study tries to see the impact of a destination's image and tourists’ involvement on tourist-destination relationships—destination love and destination addiction. It also aims to measure the impact of these relationships on tourists’ well-being and their willingness to pay extra using a sample of 335 eco-friendly destination tourists from China. The findings provide novel insight for academicians and practitioners of eco-friendly destination brands.
Fight, or flee, the future: Affect in contrasting responses against future collective death
Authors: Hurtado Hurtado Joshua
Published: May 2024

Sociologies of the future offer insights into how the future is apprehended by social actors and motivates their actions. Contemporary narratives of crises in the Anthropocene portray an increasingly likely future: one of future collective death. This article conceptualises collective death as a future that possesses both imaginary and material dimensions. I argue that future collective death generates various affective responses that prompt social coalitions to resist its realisation, and I exemplify it with two cases: Extinction Rebellion and Space Colonisation. I explore how futurelessness and grief motivate Extinction Rebellion's direct non-violent actions to fight against future collective death, while death anxiety and terminality drive Space Colonisation's attempts to flee from it. In doing so, I illustrate the role of imagination, affect and material means in configuring future-oriented socio-political action.
Takin’ Out the Trash for Brain Health!
Authors: Varvel Nicholas H.
Published: May 2024

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A Human Touch: Hominid-Specific LRRC37B Regulates Axon Initial Segment Excitability
Authors: Dabrowski Ania K. , Goldberg Ethan M.
Published: May 2024

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A clinical comparative study of dual LVIS devices and single flow diversion stenting for the treatment of unruptured V3–V4 vertebral artery dissection
Authors: Long Shuhai , Shi Shuailong , Zhang Zhike , Tian Qi , Wei Zhuangzhuang , Ma Ji , Wang Ye , Yang Jie , Han Xinwei , Li Tengfei
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of using overlapping low-profile visualized intraluminal support (LVIS) devices and flow diversion (FD) for the treatment of unruptured vertebral artery dissection (VAD) in the V3–V4 segments.

Methods

The clinical and imaging data of 71 patients with unruptured VAD in the V3–V4 segments who underwent either dual LVIS stenting (d-LVIS group) or single FD stenting (FD group) at our center from September 2014 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Immediate postoperative angiography revealed no significant difference in the degree of occlusion between the two groups in treating vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms (with or without noncompact coiling). However, the d-LVIS group had significantly higher fluoroscopy exposure time and total radiation exposure dose compared to the FD group. During the perioperative period, two cases of pontine infarction and one case of acute thrombosis were encountered. One patient died from subarachnoid hemorrhage during the follow-up period. For dissecting the aneurysm, angiographic follow-up (8.56 ± 1.96 months) showed similar healing outcomes between the two groups (with or without noncompact coiling). However, seven patients (7/40, 17.5%) showed poor healing and one patient showed mild in-stent stenosis. For simple dissection, angiographic follow-up (8.78 ± 1.83 months) showed patent lumens in both groups, with all dissections healing well, and two patients having mild in-stent stenosis.

Conclusion

Both methods could effectively treat unruptured VAD in V3–V4 segments. Nevertheless, simple FD implantation is relatively easier to perform and involves lower radiation exposure.
Taboos and Self-Censorship Among U.S. Psychology Professors
Authors: Clark Cory J. , Fjeldmark Matias , Lu Louise , Baumeister Roy F. , Ceci Stephen , Frey Komi , Miller Geoffrey , Reilly Wilfred , Tice Dianne , von Hippel William , Williams Wendy M. , Winegard Bo M. , Tetlock Philip E.
Published: May 2024

We identify points of conflict and consensus regarding (a) controversial empirical claims and (b) normative preferences for how controversial scholarship—and scholars—should be treated. In 2021, we conducted qualitative interviews ( n = 41) to generate a quantitative survey ( N = 470) of U.S. psychology professors’ beliefs and values. Professors strongly disagreed on the truth status of 10 candidate taboo conclusions: For each conclusion, some professors reported 100% certainty in its veracity and others 100% certainty in its falsehood. Professors more confident in the truth of the taboo conclusions reported more self-censorship, a pattern that could bias perceived scientific consensus regarding the inaccuracy of controversial conclusions. Almost all professors worried about social sanctions if they were to express their own empirical beliefs. Tenured professors reported as much self-censorship and as much fear of consequences as untenured professors, including fear of getting fired. Most professors opposed suppressing scholarship and punishing peers on the basis of moral concerns about research conclusions and reported contempt for peers who petition to retract papers on moral grounds. Younger, more left-leaning, and female faculty were generally more opposed to controversial scholarship. These results do not resolve empirical or normative disagreements among psychology professors, but they may provide an empirical context for their discussion.
Theoretical models applied to understand infection prevention and control practices of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review
Authors: KC Deepti , Smith Jan , Currie Kay , Ness Valerie
Published: May 2024

Background

Effective infection prevention and control (IPC) practices among healthcare workers are crucial to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other infections in healthcare settings.

Aim

To synthesise evidence on behaviour change theories, models, or frameworks applied to understand healthcare workers’ IPC practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

PubMed, EBSCOhost interface, ProQuest interface, MEDLINE (Ovid), and grey literature were searched for primary studies published between December 2019 and May 2023. The Mixed Method Appraisal Tool evaluated the methodological quality of the studies. Two reviewers independently completed study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment.

Results

The search yielded 2110 studies, of which 19 were included. Seven behaviour change theories, models, and frameworks were identified, with the Health Belief Model and Theoretical Domains Framework being the most employed. Based on these theories, models, and frameworks, the included studies identified cognitive, environmental, and social factors influencing healthcare workers’ compliance with COVID-19 IPC practices.

Discussion

This review offers insights into the critical role of behavioural change theories, models, or frameworks in understanding the factors influencing healthcare workers’ compliance with IPC practices during COVID-19. It also highlights the potential of these theories in guiding the development of evidence-based interventions to improve healthcare workers’ compliance with IPC practices.
Pediatric Cardiac Myxoma: A Rare Cause of Stroke in a Six-Year-Old Child
Authors: Alguizzani Nada , Alomair Maryam , Halawa Shaaban , Aljughiman Mohammed
Published: May 2024

This is a case report of a six-year-old child who presented with signs and symptoms of a stroke, which led to the detection of a left atrial myxoma. The myxoma was successfully removed four days after the stroke (one day after hospital transfer) and the child had nearly complete neurologic recovery.
Learner Experiences of Community of Inquiry Mode (CoI) in WhatsApp for English Language Learning
Authors: Annamalai Nagaletchimee , Mangaleswaran Surajwaran , Ab Rashid Radzuwan , Harb Alqaryouti Marwan , Sadeq Ala Eddin
Published: May 2024

This study employed a mixed-methods design to investigate the experiences of ESL students during their English language learning interactions through the WhatsApp platform. The primary objective was to examine the presence of social, cognitive, and teaching presences in the WhatsApp interactions using the Community of Inquiry (CoI) model. A survey was administered to 349 undergraduate students in Malaysia to collect the quantitative data, which was then triangulated through interviews with 20 students. The interviews were categorized based on Braun and Clarke’s reflective thematic analysis. The survey related to social presence indicates a strong interaction among students and a notable decrease in students’ inclination for informal and humorous social interactions with their teachers. The findings related to teaching presence view instructors as actively engaging students in their learning process. However, they also pointed out that out less sharing of critical knowledge is taking place. On the other hand, the cognitive presence category was associated with the development of meaningful interaction The educational implications seek to provide guidance to educators and institutions on maximizing the utilization of WhatsApp, for the learning of English as a Second Language (ESL). This involves considering the social, cognitive, and teaching presences highlighted in the study.
Clinical Implications of HIV Treatment and Prevention for Polygamous Families in Kenya and Uganda: “My Co-Wife Is the One Who Used to Encourage Me”
Authors: Johnson-Peretz Jason , Onyango Anjeline , Gutin Sarah A. , Balzer Laura , Akatukwasa Cecilia , Owino Lawrence , Arunga Titus M. O. , Atwine Fred , Petersen Maya , Kamya Moses , Ayieko James , Ruel Ted , Havlir Diane , Camlin Carol S.
Published: May 2024

Polygamy is the practice of marriage to multiple partners. Approximately 6-11% of households in Uganda and 4-11% of households in Kenya are polygamous. The complex families produced by polygamous marriage customs give rise to additional considerations for healthcare providers and public health messaging around HIV care. Using 27 in-depth, semi-structured qualitative interviews with participants in two studies in rural Kenya and Uganda, we analysed challenges and opportunities that polygamous families presented in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of HIV, and provider roles in improving HIV outcomes in these families. Overall, prevention methods seemed more justifiable to families where co-wives live far apart than when all members live in the same household. In treatment, diagnosis of one member did not always lead to disclosure to other members, creating an adverse home environment; but sometimes diagnosis of one wife led not only to diagnosis of the other, but also to greater household support.
European Stroke Organisation (ESO) Guidelines on the diagnosis and management of patent foramen ovale (PFO) after stroke
Authors: Caso Valeria , Turc Guillaume , Abdul-Rahim Azmil H , Castro Pedro , Hussain Salman , Lal Avtar , Mattle Heinrich , Korompoki Eleni , Søndergaard Lars , Toni Danilo , Walter Silke , Pristipino Christian
Published: May 2024

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is frequently identified in young patients with cryptogenic ischaemic stroke. Potential stroke mechanisms include paradoxical embolism from a venous clot which traverses the PFO, in situ clot formation within the PFO, and atrial arrhythmias due to electrical signalling disruption. The purpose of this guideline is to provide recommendations for diagnosing, treating, and long-term managing patients with ischaemic stroke and PFO. Conversely, Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA) was not considered an index event in this context because only one RCT involved TIA patients. However, this subgroup analysis showed no significant differences between TIA and stroke outcomes. The working group identified questions and outcomes, graded evidence, and developed recommendations following the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach and the European Stroke Organisation (ESO) standard operating procedure for guideline development. This document underwent peer-review by independent experts and members of the ESO Guideline Board and Executive Committee. The working group acknowledges the current evidentiary gap in delineating an unequivocal diagnostic algorithm for the detection of PFO. Although transoesophageal echocardiography is conventionally held as the most accurate diagnostic tool for PFO identification, its status as the ‘gold standard’ remains unsubstantiated by rigorously validated evidence. We found high-quality evidence to recommend PFO closure plus antiplatelet therapy in selected patients aged 18–60 years in whom no other evident cause of stroke is found but a PFO (i.e. PFO-associated stroke). The PASCAL classification system can be used to select such candidates for PFO closure. Patients with both a large right-to-left shunt and an atrial septal aneurysm benefit most from PFO closure. There is insufficient evidence to make an evidence-based recommendation on PFO closure in patients older than 60 and younger than 18 years. We found low quality evidence to suggest against PFO closure in patients with unlikely PFO-related stroke according to the PASCAL classification, except in specific scenarios (Expert Consensus). We suggest against long-term anticoagulation in patients with PFO-associated stroke unless anticoagulation is indicated for other medical reasons. Regarding the long-term AF monitoring after PFO closure, the working group concluded that there remains significant uncertainty regarding the risks and benefits associated with the use of long-term cardiac monitoring, such as implantable loop recorders. This document provides additional guidance, in the form of evidence-based recommendations or expert consensus statements, on diagnostic methods for PFO detection, and medical management after PFO closure.
Non-linear and synergistic effects of built environment factors on older adults’ walking behavior: An analysis integrating LightGBM and SHAP
Authors: Yang Linchuan , Yang Haosen , Cui Jianqiang , Zhao Ya , Gao Fan
Published: May 2024

Examining the relationship between the built environment and older adults’ walking behavior is of critical importance for the development of aging-friendly cities and communities. Previous studies, however, have paid limited attention to the non-linear and synergistic effects of built environment factors. To this end, based on multi-source data such as the Travel Characteristic Survey of Hong Kong and Google Street View imagery, this study integrates two advanced machine learning models—light gradient-boosting machine (LightGBM) and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP)—to analyze the non-linear and synergistic effects of various built environment factors on older adults’ walking time. The results show that the effect of the built environment is largely non-linear. Critical built environment factors include access to recreational facilities and land-use mix. Access to metro and parks, however, plays a marginal role in affecting older adults’ walking. Furthermore, the synergistic effects of built environment variable pairs (e.g., access to recreational facilities and intersection density) are also identified.
Population dynamics of potentially harmful haplotypes: a pedigree analysis
Authors: Arias Katherine D. , Fernández Iván , Gutiérrez Juan Pablo , Álvarez Isabel , Goyache Félix
Published: May 2024

Background

The identification of low-frequency haplotypes, never observed in homozygous state in a population, is considered informative on the presence of potentially harmful alleles (candidate alleles), putatively involved in inbreeding depression. Although identification of candidate alleles is challenging, studies analyzing the dynamics of potentially harmful alleles are lacking. A pedigree of the highly endangered Gochu Asturcelta pig breed, including 471 individuals belonging to 51 different families with at least 5 offspring each, was genotyped using the Axiom PigHDv1 Array (658,692 SNPs). Analyses were carried out on four different cohorts defined according to pedigree depth and at the whole population (WP) level.

Results

The 4,470 Linkage Blocks (LB) identified in the Base Population (10 individuals), gathered a total of 16,981 alleles in the WP. Up to 5,466 (32%) haplotypes were statistically considered candidate alleles, 3,995 of them (73%) having one copy only. The number of alleles and candidate alleles varied across cohorts according to sample size. Up to 4,610 of the alleles identified in the WP (27% of the total) were present in one cohort only. Parentage analysis identified a total of 67,742 parent-offspring incompatibilities. The number of mismatches varied according to family size. Parent-offspring inconsistencies were identified in 98.2% of the candidate alleles and 100% of the LB in which they were located. Segregation analyses informed that most potential candidate alleles appeared de novo in the pedigree. Only 17 candidate alleles were identified in the boar, sow, and paternal and maternal grandparents and were considered segregants.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that neither mutation nor recombination are the major forces causing the apparition of candidate alleles. Their occurrence is more likely caused by Allele-Drop-In events due to SNP calling errors. New alleles appear when wrongly called SNPs are used to construct haplotypes. The presence of candidate alleles in either parents or grandparents of the carrier individuals does not ensure that they are true alleles. Minimum Allele Frequency thresholds may remove informative alleles. Only fully segregant candidate alleles should be considered potentially harmful alleles. A set of 16 candidate genes, potentially involved in inbreeding depression, is described.
Optimizing Cucumis sativus seedling vigor: the role of pistachio wood vinegar and date palm compost in nutrient mobilization
Authors: Afsharipour Sediqeh , Mirzaalian Dastjerdi Abdolmajid , Seyedi Azam
Published: May 2024

Background

The goal of this research is to enhance the quality of cucumber seedlings grown in greenhouses by experimenting with various soilless culture mediums (CMs) and the application of pistachio wood vinegar (WV). The experimental setup was designed as a factorial experiment within a randomized complete block design (RCBD), in greenhouse conditions featuring three replications to assess the effects of different culture media (CMs) and concentrations of pistachio wood vinegar (WV) on cucumber seedling growth. Cucumber seeds were planted in three CMs: coco peat-peat moss, coco peat-vermicompost, and date palm compost-vermicompost mixed in a 75:25 volume-to-volume ratio. These were then treated with pistachio WV at concentrations of 0, 0.5, and 1%, applied four times during irrigation following the emergence of the third leaf.

Results

The study revealed that treating seedlings with 0.5% WV in the date palm compost-vermicompost CM significantly enhanced various growth parameters. Specifically, it resulted in a 90% increase in shoot fresh mass, a 59% increase in shoot dry mass, an 11% increase in root fresh mass, a 36% increase in root dry mass, a 65% increase in shoot length, a 62% increase in leaf area, a 25% increase in stem diameter, a 41% increase in relative water content (RWC), and a 6% improvement in membrane stability index (MSI), all in comparison to untreated seedlings grown in coco peat-peat moss CM. Furthermore, chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid levels were 2.3, 2.7, 2.6, and 2.7 times higher, respectively, in seedlings treated with 0.5% WV and grown in the date palm compost-vermicompost CM, compared to those treated with the same concentration of WV but grown in coco peat-peat moss CM. Additionally, the Fv/Fm ratio saw a 52% increase. When plant nutrition was enhanced with the date palm compost-vermicompost CM and 1% WV, auxin content rose by 130% compared to seedlings grown in coco peat-peat moss CM and treated with 0.5% WV.

Conclusions

The study demonstrates that using 0.5% WV in conjunction with date palm compost-vermicompost CM significantly betters the quality of cucumber seedlings, outperforming other treatment combinations.
Role of myocardial strain imaging in diagnosing inducible myocardial ischemia with treadmill contrast-enhanced stress echocardiography
Authors: Abazid Rami M. , Pati Nilkanth , Elrayes Maged , Chandy Mark , Hassanin Magdi , Mathew Andrew , De Sabe , Bagur Rodrigo , Tzemos Nikolaos
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The aim of this study is to analyze the diagnostic value of global longitudinal strain (GLS) in detecting inducible myocardial ischemia in patients with chest pain undergoing treadmill contrast-enhanced stress echocardiography (SE).

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled all patients who underwent invasive coronary angiography after treadmill contrast-enhanced SE. Rest and peak-stress myocardial GLS, segmental LS, and LS of 4-chamber (CH), 2-CH, and 3-CH views were reported. Luminal stenosis of more than 70% or fractional flow reserve (FFR) of < 0.8 was considered significant.

Results

In total 33 patients were included in the final analysis, among whom sixteen patients (48.4%) had significant coronary artery stenosis. Averaged GLS, 3-CH, and 4-CH LS were significantly lower in patients with critical coronary artery stenosis compared to those without significant stenosis (-17.1 ± 7.1 vs. -24.2 ± 7.2, p = 0.041), (-18.2 ± 8.9 vs. -24.6 ± 8.2, p = 0.045) and (-14.8 ± 6.2 vs. -22.8 ± 7.8, p = 0.009), respectively. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of ischemic and non-ischemic segments demonstrated that a cut-off value of -20% of stress LS had 71% sensitivity and 60% specificity for ruling out inducible myocardial ischemia (Area under the curve was AUC = 0.72, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Myocardial LS measured with treadmill contrast-enhanced stress echocardiography demonstrates potential value in identifying patients with inducible myocardial ischemia.
Serrated polyposis syndrome: defining the epidemiology and predicting the risk of dysplasia
Authors: Dierick Natalie R. , Nicholson Brian D. , Fanshawe Thomas R. , Sundaralingam Praka , Kostalas Stuart N.
Published: May 2024

Background

Serrated polyposis syndrome is the most common polyposis syndrome that has neoplastic potential. However, the natural history, genetic basis, and risk of dysplasia and neoplasia of serrated polyposis syndrome are incompletely understood. The objective of this study is to define the epidemiology of serrated polyposis syndrome. Using this data, we aim to evaluate candidate variables for predicting the risk of dysplasia and neoplasia in sessile serrated lesions found in serrated polyposis syndrome patients. Finally, we aim to use this data to create and evaluate clinical prediction models for accuracy in predicting dysplastic sessile serrated lesions in serrated polyposis syndrome patients.

Methods

This was a regional Australian single-centre retrospective cohort study. Data was prospectively collected data from the clinical record database of a regional Australian gastroenterology practice. All patients undergoing colonoscopy at Port Macquarie Gastroenterology between January 2015 and September 2021 were screened for this study. Collected data included patient demographic, endoscopic, and histopathological findings. Clinical and endoscopic multivariate logistic regression models were created to predict dysplastic sessile serrated lesions. Model performance was examined using the area under the receiver operating curve.

Results

In total 8401 patients underwent a colonoscopy procedure during the study period. Serrated polyposis syndrome was diagnosed in 247, representing a prevalence of 2.94% (mean age 67.15 years, 62.75% female). Logistic regression identified; older age at serrated polyposis syndrome diagnosis, a personal history of colorectal cancer, size of the largest sessile serrated lesions removed, and total sessile serrated lesions count as predictors of dysplastic sessile serrated lesions. The clinical and endoscopic model had an area under the receiver operating curve of 0.75.

Conclusion

Serrated polyposis syndrome is more common than previously described. The clinical and endoscopic variables identified in logistic regression have acceptable accuracy in predicting the risk of dysplasia, however other populations need to be studied to achieve generalisability and improve model performance.