bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermodynamic Model of the Fluid System H2O–CO2–NaCl–CaCl2 at P-T Parameters of the Middle and Lower Crust
Authors: Ivanov M. V.
Published: July 2023

Based on the earlier obtained equations of state for the ternary systems H2O–CO2–CaCl2 and H2O–CO2–NaCl, an equation of state for the four-component fluid system H2O–CO2–NaCl–CaCl2 is derived in terms of the Gibbs excess free energy. A corresponding numerical thermodynamic model is built. The main part of the numerical parameters of the model coincides with the corresponding parameters of the ternary systems. The NaCl–CaCl2 interaction parameter was obtained from the experimental liquidus of the salt mixture. Similar to the thermodynamic models for H2O–CO2–CaCl2 and H2O–CO2–NaCl, the range of applicability of the model is pressure 1–20 kbar and temperature from 500 to 1400°C. The model makes it possible to predict the physicochemical properties of the fluid involved in most processes of deep petrogenesis: the phase state of the system (homogeneous or multiphase fluid, presence or absence of solid salts), chemical activities of the components, densities of the fluid phases, and concentrations of the components in the coexisting phases. The model was used for a detailed study of the phase state and activity of water on the H2O–CO2–salt sections when changing the ratio $${{{{x}_{{{\text{NaCl}}}}}} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{{{x}_{{{\text{NaCl}}}}}} {({{x}_{{{\text{NaCl}}}}} + {{x}_{{{\text{CaC}}{{{\text{l}}}_{{\text{2}}}}}}})}}} \right. \kern-0em} {({{x}_{{{\text{NaCl}}}}} + {{x}_{{{\text{CaC}}{{{\text{l}}}_{{\text{2}}}}}}})}}$$ from 1 to 0. Changes in the composition and density of coexisting fluid phases at a constant activity of water and changes in the total composition of the system are studied. A set of phase diagrams on sections H2O–NaCl–CaCl2 for different mole fractions of CO2 is obtained. Pressure dependencies of the maximal activity of water in the field of coexisting unmixable fluid phases are obtained for several salt compositions of the system. Due to removal of restrictions resulting from a smaller number of components in ternary systems, the thermodynamic behavior of systems with a mixed composition of the salt significantly differs from the behavior of those with a single salt component.
Educational inequalities in mortality and their mediators among generations across four decades: nationwide, population based, prospective cohort study based on the ChinaHEART project
Authors: Lu Jiapeng , Wu Chaoqun , Zhang Xiaoyan , Yang Yang , Cui Jianlan , Xu Wei , Song Lijuan , Yang Hao , He Wenyan , Zhang Yan , Li Jing , Li Xi
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To assess the different educational inequalities in mortality among generations born between 1940 and 1979 in China, and to investigate the role of socioeconomic, behavioural, and metabolic factors as potential contributors to the reduction of educational inequalities.

Design

Nationwide, population based, prospective cohort study.

Setting

The ChinaHEART (China Health Evaluation And risk Reduction through nationwide Teamwork) project in all 31 provinces in the mainland of China.

Participants

1 283 774 residents aged 35-75 years, divided into four separate cohorts born in 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.

Main outcome measures

Relative index of inequality and all cause mortality.

Results

During a median follow-up of 3.5 years (interquartile range 2.1-4.7), 22 552 deaths were recorded. Among the four generations, lower education levels were found to be associated with a higher risk of all cause death: Compared with participants with college level education or above, the hazard ratio for people with primary school education and below was 1.4 (95% confidence interval 1.2 to 1.7) in the 1940s cohort, 1.8 (1.5 to 2.1) in the 1950s cohort, 2.0 (1.7 to 2.4) in the 1960s cohort, and 1.8 (1.4 to 2.4) in the 1970s cohort. Educational relative index of inequality in mortality increased from 2.1 (95% confidence interval 1.9 to 2.3) in the 1940s cohort to 2.6 (2.1 to 3.3) in the 1970s cohort. Overall, the mediation proportions were 37.5% (95% confidence interval 32.6% to 42.8%) for socioeconomic factors, 13.9% (12.0% to 16.0%) for behavioural factors, and 4.7% (3.7% to 5.8%) for metabolic factors. Except for socioeconomic measurements, the mediating effects by behavioural and metabolic factors decreased in younger generations.

Conclusion

Educational inequalities in mortality increased over generations in China. Improving healthy lifestyles and metabolic risk control for less educated people, especially for younger generations, is essential to reduce health inequalities.
Understanding pre-residency abortion training pathways and career choices in the United States: a qualitative study
Authors: Henderson Rebecca , Barreto Valeria , Nyren Molly , Moumne Olivia , Finley Tory , Byun Sharon , Monaco Alexandra , Steinauer Jody
Published: July 2023

Background

Many factors contribute to the decision to provide abortion in the United States. We aim to describe pre-residency experiences and decisions that contribute to choosing a career as an abortion provider in the United States.

Methods

We conducted 60-min semi-structured telephone interviews with 34 current abortion care providers about their career trajectories, decision-making and planning. Interviews were transcribed and coded by three members of the research team using thematic analysis.

Results

A majority of the participants considered (73.5%, n=25) and firmly committed (62.8%, n=22) to providing abortion care prior to entering residency. They described important professional experiences with women’s health and reproductive rights, as well as personal experiences with abortion care, all of which inspired them to seek out abortion training during medical school and residency. Participants also described a dearth of mentors or role models until late in training, especially for family physicians.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that the decision to provide abortion care is often made prior to residency training, before or during medical school, so additional support may be needed to promote exposure to abortion care during undergraduate medical education or even before. Further, there is a need for improved mentorship and role modelling during these periods, especially for family physicians. This may be especially critical after the overturn of Roe v Wade, as medical schools in restrictive states may not be able to provide abortions to patients, depriving students of role models who are abortion providers.
A Screen-Printed Potentiometric Sensor for Stability Indicating Assay and Real-Time Monitoring of Trospium Chloride Dissolution Profile in its Pharmaceutical Dosage Form
Authors: Abdel-Haleem Lamia M. , Ramadan Nesrin K. , El-Rahman Mohamed K. Abd , Galal Maha M.
Published: July 2023

According to FDA guidance, a biowaiver concept declares that dissolution testing could be approved as a replacement strategy for bioequivalence studies and/or in vivo bioavailability. From the analytical chemistry standpoint, the shift from the classically developed offline methods to the highly integrated miniaturized inline analyzers is one of the pioneering ways that would modernize future of in-vitro - in-vivo correlation (IVIVC). The emergence of screen-printed electrodes (SPE) is now making the move from successive sampling steps and off-line measurements to real-time and in-line monitoring. Recently, “SPE” potentiometric sensor was presented as real-time analyzer that can offer similar analytical results as separation-based chromatographic techniques. Thus, the main objective of this paper is to design a real-time SPE for in situ monitoring of the dissolution of trospium chloride (TRO) in neutral media. Validation of the proposed sensor was performed according to the IUPAC commendations. The measurements performed with this sensor showed an accuracy of average recovery 100.50% and standard deviation of less than 1.0%, also the repeatability and intermediate electrode variabilities were less than 1.0 and 1.3%, respectively. The developed sensor was successfully used for direct observation of the dissolution profile without any need for an extraction step or sample preparation.
Electrochemical Monitoring of Acyclovir in Plasma Samples Using Fe3O4/SiO2 Doped Cu Metal-Organic Framework Sensor
Authors: Pirasteh Masoud , Momeni Isfahani Tahereh , Pourghobadi Zeinab
Published: July 2023

In the world of medicine, the discovery of acyclovir, an antiviral medication often used to treat herpes infections, is very important. Accurate and sensitive detection are essential for patient safety since acyclovir is recognized for its possible adverse effects and toxicity at high dosages. A Cu metal-organic framework (MOF) doping with Fe3O4/SiO2 was prepared by direct Co-precipitation method. This binary Fe3O4-SiO2/Cu-MOF was analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), and this MOF was used to modify the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface. Modified GCE was used for the electrochemical monitoring of Acyclovir in the plasma samples. Acyclovir’s electro-oxidation behavior was assessed using cyclic and differential pulse voltammetric techniques. A redox mechanism was postulated based on the effect of the potential scanning rate and solution pH on the voltammetric response of Acyclovir oxidation. A 0.03 μM limit of detection was acquired for Acyclovir analysis with a linear response in the range of 1–60 μM. Finally, acyclovir quantification in the blood serum samples was successfully performed.
Study of Hexylamine Adsorption on Platinum by Chronoamperometric Method
Authors: Ostapenko Gennady I. , Kalashnikova Nina A.
Published: July 2023

The kinetics of the redox Fe2+/Fe3+ reaction on a platinum electrode in 1 M HClO4 was studied by the chronoamperometric method in the presence of the hexylamine surfactant. The main kinetic characteristics of the reaction have been estimated. The dependence of the exchange current density on the hexylamine concentration was analyzed. It was found that the hexylamine adsorption on platinum is described by the Dhar-Flory-Huggins isotherm. It is shown that the hexylamine adsorption on platinum is mainly due to the hydrophobic effect of the hexylamine molecules interaction with polar water molecules.
H2S Sensing Characteristics of NiO Nanopetal Film
Authors: Baek Jueun , Kim Yukyung , Baik Kwang Hyeon , Jang Soohwan
Published: July 2023

NiO is one of the most candidate materials for hydrogen sulfide (H2S) sensing due to its catalytic activity for the oxidation reaction of H2S, and high affinity of Ni in the NiO to S for the H2S adsorption. Porous NiO nanopetal film composed of interconnected thin nanosheets was grown by a facile template-free hydrothermal method at the relatively low temperature of 105 °C, and its H2S sensing characteristics was investigated in the temperature range of 25 °C to 400 °C. The NiO nanopetal film based device showed a reliable response to wide range of concentration from 10 ppm to 500 ppm H2S ambient at 400 °C. The sensor started to exhibit the responsivity to 500 ppm H2S gas at 200 °C. The maximum responsivity of the sensor with NiO nanopetals was 400% for 500 ppm H2S exposure at 300 °C. The NiO nanopetal film grown by the simple low-cost hydrothermal synthesis has high potential in applications of chemical, medical, energy, and food industries.
Alpha‐Lipoic Acid, Auraptene, and Particularly Their Combination Prevent the Metastasis of U87 Human Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Izadi Azam , Soukhtanloo Mohammad , Mirzavi Farshad , Jalili-Nik Mohammad , Sadeghi Asie
Published: July 2023

Background. The primary malignant brain tumor glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is most commonly detected in individuals over 60 years old. The standard therapeutic approach for GBM is radiotherapy combined with temozolomide. Recently, herbal products, such as alpha‐lipoic acid (ALA) and auraptene (AUR), have shown promising anticancer effects on various cancer cells and animal models. However, it is not well understood how ALA, AUR, and their combination in GBM work to combat cancer. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the antimetastatic effects of the ALA‐AUR combination on U87 human glioblastoma cells. Methods. The inhibitory effects of ALA, AUR, and the ALA/AUR combination on the migration and metastasis of U87 cells were evaluated using a wound healing test and gelatin zymography. The expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 were assessed at the transcriptional and translational levels using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and western blotting, respectively. Results. Our findings revealed that combination therapy reduced cell migration and metastasis, which was indicated by the reduction in MMP‐2/‐9 expression both at mRNA and protein levels, as well as their enzymatic activity in U87 cells. Conclusion. This study demonstrated that the combination of ALA and AUR effectively inhibited the migration and metastasis of U87 cells. Thus, given their safety and favorable specifications, the combination of these drugs can be a promising candidate for GBM treatment as primary or adjuvant therapy.
Bone Turnover Markers in Adults with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Chao , Cui Yali , Zhou Wenjie , Zhang Yiduo , Huang Xiaocui , Yu Fan
Published: July 2023

Objective. Previous studies suggested that the level of bone turnover markers (BTMs) could be altered in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aim to provide a comprehensive understanding on the associations between BTMs and NAFLD in adults with a meta-analysis. Methods. Articles published up to January 31, 2023, were systematically searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane database, Embase, and CNKI. The search formula is as follows: “nonalcoholic fatty liver disease” combined with the terms that bone turnover markers such as “osteocalcin,” “collagen type I trimeric cross-linked peptide,” and “procollagen type I N-terminal peptide.” Stata 15.0 software was used to calculate the pooled OR (95% CI) and perform the heterogeneity test, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias. Results. We identified 18 studies with a total of 12,310 participants. Statistical differences were found between patients with NAFLD compared to the control group for osteocalcin (n = 15 studies; SMD: −0.69; 95% CI: −0.73–−0.64;

P
=
0.002

), procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (n = 5 studies; SMD: −0.40; 95% CI: −0.80−−0.00;

P
=
0.049

), and collagen type I cross-linked C-telopeptide (n = 7 studies; SMD: −0.16; 95% CI: −0.23−−0.09);

P
<
0.001

). Conclusion. Bone turnover markers were lower in patients with NAFLD compared to the control group.
LNS8801 inhibits Acute Myeloid Leukemia by Inducing the Production of Reactive Oxygen Species and Activating the Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathway
Authors: Lee Inyoung , Doepner Miriam , Weissenrieder Jillian , Majer Ariana D. , Mercado Sophia , Estell Angela , Natale Christopher A. , Sung Pamela J. , Foskett J. Kevin , Carroll Martin P. , Ridky Todd W.
Published: July 2023

Despite recent therapeutic advances, the 5-year survival rate for adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is poor and standard-of-care chemotherapy is associated with significant toxicity, highlighting the need for new therapeutic approaches. Recent work from our group and others established that the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is tumor suppressive in melanoma and other solid tumors. We performed a preliminary screen of human cancer cell lines from multiple malignancies and found that LNS8801, a synthetic pharmacologic agonist of GPER currently in early phase clinical trials, promoted apoptosis in human AML cells. Using human AML cell lines and primary cells, we show that LNS8801 inhibits human AML in preclinical in vitro models, while not affecting normal mononuclear cells. Although GPER is broadly expressed in normal and malignant myeloid cells, this cancer-specific LNS8801-induced inhibition appeared to be independent of GPER signaling. LNS8801 induced AML cell death primarily through a caspase-dependent apoptosis pathway. This was independent of secreted classical death receptor ligands, and instead required induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response pathways including IRE1α. These studies demonstrate a novel activity of LNS8801 in AML cells and show that targeting ER stress with LNS8801 may be a useful therapeutic approach for AML.

Significance:

Previous work demonstrated that LNS8801 inhibits cancer via GPER activation, especially in solid tumors. Here we show that LNS8801 inhibits AML via GPER-independent mechanisms that include ROS induction and ER activation.
Biological Role of miRNA-302a-3p/DKK1 in Osteogenesis of Bone-Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Lu Zijian , Chen Nuomei
Published: July 2023

To elucidate the involvement of miRNA-302a-3p in osteogenesis of BMSCs through targeting DKK1, thus influencing the progression of osteoporosis (OP). MiRNA-302a-3p levels in serum of 40 OP patients and 40 healthy controls were detected by qRT-PCR. BMD was determined in OP patients expressing
high or low level of miRNA-302a-3p. In BMSCs undergoing osteogenesis at the different time points, dynamic expressions of ALP, RUNX2 and Bglap were determined. Influences of miRNA-302a-3p on ALP activity and osteogenic capacity in BMSCs were assessed by ALP activity determination, ALP staining
and ARS. The interaction between miRNA-302a-3p and DKK1 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and Spearman correlation test. In addition, DKK1 involvement in osteogenesis of BMSCs influenced by miRNA-302a-3p was evaluated. MiRNA-302a-3p level was reduced in serum of OP patients.
BMD was higher in OP patients expressing high level of miRNA-302a-3p. During the process of osteogenesis, overexpression of miRNA-302a-3p upregulated osteogenesis-associated genes, ALP activity and capacity of mineralization in BMSCs. Knockdown of miRNA-302a-3p achieved the opposite trends.
DKK1 was identified to be the target gene binding miRNA-302a-3p, and its level was negatively regulated by miRNA-302a-3p. Notably, DKK1 was responsible for accelerating osteogenesis in BMSCs regulated by miRNA-302a-3p. Downregulation of MiRNA-302a-3p inhibits osteogenesis in BMSCs via downregulating
DKK1, thereafter accelerating the progression of OP.
Power and Survival in KL Mauthausen: The Spanish Case
Authors: Martínez López Diego
Published: July 2023

The experience of Spaniards deported to Nazi camps has traditionally occupied a secondary position in historiography. Available evidence, however, indicates that the Spanish case evinced a uniqueness that has not yet been fully studied. This article proposes a transversal analysis by means of which to study the significance of the Spanish group deported to the Austrian camp of Mauthausen, measuring the degree to which they were integrated within the concentration camp hierarchy, the number of privileged positions occupied within the camp and their evolution over time. Similarly, the article explores the exceptional case of the Ebensee satellite camp, where the group of Spanish prisoners suffered an unusually low death rate.
When Do Marketing Ideation Crowdsourcing Contests Create Shareholder Value? The Effect of Contest Design and Marketing Resource Factors
Authors: Cao Zixia , Feng Hui , Wiles Michael A.
Published: July 2023

Firms often use crowdsourcing contests to develop marketing ideas and solutions. Despite the prevalence—and unique aspects—of marketing ideation crowdsourcing contests (MICCs), there has been little examination of these contests’ shareholder wealth implications. Adopting a signaling perspective, the authors conduct an event study of 508 MICC announcements and find that they are associated with higher returns, but also higher idiosyncratic risk, indicating that investors hold a mixed view of such contests. Further, the authors consider how contest design factors and firm marketing resources may signal the cultivation of intellectual and relational market-based assets to shape their stock market impact, providing firms guidance to better design their MICCs. Specifically, they find that returns are enhanced when firms use professional (vs. general public) contests, specifically scoped contests, and contests using crowd judging (vs. expert panels), and for firms with stronger marketing capabilities. However, brand factors have mixed effects on returns, with a brand's relevant stature having a positive effect and its energized differentiation having a negative effect on returns. Product MICCs and generally scoped contests heighten the negative effects on risk, whereas marketing resources have no impact. Results offer implications for practitioners, including the finding that many MICC design choices commonly used in practice (i.e., general public contests and expert panels) are viewed less favorably by investors.
The Multicultural Politics of Opportunity: A Comparative Analysis of the Occupational Aspirations of Immigrant Adolescents
Authors: Ham Seung-Hwan , Lee Saerom
Published: July 2023

Despite the growing volume of research on multiculturalism, disagreements abound regarding whether multiculturalism is truly effective for the integration of immigrant youth. However, little effort has been made to make sense of these disagreements. In the present study, we raise the possibility that multiculturalism is more likely to achieve its intended goal in countries that have developed egalitarian structures of opportunity. Cross-national multilevel data were used to analyze the occupational aspirations of 41,235 immigrant adolescents from 31 countries. The data reveal that immigrant adolescents tend to show a higher level of occupational aspirations in countries with stronger multiculturalism, but this pattern holds only among countries that have developed egalitarian economic systems. We conclude that the aspirations of immigrant adolescents depend not only on the “politics of identity” but also on its interplay with the “politics of opportunity”—the politico-economic landscape of the distribution of opportunities.
Prospective associations of prosocial behavior and aggression with social preference: Moderation by classroom levels of peer-perceived liking and disliking by the teacher
Authors: Kim Jingu , Cillessen Antonius H. N.
Published: July 2023

The goal of this study was to examine the prospective associations of prosocial behavior and aggression with social preference in classrooms and whether these associations were moderated by classroom levels of peer-perceived liking and disliking by the teacher. Participants were 2900 fourth-to sixth-grade students in South Korea ( Mage = 10.02 years, SD = 0.84, 48.6% girls) who completed peer nominations at the beginning (Time 1) and end (Time 2) of their school year. The peer nominations included who they liked most and liked least in their classroom, who they saw as prosocial and aggressive, and who they thought was liked and disliked by their teacher. Nominations received were calculated for all individual students. To indicate the classroom levels of peer-perceived liking and disliking by the teacher, we calculated the total number of nominations given in the classroom and divided it by the maximum possible nominations. Multilevel analyses were conducted. At the level of the individual, social preference at Time 2 was positively predicted by prosocial behavior and negatively by aggression at Time 1, controlling for social preference at Time 1. These associations were moderated by the peer reputation as liked and disliked by the teacher. At the level of the classroom, social preference at Time 2 tended to increase over time in classrooms with high levels of peer-perceived liking by the teacher but decreased in classrooms with high levels of peer-perceived disliking by the teacher. Classroom levels of peer-perceived liking by the teacher moderated the positive association of prosocial behavior at Time 1 with preference at Time 2: this association was stronger in classrooms with higher levels of peer-perceived liking by the teacher. Thus, classroom levels of peer-perceived liking by the teacher had positive effects for individual students and the classroom as a whole. Future studies should address how teacher–student relationships can contribute to a positive classroom context that facilitates students’ well-being, learning, and development.
Rapid, selective and homogeneous brain cooling with transnasal flow of ambient air for pediatric resuscitation
Authors: Koehler Raymond C , Reyes Michael , Hopkins C Danielle , Armstrong Jillian S , Cao Suyi , Kulikowicz Ewa , Lee Jennifer K , Tandri Harikrishna
Published: July 2023

Neurologic outcome from out-of-hospital pediatric cardiac arrest remains poor. Although therapeutic hypothermia has been attempted in this patient population, a beneficial effect has yet to be demonstrated, possibly because of the delay in achieving target temperature. To minimize this delay, we developed a simple technique of transnasal cooling. Air at ambient temperature is passed through standard nasal cannula with an open mouth to produce evaporative cooling of the nasal passages. We evaluated efficacy of brain cooling with different airflows in different size piglets. Brain temperature decreased by 3°C within 25 minutes with nasal airflow rates of 16, 32, and 16 L/min in 1.8-, 4-, and 15-kg piglets, respectively, whereas rectal temperature lagged brain temperature. No substantial spatial temperature gradients were seen along the neuroaxis, suggesting that heat transfer is via blood convection. The evaporative cooling did not reduce nasal turbinate blood flow or sagittal sinus oxygenation. The rapid and selective brain cooling indicates a high humidifying capacity of the nasal turbinates is present early in life. Because of its simplicity, portability, and low cost, transnasal cooling potentially could be deployed in the field for early initiation of brain cooling prior to maintenance with standard surface cooling after pediatric cardiac arrest.
Assessing Communicative Resilience in Suicide Prevention for LGBTQ+ Communities: A Qualitative Analysis of Community Conversations
Authors: Agrawal Kelli R. , Bohn Joe , Mathre Kristin , Buzzanell Patrice M. , O’Connell Alexandria , Salinas-Miranda Abraham
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Since LGBTQ + communities experience disproportionate rates of suicidality; it is important to identify strategies for suicide prevention. Research shows that supportive interpersonal communication and identity affirmation helps prevent suicide. The purpose of this analysis is to explore the role of communicative resilience in suicide prevention among LGBTQ + communities.

Approach

This analysis is part of a community-based participatory research project.

Setting

In November 2021, a Community-Academic Partnership hosted a virtual town hall, via Zoom, immediately followed by five Community Conversation (CC) groups.

Participants

Participants were aged 18 years or older and identified as an LGBTQ + community member or active ally. We define active ally as an individual who, through their personal relationships, service to the community, or professional work, actively advocates for and supports members of LGBTQ + communities.

Method

CC groups were audio-recorded and transcribed (n= 25 participants). Transcripts were inductively coded for thematic analysis and identified themes were deductively coded using Communication Theory of Resilience (CTR) to identify observations of communicative resilience (MaxQDA2020).

Results

Themes aligned with CTR, including importance of peer and professional support, affirming identities, reducing stigma, cultivating hope, and advocating for equitable policies.

Conclusion

Findings demonstrate that through communication, members of LGBTQ + communities enact processes of resilience that support and promote suicide prevention. These findings support community mobilization, communicative resilience, and advocacy to help save lives.
Towards a Conceptualization of Corporate Accountability: A Consumer Perspective
Authors: Borden Jonathan , Zhang Xiaochen Angela
Published: July 2023

Corporate accountability remains a significant construct in normative business management theory, yet it remains ambiguous in practice. This research operationalizes a three-factor perceived corporate accountability scale from the consumers’ perspective based on the extant literature then validates this scale among three consumer samples. Perceived corporate accountability consists of three factors: proactive expectancy, reactive expectancy, and accountability enforcement. Implications for both theory and practice are discussed.
Educational intervention improves knowledge and adherence to treatment amongst puerperal women with syphilis: randomized clinical trial
Authors: Lima Maira GR , Bahia Julyana C , Oliveira Flávia S , Vieira Flaviana VM , Cavalcante Agueda Maria RZ , Matos Marcos André , Guimarães Janaína V
Published: July 2023

Background

Gestational syphilis requires early detection and proper treatment to prevent negative maternal-fetal outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention on treatment adherence and knowledge about syphilis in postpartum women with positive Treponema pallidum results.

Methods

A randomized, parallel, and open clinical trial was conducted with 64 postpartum women who tested positive for T. pallidum, assigned to two groups (1:1 ratio). The Intervention Group (IG) received an educational intervention on syphilis, including an explanatory leaflet and hands-on demonstrations, along with standard guidelines. The Control Group (CG) received standard guidelines alone. Pre-test and post-test assessments were conducted to measure knowledge and treatment adherence. Statistical analyses included descriptive and inferential methods, assessing group homogeneity using the Chi-square or Fishers exact test. The interventions effectiveness was determined using relative risk, and pre- and post-test scores were compared using the independent t test.

Results

The post-test revealed improvements in knowledge scores for general knowledge, treatment, and prevention domains ( p < .05). The IG demonstrated an increase in post-test knowledge scores ( p = .001), with association between post-test scores and treatment adherence ( p = .001).

Conclusion

The educational intervention on syphilis improved knowledge and treatment adherence in postpartum women with syphilis.
A closer look at demand-side explanations for the Matthew effect in formal childcare uptake in Europe and Australia
Authors: Wood Jonas , Neels Karel , Maes Julie
Published: July 2023

Although formal childcare is considered a key social investment policy to combat inequality, available research indicates that in most European and other high-income countries parents with lower socio-economic positions are less likely to use formal childcare. As the literature on the underlying causes of this so-called Matthew effect has not yet converged, this article is the first to assess whether educational gradients in formal childcare uptake can be accounted for by micro-level employment potential and work–family attitudes in 14 European countries and Australia. Complementing available research on supply-side factors such as policy design features, this study indicates that a large part of the educational gradients in formal childcare uptake persist after controlling for socio-demographic background variables, employment potential, and work–family attitudes as micro-level predictors. However, this study also shows that a considerable part of the educational differentiation in formal childcare uptake reflects differential employment potential. This finding turns attention to policies other than childcare to enhance labour market outcomes for lower educated groups, which in turn might attenuate the Matthew effect in formal childcare. Furthermore, a positive relation between individual-level work–family attitudes and the uptake of formal childcare is also identified as a partial explanation for educational gradients in formal childcare uptake. Although the explanatory power of work–family attitudes as an underlying determinant of the Matthew effect is more limited compared to employment potential, such variation in the acceptance of maternal employment and formal childcare should also be considered in the design of inclusive work–family policies.
Predictors of British Isles Lupus Assessment Group-based outcomes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: Analysis from the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Inception Cohort
Authors: David Trixy , Su Li , Cheng Yafeng , Gordon Caroline , Parker Benjamin , Isenberg David , Reynolds John A , Bruce Ian N ,   on behalf of The Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Consortium,   MASTERPLANS Consortium
Published: July 2023

Background

We aimed to identify factors associated with a significant reduction in SLE disease activity over 12 months assessed by the BILAG Index.

Methods

In an international SLE cohort, we studied patients from their ‘inception enrolment’ visit. We also defined an ‘active disease’ cohort of patients who had active disease similar to that needed for enrolment into clinical trials. Outcomes at 12 months were; Major Clinical Response (MCR: reduction to classic BILAG C in all domains, steroid dose of ≤7.5 mg and SLEDAI ≤ 4) and ‘Improvement’ (reduction to ≤1B score in previously active organs; no new BILAG A/B; stable or reduced steroid dose; no increase in SLEDAI). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression with Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and cross-validation in randomly split samples were used to build prediction models.

Results

‘Inception enrolment’ ( n = 1492) and ‘active disease’ ( n = 924) patients were studied. Models for MCR performed well (ROC AUC = .777 and .732 in the inception enrolment and active disease cohorts, respectively). Models for Improvement performed poorly (ROC AUC = .574 in the active disease cohort). MCR in both cohorts was associated with anti-malarial use and inversely associated with active disease at baseline (BILAG or SLEDAI) scores, BILAG haematological A/B scores, higher steroid dose and immunosuppressive use.

Conclusion

Baseline predictors of response in SLE can help identify patients in clinic who are less likely to respond to standard therapy. They are also important as stratification factors when designing clinical trials in order to better standardize overall usual care response rates.
The unknown and misunderstood life of Ruggero Oddi, the pioneer of biliary system physiology
Authors: Maovaz Marco , Di Sante Gabriele , Bartolini Desirée , Pistilli Alessandra , Stabile Anna Maria , Rende Mario
Published: July 2023

Ruggero Oddi was a talented scientist who initiated the modern era of biliary system physiology, not only with the anatomical discovery of the hepatopancreatic sphincter, but also with the detailed description of its spinal center and nerve regulation. However, his personal and scientific life were determined by an incredible series of unfortunate circumstances. Until now most of these events have been unknown, while the few known have produced biographies distorted by fake interpretations. The purpose of this article is to document Oddi's biography and scientific production in detail, comprehensively framing the scientific environment in which his discoveries occurred. It clears many misinterpretations about events in Oddi's life and academic career, bringing to a new light his figure as scientist in gastroenterological field.
Participation in the national cervical screening programme among women from New South Wales, Australia, by place of birth and time since immigration: A data linkage analysis using the 45 and up study
Authors: Yuill Susan , Egger Sam , Smith Megan A , Velentzis Louiza , Saville Marion , Kliewer Erich V , Bateson Deborah , Canfell Karen
Published: July 2023

Objective

Equitable elimination of cervical cancer in Australia within the next decade will require high National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) participation by all subgroups of women. The aim of this study was to examine the participation of immigrants compared to Australian-born women.

Methods

Participation in the NCSP (≥1cytology test) over a 3-year (2010–2012) and 5-year (2008–2012) period, by place of birth and time since immigration was examined using individually linked data of 67,350 New South Wales (NSW) women aged ≥45 enrolled in the 45 and Up Study.

Results

Three-year cervical screening participation was 77.0% overall. Compared to Australian-born women (77.8%), 3-year participation was lower for women born in New Zealand (adjusted odds ratio 0.77, 95% confidence interval 0.69–0.87), Oceania (0.67, 0.51–0.89), Middle East/North Africa (0.76, 0.60–0.97), South-East Asia (0.72, 0.60–0.87), Chinese Asia (0.82, 0.69–0.97), Japan/South Korea (0.68, 0.50–0.94), and Southern/Central Asia (0.54, 0.43–0.67), but higher for women from Malta (2.85, 1.77–4.58) and South America (1.33, 1.01–1.75). Non-English-speaking-at-home women were less likely to be screened than English-speaking-at-home women (0.85, 0.78–0.93). Participation increased with years lived in Australia but remained lower in immigrant groups compared to Australian-born women, even after ≥20 years living in Australia. Similar results were observed for 5-year participation.

Conclusions

Women born in New Zealand, Oceania, and parts of Asia and the Middle East had lower NCSP participation, which persisted for ≥20 years post-immigration. The NCSP transition to primary HPV screening, and the introduction of the universal self-collection option in 2022, will offer new opportunities for increasing screening participation for these groups.
The tertiary service for psychosis: Holistic recommendations for people with complex psychosis
Authors: Davies Kimberley , Grattan Sarah , Gott Chloe , Ellis Robin , Lappin Julia M
Published: July 2023

Objective

To describe (i) the clinical characteristics of individuals referred to the Tertiary Referral Service for Psychosis (TRSP) and (ii) the recommendations TRSP made for future treatment across psychopharmacological and other intervention domains.

Method

Retrospective audit of clinical data collected during the assessment process of individuals who accessed TRSP between 02/06/2020 and 31/12/2022. Categories of recommendations made following collaborative care planning comprised psychopharmacological, neuropsychological, psychological, psychosocial, physical health, substance misuse and other domains.

Results

Eighty-two individuals were included, with diagnoses most commonly of schizophrenia (54.9%) and schizoaffective disorder (30.5%). The median PANSS score was 88.0 (73–100). Social occupational functioning was very poor (SOFAS M = 37.0, SD = 15.1). Cognitive functioning was poor (RBANS: M = 74.6; SD: 15.0). 67.1% had physical health comorbidities, with high prevalence of smoking (52.4%) and substance misuse (25.6%). Psychopharmacological recommendations (made for 81.7%) included clozapine trial (25.6%), clozapine dose change/augmentation (22.0%) and rationalisation of polypharmacy (12.2%). Neuropsychological (73.2%), psychological (39.0%) and psychosocial (85.4%) recommendations included access to cognitive remediation, psychological therapy and disability support. Physical health and substance misuse interventions were recommended for 91.5% and 20.7%, respectively.

Conclusions

Individuals referred to the TRSP had marked clinical and functional impairments. Holistic collaborative care planning complemented psychopharmacological interventions with psychological, psychosocial and physical healthcare recommendations.
Election Accomplished: Democracies and the Timing of Peacekeeper Drawdowns
Authors: Giray Burak , Chatagnier J. Tyson
Published: July 2023

Peacekeepers play a vital role in enforcing agreements and promoting stability after a civil war, but participation is costly. While troop-contributing countries may appreciate the material and diplomatic benefits that come with performing this task, they also want to minimize the associated costs and potential downsides of the mission. We examine troop contributions in post-civil war peacekeeping missions, determining which countries are most prone to withdrawal and when. Drawing from a domestic audience cost perspective, we argue that those countries that are most exposed to political risk from scandals or fiascoes are most apt to flee, viewing post-war elections as identifiable exit points. Using data on more than 50 peacekeeping operations between 1996 and 2017, we analyze troop contribution dynamics for over 155 different countries to determine whether and when post-war elections prompt peacekeepers to exit. We find evidence that democratic states are more likely either to withdraw completely from UN missions or to reduce their contributions by removing peacekeepers from the front lines in the wake of host country elections.
Emerging cities and travel motivation: A latent profile analysis approach
Authors: Vujičić Miroslav D , Šaćirović Demir , Stankov Uglješa , Ali Faizan , Kovačić Sanja , Besermenji Snežana , Pivac Tatjana , Blešić Ivana , Bratić Marija
Published: July 2023

Emerging city destinations frequently face numerous managerial challenges, resulting in common pitfalls and rookie mistakes. The evolution, new dynamics, and shift in tourism demand, together with many cities’ efforts to diversify offerings and exploit their multi-attractiveness, necessitate a re-evaluation of present viewpoints on what motivates city break tourists. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to focus on scale development for emerging cities travel motivation; and to determine latent subpopulations (profiles) within a population of city break visitors based on their motivation to visit a city. The study used principal component analysis to test the dimensions of the emerging cities travel motivation factors scale. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test the measurement model. Subtypes (profiles) of city break travel motivation factors were obtained using latent profile analysis (LPA). The following dimensions for the emerging cities travel motivation scale were identified: Image, Vibrance, and Novelty, Core Destination Values, Social Experience, Ego Boosting and Shopping, Psycho-physical Relaxation. Based on LPA analysis four profiles of emerging city visitors were defined: Indifferent, Conventional, Psycho-physical relaxing, ego-boosting, and Shopping city break tourists. From a theoretical standpoint, this study broadens the existing corpus of research on emerging cities travel motivation, allowing for the discovery of distinct latent groups of visitors as well as significant differences between them.
Prognostic Predicting Model of Pancreatic Body Tail Carcinoma Using Clinical and CT Radiomic Data
Authors: An Peng , Lin Yong , Zhang Junyan , Hu Yan , Qin Ping , Ye Yingjian , Li Xiumei , Feng Guoyan , Wang Jinsong
Published: July 2023

Objective: To collect the clinical, pathological, and computed tomography (CT) data of 143 accepted surgical cases of pancreatic body tail cancer (PBTC) and to model and predict its prognosis. Methods: The clinical, pathological, and CT data of 143 PBTC patients who underwent surgical resection or endoscopic ultrasound biopsy and were pathologically diagnosed in Xiangyang No.1 People's Hospital Hospital from December 2012 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier method was adopted to make survival curves based on the 1 to 5 years’ follow-up data, and then the log-rank was employed to analyze the survival. According to the median survival of 6 months, the PBTC patients were divided into a group with a good prognosis (survival time ≥ 6 months) and a group with a poor prognosis (survival time < 6 months), and further the training set and test set were set at a ratio of 7/3. Then logistic regression was conducted to find independent risk factors, establish predictive models, and further the models were validated. Results: The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that age, diabetes, tumor, node, and metastasis stage, CT enhancement mode, peripancreatic lymph node swelling, nerve invasion, surgery in a top hospital, tumor size, carbohydrate antigen 19-9, carcinoembryonic antigen, Radscore 1/2/3 were the influencing factors of PBTC recurrence. The overall average survival was 7.4 months in this study. The multivariate logistic analysis confirmed that nerve invasion, surgery in top hospital, dilation of the main pancreatic duct, and Radscore 2 were independent factors affecting the mortality of PBTC ( P < .05). In the test set, the combined model achieved the best predictive performance [AUC 0.944, 95% CI (0.826-0.991)], significantly superior to the clinicopathological model [AUC 0.770, 95% CI (0.615-0.886), P = .0145], and the CT radiomics model [AUC 0.883, 95% CI (0.746-0.961), P = .1311], with a good clinical net benefit confirmed by decision curve. The same results were subsequently validated on the test set. Conclusion: The diagnosis and treatment of PBTC are challenging, and survival is poor. Nevertheless, the combined model benefits the clinical management and prognosis of PBTC.
Revascularisation Options for Chronic Limb Threatening Ischaemia in Diabetes: Implications From Two Recent Trials
Authors: Lin Jaime H. X. , Papanas Nikolaos , Zayed Hany , Vas Prashanth R. J.
Published: July 2023

Chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI) is a severe form of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and is associated with an increased risk of amputation, mortality, and significantly impaired quality of life. International guidelines recommend considering timely revascularisation and optimal medical therapy to improve limb perfusion in individuals with CLTI. The 2 primary revascularization approaches for CLTI are open bypass surgery (BS) and endovascular therapy (EV), however, there is currently no consensus on the best initial treatment strategy for CLTI, leading to uncertainty among clinicians. To shed light on this issue, 2 recent trials, namely best endovascular versus best surgical therapy in patients with CLI (BEST-CLI) and bypass versus angioplasty for severe ischaemia of the leg (BASIL-2), have tried to provide valuable insights. While a definitive conclusion on the optimal revascularisation approach is still pending, these trials offer immediate and clinically relevant information to the diabetic foot multidisciplinary team. The trials encompassed a distinct range of patient cohorts and included participants with varying degrees of medical and physical frailty. Taken together, their findings, highlight the need for an individualised revascularisation strategy which accounts for underlying comorbidities, risk factors, disease severity, availability of suitable bypass conduits, surgical risks, and timely access to procedures. Regardless of the chosen strategy, early referral of patients with diabetes and CLTI to a specialist team within a multidisciplinary environment is crucial. Comprehensive care should encompass essential elements such as adequate debridement, infection control, offloading, glycaemic control, smoking cessation, and patient education. By addressing these aspects, healthcare providers can optimise the management and outcomes for individuals with CLTI and diabetes.