bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyethylene Glycol Diacrylate (PEGMA) and Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) Delivering Solifenacine as Super Smooth Coating of Ureteral Stent to Relieve Stent Syndrome: In Vitro and In Vivo Study
Authors: Li Danyang , Li Dan , Tang Zengchao , Li Wenyao , Lai Enping , Zhao Weixin , Fouad Hassan , Khan Zufesha NoorulHuda , Munir Sheheryar , Zhang Kaile
Published: July 2023

Urinary calculus is a very common disease in urology. Ureteral stent is popularly used in patients after surgeries to protect the ureter. Indwelling ureteral stent inevitably causes stent syndrome for the reason of foreign body stimulation and rough stent surface. Clinicaly, oral administration
of solifenacine is a solution to relieve the symptoms, however it is with several complications. In our study, ureteral stent was coated with bioactive solifenacine in polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGMA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to realize super smooth surface and controlled release
of solifenacine. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and friction test of solifenacin-loaded super-smooth stent (SSSS) revealed its smooth surface. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and controlled release test showed its solifenacin delivering and controlled releasing. The polymerase
chain reaction (PCR) showed inhibited α-smooth mucle actin expression in SSSS treated smooth muscle cells. The SSSS was applied in male New Zealand rabbits and revealed the effect of inhibiting the abnormal contraction of bladders. The Histology of SSSS treated bladder revealed
a diastolic muscle layer of bladder. The SSSS after implantation showed smoother surface and less calcium deposition. In conclusion, it’s demonstrated that the SSSS has the efficacy of relieving stent syndrome and potential for clinical translation and application.
Exploring the Role of Circular RNA (Circ_0001806) in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Progression and Immune Evasion through miRNA Regulation
Authors: Guo Yuhong , Meng Lingchen , Liang Xiao , Hou Zhaohui , Leng Wenping , Sun Yue , Yang Yuanshuo , Hou Zhenbo , Zhang Peng
Published: July 2023

CircRNAs are a class of endogenous non-coding RNAs. Therefore, circRNA has the potential to be used as a molecular marker in tumor therapy. The aim of this study is to detect the important functions of circ_0001806 on the progress and immune escape NSCLC. RT-QPCR was used to calculate
the levels of circRNA and miRNA. Immunoblotting was employed to measure the protein level of PDL1. MTT and transwell assays were applied to detect the cell proliferation, migration and invasion. We found that knockdown circ_0001806 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion and suppressed
PDL1 expression of NSCLC. Circ_0001806 directly binding to miR-1236, and miR-1236 could partially reversed the functions of silencing circ_0001806. Circ_0001806 regulated cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor immune escape by sponging miR-1236, providing a new perspective for
exploring targeted therapies for NSCLC.
Long Non-Coding RNA Metastasis-Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1: Epigenetic Regulation of PTEN in Mediating Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis
Authors: Abu Bokha Anas O. K. , Song Mingyang , Li Chenhe , Zalloom Ahmad M. , Li Rui
Published: July 2023

This study investigated the regulatory role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) MALAT1 in HA-VSMCs proliferation and apoptosis through mediating PTEN level. HA-VSMCs were induced with different doses of ox-LDL for various time points, and the relative level of MALAT1 was determined. MALAT1
was upregulated in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Overexpression of MALAT1 increased viability and proliferative rate, and decreased apoptotic rate of HA-VSMCs induced with 100 mg/L ox-LDL for 24 h, which was reversed by si-MALAT1 transfection. PTEN protein level was downregulated by ox-LDL
induction and upregulated by si-MALAT1. MALAT1 was mainly distributed in the nucleus, and it interacted with EZH2. Silencing of MALAT1 attenuated EZH2 binding on PTEN promoter region. Knockdown of PTEN reversed the decreased proliferative ability and increased apoptotic rate in ox-LDL-induced
HA-VSMCs transfected with si-MALAT1. These results indicate that MALAT1 accelerates HA-VSMCs proliferation by recruiting EZH2 to mediate PTEN level. Overall, MALAT1 may play a crucial role in the progression of atherosclerosis and may be a potential therapeutic target.
Linearly Polarized Infrared Spectroscopy for the Analysis of Biological Materials
Authors: Gassner Callum , Vongsvivut Jitraporn , Ng Soon Hock , Ryu Meguya , Tobin Mark J. , Juodkazis Saulius , Morikawa Junko , Wood Bayden R.
Published: July 2023

The analysis of biological samples with polarized infrared spectroscopy (p-IR) has long been a widely practiced method for the determination of sample orientation and structural properties. In contrast to earlier works, which employed this method to investigate the fundamental chemistry of biological systems, recent interests are moving toward “real-world” applications for the evaluation and diagnosis of pathological states. This focal point review provides an up-to-date synopsis of the knowledge of biological materials garnered through linearly p-IR on biomolecules, cells, and tissues. An overview of the theory with special consideration to biological samples is provided. Different modalities which can be employed along with their capabilities and limitations are outlined. Furthermore, an in-depth discussion of factors regarding sample preparation, sample properties, and instrumentation, which can affect p-IR analysis is provided. Additionally, attention is drawn to the potential impacts of analysis of biological samples with inherently polarized light sources, such as synchrotron light and quantum cascade lasers. The vast applications of p-IR for the determination of the structure and orientation of biological samples are given. In conclusion, with considerations to emerging instrumentation, findings by other techniques, and the shift of focus toward clinical applications, we speculate on the future directions of this methodology.
How does policy attention affect e-government performance? The role of resource allocation and public–private collaboration
Authors: Pan Taiting , Fan Bo
Published: July 2023

Although governments are continually investing in e-government construction, differences in e-government performance exist. This study aims to examine how policy attention affects e-government performance through the mediating effect of resource allocation and the moderating effect of public–private collaboration. Analysis of panel data from 333 prefectural governments in China confirms that policy attention can increase e-government performance, but the effect size decreases under the mediating role of financial and human resources. Furthermore, higher public–private collaboration weakens the positive effect of government resources on e-government performance and policy attention on e-government performance.

Points for practitioners

This article can help practitioners recognize the importance of policy attention in guiding e-government implementation by verifying policy attention–resource allocation–e-government performance association. Moreover, this study also provides some suggestions for practitioners seeking to collaborate with private organizations by confirming the negative role of public–private collaboration between government resources and e-government performance.
Faith-Based Discrimination and Violent Religious Hostilities: A Global Analysis
Authors: Saiya Nilay , Manchanda Stuti , Wadidi Rahmat
Published: July 2023

Several studies have found restrictions on minority faith-based communities to be related to the onset of violent religious hostilities. Absent from this work, though, is a consideration of the fact that minority religious discrimination can take different forms, and, consequently, may encourage violence in different ways. This paper seeks to fill this void by examining different forms of minority religious restrictions and their relationship to religious violence. Specifically, we analyze the comparative strength of three basic types of religious discrimination—restrictions on minority religious practices, restrictions on minority religious institutions, and restrictions on conversion and proselytizing—on violence carried out by both religious majority groups and religious minority groups. Interestingly, our analysis shows all three forms of restrictions encourage violence from religious majorities, but not from minorities. We supplement the statistical analysis with a case study of faith-based discrimination and violent religious hostilities in India.
Transient Facial Nerve Palsy as a Complication of Local Anesthesia After Tonsillectomy
Authors: Solarz Paweł , Zwierz Aleksander , Wierzchowska Małgorzata , Burduk Paweł
Published: July 2023

Chronic tonsillitis is a common otolaryngological disease worldwide. The treatment of choice is tonsillectomy, which is one of the most frequently performed procedures in Ear, Nose and Throat Departments. As with any surgical procedure, there are possible complications. Among them, rarely encountered and reported mainly in the pediatric population, is a short-term, transient facial nerve palsy resulting from local anesthetic administration. Here, we present a rare case of a 20-year-old woman with recurrent angina, who developed short-term, fully transient peripheral facial nerve palsy immediately after tonsillectomy under local anesthesia.
Vegan and vegetarian males and females have higher orthorexic traits than omnivores, and are motivated in their food choice by factors including ethics and weight control
Authors: Reynolds Rebecca , McGowan Andrea , Smith Sophie , Rawstorne Patrick
Published: July 2023

Background

Evidence associating plant-based diets with the proposed ‘obsessively healthy eating’ eating disorder, orthorexia nervosa, has mostly focused on females. Diet motivations have seldom been assessed.

Aim

To compare orthorexic tendencies between vegans/vegetarians and omnivores of both sexes, and reasons behind food choice with an English-validated Food Choice Questionnaire.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of 444 males and females were recruited via social media, email, and Amazon MTurk; to investigate eating patterns, orthorexic tendencies using the ORTO-15 questionnaire, and eating motivations using the Food Choice Questionnaire.

Results

Over half of the participants were male (53.4%), younger adults (mean ± SD 37.2 ± 11.2 years), and mostly from the United States (89%). Vegan and vegetarian eating habits were reported by 15.8% of people. Vegans/vegetarians had significantly higher orthorexic tendencies than omnivores, and chose food significantly more often for Weight Control, Ethical Concern, Natural Content, and Mood reasons. People with greater orthorexic tendencies (ORTO-15 score<35) chose food significantly more often for Weight Control and Ethical Concern reasons than those with less orthorexic tendencies (ORTO-15 score 35+).

Conclusion

This study's results are in line with the majority of the evidence that shows an association between vegan/vegetarian diets and orthorexic tendencies, but strengthens the evidence base by including more male participants. Additionally, this is the first study to use an English-validated motivation-based questionnaire that explored diet motivators in vegans/vegetarians compared to omnivories, and in those with orthorexic tendencies vs. those without orthorexic tendencies.
Charism and Liturgy: Elements of the Orthodox Theological Education
Authors: Sonea Cristian-Sebastian
Published: July 2023

Theological education in the Orthodox world has some specific characteristics framed within a particular liturgical rhythm, emphasising the mystagogical rather than the pedagogies. It is counterintuitive and looks to the Patristic Tradition as a revealed theological landmark. The educational vision of the formation of theologians in the Church is to prepare them to share in the mystery of the Kingdom of God in the present, but with the living experience of the Fathers of the past as a model or ethos of spiritual living. We are witnessing an educational failure to the extent that theological teaching does not target the substance of theology. Often the work of grace is abandoned leading to the emergence of a new species of teacher and thinker, professional priests and missionaries, very well equipped with the tools of preaching and witness, but without the life of the Spirit, which must be transmitted through these tools.
The Case of the Theological Education and Missional Formation of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches
Authors: Santiago Niza Joy
Published: July 2023

This paper aims to provide a glimpse of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches’ (CPBC) theological education and missional formation specifically through the Central Philippine University College of Theology (CPU CT). In her beginnings and how the CPU CT treaded the path of the pandemic, I have given specific attention to the use of Hiligaynon and woman lenses. Both the indigenous Hiligaynon and woman perspectives have often been left out in reading history and in interpreting the present. The use of both indigenous Hiligaynon and woman perspectives shows a history that is affirming of the devalued indigenous Hiligaynon and woman perspectives because of hegemonic colonial and patriarchal thinking. A step forward or sideward for the CPU CT could be taking a more affirming and empowering take toward embracing the Hiligaynon culture, language and spirituality as well as intentionally recognizing the space and being of women in doing theology and mission.
A brief overview of single-port laparoscopic appendectomy as an optimal surgical procedure for patients with acute appendicitis: still a long way to go
Authors: Chen Yang , Fan Zongqi , Zhang Xiaoxin , Fu Xinao , Li Jushang , Yuan Jieqing , Guo Shigang
Published: July 2023

Single-port laparoscopic appendectomy (SPLA) has become a good alternative to the traditional surgical treatment of acute appendicitis, due to its advantages of small incision, mild postoperative pain, short hospital stay, and good cosmetic effect. However, the further application of SPLA has been restricted by its relatively long operating time, high level of operating difficulty, and increased equipment and technical requirements. Clinical teams worldwide have attempted to improve and optimize SPLA technical protocols and equipment to maintain stable intraoperative pneumoperitoneal pressure, improve the ‘triangle relationship’ of operating angles, and develop new surgical procedures with less trauma and higher cost-effectiveness. Here, new SPLA techniques reported over the past decade are reviewed and compared, with the aim of providing new insights into technical improvements, equipment upgrades and clinical studies in the coming years.
Interactions Between Child-Rearing and Other Risk Factors in Predicting Delinquency, and Implications for Prevention
Authors: Farrington David P. , Malvaso Catia G.
Published: July 2023

This article aims to identify interactions between harsh discipline and poor supervision and other childhood risk factors (all measured at age 8–10) in predicting delinquency. It analyzes data collected in the Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development (CSDD), which is a prospective longitudinal study of 411 London males first assessed at age 8. Of these males, 26% were convicted between ages 10 and 17. Harsh discipline and poor supervision significantly predicted delinquency, as did 16 other childhood risk factors. Generally, harsh discipline predicted delinquency more strongly in the presence of other risk factors, whereas poor supervision predicted delinquency more strongly in the absence of other risk factors. It is suggested that parent training programs targeting harsh discipline should focus particularly on children and families who possess other risk factors, whereas parent training programs targeting poor supervision should focus particularly on children and families who do not possess other risk factors.
Everything About Pulse Oximetry—Part 2: Clinical Applications, Portable/Wearable Pulse Oximeters, Remote Patient Monitoring, and Recent Advances
Authors: Tekin Kemal , Karadogan Muhammed , Gunaydin Secil , Kismet Kemal
Published: July 2023

Purpose: Pulse oximetry is widely used in healthcare settings for both screening and continuous monitoring. In this article, it was aimed to review some aspects of pulse oximetry including clinical applications, portable devices, and recent advances in detail. Materials and Methods: The international and national reliable sources were used in the literature review for critical data analysis. A total of 31 articles including 19 prospective comparative clinical studies, 9 reviews, 1 meta-analysis, 1 retrospective study, and 1 experimental study were used for preparation of this part of the review. Results: In this part of the article, clinical applications of pulse oximeters, portable/wearable pulse oximeters, remote patient monitoring, and recent advances were all reviewed in detail. Conclusion: Pulse oximetry is a widely used and reliable noninvasive technique that provides useful information about blood oxygenation in individuals. This technique can guide oxygen therapy, reduce the occurrence of hypoxemia, and decrease the frequency of admissions to the intensive care unit, as well as arterial blood gas sampling. New multiwaveform sensors and advanced signal processing techniques can differentiate between different types of hemoglobin and may be useful for continuous measurement of total hemoglobin, as well as for detecting and providing information on blood loss and cardiac output.
Doxycycline post exposure prophylaxis could select for cross-resistance to other antimicrobials in various pathogens: An in silico analysis
Authors: Gestels Zina , Manoharan-Basil Sheeba Santhini , Kenyon Chris
Published: July 2023

Background

A number of randomized controlled trials have found that doxycycline post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can reduce the incidence of gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis in men who have sex with men (MSM). If tetracycline resistance is associated with resistance to other antimicrobials in a range of bacterial species, then doxycycline PEP could have the unintended effect of selecting for resistance to other antimicrobials in these bacterial species.

Methods

Antimicrobial susceptibility data were retrieved from two sources: pubMLST ( https://pubmlst.org/ ) and Pathogenwatch ( https://pathogen.watch/ ) for the following bacterial pathogens: Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella enterica subsp. Enterica serovar Typhi , Campylobacter jejuni, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes. We assessed if tetracycline resistance was associated with resistance to six relevant antimicrobials.

Results

We found evidence of cross resistance to various antimicrobials in all six bacterial species assessed. Cross resistance was found in 4 of 5 antimicrobials for K. pneumoniae, 1 of 2 for C. jejuni, 3 of 5 for S. enterica subsp. Enterica serovar Typhi, 5 of 5 for S. aureus, 5 of 6 for S. pneumoniae and 2 of 3 for S. pyogenes. These associations include a higher prevalence of methicillin resistance in tetracycline resistant S. aureus, penicillin resistance in S. pneumoniae, macrolide and clindamycin resistance in S. pyogenes, fluoroquinolone resistance in S. enterica subsp. Enterica serovar Typhi and third-generation cephalosporin resistance in K. pneumoniae.

Conclusion

These results suggest that studies evaluating the effects of doxycycline PEP should include the effects of doxycycline on resistance not only to doxycycline but also to other antimicrobials and in a broader array of bacterial species than has been included in doxycycline PEP studies thus far.
Transferring near infrared spectral calibration models without standards via multistep wavelength selection
Authors: Ni Lijun , Zhang Zhange , Zhang Liguo , Luan Shaorong
Published: July 2023

Two case studies were conducted to verify calibration model transfer methods without standards by multi-step wavelength selection, using 3–7 near infrared spectrometers to predict ingredients in corn and total plant alkaloids (TPA) in tobacco leaves. Based on the characteristic wavelengths of Uc, which are selected using the scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT), this study advances two multistep wavelength selection methods by selecting wavelengths with high independence and a high standard deviation of the sample spectra (SDSS). The first method, SIFT-SDSS-CORX, selects important characteristic wavelengths Uc-i from Uc whose SDSS is greater than a threshold SDSSacrit. Subsequently, rx, the correlation coefficient matrix between spectral signals of Uc-i, is calculated, and only one wavelength is retained from those whose correlation coefficients exceed a threshold, rxacrit. The wavelength set Uc-i-rx, which is finally screened, is important and independent. In the second method, SIFT-CORX-SDSS, Uc-rx is first selected from Uc by retaining only one wavelength from those whose correlation coefficients between spectral signals of Uc exceed a threshold, rxbcrit. Subsequently, the wavelengths Uc-rx-i with SDSS exceeding a threshold SDSSbcrit are selected from Uc-rx. Near infrared spectroscopy calibration models for predicting protein and oil in corn and TPA in tobacco leaves were built using partial least squares regression (PLS) based on different wavelength sets of Uc, Uc-i, Uc-i-rx, Uc-rx, and Uc-rx-i, respectively. The latent variables used in the PLS models were determined by an accumulative contribution ratio over 99.9%. The results indicate that the PLS models built on Uc-i-rx and Uc-rx-i are effective on both primary and secondary units for corn and tobacco samples. This study utilises a three-step wavelength selection method to select highly independent, important, and characteristic spectral variables, thereby enhancing the robustness, simplicity, and interpretability of NIR) calibration models and facilitating their transfer to secondary units without standards.
Colorectal cancer screening with faecal immunochemical test: Patterns of participation
Authors: Heyman Hanna , Blom Johannes , Saraste Deborah
Published: July 2023

Objective

To evaluate participation and participation patterns in a population-based screening programme for colorectal cancer (CRC) using the faecal immunochemical test (FIT).

Methods

All individuals invited to three consecutive screening rounds in the population-based CRC screening between October 2015 and December 2020 in the Stockholm–Gotland Region, Sweden were included. Patterns of participation were assessed.

Results

The study included 26 541 individuals which resulted in 79 623 screening events. The overall uptake rate was 71.5% and women had a significantly higher participation rate. The participation rate increased significantly between the first and third screening round for both men and women, and the increase was larger among men than women (66.1 to 70.7% vs. 73.1 to 75.4%). In total, 80.9% participated at least once. Consistent participation was the most common participation pattern (61.0%). The probability of attending all three consecutive rounds after initial participation was 87.7%. Over the three rounds, 17.4% participated after a reminder letter. Screening individuals attending after a reminder letter had a higher proportion of drop-outs in the following screening round compared to initial participants (15.4% vs 6.2%).

Conclusion

A constant and high participation rate was observed in population-based FIT-screening for CRC. Initial participation was a strong predictor for continuous participation. The need for a reminder letter before participation was a risk factor for subsequent drop-out.
Fruit of Rosa odorata Sweet var. gigantea (Coll. et Hemsl.) Rehd. et Wils Attenuates DSS-induced Ulcerative Colitis by Adjusting Nrf2/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Teng , Lei Jialong , Han Qiaqia , Zhao Yanmin , Gao Xiaoxia , Zhang Jingze , Liu Dailin
Published: July 2023

Background

Rosa odorata Sweet var. gigantean (Coll. et Hemsl.) Rehd. et Wils (FOE), a sort of ethnodrug from the Yi nationality called “GU-GONG-GUO,” the root of which has been shown to have the effect of relieving diarrhea with astringents. Whether fruit extract (FOE) has therapeutic properties for related intestinal diseases is unclear.

Objectives

The study dedicates to expounding the results and mechanisms of FOE for treating ulcerative colitis (UC).

Materials and Methods

we used dextran sulfate sodium to induce UC in vivo and lipopolysaccharide to stimulate macrophage in vitro for the purpose of exploring and determining the effectiveness and potential mechanism of action of FOE.

Results

The weight loss ratio and Disease activity index score of FOE administration groups were obviously lower and the colon tissue morphology was significantly relieved. The levels of various proinflammatory cytokines in colon tissue were evaluated to be decreased. Meanwhile, the FOE administration group also alters oxidative stress factor levels. The levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 protein were once distinctly up-regulated, whereas the levels of NF-κB p65, p-IKK α/β, and Keap1 were dose-independently and prominently suppressed by FOE administration. In vitro, FOE significantly reduced the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and inhibited the oxidant stress injury in macrophage cells induced by macrophage. The relative expressions of NF-κB p65, p-IKK α/β, and Keap1 proteins in FOE groups were memorably down-regulated, while the Nrf2 and HO-1 levels presented as a contrary tendency.

Conclusion

These results indicated that FOE has shown potential therapeutic efficacy on UC and might be considered an effective anti-inflammatory agent from natural sources.
Preventing Depressive Symptoms in Chinese Adolescents: A Pilot Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tang Xinfeng , Jia Siming , Zhuang Xiaoyu , Wong Daniel Fu Keung
Published: July 2023

Purpose: Depressive symptoms are prevalent among Chinese adolescents. However, there is a lack of effective prevention programs to reduce depressive symptoms. Methods: A pilot cluster randomized controlled trial was implemented in a sample of senior secondary school adolescents. Participants in the intervention group ( N = 148) received a 6-week universal prevention course, whereas the control group ( N = 131) received a routine course focusing on career development. Results: The linear mixed models showed that the group × time interaction was significant for depressive symptoms measured by DASS-21 ( F(2, 550) = 5.72, p = .003) and marginally significant for that measured by SMFQ ( F(2, 549) = 2.41, p = .09). Likewise, the level of anxiety and stress were significantly reduced after the program, but not maintained in the follow-up. Conclusions: This pilot study showed that a universal prevention program is promising in reducing adolescent depressive symptoms.
Hospice Satisfaction Among Patients, Family, and Caregivers: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Hoff Timothy , Trovato Kathryn , Kitsakos Aliya
Published: July 2023

Background: Hospice care is an underused form of intervention at the end of life. The experiences of patients, families, and other caregivers are important to consider in thinking about how to encourage greater use of hospice care, through policies and advocacy that promote its benefits. Specifically, patient, family, and other caregiver satisfaction with hospice care is important to understand better. Methods: A PRISMA-guided review of the research on hospice care satisfaction and its correlates among patients, families, and other caregivers. Included in the review is research published over the time period 2000-2023 identifying a hospice care satisfaction finding. Results: Thirty-eight studies were included in the review. Key findings were: (a) higher levels of hospice care satisfaction among patients, families, and other caregivers; and (b) correlates of hospice care satisfaction falling into the categories of communication, comfort, and support. The published literature had fewer findings related to demographic correlates of satisfaction such as age or race/ethnicity and was lacking in comparative research examining satisfaction across different types of hospice care settings. Discussion: Extant research demonstrates a consistently higher level of hospice care satisfaction among patients, families, and other caregivers. This satisfaction appears related to specific aspects of care delivery that involve effective care coordination and communication; pain and symptom management; and emotional support. Strengthening future research involves testing additional interventions aimed at enhancing satisfaction; including more comparative research across hospice care settings; and more studies that include patients as the key respondents.
Methodological Considerations for Endarkened Narrative Inquiry
Authors: McClish-Boyd Keondria , Bhattacharya Kakali
Published: July 2023

This article extends the previous conversation around endarkened narrative inquiry, a culturally situated approach informed by Black feminist thought, womanism, endarkened feminist epistemology, and narrative inquiry. In this article, we reclaim narrative in the context of a methodological process that centers Black women-centric ontoepistemologies, informed by theoretical perspectives and existing literature, to focus on Black women’s ways of storying their lives. We also discuss the creation of wisdom whisper as a methodological consideration for data collection. Finally, we reflect on the methodological mentoring and negotiations that took place to culturally situate this methodology and offer a method of inquiry aligned with a Blackness-centered framework of analysis.
Dawn or Dusk? Will Virtual Tourism Begin to Boom? An Integrated Model of AIDA, TAM, and UTAUT
Authors: Zhang Ying , Hwang Johye
Published: July 2023

Although virtual tourism has recently been introduced in numerous areas, it is still regarded as a gimmick because whether this currently rising demand will last longer than a year remains unknown. Regarding virtual tourism’s main pillar—technology—and potential weakness—difficulty developing an intimate experience—the current study incorporates key elements of the technology acceptance model (TAM), the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model (UTAUT) and the attention, interest, desire, and action model (AIDA), to create a novel model focused on the need for intimacy. In addition to offering a theoretical foundation for future academics addressing a similar situation, the findings in this research have managerial implications, as the study recommends measures for reviving the tourism industry’s boom. These findings can therefore foster both the tourist industry and local governments; they highlight the necessity for local governments to use modern technologies to dispense tourism resources rationally.
Safety of mid-thigh exit site venous catheters in multidrug resistant colonized patients
Authors: Bartoli Arianna , Donadoni Mattia , Quici Massimiliano , Rizzi Giulia , La Cava Leyla , Foschi Antonella , Calloni Maria , Casella Francesco , Martini Elena , Taino Alba , Cogliati Chiara , Gidaro Antonio
Published: July 2023

Introduction:

Venous catheters inserted in superficial femoral vein and with mid-thigh exit site have emerged as a feasible and safe technique for central or peripheral tip’s venous access, especially in agitated, delirious patients. The spread of multidrug-resistant bacterial (MDR) strains is an emerging clinical problem and more and more patients are being colonized by these types of bacteria. The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) or catheter related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) in mid-thigh catheters in patients with positive rectal swabs to evaluate the safety of this procedure and the real infection risk.

Methods:

In this retrospective observational study, we analyzed data on patients with mid-tight catheters inserted from May 2021 to November 2022. All surveillance rectal swabs were recorded. In addition, to collect data on CLABSI and CRBSI, the results of all blood and catheter tip cultures performed during the hospital stay were acquired.

Results:

Six hundred two patients were enrolled, 304 patients (50.5%) had a rectal swab; 128 (42.1%) swabs were positive for MDR. Nine CLABSI (only two in patients with a positive rectal swab) and three CRBSI were detected. No statistical difference in the absolute number of CLABSI and CRBSI and in the number of infections per 1000 catheter days emerged between the overall population and patients with positive rectal swabs (respectively p = 0.45 and p = 0.53). Similarly, no statistical difference in the number of CLABSI and CRBSI was found among patients with a negative swab and patients with a positive one (respectively p = 0.43 and p = 0.51).

Conclusions:

According to our data, cannulation of the superficial femoral vein represents a safe location in patients with positive rectal swabs.
Time-varying modal identification using multi-channel measurements based on multivariate variational mode decomposition
Authors: Yao Xiao-Jun , Lv Yu-Chun , Yang Xiao-Mei
Published: July 2023

Structural modal parameters are essential to provide dynamic information for data analysis of structural health monitoring (SHM) system. Because of the variation of the physical properties or the influence of the environment, the structural modal parameters may change with time during the operation, showing time-varying characteristics. Therefore, accurate identification of time-varying modal parameters shows to be an important issue for SHM. In this paper, a time-varying modal identification method is proposed by improving the multivariate variational mode decomposition (MVMD) method with autoregressive power spectrum and windowed principal component analysis (PCA). Firstly, the method for determination of initial center frequency is proposed by autoregressive power spectrum to improve the efficiency of MVMD. Secondly, intrinsic mode function for each mode is extracted using multi-channel responses by MVMD. Subsequently, instantaneous frequencies are identified through detecting the ridgeline of the synchro-squeezed short-time Fourier transform (SSTFT). Moreover, identification method for time-varying mode shapes is proposed by using the windowed PCA of the multi-channel intrinsic modes. Finally, the proposed method is verified by the numerical and practical studies. The results of the numerical study show that the method is effective for continuously varying modal parameters under impulse and random excitations. Through the data analysis of practical bridge, the capability for practical application is demonstrated.
What difference does the framing of a crisis make to European Union solidarity?
Authors: Ferrara Federico M , Schelkle Waltraud , Truchlewski Zbigniew
Published: July 2023

Does the framing of crises shape public support for inter-state solidarity? We focus on three dimensions that have been salient in the characterisation of European Union crises and may affect public support for solidarity more generally: (a) how country-specific or common a crisis is; (b) whether policymakers are seen as responsible for the crisis or not; and (c) how existential or manageable the threat posed by a crisis appears. We employ a pre-registered factorial vignette experiment conducted in 15 European Union countries to assess how characterising a hypothetical crisis affects voter support for fiscal and financial solidarity. Our results show that exposure to different crises frames shapes public support for risk-sharing in the European Union. Changes in solidaristic attitudes vary significantly with the means of fiscal risk-sharing proposed.
The Association Between the Nonmedical use of Anabolic–Androgenic Steroids and Interpersonal Violence: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: van de Ven Katinka , Malouff John , McVeigh Jim
Published: July 2023

The nonmedical use of anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS) by athletes and the general population is a public health concern. One particular concern relates to the link between AAS use and violence. Although there is a growing body of research on the association between AAS and violence, results as to what the relationship is seem to be mixed. The aim of this meta-analysis is to improve our understanding of what the current evidence base indicates regarding the relationship between the use of AAS and interpersonal violence. In total, 14 studies with a total of 16 samples met the inclusion criteria, comprising a total sample size of 137,055 participants. The findings show that there is a significant association between AAS use and interpersonal violence ( r = .21 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.15, 0.27], p < .00001), although small. It is however unclear what the direction of this relationship is as almost all studies failed to demonstrate whether AAS use occurred prior or subsequent to the violent behavior. Risk of bias for most studies was moderate or high. Three potential moderators, AAS use via self-report or testing, interpersonal violence via self-report or criminal records of violent behavior, and proportion of males, were nonsignificant. Although a meta-analytic relationship between AAS use and interpersonal violence was found, it is unclear to what extent AAS causes violent acts. We need to carefully consider the role of mediating factors, and that the relationship between the two could be part of a broader context as opposed to AAS being the cause of violence.
Telehealth vs In-Person Shared Medical Appointments for an Intensive Therapeutic Lifestyle Change Program for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes
Authors: Patel Padmaja , Boswell Carol , Eldridge James A.
Published: July 2023

In response to Covid-19, the Lifestyle Medicine Clinic at Midland Health elected to utilize telehealth to engage remotely with patients to deliver a 12-week intensive therapeutic lifestyle change (ITLC) program for patients with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. This program utilized a shared medical appointment (SMA) group visit model. Beginning in May/2020, the program was offered again in-person; however, the telehealth option remained. This study is a retrospective chart review, aimed at comparing pre- and post-program changes in body weight, HbA1c, fasting lipid profile, systolic pressure, and diastolic blood pressure between in-person vs telehealth SMA formats. This study found no statistical difference in ITLC program health outcomes between telehealth vs in-person shared medical groups. At the end of ITLC Programs between both groups, an average weight loss of 9.66 pounds and 1% reduction was noted in ptHbA1C. Total cholesterol reduced by 7.1 mg/dL, and LDL by 15.19 mg/dL. The blood pressure readings showed a reduction in systolic blood pressure of 13.4 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure of 4.14 mmHg. Our results indicated that this novel telehealth delivery model could be equally successful in delivering an intensive therapeutic lifestyle program (ITLC) using an SMA approach to prevent, treat and often put chronic diseases in remission.
Social Drivers and Algorithmic Mechanisms on Digital Media
Authors: Metzler Hannah , Garcia David
Published: July 2023

On digital media, algorithms that process data and recommend content have become ubiquitous. Their fast and barely regulated adoption has raised concerns about their role in well-being both at the individual and collective levels. Algorithmic mechanisms on digital media are powered by social drivers, creating a feedback loop that complicates research to disentangle the role of algorithms and already existing social phenomena. Our brief overview of the current evidence on how algorithms affect well-being, misinformation, and polarization suggests that the role of algorithms in these phenomena is far from straightforward and that substantial further empirical research is needed. Existing evidence suggests that algorithms mostly reinforce existing social drivers, a finding that stresses the importance of reflecting on algorithms in the larger societal context that encompasses individualism, populist politics, and climate change. We present concrete ideas and research questions to improve algorithms on digital platforms and to investigate their role in current problems and potential solutions. Finally, we discuss how the current shift from social media to more algorithmically curated media brings both risks and opportunities if algorithms are designed for individual and societal flourishing rather than short-term profit.
Remote ischemic conditioning for stroke: A critical systematic review
Authors: Keevil Harry , Phillips Bethan E , England Timothy J
Published: July 2023

Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) is the application of brief periods of ischemia to an organ or tissue with the aim of inducing protection from ischemia in a distant organ. It was first developed as a cardioprotective strategy but has been increasingly investigated as a neuroprotective intervention. The mechanisms by which RIC achieves neuroprotection are incompletely understood. Preclinical studies focus on the hypothesis that RIC can protect the brain from ischemia reperfusion (IR) injury following the restoration of blood flow after occlusion of a large cerebral artery. However, increasingly, a role of chronic RIC (CRIC) is being investigated as a means of promoting recovery following an ischemic insult to the brain. The recent publication of two large, randomized control trials has provided promise that RIC could improve functional outcomes after acute ischemic stroke, and that there may be a role for CRIC in the prevention of recurrent stroke. Although less developed, there is also proof-of-concept to suggest that RIC may be used to reduce vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage or improve cognitive outcomes in vascular dementia. As a cheap, well-tolerated and almost universally applicable intervention, the motivation for investigating possible benefit of RIC in patients with cerebrovascular disease is great. In this review, we shall review the current evidence for RIC as applied to cerebrovascular disease.
Doctoral Virtual Writing Group: For Us, By Us
Authors: Coker Schane D. , Wicker Cory J. , Rutland Tammy M. , Herlle Myrian , Styles Jason K. , Martinez Joseph D.
Published: July 2023

This Writers’ Forum piece addresses the importance and impact of community within the graduate experience through inception and evolution of a virtual writing group by six doctoral students attending geographically distant universities. By acknowledging relevant academic literature and sharing our experiences as best practices, we propose that virtual writing groups serve a practical application for academic success and scholarship. This forum piece will assist graduate students as they engage in academic writing and the faculty who manage and support student endeavors. HRD practitioners and academic programs can leverage this forum piece to implement the application of virtual writing spaces to enhance other adopted communities of practice
Body Mass Index (BMI) Cutoffs and Racial, Ethnic, Sex, or Age Disparities in Patients Treated With Total Ankle Arthroplasty
Authors: Chao Myra , Manz Wesley J. , Fink Juliet , Coleman Michelle M. , Kadakia Rishin J. , Bariteau Jason T.
Published: July 2023

Background:

The rising prevalence of obesity among American adults has disproportionately affected Black adults and women. Furthermore, body mass index (BMI) has historically been used as a relative contraindication to many total joint arthroplasty (TJA) procedures, including total ankle arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential disparities in patient eligibility for total ankle arthroplasty based on race, ethnicity, sex, and age by applying commonly used BMI cutoffs to the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database.

Methods:

Patients in the ACS-NSQIP database who underwent TAA from 2011 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed in a cross-sectional analysis. BMI cutoffs of <50, <45, <40, and <35 were then applied. The eligibility rate for TAA was examined for each BMI cutoff, and findings were stratified by race, ethnicity, sex, and age. Independent t tests, chi-squared tests, and Fisher exact tests were performed to compare differences at an α = 0.05.

Results:

A total of 1215 of 1865 TAA patients (65.1%) were included after applying the exclusion criteria. Black patients had disproportionately lower rates of eligibility at the most stringent BMI cutoff of <35 ( P = .004). Hispanic patients had generally lower rates of eligibility across all BMI cutoffs. In contrast, Asian American and Pacific Islander patients had higher rates of eligibility at the BMI cutoffs of <35 ( P = .033) and <40 ( P = .039), and White non-Hispanic patients had higher rates of eligibility across all BMI cutoffs. Females had lower eligibility rates across all BMI cutoffs. Ineligible patients were also younger compared to eligible patients across all BMI cutoffs.

Conclusion:

Stringent BMI cutoffs may disproportionately disqualify Black, female, and younger patients from receiving total ankle arthroplasty.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, retrospective cross-sectional study.
Abolish, Accept, Apply: Coping With Ignorance in Project Ecologies
Authors: Thiel Joachim , Grabher Gernot
Published: July 2023

This article seeks to advance the current debate on the role of ignorance in the management of large projects by mobilizing insights from recent literature on the interplay between temporary projects and permanent contexts. Instead of examining how ignorance shapes the success or failure of isolated projects, we intend to examine how ignorance is addressed and framed within these projects and their wider environment and how this framing shapes the practices of planning and managing projects. The usefulness of the proposed framework is gauged with two empirical vignettes that elucidate different perspectives on ignorance in recent, German, large construction projects.
Overexpression of OsHAD3, a Member of HAD Superfamily, Decreases Drought Tolerance of Rice
Authors: Zan Xiaofei , Zhou Zhanmei , Wan Jiale , Chen Hao , Zhu Jiali , Xu Haoran , Zhang Jia , Li Xiaohong , Gao Xiaoling , Chen Rongjun , Huang Zhengjian , Xu Zhengjun , Li Lihua
Published: July 2023

Haloacid dehalogenase-like hydrolase (HAD) superfamily have been shown to get involved in plant growth and abiotic stress response. Although the various functions and regulatory mechanism of HAD superfamily have been well demonstrated, we know little about the function of this family in conferring abiotic stress tolerance to rice. Here, we report OsHAD3, a HAD superfamily member, could affect drought tolerance of rice. Under drought stress, overexpression of OsHAD3 increases the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde than wild type. OsHAD3-overexpression lines decreased but antisense-expression lines increased the roots length under drought stress and the transcription levels of many well-known stress-related genes were also changed in plants with different genotypes. Furthermore, overexpression of OsHAD3 also decreases the oxidative tolerance. Our results suggest that overexpression of OsHAD3 could decrease the drought tolerance of rice and provide a new strategy for improving drought tolerance in rice.