bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Worth of Nrf2/BACH1/HO-1 Protein Expression in the Development of Breast Cancer
Authors: Barnes Precious , Agbo Elvis , Wang Jianjie , Amoani Benjamin , Kwaku Opoku Yeboah , Okyere Perditer , Saahene Roland  Osei
Published: October 2023

Objectives: Nrf2/BACH1/HO-1 proteins have been implicated in the development and progression of tumors. However, their clinical relevance in breast cancer remains unclear and understudied. This study evaluated Nrf2/BACH1/HO-1 protein expression and its relationship with age, tumor grade, tumor stage, TNM, ER, PR, HER2, and histologic type. Methods: 114 female breast cancer and 30 noncancerous tissues were evaluated for Nrf2/BACH1/HO-1 protein expression using immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The relationships between the expression and clinicopathologic factors were assessed using the χ2 test. Results: 74% of the cancerous samples had high Nrf2 protein expression, and 26% of them had low Nrf2 protein expression. Regarding the non-cancer samples, 43% had high Nrf2 protein expression and 57% had low Nrf2 protein expression (p < 0.002). 39% of the cancerous samples had high BACH1 protein expression, and 61% had low BACH1 protein expression. For the non-cancer samples, 80% had high BACH1 protein expression and 20% had low BACH1 protein expression (p < 0.031). 67% of the cancerous samples had high HO-1 protein expression, and 33% had low HO-1 protein expression. However, for the non-cancer samples, 17% of them had high HO-1 protein expression and 83% had low HO-1 protein expression (p < 0.001). The expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 significantly correlated with tumor grade, while BACH1 was significantly associated with tumor stage (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Nrf2, BACH1, and HO-1 could be explored as a biomarker for cancer stage, progression, and prognosis.
Engineering Organ-on-a-Chip Systems for Vascular Diseases
Authors: Shakeri Amid , Wang Ying , Zhao Yimu , Landau Shira , Perera Kevin , Lee Jonguk , Radisic Milica
Published: October 2023

Vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and thrombosis, are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Traditional in vitro models for studying vascular diseases have limitations, as they do not fully recapitulate the complexity of the in vivo microenvironment. Organ-on-a-chip systems have emerged as a promising approach for modeling vascular diseases by incorporating multiple cell types, mechanical and biochemical cues, and fluid flow in a microscale platform. This review provides an overview of recent advancements in engineering organ-on-a-chip systems for modeling vascular diseases, including the use of microfluidic channels, ECM (extracellular matrix) scaffolds, and patient-specific cells. We also discuss the limitations and future perspectives of organ-on-a-chip for modeling vascular diseases.
Widening the Prostacyclin Paradigm: Tissue Fibroblasts Are a Critical Site of Production and Antithrombotic Protection
Authors: Vinokurova Maria , Lopes-Pires Maria Elisa , Cypaite Neringa , Shala Fisnik , Armstrong Paul C. , Ahmetaj-Shala Blerina , Elghazouli Youssef , Nüsing Rolf , Liu Bin , Zhou Yingbi , Hao Chuan-ming , Herschman Harvey R. , Mitchell Jane A. , Kirkby Nicholas S.
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

Prostacyclin is a fundamental signaling pathway traditionally associated with the cardiovascular system and protection against thrombosis but which also has regulatory functions in fibrosis, proliferation, and immunity. Prevailing dogma states that prostacyclin is principally derived from vascular endothelium, although it is known that other cells can also synthesize it. However, the role of nonendothelial sources in prostacyclin production has not been systematically evaluated resulting in an underappreciation of their importance relative to better characterized endothelial sources.

METHODS:

To address this, we have used novel endothelial cell–specific and fibroblast-specific COX (cyclo-oxygenase) and prostacyclin synthase knockout mice and cells freshly isolated from mouse and human lung tissue. We have assessed prostacyclin release by immunoassay and thrombosis in vivo using an FeCl
3
-induced carotid artery injury model.

RESULTS:

We found that in arteries, endothelial cells are the main source of prostacyclin but that in the lung, and other tissues, prostacyclin production occurs largely independently of endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells. Instead, in mouse and human lung, prostacyclin production was strongly associated with fibroblasts. By comparison, microvascular endothelial cells from the lung showed weak prostacyclin synthetic capacity compared with those isolated from large arteries. Prostacyclin derived from fibroblasts and other nonendothelial sources was seen to contribute to antithrombotic protection.

CONCLUSIONS:

These observations define a new paradigm in prostacyclin biology in which fibroblast/nonendothelial-derived prostacyclin works in parallel with endothelium-derived prostanoids to control thrombotic risk and potentially a broad range of other biology. Although generation of prostacyclin by fibroblasts has been shown previously, the scale and systemic activity was unappreciated. As such, this represents a basic change in our understanding and may provide new insight into how diseases of the lung result in cardiovascular risk.
The Effect of Work Engagement on Emotional Labor: A Study on Teachers
Authors: Şimşek Tuğçe , Benk Osman
Published: October 2023

Teachers are extremely valuable and sacred employees in terms of cultivating the precious works of all generations. It is considered as a pre-acceptance that teachers, who face many problems such as basic wages, work-family conflict, health problems and being appointed to civil service, are engaged about work throughout their careers. While feeling this engagement, how they come into contact with the concept of emotional labor is the focus of the research. In other words, do teachers reflect their feelings as they are despite problems, or do they behave as they should? In this context, the relevant research was applied to 192 teachers working in Trabzon in the period of June-July 2022 using the snowball sampling method and the data were collected by face-to-face survey technique. The data were interpreted within the framework of correlation and regression analyzes with the SPSS program. According to the obtained correlation analysis results; there is a significant and positive relationship (r=0.441, p
The First Square of Opposition
Authors: Christensen Ryan
Published: October 2023

It has become an article of faith among historians of logic that the square of opposition diagram is due not to Aristotle, but to Apuleius. I examine three Aristotelian texts and argue that Prior Analytics I.46 contains a square of opposition, making Aristotle the discoverer of the diagram.
The Application of the Good Faith Principle in the 2018 Commercial Lien Law: Toward a Better Performance
Authors: Alshahrani Shaya Abdullah
Published: October 2023

The Saudi legislator requires the creditor to meet the requirements of the Good Faith Principle in commercial lien contracts to obtain legal protection against the debtor. Since this principle was originally a moral obligation, there are questions about applying it in the legal context. To identify potential obstacles and address them, this paper critically evaluates current applications of the Good Faith Principle in the context of the 2018 Commercial Lien Law (2018 CLL). The assessment is made by considering the impact of such a principle on the interests of both contracting parties. Thus, this paper proposes practical solutions to improve the current regulatory framework of good faith within the 2018 CLL to achieve adequate protection for the creditor in a manner that does not harm the debtor’s interests.
Second-step lectotypification of four names in the genus Burmannia (Burmanniaceae)
Authors: ARUNRAJ PARAPPURAKKAL THAZHE , SANJAI VISWANATHAMANDIRAM NATARAJAKAIMAL
Published: October 2023

Here we discuss the second-step lectotypification of four names in the genus Burmannia L. viz. B. cochinchinensis Gagnep., B. letestui Schltr., B. subcoelestis Gagnep., and B. tisserantii Schltr.
Bunites distigma (Brullé, 1837): discovery of the second- and third-instar larvae and phylogenetic relationships within the Colymbetinae (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae)
Authors: MICHAT MARIANO C. , ALARIE YVES , BALKE MICHAEL
Published: October 2023

The second- and third-instar larvae of the diving beetle Bunites distigma (Brullé, 1837) are described and illustrated for the first time, including detailed morphometric and chaetotaxic analyses of selected structures, and their phylogenetic relationships within the Colymbetinae are re-evaluated. The results support previous hypotheses on the position of this genus based on first-instar characters, as Bunites Spangler, 1972 shares a common origin with Meladema Laporte, 1835, Hoperius Fall, 1927 and Neoscutopterus J. Balfour-Browne, 1943, and within this clade, it is sister to Meladema. Instars II and III of Bunites differ from other colymbetine genera by the presence of a basal suture on the urogomphi combined with the presence of posteroventral secondary setae on the protarsus. Some information on the habitat of the species is also provided.
Economic evaluations of alcohol pharmacotherapy: Systematic review of economic evaluations of pharmacotherapy for the treatment of alcohol use disorder
Authors: Higginbotham Benjamin , Perez Joahna Kevin , Louie Eva , Haber Paul S , Lubman Dan , Arunogiri Shalini , Chatterton Mary Lou , Morley Kirsten C
Published: October 2023

Objective:

Alcohol use disorders confer a significant burden of disease and economic cost worldwide. However, the utilisation of pharmacotherapies to manage alcohol use disorder is poor. We aimed to conduct a systematic review of economic evaluation studies of alcohol use disorder pharmacotherapies.

Methods:

A search was conducted in Embase, Medline, CINAHL, PsychINFO and EconLit (August 2019, updated September 2022). Full economic evaluations using pharmacotherapy to treat alcohol use disorders were included. Included studies were stratified by medication and summarised descriptively. The Consensus on Health Economic Criteria list was used to assess the methodological quality.

Results:

A total of 1139 studies were retrieved, of which 15 met the inclusion criteria. All studies were conducted in high-income countries. Four studies analysed nalmefene, four studies assessed acamprosate, three for naltrexone and four for stand-alone and/or combinations of naltrexone and acamprosate. There were 21 interventions synthesised from 15 studies as some studies evaluated multiple interventions and comparators. More than half of the included studies (73%) reported pharmacotherapy as dominant (less costly and more effective than comparators). From healthcare payer perspectives, five studies found that pharmacotherapy added to psychosocial support was dominant or cost-effective, accruing additional benefits at a higher cost but under accepted willingness to pay thresholds. Three analyses from a societal perspective found pharmacotherapy added to psychosocial support was a dominant or cost-effective strategy. Quality scores ranged from 63% to 95%.

Conclusion:

Pharmacotherapy added to psychosocial support was cost-effective from both healthcare and societal perspectives, emphasising an increased role for pharmacotherapy to reduce the burden of alcohol use disorders.
Excellent fixation and color fastness of nylon fibers dyed with low-water-soluble reactive dyes based on the reactivity and stability of vinyl sulfone
Authors: Li Dexiang , Ma Wei , Tang Bingtao , Zhang Shufen
Published: October 2023

Reactive dyes in nylon dyeing have been associated with utilization inefficiencies despite their high color fastness. A potential solution to this issue involves combining the benefits of reactive dyes and milling acid dyes to obtain low-water-soluble reactive dyes (LWSRDs), which can stain and fix to nylon fibers under neutral conditions. To identify a suitable functional group for LWSRDs, six model dyes comprising one vinyl sulfone and five monochloro- s-triazines were prepared and reacted with glycine or hydrolyzed to simulate the fixation progress on nylon fibers. The results show that vinyl sulfone exhibited sufficient reactivity with glycine, and ∼3% hydrolysis over 90 min. Consequently, vinyl sulfone was considered a superior functional group for LWSRDs. Based on these results, four LWSRDs with monofunctional groups were synthesized and used for dyeing nylon 6 microfibers. Notably, these dyes exhibited fixation of >91% and demonstrated exceptional color fastness against washing and rubbing, exceeding grade 4. These results underscore the potential of LWSRDs as highly efficient and effective dyes for nylon, offering a solution to the limitations associated with conventional dyeing techniques.
Acknowledging the Emergence of a New Logic: The Regulation of Healthcare in Brazil
Authors: Ryngelblum Arnaldo , Freitas José Estevam , Costa Maroni Saraiva Mayla Cristina
Published: October 2023

Studies of institutional change have focused on several themes. Yet, examinations of small innovations still require attention. This question is important because a new logic is usually only recognized after several modifications have taken place; thus, noticing it early becomes relevant. The emergence of a new logic presupposes new prescriptions about what is appropriate for both businesses and society. This article examines Brazilian health regulations that have undergone several alterations and suggests that this occurrence can be identified only when actors begin to react to the impact of such an event by changing their daily practices.
Tracking the cost of living, for whom and at what price? A political economy of price indicators in Madagascar
Authors: Bédécarrats Florent , Dazet Flore , Guérin Isabelle , Razafindrakoto Mireille , Roubaud François
Published: October 2023

This article studies the production and meaning of price indicators in Madagascar, a post-colonial context characterized by a weak state, the prominence of international aid, and repeated food crises. We observe a profusion of indicators, data, and analyses related to prices. Such profusion illustrates not only different meanings of the cost of living but also fragmented economies and a fragmented mode of government in which nongovernmental organizations and international organizations play a leading role. Whatever their efforts, these initiatives struggle to capture the specific features of the cost of living in a context where the subsistence economy remains hardly convertible into numbers. Our analysis confirms the close links between statistical production and modes of government. The Malagasy Consumer Price Index coexists with many disparate initiatives aimed to cope with inequalities and emergencies, reflecting a country in the throes of repeated political, economic, and social crises.
ADC histogram parameters differentiating atypical from transitional meningiomas: correlation with Ki-67 proliferation index
Authors: Han Tao , Liu Xianwang , Jing Mengyuan , Zhang Yuting , Zhang Bin , Deng Liangna , Zhou Junlin
Published: October 2023

Background

Preoperative differentiation of atypical meningioma (AtM) from transitional meningioma (TrM) is critical to clinical treatment.

Purpose

To investigate the role of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) histogram analysis in differentiating AtM from TrM and its correlation with the Ki-67 proliferation index (PI).

Methods

Clinical, imaging, and pathological data of 78 AtM and 80 TrM were retrospectively collected. Regions of interest (ROIs) were delineated on axial ADC images using MaZda software and histogram parameters (mean, variance, skewness, kurtosis, 1st percentile [ADCp1], 10th percentile [ADCp10], 50th percentile [ADCp50], 90th percentile [ADCp90], and 99th percentile [ADCp99]) were generated. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare the differences in histogram parameters between the two groups; receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess diagnostic efficacy in differentiating AtM from TrM preoperatively. The correlation between histogram parameters and Ki-67 PI was analyzed.

Results

All histogram parameters of AtM were lower than those of TrM, and the variance, skewness, kurtosis, ADCp90, and ADCp99 were significantly different ( P < 0.05). Combined ADC histogram parameters (variance, skewness, kurtosis, ADCp90, and ADCp99) achieved the best diagnostic performance for distinguishing AtM from TrM. Area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 0.800%, 76.25%, 67.95%, 70.15%, 70.93%, and 73.61%, respectively. All histogram parameters were negatively correlated with Ki-67 PI (r = −0.012 to −0.293).

Conclusion

ADC histogram analysis is a potential tool for non-invasive differentiation of AtM from TrM preoperatively, and ADC histogram parameters were negatively correlated with the Ki-67 PI.
Choice of product quality in supply chain of live-streaming e-commerce under different power structures
Authors: Zhang Zhijian , Chen Zhenwu , Wan Miyu , Qiu Shuai
Published: October 2023

Product quality has become an important factor affecting consumer demand and the sustainable and stable development of the live-streaming e-commerce supply chain. In this article, two types of Stackelberg game of manufacturer-led or streamer-led and centralized decision game models are constructed to explore the impact of streamer commission proportion and different power structures on product quality decision-making of live-streaming e-commerce supply chain. The results show that (1) product quality decreases with the increase of streamer commission proportion under streamer’s dominant power structure and manufacturer’s dominant power structure, and product quality is not affected by streamer commission proportion under a centralized decision-making mode; (2) the product quality under the three power structures increases with the increase of quality sensitivity coefficient and decreases with the increase of quality-improvement cost coefficient; (3) comparatively speaking, the live-streaming under centralized decision-making mode has lower price and higher product quality, while the power structure dominated by manufacturers is unfavorable to the improvement of product quality.

JEL Classification: C72, D21
Community engagement of public libraries for ensuring tribal women’s health literacy in Bangladesh
Authors: Yesmin Shamima , Abdul Karim Md. , Atikuzzaman Md.
Published: October 2023

Public libraries can play dual roles as knowledge centres and community hubs for societies. They can provide easy ways to reach out to the community by engaging the community through a number of initiatives, including health literacy. The main aim of this study is to investigate public libraries’ responses and willingness in providing health information services to tribal communities. Data was collected from 11 library professionals using a structured interview method and 276 tribal women through a survey. The data was then analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings show that most of the participating libraries (72.8%) did not provide any specific service for tribal-community engagement, although all of them were very positive in initiating it. On the other hand, the majority of the tribal women were interested in getting health-related information from public libraries. ‘Community engagement for health literacy’ could be a new formula for tribal communities in this regard.
Association of Changes in Hip and Knee Kinematics During a Single-Leg Squat With Changes in Patient-Reported Outcomes at 6 Months and 1 Year After Hip Arthroscopy
Authors: Swindell Hasani , Wichman Daniel M. , Guidetti Martina , Chahla Jorge , Nho Shane J. , Malloy Philip
Published: October 2023

Background:

Previous studies have demonstrated alterations in squat kinematics in patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). Little is known about the effects of arthroscopic hip surgery on biomechanics during a single-leg squat (SLS) in these patients.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to determine if (1) lower extremity dynamic range of motion (ROM) during an SLS task improves after hip arthroscopy for FAIS and (2) correlations exist between changes in patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and changes in lower extremity dynamic ROM during an SLS after hip arthroscopy for FAIS. It was hypothesized that dynamic hip ROM would improve after hip arthroscopy and that hip dynamic ROM would be associated with changes in PRO scores at both 6 months and 1 year.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Patients with FAIS performed 3 SLSs that were analyzed using a 20-camera motion capture system. Dynamic ROMs were calculated in 3 planes for the hip, knee, ankle, and pelvic segments. Squat depth was calculated as the change in vertical center of mass during the squat cycle. PROs including the Hip Outcome Score–Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), Hip Outcome Score–Sports (HOS–Sports), International Hip Outcome Tool–12, and visual analog scale for pain scores were collected preoperatively and at the time of postoperative testing. Paired-samples t tests were used to compare kinematic variables pre- and postoperatively. Correlations were used to compare changes in PROs with changes in kinematics. All statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 26.

Results:

Fifteen patients were tested preoperatively and at a mean of 9 months postoperatively. All PRO measures improved postoperatively at 6 months and 1 year. Squat depth and sagittal plane hip and knee dynamic ROMs were significantly improved postoperatively. Positive correlations existed between changes in (1) hip ROM with the 6-month HOS-ADL score ( r = 0.665) and (2) knee ROM with the 6 month ( r = 0.590) and 1-year ( r = 0.565) HOS–Sports scores.

Conclusion:

Dynamic sagittal plane hip and knee ROMs improve after hip arthroscopy for FAIS. These improvements demonstrate strong correlations with improvements in some but not all postoperative PROs.

Clinical Relevance:

The current study sought to better understand the role of dynamic movement in the diagnosis and treatment of FAIS. These findings indicate that dynamic ROM and squat depth can, similarly to PROs, serve as biomarkers for patient function both before and after hip arthroscopic surgery.
METTL3-mediated m6A modification of lncRNA SNHG3 accelerates gastric cancer progression by modulating miR-186-5p/cyclinD2 axis
Authors: Ji Guo , Wang Xiu , Xi Hao
Published: October 2023

Objectives

METTL3 as an m6A methyltransferase acts in diverse malignancies including gastric cancer (GC). We aimed to reveal the underlying mechanisms by which METTL3 contributes to gastric carcinogenesis.

Methods

The association of METTL3 and SNHG3 with GC was analyzed by qRT-PCR, Western blot, and TCGA cohort. The functional experiments were implemented to uncover the role of METTL3 in GC. m6A dot blot and MeRIP were used to determine METTL3-mediated m6A modification of lncRNA SNHG3. The effect of METTL3 on SNHG3-mediated miR-186-5p/cyclinD2 axis was evaluated by luciferase gene report, RT-qPCR, and Western blot assays.

Results

We found that METTL3 was remarkably elevated in GC tissues and correlated with poor survival in patients with GC. Silencing of METTL3 impaired GC cell growth and invasion, whereas restored METTL3 expression promoted these effects. Mechanistically, reduced expression of METTL3 decreased SNHG3 m6A level and caused a decrease in SNHG3 expression, which could further act as a sponge of miR-186-5p to upregulate cyclinD2. Overexpression of SNHG3 attenuated METTL3 knockdown-induced anti-proliferating and miR-186-5p upregulation and cyclinD2 downregulation.

Conclusion

We find that METTL3-mediated m6A modification of lncRNA SNHG3 accelerates GC progression by modulating miR-186-5p/cyclinD2 axis.
Easing Suffering for ICU Patients and Their Families: Evidence and Opportunities for Primary and Specialty Palliative Care in the ICU
Authors: Doherty Christine , Feder Shelli , Gillespie-Heyman Sarah , Akgün Kathleen M.
Published: October 2023

Intensive care unit (ICU) admissions are often accompanied by many physical and existential pressure points that can be extraordinarily wearing on patients and their families and surrogate decision makers (SDMs). Multidisciplinary palliative support, including physicians, advanced practice nurses, nutritionists, chaplains and other team members, may alleviate many of these sources of potential suffering. However, the palliative needs of ICU patients undoubtedly exceed the bandwidth of current consultative specialty palliative medicine teams. Informed by standard-of-care palliative medicine domains, we review common ICU symptoms (pain, dyspnea and thirst) and their prevalence, sources and their treatment. We then identify palliative needs and impacts in the domains of communication, SDM support and transitions of care for patients and their families through their journey in the ICU, from discharge and recovery at home to chronic critical illness, post-ICU disability or death. Finally, we examine the evidence for strategies to incorporate specialty palliative medicine and palliative principles into ICU care for the improvement of patient- and family-centered care. While randomized controlled studies have failed to demonstrate measurable improvement in pre-determined outcomes for patient- and family-relevant outcomes, embracing the principles of palliative medicine and assuring their delivery in the ICU is likely to translate to overall improvement in humanistic, person-centered care that supports patients and their SDMs during and following critical illness.
A model and simulation study of developers’ multicontract incentives for contractors’ green technology innovation decisions considering marketing efforts and innovation capability
Authors: Qian Yingmiao , Yu Xian-an , Chen Xueli , Song Malin
Published: October 2023

To promote low-carbon development of the construction industry and popularize green buildings (GBs), considering the influence of marketing efforts and innovation capability on GB market demand, this paper constructs multiple incentive decision models based on contract theory, analyzes developers’ decision-making behaviors for incentivizing contractors’ green technology innovation (GTI) under different incentive decision models; and explores the impacts of greenness preference and service quality preference on contract prices, sales prices, innovation levels and marketing effort levels. In addition, the impacts of marketing effort cost coefficient and innovation capability on innovation levels, marketing effort levels and developers’ profits are simulated through parameter assignment and computer software. The results show that greenness preference and service quality preference have positive impacts on developers’ and contractors’ decisions and profits; under the decision model based on innovation level, the developers maximize profits, but the developers’ marketing effort levels and contractors’ innovation levels are lower at this time; under the decision model based on cost-sharing, the contractors have the highest innovation levels and achieve optimal profits, while the innovation capability can promote innovative activities. The results of the study have guiding significance for enhancing the levels of GTI and promoting the development of GBs.
Investigating the Anti-inflammatory Effects of Rutin in Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Hepatotoxicity: Role of TLR4/MyD88/NFκB Signaling Pathway Modulation
Authors: He Qianyu , Hao Hu , Zhao Keke
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Rutin protects and stabilizes hepatocytes and is used to treat hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and other diseases. However, there is little evidence to suggest that Rutin is associated with CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. In this study, we investigated the effects of Rutin on CCl4-induced liver inflammation and discussed in vivo and in vitro mechanisms.

Materials and Methods

CCl4 was used to induce liver inflammation, and Rutin was used for intervention in mice. Then the body weight, liver weight, and liver inflammation of all mice were measured. Western blotting and RT-PCR were used to assess TLR4/MyD88/NFκB inflammation signaling pathways and inflammatory gene expression. Finally, TLR4 was activated in primary hepatocytes to verify the above signal pathways.

Findings

CCl4 mice developed liver function damage and liver inflammation. Further investigations showed that the inhibitory effects of Si on inflammation were mediated by TLR4/MyD88/NFκB inflammation signaling pathways inhibition. Primary hepatocyte studies also confirmed the participation of these signaling pathways and proteins.

Significance

Rutin improved CCl4-induced liver inflammation. Such mechanisms may be related to TLR4/MyD88/NFκB inflammation signaling pathways.
Implementation of Risk-Stratified Breast Cancer Prevention With a Polygenic Risk Score Test in Clinical Practice
Authors: Padrik Peeter , Puustusmaa Mikk , Tõnisson Neeme , Kolk Berit , Saar Regina , Padrik Anna , Tasa Tõnis
Published: October 2023

Background:

Breast cancer (BC) screening with mammography reduces mortality but considers currently only age as a risk factor. Personalized risk-based screening has been proposed as a more efficient alternative. For that, risk prediction tools are necessary. Genome-wide association studies have identified numerous genetic variants (single-nucleotide polymorphisms [SNPs]) associated with BC. The effects of SNPs are combined into a polygenic risk score (PRS) as a risk prediction tool.

Objectives:

We aimed to develop a clinical-grade PRS test suitable for BC risk-stratified screening with clinical recommendations and implementation in clinical practice.

Design and methods:

In the first phase of our study, we gathered previously published PRS models for predicting BC risk from the literature and validated them using the Estonian Biobank and UK Biobank data sets. We selected the best performing model based on prevalent data and independently validated it in both incident data sets. We then conducted absolute risk simulations, developed risk-based recommendations, and implemented the PRS test in clinical practice. In the second phase, we carried out a retrospective analysis of the PRS test’s performance results in clinical practice.

Results:

The best performing PRS included 2803 SNPs. The C-index of the Cox regression model associating BC status with PRS was 0.656 (SE = 0.05) with a hazard ratio of 1.66. The PRS can stratify individuals with more than a 3-fold risk increase. A total of 2637 BC PRS tests have been performed for women between the ages 30 and 83. Results in clinical use overlap well with expected PRS performance with 5.7% of women with more than 2-fold and 1.4% with more than 3-fold higher risk than the population average.

Conclusion:

The PRS test separates different BC risk levels and is feasible to implement in clinical practice.
Decolonising demand for paid domestic work and childcare: Beyond dyadic relationships and Western models
Authors: Sekeráková Búriková Zuzana
Published: October 2023

Research on the demand for paid domestic workers tends to be based on data from the United States and Western Europe, and to explain that demand in the countries of the Global South is a result of the migration of paid domestic workers to the Global North. This article argues that we need to decolonise our explanations of the demands for paid domestic workers, and to expand them by taking into consideration the unequal division of domestic labour between men and women, and investigating the possibility of other dynamics of demand than those driven by global care chains. Decolonising the demand for paid domestic work also requires a methodological shift. We need to acknowledge that care is not necessarily situated within a nuclear family or a dyadic relationship between a man and a woman. Empirically, I draw on interviews with employers of paid domestic workers in Slovakia. In Slovakia, while negotiations around outsourcing household cleaning are embedded in relationships within the nuclear family, decisions around outsourcing childcare are embedded in relationships beyond the nuclear family, namely, those between mothers and grandmothers. While nannies and babysitters do the work previously done by the mother, in reality they serve as replacements for the grandmothers.
Maintaining the future through recurrent crises
Authors: Clifford Pedersen Oliver
Published: October 2023

Einar, a 94-year-old Faroese man who has always resided on the island of Suðuroy, has lived through several societal crises. In this article, I explore his experiences of living through three of them, highlighting his ability to maintain an imagination of in the future and detailing how crises interact over time. I propose that Einar’s upbringing in the cycles of crisis characterising fishery, combined with other factors, led him to develop a particular engagement with the future that mitigated crisis-induced uncertainties. Previous crises served as resources to address current calamities, as such experiences taught Einar that, in even the direst situations, the future will eventually improve. However, Einar temporarily sight of the future when the Faroese fishery industry imploded in the 1990s. Einar questioned whether sufficient resources existed to allow him and the village to recover. The 1990s crisis momentarily gained a personal character; however, due to his age, stable socioeconomic position, and close social and affective ties to the people on Suðuroy, he reaffirmed his decision to stay on the island. Einar’s story showcases the importance of considering people’s experiences and unique positions amidst societal crises—be they temporary, slow, recurrent, or chronic, but also of studying experiences of time. Numerous factors constitute the membrane regulating when societal crises become personal. Crises cannot be understood as singular or isolated events. Instead, crises must be comprehended through their cumulations and entanglements, which involve people’s imagination of the future in unpredictable ways.
Affordances of code-switching in Polish–Australian families: An exploration of language ideologies, practices and management
Authors: Romanowski Piotr
Published: October 2023

Aims and objectives:

As there remains a paucity of research into the use of communication strategies in Polish transnational communities, this paper seeks to delineate the code-switching practices of Polish-speaking families residing in Australia. The tripartite framework of Family Language Policy has been applied for the analysis of affordances of code-switching patterns.

Methodology:

Based on the data collected through the online questionnaire supplemented with in-depth interviews and observations, a qualitative analysis has been conducted to obtain the sociolinguistic picture of the code-switching practices.

Data and analysis:

The interviews and discussions during the observations were recorded, transcribed verbatim and coded according to the Grounded Theory Approach. The recurrent themes were noted. The existing patterns were conceptualised through the process of constant comparison.

Findings and conclusions:

The conducted study draws our attention to the fact that Polish speakers in Australia differ from speakers of other heritage languages. Language management efforts through a great exposure to Polish translates to HL proficiency, maintenance and the degree of bilingualism, as well as the rate of code-switching. All joint family and extracurricular activities organised by Saturday schools and cultural centres augment the HL retention despite the constant attempts to code-switch among the young family members.

Originality:

This paper delves into how Polish is maintained as a HL among Polish-speaking immigrants to Australia and their offspring. It explores one of the well-established yet understudied communities that makes up multicultural Australia. It unfolds an account of the dynamics of code-switching, illustrating how its affordances are utilised to foster communication.
Spotlight on discrimination at work: Italian actresses’ construction of digital spaces of feminist struggle
Authors: Naclerio Emanuela , Giorgi Giulia
Published: October 2023

The article contributes to the studies of digital spaces and women’s action by analysing the case of Amleta, a collective founded during Covid-19 pandemic by a group of Italian theatre actresses. Using a digital ethnographic approach that combines data coming from Amleta’s Instagram account and in-depth interviews with content creators, this study considers how actresses employ digital spaces to challenge violence and discrimination in the workplace. By looking at actresses’ digital action, the study sheds light on the reinterpretation of #metoo narratives and on the construction of non-conventional digital spaces in the struggle for an equal environment in the cultural and creative industries. Given the centrality of informational activism and communicative labour for Amleta’s activities, we argue that knowledge dissemination becomes a political tool, both challenging the status quo and allowing women to move their experiences from an individualised understanding towards a level of collective awareness. The research accounts for how feminist practices can promote social change beyond branded uses of social media platforms.
Engaging with hard-to-reach children and parents using a creative methodology
Authors: Poppe Kylie , Abela Angela
Published: October 2023

This paper delves into the creative methodology adopted whilst engaging in a research study with five families whose young children (aged between 8 and 10 years old) were excluded from school due to social, emotional and mental health difficulties. The complex needs surrounding these families often lead to them being labelled as hard-to-reach and therefore challenging to engage in research. This paper will explore these challenges, the ethical dilemmas that emerged, the constant observation throughout, the reflexivity and flexibility required by the researchers and the relationships forged. Using various creative methods as part of the Mosaic approach both the children and their parents were able to play a part in the meaning-making process throughout the research journey. The culmination of the research study took place in the format of a multi-family group session which provided a safe space for an intergenerational encounter allowing for the children’s and parent's authentic voices to continue to be heard.
All-fiber photoacoustic system for large-area nondestructive testing
Authors: Wu Yuliang , Fu Xuelei , Li Jiapu , Zhang Pengyu , Wang Honghai , Li Zhengying
Published: October 2023

Nondestructive testing (NDT) is of paramount importance in ensuring the safe operation of equipment. Among various NDT techniques, ultrasonic NDT has garnered widespread attention due to its high sensitivity, fast speed, and accurate defect location. Photoacoustic NDT, a burgeoning field in ultrasonic NDT, is particularly attractive due to its immunity to electromagnetic interference. However, existing photoacoustic NDT systems suffer from inadequate excitation intensity and complex ultrasonic signal characteristics, impeding large-area NDT and accurate crack visualization. In this study, we present an all-fiber photoacoustic system for large-area NDT. To address the issues, we have developed a photoacoustic generator unit that can be optimized and controlled to generate stronger ultrasonic signals. Furthermore, we have employed mode decomposition to simplify the detected ultrasonic signals by mitigating the acoustic impedance mismatch-induced mode mixing problem in the system. As a result, the technology allows for large-area crack monitoring of up to 50*50 cm2 with an improved resolution of 1 mm. The present technology paves the way for high-resolution equipment crack monitoring with substantially enhanced accuracy in various environments.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Hip Fracture Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rudisill Samuel S. , Hornung Alexander L. , Varady Nathan H. , Pean Christian A. , Lane Joseph M. , Amen Troy B.
Published: October 2023

Background:

Hip fractures are common injuries that result in substantial loss of quality of life to elderly patients. To date, no meta-analyses have been performed to consolidate findings related to racial and ethnic disparities in hip fracture care.

Purpose:

We sought to examine associations between racial or ethnic identity and several metrics of hip fracture care.

Methods:

For a systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus databases in December 2021 for articles examining racial and ethnic disparities in hip fracture surgery among White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander (PI), and American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) patients. Twenty-three studies reported time to surgery (TTS), complications, mortality, length of stay (LOS), discharge disposition, readmissions, or reoperations. Meta-analyses were conducted for outcomes for which there were at least 3 comparable studies with requisite data available.

Results:

Compared with White patients, Black patients experienced greater rates of TTS longer than 2 days, 30-day complication, 90-day readmission, 1-year reoperation, and longer LOS, though odds of 30-day mortality were reduced. Hispanic patients had higher 90-day complication rates and longer LOS but lower risk of mortality and nonhome discharge than other racial and ethnic groups. Time to surgery of longer than 2 days was more common among Asian patients, though mortality, nonhome discharge, and readmission rates were lower. There were higher mortality rates in White patients compared with Hispanic patients at all timepoints and compared with Black patients until 1 year following surgery, when rates were higher among Black patients.

Conclusions:

This systematic review and meta-analysis found evidence of disparities in hip fracture surgery, with minority patients facing greater rates of surgical delay and perioperative complications. Even though the studies may not have been uniform in defining race or ethnicity or in accounting for the effects of systemic racism, these findings suggest that concerted efforts are needed to understand these gaps and promote equity in hip fracture care.
Engaging Older Adolescent Boys Into School-Based Mental Health Workshops: Testing Theory-Based Facilitators and Barriers in Focus Groups
Authors: Lisk Stephen , Sagar-Ouriaghli Ilyas , Carter Ben , Sclare Irene , Holly Jennifer , Brown June S. L.
Published: October 2023

Untreated mental health problems continue from childhood and adolescence into adulthood, meaning accessible early intervention is essential to reduce long-term negative outcomes. However, there is often a reluctance to engage in mental health treatment, with considerable evidence that young men are less likely to seek help than young women. This original research study aimed to explore four areas of interest around facilitating engagement of adolescent boys to a stress workshop intervention for adolescents in U.K. schools. The areas explored were male role models, destigmatizing language, trust building, and using a transparent and collaborative approach. We also sought to understand the main barriers to engagement. To explore these areas of interest, two focus groups were run, with a total of 12 young men, over two regional sites (London and Bath). Content analysis was used to analyze the data. Participants particularly valued transparency and collaboration as strong facilitators to engagement. Building of trust was the next most popular. Use of role models and destigmatizing language were the joint third most popular methods. The main barrier to help-seeking identified was perceived threat to masculine identity (self and social stigma). Given these novel findings, the factors of transparency and collaboration and building trust as facilitators merit further research, among both adults and adolescents.
Engaging Children in Intervention Development – A Comparison of Four Qualitative Methods and Their Suitability to Elicit Information Relevant for Early Intervention Development
Authors: Pollak Isabella , Stiehl Katharina A.M. , Schrank Beate , Birchwood James , Krammer Ina , Mitic Marija , Rogers Jack C. , Woodcock Kate A.
Published: October 2023

Stakeholder involvement in intervention development has become increasingly popular and is understood as crucial for successful implementation. However, methodological difficulties persist regarding the implementation of appropriate participatory methods to engage children and collect relevant information for intervention development. This paper discusses four creative, qualitative methods – a brainstorming task, an individual letter, a story-based task, and a focus group task – and compares their suitability to generate relevant information for early intervention development. These four methods were used in the early stages of a project aiming to develop a peer relationship intervention and were analysed using thematic analysis. Based on theoretical considerations, information categories (a) definition aspects, (b) context factors, and (c) change mechanisms were of interest, while (d) examples and experience and (e) additional information were identified as prevalent categories through inductive thematic analysis. Definition was a prevalent theme generated by the brainstorming task, although the sticky note format limited the depth of individual answers. The secret letter, which allowed children to share ideas privately, was found to be useful for generating more in-depth reflections on definitions and personal experiences. Stories and focus group discussions were found to be useful for generating varied context factors and change mechanisms, although stories also generated fictional elements and external solutions. Providing different qualitative methods and allowing children to choose how they prefer to communicate their thoughts proved important for collecting authentic, in-depth information.
Understanding the experiences of Black Nova Scotians with community pharmacists
Authors: Gebre Afomia , Bowles Susan , Minard Laura V. , Hamilton-Hinch Barbara , Borden Natalie
Published: October 2023

Background:

A history of medical abuse and social inequality confounded by persistent racial discrimination in health care has triggered mistrust between Black patients and health care providers. Although the consequences of systemic racism on health outcomes are well understood, little is known about how they manifest in pharmacy practice. The objective of this study was to explore the experiences of Black Nova Scotians with community pharmacists.

Methods:

This was a qualitative study that used focus groups and one-on-one interviews. Black Nova Scotians 18 years of age and older who have had interactions with community pharmacists were invited to participate. Focus groups and interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analyzed thematically.

Results:

Two focus groups ( n = 10) and 6 one-on-one interviews were held between May and June 2021. Three major themes were identified: 1) difficulties navigating a pharmacy as a Black person, 2) lack of inclusivity and cultural competence in the pharmacy and 3) transactional relationships with pharmacists.

Discussion:

Most participants felt their race negatively affected the quality of care they received from the pharmacist and that pharmacists were not culturally competent. Most participants did not consider pharmacists to be part of their health care team and described feeling unsafe or uncomfortable in the pharmacy.

Conclusions:

Pharmacists have an important role in closing the health equity gap. This research highlights the need for pharmacy education to include cultural competence and will be used to guide strategies to improve access to culturally safe pharmacy services for Black Nova Scotians.