bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Both Partnership History and Current Relationship Quality are Associated With Life Satisfaction in Old Age
Authors: Tambellini Elisa , Danielsbacka Mirkka , Rotkirch Anna
Published: December 2024

Romantic relationships significantly impact physical and mental wellbeing. While both partnership history and current relationship quality influence wellbeing in later life, they are seldom investigated together. This study examines the long-term effects of partnership history on wellbeing, exploring whether current relationship quality can mitigate the impact of past experiences. Using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) Finland, we categorize partnership histories and examine if relationship quality mediates their effect on life satisfaction. The analysis identifies five partnership history clusters, revealing that continuous relationships lead to the highest life satisfaction, while unstable histories are linked to lower wellbeing. High relationship satisfaction and fewer conflicts are associated with greater wellbeing for both sexes. Relationship quality mediates the negative associations between unstable partnership histories and subjective wellbeing for both men and women but does not alter the wellbeing associations for those with a continuous partnership history.
Cracking the Code: Lionsgate Studio's Ongoing Pursuit of the Latinx Audience
Authors: Chávez Christopher A.
Published: December 2024

Within film industry discourses, U.S. Latinxs are said to be important to the future of Hollywood due to their sheer size and buying power. However, Latinxs remain underrepresented both in front of and behind the camera. Focusing on Lionsgate as a case study, I examine how studio executives have discursively constructed the “Latino audience” and the degree to which this construction allows for films that are oppositional to hegemonic narratives. I ground my analysis in critical political economy and base my findings on a review of Lionsgate's internal and public facing documents, industry reports, and press coverage of Lionsgate's Latino initiatives. I argue that, as a discursive construction, the Latino audience has two defining characteristics. First, they are a market to be exploited rather than a public to be served. Second, studios have been incentivized to conceptualize U.S. Latinxs as part of a transnational market, which imagines the audience as residents of some other nation. Finally, I argue that this conceptualization of the audience limits the resources invested in Latinx films and the kind of counter-hegemonic discourses which Latinx filmmakers can engage.
Book review: Lucy Fulford, The Exiled. Empire, Immigration and the Ugandan Asian Exodus
Authors: Menski Werner
Published: December 2024

Lucy Fulford, The Exiled. Empire, Immigration and the Ugandan Asian Exodus (London: Hodder & Stoughton, 2023), xiv + 368 pp.
The Age of Anger and Social Media: Elias, Technology, Civilizing/Decivilizing Processes and Ressentiment
Authors: van Krieken Robert
Published: December 2024

Politics and society today are characterized by anger and rancour. This paper reflects on this issue by linking: first, Norbert Elias’s sociological account of the complex dynamics of processes of civilization and decivilization, his thoughts on the interrelationship between technological and social organization and human habitus; second, the work done on the concept of ressentiment, introduced by Nietzsche and developed by Scheler and others. Linking these two conceptual frameworks enables a deeper reflection on the role of contemporary communications technology and the ‘new structural transformation of the public sphere’ in the expanding significance of ressentiment in social and political life today. My argument will be that it is important to see the shifts taking place today as part of the interweaving of technological and social changes, with the spread of ressentiment in social media being the latest episode in the ongoing interweaving of processes of civilization and decivilization.
Combined CAR-T/HSCT approach in a patient with refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia and cystic fibrosis
Authors: Di Majo Benedetta E , Vendemini Francesca , Bonanomi Sonia , Casartelli Pietro , Napolitano Sara , Ottaviano Giorgio , Prunotto Giulia , Verna Marta , Sala Alessandra , Migliorino Guglielmo M , Petrella Francesco , Rosso Lorenzo , Claut Laura , Rafaniello Raviele Paola , Rizzari Carmelo , Biondi Andrea , Balduzzi Adriana , Lucchini Giovanna
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

The association of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and cystic fibrosis (CF) is rare. We present the case of a paediatric patient affected by CF and refractory B-cell precursor (BCP) ALL, who was treated with combined chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CAR-T) and allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Case description:

Autologous-CD19 targeting CAR-T allowed to achieve molecular remission and spare chemo-related toxicity. As B-cell aplasia was not achieved, the patient underwent HSCT after total body irradiation (TBI)-based conditioning. The course after HSCT was complicated by veno-occlusive disease, status epileptic and pulmonary invasive fungal infection which showed progressive radiological worsening despite aggressive treatment. Five months after HSCT a left upper lobe lobectomy was successfully performed. Thirteen months after HSCT the patient is in complete disease remission with normal lung function.

Conclusions:

CAR-T cell therapy bridge-to-HSCT may be an effective approach in paediatric refractory ALL in the context of multiple comorbidities as observed in CF.
Postcolonial technoscience revisited
Authors: Hu Cameron
Published: December 2024

What does a postcolonial inquiry into technoscience do? And what is it for? I develop these questions by reconsidering one powerful idea: that science and technology studies (STS) is postcolonial when it elucidates the hybridity, heterogeneity, and indeterminacy of global technoscientific formations, and does so to falsify colonial fantasies of hegemony expressed in imperious conceptual generalities and sovereign universalisms. Revisiting Warwick Anderson’s expositions of postcolonial STS—initiated in this journal two decades ago—I reflect on the form and force of this critical operation. Despite an animating aversion to universalisms, the pursuit of hybridity and heterogeneity may ultimately universalize a liberal metaphysics of agency. This paradox suggests limits to the critical operation that pits hybridity and indeterminacy against hegemony in a postcolonial spirit.
Ridership-Boosting Strategies for Transit Agencies with Different Characteristics: Insights from a Nationwide Survey
Authors: Chen Andong , Li Wei , Lee Chanam , Towne Samuel D. , Zhong Sinan , Ory Marcia G.
Published: December 2024

With COVID-19 no longer classified as a public health emergency, transit agencies are seeking strategies to boost their ridership. Although previous studies have compiled many viable strategies, there is limited knowledge about their effectiveness for agencies with differing characteristics and how their implementation may have evolved post-pandemic. This paper bridges this research gap by identifying effective strategies for agencies of different sizes, regions, and service types. We based this study on a nationwide online survey of 244 transit agencies recruited via email and employed logistic regression analyses to test associations of the perceived effectiveness of strategies with agency characteristics. The findings reveal that marketing and promotion strategy implementation rates increased during the pandemic; however, such increases were short-term and not incorporated into the agencies’ future implementation plans. Moreover, increasing the service frequency emerged as the most effective strategy, whereas fleet electrification, despite being a lower priority for ridership recovery, proved significantly more effective for agencies with firsthand experience. Policymakers and transit agency managers can use the findings of this study to identify strategies that their peer agencies of similar sizes, regions, and service types consider effective for boosting ridership and promote transit use for everyone, especially for those lacking alternative means for transportation.
Study on Collision Dynamics Similarity of Thickness Distortion Model of Train Five-Hole Thin-Walled Structure
Authors: Lu Sisi , Zhu Wenqing , Bao Hongli , Yan Kaibo , Wang Pan , Ni Weitao
Published: December 2024

Full-scale train collision tests are rarely carried out because of high cost, but small-scale model tests have good economy and repeatability, providing a new research method for train crashworthiness design. The metal thin-walled tube is a commonly used energy-absorbing structure for trains. Its collision characteristics directly affect the impact resistance and collision behavior evolution process of trains. This paper studies the collision dynamics similarity of the small-scale model of a five-hole thin-walled energy-absorbing structure at the end of a high-speed train. Firstly, the dynamic mechanical behavior and governing equations of high-speed train collision were analyzed, and the applicable similarity criterion was derived by similarity transformation to develop a similarity scale model. According to the simulation, the energy absorption, peak force and other key responses of the full-scale prototype collision were analyzed. Then, the applicability of the thickness distortion scale model of the five-hole energy-absorbing structure in the high-speed train was proved by equation analysis and error analysis. The impact dynamic responses of the complete similarity model and the distortion similarity model were discussed. A correction program with collision deceleration as the dependent variable was proposed for the distortion similarity model, and the fitting relationship between the distortion factor and the correction factor was obtained. The results calculated by the proposed method prove that the peak force-deformation-energy absorption error of the thickness distortion similarity model in predicting the dynamic responses of the prototype collision is less than 8%, which means the thickness distortion scale model has good accuracy in the prediction of full-scale prototype collision dynamics responses.
LRP1B mutation is associated with lymph node metastasis in endometrial carcinoma: A clinical next-generation sequencing study
Authors: Zheng Yunfeng , Yang Fan , Wu Jie
Published: December 2024

Background

This study aims to investigate the mutation status and protein expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1B (LRP1B) in endometrial cancer, and analyze its association with lymph node metastasis (LNM) in endometrial cancer.

Methods

Targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) was conducted on both tumor tissues and paired blood DNA obtained from 94 endometrial cancer patients, followed by comprehensive analysis. Additionally, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to explore the correlation between LRP1B protein expression levels, its gene mutation status, and LNM.

Results

LRP1B mutation was observed in 19 patients (20.2%). Our results revealed that LRP1B mutation frequencies were significantly different between endometrial cancer with or without LNM ( P = 0.038). Multivariate analysis indicated that LRP1B mutation was a favorable predictor (odds ratio 0.09; 95% confidence interval 0.01–0.95; P = 0.045) for LNM in endometrial cancer. Further analysis revealed that combination of LRP1B mutation with clinical variants (LVSI and histological subtype) yielded a higher area under the curve value of 0.871) and patients harboring LRP1B mutated-type were less likely to develop LNM. On integrated analysis, the concordance between LRP1B NGS and LRP1B IHC was 73.3%.

Conclusions

This study utilizes targeted NGS to uncover the relationship between LRP1B mutation and LNM status, contributing to the development of primary prevention and proactive treatment strategies.
A Double Displacement: Climate Resettlements and Bogotá’s Desplazados
Authors: Sarmiento Hugo
Published: December 2024

In 2013, as part of a climate adaptation plan, Bogota introduced a housing subsidy to facilitate the relocation of residents in high-risk zones. Residents in the urban periphery, specifically those already displaced by civil conflict, voice concerns of the potential for a secondary displacement or a “double displacement.” Using housing data issued between 2013 and 2023, this study analyzes the spatial relationship between the city’s risk zones and subsidized housing. It finds that residents resettled with this subsidy continue to be disproportionately represented in high-risk zones, with 57% of subsidized units, and 51% of those for internally displaced persons, or desplazados as they are locally known, located in high-risk zones.
How population ageing drives up China’s military spending: A securitization framework analysis
Authors: Shi Jiachen
Published: December 2024

Population ageing has long been perceived as a domestic socioeconomic issue that places a growing burden on government budgets. This has led to a prevailing argument in the literature that ageing-induced financial strain would consequently lead to a crowding-out effect on military expenditures. However, this article challenges the notion by arguing that population ageing in China is securitized by the government as a threat to national security on three dimensions: military, regime, and structural security. As a result, population ageing eventually exerts a crowding-in effect on military spending in China. To explore this mechanism, this article departs from a ‘butter-versus-guns’ paradigm and instead adopts a security framework, using primarily Chinese-language sources to explore the impact of population ageing on active-duty personnel, demobilized servicemen, and prospective soldiers.
A digital twin-driven pre-grasp path planning method for robotic deep-frame grasping of disordered workpieces
Authors: Zhao Rongli , Xie Mengyang , Zou Guangxin , Xie Yuan , Leng Jiewu , Liu Qiang
Published: December 2024

In a sheet metal parts welding shop, traditional robot path-planning methods prove inadequate for achieving automatic robot loading and unloading of disordered workpieces in the deep material frames. Therefore, this paper proposes a robotic motion planning framework in Deep-frame Disordered Workpiece Grasping (DDWG), ensuring efficient automatic loading and unloading tasks with high efficiency and collision-free operations. In conjunction with the actual DDWG scenario, an Oriented Bounding Boxes (OBB) based hierarchical enclosing box algorithm is used for collision detection. Further, this paper proposes a two-segment Middle Pre-Grasp Rapidly-exploring Random Tree (MPG-RRT) algorithm for path planning, utilizing pre-grasp point (middle point) guidance. In the DDWG process, a pre-adjustable pre-grasp point is introduced to expand the two random trees toward the intermediate points. Additionally, a probabilistic goal bias and a goal gravity strategy are incorporated with an adaptive gravity step size at each exploring stage to guide the expansion of random trees toward the goal point direction and to optimize paths by removing redundant nodes. Finally, an existing digital twins-driven robotic production line is reconfigured to simulate motion planning in two DDWG scenarios, which validates the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.
Strengthen of metal-polymer direct molding bonding via three-dimensional porous mechanical interlocking
Authors: Qian Miao , Ye Changqing , Xiang Zhong , Liu Le , Zhao Wei , Hu Xudong
Published: December 2024

This paper proposes a direct metal–polymer forming–bonding method using three-dimensional (3D) porous mechanical interlocking to achieve high-strength metal–polymer connections. In this method, porous copper is initially sintered onto copper plates, followed by the infusion of molten polymer into the pores, forming a robust copper–polymer bonded structure. Incorporating microneedle arrays into the copper plates further enhances the bond between the porous copper and the polymer. Characterization of the pore morphology and mechanical properties confirmed the formation of large-area 3D micro-interlocking. Tensile tests on samples with varying porosities showed connection strengths exceeding 30 MPa, with a maximum recorded strength of 37 MPa. Finite element analysis supported the high bonding strength and provided insights into failure mechanisms. This cost-effective technique offers superior copper–polymer bonding strengths, and introduces novel concepts for composite heat exchanger design and manufacturing.
Lupus and SARS-CoV-2: What have we learned after the pandemic?
Authors: Francese Rachele , Rittà Massimo , Lembo David , Donalisio Manuela
Published: December 2024

After the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, we analysed the relationship between Systemic Lupus Erythematosous (SLE) and COVID-19 from the virologist’s perspective based on recent findings. SLE and COVID-19 co-morbidity present unique challenges, as individuals with SLE may be at increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness due to immune system abnormalities and ongoing therapies. Effective management of both diseases requires careful monitoring, adherence to vaccination programs, preventive measures and approved and patient-tailored therapies. This review covers various aspects, including the clinical outcome of SLE patients infected by SARS-CoV-2, the impact of this infection on SLE onset or flare-ups and the benefits of vaccination for this population. Furthermore, this review presents the most recent recommendations on clinical management of COVID-19 in rheumatic patients, including those with SLE, discussing the currently available therapeutic options. Finally, we explore the most effective tools for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis in autoimmune conditions and examine prognostic biomarkers in COVID-19 rheumatic patients with potential implications on their clinical oversight. By adopting a comprehensive approach, we address these complexities from the virologist’s perspective, aiming to improve health care for this vulnerable population.
Management of Thrombocytopenia in SLE
Authors: Kumar Anil , Shobha Vineeta
Published: December 2024

Thrombocytopenia is a common manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is often associated with other haematological manifestations such as leukopenia and haemolytic anaemia. It is a poor prognostic marker and is an independent marker of mortality and morbidity. Several autoantibodies, such as anti-glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GpIIb/IIIa), anti-GpIa/IIa, anti-GpIb/IX, anti-thrombopoietin receptor (TPO-R) and antiphospholipid antibodies, play a role in the pathogenesis of thrombocytopenia in SLE. Glucocorticoids are considered the first line in the management. However, when prescribed alone, it results in relapses and poor outcomes; therefore, guidelines recommend concomitant immunosuppressants along with glucocorticoids. The choice of concomitant immunosuppression may depend on other SLE-related manifestations. Rituximab and immunoglobulin have been used in relapsed and refractory thrombocytopenia. TPO-R agonists such as eltrombopag and romiplostim approved for chronic immune thrombocytopenia are found to be efficacious in SLE thrombocytopenia. However, TPO-R agonists are associated with a risk of thrombosis and rebound thrombocytopenia after stopping them. Therefore, an individualised approach is required when treating thrombocytopenia in SLE.
Prevalence of transparency and reproducibility-related research practices in music psychology (2017–2022)
Authors: Eerola Tuomas
Published: December 2024

Social sciences are navigating an unprecedented period of introspection about the credibility and utility of disciplinary practices. Reform initiatives have emphasized the benefits of various transparency and reproducibility-related research practices; however, the adoption of these across music psychology is unknown. To estimate the prevalence, a manual examination of a random sample of 239 articles out of 1,192 articles published in five music psychology journals between 2017 and 2022 was carried out. About half of the articles were publicly available (112/239) and 39% share some of the research materials, but 5% share raw data and 1% analysis scripts. Pre-registrations were not observed in the sample. Most articles (82%) included a funding disclosure statement, but conflict of interest statements were less common (27%). Replication studies were rare (3%). Additional searches of replication studies were conducted beyond the sample. These analyses did not find substantially more replication studies in music psychology. In general, the results suggest that transparency and reproducibility-related research practices were far from routine in music psychology. The findings establish a baseline that can be used to assess future progress toward increasing the credibility and openness of music psychology research.
Relational Interventions for Intimate Partner Violence: A Systematic Narrative Review
Authors: Littlechild Brian , Scott Rebecca , Taylor Brian J. , Przeperski Jarosław
Published: December 2024

Purpose: This systematic narrative review examines relational approaches to working with interpersonal violence (IPV) within established heterosexual couple relationships at secondary and tertiary prevention levels. Method: Searches were conducted on five bibliographic databases, supplemented by citation searching and field recommendations. Thematic analysis involved reading and re-reading the data, and subsequent generation of analytical themes. Results: The themes developed for the analysis were: (1) the effectiveness of programs, how this was judged , and for which groups of people; (2) the levels and nature of IPV appropriate for couple-based therapy; (3) safety protocols; (4) whether the program was state or court ordered or voluntary; (5) whether group- or couple-based delivery ; and (6) attrition and completion. Conclusions: This review aids the development of relational risk assessments and interventions for social workers and related professionals. The article sets out main areas of improvements that safe couple-based interventions can bring, and by what means.
DeusEx Saved My Life: A Feminist-Autoethnography of Video-Gaming Through Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Adams Nicholas Norman
Published: December 2024

Autoethnographic accounts of mental illness (MI) are sparse in academic scholarship, despite generating valuable insights into how MI can be experienced and coped with in real-life contexts. First-person accounts from men are especially lacking, possibly linked to historic trend for masculine stoicism stifling male MI discussions. Some scholarships explore video-gaming as a positive, escapist aid benefiting individuals experiencing major depressive disorder (MDD). However, no research exists presenting in-depth perspectives on possible positive effects, self-identified and articulated by actors engaging with gaming to cope with MDD. This research adopts a novel qualitative perspective, representing an in-depth autoethnographic examination of my experiences playing the personal computer game DeusEx, during a period of my life where I was under treatment for MDD. My positions as both a psychologist specializing in research prioritizing feminist theory as applied to understand men, masculinities, and mental health, and someone themselves recurrently treated for MDD over longer than 22 years, construct a unique dual-positionality perspective. Explicit discussions of my MDD experiences and my experiences concerning the value of video-gaming as a positive, escapist aid during MDD are presented, alongside personal deconstructions of the lasting influences of hegemonic masculinity upon men speaking up about MI. Arguments are presented for future scholars utilizing autoethnographic methods to generate realist perspectives, normalizing mental health discussions, particularly the sharing of underrepresented male experiences. Implications for future scholarship, building upon learnings generated by this research, are developed and put forward.
Clinical efficacy of proximal femoral nail anti-rotation in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures with negative medial cortical support: A comparison of lithotomy and scissor position techniques
Authors: Lin Zhe , Chen Weidong , Zhou Wenchao
Published: December 2024

Background

Femoral intertrochanteric fractures are a prevalent type of hip fracture among the elderly population. And proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) is the leading surgical technique for managing femoral intertrochanteric fractures in this patient population.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) in managing intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients with negative medial cortical support. Additionally, the outcomes associated with two different nail positioning techniques were investigated.

Methods

Elderly patients with femoral intertrochanteric fractures with negative medial cortical support, treated between January 2017 and January 2021, were included. A retrospective analysis of their clinical data was conducted. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the positioning technique: lithotomy position group (n = 40) and scissor position group (n = 40). Baseline characteristics, perioperative indicators, hidden blood loss, and Harris hip scores were compared.

Results

The groups exhibited no significant differences in baseline characteristics, incision length, or postoperative tip-apex distance. The scissor position group experienced fewer fluoroscopies, shorter surgical durations, and lower Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores for the unaffected limb on postoperative day 1 compared to the lithotomy position group. No significant differences in hidden blood loss were observed between the groups. The Harris hip score for the unaffected side showed no significant differences between the scissor position group on postoperative day 1 and postoperative month 1. However, in the lithotomy position group, the Harris hip score of the unaffected side on postoperative day 1 was significantly lower than that at postoperative month 1. Additionally, the Harris hip score for the unaffected side on postoperative day 1 was substantially higher in the scissor position group compared to the lithotomy position group, although there were no significant differences between the two groups at postoperative month 1.

Conclusion

PFNA in the scissor position demonstrated advantages over the lithotomy position, including reduced fluoroscopy usage, shorter surgical duration, and less trauma to the unaffected limb. These findings indicate its effectiveness in managing intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients with negative medial cortical support.
Screening for presence of primary Sjogren’s syndrome in patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases
Authors: Elgebaly Manar , Farrag Wael , Shalaby Khaled , Elserougy Hesham , Negm Manal Saad
Published: December 2024

Autoimmune thyroid disorders (AITD) are the most common autoimmune human disorders as the thyroid gland is a main target for autoimmunity. The association between rheumatologic and thyroid disorders has long been known, the most common being the association with rheumatoid arthritis. Our study was conducted to screen for the presence of symptoms, signs, and immune markers suggesting the presence of Sjogren’s syndrome among patients with autoimmune thyroid disorders. Eighty AITD patients (46 patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and 34 patients with Graves’ disease) were included in the study and 40 healthy subjects matched age and sex as a control group. The two groups were compared according to 2002 the American-European Consensus Group (AECG) criteria for diagnosis of primary Sjogren’s syndrome. 12.5% of AITD patients (n = 10 patients) were diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome (AITD-SS). Eight out of ten of AITD-SS had Hashimoto’s disease while only two had Grave’s disease. Anti-Ro was detected in serum of seven patients of the AITD patients with Sjogren syndrome while anti-La was detected in serum of eight patients. The most independent predictors of Sjogren’s syndrome in AITD patients are anti-La, ESR, and salivary gland sonographic change. Sjogren’s syndrome has been found in patients with AITD, and also patients with AITD have symptoms that mimic sicca disease despite not fulfilling the criteria for diagnosis.
Tourist Decision-Making and Types of Crises: Risk Attitudes, Knowledge, and Destination Preference Persistence
Authors: Chen Jason Li , Baláž Vladimír , Li Gang , Williams Allan M.
Published: December 2024

The paper addresses how individual rankings of destinations change between non-crisis and crisis conditions, and across different types of crises under conditions of bounded rationality in the face of shifting risks and uncertainties. The impacts of three types of potential crises—heatwaves, epidemics, and terrorism—are analyzed using novel multi-perspective experimental methods linked to a five-country international survey of risk attitudes and knowledge. Destination preferences, including strong persistence during crises, are explained by how the influence of tacit and codified knowledge is shaped by the familiarity heuristic and recency bias. Individual responses are also moderated by tolerance of and competence to manage risks. The findings have implications for destination management and marketing.
Childhood Adversity and Telomere Length
Authors: Pickler Rita H. , Ford Jodi L. , Tan Alai , Browning Christopher , Tarrence Jake , Kertes Darlene A.
Published: December 2024

Purpose: Exposure to adversity during childhood and adolescence is associated with numerous health conditions in adulthood; telomere shortening may be a mechanism through which adversity contributes to poor outcomes. We studied three areas of adversity (parent relational instability, child household instability, and financial instability) occurring during three epochs across childhood and adolescence and their associations with telomere length during adolescence. Methods: Data were obtained from the first wave of a longitudinal cohort study of youth aged 11–17 and their primary caregiver. Caregivers completed demographic and adversity questionnaires; youth provided a saliva sample for DNA extraction for telomere analysis. Results: Of 879 youth, over half experienced some adversity. More than one third experienced parent relational instability in each age epoch, with nearly a quarter experiencing parent relational instability in all age epochs. Youth experienced a similar pattern of financial instability but lower rates of child household instability. Youth experiencing parent relational instability at two or three epochs had shorter telomeres compared to those without any parent relational instability ( p < .004). Youth who experienced child household instability in two age epochs had shorter telomeres ( p = .003) and youth who experienced financial instability across all three epochs had shorter telomeres ( p = .013) compared to youth without these adversities. Conclusion: Continuing exposure to adversity in early childhood may be more likely to affect telomere length. Research is needed to further determine adversities exerting the most effect and to understand if early telomere shortening has long term health effects.
‘So much for the prattling of sages’: D&D gaming paratexts, Fan(nish) distribution of knowledge, and Drow
Authors: Alberto Maria K , Booth Paul
Published: December 2024

This article investigates gaming paratexts related to the popular tabletop roleplaying game Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) as heuristics. Gaming paratexts are accessible communication and media artifacts that influence what new players learn about games as cultural and ludic texts. In this work we examine ‘official' and ‘unofficial' gaming paratexts about drow, D&D’s dark elves. We highlight authorship, circulation, and accessibility as key impact factors, then identify common themes such as insider knowledge, transmission of expertise, and knowledge acquisition. This analysis reveals how – beyond information about the game itself – gaming paratexts can lead players to receive biased or incomplete impressions of issues with D&D, such as racism within the game system. We find that this specific form of online discourse about TTRPGs influences popular conceptions about D&D and often parallels forms of fannish practise through its affective connections, citational politics, and modal variety.
Analysis of the content of YouTube videos discussing acne, psoriasis, and anti-aging skincare in Arabic
Authors: Rizk Karim , Farhat Maria , Soutou Boutros
Published: December 2024

An increasing number of patients turn to YouTube for medical information, driving the growth of research on medical video content, including in dermatology. The objective was to analyze the content of YouTube videos discussing acne, psoriasis, or anti-aging skincare in Arabic. This infodemiological study analyzed the most viewed videos on these topics. A usefulness score was created to compare “useful” and “not useful” videos, along with assessments of global quality and reliability. Among the 98 most viewed videos, 75 were analyzed. Non-professionals produced 53.33%. Median scores for quality (2/5), reliability (1/5), and usefulness (4/19) were low. Most videos (78.67%) were “not useful,” while 21.33% were “useful,” with the latter showing significantly higher quality and reliability. In conclusion, most videos present shortcomings both in terms of quality and reliability. Videos from professional sources are far fewer in number and less popular.
Beyond Reflexivity: Centering Recognition and Relational Dialogue in Social Inquiry
Authors: Ross Karen , Li Peiwei
Published: December 2024

In this manuscript, we develop the concept of recognition as a methodological concept, with a particular focus on its inter-subjective dimensions. Departing from the way recognition is used in much contemporary social theory and socio-political discourse, we suggest that recognition is a foundational methodological concept, related to but transcending methodological discussions of reflexivity, and with implications for meaning and validity. We ground our discussion in empirical examples that help illustrate the principles of recognition (and of misrecognition), and how researchers can attend to these principles in their own work.
Zebrafish Provide Critical Insights in a Sea of Genes
Authors: Popson Pierce , Knowles Juliet K.
Published: December 2024

[Box: see text]
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Latino Migrant Seasonal Farmworkers: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mendez Cindy
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Existing literature concludes that Latino migrant seasonal farmworkers endure higher rates of health disparities and chronic diseases than the general population. However, research on this population's cardiovascular disease risk factors is scarce, particularly studies comparing males and females. Methods: A meta-analysis of prevalence was utilized to examine whether male or female Latino migrant seasonal farmworkers have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors. An extensive literature search yielded over 82,000 potentially pertinent articles, of which 17 were relevant and included in the analysis. Results: The prevalence rates of high cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and overweight/obesity for female Latino migrant seasonal farmworkers were 1%-54% (95% CI: 0.04–0.15), 2%-57% (95% CI: 0.08–0.21), 3%-54% (95% CI: 0.10–0.22), and 1%-100% (95% CI: 0.26–0.84), respectively, and 5%-42% (95% CI: 0.12–0.23), 1%-63% (95% CI: 0.07–0.21), 4%-68% (95% CI: 0.15–0.31), and 1%-99% (95% CI: 0.29–0.81), respectively, for males. Conclusion: Male Latino migrant seasonal farmworkers have a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension versus females, and females have higher rates of high cholesterol versus males. However, there is a 1% prevalence difference of overweight/obesity between female and male Latino migrant seasonal farmworkers.
Examining the Integrative Potential of Visual Timelines in Mixed Methods Research
Authors: Archibald Mandy M. , Mazzon Stephanie J. , Bourque Michaela A.
Published: December 2024

Timelines are analytic collection and dissemination tools that visually integrate temporal events with data to enhance analytic depth and reveal contextual insights. Despite their integrative potential, the use of timelines in mixed methods research has not been examined. In response, we conducted a methodological review of timelines in mixed methods. The 39 included articles emphasized timelines in data collection with participant communication and contextual analytic benefits. Predominant concerns surrounded the complexity of data presentation. Emphasis on the qualitative data arm was noted and highlighted opportunities to develop timelines into a more thoroughly integrated mixed methods research tool. This review promotes best practices and wider use of timelines to advance mixed methods integration using visual methods, moving beyond the joint display.
Understanding the importance of collaborative problem formulation for data analytics: Key lessons about leadership, governance, and technology
Authors: Cronemberger Felippe , Gil-Garcia J. Ramon
Published: December 2024

Data analytics (DA) use has been frequently considered a transformational practice in the public sector, particularly in terms of its potential for data-driven decision making by local governments. Despite growing interest from academics and practitioners, empirical research on what cities are actually doing regarding DA and how is still relatively scarce, particularly in terms of a focus on specific activities and processes. Based on a socio-technical view, this paper examines a local government’s experience with DA use and how DA can be seen as a process and transformational practice. Results reveal that DA practices go beyond the use of specific technologies and involve collaborative efforts to formulate meaningful problems and prepare data for specific uses. Indeed, problem formulation is an essential step where collective discussions and assessment by technical and nontechnical DA practitioners occurs. Our findings suggest that (1) data analytics viewed as a socio-technical process involves data management and analysis, but also collaborative processes between multiple city agencies, (2) collaborative efforts go beyond data analytics and include data collection, data representation, and problem formulation; and (3) formulating the problem in a collaborative manner could be considered an important first step when using data analytics for decision-making in local governments. Furthermore, collaborative problem formulation in DA seems to be affected by specific variables related to the collaborative effort such as leadership, governance, and technology.
Drug overdose deaths among women 1999–2021 in the United States: Differences by race, ethnicity, and age
Authors: Jones Abenaa A , Segel Joel E , Skogseth Emma M , Apsley Hannah B , Santos-Lozada Alexis R
Published: December 2024

Background:

The U.S. drug overdose epidemic is increasingly severe and steep increases have been seen among women.

Objective:

To explore trends in drug overdose deaths among women in the United States by race, ethnicity, and age group.

Design:

This study is a retrospective observational study of drug overdose deaths among U.S. women from 1999 to 2021.

Methods:

We use CDC WONDER Multiple Causes of Death files data using International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes X40–X44, X60–X64, X85, and Y10–Y14 to identify overall drug overdose deaths, T40.5 for cocaine-related deaths, T40.0–T40.4, T40.6 for opioid-related deaths, T42.4 for benzodiazepines, and T43.6 to identify psychostimulants. Race and ethnicity were defined as non-Hispanic Black, White, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN), Asian, and Hispanic. We calculated overdose death rates per 100,000 women for all overdose deaths and for specific drugs by year, stratified by race and ethnicity.

Results:

From 1999 to 2021, overdose deaths among all women in the United States increased by 480%. Overdose deaths rose 750% for non-Hispanic AI/AN women, 490% for non-Hispanic Black women, 450% for non-Hispanic White women, 325% for Hispanic women, and 150% for non-Hispanic Asian or Pacific Islander women. Women ages 35–44 and 45–54 saw the largest increases in overall overdose deaths. Cocaine-related deaths were more prevalent among non-Hispanic Black women, opioid and methamphetamine-related deaths were more prevalent among non-Hispanic AI/AN women, and benzodiazepine-related deaths were more prevalent among non-Hispanic White women.

Conclusion:

Increases in overdose deaths were noted in all races, ethnicities, and age groups, with deaths continuing to accelerate in 2021. Our study highlights a need for interventions expanding access to medications for opioid use disorder, naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and contingency management while accounting for gendered roles and vulnerabilities.
A new experimental paradigm to investigate how imagery-based suggestions are embodied
Authors: Coutté Alexandre , Moutardier Benjamin , Ferrel Carole , Vernazza-Martin Sylvie , Coudrat Laure , Dru Vincent
Published: December 2024

This study investigated how imagery-based suggestions were embodied in perception and behaviour. In Experiment 1, participants listened to several suggestion scripts while stretching the left arm (they were required not to move). During 30 s, the script invited participants to imagine the experimenter facing them. During the following 30 s, they imagined him placing either a heavy dictionary or a light paper sheet on their hand (implicit suggestions). During the last 30 s, suggestions explicitly described how the object pushed its support down. In two other conditions, participants really performed these actions with real objects. Results showed that after implicit and explicit suggestions, the arm lowered more in the dictionary condition than in the paper sheet one. Similar patterns were observed in conditions with real objects. In Experiment 2, we used the same imagery-based suggestions but added a condition where participants imagined the dictionary placed on a table. Moreover, we measured the participants’ centre of pressure (CP). Results showed that after implicit and explicit suggestions, the participants’ arm lowered more in the dictionary on the arm condition than in other conditions. After implicit suggestions, CP moved more rightward in the dictionary on the arm condition than the paper sheet one. Finally, perceived difficulty was lower in the paper sheet condition than in other conditions. Regarding embodied cognition theories, results suggest that participants behaved as if the sensorimotor processes activated by mental images became integrated to the processes related to the actual situation. Further studies are needed to test whether other processes might be complementary involved.
Public Perceptions of School Nurses: Results From a Recent Public Opinion Poll
Authors:   National Association of School Nurses
Published: December 2024

The National Association of School Nurses sees pressing concerns facing school health including school nurse workforce issues, needs for sustainable funding, and a lack of robust data to demonstrate the value of school nurses. NASN commissioned a national poll of over 2,200 adults, to determine public awareness of and support for funding of school nurses in U.S. schools. Raising awareness and promoting the importance of the role of school nurses can foster informed public policies, bipartisan legislative support, and robust funding for school health. Key takeaways from this public opinion poll are as follows: adults hold a favorable view of school nurses, school nurses are widely seen as playing an important role in schools and student well-being, there is strong support for ensuring school nurses are in every school and providing the funding to do so, support for school nursing is a nonpartisan issue, and if parents had a choice in school selection, 79% would choose to send their children to schools that employed school nurses. These survey results arm school nurses, school nurse leaders, and state/national associations with critically important data that can be used to advocate for school nurses.
Effect of bicalutamide on serum total testosterone concentration in transgender adults: a case series
Authors: Angus Lachlan M. , Hong Quoc Vinh , Cheung Ada S. , Nolan Brendan J.
Published: December 2024

Background:

There is interest in repurposing bicalutamide for gender-affirming hormone therapy, but little data regarding efficacy and safety in the transgender population.

Objectives:

To determine the effect of bicalutamide on serum total testosterone concentrations and liver function. Given bicalutamide is a pure androgen receptor antagonist, we hypothesized that serum total testosterone concentrations would be higher than the cisgender female reference range and those recommended for transgender individuals in consensus guidelines.

Design:

Case series.

Methods:

We identified transgender people attending outpatient clinics who were using bicalutamide for gender affirmation. The primary outcome was serum total testosterone concentration. Secondary outcomes included serum alanine transferase (ALT) concentration.

Results:

Twenty-four transfeminine people prescribed bicalutamide were identified. The median (interquartile range) age was 29 (24–38) years, bicalutamide dose 25 (25–50) mg daily and bicalutamide duration 6 (4–10) months. The median serum total testosterone concentration was 7.7 (0.7–17.5) nmol/L, luteinizing hormone 2.9 (0.5–6.0) IU/L and ALT 20 (13–29) IU/L. One individual had asymptomatic transaminitis. Six individuals discontinued bicalutamide due to a lack of perceived benefit.

Conclusion:

Bicalutamide was associated with significant variation in serum total testosterone concentration, likely related to concomitant estradiol or previous anti-androgen therapy. Median serum ALT concentrations remained within the normal reference range. Guideline recommendations for serum total testosterone within the cisgender female reference range may be inappropriate for people using bicalutamide. Further research is needed to establish the longer-term efficacy and safety of bicalutamide in the transfeminine population.
Weight bearing versus non-weight bearing total contact cast in the management of active Charcot foot: A systematic review
Authors: Prem Rachna , Vignaraja Vikramman , Lewis Thomas , Budair Basil
Published: December 2024

Aim:

Diabetic Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy carries a significant worldwide disease burden including diabetic foot infection, ulceration and amputation. The current accepted standard of treatment during the active phase of Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy is offloading with total contact casting; however, controversy remains regarding weight-bearing status during this period.

Methods:

A systematic review was performed following PRISMA guidelines of Pubmed, EMBASE, MEDLINE and the Cochrane central register of controlled trials for clinical studies from inception until June 2024 investigating weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing total contact casting for active Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy.

Results:

Four hundred ninety-three studies were identified in the search strategy of which 5 studies met the inclusion criteria comprising 158 patients. These studies found that allowing patients to weight-bear during total contact casting does not have a negative impact on the healing process. There were no comparative studies between weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing total contact casting.

Conclusions:

There is limited evidence to support current practice of non-weight bearing in a total contact casting for active Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy. Allowing patients to weight bear carries advantages to patient independence and quality of life. Further investigation with randomised control trial should be considered to investigate if weight bearing is associated with negative outcomes.