bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic Electronic Cigarette Use and Atherosclerosis Risk in Young People: A Cross-Sectional Study—Brief Report
Authors: Kelesidis Theodoros , Sharma Madhav , Sharma Eashan , Ruedisueli Isabelle , Tran Elizabeth , Middlekauff Holly R.
Published: July 2023

Background:

Little is known whether electronic cigarettes (ECIG) increase vulnerability to future atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. We determined, using an ex vivo mechanistic atherogenesis assay, whether proatherogenic changes including monocyte transendothelial migration and monocyte-derived foam cell formation are increased in people who use ECIGs.

Methods:

In a cross-sectional single-center study using plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy participants who are nonsmokers or with exclusive use of ECIGs or tobacco cigarettes (TCIGs), autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells with patient plasma and pooled peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy nonsmokers with patient plasma were utilized to dissect patient-specific ex vivo proatherogenic circulating factors present in plasma and cellular factors present in monocytes. Our main outcomes were monocyte transendothelial migration (% of blood monocyte cells that undergo transendothelial migration through a collagen gel) and monocyte-derived foam cell formation as determined by flow cytometry and the median fluorescence intensity of the lipid-staining fluorochrome BODIPY in monocytes of participants in the setting of an ex vivo model of atherogenesis.

Results:

Study participants (N=60) had median age of 24.0 years (interquartile range [IQR], 22.0–25.0 years), and 31 were females. Monocyte transendothelial migration was increased in people who exclusively used TCIGs (n=18; median [IQR], 2.30 [ 1.29–2.82];
P
<0.001) and in people who exclusively used ECIGs (n=21; median [IQR], 1.42 [ 0.96–1.91];
P
<0.01) compared with nonsmoking controls (n=21; median [IQR], 1.05 [0.66–1.24]). Monocyte-derived foam cell formation was increased in people who exclusively used TCIGs (median [IQR], 2.01 [ 1.59–2.49];
P
<0.001) and in people who exclusively used ECIGs (median [IQR], 1.54 [ 1.10–1.86];
P
<0.001) compared with nonsmoker controls (median [IQR], 0.97 [0.86–1.22]). Both monocyte transendothelial migration and monocyte-derived foam cell formation were higher in TCIG smokers compared with ECIG users and in ECIG users who were former smokers versus ECIG users who were never smokers (
P
<0.05 for all comparisons).

Conclusions:

The finding of alterations in proatherogenic properties of blood monocytes and plasma in TCIG smokers compared with nonsmokers validates this assay as a strong ex vivo mechanistic tool with which to measure proatherogenic changes in people who use ECIGs. Similar yet significantly less severe alterations in proatherogenic properties of monocytes and plasma were detected in the blood from ECIG users. Future studies are necessary to determine whether these findings are attributable to a residual effect of prior smoking or are a direct effect of current ECIG use.
What It Means to Be Black in Saudi Arabia: Slavery and Racial Discrimination in Saudi Women’s Fiction
Authors: Dhahir Sanna
Published: July 2023

Significant among the various taboos broken by contemporary Saudi women writers is the issue of slavery and its concomitant racial and colour prejudice. To explore the treatment of this subject, which remains strikingly understudied, this article focuses on three fictional works by two Saudi writers, Badriyya l-Bišr and Laylā l-Ǧuhanī, who have boldly faced a grave matter with complex psychological and socio-political aspects in order to expose and redress the oppression directed towards not only slaves but their descendants and other black-skinned individuals, male and female. My research argues that both writers, employing literature as a platform for reform, reveal that to a mainstream, tribe-conscious, colour-conscious Arabian culture, black skin can still signify and invite tacit and open forms of stigmatization, denigration, and abuse. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, coupled with textual analyses, this paper shows that the novels aim to restore legitimacy and dignity to a social segment long degraded and objectified due to their race and skin colour.
Capitalising Precarity: Wellbeing of Migrants in Russia
Authors: Turaeva Rano
Published: July 2023

This paper aims to introduce the concept of capitalising precarity to analyse the situation of precarious migration in migrant unfriendly contexts such as Russia. The material analysed in this paper concerns welfare and health inequalities in Russia. Welfare of labour migrants in Russia (both for internal Russian migrants and for foreign migrants) is de facto non-existent and largely self-organised by migrants themselves. State migration policies of Russia as well as welfare policies in the destination countries (Central Asia) are formulated in papers but in practice do not function to ensure some kind of wellbeing and social protection. Working conditions both at home (in Central Asia) and in destination countries (Russia and Kazakhstan) do not comply with average requirements of wellbeing of workers. I was shocked but not surprised to see Central Asian migrant workers in winter cleaning the roofs of Russian houses without any protection. The paper analyses the situation of intermixing of legal and informal practices which have a direct implication for wellbeing of migrants in Russia. The working conditions in Russia for both migrant and non-migrant labour violate basic principles of human rights. The paper also shows that even citizenship does not automatically provide direct access to social welfare where the latter is bound to the permanent registration (propiska). Continuous precarity is capital for other actors such as those who can profit from it such as police officers or other migrants themselves. The findings of this research contribute to the broader literature of labour and welfare in terms challenging the boundaries between citizenship and mobility.
Glyptothorax vatandousti, a new species of torrent catfish from the upper Karkheh drainage in Iran (Teleostei: Sisoridae)
Authors: JOULADEH-ROUDBAR ARASH , GHANAVI HAMID REZA , FREYHOF JÖRG
Published: July 2023

Glyptothorax vatandousti, new species, from the upper Karkheh drainage, a tributary of the Iranian Tigris, is distinguished from its congeners in the Persian Gulf basin by having the flank with a fine, pale-brown mottled pattern overlaid by small and large, blackish or dark-brown blotches, deep caudal-peduncle (its depth 1.1–1.3 times in length), and without, or with a pale-brown triangle-shaped blotch in front of dorsal-fin origin.
Description of a new species of Conostigmus Dahlbom, 1858 (Hymenoptera: Megaspilidae) from China
Authors: CUI SHANSHAN , LI FANG , HUANG YIXIN , HUANG XUANZHI , WANG XU , ZHU CHAODONG
Published: July 2023

One new species of the genus Conostigmus Dahlbom, 1858, Conostigmus xui Cui and Wang sp. nov., from China is described. A key to the known species of Conostigmus from China is provided.
Two new species of the genus Nigrobaetis Kazlauskas (in Novikova & Kluge), 1987 (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) from Southwest China
Authors: LI BO , SHI WEIFANG , LI XIANFU , TONG XIAOLI
Published: July 2023

Two new species of Nigrobaetis Kazlauskas (in Novikova & Kluge), 1987 are described from Southwest China: Nigrobaetis bilongus sp. nov. based on larval and imaginal materials which are reared from larvae; Nigrobaetis trialbus sp. nov. based on larval stage.
11. The Self-Respect Argument for Limitarianism
Authors: Neuhäuser Christian
Published: July 2023

Limitarianism is the view that justice requires the limitation of wealth, at least under certain conditions. In its original form the view was developed by Ingrid Robeyns and normatively justified by the use of two arguments, the democratic argument and the argument from unmet urgent needs. In this chapter I want to contribute to the justification of limitarianism by providing a novel argument for limitarianism which is distinct from the two arguments developed by Robeyns. This argument is based on self-respect as a primary basic good. According to this argument, limitarianism is needed to protect the social basis of self-respect of all members of society so that they can develop a sense of self-worth and pursue their personal projects. Since this kind of self-respect is a more important basic good than wealth above a certain threshold, limitarianism can be justified either as a principle of justice or as a direct policy implication of the principles of justice, if it turns out to be required to secure the social basis of self-respect.
Defiance and Sympathy: Heterogeneity of Experiences Among Members of a Stigmatized Organization
Authors: Noh Sung-Chul , Yu Kyoung-Hee
Published: July 2023

Organizational members are likely to harbor different allegiances, values, and identifications that can affect how they respond to their organization’s stigmatization. Drawing on the empirical case of a public broadcaster in South Korea initially stigmatized for its association with an authoritarian government, we focus on the responses of different intra-organizational groups to stigma and their interactions with each other and with external audiences. We find that faced with stigma, groups in the organization were divided about how to respond, with those defying the stigma and advocating a close relationship with the government competing with those who shared the values of stigmatizing audiences. Both groups sought control over journalism work, the organizational attribute for which the broadcaster was stigmatized, allying with external audiences that shared their respective visions. The dominance of the group that defied the stigma led to increased stigmatization of the organization by existing audiences and additionally prompted the participation of initially passive audiences in its denigration, eventually leading to organizational decline. We contribute to the literature on stigma by promoting an understanding of heterogeneity among members in stigmatized organizations and its implications for the consequences of stigma. We also contribute to theorizing stigmatization as a relational process by demonstrating how the heterogeneity of organizational members’ experience of stigma interacted with audience heterogeneity and highlighting the relative roles played by active and passive audiences in bringing about the decline of a stigmatized organization.
Unpacking the importance of histopathology in ectopic pregnancy: Vital for follow up
Authors: Jain Astha , Khan Dina Aisha , Khanday Asma , Nigam Aruna
Published: July 2023

The incidence of ectopic molar pregnancy is very rare with an incidence estimated to be 1.5 per 1,000,000 pregnancies. The pre-operative diagnosis is rare and needs careful histopathological examination of salpingectomy specimen. A case of a 34-year-old female is discussed who presented in shock with clinical and radiological diagnosis of ruptured ectopic pregnancy and histopathology report revealed partial mole in ectopic specimen.
Influence of knowledge creation on organizational competitive advantage in the telecommunication industry in Kenya
Authors: Mwangi Joseph Kimotho , Mwanzu Arnold
Published: July 2023

The knowledge-based theory of organizations affirms that knowledge creation explains why some organizations appear superior in the market. Various models have been developed to explain the concept of knowledge creation or generation at a personal, team or organizational level. The general objective of this study was to establish the influence of knowledge creation on organizational competitive advantage in the telecommunication industry in Kenya. This study used a cross-sectional survey research design. The study sampled 100 knowledge management staff in the telecommunication industry in Kenya. Respondents were selected using random sampling technique. Questionnaires were used to collect data. The association between knowledge creation and competitive advantage was examined using correlational analysis. The study revealed that knowledge-creation practices account for 32.2% of the competitive advantage of telecommunication firms. According to the findings in this study, socialization has a statistically significant association with organizational competitive advantage. Results also showed that externalization statistically correlates with organizational competitive advantage. Additionally, it was established that combination has a statistically significant association with organizational competitive advantage. This study determined that Internalization has a statistically significant association with an organizational competitive advantage. It was concluded that knowledge creation significantly positively affects organizational competitive advantage. Organizational knowledge can be created through socialization, externalization, combination, and Internalization. These practices show a significant positive association with an organizational competitive advantage.
Agent-Based Mobility Simulation for Potential Cost and Benefits of Subscription Services with Associated Cost Structures
Authors: Marino Eduardo , Jayakrishnan R.
Published: July 2023

This study aims to present a method to analyze the problems that arise from the increasing use of shared mobility systems to solve the current problems of congestion. The use of shared and/or autonomous vehicles (SAVs) is beneficial since it could reduce the number of vehicles on the roads. On the other hand, the increased usage of SAVs to fulfill the same transportation needs would affect the total life of those vehicles. Current cost models are based on average values and life cycles of 15 years; they may not be useful in the case of increased daily travel miles of vehicles when subscription-based shared mobility systems become prevalent. In this paper, we present a comprehensive framework which considers the interactions of new cost structures and the system performance under new mobility schemes. This paper envisions the scenarios that will exemplify the importance of considering the changing costs because of the increased mileage of vehicles. Cost functions are properly designed to assess the new scenarios, a pricing scheme is introduced from the service provider’s point of view to adjust the demand for the services and the profits, an agent-based simulation platform is presented, and a framework is demonstrated to consider the interactions and optimize the system.
A high pan-immune-inflammation value before chemoradiotherapy indicates poor outcomes in patients with small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Kucuk Ahmet , Topkan Erkan , Ozkan Emine Elif , Ozturk Duriye , Pehlivan Berrin , Selek Ugur
Published: July 2023

Objectives: The objective of our study was to assess the prognostic significance of the Pan-Immune-Inflammation Value (PIV) before concurrent chemoradiation (C-CRT) and prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) in patients with limited-stage small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). Methods: The medical records of LS-SCLC patients who underwent C-CRT and PCI between January 2010 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. PIV values were calculated using the peripheral blood samples obtained within the past 7 days before the initiation of treatment: PIV = [neutrophils × platelets × monocytes] ÷ lymphocytes. Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the optimal pretreatment PIV cutoff values that can partition the study population into two groups with substantially distinct progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) outcomes were determined. The relationship between PIV values and OS outcomes was the primary outcome measure. Results: Eighty-nine eligible patients were divided into two PIV groups at an optimal cutoff of 417 [Area under curve (AUC): 73.2%; sensitivity: 70.4%; specificity: 66.7%]: Group 1: PIV < 417 ( N = 36) and Group 2: PIV ≥ 417 ( N = 53). Comparative analyses revealed that patients with PIV < 417 had significantly longer OS (25.0 vs 14.0 months, p < .001) and PFS (18.0 vs 8.9 months, p = .004) compared to patients with PIV ≥ 417. The outcomes of the multivariate analysis have verified the independent significance of pretreatment PIV concerning PFS ( p < .001) and OS ( p < .001) outcomes. Conclusion: The findings of this retrospective study indicate that the pretreatment PIV is a reliable and independent prognostic biomarker for patients with LS-SCLC who were treated with C-CRT and PCI.
Sonder le Feral Atlas : enquêtes de terrain holographiques
Authors: Brugidou Jeremie , Beauté Julie , Etelain Jeanne , Dichman Anne-Sofie , Paz Iriarte Gregorio , Li Dai
Published: July 2023

We are a group of young researchers in environmental humanities gathered under the label ‘Pirate Laboratory’ at the ENS Ulm. It is within this framework that we have taken a keen interest in the stimulating digital project: Feral Atlas. The More-Than-Human Anthropocene. In order to make the Feral Atlas visible and understandable, we collectively wrote a creative text, based on narrative entanglements. It would seem that the experience of digital ethnography proposed by the Feral Atlas is, by its very form and structure, a kind of response, a proposal of what ferality can be. We would like to approach this ferality by presenting our crossed field experiences on the Atlas, in a way that is as unconventional as the interface itself. The stake is thus both to make visible and to value, with critical reflexivity, the importance of the Atlas, by proposing a collective and creative method. These are not, however, reports, strictly speaking, but rather narratives-within, connected and partial. Following a holographic logic, i.e. proceeding by relational demultiplications, our approach thus proposes a plural field experience of the site, in an attempt to render an experience of the more-than-human anthropocene.
Effects of sodium para-aminosalicylic acid on chelation treatment in Pb-exposed mice
Authors: Li Yan , Liang Yuan , Fang Yuan-yuan , Chen Jing , Zheng Xiao-wei , Zhou Wu-wang , Lu Li-li , Aschner Michael , Ou Shi-yan , Jiang Yue-ming
Published: July 2023

Lead (Pb) is a corrosion-resistant, heavy, non-ferrous metal. Several metal chelators have been used for the treatment of Pb poisoning. However, the efficacy of sodium para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS-Na) in enhancing Pb excretion has yet to be fully characterized. Healthy male mice (90) were divided into six groups, the normal control group was intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with saline and the remaining group of mice i.p. 120 mg/kg Pb acetate. Four hour later, mice were subcutaneously (back) injected (s.c.) with (80, 160, 240 mg/kg) PAS-Na or 240 mg/kg edetate calcium disodium (CaNa2EDTA) or an equivalent amount of saline, once per day for 6 days. After 24-h urine sample collections, the animals were anesthetized with 5% chloral hydrate and sacrificed in batches on the 2nd, 4th, or 6th day. Levels of Pb [including manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu)] in the urine, whole blood, and brain tissues were analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The results showed that Pb exposure increased its levels in urine and blood, and PAS-Na treatment may afford antagonistic effect on Pb poisoning, suggesting that PAS-Na is a potentially effective treatment to promote excretion of Pb.
Establishing and Leading a 3D Postprocessing Radiology Lab: A Managerial and Leadership Perspective
Authors: Shobeirian Farzaneh , Zerafatjou Nikan , Eckhardt Kyle , Nicolaou Savvas
Published: July 2023

The rapid acquisition of larg volumes of thin-section CT images has created a considerable need and interest for 3D postprocessing during the interpretation of medical imaging. As a result of the increasing number of postprocessing applications, requiring diagnostic radiologists to perform postprocessing is no longer realistic. This article is a comprehensive review of medical resources regarding establishing a postprocessing radiology laboratory. Besides, leadership and managerial aspects have been covered through a professional business lens. In large-volume settings, a dedicated 3D postprocessing lab ensures the quality, reproducibility, and efficiency of images. Adequate staffing is necessary to fulfill the postprocessing requirements. Educational and experience requirements for 3D technologists may vary among different running laboratories. To evaluate the establishment and running of a 3D lab, it is beneficial to implement diagnostic radiology cost-effectiveness tools. Although establishing a 3D lab has many benefits, certain challenges should be considered. Outsourcing or offshoring may serve as alternatives for establishing a postprocessing laboratory. Building and operating a 3D lab is a significant change in healthcare facilities, and it is crucial for organizations to be aware of the strong resistance toward alternatives the status quo, known as the status quo trap. The change process has essential steps, and skipping the steps creates an illusion of speed but never produces satisfactory results. The organization should ensure the engagement of all interested parties in the whole process. Moreover, a clear vision and proper communication of the vision are vital, and it is crucial to value small wins and ensure expectation clarity in leading the lab during the process.
A Rapid Systematic Review of Pharmacologic Sleep Promotion Modalities in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Heavner Mojdeh S. , Louzon Patricia R. , Gorman Emily F. , Landolf Kaitlin M. , Ventura Davide , Devlin John W.
Published: July 2023

Background: The Society of Critical Care Medicine Clinical Practice Guidelines for Management of Pain, Agitation, Delirium, Immobility, and Sleep recommend protocolized non-pharmacologic sleep improvement. Pharmacologic interventions are frequently initiated to promote sleep but the evidence supporting these strategies remains controversial. Purpose: To systematically search and synthesize evidence evaluating pharmacologic sleep promotion modalities in critically ill adults. Methods: A rapid systematic review protocol was used to search Medline, Cochrane Library, and Embase for reports published through October 2022. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and before-and-after cohort studies evaluating pharmacologic modalities intended to improve sleep in adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Sleep-related endpoints were the primary outcome of interest. Study and patient characteristics and relevant safety and non-sleep outcome data were also collected. The Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias or Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions were used to assess the risk of bias for all included studies. Results: Sixteen studies (75% RCTs) enrolling 2573 patients were included; 1207 patients were allocated to the pharmacologic sleep intervention. Most studies utilized dexmedetomidine (7/16; total n = 505 patients) or a melatonin agonist (6/16; total n = 592 patients). Only half of the studies incorporated a sleep promotion protocol as standard of care. Most (11/16, 68.8%) studies demonstrated a significant improvement in ≥1 sleep endpoint (n = 5 dexmedetomidine, n = 3 melatonin agonists, n = 2 propofol/benzodiazepines). Risk of bias was generally low for RCTs and moderate-severe for cohort studies. Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine and melatonin agonists are the most studied pharmacologic sleep promotion modalities, but current evidence does not support their routine administration in the ICU to improve sleep. Future RCTs evaluating pharmacologic modalities for ICU sleep should consider patients’ baseline and ICU risks for disrupted sleep, incorporate a non-pharmacologic sleep improvement protocol, and evaluate the effect of these medication interventions on circadian rhythm, physiologic sleep, patient-perceived sleep quality, and delirium.
Perceptions of a good life: Associations with culture, age, wellbeing, and health
Authors: Willroth Emily C , Pfund Gabrielle N , Mroczek Daniel K , Hill Patrick L
Published: July 2023

What does a good life look like? The present research investigated individual differences in people’s perceptions of the factors that are most important for living a good life using two waves of data in probability samples from the US (MIDUS; N = 4041) and Japan (MIDJA; N = 381). We examined country- and age-related similarities and differences in perceptions of a good life and associations of perceptions of a good life with experiences of wellbeing and physical health. Some factors were considered important for living a good life in both countries and across age (e.g., positive relationships with family), whereas other factors varied between countries (e.g., U.S. participants were more likely to perceive faith as important) and by age (e.g., younger adults were more likely to perceive having a good job as important). Further, perceptions of a good life were related to experiences of wellbeing and physical health concurrently and prospectively. This research informs our understanding of how people differ from one another in their perceptions of a good life, and how these differences may matter for individuals’ experiences of a good life.
The Impact of Nonfamily CEOs on Family Firms’ Pursuit of Political Connections: The Theory of Bounded Reliability Perspective
Authors: Yu Yang , Bai Tao , Tang Fei , Liu Yulong
Published: July 2023

This study investigates the effect of nonfamily chief executive officers (CEOs) on family firms’ propensity to form political connections. We combine research on corporate political activity and family business and draw from the bounded reliability theory to analyze how the presence of a nonfamily CEO is related to the hiring of politically connected managers and board members. We further examine how our base hypothesis is contingent upon the organizational and environmental factors influencing nonfamily CEOs’ bounded reliability. Using the data from publicly listed Chinese family firms, support for our model was found. The study advances the understanding of family firms’ political activity.
Effect of ventilation on airflow pattern and thermal environment inside tractor cabin in summer: A case study of numerical simulation
Authors: Hou Xiuning , Zhang Xuemin , Gong Yuancong
Published: July 2023

As the tractor plays a more and more important role in agricultural operation, it is very important and meaningful to study the thermal environment in its cabin to improve the thermal comfort of the operator. In this study, the heat transfer model in the tractor cabin is established by using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and the effectiveness of the numerical model is verified by field measurement. The distribution of airflow, temperature and the equilibrium temperature of cabin under different ventilation conditions are deeply discussed. The thermal comfort of driver was evaluated by predicted mean vote (PMV), predicted percentage of dissatisfied (PPD) and asymmetry coefficient. The simulation results show that the cooling effect and speed of the cabin are more stable by reducing the air supply temperature, and in a certain range of low air supply speed, increasing the air supply speed is more effective for cabin cooling. Considering the cooling rate, cooling effect and human thermal comfort, the combination of air supply temperature of 16°C, air supply speed of 1.0 m s−1 and vertical guide vane angle of 60° can be considered as the appropriate conditions for summer cooling. Additionally, on the basis of the same energy consumption, thermal comfort can be improved by increasing the air supply speed for refrigeration. This study provides a theoretical basis for the adjustment of the ventilation condition from different perspectives such as the cooling effect and human thermal comfort.
« Islamogauchisme » ? The fallacy and function of an empty signifier
Authors: Dawes Simon
Published: July 2023

This article introduces the special issue ‘« Islamogauchisme » ? Moral Panics, Culture Wars and the Threat to Academic Freedom’. It begins by outlining the polemic in 2020, whereby the government accused universities of being overrun by so-called ‘Islamogauchistes’, placing this moral panic within the wider French context of ideological redefinitions of laïcité and debates on the compatibility of Islam with the universalism of a secular republic, as well as of neoliberal reforms and authoritarian crackdowns on public protest. The article then explores the history and fallacy of the concept and associated government claims, arguing that the term is best understood as an empty signifier, an umbrella term under which almost anything vaguely Muslim or left-wing could be covered, before moving on to critique the function of this kind of discourse, arguing that as well as continuing the Islamophobic scapegoating of minorities, it serves to ‘other’ the left-wing opposition and normalise the far-right while the neoliberal centre itself becomes increasingly illiberal and authoritarian. Finally, the text will place this very French polemic in the wider global context, considering it in terms of the wider culture wars that we are witnessing around the world while also focusing on what is specific to the French case – namely, a particularly republican form of racism that supplements the neoilliberalisation of the state. The introduction concludes with a summary of the contributions to the issue from Philippe Marlière, Reza Zia-Ebrahimi, Michel Wieviorka, Caroline Ibos & Eric Fassin, Houria Bouteldja & Anna Younes, Farid Hafez, and Aurélien Mondon & Simon Dawes.
A novel herpesvirus from a wild-caught Madagascar spider tortoise shows evidence of host-viral coevolution with a duplication event in Durocryptodira
Authors: Weldon Polly V. , Georoff Timothy A. , Hall Natalie , Ossiboff Robert J. , Childress April L. , Wellehan James F. X.
Published: July 2023

Herpesviruses can be significant reptile pathogens. Herpesviral infection in a wild-caught, male spider tortoise ( Pyxis arachnoides) under human care was detected during a routine wellness examination prior to transition between zoologic organizations. The tortoise had no clinical signs of illness. Oral swabs obtained during a physical examination as part of pre-shipment risk mitigation for infectious disease were submitted for consensus herpesvirus PCR assay and sequencing. Based on comparative sequence analysis, the novel herpesvirus identified is a member of the subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae. Studies of herpesviral phylogeny in chelonian species support branching patterns of turtle herpesviruses that closely mirror those of their hosts. The symmetry of these patterns is suggestive of close codivergence of turtle herpesviruses with their host species. The distribution of these viruses in both tortoises and emydids suggests a phylogenetic duplication event in the herpesviruses after host divergence of the Pleurodira and basal to the divergence of Americhelydia. Herpesviral infections have been documented to cause higher morbidity when introduced to aberrant host species, and significant consideration must be given to the presence of herpesviruses in the management of tortoise collections, particularly collections that include various species of testudines.
Technology-Supported Implementation of an Interdependent Group Contingency Intervention for Classroom Behavior Management
Authors: Yu Rondy , Haddock Aaron , Sims Wesley A.
Published: July 2023

The Good Behavior Game (GBG) is an interdependent group-oriented contingency management system successfully used in school settings to promote positive student behaviors. As a classroom management intervention, there is a large body of evidence for it increasing desirable classroom behaviors and decreasing problem behaviors across a range of student populations. Recent studies have also demonstrated that a positive reinforcement-focused version of the GBG can be successfully implemented using a software application. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief overview of the GBG and its evidence base and describe the steps for implementing the GBG with a freely available software application for classroom management.
Rurality Impacts Mammography Screening Adherence Among Mid-life Women in the Kansas Region
Authors: Brewer Benjamin , Pepper Sam , Ratnayake Isuru Panduka , Mudaranthakam Dinesh Pal
Published: July 2023

Objective

The gold standard for breast cancer screening and prevention is regular mammography; thus, understanding what impacts adherence to this standard is essential in limiting cancer-associated costs. We assessed the impact of various understudied sociodemographic factors of interest on adherence to the receipt of regular mammograms.

Methods

A total [Formula: see text] = 14,553 mammography-related claims from [Formula: see text] = 6,336 female Kansas aged between 45 and 54 were utilized from insurance claim databases furnished by multiple providers. Adherence to regular mammography was quantified continuously via a compliance ratio, used to capture the number of eligible years in which at least one mammogram was received, as well as categorically. The relationship between race, ethnicity, rurality, insurance (public/private), screening facility type, and distance to nearest screening facility with both continuous and categorically defined compliance were individually assessed via Kruskal–Wallis one-way ANOVAs, chi-squared tests, multiple linear regression models, and multiple logistic regression, as appropriate. Findings from these individual models were used to inform the construction of a basic, multifaceted prediction model.

Results

Model results demonstrated that all factors race and ethnicity had at least some bearing on compliance with screening guidelines among mid-life female Kansans. The strongest signal was observed in the rurality variable, which demonstrated a significant relationship with compliance regardless of how it was defined.

Conclusion

Understudied factors that are associated with regular mammography adherence, such as rurality and distance to nearest facility, may serve as important considerations when developing intervention strategies for ensuring that female patients stick to prescribed screening regimens.
Red Cell Distribution Width and Elongation Index in a Cohort of Patients With Juvenile Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Caimi Gregorio , Lo Presti Rosalia , Corrado Egle , Montana Maria , Carlisi Melania
Published: July 2023

In a cohort of patients with juvenile myocardial infarction, we considered the red cell distribution width (RDW), hematocrit, hemoglobin, and elongation index values at the initial phase and at 3 and 12 months from the acute event. In the initial phase, only the elongation index values turn out reduced if compared with those of the control group, and that only turn out to discriminate the infarcted ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) from non-STEMI. Dividing the patients according to the traditional risk factors and the extent of coronary heart disease, there are no significant variations in the analyzed parameters. No major changes are observed after 12 months from the acute event. Both to 3 and to 12 months from the infarct episode, the negative statistical correlation between RDW and the value of elongation index remains. These data make us reflect on the role of the degree of anisocytosis of red blood cell expressed by the RDW on the determinism of erythrocyte deformability, which plays its role in the microcirculation district and that is essential in the transfer of tissue oxygen.
Giving critical theoretical and evaluation practice context to ‘Testing, Testing’ in Jamaica
Authors: Leslie Dacia Latoya , Falconer Keenan , Dormer Chantol , White Thelma
Published: July 2023

This article examines how evaluability assessments can be designed and conducted to generate meaningful and actionable results for reducing youth crime in Jamaica. It draws on case illustrations from the 2021 ‘Testing, Testing’ CAPRI research study report to highlight the nexus between research and evaluation and promote adopting practices that can enhance the quality and relevance of evaluations conducted within the Caribbean region and beyond. The findings suggest that data needed to inform evaluation and evidenced-based policymaking remain limited despite re-energised regional and global efforts to address this challenge. Particularly, low data quality, production, and use continue to hinder measuring progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. The article, therefore, offers an accessible decolonising framework for understanding, supporting and critically assessing how inertia within the context of evaluation practice can be challenged. Concrete suggestions for action include using local knowledge and underutilised techniques such as evaluability assessments.
Sports participation, body appreciation and life satisfaction in Norwegian adolescents: A moderated mediation analysis
Authors: Riddervold Sofie , Haug Ellen , Kristensen Sara Madeleine
Published: July 2023

Aims:

Life satisfaction is an important aspect of quality of life and plays an essential role in optimal developmental adaption in adolescence. This study investigated whether being active in organised leisure sports is associated with a higher level of life satisfaction among adolescents, both directly and indirectly, through increased body appreciation. Whether gender moderates the mentioned associations will also be examined.

Methods:

The study was cross-sectional and based on a sample of 541 participants (44% females) between 16 and 19 years of age ( Mage=16.89 years, SD=0.46). A moderated mediation model was examined using SPSS v27 and the PROCESS macro.

Results:

Boys had higher life satisfaction and body appreciation levels than girls did. There was no direct effect of organised leisure sports participation on life satisfaction. However, there was a positive association between organised leisure sports participation and life satisfaction through increased body appreciation. No gender differences were observed for the direct association between sports participation and life satisfaction or the indirect associations between sports participation and life satisfaction through body appreciation.

Conclusions:

Our findings support that body appreciation is a mediator for the association between organised leisure sports participation and life satisfaction for both boys and girls. Longitudinal studies should be conducted to further examine if causal relationships exist.
Nondestructive millimeter-scale void detection for thick steel-shell–concrete interface of immersed tube tunnel: case study
Authors: Li Songhui , Liu Guoqing , Zhang Yan , Zhao Hongbo , Feng Shaokong , Wu Fanzi
Published: July 2023

The structural form of sandwich-structured immersed tunnel (SSIT) can be complex. During the casting of self-compacting concrete, creating void defects between the steel shell and concrete interface is not difficult, which can adversely affect the overall safety and service life of the structure. However, detecting millimeter-scale voids covered by a thick steel plate is a technical challenge for current engineering industries. In this study, we proposed a nondestructive millimeter-scale void detection method for SSITs with thick steel shells by combining impact imaging and neutron methods. First, based on the near-source wavefield theory and count rate of thermal neutrons, the void area and depth calculation methods were derived theoretically, and then the coupling detection method and grading criteria for void severity were proposed. Additionally, the void detection performance was validated for a full-scale SSIT model test by blind detection. Finally, the proposed method was applied to the SSIT of the Shenzhen–Zhongshan bridge. The results showed that the proposed method could quantitatively determine the location and distribution pattern of a void; however, it could not accurately determine the void depth. In contrast, the neutron method could accurately calculate the void depth but had a large minimum detectable unit area. The proposed method could effectively compensate for the limitations of both methods. Statistically, the coincidence rate of the model test was 95%, 89%, and 87.5% for the void location, void area, and void depth, respectively, when the error range was ±2 mm. Using this method, 30 tubes in the Shenzhen–Zhongshan bridge were inspected, and by summarizing the void law, suggestions to improve the casting process were proposed, such as adjusting the casting speed. Meanwhile, the void probability decreased significantly. The proposed method provides an important basis for high-quality construction in SSIT projects.
Speech, Language, and Literacy in Children With Visual Impairments: The National Survey of Children’s Health
Authors: Brouwer Kyle K. , Gordon-Pershey Monica , Stransky Michelle
Published: July 2023

Data on attaining indicators of early speech, language, and literacy development, notably phonological awareness, among children with visual impairments (VI) are limited. This U.S. study utilized the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH), 2016–2020, to observe the distinctive population of children with VI and speech, language, and literacy needs. Chi-square bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses established differences between children ages 3 to 5 years with VI ( n = 186) and without VI ( n = 25,354). Significant differences included lower parental education and higher rates of family poverty for children with VI. Significantly fewer children with VI had attained early phonological awareness (identifying initial sounds in words and word rhyming). Nearly three times more children with VI had been diagnosed with a speech or language disorder. Findings affirm that interventions address speech, language, and literacy development among children with VI, including explicit phonological awareness. Communication disorders research based on population health databases can inform evidence-based practice.
Workplace Violence Against Nurses in Canada: A Legal Analysis
Authors: Nelson Sioban , Leslie Kathleen , McCormick Aleah , Gonsalves JohnPaul , Baumann Andrea , Thiessen Natalie J. , Schiller Catharine
Published: July 2023

Workplace violence against nurses is a significant global occupational health problem, with incidents of violence increasing in frequency since the COVID-19 pandemic began. In this article, we provide a review of recent legislative amendments meant to bolster workplace safety in health care in Canada, analyze legal cases where nurses were the victims of violence, and discuss what these legal reforms and decisions reveal about how nurses’ work is treated within the Canadian legal system. Under criminal law, the limited number of cases we could find with oral or written sentencing decisions show that, historically, the fact a victim was a nurse was not always considered an aggravating factor on sentencing. Recent legislative amendments make this a specified aggravating factor and it is important to track the impact of these amendments when judges exercise their discretion in sentencing. Under employment law, it appears that, despite the government's efforts to increase the deterrence factor under legislation with significantly increased fines for employers who fail to protect their employees from injury, courts remain reluctant to impose such sanctions. In these cases, it is also important to track the impact of harsher penalties. We conclude that combating the widespread normalization of workplace violence in health care, and specifically against nurses, is acutely needed to help ensure that these ongoing legal reforms aimed at improving the safety of health workers are effective.
Pharmacological Activities and In-Silico Studies of Bioactive Compounds Identified in Organic Fractions of the Methanolic Extract ofCitrullus Colocynthis
Authors: Sindhu Haseeb Akram , Afzal Muhammad , Shahid Izzah
Published: July 2023

Medicinal plants have been extensively exploited for their immense pharmacological and immune-supporting potential. Fruit of Citrullus colocynthis has several active secondary metabolites such as phenolics, flavonoids, and essential oils that are used in traditional medicines as antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial agents. In this study, phytoconstituents in organic fractions ( n-hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate) of the methanolic extract of C. colocynthis were analyzed and identified by FT-IR, HPLC, and GC-MS analysis. Ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest antioxidant scavenging (76 ± .769%) and anti-inflammatory (40 ± .473%) activities at the concentration of 3 mg/mL. Similarly, antidiabetic effect was measured by inhibition of α-amylase where, ethyl acetate fraction (77 ± .844%) exhibited the highest antidiabetic activity. Among all organic fractions, ethyl acetate exhibited strong antimicrobial potential followed by n-hexane and chloroform fractions against selected pathogenic bacteria. Various concentrations of the ethyl acetate extract were tested in-vivo for cytotoxicity and results indicated minor morphological changes in liver cells including ballooning, fatty droplets, and slight accumulation of extracellular matrix even at concentrations of 400 mg/kg. In-silico study showed that stigmasta-7,16-dien-3-ol had a strong interaction with COX-1 and COX-2 to reduce inflammation. The abovementioned results indicate the pharmacological strengths of C. colocynthis to fight several diseases.
“It just makes you more vulnerable as an employee”: Understanding the effects of disability stigma on employment in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Carolan Kelsi
Published: July 2023

Objective

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases in the United States, affecting approximately 1 million Americans. However, there is a dearth of research on the employment experiences of individuals with PD. This research article makes a crucial contribution to the literature by examining the role of disability stigma in shaping employment options in PD, with relevance to the experiences of adults with chronic and/or progressive diseases more broadly.

Methods

The author conducted individual semi-structured interviews with 23 adults under the age of 65 with PD. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. The author utilized an integrated approach to analysis, primarily employing a thematic analysis approach. Additionally, a narrative analysis strategy, the Listening Guide, was integrated into the broader thematic analysis to deepen analysis of discrimination and stigma.

Results

Findings demonstrate how internalized, anticipated and/or experienced disability-related stigma profoundly affects employment experiences, influencing participants’ work outcome expectations and acting as an employment barrier.

Discussion

Findings have implications for health care practice and education, disability policy, early intervention strategies after the onset of PD and priorities for future research.