bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Good Fit Is Weak Evidence of Replication: Increasing Rigor Through Prior Predictive Similarity Checking
Authors: Bonifay Wes , Winter Sonja D. , Skoblow Hanamori F. , Watts Ashley L.
Published: March 2024

Replication provides a confrontation of psychological theory, not only in experimental research, but also in model-based research. Goodness of fit (GOF) of the original model to the replication data is routinely provided as meaningful evidence of replication. We demonstrate, however, that GOF obscures important differences between the original and replication studies. As an alternative, we present Bayesian prior predictive similarity checking: a tool for rigorously evaluating the degree to which the data patterns and parameter estimates of a model replication study resemble those of the original study. We apply this method to original and replication data from the National Comorbidity Survey. Both data sets yielded excellent GOF, but the similarity checks often failed to support close or approximate empirical replication, especially when examining covariance patterns and indicator thresholds. We conclude with recommendations for applied research, including registered reports of model-based research, and provide extensive annotated R code to facilitate future applications of prior predictive similarity checking.
Gender, Sexism, and Police Attitudes Toward Policing Intimate Partner Violence in China
Authors: Yu Yao , Xia Chun , Zhu Zhiling
Published: March 2024

This study examines the impact of gender and sexism on police officers’ attitudes toward policing intimate partner violence (IPV). Data were collected from 826 Chinese police officers through online questionnaires. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis found that male police officers and those with sexist attitudes believe that handling IPV cases is illegitimate; they tend to perceive that the police are not morally bound to regulate such cases. Meanwhile, policewomen are less likely to consider that IPV interventions are difficult and resource-intensive. Findings indicate the need to amend policies and practices concerning gender and sexism among police officers to control IPV.
Heimler syndrome with a complaint of blurred vision caused by compound heterozygous variants in PEX1
Authors: Zhang Yanchen , Li Zhixing , Lin Bing , Liu Xiaoling , Sun Zuhua
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Heimler syndrome (HS) is a rare disorder that includes sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), nail abnormalities, and enamel hypoplasia. Patients with this syndrome can also exhibit ocular manifestations. At present, only a few cases of HS have been reported, existing knowledge of this syndrome is limited, and many cases have been misdiagnosed or even missed. This is the first report of Heimler syndrome with blurred vision as the first complaint, which was diagnosed by genetic analysis in the ophthalmology department.

Case description

An 8-year-old girl complained of bilateral visual blur and night blindness from birth. Ophthalmic examinations revealed bilateral retinitis pigmentosa with cystoid macular edema, visual impairment with hyperopia and astigmatism. Hearing test revealed bilateral severe sensorineural hearing loss. Dental examinations revealed enamel hypoplasia. In addition, whole-exome sequencing (WES) identified two pathogenic variants in PEX1: the previously reported missense variant c.2966T > C (p.I989 T), and the novel frameshift variant c.1671_1672del (p.G558Sfs*33).

Conclusion

Heimler syndrome is caused by compound heterozygous PEX1 pathogenic variants, c.2966T > C (p.I989 T) and c.1671_1672del (p.G558Sfs*33), which contributed to the diversity of clinical and genetic profiles in this patient. The main clinical manifestations include bilateral retinitis pigmentosa with cystoid macular edema, sensorineural hearing loss, and enamel hypoplasia. Systemic examinations are suggested for patients suspected of having pigmentary retinal dystrophy, especially combined with hearing-related impairments. Genetic testing can help us to make a definitive diagnosis.
Developing the “Moorditj Moort Boodja (Solid Family and Country) on the ground community relational framework for Aboriginal research engagement” in Western Australia: The Next Generation Aboriginal Youth Well-being Cohort Study
Authors: Williams (Noongar) Robyn , Eades (Noongar) Francine , Whitby (Noongar Yamatji) Justine , Davis (Noongar) Katiska , McKay (Wiradjuri) Christopher , Gubhaju Lina , Eades (Noongar) Sandra
Published: March 2024

Indigenous research frameworks are key to enhancing cultural safety for participants, while facilitating capacity building for Indigenous researchers. Indigenous frameworks can address and balance out the potential harms of western research methods. This methodology article describes the experiences of an Indigenous research team in Western Australia (WA) and the developed research framework titled Moorditj Moort Boodja (Solid Family and Country) for the Next Generation Aboriginal Youth Well-being Project in WA. This project engaged 830 young Indigenous participants between 10 and 24 years of age from WA. This project collected key health data from youth and caregivers and resulted in the development and implementation of the On the Ground Community Relational Framework for research engagement. This article adds to the knowledge on cultural safety for Indigenous participants and researchers undertaking Indigenous focused research.
Service Allocators’ Experiences of Ethical Dilemmas and Strategies in Long-Term Care: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Pedersen Ann Katrin Blø , Skinner Marianne Sundlisæter , Sogstad Maren
Published: March 2024

The provision of long-term care services for older adults is characterised by increasing needs and scarce resources, leading to ethical dilemmas. This qualitative study explored the ethical dilemmas experienced by healthcare professionals when allocating long-term care services to older adults and the strategies used to handle ethical dilemmas. Data from semi-structured individual interviews, focus group interviews, and observations of service allocators assessing needs and assigning long-term care services to older adults were analysed using content analysis. The overarching theme was the struggle for safe and equitable service allocation. The identified dilemmas were: (i) Struggles with A Just Allocation of Services due to Limited Time and Trust, (ii) Pressure on Professional Values Concerning Safety and Dignity, and (iii) Difficulties in Prioritising One Group Over Another. The strategies to deal with ethical dilemmas were: (i) Assessing Needs Across the Entire Municipality, (ii) Ensuring Distance to Service Recipients, (iii) Working as a Team, and (iv) Interprofessional Decision-Making. Scarce resources, organisational limitations, and political expectations drive the ethical dilemmas in long-term care service allocation. An open public discussion regarding the acceptable minimum standard of long-term care is needed to reduce the ethical pressure on service allocators.
Quadricuspid Aortic Valve and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Coincidence or Interconnection
Authors: Bakalli Aurora , Alihajdaraj Rrezarta , Rexhepi Mjellma , Bince Korona , Krasniqi Xhevdet
Published: March 2024

Quadricuspid aortic valve is a very rare congenital anomaly. Its association with rheumatoid arthritis is exceptional with this being the third case reported in the literature. We report a case of a 52 year old female patient with quadricuspid aortic valve type C accompanied by moderate to severe aortic regurgitation and longstanding, advanced form of rheumatoid arthritis. Having refused surgical aortic valve intervention 4 years ago, the patient is currently under a watchful follow-up strategy. The patient received a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis over 15 years before and presently has serious deformities in the hands, legs, feet, and spine. In conclusion, quadricuspid aortic valve and rheumatoid arthritis together are extremely rare. While it is possible that this association is coincidental, considering the genetic background of both disorders, there is a potential for them to be interconnected comorbidities. This report is the first to highlight the association between the 2 disorders.
Spiritual opium and the spiritual opium war: a cultural history of arcade games and console games in 1990s China
Authors: Zhou Nansong
Published: March 2024

In the 1990s, in China, arcade and console games were called “spiritual opium.” Why were video games labeled spiritual drugs, specifically opium, as opposed to other types of drugs? How did the mainstream media gradually depict video games as spiritual opium? The term “spiritual opium” carries profound historical and political connotations and is skillfully employed by media entities to disparage video games, fostering adverse perceptions among the populace. This scholarly inquiry delves into the cultural history of arcade and console games during this era. Historical and cultural methods were used to meticulously trace the genesis and evolution of the “spiritual opium” metaphor in the 1990s, scrutinizing the process through which video games were ensnared by this pejorative label. In addition, the paper also elucidates the “spiritual opium war,” a series of government-led campaigns against arcade and console games, including investigations, crackdowns on arcades, and reminiscent of Mao-era mobilizations. By doing so, this research fills a critical gap in the historiography of Chinese gaming, thereby enriching studies of the regional game industry and contributing to a broader understanding of the global gaming landscape. This article also shows how postsocialist states such as China navigate the challenges posed by the influx of video games and their perceived political threats and provides a nuanced understanding of state–media dynamics and cultural policy in postsocialist contexts.
Vasa vasorum interna in the carotid wall of active forms of Takayasu arteritis evidenced by ultrasound localization microscopy
Authors: Goudot Guillaume , Jimenez Anatole , Mohamedi Nassim , Sitruk Jonas , Wang Louise Z , Khider Lina , Bruneval Patrick , Messas Emmanuel , Pernot Mathieu , Mirault Tristan
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Takayasu arteritis (TA) is associated with microvascularization of the wall of large arteries and is related to inflammation. Ultrasound localization microscopy (ULM), combining ultrafast ultrasound imaging with microbubble (MB) injection, can track the path of MBs within the arterial wall and thus provide imaging of the vasa vasorum. From the analysis of MB tracks in the common carotid arteries of patients with active TA, we report the presence of microvessels in connection with the carotid lumen (i.e., vasa vasorum interna [VVI]). Methods: ULM maps were obtained on five patients with active disease in the observational single-center series of the TAK-UF study. MB tracks connected to the carotid lumen were automatically identified, allowing the reconstruction of VVI. Results: MB tracking allows us to observe a microvascular network on the inner part of the wall, with some vessels in communication with the carotid lumen. This type of vessel was identified in all patients with active TA ( n = 5) with a median of 2.2 [1.1–3.0] vessels per acquisition (2D longitudinal view of 3 cm of the common carotid artery). The blood flow within these vessels is mainly centrifugal; that is, toward the adventitia (88% [54–100] of MB tracks with flow directed to the outer part of the wall). Conclusion: VVI are present in humans in the case of active TA and emphasize the involvement of the intima in the pathological process. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03956394
Making events: How anticipatory infrastructures produce shared temporalities
Authors: Finn Megan , Ananny Mike
Published: March 2024

Anticipatory infrastructures assemble sensors that are ready to detect, networks primed to share data, scientists prepared to confirm events, and news organizations poised to tell stories. This article explains how public time is articulated through sensor-mediated communications by examining two anticipatory infrastructures. Each infrastructure uses similar earthquake data to detect, report on, and convene material publics around earthquakes in Southern California. They are integral to structuring rhythms, coordinating syncronizations, setting deadlines, and making events timely, meaningful, and actionable, yet their governance lives in no one place. Instead, they emerge from an assemblage of sensors, networks, devices, algorithms, people, data, organizations, professional practices, and normative theories of the public. By comparing two different anticipatory infrastructures, we show how imagined publics, forms of journalistic storytelling, representations of earthquake events, and system maintenance can convene different public temporalities. We identify four dynamics involved in making these variable temporalities in material publics: how human-machine relations organize time, how professional norms of timeliness collide, how publics are anticipated by infrastructures, and how sensor infrastructures are maintained or decay over time.
The Greek crisis as a “morality tale”? An empirical assessment
Authors: Nones Nicola
Published: March 2024

Credit and debt are more than just material exchanges within a market economy, they are also social constructs embedded in moral judgments about the character of the agents involved. During the recent European Sovereign Bond crisis, some commentators noted how a similarly loaded moral media discourse juxtaposed “virtuous” Northern European countries on the one side, and “spendthrift, lazy” Southern European ones on the other side. In this article, I provide a quantitative large-N empirical assessment of this phenomenon. I employ a dictionary-based approach inspired by research in social psychology to measure moral content. Upon analyzing more than 14,000 articles published in the Anglo-American and German financial press between 2004 and 2019, I show the extent to which Greece was described in negative moral language. After the initial “shock” in the fall of 2009, the average moral tone turns negative, and more so in the German financial press relative to its Anglo-American counterpart. Moreover, by most measures, it never completely reverts to pre-crisis levels, thus suggesting how “sticky” economic narratives can become. Against the original expectations, though, there is no evidence that the financial press framed the last and most acute phase of the Greek crisis in 2015 in increasingly moral terms.
Extricating the concept of linking value from its tribal gangue
Authors: Cova Bernard , Barès Franck
Published: March 2024

The concept of linking value appeared in the marketing literature 30 years ago, at the height of the postmodern wave. In this text, we show that to reinvigorate this concept, it is necessary to break with its tribal roots. The tribal anchoring, which was the strength of its initial theorization because it attracted researchers, is now a drawback because it limits the potential applications of the concept of linking value at a time when the social world is undergoing fundamental change. Our aim is to reopen the black box of linking value that marketing researchers have kept closed during the last few decades.
Student-Perceived Supervisor Motivation and Grade Pressure as Predictors of German Psychology Students’ Thesis Motivation
Authors: Krishna Anand , Grund Julia
Published: March 2024

Writing a final thesis is an important step for many students. Many thesis programs in research-oriented fields are structured as projects in which there is a one-to-one working relationship with a supervisor. In addition, the thesis’ final grade is often perceived as particularly important. This research uses a cross-sectional survey design ( N = 217) to assess student-perceived supervisor motivation and experienced grade pressure as predictors of student motivation when writing their thesis. Derived from expectancy-value models, valence, expectancy, and instrumentality towards achieving a good thesis grade as well as stress from the thesis work are assessed as mediating variables. The results indicate that, as hypothesized, high student-perceived supervisor motivation is associated with higher motivation components and less stress. Grade pressure is associated with higher valence, but also more stress. In turn, motivational components are positively and stress negatively associated with student motivation. The mediation analysis suggests a partially mediated positive effect of student-perceived supervisor motivation and a suppressed net zero effect of grade pressure on student motivation. Although this research cannot establish causality, the results suggest that motivating supervisors may improve student motivation in thesis writing significantly. Furthermore, the negative effects of high grade pressure may not extend to student motivation.
Qualitative Research Parameters in Studies on Frugal Innovation
Authors: Provin Ana Paula , Leal Vieira Cubas Anelise , de Aguiar Dutra Ana Regina , Carneiro Mussi Clarissa , Junges Ivone , Nunes Nei Antonio , Casagrande Jacir Leonir , Salgueirinho Osório de Andrade Guerra José Baltazar
Published: March 2024

Frugal innovation (FI) is a recent topic in the scientific literature and it was introduced in relation to management studies. According to scholars, FI is a promising way to serve low-income people who cannot afford conventional products, especially those in developing countries, and to address the urgent need to rethink how resources can be used effectively to operate a sustainable business in the emerging global scenario. This systematic literature review article investigates how the use of qualitative research in studies on FI can contribute to the theory and applicability of FI in society. Searches were conducted in the Scopus, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink and Web of Science databases. After surveying and sorting the documents found, 61 research articles dealing with the various aspects and concepts of FI and addressing the use of qualitative research were selected for this literature review.
Age-related contextual cueing features are more evident in reaction variability than in reaction time
Authors: Yao Yipeng , Luo Rong , Fan Chengyu , Qian Yeke , Zang Xuelian
Published: March 2024

Visual-spatial contextual cueing learning underpins the daily lives of older adults, enabling them to navigate their surroundings, perform daily activities, and maintain cognitive function. While the contextual cueing effect has received increasing attention from researchers, the relationship between this cognitive ability and healthy ageing remains controversial. To investigate whether visual-spatial contextual cueing learning declines with age, we examined the contextual learning patterns of older (60–71 years old) and younger adults (18–26 years old) using a contextual-guided visual search paradigm and response variability measurements. We observed significant contextual learning effects in both age groups, impacting response speed and variability, with these effects persisting for at least 24 days. However, older adults required more repetitions and memorised fewer repeated stimuli during initial learning. Interestingly, their long-term memory maintenance appeared stronger, as their contextual facilitation persisted in both response speed and variability, while younger adults only persisted in response speed but not variability. Overall, our results suggest an age-related complex and diverse contextual cueing pattern, with older adults showing weaker learning but stronger long-term memory maintenance compared with younger adults.
The aetiology of fracture and nonunion in the hook of the hamate
Authors: Campbell Fiona C. , Jones Stuart W. , Campbell Doug A.
Published: March 2024

Fractures of the hook of the hamate are traditionally thought to be caused by direct trauma. A review of the anatomy and function of the hamate hook suggests that fracture is more likely as a result of a fatigue response that develops in the hook from repetitive load applied by the adjacent deep flexor tendons. Additional vascular compromise, from direct pressure of the tendons on critical local vessels, reduces blood flow leading to both mechanical and vascular effects that create pathological osseous change and weakening. These changes are likely to predispose to stress fracture and nonunion in repetitive gripping activities and are consistent with radiological findings.
Biomechanical analysis of tendon turnover tenorrhaphy compared to direct repair and Pulvertaft weave
Authors: Barabas Anthony , Patel Manal I. A. , Sutcliffe Michael
Published: March 2024

The aim of the present study was to evaluate biomechanical properties of tendon turnover repair in comparison to direct repair and Pulvertaft weave. A total of 48 sheep flexor tendons were assigned to eight groups comprising single or double tendon turnover repair, tendon turnover segment (without tenorrhaphy), direct repair or Pulvertaft weave. Tensile strength, stiffness and failure mechanisms were evaluated with a 500 N load cell. Turnover repair showed no significant difference in tensile strength to direct repair. Failure in turnover repair occurred largely at the site of tenorrhaphy due to suture pull-through or suture rupture. the increase in cross-sectional area after turnover repair was similar to that after direct repair, but less than after Pulvertaft weave. Tendon turnover offers tensile strength similar to direct repair with no associated increase in bulk. It provides a biomechanically secure and quicker alternative to tendon grafting for reconstructing tendon defects, without secondary donor site morbidity.

Level of evidence: V
“Important Enough to Show the World”: Using Authentic Research Opportunities and Micropublications to Build Students’ Science Identities
Authors: Rubenstein Lisa DaVia , Woodruff Kelsey A. , Taylor April M. , Olesen James B. , Smaldino Philip J. , Rubenstein Eric M.
Published: March 2024

Primarily undergraduate institutions (PUI) often struggle to provide authentic research opportunities that culminate in peer-reviewed publications due to “recipe-driven” lab courses and the comprehensive body of work necessary for traditional scientific publication. However, the advent of short-form, single-figure “micropublications” has created novel opportunities for early-career scientists to make and publish authentic scientific contributions on a scale and in a timespan compatible with their training periods. The purpose of this qualitative case study is to explore the benefits accrued by eight undergraduate and master's students who participated in authentic, small-scale research projects and disseminated their work as coauthors of peer-reviewed micropublications at a PUI. In these interviews, students reported that through the process of conducting and publishing their research, they developed specific competencies: reading scientific literature, proposing experiments, and collecting/interpreting publication-worthy data. Further, they reported this process enabled them to identify as contributing members of the greater scientific community.
Perception of undergraduate students of Nigeria’s premier university on the use of emergency remote teaching during Covid-19
Authors: Adekannbi Janet O , Ipadeola Oyindamola
Published: March 2024

This study reports preliminary findings on undergraduate students’ perception of the Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT) at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, during Covid-19. Proportional to size sampling was used in obtaining the sample size of 366, while respondents were selected using convenience sampling. Data collection was through a structured questionnaire containing both open and closed ended questions and data was collected on the factors - attitude, affect, motivation; perceived behavioural control (accessibility, self-efficacy, ease of use,); and cognitive engagement. Findings showed that students’ positive attitude towards face-to-face learning was significantly higher than towards ERT and correlation analysis showed a relationship between preference for face-to-face learning and struggling with ERT. Also, the average difference in students’ motivation for learning before and after commencement of ERT was not statistically significant. Students reported more frequent use of educational technologies after ERT commenced than before and the difference was statistically significant. Increase was reported in all the self-efficacy and cognitive engagement constructs. Positive changes reported were mainly acquisition of additional hobbies as well as business, social and technology skills. Challenges to online learning included poor power supply, cost of data subscription, network disruptions and distractions from family and friends.
COVID-19 era- digital eye strain and the use of digital devices in online learning: A cross-sectional study of nursing students
Authors: Mrayyan Majd T , Al-Shaikh Ali Marwan H , Al-Reyati Reem , Abed Al-Rahman Myasar , Mrayan Manar
Published: March 2024

Digital Eye Strain (DES) is a newly recognized healthcare problem. Therefore, this study assessed the frequency, intensity, and prevalence of DES, the usage of digital devices for online learning among nursing students enrolled in nursing courses in a governmental and a private university during the COVID-19 pandemic, compared the usage of digital devices before and after the pandemic, assessed its predictors, and interventions nursing students used to prevent or accommodate DES. A cross-sectional online survey was carried out. Between November and December 2022, data were collected with a purposive sample of 142 nursing students enrolled in nursing courses at a governmental and a private university in Jordan, with a response rate of 88.75%. Our sample didn’t have DES, but when it occurred, it was intense. The most frequent and intense symptoms were reported. The median of the mean score DES indicated that the prevalence of DES was 55.23% (occurred occasionally), and the prevalence of (severe) intensity was 52.11%. The mean daily hours spent using digital devices before and after the pandemic were 3.51 ± 1.96 and 4.51 ± 2.53, respectively; the majority spent 3–4 h. Besides using electronic devices for online learning, our nursing students spent 3.31 ± 1.87 on other activities. Before the pandemic, nursing students commonly used mobile phones. This usage decreased during the pandemic as they moved to computer desktops, laptops, and tablets. Being senior students and using equipment to help protect the eyes predicted the DES. Students used different interventions to prevent or accommodate DES. Based on the international trend, we can conclude that the DES increased during the pandemic; nursing students have spent more hours on digital devices, and over 55.00% have DES. They have frequent serious symptoms from DES, which should be managed immediately. To decrease the prevalence of DES, redesigning our educational system should be prioritized, considering that online learning along with DES will remain even after this pandemic end.
Machine learning methods to discriminate posttraumatic stress disorder: A protocol of systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Jing , Ouyang Hui , Jiao Runda , Zhang Haiyan , Cheng Suhui , Shang Zhilei , Jia Yanpu , Yan Wenjie , Wu Lili , Liu Weizhi
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Recent years have witnessed a persistent threat to public mental health, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has emerged as a pivotal concern amidst this backdrop. Concurrently, machine learning (ML) techniques have progressively applied in the realm of mental health. Therefore, our present undertaking seeks to provide a comprehensive assessment of studies employing ML methods that use diverse data modalities on the classification of people with PTSD.

Methods and analysis

In pursuit of pertinent studies, we will search both English and Chinese databases from January 2000 to May 2022. Two researchers will independently conduct screening, extract data and assess study quality. We intend to employ the assessment framework introduced by Luis Francisco Ramos-Lima in 2020 for quality evaluation. Rate, standard error and 95% CIs will be utilized for effect size measurement. A Cochran's Q test will be applied to assess heterogeneity. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis will further elucidate the source of heterogeneity and funnel plots and Egger's test will detect publication bias.

Ethics and dissemination

This systematic review and meta-analysis does not encompass patient interactions or engagements with healthcare providers. The outcomes of this research will be disseminated through scholarly channels, including presentations at scientific conferences and publications in peer-reviewed journals. PROSPERO registration number CRD42023342042.
A Cross-Cultural Exploration of Student Development in Higher Education: Acknowledging, Exercising, and Enhancing Agency
Authors: Yang (杨力苈) Lili , Lee (이소영) Soyoung , Oldac Yusuf Ikbal
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Students develop and grow throughout higher education. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Building on the premise that individuals develop and grow through interacting with the world, this study explores how students develop, grow, and become empowered in higher education through the lens of I–world interactions.

Design/Approach/Methods

This study employs a multicultural and multidisciplinary approach by first examining different cultural philosophical approaches to I–world interactions. This is followed by an elaboration of what the interactions mean for individual development and growth in higher education by drawing on psychology, sociology, and educational research.

Findings

This study argues that there are three essential elements of I–world interactions across three philosophical approaches: acknowledged, exercised, and enhanced individual agency. In higher education, students are strong agents, as demonstrated by sociological theories of agency and psychological evidence of agentic human functioning. Students actively exercise their agency, particularly when interacting with the environment. If organized and practiced well, universities can help students enhance their agency.

Originality/Value

The three shared elements and empirical evidence together form the foundation for understanding how students become empowered in higher education and for positioning the enhancement of students’ agency at the center of higher education across contexts.
The Effects of Neighborhood Trust and Support on Parenting Stress of Mothers With Young Children in Japan
Authors: Kaneko Noriko , Nishijo Muneko , Agawa Keiko , Ishigaki Kazuko , Nishino Yoshikazu
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

While childrearing can enhance mothers’ psychological well-being, parenting can also increase mental stress for mothers with young children, which is considered a risk factor for child maltreatment. A lack of social capital reportedly influences mothers’ parenting, but few studies have investigated the effects of social capital on the perception of mental stress and well-being associated with childrearing among mothers with young children. Therefore, we investigated the effects of lower perceived neighborhood trust and support on higher mental stress and/or lower well-being associated with childrearing among Japanese mothers with children aged 2 to 3 years.

Methods:

A total of 570 mothers with children (aged 2-3 years) in nursery school were invited to join the survey. The childrearing perspective scale for mothers (CPS-M97) was used to evaluate mothers’ perceptions of mental stress and well-being associated with childrearing. Odds ratios (ORs) reflecting lower satisfaction/fulfillment scores (ie, well-being) and/or higher burdened/anxious scores (ie, mental stress) associated with perceived social capital levels were analyzed, after adjusting for confounding factors.

Results:

The OR for lower satisfaction/fulfillment scores was significantly higher (OR = 1.77) for mothers with lower neighborhood trust. Significantly increased ORs for higher burdened/anxious scores were found in mothers with lower neighborhood trust (OR = 1.50) and support (OR = 1.49). The ORs for poor mental status, with lower satisfaction/fulfillment scores and higher burdened/anxious scores, were significantly increased in mothers with lower neighborhood trust (OR = 1.96) and lower neighborhood support (OR = 2.10).

Conclusions:

Higher social capital was associated with higher psychological well-being and/or lower mental stress in Japanese childrearing mothers. These results suggest that enhancing social capital is necessary to facilitate successful parenting that contributes to the prevention of child maltreatment.
Reinforcing Writing in the Disciplines Courses with Collaborative Instructional Mode: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Yan Li Wei , Yeh Fang Ping
Published: March 2024

This study examines the effectiveness of classroom-based student writing tutors with discipline-specific backgrounds as adjunct collaborators in supporting non-native English-speaking writing teachers in the disciplines. In this qualitative study, the participants’ perceptions of this collaborative instructional model were evaluated through a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with the participating students, in-class writing tutors, and writing instructors from two discipline-specific writing courses. The findings highlighted the perceived benefits of this collaborative teaching with discipline-specific tutors and their involvement as the “pedagogical bridge” to overcome language teachers’ insufficiency of disciplinary content knowledge. The findings also pointed to pedagogical challenges concerning writing variations within the same discipline and students’ need for linguistic knowledge rather than discipline-specific content knowledge. Based on these findings, this study concludes with a discussion of the pedagogical implications for the effective training of discipline-based tutor collaboration and the future implementation of discipline-based writing curricula across disciplines.
Exploring Career Construction: A Single Narrative Case Study Guided by the Systems Theory Framework of Career Development (STFCD)
Authors: Zubair Saima , Moazzam Amani
Published: March 2024

This narrative case study explores the career story of a single female medical professional in Pakistan and how the integration of the systems theory framework of career development (STFCD), the narrative approach and a constructivist worldview can help individuals in constructing or shaping careers within the unique Pakistani context. The study uses case study and narrative inquiry as merged methodological framework. Through conversational interviews and document analysis of the participant, the study examines the participant’s career experiences, choices and meaning-making processes. The findings shed light on the influence of various systems (individual, social and contextual) on the participant’s career trajectory, the construction of her career narrative and her active role in career decision-making. Additionally, these insights can inform how STFCD can help construct a person’s career journey. The career issues highlighted in the narrative of the participant may not be attributable to all women working in the same field or may be in commonality with other women regardless of their profession. Overall, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of career construction using STFCD in the Pakistani context and offers theoretical implications for women career development using a narrative approach.
Circular Perivascular Autofluorescence Pattern in Patients With Autoimmune Retinopathy
Authors: Yang Janine , Liu Renee , Apivatthakakul Atitaya , Sobrin Lucia
Published: March 2024

Purpose: To report the characteristics and prevalence of a previously undescribed circular perivascular fundus autofluorescence (FAF) pattern in paraneoplastic and nonparaneoplastic autoimmune retinopathy. Methods: This retrospective case series used clinical and imaging data extracted from charts of patients with autoimmune retinopathy in whom FAF imaging was performed from the initial presentation to the last visit. Results: Six of 25 patients with autoimmune retinopathy and FAF imaging developed circular perivascular FAF changes. Three patients had paraneoplastic autoimmune retinopathy, and 3 had nonparaneoplastic autoimmune retinopathy. The lesions appeared a mean of 25 months after symptom onset; however, the timing varied from months to years and did not correlate with the overall disease course. The lesions were initially typically hyperautofluorescent and varied in progression, distribution, and quality. Optical coherence tomography showed hyperreflective subretinal deposits in the corresponding areas in most patients. Conclusions: To our knowledge, these are the first reported cases with this circular perivascular FAF pattern in nonparaneoplastic autoimmune retinopathy. This finding could also be a useful diagnostic imaging marker in some patients with autoimmune retinopathy.
Nailfold Capillaroscopy Findings in Patients With Psoriasis Vulgaris and Different Domains of Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Elmesiry Amal M. , Mahmoud Sobhia A. , Mohamed Maha S. , Aly Hany , Elmotaleb Yasser A. , Ghit Mohamad M. , Ibrahim Amira Shahin , Elazab Seham A. , Mokhtar Mona , Rageh Eman A. , Moussa Mai A. , Ismail Sherif , El Zokm Saad M. , Hamoud Hesham
Published: March 2024

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease with longtime activity and multisystem affection. Nailfold capillaroscopy (NC) is a simple noninvasive microscopic tool useful for identification of nailfold microvasculopathy.

Objective

The present study aimed to compare NC findings in patients with psoriasis vulgaris (PsV) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) with different clinical domains.

Methods

The present cross-sectional study included 200 psoriasis patients classified into five 40-patient groups: group I (GI) included PsA patients with predominant peripheral arthritis; group II (GII) included PsA patients with predominant peripheral arthritis and dactylitis and/or enthesitis; group III (GIII) included PsA patients with predominant axial affection; group IV (GIV) patients included PsA patients with predominant axial affection and dactylitis and/or enthesitis and group V (GV) included patients with PsV. In addition, there were 40 age and sex-matched healthy controls (GVI).

Results

The studied patients had capillary density of 6.7 ± 3.5/mm with 90 patients (45.0 %) having reduced capillary density. GI-GIV patients had significantly lower capillary density and higher frequency of patients with reduced capillary density as compared to GV patients. The reported capillary dimension in the studied patients is 15.7 ± 7.9 μm and 55 patients (27.5 %) had large/giant capillaries. Patients in GV had significantly lower capillary dimension in comparison to GI-GIV patients. There were 64 patients (32.0 %) with abnormal capillary morphology and 47 patients (23.5 %) with capillary hemorrhages.

Conclusions

PsA patients of all domains have lower capillary density and larger capillary dimensions as compared to PsV patients.
Motility Disorders of the Stomach: Pathophysiologic Mechanisms and Evaluation
Authors: Cangemi David J. , Lacy Brian E.
Published: March 2024

Gastroparesis (GP) is a disorder characterized by symptoms of nausea, vomiting, early satiety, abdominal pain, and/or bloating in the setting of delayed gastric emptying and the absence of a mechanical obstruction. Though the epidemiology and many pathophysiologic mechanisms have been well-established, GP remains an incompletely understood gastrointestinal disorder, and recent data has challenged existing concepts regarding the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of GP. Thus, our understanding of GP is evolving and with this comes the promise of novel diagnostic methods and treatments, both of which are sorely needed for this historically vexing disorder, which presents unique challenges to patients and providers alike. In this section, we will review existing principles pertaining to the pathophysiology and evaluation of GP, and contrast this with recent data, some of which challenges the historical perspective. In so doing, we aim to provide the reader with an updated and sophisticated view on the approach to GP moving forward.
Addressing the Intersections of Chronic Pain and OUD: Integrative Management of Chronic Pain and OUD for Whole Recovery (IMPOWR) Research Network
Authors: Su Zu-In
Published: March 2024

The appearance of both chronic pain (CP) and opioid use disorder (OUD)/opioid misuse is common, can bidirectionally affect treatment outcomes, and can be challenging to treat. The successful treatment of these conditions can be further complicated by co-occurring hazardous alcohol use, general anxiety disorder, and/or major depressive disorder, and calls for the need to attend to the whole health of the patient. Health systems providing care for these individuals are often fragmented, and suffer from limited resources, expertise, and communication. The National Institute on Drug Abuse, with support from the National Institutes of Health Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) Initiative, funded the Integrative Management of chronic Pain and OUD for Whole Recovery (IMPOWR) network in 2021 to address the needs of this complex population. With continuous collaboration with community partners, the network supports 11 unique clinical trials and a Coordination and Dissemination Center which are described in this commentary. This article introduces the scientific rationale and structure of the network and highlights the themes connecting the trials together to collectively create data-driven and actionable solutions for individuals with co-occurring CP and OUD/opioid misuse.
Characteristics of the oral and gastric microbiome in patients with early-stage intramucosal esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Han , Jiang Xingzhou , Zhu Fengyi , Yang Ruoyun , Yu Xin , Zhou Xiaoying , Tang Nana
Published: March 2024

Background

Oral microbiome dysbacteriosis has been reported to be associated with the pathogenesis of advanced esophageal cancer. However, few studies investigated the potential role of oral and gastric microbiota in early-stage intramucosal esophageal squamous carcinoma (EIESC).

Method

A total of 104 samples were collected from 31 patients with EIESC and 21 healthy controls. The compositions of oral and gastric microbiota were analyzed using 16 S rRNA V3-V4 amplicon sequencing. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis was performed to assess taxonomic differences between groups. The correlation between oral microbiota and clinicopathological factors was evaluated using Spearman correlation analysis. Additionally, co-occurrence networks were established and random forest models were utilized to identify significant microbial biomarkers for distinguishing between the EIESC and control groups.

Results

A total of 292 oral genera and 223 species were identified in both EIESC and healthy controls. Six oral genera were remarkably enriched in EIESC groups, including the genera Porphyromonas, Shigella, Subdoligranulum, Leptotrichia, Paludibacter, and Odoribacter. LEfSe analysis identified genera Porphyromonas and Leptotrichia with LDA scores > 3. In the random forest model, Porphyromonas endodontalis ranked the top microbial biomarker to differentiate EIESC from controls. The elimination rate of Porphyromonas endodontalis from the oral cavity to the stomach was also dramatically decreased in the EIESC group than controls. In the microbial co-occurrence network, Porphyromonas endodontalis was positively correlated with Prevotella tannerae and Prevotella intermedia and was negatively correlated with Veillonella dispar.

Conclusion

Our study potentially indicates that the dysbacteriosis of both the oral and gastric microbiome was associated with EIESC. Larger scale studies and experimental animal models are urgently needed to confirm the possible role of microbial dysbacteriosis in the pathogenesis of EIESC. (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Center, ChiCTR2200063464, Registered 07 September 2022, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=178563)
Cyanobacterial elicitor enhances the biomass of Mentha piperita L. and improves the production of high-value rosmarinic acid under in vitro culture of apical meristem
Authors: Shariatmadari Zeinab , Zarezadeh Somayeh , Riahi Hossein , Ghotbi-Ravandi Ali Akbar , Seyed Hashtroudi Mehri , Shahroudi Ensiyeh
Published: March 2024

Background

Rosmarinic acid (RA), like other phenolic compounds, is sources of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents in medicinal plants. In vitro culture of plants can improve the medicinal plants’ metabolite profile and phenolic compound quantity. To date, various methods have been proposed to increase this medicinal metabolite in plants, among which the use of bioelicitors can be mentioned. In the present study, a native isolate of heterocystous cyanobacteria, Nostoc spongiaeforme var. tenue ISB65, was used to stimulate the production of biomass and content of RA in Mentha piperita L. (peppermint) grown in vitro from apical meristem. Mentha piperita L. explants were inoculated in half strength Murashige and Skoog (1/2 MS) medium containing cyanobacterial lysate (CL). After 50 days of culturing, the growth indices, the content of photosynthetic pigments, and RA in control and treated plants were measured.

Results

CL inoculation resulted in a significant enhancement in the vegetative growth indices of peppermint, including root and shoot length, plant biomass and leaf number. The content of photosynthetic pigments also increased in cyanobacteria-treated plants. Inoculation with CL increased the RA content by 2.3-fold, meaning that the plants treated with CL had the highest RA content (7.68 mg. g− 1 dry weight) compared to the control (3.42 mg. g− 1 dry weight). Additionally, HPLC analysis revealed the presence of several auxins in CL.

Conclusions

The presence of auxins and the chemical content of CL such as K+ and Ca2+, as regulators of metabolic pathways and molecular activities of cells, may be responsible for the enhanced growth and phenolic compounds of plants under tissue culture conditions. An improvement in RA content in the tissue culture of medicinal plants treated with CL was reported for the first time in this investigation.
Using new indices to predict metabolism dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD): analysis of the national health and nutrition examination survey database
Authors: Li Xu Ming , Liu Song Lian , He Ya Jun , Shu Jian Chang
Published: March 2024

Background

Metabolism dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), is the most common chronic liver disease. Few MAFLD predictions are simple and accurate. We examined the predictive performance of the albumin-to-glutamyl transpeptidase ratio (AGTR), plasma atherogenicity index (AIP), and serum uric acid to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (UHR) for MAFLD to design practical, inexpensive, and reliable models.

Methods

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2016 cycle dataset, which contained 12,654 participants, was filtered and randomly separated into internal validation and training sets. This study examined the relationships of the AGTR and AIP with MAFLD using binary multifactor logistic regression. We then created a MAFLD predictive model using the training dataset and validated the predictive model performance with the 2017–2018 NHANES and internal datasets.

Results

In the total population, the predictive ability (AUC) of the AIP, AGTR, UHR, and the combination of all three for MAFLD showed in the following order: 0.749, 0.773, 0.728 and 0.824. Further subgroup analysis showed that the AGTR (AUC1 = 0.796; AUC2 = 0.690) and the combination of the three measures (AUC1 = 0.863; AUC2 = 0.766) better predicted MAFLD in nondiabetic patients. Joint prediction outperformed the individual measures in predicting MAFLD in the subgroups. Additionally, the model better predicted female MAFLD. Adding waist circumference and or BMI to this model improves predictive performance.

Conclusion

Our study showed that the AGTR, AIP, and UHR had strong MAFLD predictive value, and their combination can increase MAFLD predictive performance. They also performed better in females.