bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ramifications of Precarious Employment for Health and Health Inequity: Emerging Trends from the Americas
Authors: Hajat Anjum , Andrea Sarah B. , Oddo Vanessa M. , Winkler Megan R. , Ahonen Emily Q.
Published: November 2023

Precarious employment (PE), which encompasses the power relations between workers and employers, is a well-established social determinant of health that has strong ramifications for health and health inequity. In this review, we discuss advances in the measurement of this multidimensional construct and provide recommendations for overcoming continued measurement challenges. We then evaluate recent evidence of the negative health impacts of PE, with a focus on the burgeoning studies from North America and South America. We also establish the role of PE in maintaining and perpetuating health inequities and review potential policy solutions to help alleviate its health burden. Last, we discuss future research directions with a call for a better understanding of the heterogeneity within PE and for research that focuses both on upstream drivers that shape PE and its impacts on health, as well as on the mechanisms by which PE causes poor health.
Exploring the (Mal)adaptive Consequences of Self-Deceptive Enhancement: A Narrative Review
Authors: Weissman Saya , Gorlin Eugenia I.
Published: November 2023

Introduction. Despite the abundance of literature on the nature and functions of self-deceptive enhancement (SDE), there is still a lack of consensus about whether and when SDE is adaptive or maladaptive for individuals. This question of the costs and benefits of SDE is of particular clinical relevance and is the focus of the present literature review. Method. Building on an earlier meta-analytic review by Dufner et al. (2019), a total of 53 additional studies were identified and included in this review. Results. 25 of the studies supported the adaptiveness of SDE, 27 supported the maladaptiveness of SDE, and two supported mixed findings. Discussion. While SDE appears to be commonplace and experienced as beneficial in the short term, its longer-term negative consequences for learning, relationships, ethical behavior, and substance use recovery seem to outweigh its immediate benefits. However, these findings are limited by methodological issues related to the reliance on self-report measures, lack of consensus about the definition of SDE, and lack of clinical studies focused on SDE. Future studies should clarify the construct of SDE versus positive illusions and other related constructs and should examine SDE’s role as a possible maintaining factor for psychopathology beyond substance use disorders.
Two-Round Selection-Based Bit Flipping Decoding Algorithm for LDPC Codes
Authors: Addi Soufian , Belkasmi Mostafa , Berkani Ahlam , Azouaoui Ahmed
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a novel iterative reliability-based bit flipping (BF) algorithm for decoding low-density parity-check codes. The new decoder is a single BF algorithm called two-round selection -based bit flipping. It introduces the idea of a two-round selection of the flipped bit, based successively on hard and soft received channel values. In the first stage, a set of unreliable bits is identified, and then a second selection is used, to pick out among them the bit to flip. In the second round of selection, the initial belief about received signals, contributes efficiently to selecting the best candidate bit. We demonstrate through simulations over the binary-input additive white Gaussian noise channel and the Rayleigh fading channel that the proposed algorithm exhibits better decoding performance when compared with some well-known soft decision BF algorithms. A complexity analysis of the proposal and a comparison to other BF decoders are also presented.
Blockade of EP4 by ASP7657 Modulates Myeloid Cell Differentiation In Vivo and Enhances the Antitumor Effect of Radiotherapy
Authors: Nishibata Toshihide , Amino Nobuaki , Tanaka-Kado Ruriko , Tsujimoto Susumu , Kawashima Tomoko , Konagai Satoshi , Suzuki Tomoyuki , Takeuchi Masahiro
Published: November 2023

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is thought to influence the antitumor efficacy of immuno‐oncology agents through various products of both tumor and stromal cells. One immune‐suppressive factor is prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a lipid mediator whose biosynthesis is regulated by ubiquitously expressed cyclooxygenase‐ (COX‐) 1 and inducible COX‐2. By activating its receptors, PGE2 induces immune suppression to modulate differentiation of myeloid cells into myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) rather than dendritic cells (DCs). Pharmacological blockade of prostaglandin E receptor 4 (EP4) causes a decrease in MDSCs, reprogramming of macrophage polarization, and increase in tumor‐infiltrated T cells, leading to enhancement of antitumor immunity in preclinical models. Here, we report the effects of the highly potent EP4 antagonist ASP7657 on the DC population in tumor and antitumor immune activation in an immunocompetent mouse tumor model. Oral administration of ASP7657 inhibited tumor growth, which was accompanied by an increase in intratumor DC and CD8+ T cell populations and a decrease in the M‐MDSC population in a CT26 immunocompetent mouse model. The antitumor activity of ASP7657 was dependent on CD8+ T cells and enhanced when combined with an antiprogrammed cell death‐1 (PD‐1) antibody. Notably, ASP7657 also significantly enhanced the antitumor efficacy of radiotherapy in an anti‐PD‐1 antibody refractory model. These results indicate that the therapeutic potential of ASP7657 arises via upregulation of DCs and subsequent CD8+ T cell activation in addition to suppression of MDSCs in mouse models and that combining EP4 antagonists with radiotherapy or an anti‐PD‐1 antibody can improve antitumor efficacy.
The Study on the Decolorization and Properties of Bismuth Glass
Authors: Lan Sung-Hung , Wang Wei-Xiang , Chen Chien-Chon , Yang Hsi-Wen
Published: November 2023

PbO glass has an adverse effect on the environment; the bismuth glass has a high refractive index, low melting temperature, softening temperature, and glass transition temperature (Tg), so that it can be used as a lead-free glass, used in optoelectronics, electronics, optics, and other components, which bismuth glass has been proved to be an important replacement material. Due to the higher melting temperature, Bi3+ ions tend to partially reduce to the low valence state of Bi0, which in turn causes coloration of the glass. In this experiment, the absorption peaks of glass oxidized brown color were observed at about 470 nm at 1,100°C (Bi2O3 = 40, 45 mol%) and 1,000°C (Bi2O3 = 40 mol%) for these three curves. The bismuth glass produced by high-temperature melting is not suitable for optical applications; by adding an oxidant (Sb2O3), which inhibits the reduction reaction of bismuth ions and maintains the ions in the state of Bi3+, the glass becomes more transparent in appearance and the transmittance is also improved and raised to approximately 75%–80%, which proves that appropriate additives are sufficient to greatly improve the application of bismuth glass for optical components. In the research process, the density and molar volume were measured by Archimedes method, Raman analysis was used to explore the influence of its structural changes, UV/Vis spectroscopy was used to measure the transmittance and absorption spectra for analysis and discussion, and TMA was used to observe the thermal properties, in the hope of developing a good optical properties of the glass, and the present experiments have confirmed that the addition of a small amount of Sb2O3 changes the color of the glass from black to a light yellow, which can be better used in the optical glass.
Simulation of the Compression Testing of Additively Manufactured Lattice Structures Using Inputs from Microcomputed Tomography
Authors: Park Minsol , Venter Martin Philip , Du Plessis Anton
Published: November 2023

Finite element (FE) modeling is a powerful tool for the virtual testing of components, especially for high-value manufacturing like additive manufacturing (AM). AM often involves lattice structures in parts, imparting unique mechanical properties. Numerical models allow for cost-effective virtual testing, but computational limitations hinder comprehensive investigations on lattice structures, and idealized models may not fully represent actual manufactured behavior. This study proposes a simplified numerical model for analyzing lattice structure compression behavior before failure, incorporating X-ray microcomputed tomography (CT) scan data. The model includes real manufacturing defects, such as geometrical inaccuracies, internal porosity, and surface roughness. It closely fits compression test results from samples with varied defects, with a maximum error of 17% for stiffness, 13% for yield stress, and 7% for peak stress. The model offers promise for developing manufacturing defect-incorporated lattice representative volume elements (RVEs) to design AM parts with lattice regions. Replacing complex lattice structures with solid-infilled RVEs in simulations reduces computational costs significantly. This approach allows efficient exploration of lattice AM components’ mechanical behavior, accounting for manufacturing defects and offering insights for design optimization and material selection.
Polygenic Risk Score Modifies Prostate Cancer Risk of Pathogenic Variants in Men of African Ancestry
Authors: Hughley Raymond W. , Matejcic Marco , Song Ziwei , Sheng Xin , Wan Peggy , Xia Lucy , Hart Steven N. , Hu Chunling , Yadav Siddhartha , Lubmawa Alexander , Kiddu Vicky , Asiimwe Frank , Amanya Colline , Mutema George , Job Kuteesa , Ssebakumba Mbaaga K. , Ingles Sue A. , Hamilton Ann S. , Couch Fergus J. , Watya Stephen , Conti David V. , Darst Burcu F. , Haiman Christopher A.
Published: November 2023

Prostate cancer risk is influenced by rare and common germline variants. We examined the aggregate association of rare germline pathogenic/likely pathogenic/deleterious (P/LP/D) variants in ATM, BRCA2, PALB2, and NBN with a polygenic risk score (PRS) on prostate cancer risk among 1,796 prostate cancer cases (222 metastatic) and 1,424 controls of African ancestry. Relative to P/LP/D non-carriers at average genetic risk (33%–66% of PRS), men with low (0%–33%) and high (66%–100%) PRS had Odds Ratios (ORs) for overall prostate cancer of 2.08 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.58–7.49] and 18.06 (95% CI = 4.24–76.84) among P/LP/D carriers and 0.57 (95% CI = 0.46–0.71) and 3.02 (95% CI = 2.53–3.60) among non-carriers, respectively. The OR for metastatic prostate cancer was 2.73 (95% CI = 0.24–30.54) and 28.99 (95% CI = 4.39–191.43) among P/LP/D carriers and 0.54 (95% CI = 0.31–0.95) and 3.22 (95% CI = 2.20–4.73) among non-carriers, for men with low and high PRS, respectively. Lifetime absolute risks of overall prostate cancer increased with PRS (low to high) from 9.8% to 51.5% in P/LP/D carriers and 5.5% to 23.9% in non-carriers. Lifetime absolute risks of metastatic prostate cancer increased with PRS from 1.9% to 18.1% in P/LP/D carriers and 0.3% to 2.2% in non-carriers These findings suggest that assessment of prostate cancer risk for rare variant carriers should include PRS status.

Significance:

These findings highlight the importance of considering rare and common variants to comprehensively assess prostate cancer risk in men of African ancestry.
Non-Pathogenic Aspergillus oryzae Acute Exogenous Endophthalmitis after Penetrating Keratoplasty: The First Case Report in the Literature
Authors: Mosca Luigi , Guccione Laura , Toro Maria Emanuela , Scartozzi Luca , Fasciani Romina , Torelli Riccardo , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Rizzo Stanislao
Published: November 2023

The authors report a singular case of post-operative exogenous fungal endophthalmitis caused by a non-pathogenic fungal agent: Aspergillus oryzae. A 75-year-old Caucasian woman with post-penetrating keratoplasty fungal endophthalmitis due to a nonpathogenic A. oryzae, resistant to the current azoles anti-fungal agents, was treated with subtotal vitrectomy, intravitreal injection, and systemic voriconazole therapy. Complete resolution of the endophthalmitis occurred after two subsequent intravitreal injections and a 2-month-long systemic delivery of voriconazole. The quick identification of the fungal agent allowed immediate and targeted therapy. In the article, the safety and efficacy of both systemic and intravitreal voriconazole treatments are discussed.
Recurrent, Tumor Mutation Burden-High, Cutaneous Angiosarcoma of the Scalp Treated with Pembrolizumab
Authors: Amagai Ryo , Fujimura Taku , Kambayashi Yumi , Ohuchi Kentaro , Yamazaki Emi , Hashimoto Akira , Asano Yoshihide
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Chemoradiotherapy with taxanes is well-recognized as a first-line therapy for cutaneous angiosarcoma (CAS), but second-line therapy for CAS is still controversial. Case Presentation: In this report, we described a 75-year-old Japanese case of recurrent, tumor mutation burden-high CAS on the scalp treated with pembrolizumab. Our present case survived for 1 year despite of taxane refractory CAS with mediastinal lymph node metastasis, though the administration of anti-PD-1 Abs alone could not fully suppress the tumor progression of CAS. Conclusion: Since various factors such as pro-angiogenic molecules are correlated with the tumor progression in CAS, the administration of anti-PD-1 Abs alone could not fully suppress the tumor progression of CAS. Further novel anticancer drugs are needed in the future for the treatment of CAS.
Co-Occurrence of Pityriasis Amiantacea and Cutis Verticis Gyrata Secondary to Leukaemia Cutis of the Scalp
Authors: Lal Ankur , Agrawal Sushant , Gaurav Vishal
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Pityriasis amiantacea (PA) is a rare presentation characterized by the presence of extensive adherent scaling that tightly encircles and affixes tufts of hairs secondary to inflammatory or infectious dermatoses. However, the occurrence of PA as a consequence of leukaemia cutis has not been previously reported. Case Report: A 32-year-old man with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL) presented with severe scalp scaling and hair loss for 2 months. Examination revealed extensive, tightly adherent scales encircling and binding down hairs, along with haemorrhagic crusts. Skin examination showed nontender, partially blanchable papules forming ill-defined plaques, giving a cobblestone appearance. Trichoscopy revealed white crusts, tufting, and micro-haemorrhages. Scalp biopsy confirmed precursor B-ALL infiltration. He was diagnosed with PA with secondary cutis verticis gyrata due to leukaemia cutis and referred to a haemato-oncologist for further management. Discussion: Leukaemia cutis is a rare condition where leukaemia cells infiltrate the skin, often associated with acute myeloid leukaemia and ALL. It can lead to secondary verticis gyrata. The co-occurrence of PA and cutis verticis gyrata is rare and previously unreported, highlighting the need for increased awareness among clinicians.
Correlation between Prostate Cancer Positive Cores and 68Ga-PSMA Distribution in Prostate Gland
Authors: Çankaya Süleyman , Caylan Ahmet Ender , Aydin Funda , Uçar Murat , Kutlu Ömer
Published: November 2023

Introduction: The purpose of our study was to evaluate reliability of 68Ga-labeled prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography (68Ga-PSMA PET/CT) and identify appropriate SUVmax cutoff values in order to use for diagnosis, especially in patients remained clinically suspicious for prostate cancer (PCa). Methods: Eighty-four patients applied 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT subsequent to transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-bx) involved in this study retrospectively. 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT imagings were analyzed by a nuclear medicine physician, and region of interests were drawn manually in prostate diagrams including 6 segments for each patient. These marked diagrams were analyzed with histopathology reports TRUS-bx. 504 segments were grouped with Gleason scoring system, and all groups were compared with mean SUVmax values. Results: Mean SUVmax value of Gleason grade group 1 (GG1, n: 352 segments) was 6.6 (±4.6) and significantly lower than the other groups (p < 0.001). No significant difference was detected within GG2–5 groups (p > 0.05). According to receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, SUVmax cutoff values were 1.0 (AUC: 0.961) for tumor detection, yielding a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value of 99.4%, 92.1%, 96.5%, 98%, respectively, and 4.2 (AUC: 0.853) for detection of clinically significant PCa with 88.8%, 62.4%, 84.5%, and 71%, respectively. Although tumor percentage of biopsy core and Gleason group were correlated with SUVmax uptake, but patient age was not. Conclusion: 68Ga-PSMA PET appears to be a reliable option for diagnosis and disease management in PCa and can be considered especially in discrimination of csPCa, and patients remained suspicious for disease.
A Multicenter Phase 2 Trial Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Preoperative Lenvatinib Therapy for Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma (LENS-HCC Trial)
Authors: Ichida Akihiko , Arita Junichi , Hatano Etsuro , Eguchi Susumu , Saiura Akio , Nagano Hiroaki , Shindoh Junichi , Hashimoto Masaji , Takemura Nobuyuki , Taura Kojiro , Sakamoto Yoshihiro , Takahashi Yu , Seyama Yasuji , Sasaki Yasuharu , Uemura Kohei , Kokudo Norihiro , Hasegawa Kiyoshi
Published: November 2023

Introduction: The phase III REFLECT trial demonstrated that lenvatinib was superior to sorafenib in terms of progression-free survival (PFS), time to progression, and objective response rate (ORR) for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study assessed the efficacy and safety of preoperative lenvatinib therapy for patients with oncologically or technically unresectable HCC. Methods: In this multicenter single-arm phase II trial, patients with advanced HCC and factors suggestive of a poor prognosis (macroscopic vascular invasion, extrahepatic metastasis, or multinodular tumors) were enrolled. Patients with these factors, even with technically resectable HCC, were defined as oncologically unresectable because of the expected poor prognosis after surgery. After 8 weeks of lenvatinib therapy, the patients were assessed for resectability, and tumor resection was performed if the tumor was considered technically resectable. The primary endpoint was the surgical resection rate. The secondary endpoints were the macroscopic curative resection rate, overall survival (OS), ORR, PFS, and the change in the indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min as measured before and after lenvatinib therapy. The trial was registered with the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (s031190057). Results: Between July 2019 and January 2021, 49 patients (42 oncologically unresectable patients and 7 technically unresectable patients) from 11 centers were enrolled. The ORR was 37.5% based on mRECIST and 12.5% based on RECIST version 1.1. Thirty-three patients underwent surgery (surgical resection rate: 67.3%) without perioperative mortality. The surgical resection rate was 76.2% for oncologically unresectable patients and 14.3% for technically unresectable patients. The 1-year OS rate and median PFS were 75.9% and 7.2 months, respectively, with a median follow-up period of 9.3 months. Conclusions: The relatively high surgical resection rate seen in this study suggests the safety and feasibility of lenvatinib therapy followed by surgical resection for patients with oncologically or technically unresectable HCC.
Prevalence of and Factors Associated With High Blood Pressure at 15 Years of Age: A Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Petracco Andrea Mabilde , Mattiello Rita , Bortolotto Caroline Cardozo , Ferreira Rodrigo Wiltgen , Matijasevich Alicia , de Barros Fernando Celso Lopes Fernandes , Friedrich Frederico Orlando , Tovo‐Rodrigues Luciana , de Barros Aluísio Jardim Dornellas , Santos Iná S.
Published: November 2023

Background

Arterial hypertension is the greatest cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of and factors associated with high blood pressure (HBP) among adolescents.

Methods and Results

The Pelotas 2004 Birth Cohort included 4231 newborns from hospital births in Pelotas, Brazil. A digital automatic OMRON sphygmomanometer (model HEM 742) was used to measure blood pressure on 3 occasions (at 6, 11, and 15 years of age). Those with blood pressure ≥95th percentile for age, height, and sex on each of the 3 occasions were considered as presenting HBP. Independent variables included family (income and history of arterial hypertension), maternal (schooling, age, pregestational body mass index, and smoking during pregnancy), and adolescent characteristics at birth (sex, skin color, gestational age, intrauterine growth, and systolic and diastolic genetic factors), and at 15 years (sleep, physical activity, sodium intake, screen time, work, body mass index, fat mass index, fat‐free mass index, growth pattern, and puberty status). The prevalence of HBP (95% CI) was calculated. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) stratified by sex were obtained by logistic regression. A total of 1417 adolescents with complete information on blood pressure on the 3 occasions were analyzed. The prevalence of HBP was 3.2% (95% CI, 1.9%–4.5%) in female adolescents and 4.3% (95% CI, 2.8%–5.8%) in male adolescents. Female adolescents with a family history of arterial hypertension had a 3 times higher chance of HBP than their counterparts (OR, 3.1 [95% CI, 1.26–7.54]). In male adolescents, excessive maternal pregestational weight was associated with a 2.3‐fold increase in the chance of HBP. In both sexes, excessive adolescent weight was associated with HBP (ORs, 3.5 and 5.0, for female and male adolescents, respectively). A higher fat mass index and fat‐free mass index in female (ORs, 1.4 and 1.2, respectively) and male adolescents (ORs, 2.5 and 3.0, respectively) increased the chance of HBP. Among male adolescents, the chance of HBP was higher among those with rapid weight gain between 48 months and 6 years and between 6 and 11 years and rapid height gain between 6 and 11 years.

Conclusions

Higher fat mass in both sexes and rapid weight gain in male adolescents are risk factors for HBP in adolescents aged 15 years, potentially amenable to prevention.
Nonhypertensive White Matter Hyperintensities in Stroke: Risk Factors, Neuroimaging Characteristics, and Prognosis
Authors: Lim Jae‐Sung , Lee Keon‐Joo , Kim Beom Joon , Ryu Wi‐Sun , Chung Jinyong , Gwak Dong‐Seok , Lee Ji Sung , Kim Seong‐Eun , Ko Eunvin , Lee Juneyoung , Han Moon‐Ku , Smith Eric E. , Kim Dong‐Eog , Bae Hee‐Joon
Published: November 2023

Background

This study explored the risk factors, neuroimaging features, and prognostic implications of nonhypertensive white matter hyperintensity (WMH) in patients with acute ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack.

Methods and Results

We included 2283 patients with hypertension and 1003 without from a pool of 10 602. Associations of moderate‐to‐severe WMH with known risk factors, functional outcome, and a composite of recurrent stroke, myocardial infarction, and all‐cause mortality were evaluated. A subset of 351 patients without hypertension and age‐ and sex‐matched pairs with hypertension and moderate‐to‐severe WMH was created for a detailed topographic examination of WMH, lacunes, and microbleeds. Approximately 35% of patients without hypertension and 65% of patients with hypertensive stroke exhibited moderate‐to‐severe WMH. WMH was associated with age, female sex, and previous stroke, irrespective of hypertension. In patients without hypertension, WMH was associated with initial systolic blood pressure and was more common in the anterior temporal region. In patients with hypertension, WMH was associated with small vessel occlusion as a stroke mechanism and was more frequent in the periventricular region near the posterior horn of the lateral ventricle. The higher prevalence of occipital microbleeds in patients without hypertension and deep subcortical lacunes in patients with hypertension were also observed. Associations of moderate‐to‐severe WMH with 3‐month functional outcome and 1‐year cumulative incidence of the composite outcome were significant (both
P
<0.01), although the latter lost significance after adjustments. The associations between WMH and outcomes were consistent across hypertensive status.

Conclusions

One‐third of patients without hypertension with stroke have moderate‐to‐severe WMH. The pathogenesis of WMH may differ between patients without and with hypertension, but its impact on outcome appears similar.
Statin Therapy Is Associated With a Lower Risk of Heart Failure in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Huang Jia‐Yi , Chan Yap‐Hang , Tse Yi‐Kei , Yu Si‐Yeung , Li Hang‐Long , Chen Cong , Zhao Chun‐Ting , Liu Ming‐Ya , Wu Mei‐Zhen , Ren Qing‐Wen , Leung Ka‐Lam , Hung Denise , Li Xin‐Li , Tse Hung‐Fat , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Yiu Kai‐Hang
Published: November 2023

Background

Whether statin use can reduce the risk of heart failure (HF) remains controversial. The present study evaluates the association between statin use and HF in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Methods and Results

Patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation from 2010 to 2018 were included. An inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to balance baseline covariates between statin users (n=23 239) and statin nonusers (n=29 251). The primary outcome was incident HF. Cox proportional hazard models with competing risk regression were used to evaluate the risk of HF between statin users and nonusers. The median age of the cohort was 74.7 years, and 47.3% were women. Over a median follow‐up of 5.1 years, incident HF occurred in 3673 (15.8%) statin users and 5595 (19.1%) statin nonusers. Statin use was associated with a 19% lower risk of HF (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.78–0.85]). Restricted to the statin users, duration of statin use was measured during follow‐up; compared with short‐term use (3 months to <2 years), there was a stepwise reduction in the risk of incident HF among those with 2 to <4 years of statin use (subdistribution hazard ratio, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.84–0.88]), 4 to <6 years of statin use (subdistribution hazard ratio, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.72–0.76]), and ≥6 years of statin use (subdistribution hazard ratio, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.69–0.74]). Subgroup analysis showed consistent reductions in the risk of HF with statin use.

Conclusions

Statin use was associated with a decreased risk of incident HF in a duration‐dependent manner among patients with atrial fibrillation.
Trois notes sur le texte des fragments historiques d’Hilaire de Poitiers (Fragmenta ex opere historico, B, II, 9, 6, 2 ; 11, 2)
Authors: Guignard Christophe
Published: November 2023

The text of Hilary of Poitiers’ Historical Fragments (Fragmenta ex opere historico, CPL 436) is affected by numerous textual corruptions. This short article discusses three problems in two difficult passages in the section on the Nicene Creed and another creed, which Hilary denounces as crypto-Arian (B, II, 9, 6, 2, p. 149, 15-21; 11, 2, p. 151, 20-152, 2).
“Take the Pickaxe of Your Understanding and Dig!”
Authors: Mairhofer Elisabeth
Published: November 2023

In the late Middle Ages, Christine de Pizan contributed decisively to the development of Renaissance humanist ideas, which later resulted in the principle of the Enlightenment. In The Book of the City of Ladies, she laid the foundation for establishing a self-determined way of thinking that did not rely on authorities in the search for truth, but on the individual mind and one’s own experience as primary sources of knowledge—she urged people to have the courage to use their own senses. This now famous appeal is mainly and primarily associated with Kant and the Enlightenment, although de Pizan had already formulated a similar postulate 380 years earlier. The study of de Pizan also provides evidence that ideas of (early) female thinkers are partly integrated into the (philosophical) work of later male thinkers and sold as their own sole intellectual property. Only by determining the role of women in (philosophical) history do such facts become clear.
From Civilisational Encounter to Microhistories: Putting Western Learning in Local Places
Authors: Wu Huiyi
Published: November 2023

Western Learning has long been conceptualised as an intellectual encounter between Chinese and Western civilisations, an approach exemplified by Joseph Needham and Jacques Gernet’s classical works. Today, this framework is no longer satisfactory. As an alternative, we advocate a microhistorical approach, which historians of Catholicism have fruitfully used to reveal the plurality of local, regional and global networks that made Catholicism possible in particular places. Similar microanalysis allows the history of Western Learning to reconceptualise the Jesuits’ European traditions materially through the circulation of books, and to separate the Chinese reaction into the two geographically, chronologically, and socially distinct models of patronage, driven respectively by late Ming literati and by the early and mid-Qing court. We suggest further research on the circulation of Western Learning beyond Beijing and Jiangnan in the eighteenth century, particularly in the peripheral regions of the empire and in the rural textual culture of Catholic communities.
Countering Terrorism: Sociopsychological and Geopolitical Aspects
Authors: Maltsev Oleg
Published: November 2023

This article provides a comprehensive exploration of counterterrorism, focusing on its intricate sociopsychological and geopolitical dimensions. It draws its foundations from a scientific expedition to Egypt conducted in 2021, which forms the basis for understanding the interplay between civilized and uncivilized societies within the realm of political marketing. By analyzing historical precedents and contemporary cases, it elucidates how terrorism has seamlessly integrated into the fabric of global geopolitics, with private entities now adopting tactics previously exclusive to military and intelligence agencies. The central thesis posits that, despite public condemnation of terrorism, most nations are involved in various degrees of these clandestine activities. At the core of this discussion lies the concept of the “Third Force,” illustrating how territories have historically been manipulated into uncivilized territories to further geopolitical agendas. This concept challenges the conventional replication of counterterrorism strategies worldwide. By unveiling these intricate dynamics, this article not only challenges established norms but also offers a thought-provoking framework for comprehending the complexities of terrorism in the contemporary world.
Are public sector organizations still relevant for poverty reduction? Frontline workers’ personal resources and the centrality of trust
Authors: Lavee Einat
Published: November 2023

This study draws on 214 in-depth interviews with frontline Israeli workers providing services in the public sector to investigate whether organizational embeddedness helps individuals living in poverty accumulate resources from public organizations in times of reduced government support. Findings show that public sector workers provide clients with informal, personal resources that allow better coping with poverty. Beyond local, short-term assistance, these personal resources are provided in the hopes of strengthening trust among low-income populations, thereby achieving long-term improved well-being and social inclusion. Findings expose new dimensions in the relations between organizations and their low-income clients, as well as the importance of organizational embeddedness in coping with poverty.
Believing and Wanting to Belong: A Mixed-Methods Study of Dechurched Christians in Hong Kong
Authors: Hui Kar Yan Alison , Chan Natalie
Published: November 2023

Dechurched Christians are believers who regularly attended church but later left church and maintained their Christian faith. Reasons for dechurching provide important learnings for the wider Christian community. This is a mixed method study that began with a quantitative survey that looked into the reasons for going to and leaving church. Quantitative results found that most Christian respondents go to church “to be closer to God.” Top reasons for dechurching are disappointment in church culture and not liking the way a church handles certain matters. In the subsequent qualitative study, 17 dechurched Christians were interviewed and results found that an additional reason for leaving was feeling that churches were out of touch. Interviewees shared that their best memories from church were when they experienced life together with brothers and sisters and learnt from in-depth sermon messages. Most respondents shared that they still maintained close relationship with God, hope to go back to church, and long to experience love and belong to spiritual companionship and experience presence of God. This study illustrates the importance of staying connected with dechurched Christians, and room for faith communities and fresh expression of churches to provide spiritual home for dechurched to belong.
Prediction of thermal conductivity for polyimide nanofiber aerogel based on three 3D FEM models
Authors: Shao Yiqing , Pei Yongzhen , Zheng Zhenrong
Published: November 2023

Polyimide (PI) nanofibrous aerogels (NFAs) have garnered significant attention for their exceptional mechanical and thermal properties, making them promising materials for heat insulation applications. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research on heat transfer of PI NFAs on the modeling and prediction. Therefore, three modified unit cells with the features of PI NFA backbone were constructed for the finite element simulation. Subsequently, the comparisons of our results with experimental data from available literature were conducted. It indicated that the cubic unit cell fitted well with the experimental values when the density was lower than [Formula: see text], while the Weaire–Phelan unit cell demonstrated good agreement when the density was higher than [Formula: see text]. A series of parametric studies were performed and indicated that the thermal conductivity is proportional to the nanofiber diameter, whereas inversely proportional to the pore size and porosity. Our research will provide novel insights to the selection of parameters for industrial manufacturing of thermal insulation materials in aerospace, energy, protection, etc.
Rock Art Surveys in the Sudanese Eastern Desert: Results of the 2018–2019 Atbai Survey Project
Authors: Cooper Julien , Vanhulle Dorian
Published: November 2023

The Sudanese Eastern Desert or the ‘Atbai’ is still largely unexplored from the point of view of rock art surveys. As part of the Atbai Survey Project’s fieldwork program, surveys conducted in 2018 and 2019 identified new rock art sites in the deserts around Gebel Nahoganet. Findings included a large tableau of a boat ‘fleet’ along with numerous sites yielding faunal rock art and surface remains. While a generalized boat motif is relatively commonplace in the corpus of rock art from Egypt and Nubia, this specific type of boat encountered in this distant desert exhibits a number of unique features. Notably, the tableau is carved within the walls of a natural tunnel and the features and manner of its execution have few parallels elsewhere. This contribution introduces the hypothesis that these boat motifs may have been the products of local Nubian groups including the A-Group horizon ( c. 3800–3100 BCE).

[Formula: see text]
Social Mobility and Cognitive Impairment Among Korean Older Adults: Does Gender Matter?
Authors: Lee Seungah H. , Lyu Jiyoung
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between social mobility and cognitive impairment among older adults in Korea. The study sample is drawn from nationally representative data, which comes from the 2016 Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (KLoSA). The final sample consists of 4264 KLoSA respondents aged 65 or older. Gender-specific logistic regression models are used to examine the association between social mobility and cognitive impairment. The results show that, when compared to the reference group (stable low social mobility), women in the downward and the stable high social mobility groups were less likely to have cognitive impairment. In contrast, upward social mobility was a protective factor for cognitive impairment only among men. Gender-specific interventions may be needed to enhance cognitive health among older Koreans. Further research is needed to examine the causal relations between social mobility and cognitive health between the genders.
A critical review of municipal solid waste hydraulic conductivity: A mini review
Authors: Karimi Sajjad , Bareither Christopher A. , Scalia Joseph
Published: November 2023

This study is a critical review of municipal solid waste (MSW) hydraulic conductivity that includes investigation of the influence of vertical stress, dry unit weight and degradation. A total of 56 studies were compiled that included laboratory-, pilot- and landfill-scale hydraulic conductivity experiments. Compacting waste and increasing vertical stress reduce MSW hydraulic conductivity via reshaping the pore networks throughout the waste matrix, reducing the void ratio and increasing tortuosity. However, the magnitude of reduction in hydraulic conductivity is dependent on stress, waste composition and decomposition. Solid waste decomposition can have opposing effects on hydraulic conductivity. Some studies have indicated that an increase in MSW decomposition results in particle size reduction and settlement that reduces the void ratio and decreases hydraulic conductivity. Conversely, some studies indicate that waste decomposition reduces the solid mass, which increases the void ratio and creates larger flow paths that increase hydraulic conductivity. The data compilation, observations and key findings from this study are beneficial for solid waste practitioners to improve design, analysis and operation of MSW landfills.
Exposure to Psychological Intimate Partner Violence: Resilience to Depression is Related to Social Support and Learned Resourcefulness
Authors: Yastıbaş-Kaçar Cennet , Çinar Pınar , Üzümçeker Emir , Yılmaz-Karaman İmran Gökçen
Published: November 2023

Psychological violence is the most common form of intimate partner violence (IPV). Psychological IPV places women at significant risk for depressive symptoms. Accordingly, this study examined the moderator role of perceived social support and learned resourcefulness (LR) as personal resources in the relationship between psychological IPV and depression. This cross-sectional study was performed via an online survey platform. A total of 168 Turkish women, with a mean age of 33.8, completed a set of measurement tools. Data were assessed using linear regression and two-way and three-way interactions in moderated multiple regression analyses. The results of the study showed that as expected psychological IPV was directly associated with depression (β = .268, p < .001). To explore the moderator roles, two separate two-way interactions were conducted, and results demonstrated that neither social support nor LR separately moderated the relationship between psychological IPV and depression. However, there was a significant three-way interaction: togetherness of perceived social support with LR moderated the relationship between psychological IPV and depression (β = −.388, p < .05). More specifically, if women exposed to psychological IPV have high perceived social support and high LR, they are less likely to report depressive symptoms. This finding highlights the positive effect of the combination of personal resources on depression linked to psychological IPV’s detrimental effects. The findings were discussed in the light of the relevant literature. Interventions focusing on strengthening social support and fostering LR skills may promote the psychological well-being of women exposed to psychological IPV.
Public and Private in an Era of Entrepreneurial Philanthropy: Exploring John Dewey’s The Public and Its Problems (1927/2016) to (Re)conceptualize Philanthropy as a Public
Authors: Daly Siobhan
Published: November 2023

In debates about the role(s) and scale of entrepreneurial philanthropy in democracies, scholars discuss the erosion of distinctive public and private spheres and interests, and the replacement of the public sphere. This has occurred at the expense of public deliberation and participation, in favor of the reification of individuals and the role of experts/expertise. Drawing upon John Dewey’s The Public and Its Problems (1927/2016), I argue that there is an eclipse of the publicity of the public. This informs my case for the (re)conceptualization of philanthropy as a public, characterized by (a) the philanthropist as a social rather than an atomistic being, (b) the philanthropy-state dynamic and the publics’ claims, and (c) part of the radical vision of philanthropy. To ensure that private and public have analytical and practical resonance, it is imperative to (re)frame and (re)conceptualize what these concepts mean to entrepreneurial philanthropy and for its role in democracies.
Improved particle swarm optimisation tuned PID position control of voice coil semi-active electrohydraulic damper
Authors: Rajasekharan Unnithan Anand Raj , Subramaniam Senthil Kumar , Gunasekaran Kalaiarassan
Published: November 2023

Control on the variable damping coefficients in the semi-active damper enhances ride comfort and vehicle stability. The semi-active electrohydraulic damper (SEH) presented in this study incorporates voice coil-based robust valve control to modify the damping coefficients. However, the position tracking accuracy of the voice coil actuator (VCA) gets negatively influenced by the nonlinearities such as load variations due to external disturbances, back emf, and dynamic damper characteristics. Therefore, to achieve excellent position control, a restart particle swarm optimisation with the Gompertz function (PSO-RG) is presented to obtain optimal tuning control gain for the proportional integral derivative controller. The PSO-RG algorithm applies Gompertz function-based particle coefficients and restarting technique. These techniques allow the PSO-RG to overcome the limitations of standard PSO, such as premature convergence and particle entrapment in local minima. The algorithm is tested in five selected benchmark functions for 10, 30 and 50 dimensions. The test data conveys that PSO-RG outperforms the standard PSO in mean, standard deviation, the best solution, and convergence speed. The transient response on identified and validated model of VCA demonstrated a 75.21% reduction in integral absolute error value than conventional PSO. The obtained maximum sensitivity and total variation values proved the robustness and smoothness of PSO-RG tuned PID control. Furthermore, the experimental analysis on the quarter car model shows that PSO-RG tuned PID precisely tracked the reference position with a 21.66% decrease in root mean square error to conventional PSO tuned PID. The CarSim co-simulation test results in the large van model indicate the need for precise VCA position control in enhancing ride comfort and improving the roll stability of the vehicle.
From a View to a Death: Culture, Nature and the Huntsman's Art
Authors: Scruton Roger
Published: November 2023

The division between the natural and the artificial is itself artificial. But we continue to yearn for a ‘homecoming’ to our natural state – which means, to the identity with our environment which was the condition of the hunter-gatherer. Totemism is the thought-process whereby the prey can be simultaneously consecrated as a species, and pursued to the death as an individual. This thought-process has an evident ecological function. The morality of hunting resides in the maintenance of this dual attitude. An anthropological explanation is offered of the perceived rituals of hunting, and of ‘guiltless killing’.
Sotagliflozin: Efficacy, Safety, and Potential Therapeutic Applications in Heart Failure
Authors: Long Allissa , Salvo Marissa
Published: November 2023

Objective:

To describe the pharmacology, clinical efficacy, and safety evidence of sotagliflozin, the first approved dual inhibitor of sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) 1 and SGLT2, in heart failure (HF) management.

Data sources:

A literature search of studies published between January 2012 and September 2023 were identified using PubMed, MEDLINE, and clinicaltrials.gov with search terms of “sotagliflozin,” “Inpefa,” or “LX4211.”

Study selection and data extraction:

All available studies in English were considered. Studies were included if they investigated drug pharmacology, efficacy, or safety information.

Data synthesis:

Two phase 3 trials of sotagliflozin, SOLOIST-WHF and SCORED, evaluated sotagliflozin compared with placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). SOLOIST-WHF reported a statistically decreased rate of cardiovascular and HF events with sotagliflozin (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.52-0.85), while SCORED found a statistically significant decrease in incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with T2DM, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and risk factors for cardiovascular disease in patients in the sotagliflozin group (HR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.63-0.88).

Relevance to patient care and clinical practice in comparison to existing agents:

While approval of sotagliflozin expands treatment options for patients with HF, the SGLT2 inhibitors, dapagliflozin and empagliflozin, have more data supporting their use in HF, additional risk reduction benefits in patients with CKD, and approval for use in T2DM. Landmark trials of sotagliflozin required a previous diagnosis of T2DM, despite the broader approved indication. Where sotagliflozin will be adopted into the treatment of HF is unclear due to the evidence and benefits of already established SGLT2 inhibitors and the need for comparison with SGLT2 inhibitors.

Conclusion:

Given the limitations of currently available evidence, including difficulty in fully interpreting the trial results due to changes in primary endpoints, not adjudicating the events, and not reaching the original power calculations, more investigation is warranted to determine the benefit of sotagliflozin compared with SGLT2 inhibitors.