bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A mineral listening: digital soundscapes of geological time
Authors: Chasseray-Peraldi Pauline , Malaret Guillaume
Published: October 2023

Composed between 2020 and 2022 by Guillaume Malaret, Érodé is a musical piece created from field recordings at Eagles Nest, a tidal island in Australia’s Bunurong National Marine Park. Based on an interview with Guillaume Malaret, this article addresses several issues concerning digital representations, renderings, and ecologies of geological, hydrological, and sonic spaces, as well as the cultural geographies of landscape, embodiment, and affect. We explore the potentials of sonic composition and geophonic recordings for mediating bodily connections with difficult-to-imagine processes, such as environmental change over deep time. Our dialogue throughout this article contributes to emerging themes in digital ecological research by focusing on the materialities of digitization, digitally mediated creative practices in sonic geography, and the importance of different affective registers for comprehending environmental transformation.
CRISPR/SaCas9-based gene editing rescues photoreceptor degeneration throughout a rhodopsin-associated autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa mouse model
Authors: Du Wei , Li Jiarui , Tang Xin , Yu Wenzhen , Zhao Mingwei
Published: October 2023

Rhodopsin ( Rho) gene mutation was considered the highest prevalent mutation in autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP); however, effective therapeutics for ADRP have not been developed. The process of gene editing via the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/Cas9 system offers the potentiality to provide cures for dominantly inherited disorders. Herein, we generated a CRISPR/SaCas9-mediated gene reduction system to inactivate the Rho mutant, while replacing normal rhodopsin in a rhodopsin mutation mouse model. When Rho-P23H knock-in mice were administered a subretinal injection of the “reduction and replacement” system, the expression of mutant rhodopsin was reduced, and retinal function was improved. Therefore, we concluded that CRISPR/SaCas9-based “reduction and replacement” gene therapy could provide structural and functional benefits for Rho mutant ADRP, as well as new directions for future clinical research on the treatment of such gain-of-function genetic diseases.
Respiratory viral infection and resolution of inflammation: Roles for specialized pro-resolving mediators
Authors: Tavares Luciana P , Nijmeh Julie , Levy Bruce D
Published: October 2023

Respiratory viral infections with influenza A virus (IAV) or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) pose a significant threat to public health due to excess morbidity and mortality. Dysregulated and excessive inflammatory responses are major underlying causes of viral pneumonia severity and morbidity, including aberrant host immune responses and increased risk for secondary bacterial infections. Currently available antiviral therapies have not substantially reduced the risk of severe viral pneumonia for these pathogens. Thus, new therapeutic approaches that can promote resolution of the pathogen-initiated inflammation without impairing host defense would represent a significant advance. Recent research has uncovered the potential for specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) to transduce multipronged actions for the resolution of serious respiratory viral infection without increased risk for subsequent host susceptibility to bacterial infection. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of SPM production and SPM receptor signaling in respiratory virus infections and the intriguing potential of harnessing SPM pathways to control excess morbidity and mortality from IAV and RSV pneumonia.
Anti-Nogo-A Antibody Therapy Improves Functional Outcome Following Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Powers Brian E. , Ton Son T. , Farrer Robert G. , Chaudhary Suhani , Nockels Russ P. , Kartje Gwendolyn L. , Tsai Shih-Yen
Published: October 2023

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause sensorimotor deficits, and recovery is slow and incomplete. There are no effective pharmacological treatments for recovery from TBI, but research indicates potential for anti-Nogo-A antibody (Ab) therapy. This Ab neutralizes Nogo-A, an endogenous transmembrane protein that inhibits neuronal plasticity and regeneration.

Objective

We hypothesized that anti-Nogo-A Ab treatment following TBI results in disinhibited axonal growth from the contralesional cortex, the establishment of new compensatory neuronal connections, and improved function.

Methods

We modeled TBI in rats using the controlled cortical impact method, resulting in focal brain damage and motor deficits like those observed in humans with a moderate cortical TBI. Rats were trained on the skilled forelimb reaching task and the horizontal ladder rung walking task. They were then given a TBI, targeting the caudal forelimb motor cortex, and randomly divided into 3 groups: TBI-only, TBI + Anti-Nogo-A Ab, and TBI + Control Ab. Testing resumed 3 days after TBI and continued for 8 weeks, when rats received an injection of the anterograde neuronal tracer, biotinylated dextran amine (BDA), into the corresponding area contralateral to the TBI.

Results

We observed significant improvement in rats that received anti-Nogo-A Ab treatment post-TBI compared to controls. Analysis of BDA-positive axons revealed that anti-Nogo-A Ab treatment resulted in cortico-rubral plasticity to the deafferented red nucleus. Conclusions. Anti-Nogo-A Ab treatment may improve functional recovery via neuronal plasticity to brain areas important for skilled movements, and this treatment shows promise to improve outcomes in humans who have suffered a TBI.
A translational roadmap for transcranial magnetic and direct current stimulation in stroke rehabilitation: Consensus-based core recommendations from the third stroke recovery and rehabilitation roundtable
Authors: Edwards Jodi D , Dominguez-Vargas Adan Ulises , Rosso Charlotte , Branscheidt Meret , Sheehy Lisa , Quandt Fanny , Zamora Simon A , Fleming Melanie K , Azzollini Valentina , Mooney Ronan A , Stagg Charlotte J , Gerloff Chiristian , Rossi Simone , Cohen Leonardo G , Celnik Pablo , Nitsche Michael A , Buetefisch Cathrin M , Dancause Numa
Published: October 2023

Background and Aims:

The purpose of this Third Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Roundtable (SRRR3) was to develop consensus recommendations to address outstanding barriers for the translation of preclinical and clinical research using the non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and provide a roadmap for the integration of these techniques into clinical practice.

Methods:

International NIBS and stroke recovery experts (N = 18) contributed to the consensus process. Using a nominal group technique, recommendations were reached via a five-stage process, involving a thematic survey, two priority ranking surveys, a literature review and an in-person meeting.

Results and Conclusions:

Results of our consensus process yielded five key evidence-based and feasibility barriers for the translation of preclinical and clinical NIBS research, which were formulated into five core consensus recommendations. Recommendations highlight an urgent need for (1) increased understanding of NIBS mechanisms, (2) improved methodological rigor in both preclinical and clinical NIBS studies, (3) standardization of outcome measures, (4) increased clinical relevance in preclinical animal models, and (5) greater optimization and individualization of NIBS protocols. To facilitate the implementation of these recommendations, the expert panel developed a new SRRR3 Unified NIBS Research Checklist. These recommendations represent a translational pathway for the use of NIBS in stroke rehabilitation research and practice.
Control intervention design for preclinical and clinical trials: Consensus-based core recommendations from the third Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Roundtable
Authors: Hayward Kathryn S , Dalton Emily J , Barth Jessica , Brady Marian , Cherney Leora R , Churilov Leonid , Clarkson Andrew N , Dawson Jesse , Dukelow Sean P , Feys Peter , Hackett Maree , Zeiler Steve R , Lang Catherine E
Published: October 2023

Control comparator selection is a critical trial design issue. Preclinical and clinical investigators who are doing trials of stroke recovery and rehabilitation interventions must carefully consider the appropriateness and relevance of their chosen control comparator as the benefit of an experimental intervention is established relative to a comparator. Establishing a strong rationale for a selected comparator improves the integrity of the trial and validity of its findings. This Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation Roundtable (SRRR) taskforce used a graph theory voting system to rank the importance and ease of addressing challenges during control comparator design. “Identifying appropriate type of control” was ranked easy to address and very important, “variability in usual care” was ranked hard to address and of low importance, and “understanding the content of the control and how it differs from the experimental intervention” was ranked very important but not easy to address. The CONtrol DeSIGN (CONSIGN) decision support tool was developed to address the identified challenges and enhance comparator selection, description, and reporting. CONSIGN is a web-based tool inclusive of seven steps that guide the user through control comparator design. The tool was refined through multiple rounds of pilot testing that included more than 130 people working in neurorehabilitation research. Four hypothetical exemplar trials, which span preclinical, mood, aphasia, and motor recovery, demonstrate how the tool can be applied in practice. Six consensus recommendations are defined that span research domains, professional disciplines, and international borders.
Novel Lifestyle Medicine Virtual Referral Clinic: A Quality Improvement Initiative to Increase Value-Based Care
Authors: Barnes Everett , Jeltema Marika , Shimoda Angela , Zozaya Mary , Raguveer Vishaka
Published: October 2023

Lifestyle education is a key component of healthcare, particularly primary care. Multiple studies have shown that dedicated patient education on lifestyle topics, in addition to medication management, creates the most positive outcomes. Improving knowledge on health topics is critical for eliciting positive change in health behaviors. However, education takes time, and access to focused education outside of the office visit can be a challenge. We discuss here a quality improvement initiative to increase value-based care by utilizing telehealth to improve access to Lifestyle Medicine education during the COVID-19 pandemic. We focused on 4 primary objectives including creating a Lifestyle Medicine Virtual Referral Clinic (LMVRC) embedded within our Family Medicine Residency, determining payor mix of referred patients, utilizing a telehealth platform to provide lifestyle medicine education, and finally determining the influence of our services on patient’s perceived health. There were many key findings in the development, implementation, and evaluation of the LMVRC that could serve to assist others and our clinic in further development of lifestyle medicine education in the primary care setting. In our experience, a LMVRC embedded in a primary care setting proved to be an effective approach to provide access for patients and advancing value-based care.
Evaluating an Association Between Prenatal Smoking Behavior and Exclusive Breastfeeding: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Dharel Dinesh , Dahal Rudra , Adhikari Kamala , Muhajarine Nazeem , Bhattarai Asmita
Published: October 2023

Background: Prenatal smoking is consistently associated with adverse breastfeeding outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the association of smoking cessation or continuation during pregnancy with exclusive breastfeeding in a representative sample of the general Canadian population. Methods: We used the pooled sample of 9860 females with pregnancy experience of last under-five child from the Canadian Community Health Surveys 2015-2018 public use microdata file. We categorized self-reported prenatal smoking status as continuing, quitting, or no smoking. We evaluated the association between exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months or more with prenatal smoking status using multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for socio-demographic variables. Results: With the pooled prevalence of 33.2% (95% CI 31.7, 34.8), 34.4% (95% CI 32.8, 36.1) of non-smokers, 25.7% (95% CI 20.2, 32.2) of those who quit and 15.7% (95% CI 10.8, 22.2) of those who continued smoking reported exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months or more. Continuing smoking had lower odds of exclusive breastfeeding (aOR .47; 95% CI 0.30,0.75) but quitting smoking had no difference (aOR .78;95% CI 0.56,1.08) when compared to non-smokers. Conclusion: Continuing smoking during pregnancy was associated with lower rates of exclusive breastfeeding of infants for 6 months or more. Smoking cessation interventions during prenatal visits may improve exclusive breastfeeding rates.
The discursive construction of organizational legitimacy in higher education: Multimodal discourse analysis on Chinese business schools
Authors: Xu Zhang , Shubo Liu
Published: October 2023

Applying a Multimodal Discourse Analysis framework, this study focuses on university websites to explore how organizational legitimacy is constructed through discursive strategies. Our findings show that under authoritative administrative logic and market logic, universities construct two organizational identities: policy followers and product/service suppliers, and use exemplification and authorization strategies respectively through visual discourse to legitimate the identities. To avoid potential conflicts between the legitimacy claims associated with these two identities, universities apply a decoupling strategy to isolate the two identities, along with both explicit and implicit expressions, through the intertextuality between visual and verbal discourses. The constitutive characteristics of universities’ website discourse reveal the complexity of Chinese institutional context in higher education field and the constitutive influence of the institutional background on organizational discourse and legitimation strategies.
Outcomes Associated With Levetiracetam Use After Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Leatherwood Mary Stewart , Hamilton Leslie A , Barber Jacob , Rowe A. Shaun
Published: October 2023

Background and Purpose

The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of seizures in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) who received prophylactic levetiracetam.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study evaluating the use of levetiracetam in patients without a history of seizures who experienced a spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. Patients were excluded if they were younger than 18 years of age, had a documented history of a seizure disorder, or had an antiseizure drug documented on their home medication list. Patients were based on their exposure to levetiracetam. The primary outcome was incidence of seizure during hospital admission. Secondary outcomes included occurrence of adverse events, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), and hospital LOS.

Results

Of the 229 patients included in the final analysis, 21 were in the levetiracetam group (LEV) and 208 were in the no levetiracetam group (no LEV). No statistical difference in seizure incidence was observed when comparing the LEV and no LEV groups (1 [4.8%] LEV vs 3 [1.4%] no LEV; P = .32). There was also no statistical difference in the median ICU LOS (2 days [1 day, 5 days] LEV vs 2 days [1 day, 3 days] no LEV; P = .27), median hospital LOS (6 days [2 days, 8 days] LEV vs 6 days [3 days, 9 days] no LEV; P = .27), or adverse events.

Conclusions

This study does not support the use of levetiracetam prophylaxis in patients who have experienced an ICH.
Belief in a Just World as a Basis for Biased System Attitudes and Their Palliative Effect: The Context Matters
Authors: Hadarics Márton , Kende Anna
Published: October 2023

Although system-justifying beliefs can have a palliative effect on citizens, the underlying mechanisms and contextual moderators of this association are relatively unknown. Because system threats are likely to strengthen a defensive bolstering of the system, we assumed that the motivational factors behind system justification exert a stronger palliative effect in more dysfunctional systems. Specifically, we hypothesized that belief in a just world (BJW) would enhance well-being, particularly in countries with low system performance. Using nationally representative data from 29 countries ( N = 49,519), multilevel analyses revealed indirect effects of BJW on subjective well-being via attitudes toward the system. Notably, these effects were stronger in countries with lower system performance. Our findings suggest that dysfunctional political-institutional systems can catalyze the bias of BJW in citizens’ perception of system performance, thus influencing subjective well-being. This highlights the importance of considering the social context when examining the palliative and system-justifying functions of BJW.
Primary health care providers knowledge of dementia and cognitive assessment tools for elderly populations in Southeast Nigeria: A pilot survey
Authors: Ogbuagu Chukwuanugo , Uwakwe Richard , Kahn James G , Ogbuagu Ekenechukwu , Emelumadu Obiageli , Okereke Uzoma , Okeke Irene , Chigbo Godswill , Okoye Obiora
Published: October 2023

Objectives:

Primary health care remains the widely available first point of medical care in Nigeria and in other low- and middle-income countries. Recognizing the rising prevalence of dementia in these settings, primary healthcare providers should be trained on cognitive assessment. However, little is known about the current Nigerian primary healthcare providers’ knowledge of dementia, cognitive assessment tools, and use in elderly populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate primary healthcare providers’ knowledge of dementia and cognitive assessment tools in Southeast Nigeria in preparation for the introduction of digital tablet-based assessment tool.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional mixed method descriptive pilot survey carried out in a comprehensive healthcare center affiliated with Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital. Fifty healthcare workers participated. Convenience sampling was employed involving all consenting primary healthcare providers in comprehensive healthcare center-Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital. A structured questionnaire was distributed for generation of both qualitative and quantitative data.

Result:

The mean age of the 50 primary healthcare providers was 36.6 years, with females constituting 80%. Mean practice duration was 10.8 years. Their response on the mean age at which patients may need a cognitive assessment was reported as 52.8 years. Primary healthcare providers reported that dementia is associated with memory loss and can be genetically inherited. None of the respondents were familiar with Montreal cognitive assessment, or any form of tablet-based cognitive assessment tool. Most (86%) knew about the mini mental state examination.

Conclusion:

Primary healthcare providers are deficient in knowledge of dementia Alzheimer’s or cognitive assessment tools, and so they do not routinely carryout cognitive screening in elderly patients during clinic visits. It is important to train all cadres of primary healthcare staff on the use and benefit of cognitive assessment using culturally validated user-friendly tool to improve quality of care for the elderly population.
Nontargeted Native Renal Biopsy Adequacy: Preintervention Data From a Province-Wide, Multicentre, and Interdepartmental Audit
Authors: Nugent James P. , Bissonnette Mei Lin Z. , Gibney Brian , Farah Myriam , Harris Alison C.
Published: October 2023

Background:

Nontargeted renal biopsy is essential to diagnosis, classification, and prognostication of medical renal disease. Inadequate biopsies delay diagnosis, expose the patient to repeated biopsy, and increase costs.

Objective:

The purpose of this project is to characterize nontargeted renal biopsy specimen adequacy and identify areas for improvement.

Design:

This project was designed as a clinical audit of specimen adequacy rates of nontargeted renal biopsies from 13 hospitals, as well as a questionnaire of radiology and pathology department staff regarding current practices surrounding renal biopsies.

Setting:

Retrospective analysis of 2188 adult native renal biopsies was performed from January 1, 2018, to September 9, 2021, across 13 hospitals.

Patients:

Adult patients with medical renal disease undergoing a nontargeted renal biopsy were included.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of 2188 adult native renal biopsies was performed from January 1, 2018, to September 9, 2021, across 13 hospitals. Adequacy was divided into 4 categories based on number of glomeruli received: ideally adequate (≥25 glomeruli), minimally adequate (15-24), suboptimal (<15 and diagnosis rendered), and inadequate (<15 and no diagnosis rendered). Two targets were chosen; target 1, to achieve a combined suboptimal and inadequate rate ≤ 10%, and target 2, to attain an ideally adequate rate ≥80%. Radiology department heads in the province were surveyed on biopsy equipment, technique, technologist support, and feasibility of possible interventions to enhance biopsy adequacy. Pathology department staff were surveyed on their education and experience.

Results:

Adequacy was as follows: ideally adequate 64.7%, minimally adequate 26.0%, suboptimal 7.9%, and inadequate 1.4%. The province (and 8/13 hospitals) met target 1 for native biopsies (9.3%). Two hospitals achieved target 2 for native biopsies. A key finding was that the 2 hospitals with the lowest target 1 scores did not have a technologist present at biopsy.

Limitations:

Survey data was used to assess biopsy technique at each hospital, and specific technique for each biopsy was not recorded. As such, a multivariate statistical analysis of specimen adequacy rates was not feasible. Data on complications was not collected.

Conclusions:

Preintervention the province was at target for limiting inadequate and suboptimal native biopsies. There was a substantial shortfall in the ideally adequate rate from the proposed target. Using insight from survey data, interventions with the greatest expected impact were identified and those that are feasible given limited resources will be implemented to improve sample adequacy.

Trial Registration:

Not registered.
Resolution of megaesophagus after correction of a paraesophageal hernia
Authors: Rolph Kerry E , Ryan John , Yool Donald , Liuti Tiziana
Published: October 2023

Case summary

A 6-year-old female Siamese cat presented with an 8-week history of vomiting and progressive hyporexia. On presentation, the cat was found to have a hypochloremic alkalosis. Imaging demonstrated hiatal hernia and megaesophagus. Exploratory laparotomy demonstrated a paraesophageal hiatal hernia. The hernia was reduced, phrenoplasty and esophagopexy were performed, and a gastrotomy tube was placed. Treatment of the hernia led to resolution of the megaesophagus.

Relevance and novel information

Megaesophagus can occur secondarily to paraesophageal hernia in the cat. In this case, correction of the paraesophageal hernia led to complete resolution of the esophageal dilation and all associated clinical signs.
Investigating a Common Structure of Personality Pathology and Attachment
Authors: Smith Madison Shea , South Susan C.
Published: October 2023

Critical theoretical intersections between adult insecure attachment and personality disorders (PDs) suggest that they may overlap, but a lack of empirical analysis to date has limited further interpretation. The current study used a large sample ( N = 812) of undergraduates ( N = 355) and adults receiving psychological treatment ( N = 457) to test whether a joint hierarchical factor structure of personality pathology and insecure attachment is tenable. Results suggested that attachment and PD indicators load together on latent domains of emotional lability, detachment, and vulnerability, but antagonistic, impulsigenic, and psychosis-spectrum factors do not subsume attachment indicators. This solution was relatively consistent across treatment status but varied across gender, potentially suggesting divergent socialization of interpersonal problems. Although further tests are needed, if attachment and PDs prove to be unitary, combining them has exciting potential for providing an etiologic-developmental substrate to the classification of interpersonal dysfunction.
Are positive clinical gains observed following physiotherapy treatment for persistent pelvic pain sustained to 12 months following programme completion? A follow up study
Authors: Beaumont Tara
Published: October 2023

Introduction:

Persistent pelvic pain is a common and often debilitating health condition, which is associated with significant healthcare costs. A three-treatment arm clinical trial investigating the impact of physiotherapy in the management of persistent pelvic pain demonstrated positive clinical outcomes, as measured at the conclusion of the programmes, in terms of pain score and pain impact. This study aimed to test the sustainability of the clinical gains observed through to 12 months post-programme completion.

Methods:

Participants who completed the clinical trial ( N = 66) were contacted as they neared the 12 months anniversary of the completion of their treatment programme. Returned data was collated and analysed against data obtained during the trial, allowing comparison pre-treatment, post-treatment and at 12 months following programme completion.

Results:

There were 24 returned outcome measurement documents, representing a 38% response rate. Of the three treatments arms piloted in the trial, one arm demonstrated further clinical improvement across a range of domains in the 12 months following treatment, while participants in the other two treatment arms returned data suggesting mild clinical decline. However, when comparing pre-treatment baseline data with data obtained at 12 months post treatment, all three treatment cohorts returned positive clinical gains across all measures. This effect was more pronounced in those who maintained three to six monthly contact with the department following treatment programme completion.

Discussion:

Physiotherapy treatment – either individual sessions, or a series of individual sessions coupled with group education ± group exercise – results in positive clinical gains from baseline assessment that are sustained through to 12 months following treatment programme completion.

Universal trial number:

U1111-1228-4810 ANZCTR.
Food Acquisition and Consumption Issues of South Asian Countries: A Systematic Literature Review and Future Research Agenda
Authors: Jayawardena Nirma Sadamali , Dewasiri Narayanage Jayantha
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study is to present a systematic literature review and offer a future research agenda on food acquisition and consumption of South Asian countries. The first section offers a comprehensive systematic literature review with a documentation analysis using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The study identifies several contemporary issues pertaining to food acquisition and consumption in these countries and proposes several research themes such as food quality standard issues, food security issues, food nutrition issues, organic food consumption patterns, dietary diversity and food intake issues. The second section includes a future research agenda on food acquisition and consumption patterns on the key constructs, context and methodology. This study contributed to the existing literature by offering several contemporary issues and the scope of future research areas pertaining to food acquisition and consumption, which may help policy makers, practitioners and scholars in investigating the solutions.
Servant Leadership and Organizational Citizenship Behaviour: The Mediating Role of Trust
Authors: Dami Zummy Anselmus , Imron Ali , Burhanuddin  , Supriyanto Achmad , Pellokila Ireni Irnawati
Published: October 2023

The study aimed to examine the influence of servant leadership on organizational citizenship behaviour through trust at Christian religious universities in Indonesia. This study used quantitative methods with a sample of 180 lecturers from 27 Christian universities in East Java, Indonesia. This study used partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) for data analysis. The results showed that (i) servant leadership has a direct effect on organizational citizenship behaviour and trust; (ii) trust has a direct effect on organizational citizenship behaviour and (iii) the effect of servant leadership on organizational citizenship behaviour was mediated by trust. Trust was competitive mediation for the effect of servant leadership on organizational citizenship behaviour. The results of this study contribute significantly to the rector/chairman to improve knowledge, attitudes and skills related to the characteristics of servant leadership through training. The rector/chairman needs to design a mentoring programme to empower lecturers to prepare them to become leaders in the future. Lecturers need to increase awareness of organizational citizenship behaviour by participating in mentoring so that they have reflective skills, understand concept exploration, and engage in collaboration spaces to be able to detect that servant leadership rector/chairman influences the growth of organizational citizenship behaviour and trust in leaders.
Does Career Adaptability Motivate Self-initiated Expatriates to Embed with Their Jobs? The Mediating Effect of Job Crafting
Authors: AlMemari Mustafa , Khalid Khalizani , Osman Abdullah
Published: October 2023

The aim of this research is to empirically investigate the career adaptability–job embeddedness relation by examining the mediating effect of job crafting using the job demands-resources theory. Using survey data from 881 self-initiated expatriates (SIEs) working in multinational companies across the UAE, a mediation model is tested. Structural equation modelling was utilized to assess the proposed hypotheses. The findings show that career adaptability improves job embeddedness. Furthermore, job crafting mediates the career adaptability and job embeddedness relationship. Job crafting and job embeddedness may benefit from high levels of career adaptability. The findings support the mediator effects of job crafting on career adaptability and SIEs’ job embeddedness. This study recommends job crafting as an imperative factor that influences career adaptability and job embeddedness relationships.
Comparison of the Efficacy of 17% EDTA and 17% EDTA-S as Root Conditioning Agents: An in vitro Study
Authors: Anurag T. , Pasupuleti Mohan Kumar , Penmetsa Gautami S. , Gottumukkala Sruthima N.V.S. , Ramesh K.S.V. , Bypalli Vivek
Published: October 2023

Aim:

The study’s objective is to assess the capacity of 17% EDTA (ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid) and 17% EDTA-S (sodium lauryl sulphate) on periodontally infected root surfaces as well as their capacity to remove the smear layer.

Materials and Methods:

Groups A (EDTA) and B (EDTA-S) were randomly selected from among 40 single-rooted teeth that had to be extracted due to the mobility. Sections of these teeth were subjected to a 3-minute “Active Burnishing Technique” treatment with 17% EDTA and 17% EDTA-S, followed by a 2-minute saline washing, and then investigated by using an electron microscope. The teeth’s root surface changes were evaluated using Sampaio’s Index, surface morphology, smear layer presence, dentinal tubule patency, and other factors. The results of this study were statistically examined using the paired “t” test. The significance threshold was established at P-value = .05.

Results:

The outcomes demonstrated that Group B benefited statistically from the elimination of the smear layer and the patency of the dentinal tubules ( P < .01). In the EDTA and EDTA-S groups, there were 85.508.75 and 91.706.20 patent dentinal tubules revealed, respectively. The total surface area exposed by EDTA was 163.88 ± 24.68 and EDTA-S was 182.91 ± 28.16 with a P-value <.01.

Conclusion:

According to the study’s findings, as compared to EDTA, EDTA-S is more successful at exposing dentinal tubules and removing the smear layer, making it a useful root conditioning agent.
Facets of Economic and Cultural Life of a Courtesan in Ancient India
Authors: Saxena Monika
Published: October 2023

The social aspects of the life and behaviour of courtesans in early India have attracted much scholarly interest. This article attempts to understand the socio-economic aspects of their profession with special focus on the ganikas and on how they sought to make a profitable career for themselves. The ganikas were held to rank above the common run of prostitutes by virtue of the rigorous training they underwent—‘64 classical arts’ that included dance and drama along with other skills apart from mastery in the art of eroticism. These accomplishments allowed them to charge a considerably higher fee from clients as compared to the other members of the profession. The article explores the different categories of middlemen or procurers/procuresses and managers who served as an essential link between the courtesans and their clients. It also investigates how the courtesans were also expected to use their money and resources.
“Let the Water Speak” Using Fictional Writing to Revisit Stakeholder Theories and Give a Voice to Invisibilized Stakeholders
Authors: Agogué Marine , Blanche Charlotte
Published: October 2023

Understanding the dynamic relationships of the entities that have the most impact on an organization—or that the organization impacts the most—is at the core of stakeholder management approaches. In this article, we present an experiential exercise that provides a creative practical, low-overhead, discussion-oriented classroom activity to engage in a critical examination of the concept of stakeholders. This exercise is especially effective for the stakeholders usually invisibilized. Rather than relying on presenting stakeholder theory, this exercise uses fictional writing as a way for students to give a voice to water, a most often invisibilized stakeholder on an academic campus. The activity encourages reflection on the perception we hold toward certain stakeholders and aims to raise awareness toward the underrepresentation of some of them despite the centrality of their contribution to the organization. The exercise also enables students to grasp that there are limits when trying to speak on behalf of someone or something that structurally does not have a voice. This exercise can be used at the graduate level. Recommendations for adapting the exercise to the large classes are included.
Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies for Potential Outbreaks of Adenovirus Infection: Evidence From the Recent Incidences in West Bengal, India
Authors: Sarker Rapty , Roknuzzaman ASM , Nazmunnahar  , Islam Md. Rabiul
Published: October 2023

Recent outbreaks of highly virulent and pathogenic viruses such as COVID-19, monkeypox, and Nipah virus have prompted global concerns. Another threat has emerged in West Bengal, India, in the form of Human Adenovirus (HAdV), particularly affecting children and immunocompromised individuals. The DNA virus HAdV can cause respiratory, liver, renal, and neurological issues. Politically unstable areas with military and medical camps and refugee communities are at risk because they spread in densely populated areas. Due to its rapid mutation and dissemination, the virus represents a global threat. Although scientists have developed vaccines for specific serotypes of HAdV, their primary application is limited to military contexts. Antiviral and immunotherapy research is continuing, but treatment choices are limited. Public awareness programs and hygiene measures are essential to preventing a global pandemic. Governments should invest in healthcare infrastructure and diagnostics, and researchers should focus on developing vaccines and therapies. The West Bengal outbreak is a clear reminder that governments, healthcare professionals, and researchers must work together to control and prevent HAdV. To effectively comprehend and address this rising viral threat, it is imperative to engage in further research and documentation.
Prompting story elements in first grade: An intermodal approach for exploring two teachers’ orchestrations
Authors: Ridell Kim , Walldén Robert
Published: October 2023

Although the teaching of narrative texts in primary school is well researched, there is a lack of insight into how visual models and multimodal prompts are used by teachers to convey genre-specific knowledge. Therefore, we conducted a multimodal study of the teaching practices in two first-grade classrooms during joint re-tellings of the folktale Little Red Riding Hood and subsequent interactions around narrative genre. In both cases, the teachers used the graphical model The Story Face as well as a whiteboard canvas in their orchestrations. Data was collected in the form of audio and video recordings. Underpinned by a social semiotic framework combined with Bernstein’s concept framing, the analyses revealed that both teachers focused on story events and the story’s macrostructure while displaying different orientations in the use of verbal language and visual representations. This resulted in different emphases on either story-specific or more general features of narrative genre. Furthermore, the students showed an interest in iconic and suspense-building story dialogue, but this aspect was generally de-emphasized by the teachers’ use of verbal language and visual resources. Based on these findings, we discuss the significance of studying teachers’ differing orchestrations through overlapping modes.
EasyCGTree: a pipeline for prokaryotic phylogenomic analysis based on core gene sets
Authors: Zhang Dao-Feng , He Wei , Shao Zongze , Ahmed Iftikhar , Zhang Yuqin , Li Wen-Jun , Zhao Zhe
Published: October 2023

Background

Genome-scale phylogenetic analysis based on core gene sets is routinely used in microbiological research. However, the techniques are still not approachable for individuals with little bioinformatics experience. Here, we present EasyCGTree, a user-friendly and cross-platform pipeline to reconstruct genome-scale maximum-likehood (ML) phylogenetic tree using supermatrix (SM) and supertree (ST) approaches.

Results

EasyCGTree was implemented in Perl programming languages and was built using a collection of published reputable programs. All the programs were precompiled as standalone executable files and contained in the EasyCGTree package. It can run after installing Perl language environment. Several profile hidden Markov models (HMMs) of core gene sets were prepared in advance to construct a profile HMM database (PHD) that was enclosed in the package and available for homolog searching. Customized gene sets can also be used to build profile HMM and added to the PHD via EasyCGTree. Taking 43 genomes of the genus Paracoccus as the testing data set, consensus (a variant of the typical SM), SM, and ST trees were inferred via EasyCGTree successfully, and the SM trees were compared with those inferred via the pipelines UBCG and bcgTree, using the metrics of cophenetic correlation coefficients (CCC) and Robinson–Foulds distance (topological distance). The results suggested that EasyCGTree can infer SM trees with nearly identical topology (distance < 0.1) and accuracy (CCC > 0.99) to those of trees inferred with the two pipelines.

Conclusions

EasyCGTree is an all-in-one automatic pipeline from input data to phylogenomic tree with guaranteed accuracy, and is much easier to install and use than the reference pipelines. In addition, ST is implemented in EasyCGTree conveniently and can be used to explore prokaryotic evolutionary signals from a different perspective. The EasyCGTree version 4 is freely available for Linux and Windows users at Github (https://github.com/zdf1987/EasyCGTree4).
Analysis of applying a patient safety taxonomy to patient and clinician-reported incident reports during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed methods study
Authors: Purchase Thomas , Cooper Alison , Price Delyth , Dorgeat Emma , Williams Huw , Bowie Paul , Fournier Jean-Pascal , Hibbert Peter , Edwards Adrian , Phillips Rhiannon , Joseph-Williams Natalie , Carson-Stevens Andrew
Published: October 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in major disruption to healthcare delivery worldwide causing medical services to adapt their standard practices. Learning how these adaptations result in unintended patient harm is essential to mitigate against future incidents. Incident reporting and learning system data can be used to identify areas to improve patient safety. A classification system is required to make sense of such data to identify learning and priorities for further in-depth investigation. The Patient Safety (PISA) classification system was created for this purpose, but it is not known if classification systems are sufficient to capture novel safety concepts arising from crises like the pandemic. We aimed to review the application of the PISA classification system during the COVID-19 pandemic to appraise whether modifications were required to maintain its meaningful use for the pandemic context.

Methods

We conducted a mixed-methods study integrating two phases in an exploratory, sequential design. This included a comparative secondary analysis of patient safety incident reports from two studies conducted during the first wave of the pandemic, where we coded patient-reported incidents from the UK and clinician-reported incidents from France. The findings were presented to a focus group of experts in classification systems and patient safety, and a thematic analysis was conducted on the resultant transcript.

Results

We identified five key themes derived from the data analysis and expert group discussion. These included capitalising on the unique perspective of safety concerns from different groups, that existing frameworks do identify priority areas to investigate further, the objectives of a study shape the data interpretation, the pandemic spotlighted long-standing patient concerns, and the time period in which data are collected offers valuable context to aid explanation. The group consensus was that no COVID-19-specific codes were warranted, and the PISA classification system was fit for purpose.

Conclusions

We have scrutinised the meaningful use of the PISA classification system’s application during a period of systemic healthcare constraint, the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these constraints, we found the framework can be successfully applied to incident reports to enable deductive analysis, identify areas for further enquiry and thus support organisational learning. No new or amended codes were warranted. Organisations and investigators can use our findings when reviewing their own classification systems.
A meta-analysis of treatment for early-stage cervical cancer: open versus minimally invasive radical trachelectomy
Authors: Lv Zi , Wang Yu-ying , Wang Yu-wen , He Jun-jie , Lan Wen-wei , Peng Jia-ying , Lin Zi-han , Zhu Ruo-fei , Zhou Jie , Chen Zi-qi , Jiang Ying-hui , Yuan Yi , Xiong Jian
Published: October 2023

Background

In previous systematic reviews, meta-analysis was lacking, resulting in the statistical difference between the data of different surgeries being impossible to judge. This meta-analysis aims to contrast the fertility results and cancer outcomes between open and minimally invasive surgery.

Method

We systematically searched databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus to collect studies that included open and minimally invasive radical trachelectomy. A random-effect model calculated the weighted average difference of each primary outcome via Review Manager V.5.4.

Result

Eight studies (1369 patients) were incorporated into our study. For fertility results, the Open group excels MIS group in pregnancies-Third trimester delivery [OR = 2.68; 95% CI (1.29, 5.59); P = 0.008]. Nevertheless, there is no statistical difference in clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and second-trimester rate. Concerning cancer outcomes, no difference was detected in the overall survival [OR = 1.56; 95% CI (0.70, 3.45); P = 0.27] and recurrence [OR = 0.63; 95% CI (0.35, 1.12); P = 0.12]. Concerning surgery-related outcomes, the comprehensive effects revealed that the estimated blood loss of the Open group was higher than that of the MIS group[MD = 139.40; 95% CI (79.05, 199.75); P < 0.0001]. However, there was no difference between the postoperative complication rate in the two groups [OR = 1.52; 95% CI (0.89, 2.60); P = 0.12].

Conclusion

This meta-analysis suggested that the fertility result of the Open group may be better than the MIS group, while the MIS group has better surgery-related outcomes. Owing to the poor cases of our study, a more robust conclusion requires more relevant articles in the future.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42022352999.
Assessment of sensorimotor and strength related function of breast cancer patients during systemic drug therapy: a prospective observational study
Authors: Tuğral Alper , Arıbaş Zeynep , Akyol Murat , Bakar Yeşim
Published: October 2023

Background

Chemotherapy is a well-known risk factor for sensorial and motor disturbances. Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) which predominantly affects sensory nerves might cause a diminished fine motor function. This prospective observational study aimed to assess the sensorimotor functions of breast cancer patients before, during, and after chemotherapy.

Methods

A total of 56 breast cancer patients were evaluated at three different times as follows: T1 (before chemotherapy), T2 (middle chemotherapy), and T3 (completion of chemotherapy). Motor function was assessed with handgrip strength (HGS), peripheral muscle strength (PMS), and the Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test (MMDT). Semmes Weinstein Monofilament Test (SWMT) was performed to assess the sensory function. Fatigue was evaluated with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Module Cancer Related Fatigue (EORTC-QLQ-FA12), respectively.

Results

HGS and MMDT were found significant (χ2: 11.279, p = 0.004 and χ2: 9.893, p = 0.007, respectively) whereas PMS was not found significant (F (2,110) = 1.914, p = 0.152). Pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni adjustments revealed that HGS was found significant between T1 and T3, while significant results were obtained between T1 and T2 as well as T2 and T3 in MMDT (p = 0.01 and p = 0.042). There were significant results in some reference points of SWMT, though they were not found after pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni adjustment (p > 0.05). Fatigue was found significantly increased from T1 through T3 (Median: 19.44 vs 27.77, z: -2.347, p = 0.019, Wilcoxon test).

Conclusion

Our study showed that decreased handgrip strength and fine motor function, as well as increased fatigue, are evident during the chemotherapy. SWMT can be an optional assessment in the context of tracking changes in cutaneous sensation during chemotherapy due to its non-invasive, cheap, and easily repeatable features among cancer patients. To preserve functional capacity as well as independence in daily living, precautions and follow up assessments during the systemic therapy process should be integrated as early as possible to prevent future deteriorations in daily life for patients who undergo chemotherapy.

Trial registration

NCT04799080.