bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Targets and Mechanisms of Poria cocos-Licorice Drug Pair for the Treatment of Henoch–Schönlein Purpura Nephritis Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Liu Jiahua , Liu Qingqing , Ma Xiaoqin , Guo Weiyan , Mi Jie
Published: February 2024

Background

The herbal Poria cocos-Liquorice drug pair (PLDP) possesses the ability to be a diuretic, stimulating the spleen and benefiting the kidney, which plays an important role in the treatment of Henoch–Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN). However, the mechanism of action is unknown.

Objectives

Through the method of network pharmacology, this research sought to determine the mechanism of PLDP against HSPN.

Materials and Methods

The screening of active ingredients in PLDP was conducted by Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) databases, while their targets were obtained from the TCMSP and Swiss Target Prediction (STP) databases. The genes of HSPN were searched by OMIM, DisGeNET, and GeneCards databases. Then, the common targets of active ingredients in PLDP and HSPN were mapped by Venn analysis. To get the main targets, the researchers utilized the STRING database to construct the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of the common targets. Then, the function of gene ontology (GO) and the enrichment of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway of the main targets were examined on the Metascape database to identify the molecular mechanism of PLDP against HSPN. The most relevant signaling pathways with HSPN screened from the top 20 pathways were defined as the key pathways. Finally, the “active ingredient-main target-key pathway” network was built in order to identify the core targets and key active ingredients of PLDP against HSPN.

Results

There were 101 active ingredients and 360 targets for PLDP. One hundred and fifty-seven genes for HSPN and 35 common targets between PLDP and HSPN were identified. Through the “active ingredient-main target-key pathway” network, quercetin, kaempferol, polyporenic acid C, dehydrotumulosic acid, poricoic acid A, and naringenin were identified as key active ingredients; TNF, NOS3, RELA, AKT1, ICAM1, and IFNG were identified as core targets; and the key pathways include TNF signaling pathways, HIF-1 signaling pathways, and IL-17 signaling pathways.

Conclusion

The research initially investigated the pathways, active ingredients, and targets involved in PLDP against HSPN. The mechanism appears to be linked to its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, thus establishing a scientific foundation for further investigation.
‘They Know What It’s Like’: Exploring Facebook Groups for Digital Coping
Authors: Parrocha Azer N. , Bernadas Jan Michael Alexandre C.
Published: February 2024

Informed by the Digital Coping Model, this article explores the use of social network sites among chronically ill patients and caregivers. In particular, it focuses on the use of Facebook (FB) groups among patients diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and their caregivers in the Philippines. Situated in a country with a high prevalence of CVD, it explores the communication technology affordances and digital coping activities of members belonging to a private FB group for CVD. Using in-depth interviews with members, this article found that digital coping engages with polymedia, that is, patients and caregivers use the private FB group together with other platforms. Members likewise engaged with praying as an emergent digital coping activity. Moreover, they characterised the private FB group as an epistemic community critical for creating, sharing and challenging CVD-related information. Taken together, the results extend the conversations about the ways patients and caregivers continue to repurpose communication and technology for managing their chronic illness in the larger backdrop of polymedia, limited access to healthcare, and the ongoing pandemic. Implications to moderators of health groups, healthcare professionals and health associations are discussed.
Student Homelessness in High School: Prevalence, Individual Characteristics, and Profiles of Risk and Multidomain Functioning
Authors: Hatchimonji Danielle R. , Herbers Janette E. , Flatley Claire , Treglia Dan , Cutuli J. J.
Published: February 2024

We estimated the prevalence of high school homelessness and examined associations among homelessness, demographic factors, victimization experiences, and poor functioning using variable- and person-centered approaches. Anonymous self-report survey data from the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System represented approximately 6.5 million high school students in 29 regions of the United States. An estimated 9.32% of students experienced homelessness. Path analysis found homelessness was related to poor functioning, accounting for victimization and demographic factors. Latent class analysis found the highest risk profiles had high levels of homelessness, victimization, and poor functioning and an overrepresentation of multiracial, Native, and Hispanic/Latino students, and students with LGBT identities. Interventions to prevent, identify, and respond to youth homelessness should address sources of marginalization and adversity.
Effects of Self-Management Interventions on Challenging Behavior: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Smith Tyler E. , Thompson Aaron M. , Maynard Brandy R. , Kim Anna M.
Published: February 2024

Purpose: The systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of self-management interventions on classroom behaviors and academic outcomes. Methods: Review procedures followed Campbell Collaboration guidelines to search, select, and extract data from published and unpublished studies employing an experimental/quasi-experimental comparison group or single-case experimental design assessing the effects of a self-management intervention in schools. Seventy-five single-case design studies (236 participants; 456 effects) and 4 comparison group studies (422 participants; 11 effects) were included. Results: Single-case results indicated self-management interventions positively impacted challenging behaviors (LRRi = 0.69 [0.59, 0.78]) and academic outcomes (LRRi = 0.58 [0.41, 0.76]). A significant main effect for improving challenging behaviors was revealed in group design studies ( g = 0.63 [0.08, 1.17]). Discussion: Limitations, including methodological shortcomings in the single-group design studies and the small number of comparison group studies, should be considered when interpreting findings. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.
Significance of an Interprofessional Healthy Aging Program for Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Narrative Study
Authors: Colón-Ramirez Wanda I. , Román-Oyola Rosa L. , Segarra-Vazquez Bárbara , Mercado-Rolón Karla J. , Dávila Collazo Emanuel , Camacho-Martínez Alma J. , Vélez-Jiménez Lypzia M.
Published: February 2024

Participation is widely recognized as an important health determinant for older adults. Exploring interventions to promote active participation of community-dwelling older adults is an important step in translating current knowledge into practice. Few studies have examined community-level interventions to support older adults’ participation. The study purpose was to examine the significance of the lived experiences of community-dwelling older adults who participated in an interprofessional healthy aging promotion program. The specific aims were to uncover the narrative significance of the lived experiences and how they evolved and intertwined with the life histories of the older adults 2 years after the intervention ended. A narrative inquiry design was used. Four key informants participated in two semi-structured interviews and a member-checking process. The data were analyzed from a three-dimensional inquiry space of time and continuity, place and context, and social interactions. The findings affirmed three core threads that wove the participants’ lived experiences within the program together with their life histories after the intervention. These were enjoyment, learning, and sharing. Four themes revealed the essential elements of the lived experience, and three others exposed participants’ growth and life enrichment, all being fundamental to participation. The 3-year community-level intervention was valued and a novel opportunity for facilitating participation and successful aging. It allowed the participants to acquire an evolved vision of self, have meaningful interactions, develop the means to engage in future community activities, implement new self-care strategies, and establish memories and friendships significant for life participation.
Promising Impact of Telenovela Intervention for Caregivers of Hospice Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Cruz-Oliver Dulce M. , Milner Gabrielle E. , Mensh Kelsea , Bugayong Marielle , Blinka Marcela D. , Durkin Nowella , Abshire Saylor Martha , Budhathoki Chakra , Oliver Debra Parker
Published: February 2024

Background

Hospice family caregivers (HFCGs) support the needs of their loved ones but are at risk of developing distress and anxiety. NOVELA is a four-chapter telenovela-style educational video to support topics related to hospice caregiving. Telehealth visits are scheduled in 4 weekly sessions consisting of a chapter and subsequent discussion with an interventionist. This feasibility pilot study tested NOVELA’s effect to change HFCGs’ outcomes, session and outcome measure completion (defined a priori as >70%).

Methods

This is a single-group pretest-posttest study of HFCGs of care recipients with PPS score >20% from 3 hospices in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. At baseline and at final posttest, participants completed a web-based survey assessing 3 outcomes: anxiety, self-efficacy, and satisfaction with intervention. Descriptive, t-test, and chi-square statistics were computed.

Results

Participants in our study (N = 59) were mainly collage educated, White, female, adult children of home-bound people with a non-cancer diagnosis. Outcomes changed in the expected direction ( P > .05) with higher self-efficacy (Cohen’s d = −.08 [95% CI −.4 to .2) and lower anxiety (Cohen’s d = .2 [95% CI −.1 to .5]) scores from final to baseline, 86% of HFCGs were satisfied or very satisfied with NOVELA, session (33/59) and outcome measure (43/59) completion averaged 68%.

Conclusion

Encouraging trends in NOVELA’s estimation of effect suggests that NOVELA may buffer stressful aspects of hospice caregiving. However, further refinement of NOVELA is needed. Supporting HFCGs through supportive educational interventions may reduce distress and anxiety with broad implications for quality improvement.
Being Emotionally Supportive: Exploring the Value of Emotional Appeals Retargeting in Recovering Consumers of Financial Services
Authors: Lu Tian , Lu Xianghua , Yang Hui , Zhang Peter
Published: February 2024

This study investigates whether retargeting, an operational approach broadly adopted in traditional retail but underexplored in financial services, is effective in recovering valuable consumers. Whereas informative appeal retargeting operations have been found useful and thus prevalently employed in traditional retail, we propose that emotional appeals retargeting operations should be more effective in successful financial consumer persuasion drawing on the uniqueness of financial services. Particularly, we explore the value of two types of emotional appeals retargeting strategies tailored for financial services: empathetic support and privacy commitment retargeting. Our field experiment involving a microloan platform reveals the effectiveness of emotional appeals retargeting in the financial service market. Specifically, empathetic support retargeting successfully recovers 11.93% of consumers, whereas privacy commitment retargeting recovers 17.27% of consumers. These effects translate to 5.19 and 10.53 percentage-point increases in the rate of return, respectively, over the no-message operation. This study further evaluates the quality of consumers retained by these retargeting strategies and finds that consumers called back by the empathetic support and privacy commitment retargeting present high credibility, with loan approval rates 11.4 and 13.69 percentage points higher than those of nonabandoning consumers, respectively. Accordingly, a more specific retargeting strategy is explored. Our study provides a systematical implication for nascent retargeting operation practices in the financial service market by elucidating the causes and effects of consumer returns.
Reselling/Agency Selling and Online Intermediaries’ Information Sharing With Manufacturers and Resellers
Authors: Lin Xiaogang , Lin Qiang , Chen Ying-Ju
Published: February 2024

Manufacturers and  their resellers generally employ online intermediaries to sell their products. These intermediaries often possess superior demand information and decide whether to share it with their sellers. In practice, the manufacturers can employ two possible selling formats: reselling ([Formula: see text]), under which they sell the products to the intermediaries who subsequently resell to customers and agency selling ([Formula: see text]), under which they sell the products to customers through the intermediaries by paying a proportional fee. Additionally, the manufacturers can also sell the products to their resellers who subsequently resell to customers through the intermediaries. We develop a game-theoretic model to investigate an e-commerce supply chain in which an online intermediary first decides whether to disclose information option to a manufacturer and/or reseller; thereafter, the manufacturer selects between the [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] format. Regardless of the information-sharing decision made by the intermediary, the manufacturer’s selling format selection remains qualitatively unchanged. However, the intermediary can compel the manufacturer to change his selling format by sharing information with only the manufacturer or reseller in certain market environments. When the intensity is small but the proportional fee is intermediate, the intermediary should share information with only the manufacturer to compel him to change his selling format choice from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text]. When both the intensity and fee are intermediate, the intermediary should share information exclusively with the manufacturer (or reseller) to prompt a change in the manufacturer’s selling format, switching from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] (or from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text]), contingent upon whether the magnitude of demand fluctuation is small or large.
The Bullwhip Effect and Stock Returns
Authors: Singhal Vinod , Wu Jing
Published: February 2024

The bullwhip effect (BWE) is an important phenomenon in the operations and supply chain management field. Although it is commonly accepted that the BWE is widespread and can have a significant adverse impact on financial performance, there is surprisingly limited objective evidence on the financial consequences of the BWE. This paper examines the impact of the BWE on financial performance by examining the relationship between the BWE and stock price performance. The empirical analysis is based on data from 1985 to 2018 from about 7200 publicly traded firms and about 64,000 firm-years. We find that most results on the impact of the BWE on stock returns are statistically indistinguishable from zero. The few marginally significant results that we find suggest a positive relationship between the BWE and stock returns rather than the expected negative relationship. However, these marginally significant results do not hold when alternate methods are used to test the relationships. These conclusions are robust when we segment the sample by size, industry, and time periods. We also do not find a significant relationship between the BWE and stock returns for samples based on the propagation of the BWE from customers to suppliers. We do find some evidence to suggest that the BWE has a negative impact on inventory turnover. However, we do not find similar evidence for capacity utilization. The relationships between the BWE and return on assets measures are statistically insignificant. For margin measures, the relationships are positive and statistically significant but not economically significant.
Hospital-Physician Integration and Cardiac Surgery Outcomes: A U-Shaped Relationship?
Authors: Jia Hui , Hilafu Haileab , Bichescu Bogdan
Published: February 2024

Hospital-physician integration has been increasingly considered a potential solution for the underlying challenges hospitals face as they are adapting to value-based healthcare services. We adopt an activity-based measure of integration (ABI) to investigate the relationship between integration and care outcomes, namely in-hospital mortality risk, length of stay (LOS), and 30-day readmission risk. ABI is measured based on a group of physicians who handle a specific procedure, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), that is, CABG physicians, and is operationalized as the proportion of cases handled by the CABG physicians who single-site (or concentrate all their activity) at a focal hospital. To test hypotheses that posit a U-shaped relationship between ABI and patient care outcomes, we utilize patient-visit level information for Florida patients who underwent cardiac surgery performed by CABG physicians during 2011–2014. We find that ABI has a U-shaped relationship with both mortality risk and LOS, such that patient mortality risk and LOS are minimized at ABI tipping points of about 55%. In contrast, 30-day readmission risk continues to decrease as ABI increases. We also find that hospital teaching status and bed utilization moderate the relationship between ABI and LOS, such that the U-shaped relationship is flatter, basically linear in teaching and/or high-utilization hospitals. Our results suggest that a medium level of integration could be desirable, since a strategy of high integration trades off potentially higher patient volumes and revenues for suboptimal care outcomes. Overall, this study offers new insights for theory and practice, as the non-linear association between integration and care outcomes has not been investigated previously.
Country Bumpkin or City Slicker? The Role of Place of Living and Place-Based Identity in Explaining Place-Based Resentment
Authors: Zumbrunn Alina
Published: February 2024

In recent years, the rural-urban divide has not only made its way back into political science, but has also been given an entirely new angle by investigating place of living as its own social identity. However, research is still in its early stages and studies so far focus on linear explanations of place-based resentment. This paper studies place in the light of social identity theory and investigates how place of living and place-based identity interact in shaping place-based resentment. Original survey data on around 4000 respondents from Switzerland from 2022 with a novel measure of place-based identity and resentment is used. A distinction is made not only between rural and urban residents, but also between the suburbanites. Results show that rural residents hold the highest levels of identity and resentment, while suburban residents hold higher levels of resentment than urban ones do. Findings show that there is a moderating effect, whereby the rural-urban divide in resentment increases with place-based identity, while the suburban-urban gap diminishes with increasing place-based identity. These differences in place-based identity and resentment could explain the rural-urban divide in political attitudes and behavior.
Clinicopathological Features of Three Rare EWSR1::NFATC2 Sarcomas of Bone and Soft Tissues
Authors: Kosemehmetoglu Kemal , Rekhi Bharat , Erdem Zeynep Betul , Yildiz Adalet Elcin , Comunoglu Nil
Published: February 2024

Certain undifferentiated round cell sarcomas displaying EWSR1::NFATC2 fusion have recently been reported, mostly in the bones. This report presents clinicopathological features of 3 additional EWSR1::NFATC2 fusion sarcomas of bone and soft tissues. We present 2 soft tissue and 1 bone tumors: A 62-year-old man with pain and a slowly growing, 8-cm-sized soft tissue mass in the anterolateral compartment of his right calf, along with multiple pulmonary metastatic lesions; a 63-year-old man with a 5-cm sized axillary mass of 4 months duration and a cystic renal mass; and a 53-year-old man with a complaint of leg pain was found to have a 2-cm diameter, intramedullary, lytic mass in the diaphysis of his left femur. Microscopic examination of the tumors in all patients revealed round to epithelioid cells arranged in cords and trabeculae in a myxohyaline stroma. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for MIC2/CD99 (3/3), EMA (3/3), NKX3.1 (3/3), NKX2.2 (2/2), CD10 (2/2), and aggrecan (1/1), while negative for S100P and GFAP. Various keratins were also negative except focal AE1/AE3 positivity in the third tumor. By fluorescence in-situ hybridization, 2 tumors (#1 and #3) revealed EWSR1 gene rearrangement and amplification. Furthermore, 2 tumors (#1 and #2) displayed EWSR1ex8::NFATC2ex3 fusion with next-generation sequencing (NGS). The first patient was offered chemotherapy. However, he died of pulmonary metastasis. This report highlights the value of combining histopathological features and immunostains such as NXK3.1, NKX2.2, CD10, and aggrecan, along with EWSR1 testing for triaging these tumors for rare gene fusions by NGS that has prognostic implications.
Metastatic Granular Cell Tumor: A Rare Entity
Authors: Zylis Dimosthenis , Kokkali Stefania , Sofopoulos Michail , Zografaki Eirini , Vourlakou Christine , Skafida Evangelia
Published: February 2024

Granular cell tumor, which is thought to recapitulate a Schwann cell phenotype, is a very rare neoplasm that belongs to soft tissue tumors. It can be classified as benign, atypical or malignant, based on specific histological criteria, with the majority of cases exhibiting an indolent behavior. Its biology and clinical course are poorly understood and its optimal management is yet to be defined, given the rarity of cases. Here we describe an atypical granular cell tumor in the upper middle back skin that evolved after a thirty-year indolent period. Despite complete surgical removal, the patient experienced a recurrence, both local and in the lungs, following an aggressive clinical course. Data on management of metastatic disease are extremely scarce, comprised exclusively of case reports. Therefore, we administered to the patient systemic therapy according to soft tissue sarcoma guidelines, which led to disease progression, with fatal outcome. In conclusion, recurrent and/or metastatic granular cell tumor is a rare disease that can be life-threatening, for which response to different therapies is unknown. The biologic behavior of atypical and malignant granular cell tumor is quite different from its benign counterpart, evoking soft tissue sarcomas, and its diagnosis should alert clinicians. The role of adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy in this setting should be explored, to limit disease recurrence.
The Crealectic Method: From Creativity to Compossibility
Authors: de Miranda Luis
Published: February 2024

Can we fruitfully apply creative ecology practices in the world of industrial production? Enter the crealectic method for innovation and self-innovation, aiming at fostering creative long-term thinking and acting. The crealectic method proposes five steps: Step 1—Resetting (doing tabula rasa); Step 2—Crealing (reconnecting with the “Creal”); Step 3—Profusing (letting ideas pour out without censorship); Step 4—Compossibilizing (connecting compatible ideas); Step 5—Realizing (understanding and making real). I describe a pilot test of the method within the Research and Development unit of Vattenfall, a Swedish power company dedicated to fossil-free energy production.
Does the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program Expand Access to Opportunity Neighborhoods? Tracking Movements of Low-Income Tenants in California
Authors: Kuai Yiwen
Published: February 2024

The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program can potentially help expand access to neighborhoods with low poverty and economic opportunities for low-income households. Prior studies described that LIHTC units are in neighborhoods with relatively high poverty, but with improvements in recent years. Beyond cross-sectional analyses, scholars have not extensively looked at the movements of tenants. It remains unclear whether the program creates opportunities for low-income households to move into better neighborhoods than they previously lived in or reinforces segregation by encouraging moves to similarly or more disadvantaged neighborhoods. Using an extensive consumer database, I am tracking the movements of households who move into new LIHTC properties in California. The experimental findings show that residents experience, on average, increases in poverty exposure by up to six percentage points over other moved low-income renters. Tenants see lower levels of neighborhood amenities than at their previous addresses. The construction of LIHTC housing can increase the chance of households moving into minority-concentrated areas.
Real-world treatment outcomes from a retrospective cohort of patients with acute myeloid leukemia from an urban safety net hospital
Authors: Marshalek Joseph P , Epistola Raisa , Tomassetti Sarah
Published: February 2024

Introduction

While continual advancements in acute myeloid leukemia have augmented response rates and survival, outcomes in clinical trials may not correlate with real-world practice as trials may underrepresent individuals with comorbidities, decreased performance status, and older age. Additionally, clinical trials may underrepresent certain ethnicities, and disparities based on ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and insurance have been demonstrated in acute myeloid leukemia.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia who were treated at Harbor-UCLA from 2014 to 2022 to examine patient characteristics, management patterns, and outcomes in a safety net hospital setting.

Results

The median age was 56 years old (range 18–84). In regards to risk stratification, 22%, 33%, and 41% had favorable, intermediate, and adverse risk acute myeloid leukemia, respectively. The most common induction regimens included 7 + 3 (55%), azacitidine (10%), azacitidine + venetoclax (7%), and 7 + 3 + midostaurin (7%). The complete remission rate was 51%. Among patients who received intensive induction chemotherapy, 15% underwent re-induction with a second cycle, 51% received consolidation therapy, and 5% received maintenance therapy with a targeted agent. Overall, 12% of patients received allogeneic stem cell transplant. Median overall survival was 12.2 months, and 5-year overall survival was 18%.

Conclusions

Suboptimal response rates and survival in this population may be related to low rates of re-induction and allogeneic transplant in addition to high rates of adverse cytogenetics, secondary acute myeloid leukemia, and supportive care only. Efforts to increase access to clinical trials, novel therapies, and transplants for diverse and underinsured populations are essential.
Neural and Cognitive Predictors of Stimulant Treatment Efficacy in Medication-Naïve ADHD Adults: A Pilot Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study
Authors: Hung Yuwen , Green Allison , Kelberman Caroline , Gaillard Schuyler , Capella James , Rudberg Nicole , Gabrieli John D. E. , Biederman Joseph , Uchida Mai
Published: February 2024

Objective:

Stimulant medications are the main treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but overall treatment efficacy in adults has less than a 60% response rate. This study aimed to identify neural and cognitive markers predictive of longitudinal improvement in response to stimulant treatment in drug-naïve adults with ADHD.

Method:

We used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and executive function measures with 36 drug-naïve adult ADHD patients in a prospective study design.

Results:

Structural connectivity (measured by fractional anisotropy, FA) in striatal regions correlated with ADHD clinical symptom improvement following stimulant treatment (amphetamine or methylphenidate) in better medication responders. A significant positive correlation was also found between working memory performance and stimulant-related symptom improvement. Higher pre-treatment working memory scores correlated with greater response.

Conclusion:

These findings provide evidence of pre-treatment neural and behavioral markers predictive of longitudinal treatment response to stimulant medications in adults with ADHD.
Resonance of Review Behavior: Will People Follow in Their Friends’ Footsteps?
Authors: Yu Zhaoyang , Zhang Zili , Law Rob , Zhang Ziqiong
Published: February 2024

This study investigates factors affecting users’ review behavior on electronic word-of-mouth platforms, with a focus on the motivating influence of friends’ review contributions. Drawing on the theory of competitive altruism, the authors analyze how users perceive reputation-related competition on a platform. They additionally identify attributes related to friends, users, and companies that influence users’ review contributions. The authors obtained data from Yelp and constructed a data set of more than two million user–restaurant–week triads for analysis. The findings suggest that amateur friends’ reviews more strongly affect a user's likelihood of reviewing than expert friends’ reviews. In addition, users who have gained expert status are less influenced by their friends’ reviews than amateur users. As users’ review experience and social reach increase, the roles of friends’ reviews diminish when a person has a lower status than their friends. Moreover, the motivations stay focused on the reviewed company and do not spill over to other companies even when the motivations are recurring and prolonged. Following expert friends leads to user reviews that are more readable. Competing with low-status friends can afford users a reputational advantage particularly when these users have a higher status.
A Comprehensive Analysis of 3 Moroccan Genomes Revealed Contributions From Both African and European Ancestries
Authors: Boumajdi Nasma , Bendani Houda , Kartti Souad , Alouane Tarek , Belyamani Lahcen , Ibrahimi Azeddine
Published: February 2024

Genetic variations in the human genome represent the differences in DNA sequence within individuals. This highlights the important role of whole human genome sequencing which has become the keystone for precision medicine and disease prediction. Morocco is an important hub for studying human population migration and mixing history. This study presents the analysis of 3 Moroccan genomes; the variant analysis revealed 6 379 606 single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and 1 050 577 small InDels. Of those identified SNVs, 219 152 were novel, with 1233 occurring in coding regions, and 5580 non-synonymous single nucleotide variants (nsSNP) variants were predicted to affect protein functions. The InDels produced 1055 coding variants and 454 non-3n length variants, and their size ranged from -49 and 49 bp. We further analysed the gene pathways of 8 novel coding variants found in the 3 genomes and revealed 5 genes involved in various diseases and biological pathways. We found that the Moroccan genomes share 92.78% of African ancestry, and 92.86% of Non-Finnish European ancestry, according to the gnomAD database. Then, population structure inference, by admixture analysis and network-based approach, revealed that the studied genomes form a mixed population structure, highlighting the increased genetic diversity in Morocco.
Making virtual celebrity: Platformization and intermediation in digital cultural production
Authors: Yuan Jingyan Elaine
Published: February 2024

Focusing on intermediation in cultural production in a digital ecology consisting of multiple platforms mediating simultaneously converging and diverging industries, this study critically engages with the thesis that platforms act primarily as a disintermediation vector in a linear value chain within a single industry. With two empirical cases of intermediation in the emerging virtual celebrity sector – one organizing the recursive loop of prosumption, the other articulating authenticity against technological standardization and overproduction, the study shifts the focus away from questions of labor and agency of individual creators and unpacks the conditions of intermediation in the context of new industrial models of value creation, commodification, and division of labor. The empirical cases demonstrate that the implications of platforms for digital cultural production are paradoxical – while their business models lead to a centralized process of value capture, their flexible organizational forms may afford new distributed patterns of value creation.
Geometrically tunable architected materials designed from prismatic rotating units
Authors: Sorrentino Andrea , Castagnetti Davide
Published: February 2024

An exotic property of some mechanical metamaterials is their negative Poisson's ratio which is of interest for many applications, from biomedical to aeronautic. This work investigates how a mechanical metamaterial evolved from equilateral triangular rotating prisms changes its Poisson's ratio according to the orientation of the reference units with respect to the tensile loading direction (aligned or 45° rotated, respectively). Different configurations are investigated through kinematic analysis, which describes hinged couplings in the linked vertices of the prisms. The best configurations emerging from the kinematic analysis were converted into chiral architectures: Three-dimensional printed physical prototypes were tested under uniaxial compression and the results compared with finite element predictions. The experimental results showed a remarkably different deformation behaviour between the metamaterial designs, with a good qualitative agreement with the numerical simulations. High values of auxetic response are observed for the configuration whose cells are aligned with the load, while a low auxetic and less sensitive geometry variation behaviour was observed for the rotated cell architecture. This rotated configuration also exhibits the significant achievement of mechanical properties which are approximately independent of the geometry variations.
Improving resistance to embedded delaminations by adding CNTs to epoxy in carbon/(epoxy + CNT) composites
Authors: Rao Chukka Atchuta , Murthy K S R K , Chakraborty D
Published: February 2024

Low-velocity impact on fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites may cause subsurface interface delaminations. In the case of such multiple delaminations, neighboring delaminations may grow and coalesce into larger delamination under post-impact loading. The resistance to such growth is substantially influenced by the strength and stiffness of epoxy resins used in FRP composite laminates. Therefore, the current study attempts to determine how adding carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to epoxy might potentially enhance the resistance to such delaminations. A three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis has been carried out for laminates having single embedded delamination as well as two neighboring embedded delaminations to determine the interlaminar stresses and strain energy release rate using virtual crack closure integral. Results from the current analysis show that while parameters like shape, size, and relative spacing of delamination influence the growth, however in all the cases, adding CNTs to epoxy significantly improves the resistance to the growth of both single and interacting delaminations. The effect is observed to be more pronounced when the delaminations are closely spaced and tend to coalesce into a large delamination.
But whose harm? Towards the ethics of participatory advocacy journalism with unhoused populations
Authors: Dvořák Vojtěch
Published: February 2024

Maximalist forms of media participation bring about innovative ways to empower people who experience homelessness while also holding the potential to challenge common stereotypes and media narratives related to homelessness. This paper is part of a broader research focused on developing media participation opportunities for unhoused populations. Its objective is to examine and discuss the compatibility of critical theories with media participation, drawing on the example of a participatory newspaper project conducted with unhoused people. The discussion is illustrated by several ethical issues that emerged from the process of co-creation. It concludes that critical theories provide a solid foundation for maximalist forms of media participation with unhoused people. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential risks associated with such participation endeavors. Therefore, it is recommended that the principles and practices of critical pedagogy be integrated into these projects. Furthermore, individuals involved in these efforts should be encouraged to draw on professional journalists’ ethical codes and values. Failure to do so may increase the risk of harm to the vulnerable population and undermines the potential for individual empowerment, ultimately hindering community empowerment.
Assessment of patients’ knowledge and preferences for the use of orthodontic aligners
Authors: Paim Joice , Souza Luiz Felipe Duarte de , Fialho Tiago , Borba Daniela Bezerra de Menezes , Freitas Karina Maria Salvatore de , Cotrin Paula , Neis Vivian Binder , Ohira Eduardo
Published: February 2024

Objective:

To evaluate the knowledge and preference of patients treated at a Dental School in Jaraguá do Sul, Brazil, about using aligners and the reasons for choosing this device as a treatment option.

Design:

A cross-sectional study.

Participants:

A total of 82 participants aged 18–45 years recruited at a screening clinic.

Methods:

A questionnaire was completed in person using a tablet with digital forms.

Results:

Almost half of the participants (49%) knew about aligners; 40% were aged 18–24 years, and 77% were female. When observing the images of the types of orthodontic appliances, the aligners had an acceptance rate of 80%. Among the reasons that led to the preference for choosing aligners, 68% cited aesthetics and 42% comfort.

Conclusion:

Recently, clear aligners have become a popular choice for orthodontic treatment, particularly among adults. Despite their popularity and effectiveness, many patients still need more information about aligner treatment. Over half of the respondents did not know what orthodontic aligners were. Younger participants had more knowledge about aligners than older participants. Patients still need more knowledge about the types of appliances available for orthodontic treatment. When presented with images of the kinds of devices available, almost 80% of participants showed greater satisfaction with aligners.
An analysis of the policy drivers and legal frameworks associated with school exclusion in Northern Ireland
Authors: Duffy Gavin , Robinson Gareth , Templeton Michelle
Published: February 2024

This paper offers analysis of the policy drivers and legal frameworks associated with school exclusion in Northern Ireland. This activity is timely given limited analysis in this area in recent decades. The research is an element of an UK-wide, multi-strand, ESRC Large Grant project, examining the Political Economies of School Exclusion and their Consequences across the UK, informally referred the Excluded Lives Project. The paper examines representation and discourse surrounding school exclusion from the perspective of three domains: government, media and civil society. Bacchi’s, ‘ What’ s the problem?’ (2009; 2012) approach was used to critically interrogate a range of documentation produced by the aforementioned domains and a range of key questions relating to the representation, discourse, gaps and solutions in the policies associated with school exclusion are addressed. Key findings reveal how school exclusion represented over time has changed. In the 1990s and early 2000s, exclusion was represented as an extreme measure in response to serious behavioural problems; as a school improvement measure which ensured positive learning experience of other pupils and as a measure that maintained school safety and order. Towards the present day an inclusive, rights and needs based discourse has emerged influenced by community organisations. The findings also point to an overly legalistic and procedural tone coming from government when communicating with schools. The authors argue that the current policies are dated and new and explicit policies on school exclusion should be developed. There is also an opportunity for the development of a single common scheme for all grant-aided schools which was legislated for but not commenced. Lastly, schools need more support and the development of new, evidenced based guidance and training is required to assist schools in managing exclusions and in the development of inclusive environments that reduce the likelihood of exclusions.
Bulgarian Populist Euroscepticism: The Unavoidable Russian Dimension
Authors: Otova Ildiko
Published: February 2024

This analysis contextualises Bulgarian Euroscepticism by a spatial-temporal approach. Historical-geographical overlays have their temporal continuities across political regimes, and the location determines the political process. The attitude towards Russia has been crucial in shaping the political system of Bulgaria. The superimposition of factors such as historical and cultural ties, close relationships at the individual level, and economic ties, determined also by geopolitical sites, explain the attitudes towards Russia in Bulgarian society. This analysis does not fit explicitly in any of the familiar Eurosceptic typologies. However, it proposes a typologisation of Bulgarian populism and uses it to locate Bulgarian Euroscepticism along the Europe–Russia axis, demonstrating the importance of historical and geographical contexts or temporal overlaps and locations to the understanding of the national specificities of Euroscepticism.
Intervention Program Dropout Among Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence: A Meta-Analysis of Correlated Variables
Authors: Cunha Olga , Pedrosa Jéssica , Silva Pereira Bárbara , Caridade Sónia , de Castro Rodrigues Andreia , Braga Teresa
Published: February 2024

Dropout in perpetrator intervention programs (PIPs) is extensively documented in the literature, yet findings across various studies exhibit global inconsistency. This meta-analysis aimed to identify dropout rates among individuals attending PIPs and examine sociodemographic, violence-related, intrapersonal, interpersonal, and external variables related to dropout. A search was conducted across six databases, encompassing studies published between 2010 and 2022 in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. Thirty manuscripts, comprising data from 31 independent samples, were included. Dropout rates varied from 9% to 67%. Bivariate analysis results indicated that younger age ( OR = 0.69), non-White ethnicity ( OR = 1.54), unemployment ( OR = 1.78), offender typology other than family only ( OR = 2.45), substance abuse ( OR = 1.78), presenting a personality disorder ( OR = 1.21), engaging in problematic leisure activities ( OR = 1.28), possessing a greater criminal history ( OR = 1.47), and experiencing more adversity in childhood ( OR = 1.44) were significantly correlated with dropout. Additionally, the inclusion of motivational strategies in treatment ( OR = 0.44) significantly decreased the likelihood of dropout. Results from multivariate analyses revealed that younger age ( OR = 0.63), presenting a personality disorder ( OR = 1.73), and experiencing more adversity in childhood ( OR = 2.16) were significantly associated with dropout. Notably, intimate partner violence characteristics established a significant negative relation with dropout ( OR = 0.59). Findings indicate that variables associated with dropout align with those related to general and intimate partner violence recidivism, suggesting that individuals requiring more intensive intervention are those who derive less benefit from it.
AI and EEG: Should EEGers RIP (Rest in Peace)?
Authors: King-Stephens David
Published: February 2024

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Chronicles of Change: The Shrinking Brain in Epilepsy
Authors: Englot Dario J.
Published: February 2024

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AIR Hunger—Why Amygdala Seizures Suppress Breathing
Authors: Metcalf Cameron S.
Published: February 2024

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Mid-term Results of 1-stage Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty for Periprosthetic Joint Infection With a Sinus Tract
Authors: Lausmann Christian , Wollny Anne , Citak Mustafa , Gehrke Thorsten , Beil Frank Timo , Lee Min-Jae , Unter Ecker Niklas
Published: February 2024

Background:

Patients presenting with a sinus tract over total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are challenging cases of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). A 2-stage revision TKA has long been considered the gold standard for the management of PJI. At our institution, approximately 85% of patients with PJI, including patients with a sinus tract, undergo 1-stage revision TKA.

Purpose:

We sought to evaluate rates of reinfection and reoperation and predictors of failure of 1-stage revision TKA in patients with a concomitant sinus tract.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed patients with PJI and a sinus tract overlying TKA who underwent 1-stage revision TKA following a well-defined surgical protocol at our institution between January 2001 and December 2018. Of 170 patients included, 69 patients (40.6%) had a sinus tract overlying TKA; 101 patients without a sinus were the propensity-matched control group.

Result:

The success rate of controlling reinfection with 1-stage revision TKA with a concomitant sinus was 78.3% with a mean follow-up of 4.8 years. The most common intraoperatively isolated organisms in patients with a sinus tract were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus in 28 patients (40.6%), Staphylococcus aureus in 12 patients (17.2%), and polymicrobial infection in 14 patients (20.3%). A sinus tract in line with the surgical wound was associated with a higher risk of reoperation than a sinus tract away from the wound.

Conclusion:

Our retrospective study suggests that 1-stage revision TKA may be a viable treatment option for patients presenting with a sinus tract. A sinus in line with the former incision was associated with a higher rate of revision. Surgeons should take into consideration this risk for revision before performing a 1-stage exchange surgery.