bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creating artificial societies for policy decision support: a research agenda and call to action
Authors: Clemen Thomas , Tolk Andreas , Clemen Ulfia A , Glake Daniel , Günther Gerrit
Published: November 2024

The enormous complexity of political decisions, especially with regard to crisis situations, requires innovative concepts for decision support. The focus here is always on people’s well-being. Artificial societies based on agent-based simulation models are a fairly new, forward-looking paradigm for this. Digital twins, on the contrary, are one of the most promising enabling technologies for realizing a seamless integration between the virtual and the physical or biological world. In this paper, we propose an architecture that combines these two concepts to develop a research agenda to address research topics that will allow us to provide more effective decision support systems. We reflect on the current state of development in this area and formulate possible future research directions. A particular focus here is on integrating generative artificial intelligence (AI) methods and supporting cross-disciplinary collaboration, as decision support in the political environment is a highly cross-domain task. We conclude this article with a call for action to gain experience with the proposed architecture. We hope that this will encourage greater cross-disciplinary exchange for this important task.
The Tribe–Caste Continuum and Kinnaur: Aspects of Acculturation, Stratification and Factorial Heterogeneity
Authors: Negi Prashant
Published: November 2024

This article discusses aspects of ‘hybridity’ in societal relations based on religion, caste, identity, power etc. in Kinnaur to underscore the negotiability of caste and tribe and argues that the presence of a localised two-fold system of caste stratification in a region designated as ‘tribal’ questions the universality of the varna model as a pan-Indian classificatory system.

Discussing the concurrence of traditional and modern denominators of identity formation, the article problematises the basic premise of the tribe–caste continuum within which the larger theoretical framework of tribal integration is located and critiques the meta-narrative of unilinear cultural evolution by substantiating heterogeneity, internal differentiation, contact etc. among the Kinnauras to render the a priori reduction of tribal societies into a few identifiable stages or modes of production as historically and epistemologically erroneous.

Characteristics of cultural assimilation alongside processes of modernisation and democratisation effectuating mobility and other associational aspects among the Kinnauras are also discussed.
Adivasi Women, Sacred Groves and Religious Practices: Unveiling the Epistemic Injustice in the East-Central Belt of India
Authors: Tirkey Noli Nivedita , Ekka Kanchan Thomasina , Soren Swati , Soren Smriti
Published: November 2024

Sarnas Sthals or Sacred Groves have emerged as a symbol of cultural and religious resurgence during the Jharkhand movement, as Adivasis seeks to enhance their organic religion. ‘Sarna Movement’ gained tremendous popularity among the Adivasis/Tribals in East-Central India, gaining momentum in the last two decades and has rekindled among tribal communities of Jharkhand an interest in their religion, culture, identity, land and language. The movement initiated socio-religious revivalism, which later extended to an appreciation for indigenous practices associated with land and forest. Despite the crucial role of Adivasi women in propagating Sarnaism and active participation in the Sarna Movements at the Parha level, they remain mostly on the sidelines of the larger political and religious movements in the region. They were even prevented from entering the Sarna Sthals (Sacred Groves) for prayers and worship. However, over time, the movement challenged this tradition and recognised the pivotal role played by women as custodians of Sarnaism and strengthened their Adivasi identity.
Financial Literacy and Wellbeing Among Medical Students, Residents, and Attending Physicians in Lebanon: Results From a Nationwide Multi-Centered Survey
Authors: Jardaly MohammadAli , Antoun Jumana , Sakr Rania , Doumiati Hassan , Shaarani Issam
Published: November 2024

Financial wellbeing and financial literacy are crucial aspects of personal and professional lives, particularly in graduate medical education. Low financial literacy among healthcare professionals, including physicians, has been identified as a concern, impacting job satisfaction, productivity, and burnout. Few studies have used validated methods, assessed financial wellbeing, or compared financial outcomes across the continuum of medical education and practice. This study aims to measure the financial wellbeing of healthcare professionals and trainees and its predictors using validated instruments on a nationwide scale in Lebanon. This is a multi-institutional cross-sectional study using an online survey using validated instruments, including the CFPB Financial Well-Being Scale and Lusardi and Mitchell’s “Big Five” financial literacy questions. The data was collected in April and May 2020. The population includes medical students, residents, and practicing physicians in all six private medical schools and their affiliated medical centers in Lebanon. A total of 330 responded, with a response rate of 20.7%. The financial wellbeing score (out of 10 was 57.2 ± 9.7 before the financial crisis and dropped to 45.2 ± 10.1 during the country’s financial crisis. With a passing grade of 60%, 75.3% (195/259) failed the financial knowledge questions. Attending physicians outperformed students and residents/fellows regarding knowledge scores. Financial wellbeing was positively associated with age, family socioeconomic status, and household income. It was negatively associated with the crowding index and agreement with the attitude of living for today and letting tomorrow take care of itself. Medical students, residents, and physicians in Lebanon had low financial literacy. Attending physicians have high financial wellbeing despite low financial literacy and lack of formal education. The COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis adversely affected the financial wellbeing of all three groups.
Transformation in psychology: exploring the experiences of black student clinical psychologists at a historically white institution
Authors: Lakay Justin , Salie Mariam
Published: November 2024

South Africa is currently facing a significant challenge in diversifying racial representation within the clinical psychology profession. With a focus on transformation, this study was conducted to explore the experiences of black clinical psychology students who had completed their first year of master’s training at a historically white institution in the Western Cape, South Africa. A qualitative, phenomenological investigation was conducted into the lived experiences of these students. A combination of purposive and snowball sampling was employed to recruit suitable participants. Following in-depth semi-structured interviews, an interpretive phenomenological analysis was conducted to identify themes related to the experiences of black clinical psychology students during their first training year. Two broad themes emerged: segregation, alienation and othering, and psychological experiences of perceived othering: thoughts, feelings and behaviours. The findings revealed instances of alienation and othering at various stages of the training. The internal responses to these experiences and coping mechanisms adopted by the students provided valuable insights into how the clinical programme at the historically white institution, despite numerous changes, still led to feelings of alienation and segregation. The findings highlight the urgent need for further research to determine how black first-year clinical psychology master’s students could be supported in processing these uncomfortable experiences. The information presented in this study is crucial to allow universities to identify and enhance student support.
Development of a New Assessment for Cerebral or Cortical Visual Impairment: The Perkins CVI Protocol
Authors: Zatta Mary C. , Willems Ilse
Published: November 2024

The CVI Center at Perkins created a new CVI (cerebral or cortical visual impairment) assessment tool called The CVI Protocol that is rooted in research and based on 16 visual behaviors and compensatory strategies. The CVI Protocol leads a teacher of students with visual impairments (TVI) through evaluating how a student is impacted by CVI and identifying the types of accommodations and supports the student will benefit from. It guides the TVI through the process of: gathering background educational and medical information, conducting parent and team interviews, doing observations, completing a direct assessment, synthesizing and writing a robust CVI evaluation report with a thorough list of accommodations and recommendations, and sharing those findings with the student's team.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia with Orbital and Sinonasal Manifestations
Authors: Bennett Donald , Sarathy Ashwini , McKenna Kelly , Reeder Allison , Raziel Cassandra , Adhikari Prajesh , Houle Elizabeth , Orgain Carolyn
Published: November 2024

Background: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a slowly progressive disease most often affecting older patients. Although CLL is typically identified on routine blood work, unique manifestations of the disease have been described both at the time of diagnosis and in the setting of indolent disease. Methods: We present on 3 CLL patients with previously stable oncologic disease who presented with orbital pathologies including dacryocystitis, epiphora, proptosis, and diplopia. Results: All 3 cases were found to have recurrences of CLL confirmed on pathology and were managed both surgically and medically with collaboration from ophthalmology and medical oncology. All patients experienced significant improvement in their symptoms. Conclusions: Otolaryngologists should be suspicious of local active disease in CLL patients with orbital complaints. Awareness of rare orbital and sinonasal manifestations of the disease can improve early detection of CLL.
Investigating the Role of C-Reactive Protein/Albumin Ratio in the Preliminary Diagnosis of Patients With Unexplained Neck Lymphadenopathy
Authors: Şevik Eliçora Sultan , Erdem Duygu , Eliçora Aykut
Published: November 2024

Purpose: Lymphadenopathies in the neck are associated with several etiological factors, such as inflammation, infection, and tumors. We diagnose some of these lymphadenopathies using serologic tests, while others are diagnosed using biopsies. The C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR) has recently emerged as a crucial inflammatory marker in cardiovascular diseases and various types of cancer. Our aim in this study was to investigate the role of the CAR in the preliminary diagnosis of patients with unexplained neck lymphadenopathy. Methods: Between 2013 and 2020, 223 patients presented to our clinic with neck lymphadenopathy. Among these patients, whose cause of lymphadenopathy was not identified, 74 patients (8 children, 66 adults) who underwent neck lymphadenopathy excision were included in the study. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to pathology results: (1) patients with reactive lymphoid hyperplasia; (2) patients with granulomatous disease; (3) patients with lymphoma; and (4) patients with metastatic disease. C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, and CAR values were compared. Results: When the CAR of the patients were compared, a significant difference was found between reactive lymphoid hyperplasia and lymphomas ( P = .006). CRP values were significantly higher in lymphomas than in lymphoid hyperplasia ( P = .007). When the albumin values of the patients were compared, it was found that the albumin value was significantly lower in patients with metastatic disease than in those with reactive lymphoid hyperplasia ( P = .032). Patients with carcinoma metastases were more common in male patients than in other groups. Conclusion: The CAR is a parameter that can be used in the preliminary diagnosis of unexplained neck lymphadenopathy. The elevation should be evaluated in favor of malignancy. It can be used as an auxiliary parameter, particularly in the diagnosis between the preliminary diagnosis of reactive lymphoid hyperplasia and lymphoma.
Laryngopharyngeal Reflux in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Clinic: An Epidemiological Survey
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Liang Qixu , Luo Jian , Miao Hongbin , Qin Gang , Bao Yilin
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) has been implicated in the etiology of many laryngeal disorders and is also closely related to the occurrence and progression of a variety of throat diseases, including chronic cough, leukoplakia of the larynx, dysphonia, and even laryngeal tumors. LPRD can significantly reduce the quality of life of patients and cause substantial medical and economic burdens to the society. Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), a self-administered 9-item outcomes instrument for laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), has been widely used to screen for LPRD, but there is a lack of feasibility studies on the use of RSI for LPRD screening and alternative diagnostic tools in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OHNS) clinics. To study the incidence, clinical characteristics, diagnostic status, and influencing factors of LPRD at OHNS clinics, RSI as an alternative diagnostic tool has also been studied. LPRD was defined as RSI > 13. Methods: Systematic collection of data by the RSI questionnaire was used to identify patients in the outpatient clinic suffering from LPRD; in addition, the personal history of participants was collected. Follow-up observation was carried out for 6 months for patients with suspected LPRD (RSI > 13), including whether they were treated with standardized anti-reflux therapy, and the questionnaire based on RSI was completed again after treatment. Results: The LPRD rate was 7.92% (94/1187) in this survey. The proportions of LPRD patients with smoking history (vs no smoking) and alcohol consumption history (vs. no alcohol consumption) were significantly higher ( χ2 values: 7.025 and 4.562, and P values: .008 and .033; respectively). Smoking significantly increased the risk of LPRD (OR: 2.140, 95% CI: 1.058-4.331, P = .034). Among patients with LPRD positive, the incidence of “foreign body sensation in the throat” (symptom 8) score equal to 5 was the highest (19.15%). The severity of “excess mucus in the throat or postnasal drip” (symptom 3) contributed mostly to the total RSI score in patients with LPRD ( r = .409, P < .001). ROC curve analysis showed that RSI ≥ 14 had a sensitivity of 72.9% and a specificity of 71.4% for the diagnosis of LPRD, with AUC = 0.797 (95% CI: 0.577-0.884, P < .001). Conclusions: The incidence of LPRD was high in patients we examined in OHNS clinics. We recommend that RSI can be used by otolaryngologists as a reliable tool for screening and diagnosing LPRD in OHNS clinics, which is beneficial for clinical practice.
Industry Offshoring and Firm Internationalization: Complementarities in External Learning
Authors: Drori Netanel , Andrews Daniel S. , Fainshmidt Stav , Gaur Ajai
Published: November 2024

We draw upon organizational learning theory to argue that industry offshoring intensity provides knowledge reservoirs for firms to learn about foreign markets. However, learning about foreign markets from other firms’ cross-border input activities is challenging, and a knowledge reservoir embedded in an industry may not be immediately utilizable by all firms. We posit that realizing such external learning opportunities hinges on complementarities facilitated by internationalization-specific experience and general absorptive capacities. Industry offshoring intensity has no effect on the internationalization likelihood of firms lacking foreign market experience. Their absence of internationalization-specific knowledge erects barriers to realizing external learning opportunities unless they possess a general absorptive capacity that supports assimilating insights from new domains, enabling complementarities with the knowledge reservoir. By comparison, firms with foreign market experience can more readily leverage the knowledge reservoirs, increasing the extent of their internationalization. Complementarities between experiential and external knowledge enable this effect. Data from 5,745 United States firms in 56 industries (1997 to 2019) support these arguments. This study offers industry offshoring as a novel internationalization determinant underpinned by a knowledge reservoir stemming from peers’ activities. It also highlights the complementarities between experiential and non-experiential learning forms and absorptive capacity’s role in demarcating potential and realized opportunities.
Co-developing Materials in the Metamorphic Zone: Extending Bacteriocentricity
Authors: Moreira Tiago , Staykova Margarita
Published: November 2024

Engineered living materials (ELMs) are composite technologies that respond to environmental cues, and are able to remodel, self-organise and self-heal. Proposed as a fusion of synthetic biology and classical materials science, ELMs are seen as having the potential to transform domains such as healthcare or transport infrastructure, and to underpin future circular bioeconomies. In this paper, drawing on work that explores the pragmatic dimensions of developing new biomaterials in collaboration with microorganisms themselves, we focus on how our interdisciplinary research team responded to the surprising behavior deployed by encapsulated bacteria in the biofactory system we designed. We suggest that—and describe how—this surprise prompted us to think like bacteria—to become bacteriocentric—and how this enables the deployment of this mode of practice in the building of ELMs. We propose that this alternation between surprise and control is essential to the technological development of ELMs, and to our interdisciplinary collaboration. We suggest that bacteriocentricity could be a powerful way to problematize and explore the role of bacteria in the making of sociotechnical worlds.
Evaluating public sector employee perceptions towards artificial intelligence and generative artificial intelligence integration
Authors: Giraldi Luca , Rossi Luca , Rudawska Edyta
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the emerging field of innovative technology applications for public usage, focusing on employee perspectives. The research employs a questionnaire-based approach, collecting responses from 439 participants and examining demographics, technological proficiency, utility perceptions, personal data concerns, attitudes towards artificial intelligence and generative artificial intelligence, and willingness to endorse technology adoption. The data analysis minimises discrepancies between predicted and actual values through multiple linear regression. In addition, statistical methods such as Spearman’s ρ, the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test and chi-square statistics are employed to consolidate the findings, ensuring the thoroughness and validity of the research process. The results indicate a positive inclination among participants to perceive artificial intelligence as augmentative rather than a replacement in public usage contexts. The research’s originality lies in the unique contribution of employees to technology adoption and strategic knowledge asset renewal for the management in the public domain.
Poorly Recognized and Uncommonly Acknowledged Limitations of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Andrade Chittaranjan
Published: November 2024

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are a gold standard in evidence-based research. However, RCTs have limitations, among which the most commonly acknowledged is that narrow study selection criteria compromise the external validity of the findings. This article briefly touches upon this and other well-recognized limitations and presents, in greater detail, less commonly acknowledged limitations with examples from contemporary literature. Important among the less commonly acknowledged limitations are biases in RCTs of interventions to which patients cannot be blinded, weaknesses in the design of maintenance therapy RCTs, and, ubiquitously, post-randomization biases. The listed limitations notwithstanding, RCTs are still the best among research designs. What is important is to recognize the imperfections in each RCT so that the findings of the RCT can be better judged.
Creatine with guanidinoacetic acid improves prefrontal brain oxygenation before, during, and after a cognitive task: A randomized controlled pilot trial
Authors: Zanini Dragana , Todorovic Nikola , Ostojic Sergej M
Published: November 2024

Background: Preliminary studies suggest that creatine and guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) may function as moderate vasodilators, enhancing tissue oxygen saturation. However, the potential effects of this combination on brain oxygenation in humans remain unknown. Aim: The primary objective of this randomized controlled pilot trial was to assess cerebral blood oxygenation indices following a 7-day administration of a mixture containing creatine and GAA in healthy adults. Methods: Nineteen apparently healthy young adults (mean age 21.2 ± 0.4 years; 9 females) were randomly assigned to receive either a mixture (consisting of 2 g of creatine and 2 g of GAA) or a placebo in a crossover design. Oxygen saturation (SpO2) and hemoglobin index (tHb) in the prefrontal cortex were assessed at rest (REST), during meditation that focused on mindful breathing (MED), during a three-component cognitive task (TASK), and during a post-task recovery (REC) before and after 7 days of supplementation. Results: Two-way ANOVA with repeated measures revealed statistically significant differences (treatment vs. time interaction) between interventions for SpO2 during the REST ( F = 5.733, P = 0.028), MED ( F = 5.897, P = 0.026), and REC phases ( F = 6.715, P = 0.018), indicating that the creatine-GAA mixture was more effective than placebo in enhancing oxygen saturation in the prefrontal brain both before, during, and after a cognitive task. Conclusion: These promising findings are of considerable interest for nutritional neuroscience but require validation through well-designed longitudinal trials with larger sample sizes. The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06371651).
Exploring physiotherapy staff’s perceptions of physiotherapy delivery in acute stroke rehabilitation
Authors: James Jimmy , Purcell Damian , McGlinchey Mark P.
Published: November 2024

Objective

To explore physiotherapists’ perspectives on current and alternative models of physiotherapy delivery in acute stroke rehabilitation.

Design

Qualitative service evaluation

Setting

An acute stroke rehabilitation unit within a London teaching hospital in the UK.

Participants

A purposive sample of 17 physiotherapy staff (qualified physiotherapists and physiotherapy support staff) working in the acute stroke rehabilitation unit at the time of, or in the previous 3 months of the study were recruited to participate.

Results

Three themes were identified: barriers to effective physiotherapy delivery, enablers of effective physiotherapy delivery, and alternative models of physiotherapy delivery. Themes were framed by the concept of providing effective and efficient physiotherapy guided by reflection. Main barriers included patients not being ready for and underutilisation of time within physiotherapy sessions. Use of timetabling and access to senior therapy support enabled more effective and efficient physiotherapy delivery. Alternative models to optimise physiotherapy delivery included different staff to patient ratios, group therapy, opportunistic physiotherapy delivery and self-management.

Conclusions

Several enablers of and barriers to providing effective and efficient physiotherapy post-stroke exist. Physiotherapists should consider implementing alternative models of physiotherapy delivery to increase the amount of physiotherapy provided to patients’ post-stroke, thereby facilitating post-stroke functional recovery.
A Challenge to the Spirit of Public Administration: Social Equity Reconsidered in Light of Students for Fair Admissions
Authors: Newswander Chad B.
Published: November 2024

Social equity has been considered a pillar that supports the legitimacy of the field of public administration, with affirmative action as one of the most visible vehicles of the principle. However, the Supreme Court's decision in Students for Fair Admissions calls for a reconsideration of the practice and the value it supports. Though the Court has long viewed affirmative action to be suspect, it has now declared that the practice undermines the Constitution's mandate for equal treatment. This decision confronts not only what university administrators have done in the past, it also raises concerns about the field's broader relationship to the value of social equity more generally. The Court's opinion is a call to the field to recognize that public action which rests on social equity must be in alignment with a stiffened strict scrutiny in order to meet constitutional standards.
Diffusion-weighted imaging based on intravoxel incoherent motion: correlation with molecular prognostic factors and subtypes in breast cancer
Authors: Yang Dan , Ren Yike , Wang Guanying , Wang Chunhong
Published: November 2024

Background

Intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI), which indicates biological tissue attributes, may be applied to accurately assess breast tumors.

Purpose

To analyze the IVIM parameters of different molecular prognostic factors and subtypes to find out whether there are any connections.

Material and Methods

A total of 181 patients enrolled in this retrospective study had preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations, and pathologies were verified as breast cancers. Regions of interest were placed at all slices of the parameter maps (D, tissue diffusivity; ADC, apparent diffusion coefficient; f, perfusion fraction; and D*, pseudo-diffusivity maps) of IVIM and generated parameter values to be used for comparative analysis among molecular prognostic factors and subtypes.

Results

D and ADC were greater in estrogen receptor (ER)-negative, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive, and Ki67-low expression groups (all P values < 0.05). The progesterone receptor (PR)-negative group had a higher D value ( P < 0.05). f was larger in the lymph node metastasis-negative group and the PR-positive group ( P = 0.012 and 0.046, respectively). Among breast cancer subtypes, D and ADC were different between the HER2-overexpression and the Luminal B (HER2-negative) subtypes ( P = 0.019 and 0.028, respectively). The difference in D between the luminal and non-luminal subtypes was statistically significant ( P = 0.008). The triple-negative subtype significantly differs from the other subtypes in D* and f ( P = 0.012 and 0.016, respectively).

Conclusion

IVIM-related metrics exhibited relationships with breast cancer molecular prognosis factors and subtypes.
Primary Sjögren’s syndrome complicated by renal tubular acidosis and acute bilateral uveitis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Zhao Jing , He Haiyan , Jia Yuan , Zhang Yanlin , Tian Mei
Published: November 2024

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease that can cause gland dysfunction, leading to dry mouth and dry eyes as the main clinical manifestations. In addition, pSS may affect the gastrointestinal tract, skin, lungs, kidneys, nervous system, eyes, and other organs. We herein report a case involving a 38-year-old woman who presented with a 6-month history of dry mouth and eyes and a 10-day history of fever. She was diagnosed with pSS complicated by renal tubular acidosis, and her symptoms were alleviated after treatment with prednisone and mycophenolate. However, shortly after discontinuation of these medications outside the hospital, she experienced acute vision loss in both eyes. Bilateral uveitis secondary to pSS was diagnosed with the assistance of the Department of Ophthalmology, and the patient was treated with systemic steroids and topical ocular symptomatic therapy. After treatment, her systemic symptoms were relieved and her vision recovered. Although pSS complicated by renal tubular acidosis and uveitis is rare, it can lead to serious consequences such as abnormal renal function, visual impairment, and even blindness if not promptly treated. Steroid and immunosuppressive therapies are effective, and ophthalmology consultation should be performed if necessary for diagnosis and management.
Chemoprevention strategies in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes
Authors: Barbieri Elena , Venturelli Marta , Mastrodomenico Luciana , Piombino Claudia , Ponzoni Ornella , Zaniboni Silvia , Barban Serena , Razzaboni Elisabetta , Grandi Giovanni , Dominici Massimo , Cortesi Laura , Toss Angela
Published: November 2024

Hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer syndromes are inherited disorders in which there is an increased risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer in the lifetime, usually at a younger age compared to the general population. Cancer prevention in these syndromes includes prophylactic surgeries, personalized surveillance programs and chemopreventive strategies. Chemoprevention exploits the use of certain drugs or other substances to help lower the risk of developing cancer. In this context, tamoxifen was the first agent considered for breast cancer prevention, followed by raloxifene and the third-generation aromatase inhibitors. On the other hand, the first and most widespread type of chemoprevention for ovarian cancer was combined hormonal contraceptive use. Although several strategies have been studied and showed promising results, only a few of these are currently applied in daily clinical practice. Side effects along with several psychological variables such as cancer perceived risk, worries and related distress, strongly influence women’s decision on chemoprevention. The present review explores and summarizes the available evidence on breast and ovarian cancer chemoprevention approaches.
The role of diet as adjuvant treatment in FAP patients
Authors: Pasanisi Patrizia , Sassi Giada , Oliverio Andreina , Bruno Eleonora , Lauricella Sara , Brignola Clorinda , Vitellaro Marco
Published: November 2024

Background:

The management of individuals with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) includes invasive prophylactic surgery and intensive endoscopic surveillance to reduce their risk of colorectal cancer. FAP patients frequently ask for dietary recommendations to alleviate bowel disturbances after prophylactic colectomy, and to prevent the formation and growth of new adenomas. We have enriched the multidisciplinary outpatient clinic for FAP with nutritional support. This paper presents the results of the first six months of this nutritional activity.

Methods:

Sixty-eight individuals with FAP, >18 years of age, who underwent a prophylactic total colectomy, entered in this observational study. At the baseline visit, participants underwent anthropometric measurements, answered the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), the Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life (FIQL) questionnaire, and reported the number of their diarrhoeal discharges per day. They received dietary recommendations including specific information about the inflammatory food to reduce (red/processed meat, sugar, sweets), and the Mediterranean food to increase (vegetables, fruits, whole grain cereal in cream and legumes’ hummus).

Results:

After six months, participants repeated the same baseline measurements. Fifty-three individuals with FAP completed the six-month follow-up. The before-after analysis showed significant improvements in patients’ body composition measurements and MEDAS score. Participants significantly reduced the number of diarrhoeal discharges per day. FIQL results showed improvements in lifestyle, behaviour, and depression scores.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that targeted low-inflammatory Mediterranean dietary recommendations are effective in improving anthropometric parameters, diet quality, and various aspects of quality of life related to bowel function in individuals with FAP.
Lettuce Rejoice in the Downfall of Liz Truss? Humour, Ontological (In)Security and the Politics of Ridicule
Authors: Brassett James , Browning Christopher S.
Published: November 2024

The article provides a critical analysis of the social and political function of humour, memes and cartoons about Liz Truss. While the apparent tone of the humour works in line with a long tradition of comic resistance in the UK, whereby jokes ‘punch up’ against the elitist, tax cutting, self-interested (yet incompetent) Tories, we note an overwhelming concern with Britain’s standing in the world. Truss’ short tenure was widely portrayed as a national humiliation that would exacerbate post-Brexit decline. Drawing from the critical literature on ontological (in)security (OS), we identify a series of humorous efforts to stabilise British identity through laughter and mirth. Crucially, we revisit OS themes of status, status withdrawal and shame to argue that there were important disciplinary elements in Liz Truss humour. The politics of ridicule relies upon a general – if unstated – agreement that the butt of the joke has broken a series of ‘social rules’ the restoration and maintenance of which is then achieved through laughter. In this case, we argue, imperialist narratives of global standing, gendered ideas of political rationality and financialised conceptions of the state’s (limited) role in political-economic governance were (re-)founded in Liz Truss’ ‘hilarious’ downfall.
Ungendered Flesh: Racial Grammars in Western Engagements with Sexual Violence in the DRC
Authors: Massey Rachel
Published: November 2024

This article centres Hortense Spillers’ vocabulary of ‘flesh’, ‘ungendering’ and ‘pornotroping’ in order to analyse the racial grammars and continuing coloniality that informs Western engagements with sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Contextualising international interventions within a longer colonial history of gendered, sexualised and racialised violence, this article traces the modern industry that has developed around survivors of sexual violence, voyeuristic representations of violated bodies and strategies to elicit Western audiences’ empathy through restaging scenes of violence as occurring to white bodies. It argues that such interventions risk reinforcing aspects of the colonial ungendering of black women through reproducing them as objects in global political economies and visual regimes of violence and through rendering their suffering as visible and intelligible only in relation to white liberal humanism. In doing so, it makes the case for further engagement with Spillers’ work in critical and feminist International Relations.
Municipal Sidewalk Inventories: A Tool to Support Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
Authors: Cahen Aaron , Dannenberg Andrew L. , Kraft M. Katherine
Published: November 2024

Sidewalks are a critical but underresourced part of our transportation system. Despite their importance in promoting equity, health, and safety, sidewalk networks are often underfunded and municipalities may have little information about their condition. We conducted a document review, informant interviews, and a descriptive study of 21 selected U.S. cities to compare practices for conducting sidewalk inventories and their use for improving municipal sidewalk networks. Although diverse in geography, population size, density, and median household income, the selected cities represent a sample of convenience and not a random sample of U.S. cities. The results suggested that compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act is a primary motivator for conducting sidewalk inventories and the cost of conducting an inventory is not prohibitive. Inventory methods included walking each sidewalk segment using handheld devices, LIDAR mounted on wheeled vehicles, and aerial photography, with data uploaded to geographic information system databases. Sidewalk inventories can be used to promote equity by increasing the percentage of city streets that have sidewalks. Areas for future study include developing better cost estimates for each type of sidewalk inventory method, examining the legal implications of sidewalk inventories, and estimating the incremental health benefits obtained for each additional investment in sidewalk construction and repair.
Tracing the threads of figurational sociology: From Elias to Giddens and Goffman
Authors: Kruglov Alexander
Published: November 2024

This article explores the relationship between Norbert Elias's figurational sociology and the theories of Anthony Giddens and Erving Goffman. It highlights the shared use of functionalism and structuralism in their conceptual frameworks, while also acknowledging their critiques of these approaches. Both Elias and Giddens emphasize the interplay between structure and agency, considering the duality of influence between individuals and social systems. The concept of figuration in Elias's theory is reflected in Giddens's theory of structuration, showcasing the influence of Elias's ideas. Additionally, the article discusses the connection between Elias's theories and Goffman's dramaturgical sociology, focusing on the role of social interactions and the self in shaping social behaviour. Despite similarities, each approach offers unique perspectives on historical processes, micro−macro dynamics and the continuity of social events. The article highlights the significance of figurational sociology in contemporary sociological discourse and its potential application in analysing both historical and current societal transformations.
LGBTQIA+ Identity-Related Concerns of Sexual Assault Survivors Who Access an Anonymous Online Hotline
Authors: Bardwell Emma S. , Elliott Shannon A. , Levine Ethan C. , Goodman Kimberly L.
Published: November 2024

LGBTQIA+ individuals experience higher rates of sexual violence victimization than their heterosexual, cisgender counterparts. Emerging research suggests unique barriers to disclosure and help-seeking in the aftermath of sexual assault, but relatively little work has examined LGBTQIA+ identity-related concerns discussed in a help-seeking context. This study examined anonymous, archival data, from a sample of 292 visitors to the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline. Analyses were limited to visitors who identified as the victim of a sexual violence event, disclosed they identified as LGTBQIA+, and discussed concerns related to their gender identity and/or sexual orientation. Open-ended responses from hotline staff revealed four overarching themes: (1) Identity-related blame and discrimination, (2) barriers to disclosure and/or help-seeking, (3) discussion of identity and/or behavior, and (4) When perpetrators are LGBTQIA+. Practitioners should be aware of the unique barriers LGBTQIA+ survivors face in disclosure and help-seeking and how their experiences may differ from heterosexual, cisgender survivors. Findings underscore the need for more affirming and accessible care for LGBTQIA+ survivors.
Traditional and Online Health Information Seeking Among Individuals With Limited English Proficiency in the United States: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Swoboda Christine , Stamos Athena , Fareed Naleef
Published: November 2024

Purpose

We investigate how individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) seek, access, and evaluate traditional and online sources they rely on for health information.

Design

Retrospective cross-sectional survey analysis from the United States.

Setting

Pooled Health Information National Trends Survey surveys (2013-2019).

Subjects

The sample was comprised 15,316 respondents; 236/15,316 (1.54%) completed the survey in Spanish and 1727/14,734 (11.72%) had LEP (did not speak English “very well”). The sample was nationally representative across demographic categories.

Measures

Independent and dependent variables were self-reported using validated measures.

Analysis

Multivariable logistic regression models using jackknife replicate weights for population estimates.

Results

Adults with LEP were less confident in their capacity to access health information (aOR = 0.59, CI: 0.47-0.75) and had less trust in health information from medical professionals (aOR = 0.57,CI: 0.46-0.72) than English proficient (EP) adults. Although LEP and EP adults were both most likely to use the internet as their first source of information, LEP adults were more likely than EP adults to consult health professionals, print sources like books, news or brochures, family and friends, television and radio. Spanish language survey respondents were more likely to trust health information from government agencies (aOR = 1.99, CI: 1.09-3.62) and watch health-related videos on the internet than respondents who took the survey in English (aOR = 2.51, CI: 1.23-5.12).

Conclusion

Our results show how language barriers may contribute to health disparities experienced by linguistic minorities. Government agencies and health care organizations need to promote health information dissemination in underserved communities and may need to embrace the use of alternative information sources such as television, radio, and the internet to reach LEP populations.
Understanding Goal Setting and Behavior Change Mechanics in an Older Adult Sitting Reduction Intervention
Authors: Greenwood-Hickman Mikael Anne , Yarborough Laura , Shulman Lisa , Arterburn David E. , Cooper Julie , Delaney Kristin , Estrada Camilo , Green Beverly B. , Holden Erika , McClure Jennifer B. , Romero Diana , Rosenberg Dori E.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

We explored intervention fidelity, participant satisfaction, and the goals and reminder strategies participants chose to reduce sitting.

Approach

Mixed methods approach leveraging data collected during study coaching and fidelity monitoring.

Setting

A successful 6-month randomized controlled trial of a sedentary behavior (SB) intervention for adults ≥60 years in Washington, USA.

Participants

N = 283 (140 intervention, 143 attention control); mean age 69, 66% women, 69% Non-Hispanic White.

Intervention

Theory-based SB reduction intervention structured around phone-based health coaching and goal setting. Attention control received equal coaching on non-SB health topics.

Method

Coaches tracked all participant goals, and 8% of visits were randomly observed and fidelity coded using a structured template. Participants completed a satisfaction questionnaire at study end. Goals data were qualitatively grouped by reminder strategy and topic. Fidelity and satisfaction data were summarized and compared by study arm using two-sided paired t-tests.

Results

Both participants’ satisfaction (>90% satisfied, between-group P = .195) and coach fidelity to intervention content and techniques were high (96% sessions set SMART goals, P = .343) across both arms. Intervention participants primarily set goals leveraging outward (e.g., fitness band prompts) and habit (e.g., adding standing to a daily meal) reminder strategies highly tailored to individual preferences and lifestyle.

Conclusion

Participants’ SB-related goals varied widely, suggesting tailored intervention approaches are important to change sitting behavior, particularly for older adults with chronic conditions.
Beyond nomothetics and idiographics: Towards a systematization of personality research approaches
Authors: Phan Le Vy , Modersitzki Nick , Kuper Niclas , Beckmann Nadin , Fajkowska Malgosia , Gollwitzer Mario , Horstmann Kai T , Quirin Markus , Renner Karl-Heinz , Wright Aidan G , Rauthmann John F
Published: November 2024

Psychology is concerned with both general laws of psychological functioning and with the individual person. The debate surrounding nomothetics and idiographics has been brought up repeatedly, but it has never been completely resolved. We therefore aim to provide conceptual clarity on how the terms “idiographic” and “nomothetic” are used and how conflating these with other concepts negatively impacts research. By differentiating distinct inferential goals and research approaches, we disentangle these confounding concepts. We demonstrate that the nomothetic–idiographic distinction alone is insufficient for categorizing research approaches in personality science. Specifically, we present a categorization of research approaches based on (a) the focal entity (person(s) versus population(s)) and (b) the type of generalization (no vs. entity-specific vs. cross-entity) resulting in a 2 × 3 matrix of research approaches. Finally, we propose a framework of 25 polytomous criteria to extend upon these distinctions. This framework can be mapped onto the generic empirical research process and may help researchers to make decisions in the research process more explicit.
Pulsed peritoneal dialysis in an experimental rat model: A first experience
Authors: Öberg Carl M , Wagner Steffen , Hobro Sture , Agar Baris U
Published: November 2024

Background

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is commonly performed using either intermittent or tidal exchanges, whereas other exchange techniques such as continuous flow PD are little used. Previous research indicated that stirring the intra-peritoneal dialysate markedly increases small solute clearances. Here, we tested the hypothesis that stirring of the dialysate increases small solute clearances by using a novel exchange technique where the dialysate is pulsed back and forth during the treatment without addition of fresh fluid.

Methods

PD was performed in anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats with either no pulsations (20 mL fill volume), 2 mL (10%) pulses (21 mL fill volume), or 5 mL (25%) pulses (22.5 mL fill volume) utilizing a pulse flow rate of 5 mL/min. The higher fill volume for the pulsed treatments compensates for the fact that the average intra-peritoneal volume would otherwise be lower in pulsed treatments. Water and solute transport were closely monitored during the treatment.

Results

Net ultrafiltration decreased significantly during pulsed PD with the 25% pulse volume. The 60 min sodium dip was unaltered, whereas the fluid absorption rate was increased for the 25% group. Solute clearances did not significantly differ between groups, except for a slightly lower calcium clearance in the 25% group.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that stirring the dialysate using pulsed exchanges does not provide any advantage compared to conventional exchange techniques. In contrast, pulsed treatments had slightly lower ultrafiltration and small solute transport. The present findings may have implications regarding the choice of tidal volume in automated PD, favoring smaller tidal volumes.
Effects of new ionic liquids on mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of PC/ABS composites
Authors: Zhang Jiayu , Long Jiapeng , Liang Bing
Published: November 2024

According to the structural characteristics of PC/ABS containing benzene rings, an imidazole ionic liquid [MTMSiIM]H2PO2 was synthesized. [MTMSiIM]H2PO2 served as the modifier for modifying G powder via ball milling to produce ionic liquid functional graphene (Si-G). Si-G was utilized as a thermal conductive filler to investigate its impact on the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity network formation of PC/ABS composites. During the melt blending process, the imidazole group of Si-G and the benzene ring in PC/ABS form a π-π interaction. This interaction enhances the dispersion of Si-G in PC/ABS and strengthens the interface interaction between the two. As a result, it improves the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of PC/ABS composites. Experimental results indicate that when 11 wt% of Si-G is added, the tensile strength of the composites is 63.05 MPa, marking a 9.4% and 4.5% increase compared to PC/ABS and G powder/PC/ABS, respectively. Furthermore, the flexural modulus of the 11 wt% Si-G/PC/ABS composites is 3495.37 MPa, showing a 65.5% and 5.7% improvement over PC/ABS and G powder/PC/ABS, respectively. Moreover, the 11 wt% Si-G/PC/ABS composites exhibit the highest thermal conductivity at 0.488 W·m−1 K−1, which is 103.7% and 10.4% higher than that of PC/ABS and G powder/PC/ABS, respectively.