bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Employee Engagement: A Different Perspective
Authors: Varma Arup
Published: December 2024

Employee engagement is an issue that has perplexed scholars and practitioners since time immemorial. Organisations keep trying to find the magic pill that would motivate all employees to be engaged at maximum levels. After four decades of being involved with human resources in various roles, I can confirm that the quest to understand and box employee engagement into a convenient category is likely to continue for the foreseeable future and beyond. In my opinion, this is because we are approaching the topic from the wrong angle, trying to find a one-size-fits-all solution to this complicated problem. In this article, I discuss what I have gleaned through my involvement in teaching, training, and consulting, and offer four lessons for organisations. But the most important message of this piece is that engagement is not a goal—only a means to get to the goal, which is optimal individual performance. Below, I discuss four engagement triggers that I have identified (a) reward/recognise individuals for their achievements, (b) identify and separate bad apples, (c) remember routine discourages engagement and (d) share information with employees so they can make better decisions.
Imagine the Next Stage of Employee Value Proposition Fostering Hope
Authors: Altizer Chris , Ulrich Dave
Published: December 2024

In the context of increasing mental health challenges in the workplace—marked by feelings of depression, anxiety and loneliness—this article explores the evolution of the employee value proposition (EVP) through the lens of fostering hope. The article highlights that positive employee sentiment, driven by a well-structured EVP, correlates with higher productivity, strategic re-imagination, enhanced customer commitment and increased shareholder confidence. Building on historical frameworks, the authors propose a new wave of EVP focused on hope, supported by five key principles: aspiration, efficacy/optimism, inventiveness, learning and role modelling. These principles are shown to be effective at both personal and organisational levels, offering a blueprint for HR professionals and leaders to cultivate hope within the workplace. The proposed framework suggests that instilling hope can significantly improve employee attitudes and organisational outcomes, making it a crucial element of modern EVP strategies.
Using Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) with Chronic Diseases: Trend Analysis Towards Online and Offline Factors Associated with Patient Utilization
Authors: Ma Xiaofen
Published: December 2024

Electronic medical records (EMRs) are associated with higher-quality healthcare; however, they also raise concerns about patient information privacy and security. Existing studies have strongly linked these privacy concerns to patients withholding their information, indicating perceived risks with EMRs. Furthermore, studies devoted to EMR usage in hospitals are lacking, particularly those on the EMR system in the contexts of clinical and privacy concerns based on multi-criteria perspectives. The proposed framework is based on how clinical factors and security and privacy determinants influence the use of EMR, utilizing data derived from chronic disease patients in the USA as a frame of reference. In this study, information forage theory is adopted. This research not only objectively analyzes the information privacy aspects of EMRs but also investigates the perceptions of patients with chronic diseases regarding online health information technology and offline patient–provider interactions. These are considered as clinical factors to understand the frequency of EMR adoption across Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) data from 2014 ( N = 2,415), 2017 ( N = 2,253), and 2018 ( N = 2,443). The study finds that the rate of information withholding, as a manifestation of information privacy and security concerns, has decreased over the three waves. In contrast, the frequency of EMR usage is found to have continually increased at the three assessment points. Additionally, factors such as confidence in EMR safeguards, electronic medical information maintenance, and the frequency of visiting healthcare providers are significant predictors of EMR utilization over time. The study concludes that addressing online privacy concerns over EMR as part of health information technology and considering offline clinical factors must occur together in order to achieve higher-quality healthcare among patients with chronic diseases and to transform the healthcare system overall.
Analysis of consumer requests for reduced-salt meals on a Chinese meal delivery app
Authors: Li Wenyue , Song Chao , Cui Ying , Li Beisi , Chen Zhongdan , Snider Paige , Ma Yue , Liu Ailing , Long Ying , Galea Gauden
Published: December 2024

The average salt intake of Chinese residents far exceeds the recommended standard. As food delivery becomes increasingly popular among the Chinese public, salt reduction for takeaways is important to reduce salt intake of Chinese residents. However, studies related to salt reduction of takeaways are still very few; especially, no study has explored consumers’ attitudes towards salt level in takeaway meals. The purpose of the study was to objectively measure consumers’ request for reduced-salt options when ordering meals online, from real takeaway orders. Consumer messages from 718 restaurants on a meal delivery app called ELEME in China were collected between July and December 2020. Reduced-salt messages from all consumer messages placed by consumers when ordering meals were extracted to determine the extent of customized salt reduction requests and to analyze the content of those requests. Feature words from messages identified through AI machine learning (Term Frequency and Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency method) were extracted and analyzed. Out of 25,982 consumer messages, 10,549 (40.6%) were reduced-salt messages. Consumers, in general, had the demand to customize dishes with less salt – “less salt” was the most frequently mentioned word for taste preference. Populations with special health and nutritional needs may have a higher demand for reduced-salt meals according to these messages. The study showed definite patterns of demand in a sizable minority of orders and identified the feature words and concepts that could feed into future efforts to create an effective choice architecture in online meal delivery platforms.
Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: A Case Report Revealing a Missed Opportunity to Use Sonography With Elastography
Authors: Stormo Janell , Engelman Brittney , Townsend Alice , Sharrock Dee
Published: December 2024

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a progressive liver disease characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the bile ducts, leading to bile duct strictures and cholestasis, which can result in liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. This case study explores recent advancements in the diagnosis and management of PSC, emphasizing the challenges faced by health care providers in early diagnosis and the underutilization of sonography with elastography, as a monitoring tool. This case of a 71-year-old woman with symptoms and laboratory abnormalities, indicative of PSC, highlights the role of sonography and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnostic process. Despite technological advancements, diagnosing PSC remains challenging and is often delayed until later stages. While magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is the current standard for surveillance, this case would suggest an increased use of sonography with elastography. It would offer a cost-effective and patient-centered alternative for monitoring disease progression. Further research is needed to establish guidelines for effective sonographic evaluation in PSC, potentially improving early diagnosis and patient outcomes.
The Comparison Between Fetal Renal Length and Sacral Length in Determining Gestational Age
Authors: Clark Jennifer Grace
Published: December 2024

Objective:

The purpose of this research was to compare the relationship between fetal renal length, sacral length, and gestational age (GA), in a cohort of second- and third-trimester pregnancies.

Materials and Methods:

Fetal renal and sacral length were measured on pregnant volunteers between 18 and 37 weeks gestation. Both parameters were then compared to GA using a Pearson correlation statistic.

Results:

Based on the Pearson test results, fetal renal length ( r = .772; p = .0001) was statistically significant and had a strongly positive association with GA. Likewise, the fetal sacral length ( r = .752; p = .0001) was statistically significant and had a strongly positive association with GA.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated that fetal renal length may be slightly stronger in association, as diagnostic parameter, to determine GA. Certainly fetal sacral length also was a highly associated diagnostic for determining GA. Future research may identify if these diagnostic parameters should be considered, as part of obstetric biometry, especially if routine fetal measurements could not be obtained.
The Potential Diagnostic Value of Sonographic Fetal Parameters as Markers of Prematurity
Authors: Khoroushi Farzaneh , Seilanian Toosi Farrokh , Rastegar Tizabi Zahra , Hassan Nejad Ehsan , Mirzaeian Sara , Moradi Ali , Faramarzi Raheleh , Jarahi Lida
Published: December 2024

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine the validity of fetal parameters measured by sonography, as an indicator of fetal lung maturity.

Materials and Methods:

The present cross-sectional study was conducted on pregnant women between 30- and 37-weeks’ gestation, who were at risk of preterm delivery and gave birth within the next 72 hours. Utilizing sonography, distal femoral epiphysis, placental grading, and free-floating particles in amniotic fluid were investigated. Upon birth, newborns were followed from birth and 72 hours postpartum, and those with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) were identified.

Results:

The diameter of distal femoral epiphysis in patients without RDS was significantly higher than in patients with RDS ( p < .001). Moreover, there was a significant difference in placenta grading in patients with and without RDS ( p = .046). However, the frequency of free-floating particles in the amniotic fluid, within the two groups was not significantly different ( p = .106). The cutting point of the diameter of the distal femoral epiphysis was 2.20 mm (e.g., sensitivity 74%; specificity 89%).

Conclusion:

Based on the results obtained in this cohort study, measuring the diameter of the distal femoral epiphysis may have relatively good accuracy for gauging fetal lung maturity.
Male-female comparison of vasomotor effects of circulating hormones in human intracranial arteries
Authors: Edvinsson Jacob C. A. , Grubor Irena , Maddahi Aida , Edvinsson Lars
Published: December 2024

Background

The purpose of this study was to examine whether there are sex differences in vasomotor responses and receptor localization of hormones and neuropeptides with relevance to migraine (vasopressin, oxytocin, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, amylin, adrenomedullin and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)) in human intracranial arteries.

Methods

Human cortical cerebral and middle meningeal arteries were used in this study. The tissues were removed in conjunction with neurosurgery and donated with consent. Vasomotor responses of arteries, after exposure to hormones or neuropeptides, were recorded using a wire myograph. Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine the expression and localization of their receptors within human intracranial arteries.

Results

Vasopressin showed the strongest contractile responses, followed by oxytocin and progesterone. CGRP displayed the strongest vasodilatory response when compared to adrenomedullin, amylin, testosterone and estrogen. No significant differences were observed in vasomotor responses between male and female arteries. The vasomotor effects were supported by the presence of corresponding receptors in the vascular smooth muscle cells. Estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ), progesterone receptor (PR), vasopressin 1a receptor (V1aR), and the oxytocin receptor (OTR) were expressed in the walls of both cerebral arteries overlying the cerebral cortex and intracranial arteries of the dura mater. ERα, V1aR, and PR were found to be localized in both smooth muscle cells and endothelium, whereas OTR was exclusively located within the smooth muscle cells.

Conclusions

Hypothalamic, sex hormones and the pancreas hormone (amylin) receptors are expressed in the human intracranial artery walls. The vasomotor responses revealed no sex differences, however contractile responses to vasopressin was higher and more potent in MMA compared to CCA when pooling data from both sexes. Overall, the hormones estrogen, progesterone and oxytocin, which drop in circulating levels at onset of menstruation, only showed modest vasomotor responses as compared to CGRP. This suggests that their role in inducing menstrual migraine attacks is not directly related to vasomotor responses.

Graphical Abstract
Yellow nail syndrome linked to a mediastinal lipoma: a case report
Authors: Müller Christoph , Stricker Ingo , Hykel Peter , Dellweg Dominic
Published: December 2024

Background

Yellow nail syndrome is characterized by a yellow discoloration of the nails, respiratory symptoms, and lymphedema. It was first described in 1964 and has an estimated prevalence of less than 1:1.000.000. Despite its diverse manifestations affecting different organ systems and a wide range of associated diseases, yellow nail syndrome is most commonly related to impaired lymphatic drainage. The treatment depends on whether the underlying pathology can be identified and includes dietary, pharmacological, interventional, and surgical approaches.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 73-year-old Caucasian male patient presenting with exertional shortness of breath and orthopnea, nonpitting edema of his distal extremities, and yellow discoloration of both his finger and toe nails. The diagnostic workup, which included the drainage of a large chylous pleural effusion, computed tomography of the chest, and lymphangiography, led to the diagnosis of yellow nail syndrome, presumably caused by a mediastinal lipoma compressing the thoracic duct. Treatment-wise, a percutaneous lymphatic embolization was performed after conservative treatment did not lead to a significant improvement of symptoms.

Conclusion

While demonstrating the specific diagnostic findings of this case, we try to point out common pathogenetic aspects of the disorder and present the currently available treatment options.
A four-channel microfluidic model of the blood–brain and blood–cerebrospinal fluid barriers: fluid dynamics analysis
Authors: Libet Pavel A. , Polynkin Leonid Y. , Saridis Mikis R. , Yakovlev Egor V. , Korsakova Sofia A. , Salmina Alla B. , Averchuk Anton S. , Rozanova Natalia A. , Yurchenko Stanislav O.
Published: December 2024

Brain-on-a-chip is an emerging field involving microfluidic devices capable of mimicking the structure and function of the human brain. Existing research often focuses on single barriers, such as the blood–brain barrier or blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB). However, the brain has both barriers working together, and mimicking this dual system is crucial for better understanding of brain (patho)physiology. In this work, we present a four-channel microfluidic chip model that incorporates both the BBB and BCSFB, to reproduce physiologically correct architecture. Using computer simulations, we demonstrate that this model can mimic both healthy and diseased states by adjusting the shear stress experienced by the barriers, which is a key factor in their function. These findings offer valuable insights for designing future brain-on-a-chip devices with improved accuracy. This improved technology could contribute to wider advancements in tissue engineering and the study of brain function and diseases.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for emetophobia in 16-year-old adolescent: a case study
Authors: Kerkeni Ali , Abbes Wafa , Pons Charles Olivier
Published: December 2024

Background

A specific phobia of vomiting, often known as emetophobia, is a particularly common psychiatric disorder among adolescents. It is accompanied by a significant level of distress given the severity of its symptoms and the frequency of comorbidities, especially anxiety. Although no treatment protocols have been established for adolescents, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most frequently recommended treatment in the few published reports on adolescents with emetophobia. This case study aims to add to existing data indicating that CBT could be an effective treatment for emetophobia in adolescents.

Case presentation

We illustrate the case of a 16-year-old adolescent girl who presented with a specific phobia of vomiting that had lasted 6 years and was comorbid with social anxiety. These diagnoses were made by the child psychiatrist according to the Diagnosis and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder in its 5th version (DSM-5). CBT for his specific phobia of vomiting was recommended. The Emetophobia Questionnaire (EmetQ-13) and the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED-41) were used to assess disease evolution. CBT for emetophobia lasted 22 weekly sessions of 1 h each and included: psychoeducation, relaxation, positive self-talk techniques, cognitive restructuring, imagery rescripting of flashback memories, and graduated exposure in vivo. At the end of CBT, the specific phobia of vomiting was no longer retained as a diagnosis according to the DSM-5. The psychometric evaluation revealed that the EmetQ-13 scores considerably decreased. A decrease in both the total score and the social anxiety subscale score of the SCARED-41 was also obtained. The clinical and psychometric improvements were maintained 3 months after the end of therapy.

Conclusions

This case report suggests that CBT could be an effective treatment for emetophobia in adolescents. It also helps reduce the level of associated anxiety. This article may encourage future research into randomized and controlled trials to protocolize and adapt the psychotherapeutic management of emetophobia in adolescents.
Carbon sequestration and environmental impacts in ternary blended cements using dyeing sludge and papermaking sludge
Authors: Tian Dongyang , Cong Ming , Xu Zhen , Xu Xinrong , Tian Xianchun , Cong Xinyu , Lu Shuang
Published: December 2024

This research delves into the hydration processes and ecological repercussions of cement blended with papermaking sludge (PS) and dyeing sludge ash (DS). It targets the alleviation of detrimental environmental impacts from solid waste, alongside evaluating their prospective utilization in cement product fabrication. Low-temperature roasting DS is rich in phosphates, which impose a hindering effect on the initial hydration of cement clinker, and displays superior pozzolanic activity when juxtaposed with PS. Meanwhile, the incorporation of PS heightens the malleability of the cement paste blend, consequently modulating the pore size distribution within the cement matrix, resulting in amplified compressive resilience of the amalgamated cement samples. Additionally, the inclusion of DS and PS presents an augmented surface area, promoting the nucleation of hydration by-products. The infusion of a greater quantity of hydration by-products within the mixed cement matrix fosters pore refinement and advances strength development. Furthermore, the blended cement proficiently constrains heavy metals inherent in the sludge and curtails ecological implications during cement product fabrication. Furthermore, compared with conventional Portland cement, the ternary blended cement employs un-calcined PS and low-temperature activation DS. This approach facilitates enhanced carbonation and CO2 sequestration from industrial waste streams, thereby achieving carbon reduction at the source.
Digital mental health: locations and contexts in youths’ presentation of self in video consultations— a qualitative study
Authors: Gullslett Monika Knudsen , Larsen Frank , Nybakke Henriette Lauvhaug
Published: December 2024

Background

The long-established use of video consultation in mental health services has undergone significant historical development. This study reveals and discusses how video consultations influence youths’ presentation of self in video consultations and in different locations and contexts. This phenomenon will be examined in light of Goffman’s theory of frontstage and backstage in relation to the sense and impact of place, or placelessness, concidering mental health situations. The aim of this study was to explore whether and how therapy through a screen was experienced and to reveal challenges and opportunities that result from using digital tools to communicate in a therapeutic context. The study employed a hermeneutic-phenomenological approach to gain an understanding of youths' life-world experiences with video consultations in therapy. 33 qualitative interviews were performed with youths in the age between 16–23 years. The recruitment was carried out between mid-august 2021 and end of march 2022. All had participated in VC sessions with their therapist during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis followed an abductive approach, where iterative cycles between the empirical data and theoretical framework helped uncover both unexpected and novel insights into the youths' experiences with VC.

Results

The findings revealed two main themes to guide our investigation: 1) therapy through a screen versus F2F therapy and 2) different physical contexts for therapy through a screen. The findings show that youths’ experiences with the use of video consultations in therapy are diverse and heterogeneous.

Conclusions

Face-to-face communication may reduce ambiguity and uncertainty through the use of body language and eye contact. Face-to-face communication requires less cognitive effort to process and involves greater psychological distance than digital communication. The advantages of using video consultations include avoiding school days, avoiding long travel distances, connecting faster when needed, and having shorter conversations to catch up on challenges in collaboration. The implications of location and context may also impact youths’ presentation of self.
A simplified frequency-domain beamforming approach for active and passive surface wave surveys
Authors: Adari Sai Vivek , Naskar Tarun , Cox Brady R.
Published: December 2024

Frequency-domain beamforming (FDBF) and cylindrical frequency-domain beamforming (CFDBF) techniques are among the most robust methods for extracting experimental phase velocity dispersion data from wavefields recorded during either active- or passive-source surface wave testing. FDBF and CFDBF transformations rely on calculating the spatiospectral correlation matrix to compute the steered power response spectrum, which is essential for extracting surface wave dispersion data. The dimensions of the spatiospectral correlation matrix are directly influenced by the frequency sampling and the number of sensors used in the survey setup. When the number of sensors is large, and/or the frequency range is broad, and/or the frequency sampling is dense, the spatiospectral correlation matrix size leads to a greater number of required computations to calculate the steered power response spectrum for the FDBF and CFDBF techniques. Therefore, we develop a simplified and computationally efficient FDBF algorithm for active and passive surface wave surveys. This method avoids the calculation of the spatiospectral correlation matrix and its multiplication with the Hermitian transpose of the steering vector, thereby reducing the computational complexity by an order of magnitude. Furthermore, by leveraging vectorization techniques, the developed algorithm uses matrix multiplications instead of loops, significantly heightening computational efficiency. We rigorously test the algorithm using surface wave data sets collected across diverse subsurface conditions with varying sensor arrays and acquisition parameters (e.g., sampling frequencies and window lengths) to evaluate its efficacy. The results demonstrate that our developed algorithm outperforms the conventional FDBF method in processing time, highlighting its practical effectiveness. This method shows promise for integration into surface wave data processing software, offering substantial improvements in computational efficiency without compromising accuracy.
Effectiveness of a Family-based Health Promotion Intervention for Women With Prior GDM: The Face-It RCT
Authors: Kragelund Nielsen Karoline , Dahl-Petersen Inger Katrine , Jensen Dorte Møller , Damm Peter , Ovesen Per , Mathiesen Elisabeth R , Kampmann Ulla , Vinter Christina Anne , Knorr Sine , Andersen Lise Lotte , Davidsen Emma , Jensen Nanna Husted , Aalders Jori , Thøgersen Maja , Timm Anne , Støvring Henrik , Maindal Helle Terkildsen
Published: December 2024

Context

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases the risk of future type 2 diabetes (T2DM), but effective and feasible interventions to reduce this risk are lacking.

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of a family-based health promotion intervention on T2DM risk factors and quality of life among women with recent GDM.

Design

Multicenter, parallel, open-label randomized controlled trial with 2:1 allocation ratio.

Setting

Three sites in Denmark.

Participants

Women diagnosed with GDM.

Intervention(s)

The intervention consisted of (1) home visits with tailored family-based counseling (2) digital health coaching, and (3) structured cross-sectoral communication.

Main Outcome Measures

Primary outcomes were body mass index (BMI) and quality of life [12-Item Short-Form mental component score (SF12 MCS)] 1 year after delivery.

Results

We randomized 277 women to the intervention (n = 184) or usual care group (n = 93). The intervention did not result in significantly lower BMI [−0.44 kg/m2; 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.98 to 0.11] or higher SF12 MCS (0.06; 95% CI −2.15 to 2.27) compared to the usual care group. A prespecified post hoc analysis demonstrated a reduced BMI in the intervention group among women with BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (−0.86 kg/m2; 95% CI −1.58 to −0.14).

Analyses of secondary and tertiary outcomes indicated significantly lower 2-hour insulin (−94.3 pmmol/L; 95% CI −167.9 to −20.6) and triglycerides (−0.18 mmol/L; 95% CI −0.30 to −0.05) levels, and odds of fasting plasma glucose ≥6·1 mmol/L (odds ratio 0.33; 95% CI 0.12 to 0.91) in the intervention group.

Conclusion

The intervention did not result in lower BMI or increased quality of life but seemingly reduced other risk factors and lowered BMI in the subgroup of overweight women.
Prediction of Insulin Requirements by Explainable Machine Learning for Individuals With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Yoshimura Kai , Hirota Yushi , Saito Shuichiro , Nishikage Seiji , Yamamoto Akane , Takayoshi Tomofumi , Urai Shin , Ogawa Wataru
Published: December 2024

Context

Adverse events related to insulin therapy remain common in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Optimization of insulin dose can reduce the frequency of these events and help to prevent macrovascular and microvascular complications.

Objective

The aim of the present study was to develop machine-learning models to predict the total daily dose (TDD) of insulin on the basis of data available in routine clinical practice, to evaluate the performance of the models, and to interpret the relation between its predictions and features.

Methods

This retrospective observational study conducted at a single center recruited individuals diagnosed with T1D who visited Kobe University Hospital and used continuous glucose monitoring in combination with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion between April 1, 2010 and February 29, 2024. We developed TDD prediction models based on machine learning and evaluated its performance on the basis of the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). Explainable artificial intelligence frameworks were applied to the machine-learning model to facilitate interpretability.

Results

A total of 110 individuals with T1D were included in the study. The best-performing model, the random forest, achieved a MAPE of 19.8%. The most important feature of the model for prediction of the TDD of insulin was body weight, followed by waist circumference and carbohydrate intake.

Conclusion

We here developed machine-learning models that predict the TDD of insulin from clinical information. Such models could contribute to the treatment of many individuals undergoing insulin therapy, with further developments being warranted.
A Rare Case of Testosterone-Producing Non-Seminoma Germ-Cell Testicular Cancer
Authors: Mänd Sarah-Ålivia , Sjöholm Åke
Published: December 2024

Androgen secretion by testicular germ-cell tumors (GCTs) appears to be markedly rare and likely underreported in the literature. This case study highlights a patient with such a rare tumor, underscoring a notable and yet easily avoidable diagnostic oversight in one of the most prevalent cancers among men. We advocate for increased vigilance and the inclusion of specific symptomatic screening for hyperandrogenism of select patients in existing guidelines and, where appropriate, the implementation of standardized hormonal laboratory analyses in both pre- and post-orchidectomy assessments. These measures could enhance the reporting of cases, standardize care, and improve understanding of the underlying mechanisms of these rare tumors. Finally, future studies should explore the implications of androgen secretion for the prognosis and treatment of GCTs.
Impact of Female Sex and Mild Cortisol Secretion on Coagulation Profile in Adrenal Incidentalomas
Authors: Bonaventura Ilaria , Minnetti Marianna , Ferrari Davide , Hasenmajer Valeria , Tomaselli Alessandra , De Alcubierre Dario , Lenzi Andrea , Pofi Riccardo , Isidori Andrea M
Published: December 2024

Context

Studies describing the coagulation profile in adrenal adenomas still need to be added.

Objective

We explored how sex and mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) affect coagulation parameters in patients with adrenal adenomas.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

From January 2019 until April 2023, participants in the Impact of Adrenal IncidenTalomas and Possible Autonomous Cortisol Secretion on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Alterations trial (NCT04127552) diagnosed with adrenal adenoma were categorised according to the 1 mg overnight dexamethasone-suppression test (1 mg-DST). Coagulation parameters were evaluated, and two-way ANOVA was used to elucidate the cortisol-by-sex interaction.

Results

Of 153 patients screened, 90 were enrolled (62.2% female, mean age 62 ± 10 years): 41 with non-functioning adrenal tumour (1 mg-DST ≤ 1.8 µg/dL), and 49 with a MACS (1 mg-DST > 1.8 µg/dL). Platelet counts were higher in the MACS group (P = .01). Regression analysis identified female sex (B = 36.603, P = .011), 1mg-DST (B = 0.238, P = .042), and younger age (B = −1.452, P = .038) as independent predictors for elevated platelet count. In patients with MACS, women exhibited higher levels of procoagulant factors fibrinogen (P = .004) and factor VIII (P < .001), and coagulation inhibitors protein C (P = .003) and antithrombin III (P = .005) than males. No differences were observed in the non-functioning adrenal tumour group, providing a cortisol-by-sex interaction regarding fibrinogen (P = .047), factor VIII (P = .046), and protein C (P = .028).

Conclusion

Our findings revealed a worse coagulation profile in women with MACS, underscoring the need for a sex-specific approach in clinical practice to manage thrombotic risks effectively. Dedicated prospective studies are needed to validate and integrate these findings into clinical strategies for thromboprophylaxis.
Poetics of Repair
Authors: Pieprzak Katarzyna
Published: December 2024

Today, most colonial-era modernist mass housing is seen as fundamentally broken: crumbling concrete spaces of social alienation and containment that fractured societies both then and now. In Poetics of Repair, Katarzyna Pieprzak examines how contemporary visual, literary, and performance art of the Maghreb has the potential to change the terms, histories, and imagined futures of mass housing in North Africa and France. Pieprzak dives deeply into contemporary art engagements with three mass housing sites that epitomize the French colonial geography of modernist architecture in the Maghreb. She identifies in this art what she names a transformative “poetics of repair”: a practice that conjoins, puts in relation, or simply brings closer together broken materials, separated people, and severed timelines. Reading art and its engagements with mass housing, Pieprzak argues, has the potential to unmoor established knowledge and rehearse the tensions and productive ambiguities inherent to practices of constitution and revision. She demonstrates that such a reading practice is a step toward a reparative epistemology for mass housing that turns sites of wreckage and alienation into sites of possible solidarities and new formulations of history and experience.
Cajal body formation is regulated by coilin SUMOylation
Authors: Tucker Sara K. , McLaurin Douglas M. , Hebert Michael D.
Published: December 2024

Cajal bodies (CBs) are membraneless organelles whose mechanism of formation is still not fully understood. Many proteins contribute to the formation of CBs, including Nopp140 (NOLC1), WRAP53 and coilin. Coilin is modified on multiple different lysine residues by SUMO, the small ubiquitin-like modifier. In addition to its accumulation in CBs, coilin is also found in the nucleoplasm, where its role is still being evaluated. Here, we demonstrate a novel mechanism of CB regulation by examining the interaction changes of coilin when its SUMOylation is disrupted. The impact of global SUMOylation inhibition and targeted disruption of coilin SUMOylation on CB formation was examined. We found that two types of global SUMOylation inhibition and expression of SUMO-deficient coilin mutants increased CB number but decreased CB size. Additionally, we saw via coimmunoprecipitation that a SUMO-deficient coilin mutant has altered interaction with Nopp140. This demonstrates increased mechanistic ties between CB formation and SUMOylation.
Η σύγκρουση στον κυβερνοχώρο μέσα από το θεωρητικό μοντέλο πολυπλοκότητας του Dragon Milovanovish
Authors: Κικίλιας Παναγιώτης
Published: December 2024

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή διαπραγματεύεται την σύγκρουση στον κυβερνοχώρο μέσα από τις θεωρίες πολυπλοκότητας και ειδικότερα το κβαντικό ολογραφικό μοντέλο του Dragan Milovanovic. Αρχικά, εντοπίζονται, μέσα από παραδείγματα, οι ερμηνευτικές αδυναμίες των ήδη διατυπωμένων εγκληματολογικών προσεγγίσεων για τη σύγκρουση στον κυβερνοχώρο και μέσα από αυτές τις αδυναμίες, αναδεικνύεται η ανάγκη για νέες προσεγγίσεις βασισμένες στις θεωρίες πολυπλοκότητας. Στη συνέχεια, λαμβάνει χώρα μία συνοπτική παρουσίαση των βασικών πυλώνων των θεωριών πολυπλοκότητας, καταλήγοντας στην κβαντική ολογραφία Milovanovic. Αφού αναλυθούν οι βασικές αρχές του εν λόγω μοντέλου (quantum holography), πραγματοποιείται η εφαρμογή του στην σύγκρουση στον κυβερνοχώρο και προκύπτει ότι οι ερμηνείες που παράγει, στηριζόμενες στο οντολογικό τρίπτυχο φυσικό-συμβολικό-εικονικό, δίδουν νέες προοπτικές στο σχεδιασμό πολιτικών αντιμετώπισης του φαινομένου (αντεγκληματικές πολιτικές). Πέραν των συγκεκριμένων νέων ερμηνευτικών προσεγγίσεων που αναδύονται για την σύγκρουση στον κυβερνοχώρο, αποδεικνύεται στην παρούσα διατριβή ότι τα μοντέλα πολυπλοκότητας μπορούν να συμβάλλουν τα μέγιστα στην μελέτη κοινωνικών φαινομένων και να λειτουργήσουν συμπληρωματικά (και όχι καταργητικά) στις ήδη διατυπωμένες θεωρίες, εξελίσσοντας έτσι τις κοινωνικές επιστήμες, που σκοπό έχουν την βελτίωση της ζωής των ανθρώπων
Μελέτη της επίδρασης των καιρικών συνθηκών στο αναπνευστικό σύστημα σε παιδιά στην Κρήτη
Authors: Μπούρα Δέσποινα
Published: December 2024

Οι αναπνευστικές διαταραχές επηρεάζουν σημαντικά την υγεία των παιδιών, οδηγώντας συχνά σε εισαγωγές στο νοσοκομείο. Μετεωρολογικά στοιχεία, όπως τα πρότυπα ανέμων, έχουν αναδειχθεί ως πιθανοί παράγοντες που συμβάλλουν στα αναπνευστικά συμπτώματα. Ωστόσο, παραμένει αβέβαιο κατά πόσον οι διακυμάνσεις των χαρακτηριστικών του ανέμου για παρατεταμένες περιόδους έχουν απτό αντίκτυπο στην αναπνευστική υγεία, ιδίως σε περιοχές που χαρακτηρίζονται από διακριτά ετήσια πρότυπα ανέμων. Η Κρήτη βρίσκεται στην κεντροανατολική Μεσόγειο Θάλασσα και αντιμετωπίζει συχνά νότιους ανέμους που μεταφέρουν άμμο από την Αφρική και την έρημο Σαχάρα και βόρειους ανέμους από το Αιγαίο Πέλαγος. Η παρούσα αναδρομική μελέτη αναλύει μακροπρόθεσμα δεδομένα κατεύθυνσης των ανέμων και τη σχέση τους με τα αναπνευστικά συμπτώματα που παρατηρήθηκαν σε παιδιά ηλικίας έως 14 ετών που εισήχθησαν στο Πανεπιστημιακό Νοσοκομείο Ηρακλείου μεταξύ 2002 και 2010. Συμπτώματα όπως πονοκέφαλος, δύσπνοια, ξηρός βήχας, ζάλη, ταχύπνοια, πόνος στο λαιμό και ωταλγία αναφέρθηκαν κυρίως κατά την παρουσία νότιων ανέμων. Πυρετός, παραγωγικός βήχας και πόνος στο στήθος αναφέρονταν συχνότερα κατά τη διάρκεια των βορείων ανέμων. Ο βήχας ήταν το πιο κοινό σύμπτωμα ανεξάρτητα από το πρότυπο του ανέμου. Οι νότιοι άνεμοι συσχετίστηκαν σημαντικά με υψηλότερες πιθανότητες παραγωγικού ή μη παραγωγικού βήχα, πονοκεφάλου, δύσπνοιας, ταχύπνοιας, ζάλης, ωταλγίας και πόνου στο λαιμό. Οι βόρειοι άνεμοι σχετίζονταν με υψηλότερη συχνότητα παραγωγικού βήχα. Η ρινίτιδα, το άσθμα, οι αλλεργίες, η φαρυγγίτιδα και η παραρρινοκολπίτιδα σχετίζονταν με τους νότιους ανέμους, ενώ η βρογχιολίτιδα και η πνευμονία σχετίζονταν με τους βόρειους ανέμους. Αυτά τα ευρήματα υπογραμμίζουν τον κρίσιμο ρόλο των τοπικών κλιματικών παραγόντων, τονίζοντας τον πιθανό αντίκτυπό τους στην έξαρση των αναπνευστικών παθήσεων στα παιδιά. Επιπλέον, επισημαίνουν την ανάγκη περαιτέρω έρευνας για τη διαλεύκανση των υποκείμενων μηχανισμών και την ανάπτυξη στοχευμένων παρεμβάσεων για πληθυσμούς που διατρέχουν κίνδυνο.
Η διοίκηση ολικής ποιότητας στις αθλητικές ανώνυμες εταιρείες
Authors: Καπνίση Δήμητρα
Published: December 2024

Το ενδιαφέρον της κοινωνίας για τον αθλητισμό έχει οδηγήσει στην ανάπτυξη του κλάδου, τόσο στον επαγγελματικό αθλητισμό και τις Αθλητικές Ανώνυμες Εταιρίες (ΑΑΕ), όσο και στην άθληση στα γυμναστήρια με τη δημιουργία αλυσίδων γυμναστηρίων. Με την ανάπτυξή τους και τα δύο είδη αθλητικών εταιριών βιώνουν έντονο ανταγωνισμό και αναζητούν τρόπους που θα τις ξεχωρίσουν και θα διασφαλίσουν την εταιρική τους βιωσιμότητα. Επιχειρήσεις και οργανισμοί άλλων κλάδων, υιοθετώντας πρακτικές και πολιτικές Διοίκησης Ολικής Ποιότητας (ΔΟΠ), έχουν αποκομίσει σημαντικά οφέλη ως προς τις επιδόσεις τους σε επιχειρηματικό και οικονομικό επίπεδο, διασφαλίζοντας υγιείς σχέσεις με τα ενδιαφερόμενα μέρη τους και συμβάλλοντας στην πρόοδο της κοινωνίας. Σκοπός της παρούσας έρευνας είναι να εξετάσει το βαθμό στον οποίο εφαρμόζονται πρακτικές και πολιτικές ΔΟΠ από τις αθλητικές εταιρίες (ΑΑΕ, αλυσίδες γυμναστηρίων), να προσδιορίσει τον βαθμό στον οποίο έχει υιοθετηθεί η έννοια της βιωσιμότητας από τις αθλητικές εταιρίες, να διερευνήσει τη σχέση μεταξύ της Διοίκησης Ολικής Ποιότητας και της εταιρικής βιωσιμότητας και να υπογραμμίσει τους παράγοντες- κλειδιά στη σχέση αυτή. Η σημαντικότητα της έρευνας έγκειται στο γεγονός πως το πεδίο των αθλητικών εταιριών και ιδιαίτερα των ΑΑΕ δεν έχει μελετηθεί σε βάθος ως προς την εφαρμογή ΔΟΠ από αυτές, όπως δεν έχει μελετηθεί και η σχέση της με την εταιρική βιωσιμότητα, γι’ αυτό η παρούσα έρευνα στοχεύει στην κάλυψη του κενού και στην ενίσχυση της διεθνούς βιβλιογραφίας στο πεδίο αυτό. Τα αποτελέσματα υποδεικνύουν πως οι εν λόγω εταιρίες έχουν κάνει τα πρώτα τους βήματα προς τη ΔΟΠ, επιτυγχάνουν καλά αποτελέσματα στις δύο διαστάσεις της εταιρικής βιωσιμότητας: κοινωνικές επιδόσεις, οικονομικές επιδόσεις, ενώ τα αποτελέσματα στην περιβαλλοντική διάσταση είναι αρκετά αποθαρρυντικά. Τέλος φαίνεται πως υπάρχει σχέση μεταξύ της ΔΟΠ και της εταιρικής βιωσιμότητας στις ελληνικές αθλητικές εταιρίες, μέσω της διαχείρισης ποιότητας, της αξιολόγησης απόδοσης και των κοινωνικών επιδόσεων των αθλητικών εταιριών.
Large language model usage guidelines in Korean medical journals: a survey using human-artificial intelligence collaboration
Authors: Ahn Sangzin
Published: December 2024

Background: Large language models (LLMs), the most recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), have profoundly affected academic publishing and raised important ethical and practical concerns. This study examined the prevalence and content of AI guidelines in Korean medical journals to assess the current landscape and inform future policy implementation.Methods: The top 100 Korean medical journals determined by Hirsh index were surveyed. Author guidelines were collected and screened by a human researcher and AI chatbot to identify AI-related content. The key components of LLM policies were extracted and compared across journals. The journal characteristics associated with the adoption of AI guidelines were also analyzed.Results: Only 18% of the surveyed journals had LLM guidelines, which is much lower than previously reported in international journals. However, the adoption rates increased over time, reaching 57.1% in the first quarter of 2024. High-impact journals were more likely to have AI guidelines. All journals with LLM guidelines required authors to declare LLM tool use and 94.4% prohibited AI authorship. The key policy components included emphasizing human responsibility (72.2%), discouraging AI-generated content (44.4%), and exempting basic AI tools (38.9%).Conclusion: While the adoption of LLM guidelines among Korean medical journals is lower than the global trend, there has been a clear increase in implementation over time. The key components of these guidelines align with international standards, but greater standardization and collaboration are needed to ensure the responsible and ethical use of LLMs in medical research and writing.
Enhancing goldfish reproduction: Role of substrates in optimizing fertilization and hatching rates under controlled conditions
Authors: Jaman Asma , Rahman Umme Ohida , Lucky Nahid Sultana , Islam Md. Sadiqul
Published: December 2024

Ornamental fish production is significantly impacted by whether fish spawn naturally under controlled conditions. Therefore, goldfish (Carassius auratus) were allowed to breed naturally using various types of substrates to investigate their effects on ovulation, fertilization, and hatching rates in an experimental setup. The goldfish were subjected to five different substrate treatments: T1 (water hyacinth), T2 (jute rope), T3 (polythene), T4 (net), and T5 (no substrate). The optimal pH and dissolved oxygen levels for goldfish spawning were found to be 7.14 to 7.24 and 5.65 to 6.22 mg/L, respectively. Results indicated that the highest number of eggs (356.66±40) was observed in the polythene substrate (T3), while no eggs were found in the absence of substrate (T5). The polythene substrate also yielded the highest fertilization rate (93%) and hatching rate (95.01%). Notably, goldfish exhibited no spawning behavior without any substrate, suggesting that substrate may act as both a spawning substrate and an essential cue for ovulation in goldfish. Furthermore, the study's findings support the recommendation of goldfish as substrate breeders. This research offers valuable insights for small-scale fish farmers, entrepreneurs, and hatchery owners looking to enhance goldfish spawning techniques in aquarium settings.
Optimizing the Path Towards Plastic-Free Oceans
Authors: den Hertog Dick , Pauphilet Jean , Pham Yannick , Sainte-Rose Bruno , Song Baizhi
Published: December 2024

Increasing ocean plastic pollution is irreversibly harming ecosystems and human activities. The Ocean Cleanup (TOC) is a Dutch NGO dedicated to cleaning oceans from plastic pollution. Among its initiatives, TOC operates a plastic collection system in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, an accumulation area twice the size of Texas and located between Hawaii and California. In ‘Optimizing the Path Towards Plastic-Free Oceans,’ den Hertog, Pauphilet, Pham, Sainte-Rose, and Song design a routing algorithm that leverages data on weather conditions and plastic dispersion models to determine an optimal trajectory for their system, maximizing plastic collection. Unlike conventional routing problems, the trajectory directly impacts future plastic distribution, creating non-linearities that make standard dynamic programming unsuitable. To address this, they devise a tailored algorithm based on a relaxation-induced search and a customized branch-and-bound scheme. Validated on one year of ocean data, their algorithm results in a 60% increase in plastic collection compared with current strategies.
Conhecimento dos profissionais que atuam no processo de dispensação por dose unitária
Authors: Trassante Jéssica , Flores Cecilia Dias , Mastella Mauro
Published: December 2024

Hospitais devem fornecer cuidados de qualidade, priorizando a segurança do paciente e a qualificação dos profissionais para garantir a excelência dos serviços prestados. O evento adverso é uma ocorrência imprevista, indesejável ou potencialmente perigosa na instituição de saúde. Estima-se que cerca de 8.000 mortes anuais ocorram devido a erros de medicação, e muitas delas poderiam ser evitadas. O processo de distribuição de medicamentos por dose unitária contribui significamente na redução desses erros. As instituições devem buscar conhecer as fragilidades do seu processo, a fim de buscar por estratégias qualificando o serviço. Esta pesquisa analisou o conhecimento dos profissionais sobre o processo de dispensação dos medicamentos de dose unitária para entender as potencialidades e fragilidades deste processo, identificando as carências existentes sobre ele e assim encontrar estratégias para diminuição dos eventos adversos. O estudo foi conduzido de forma transversal, abordando aspectos qualitativos e quantitativos.  Participaram 42 profissionais diretamente envolvidos no processo, onde a coleta de dados incluiu observação participante e questionários com perguntas abertas e fechadas. Os profissionais encontram algumas fragilidades em entender o seu papel no processo e compreendê-lo como um todo. Como aspectos positivos pontuados estão: otimização do tempo de assistência, redução de desperdícios de institucionais e diminuição de erros de administração dos medicamentos.  A implementação do questionário foi profícua, pois os colaboradores expuseram suas percepções sobre o processo, sendo que a partir dessas percepções, a instituição pode criar uma qualificação específica para esses profissionais, com base nas fragilidades e oportunidades de melhoria encontradas.