bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Triethylenetetramine (TETA)
Authors:   Workplace Environmental Exposure Level (WEEL) Committee,   Occupational Alliance for Risk Science (OARS),   Toxicology Excellence for Risk Assessment (TERA)
Published: March 2023

The WEEL for triethylenetetramine (TETA; CAS No. 112-24-3) was originally established in 1991 and updated in 1998 and 2009. Recent literature searches to identify new toxicity information were performed in 2016 and January 2021. No new studies or data relevant to the WEEL were identified. TETA is used in manufacturing; the hydrochloride salt of TETA is used as a copper-chelating drug in the treatment of Wilson’s disease. TETA is severely irritating to the skin and eyes and produces skin sensitization; however, it is of low to moderate acute toxicity via the oral and dermal routes of exposure. In subchronic studies, signs of toxicity included multi-organ effects (lung, liver, and spleen) in mice, but not rats. TETA was genotoxic/mutagenic in short-term in vitro assays but not in in vivo assays. No data on reproductive toxicity were available. Embryo/fetal toxicity occurred at maternally toxic doses and was associated with copper deficiency. In humans, the use of TETA·2HCl for treatment of Wilson’s disease during pregnancy resulted in no miscarriages or fetal abnormalities. No evidence of carcinogenicity was noted in a lifetime dermal study in mice. Based on a subchronic drinking water study in mice, 600 ppm (95 mg/kg-day) was determined to be the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) and the point of departure (POD). This NOAEL was converted to an equivalent inhalation concentration by adjusting for respiratory rate, interindividual variability, and uncertainty. The resulting 8-h time-weighted average WEEL value of 1 ppm is expected to provide a significant margin of safety against any potential adverse health effects in workers exposed to airborne TETA.
CODA: Risk and Uncertainty in the Past and Present
Authors: Hope Mallory , Wade Lewis , Dreijer Gijs
Published: March 2023

This coda takes stock of the articles in the forum and subsequently draws some lessons from the articles on the question of how to deal with risk and uncertainty in the present. It argues that looking at how risk and uncertainty were perceived and dealt with in the early modern world allows one to envisage new solutions to deal with the major problems facing human society today, such as climate change.
Advances in the Diagnosis and Management of Psychotic Symptoms in Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Narrative Review
Authors: Seritan Andreea L.
Published: March 2023

Background: Approximately 15% of older adults may experience psychotic phenomena. Primary psychiatric disorders that manifest with psychosis (delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thought or behavior) account for less than half. Up to 60% of late-life psychotic symptoms are due to systemic medical or neurological conditions, particularly neurodegenerative diseases. A thorough medical workup including laboratory tests, additional procedures if indicated, and neuroimaging studies is recommended. This narrative review summarizes current evidence regarding the epidemiology and phenomenology of psychotic symptoms encountered as part of the neurodegenerative disease continuum (including prodromal and manifest stages). Results: Prodromes are constellations of symptoms that precede the onset of overt neurodegenerative syndromes. Prodromal psychotic features, particularly delusions, have been associated with an increased likelihood of receiving a neurodegenerative disease diagnosis within several years. Prompt prodrome recognition is crucial for early intervention. The management of psychosis associated with neurodegenerative diseases includes behavioral and somatic strategies, although evidence is scarce and mostly limited to case reports, case series, or expert consensus guidelines, with few randomized controlled trials. Conclusion: The complexity of psychotic manifestations warrants management by interprofessional teams that provide coordinated, integrated care.
Performative Quantification: Design Choices Impact the Lessons of Empirical Surveys About the Ethics of Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Etienne Hubert , Cova Florian
Published: March 2023

In recent years, researchers have emphasized the relevance of data about commonsense moral judgments for ethical decision-making, notably in the context of debates about autonomous vehicles (AVs). As such, the results of empirical studies such as the Machine Moral Experiment have been influential in debates about the ethics of AVs and some researchers have even put forward methods to automatize ethical decision-making on the basis of such data. In this paper, we argue that data collection is not a neutral process, and the difference in study design can change participants’ answers and the ethical conclusions that can be drawn from them. After showing that participants’ individual answers are stable in the sense that providing them with a second occasion to reflect on their answers does not change them (Study 1), we show that different conclusions regarding participants’ moral preferences can be reached when participants are given a third option allowing AVs to behave randomly (Study 2), and that preference for this third option can be increased in the context of a collective discussion (Study 3). We conclude that design choices will influence the lessons that can be drawn from surveys about participants’ moral judgments about AVs and that these choices are not morally neutral.
Patient and stakeholder perspectives on impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV and mental health care delivery in South Africa
Authors: Rose Alexandra L , Ochieng Yvonne A , Jack Helen E , Sangraula Anu , Ciya Nonceba , Jacobs Yuche , Ndamase Sibabalwe , Regenauer Kristen S , Brown Imani , Hines Abigail C , Johnson Kim , Bassett Ingrid V , Joska John A , Magidson Jessica F , Myers Bronwyn
Published: March 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic had a global impact on health systems and the delivery of health services, including for chronic conditions such as HIV. In South Africa, impacts on HIV services have widely been quantitatively described. Across different health settings, patients have also qualitatively described numerous negative impacts to their HIV care. However, patient perspectives on COVID-19 impacts to HIV care in South Africa, the largest HIV care system in the world, have been little explored to date.

Methods

We conducted 29 semi-structured individual interviews with people living with HIV ( n = 24) and providers ( n = 5) in Cape Town, South Africa.

Results

While most patient participants reported continued access to HIV treatment during the pandemic, many described perceiving that the quality of their care declined. Increased structural barriers were described as one contributing factor to this change. Additionally, patients described that reduced privacy in clinical interactions was a key factor negatively influencing their experience of receiving care.

Conclusion

Findings underscore the importance of ensuring patient privacy for HIV services even during the rearrangement of services in emergencies. It is also important to continue developing models to integrate community mental health services within HIV care delivery in South Africa.
Difficulty accessing condoms because of the COVID-19 pandemic reported by gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in the UK: findings from a large, cross-sectional, online survey
Authors: Brown Jack RG , Reid David , Howarth Alison R , Mohammed Hamish , Saunders John , Pulford Caisey V , Ogaz Dana , Hughes Gwenda , Mercer Catherine H
Published: March 2023

Background

COVID-19 restrictions severely reduced face-to-face sexual health services, an important access point for condoms. We examine whether gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in the UK had difficulty accessing condoms during the first year of the pandemic, and if so, which groups were most affected.

Methods

Questions about difficulty accessing condoms were asked as part of a short, online cross-sectional survey of GBMSM undertaken November/December 2021, recruited via social media and Grindr. Eligible participants were UK-resident GBMSM (cis/trans/gender-diverse person assigned male at birth [AMAB]), aged ≥16 years who were sexually active (reported sex with men in the last year). Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine if and how reporting this outcome varied by key sociodemographic, health and behavioural factors independent of the potential confounding effect of numbers of new male sex partners.

Results

Of all participants ( N = 1039), 7.4% ( n = 77) reported difficulty accessing condoms due to the pandemic. This was higher among younger GBMSM (aged 16–29 years vs. ≥45; 12.8% vs. 4.9%; aOR: 2.78); trans/gender-diverse AMAB participants (vs. cis gender males; 24.4% vs. 6.6%; aOR = 4.86); bisexually-identifying participants (vs. gay-identifying; 11.1% vs. 6.5%; aOR = 1.78); and those without degree level education (vs. having a degree; 9.8% vs. 5.6%; aOR = 2.01).

Conclusions

A minority of sexually active GBMSM reported difficulty accessing condoms because of the pandemic, however, this was more common amongst those who already experience a disproportionate burden of poor sexual health. Interventions are needed to address these inequalities in accessing this important primary STI/HIV prevention measure.
Effects of Acute Stress on Rigid Learning, Flexible Learning, and Value-Based Decision-Making in Spatial Navigation
Authors: He Qiliang , Beveridge Elizabeth H. , Vargas Vanesa , Salen Ashley , Brown Thackery I.
Published: March 2023

The current study investigated how stress affects value-based decision-making during spatial navigation and different types of learning underlying decisions. Eighty-two adult participants (42 females) first learned to find object locations in a virtual environment from a fixed starting location (rigid learning) and then to find the same objects from unpredictable starting locations (flexible learning). Participants then decided whether to reach goal objects from the fixed or unpredictable starting location. We found that stress impairs rigid learning in females, and it does not impair, and even improves, flexible learning when performance with rigid learning is controlled for. Critically, examining how earlier learning influences subsequent decision-making using computational models, we found that stress reduces memory integration, making participants more likely to focus on recent memory and less likely to integrate information from other sources. Collectively, our results show how stress impacts different memory systems and the communication between memory and decision-making.
Protective effects of butylated hydroxytoluene on the initiation of N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in albino rats
Authors: Fahim Sally A , Ibrahim Samar , Tadros Samer A , Badary Osama A
Published: March 2023

Diethylnitrosamine (DEN), a hepatocarcinogen, is found in a variety of smoked and fried foods and was reported to be hepatotoxic in mice. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a potent antioxidant used in cosmetic formulations and as a food additive and preservative. As a result, BHT was studied as a potential inhibitor in the early stages of diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC. Male Wistar albino rats ( n = 24) were equally subdivided. Group 1 was the negative control; Group 2 and 3 administered BHT and DEN, respectively; Group 4 received BHT followed by DEN. Blood samples and rat livers were taken for biochemical and histological investigation. Hepatotoxicity was assessed by increased liver enzymes and HCC indicators, along with reduced antioxidant and pro-apoptotic factors. AFP, AFPL3, GPC3, GSH, SOD, MDA, CASP3 and BAX expression increased significantly after DEN treatment. DEN also reduced GPx, CAT, and CYP2E1 activity, and BCl-2 expression. Moreover, in the hepatic parenchyma, the DEN caused histological alterations. Pretreatment with BHT enhanced antioxidant status while preventing histopathological and most biochemical alterations. BHT pretreatment suppresses DEN-initiated HCC by decreasing oxidative stress, triggering intrinsic mitotic apoptosis, and preventing histopathological changes in liver tissue.
Perceived Security and Technology Continuance Theory: An Analysis Of Mobile Wallet Users’ Continuance Intention
Authors: Aprilia Cut , Amalia Rizki
Published: March 2023

The objective of this study is to investigate the determinant factors of mobile wallet users’ continuance intention in Indonesia. It integrates technology continuance theory (TCT) with perceived security. Mobile wallet has been received well by Indonesian; however, the sustainability of the business is challenged by several issues, such as fierce competition, security concern, the practice of burning cash and low switching costs. Although the study of continuance intention of using information systems has caught scholars’ attention, the application of TCT in the study received little attention. This study used a questionnaire for data collection and convenience sampling for selecting the respondents. The total number of respondents in this study is 240 respondents and the data was analyzed using partial least square (PLS)-structural equation modelling (SEM). The result showed that perceived usefulness, satisfaction and attitude had a direct relationship with continuance intention, while the relationship between perceived security and continuance intention was insignificant. Perceived usefulness and perceived security were the predictors of satisfaction and attitude. This study also found that satisfaction influenced attitude. This study contributes to the study of Information systems and the use of TCT in understanding users’ continuance intention. The theoretical and practical implications, as well as future studies, are discussed.
The development of a mouse model to investigate the formation of heterotopic ossification
Authors: Cao Guorui , Li La , Xiang Shiqi , Lin Hang , Pei Fuxing , Tuan Rocky Sung Chi , Alexander Peter G.
Published: March 2023

Background

Muscle injury and concomitant bone injury are important drivers to induce heterotopic ossification (HO). However, the related roles of muscle and concomitant bone injury in HO formation are still unclear. This study aims to develop a mouse model through the combination of hindlimb amputation (Am) and cardiotoxin (CTX) injection to investigate the mechanism of HO formation.

Method

The mice were randomly divided into Am group (Am of right hindlimb, n = 12), CTX group (CTX injection in the calf muscle of left hindlimb, n = 12) and Am + CTX group (the combination of Am of right hindlimb and CTX injection of left hindlimb, n = 18). MicroCT was used to evaluate the incidence of HO. Histology was used to investigate the progression of HO.

Results

The MicroCT showed that only Am or CTX injection failed to induce HO while the combination of Am and CTX injection successfully induced HO. The incidence of HO was significant in Am + CTX group on day 7 (0% vs 0% vs 83.3%, p = 0.001) and day 14 (0% vs 0% vs 83.3%, p = 0.048). HO was located on the left hindlimb where CTX was injected. Moreover, the bone volume and bone density on day 14 were higher than those on day 7 in Am + CTX group. Histology revealed the evidence of calcification and expression of osteogenic markers in calcification sites in Am + CTX group.

Conclusion

In summary, the combination of Am and CTX injection could successfully induce dystrophic calcification/HO, which occurs in the location of muscle injury.
Are multiple blood cultures advantageous for canine patients?
Authors: Neumann Natanel , Solis Sindi Alesia Flores , Crawford Scott , Rogovskyy Artem S.
Published: March 2023

Successful treatment of bacteremic patients depends largely on timely detection of blood-borne pathogens. Failure to detect an infection and/or contamination of blood samples can substantially delay the proper treatment. To increase the detection rate of blood-borne pathogens, well-established guidelines on blood collection and processing have been practiced in human medicine. Investigations involving human blood cultures have shown that the multiple blood sample approach significantly improves the detection rate of bacterial pathogens in the blood. Unfortunately, veterinary-specific blood culture guidelines have not been defined. Therefore, we compared detection rates of blood-borne pathogens between single and multiple blood culture approaches in a retrospective study of the clinical data from canine blood culture cases. We analyzed the data that had been collected over ~6 y and 8 mo from 177 dogs admitted to a veterinary medical teaching hospital. The triple blood culture approach increased the detection rate of blood-borne pathogens by 19.5% compared to single sampling. The optimal timing between multiple sample collections remains to be determined.
The Communication of Bad News in Palliative Care: The View of Professionals in Spain
Authors: Sánchez Antonio Ramos , Beltrán María Jesús Martínez , Arribas Marín Juan Manuel , de la Torre-Montero Julio C. , Gil Beatriz Blanco , García María del Carmen Massé , Ribeiro Ana Sofia Fernandes
Published: March 2023

Background

Communication is one of the central axes around which end-of-life care revolves in the context of palliative care. Communication of bad news is reported as one of the most difficult and stressful tasks by palliative care professionals. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify aspects related to the communication of bad news in palliative care in Spain.

Methods

Descriptive cross-sectional study. An ad hoc questionnaire was designed and sent by e-mail to all palliative care teams in Spain.

Results

Overall, 206 professionals (102 nurses, 88 physicians and 16 psychologists) completed the questionnaire. A total of 60.2% considered their communication of bad news skills to be good or very good. This was related to older age, experience in both the profession and palliative care, and to having received specific postgraduate training ( P < .001). Around 42.2% perform communication of bad news with the patient first, which is associated with lower skill ( P = .013). About 78.15% of the professionals do not use any specific protocol.

Conclusion

This study suggests that patients access palliative care with little information about their diagnosis and prognosis. The barriers identified in the communication of bad news are the lack of specific education and training in protocol management, the difficult balance between hope and honesty, the young age of the patient, and the family.
Military Spouse Mental Health Outcomes After Receiving Short-Term Counseling Services
Authors: Prosek Elizabeth A. , Burgin Elizabeth E. , Pierce K. Lynn , Ponder Warren N.
Published: March 2023

Research related to military spouses accessing community-based mental health care is limited. Evaluations identifying outcomes of anxiety, depressive symptoms, and resilience are scant. In this study, 71 military partners and spouses (age M = 39.79, SD = 11.32; 97.2% women) receiving counseling services at a nonprofit agency completed self-report measures of anxiety, depressive symptoms, and resilience pre–post a 6-week intervention. Less depressive symptoms predicted higher resilience at intake of services, with medium statistical significance. In pre–post analysis, no statistically significant changes were noted to anxiety, depressive symptoms, or resilience, with small to medium effect sizes and unimproved conditions with no clinical significance. This study represents an evaluation of services from a single site utilizing individual counseling services.
Complex Ankle Fusion With Circular Frames: Factors Influencing Outcomes, Complications, and Patient Satisfaction
Authors: Tay Kae Sian , Langit Mickhael , Fenton Carl , Grupping Rachael , Muir Ross , Moulder Elizabeth , Sharma Hemant
Published: March 2023

Background:

Circular frames for ankle fusion are reserved for complex clinical scenarios. The literature is heterogenous and conflicting. We aim to present the indications and outcomes of this procedure.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study based on a prospective database of frame surgeries performed in a tertiary institution. Inclusion criteria were patients undergoing complex ankle fusion with circular frames between 2005 and 2020, with a minimum 12-month follow-up. Data were collected on patient demographics, surgical indications, comorbidities, surgical procedures, external fixator time (EFT), length of stay (LOS), radiologic and clinical outcomes, and adverse events. Factors influencing radiologic and clinical outcomes were analyzed.

Results:

47 patients were included, with a median follow-up of 30 months (interquartile range [IQR] 20-40). The median age at time of surgery was 63.5 years (IQR 58-71). Patients had a median of 2 previous surgeries (IQR 1-3). The median LOS was 8.5 days, and median EFT was 237 days (IQR 166-280). Simultaneous limb lengthening (median 3.3 cm, IQR 1.9-3.5) was performed in 11 patients, increasing the EFT by a mean of 4 months. Primary and final union rates were 91.5% and 95.7%, respectively. At last follow-up, ASAMI bone scores were excellent or good in 87.2%. ASAMI functional scores were good in 79.1%. Patient satisfaction was 83.7%. In addition, 97.7% of patients experienced adverse events, most commonly pin-site related, with major complications in 30.2% and reoperations in 60.5%. There were 3 amputations. Adverse events were associated with increased age, poor soft tissue condition, severe deformities, subtalar fusions, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, and prolonged EFT.

Conclusion:

Complex ankle fusion using circular frames can achieve good outcomes, however time in frame may be prolonged with a high rate of adverse events. Identified risk factors for poorer outcomes should be considered in patient counselling and prognostication.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, prognostic.
Unbalance identification for a practical turbofan engine using augmented Kalman filter improved with the convergence criterion
Authors: Zhou Liang , Zhang Dayi , He Tian , Wang Hong
Published: March 2023

Kalman filter has emerged as a powerful tool for unbalance identification in rotating machinery. Recently, the augmented Kalman filter combined with the finite element model has grown up and projects its potential for complex rotor systems. This paper investigates the application of the augmented Kalman filter (AKF) to a practical turbofan engine. The current study reveals that using steady-state responses as measurements can cause fluctuation in the estimated results, even divergence for some cases, while the available signals in practice are steady-state responses generally. To the authors' knowledge, this practical problem is revealed for the first time. To address the problem, the convergence criterion is employed to improve the AKF and formulates the adaptive fading augmented Kalman filter (AFAKF) proposed in this paper. Results indicate that the increase of the amplification factor, the insufficient measurement points, and the complexity of the dynamic model can all lead to the deterioration of the estimated unbalance. The proposed AFAKF method shows favorable convergence and can achieve accurate estimation with less than 5% relative errors, and the superiority over AKF in computation cost is also observed.
Heroic Coding: A New Method for Apocalyptic Scenarios
Authors: Palacios-Díaz Diego , Moreno-Londoño Herman
Published: March 2023

This article aims to describe a new coding and data analysis method for qualitative researchers, especially in education and health inquiry. We label this method Heroic Coding, a proposal for understanding the role of education and health personnel in apocalyptic scenarios. We propose this method as a subtype within Literature and Language Coding methods described in Saldaña’s The Coding Manual for Qualitative Researchers. Heroic Coding employs, in the first cycle coding, an eclectic strategy and, in the second cycle, an elaborative strategy to refine conceptual dimensions about heroes and heroic subjectivities. This article uses a data set from empirical research in education policy enactments to illustrate Heroic Coding in action. Furthermore, we reflect on future possibilities and limitations of this coding method for qualitative research in apocalyptic conditions.
Knowledge, Perceived Competence, and Behaviors Relative to Traumatic Brain Injury Among a Sample of Domestic Violence Emergency Shelter Advocates in a New England State
Authors: Campbell Julia K. , Howland Jonathan , Insalaco Brie , Lawrence-Soto Gabriela
Published: March 2023

This cross-sectional study describes knowledge, perceived competence, and behaviors relative to intimate partner violence (IPV)-related brain injury (BI) among staff in residential domestic violence shelter programs across a New England state. A 23-item questionnaire was administered to registrants of an online IPV-related BI training series. Within this sample, knowledge about IPV-related BI was high, but relative to providing screening, accommodations, and specialized referrals to survivors with BI, perceived competence was low, and behaviors were infrequent. IPV shelter agencies should facilitate IPV-related BI training programs for staff and prioritize developing and implementing BI screening, accommodation, and referral policies and procedures.
A comparison of hypersensitivity reactions between intravenous and intramuscular applications of native E. coli asparaginase in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Odaman Al Işık , Özdemir Nihal , Zengin Ersoy Gizem , Bayram Cengiz , Vupa Çilengiroğlu Özgül , Arslantaş Esra , Paslı Uysalol Ezgi , Ayçiçek Ali
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Asparaginase is an indispensable drug in treating childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Hypersensitivity reactions (HSR) are the most common side effects and interfere with the antineoplastic activity of the drug. This study aims to compare the intramuscular (IM) and intravenous (IV) administration routes of Native Escherichia coli Lasparaginase (L-ASNase) in terms of hypersensitive reactions.

Methods

L-ASNase was randomly administered IV or IM to newly diagnosed ALL patients and HSR was monitored in all patients for 1 h following the end of the IV infusion and for 2 h following the end of the IM administration of L-ASNase. Based on a retrospective review of clinical charts, reactions were identified. In order to determine the severity of each allergic reaction, we used the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4.03 for allergic reactions.

Results

A total of 1032 doses of L-ASNase were administered to 85 patients (42 males and 43 females) during the study period. Among 85 patients, 30 reactions were recorded, which means that 35% of the patients reacted. According to the CTCAE, twenty-nine out of 30 reactions (97%) were grade 2, while one (3%) was grade 4. In terms of individual doses, there was a non-significant trend toward increased incidence of reactions with IV administration (3.8% versus 0.9%, p = 0.064). The rate of reactions was higher in patients who received all IV doses ( n: 60) as compared to those who received all IM doses ( n: 25) (31.7% vs. 3.5%; chi-square= 8.415, p value=0.04). Based on the risk groups and HSR incidence, it was found that high risk group (HRG) patients were significantly more likely to develop HSR compared to the standart risk group (SRG) and intermediate risk group (MRG) patients (chi-square p = 0.003, CI: 95%; odds ratio: 3.12 and 5.91, respectively).

Conclusions

In conclusion, IM administration of L-ASNase causes significantly less HSR to L-ASNase than the IV route. Patients with HRGALL have a higher risk of HSR. Since L-ASNase is still used in many developing countries and there are problems in the supply of Erwinia chrysanthemi ASNase (Erwinia), LASNase can be administered IM to reduce the frequency of HSR.
Persuasive Narratives About Osteoporosis: Effects of Protagonist Competence, Narrator Point of View, and Subjective Risk
Authors: Chen Meng , Taylor Laramie D. , Bell Robert A.
Published: March 2023

Narratives have been widely acknowledged as a powerful persuasion tool in health promotion and education. Recently, great efforts have been devoted to identifying message components and causal pathways that maximize a narrative’s persuasion power. Specifically, we investigated how narrator point of view and readers’ subjective relative risk moderate the effects of protagonist competence on intentions to adopt osteoporosis-prevention behaviors, and proposed identification with the protagonist, self-referencing, and fear arousal as three mediators explaining the effect. Women aged 35 to 55, still young enough to reduce osteoporosis risk, read a narrative in which the 60-year-old female character reflects on either taking actions to prevent osteoporosis (competent protagonist) or failing to do so, resulting in osteoporosis (incompetent protagonist) ( N = 563). The narratives were told from either the first- or third-person point of view. We found that women who perceived themselves to be at lower risk for developing osteoporosis relative to their peers identified more with the competent protagonist. For women at higher perceived risk, the competent and incompetent protagonists elicited similar levels of identification. Identification was higher when the protagonist’s story was told from the first-person perspective, but only for the incompetent protagonist narrative. Identification, self-referencing, and fear arousal played important mediating roles. Implications for theory development and practice are examined.
Predictors of Food and Physical Activity Tracking Among Young Adults
Authors: O’Loughlin Erin K. , Marashi Maryam , Sabiston Catherine M. , Lucibello Kristen M. , Sylvestre Marie-Pierre , O’Loughlin Jennifer L.
Published: March 2023

Background:

Monitoring food intake and physical activity (PA) using tracking applications may support behavior change. However, few longitudinal studies identify the characteristics of young adults who track their behavior, findings that could be useful in designing tracking-related interventions. Our objective was to identify predictors of past-year food and PA tracking among young adults.

Methods:

Data were available for 676 young adults participating in the ongoing longitudinal Nicotine Dependence in Teens Study. Potential predictors were measured in 2017–2020 at age 31, and past-year food and PA tracking were measured in 2021–2022 at age 34. Each potential predictor was studied in a separate multivariable logistic regression model controlling for age, sex, and educational attainment.

Results:

One third (37%) of participants reported past-year PA tracking; 14% reported past-year food, and 10% reported both. Nine and 11 of 41 potential predictors were associated with food and PA tracking, respectively. Compensatory behaviors after overeating, trying to lose weight, self-report overweight, reporting a wide variety of exercise behaviors, and pressure to lose weight predicted both food and PA tracking.

Conclusion:

Food and PA tracking are relatively common among young adults. If the associations observed herein between compensatory behavior after overeating and tracking (among other observed associations) are replicated and found to be causal, caution may need to be exercised in making “blanket” recommendations to track food intake and/or PA to all young adults seeking behavior change.
Branch retinal artery occlusion with congenital common carotid artery and internal carotid artery occlusion: A case report
Authors: Wang Shoubi , Ouyang Weijie , Zhang Yidan , Chen Han
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To report a case of branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) of the left eye combined with left congenital common carotid artery occlusion (CCAO) and internal carotid artery occlusion (ICAO).

Methods

Case report.

Results

A 36-year-old man presented with sudden vision loss of only the left eye without any signs or symptoms of brain diseases. Fluorescein fundus angiography (FFA) showed left BRAO, and computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the head and neck showed entire left CCAO and ICAO. The patient's left vertebral artery was anastomosed with the left occipital artery via the muscular branch, supplying blood retrogradely to the left external carotid artery. The right internal carotid artery compensated for blood supply to the left anterior cerebral artery and middle cerebral artery via anterior communication, and the left posterior communication artery compensated for blood supply to the left middle cerebral artery.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this study was the first to report a case of BRAO combined with congenital CCAO and ICAO with vision loss as the first symptom and proposed the importance of head and neck examination in retinal artery occlusion at the first visit to a doctor.
Identification of Prognostic Biomarkers for Breast Cancer Metastasis Using Penalized Additive Hazards Regression Model
Authors: Tapak Leili , Hamidi Omid , Amini Payam , Afshar Saeid , Salimy Siamak , Dinu Irina
Published: March 2023

Background:

Breast cancer (BC) has been reported as one of the most common cancers diagnosed in females throughout the world. Survival rate of BC patients is affected by metastasis. So, exploring its underlying mechanisms and identifying related biomarkers to monitor BC relapse/recurrence using new statistical methods is essential. This study investigated the high-dimensional gene-expression profiles of BC patients using penalized additive hazards regression models.

Methods:

A publicly available dataset related to the time to metastasis in BC patients (GSE2034) was used. There was information of 22 283 genes expression profiles related to 286 BC patients. Penalized additive hazards regression models with different penalties, including LASSO, SCAD, SICA, MCP and Elastic net were used to identify metastasis related genes.

Results:

Five regression models with penalties were applied in the additive hazards model and jointly found 9 genes including SNU13, CLINT1, MAPK9, ABCC5, NKX3-1, NCOR2, COL2A1, and ZNF219. According the median of the prognostic index calculated using the regression coefficients of the penalized additive hazards model, the patients were labeled as high/low risk groups. A significant difference was detected in the survival curves of the identified groups. The selected genes were examined using validation data and were significantly associated with the hazard of metastasis.

Conclusion:

This study showed that MAPK9, NKX3-1, NCOR1, ABCC5, and CD44 are the potential recurrence and metastatic predictors in breast cancer and can be taken into account as candidates for further research in tumorigenesis, invasion, metastasis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of breast cancer.
Bioaccumulation and Biota-Sediment Accumulation Factor of Metals and Metalloids in Edible Fish: A Systematic Review in Ethiopian Surface Waters
Authors: Melake Bealemlay Abebe , Endalew Salie Mulat , Alamirew Tamagnu Sintie , Temesegen Liku Muche
Published: March 2023

Metals and metalloids pollution of Ethiopian surface water is becoming an environmental issue. Bioaccumulation and Biota-Sediment Accumulation Factor (BAF and BSAF) are used to quantify the bioaccumulation of contaminants from water and sediment to biota. The present study aimed to determine the BAF and BSAF of metals and metalloids in different surface waters of Ethiopia. Furthermore, the ecological and human health risks were also examined. Generally, 902 peer-reviewed papers from 2005 to 2022 were searched using search engines. The most common types of edible fish species in studied surface waters of Ethiopia were Oreochromis niloticus, Clarias gariepinus, and Barbus intermedius. The concentration of metals and metalloids were higher in sediment than in water and in carnivorous fish than in herbivorous fish. The BSAF of Se in all fish species was greater than 1. Oreochromis niloticus was a bio-concentrator of As and Se. The dissolved concentration of Cu, Cd, Pb, and Ni were higher compared to the Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority and the European Union; Organization of Economic and Co-Operation Development environmental water quality standard guidelines for inland surface freshwater bodies. Likewise, in sediment, the concentration of Cu, Pb, Ni, Zn, and Cr were above Tolerable Effect Concentration values and Cd, Ni, and Cr were above Probable Effect Concentration levels when compared to the United States Consensus-Based Sediment Quality Guidelines for freshwater which indicates that these metals may pose risk to aquatic organisms. Consumption of raw water and fish contaminated with the detected metals and metalloids is not associated with any diseases. However, local consumers who live close to each freshwater ecosystem may become more exposed to health risk hazards. The findings of this study will provide baseline information on BAF and BSAF of metals and metalloids in surface waters and will contribute to the effective monitoring of environmental quality.
Clinical Outcomes of Stereotactic Radiosurgery-Related Radiation Necrosis in Patients with Intracranial Metastasis from Melanoma
Authors: Thomson Holly M , Fortin Ensign Shannon P , Edmonds Victoria S , Sharma Akanksha , Butterfield Richard J , Schild Steven E , Ashman Jonathan B , Zimmerman Richard S , Patel Naresh P , Bryce Alan H , Vora Sujay A , Sio Terence T , Porter Alyx B
Published: March 2023

Background:

Radiation necrosis (RN) is a clinically relevant complication of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for intracranial metastasis (ICM) treatments. Radiation necrosis development is variable following SRS. It remains unclear if risk factors for and clinical outcomes following RN may be different for melanoma patients. We reviewed patients with ICM from metastatic melanoma to understand the potential impact of RN in this patient population.

Methods:

Patients who received SRS for ICM from melanoma at Mayo Clinic Arizona between 2013 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Data collected included demographics, tumor characteristics, radiation parameters, prior surgical and systemic treatments, and patient outcomes. Radiation necrosis was diagnosed by clinical evaluation including brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and, in some cases, tissue evaluation.

Results:

Radiation necrosis was diagnosed in 7 (27%) of 26 patients at 1.6 to 38 months following initial SRS. Almost 92% of all patients received systemic therapy and 35% had surgical resection prior to SRS. Patients with RN trended toward having larger ICM and a prior history of surgical resection, although statistical significance was not reached. Among patients with resection, those who developed RN had a longer period between surgery and SRS start (mean 44 vs 33 days). Clinical improvement following treatment for RN was noted in 2 (29%) patients.

Conclusions:

Radiation necrosis is relatively common following SRS for treatment of ICM from metastatic melanoma and clinical outcomes are poor. Further studies aimed at mitigating RN development and identifying novel approaches for treatment are warranted.
Coping strategies and social representations of bullies among bullying victims from individualistic and collectivist societies
Authors: Grothaus Christin
Published: March 2023

The effects bullying has on victims’ mental, emotional, and physical well-being depend on the coping strategies applied. As coping can be influenced by the environment in which it occurs, scholars have started to explore differences in coping across cultural contexts. However, qualitative research on the role of culture in coping with bullying victimization and social representations of bullies remains scarce. This study compares the coping strategies of US and Thai students with help of 28 in-depth interviews and 60 autobiographical written reflections. Findings revealed several differences in coping across groups. Thai students often tried to stay connected with the bully and felt guilty expressing anger. They assigned less responsibility and intention to the bully. This was only the case among US students if the bully was young. While Thai students laughed along to fit in, US students laughed off bullies to demonstrate that they did not care. Thai students regularly blamed themselves and tried to adapt their appearance and behavior. Whereas US students stressed how bullying helped them to become more resilient, Thai students highlighted increased tolerance. The possible role of culture in coping with bullying victimization, particularly of collectivist and individualistic cultural value orientations, as well as the role of social representations of bullies, is being discussed.
Phonological influence in bilectal speakers of Brazilian and European Portuguese
Authors: Kupisch Tanja , Castro Tammer , Krämer Martin , Westergaard Marit
Published: March 2023

Aims and objectives:

This article investigates naturalistic acquisition of a second dialect (D2), comparing the global accent of speakers of Brazilian Portuguese (BP) exposed to European Portuguese (EP), either as children or as adults (early vs late bilectals). The focus is on the predicted advantage of an early age of onset of the D2, as well as possible crosslinguistic influence from the D2 onto the first dialect (D1).

Design and methodology:

The study is an Accent Rating Task, where 50 raters judged the global accent of 30 BP speakers living in Portugal (15 early + 15 late bilectals), who were recorded in both BP and EP modes. Using a 6-point Likert-type scale, the raters judged whether the speakers sounded Brazilian or Portuguese and also indicated how certain they were about their judgment.

Data and analysis:

The data consisted of two 10-second audio snippets from each speaker, one in BP and the other in EP mode (altogether 60 items). In addition, there were 10 control items produced by native BP and EP speakers. Several mixed-effects models compared the target groups to each other and to the monolectal controls.

Findings and conclusions:

Both the early and late bilectals were rated as Brazilian in BP mode, but the degree of rater certainty was significantly lower for early than for late bilectals, which was again lower than for BP monolectals. In EP mode, early bilectals were perceived as Portuguese (though the raters were less certain than when rating EP monolectals), while late bilectals were judged as Brazilian.

Originality:

The study adds to the novel but increasing body of research on speakers of two closely related varieties.

Significance and implications:

This research illustrates that bilectalism displays a number of similarities with bilingualism, specifically that there may be significant effects of age of onset of the D2.
Associations between commute mode use and self-rated health and work ability among Finnish public sector employees
Authors: Kalliolahti Essi , Aalto Ville , Salo Paula , Lanki Timo , Ervasti Jenni , Oksanen Tuula
Published: March 2023

Aim:

To determine the extent to which level of active commute mode use is associated with self-rated health and work ability.

Methods:

The data were sourced from the Finnish Public Sector Study survey in 2020 ( n = 38,223). The associations between active commuting – assessed with the frequency of using active commute modes – and self-rated health and work ability were examined with negative binomial regression analyses. Passive commuting and low-to-moderate levels of active commuting were compared with active commuting, and the models were adjusted for sociodemographic factors, working time mode, and lifestyle risk factors. We also assessed separate associations between walking and cycling as a mode of commuting by additionally considering the commuting distance and the outcomes.

Results:

After adjustment, when using active commuters as a reference, passive commuters had a 1.23-fold (95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.19 to 1.29) risk of suboptimal self-rated health and a 1.18-fold (95% CI 1.13 to 1.22) risk of suboptimal work ability. More frequent and/or longer distance by foot and especially by bicycle, was positively associated with health and work ability. Never commuting by bicycle was associated with a 1.65-fold (95% CI 1.55 to 1.74) risk of suboptimal health and a 1.27-fold (95% CI 1.21 to 1.34) risk of suboptimal work ability when using high-dose bicycle commuting as a reference.

Conclusions:

Passive commuting was associated with suboptimal self-rated health and suboptimal work ability. Our results suggest that using active commute modes, particularly cycling, may be beneficial for employee health and work ability.
Mind the gap: Bridging evidence-based witness identification procedures to practice through police training
Authors: Cecconello William Weber , Fitzgerald Ryan J. , Milne Rebecca , Stein Lilian Milnitsky
Published: March 2023

Research has led to evidence-based eyewitness identification procedures, but empirical research on how to train police officers in such techniques is limited. We tested the effectiveness of the FAIR (Find a suspect, Avoiding bias, Instructing the witness, Record the procedure) eyewitness identification training program with 88 Brazilian police officers. The hypothesis that FAIR training would improve identification procedures was supported by pre- and post-training assessment of performance on a lineup construction task. Training increased the likelihood that police officers would construct lineups with known-innocent fillers and provide recommended pre-lineup instructions to witnesses (e.g., stating that the witness is not required to make an identification). Training also decreased non-recommended lineup practices, such as revealing the identity of the main suspect after a witness response. Feedback from the participants supports the conclusion that FAIR training improved knowledge of how to build lineups, instruct witnesses, and avoid undesirable and potentially biasing practices. Nevertheless, participants anticipated that incorporating the reform procedures into practice would provoke resistance from superiors and colleagues, which highlights the need for FAIR training to be supported by infrastructure, resources and policy that enable police officers to use evidence-based procedures in eyewitness identification.
A board of one’s own: Interviewing the anonymous female imageboard community
Authors: Ewerhart Wilma
Published: March 2023

This article examines the experiences of female users of imageboards – online anonymous-by-default bulletin boards. Using thematic analysis on 12 Instant Messaging (IM)–based interviews with female-identifying imageboard users, this study gathers and presents their experiences and perceptions of benefits and drawbacks of use. Major findings include negative perception of mainstream imageboards and a contrastingly positive sentiment towards the platforms investigated as part of this study. Using imageboards represented a unique, entertaining and social experience. Interviewees predominantly used imageboards to be hyperbolic, ‘vent’, discuss sexuality or explore thoughts they otherwise would not. The study’s findings question previous narratives of women on imageboards which position them either as mostly unaffected members of the space or as out-of-place minorities ‘getting by’ – by virtue of using masculinist strategies. Rather, participants describe ambivalent experiences around navigating these spaces, including benefits of entertainment, sense of belonging and the affinity towards gendered self-experimentation.