bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethical standards for research on marine mammals
Authors: Papastavrou Vassili , Ryan Conor
Published: June 2023

Conducting marine mammal research can raise several important ethical issues. For example, the continuation of whaling for commercial purposes despite the international moratorium provides opportunities for scientists to obtain data and tissue samples. In 2021 we analysed 35 peer-reviewed papers reporting research based on collaborations with Icelandic whalers. Results highlighted little consideration or understanding of the legal and ethical issues associated with the deliberate killing of whales amongst those researchers, funding bodies, universities and journals involved. Ethical statements were rarely provided. Those that were written were incomplete. Whilst research using whaling data may seem acceptable to some, it often becomes hard to justify when subject to scrutiny by the media and the public. Thus, there is a particular danger of reputational harm for early career researchers who may become unwittingly involved in such activities. Here we also consider the broader variety of ethical issues raised by non-lethal research (both historical and recent) on marine mammals including tagging and biopsy. We discuss instances where study animals were harmed or even killed and where the public mistook tags for harpoons. Without clear guidelines, reviewers and journal editors are put in an impossible position when considering whether to reject papers on ethical grounds. We propose that for such studies, universities, funders, journals, and permit issuers must require ethical assessments and that journals more effectively implement their existing policies on publishing ethical statements. The professional marine mammal societies need to work together to produce modern ethical guidance. Such guidance should require transparency in the provenance of data and samples while including advice on law, welfare issues, involvement of local scientists, and offshoring. Furthermore, it should require appraisal of and justification for the absolute necessity of invasive procedures. As is already the case in biomedical disciplines, ethical statements should be required in marine mammal science.
Progress into lithium-ion battery research
Authors: Theodore Azemtsop Manfo
Published: June 2023

Lithium-ion batteries have transformed our lives and are now found in everything from mobile phones to laptop computers and electric cars. In lithium-ion batteries, an adequate electrolyte was developed using a winding process nearly related to the progress of electrode chemistries. In this technology, a metal oxide is a cathode, and porous carbon is the anode. The electrochemical interaction of anode material with lithium could produce an intercalation product, which could form the basis of a revolutionary battery system. Structural retention causes this reaction to proceed quickly and with a high degree of reversibility at room temperature. Titanium disulfide is one of the latest solid cathode materials. In this review, the history of intercalation electrodes, electrolytes, and basic principles related to batteries based on intercalation processes and their effect on battery performance is reported.
Phase I pilot safety and feasibility of a novel restraint device for critically ill patients requiring mechanical ventilation
Authors: Kamdar Biren B , Fine Janelle M , Pavini Marie T , Ardren Sara S , Burns Stephanie , Bates Jason HT , McGinnis Ryan S , Pandian Vinciya , Lin Benjamin H , Needham Dale M , Stapleton Renee D
Published: June 2023

Background:

Mechanically ventilated Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients often require wrist restraints, contributing to immobility and agitation, over-sedation, and delirium. The Exersides® Refraint® (Healthy Design, LLC), a novel restraint alternative, may be safe and facilitate greater mobility than traditional restraints.

Objective:

This National Institutes of Health Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program Grant-funded single-site Phase I feasibility study evaluated Exersides® safety and feasibility in anticipation of a multi-site Phase II randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Methods:

In two academic ICUs, mechanically ventilated adults ⩾25 years old who were non-comatose, required restraints and had an expected stay of ⩾2 days were enrolled to wear Exersides® and traditional wrist restraints for 4 h on day 1, in a randomized order, and in the reverse order on day 2. Main outcomes were Exersides® safety (i.e., patient/clinician lacerations/injuries), feasibility (i.e., ⩾90% of required data collected), and patient/family/clinician feedback.

Results:

Eight patients were enrolled; one no longer required restraints at initiation, yielding seven subjects (median [interquartile range (IQR)] age 65 [55, 70] years, 86% men). All seven wore Exersides®, averaging (SD) 2.5 (1.0) hours per session, with no safety events reported. Across restraint time periods, 92% and 100% of Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) and wrist actigraphy data, respectively, were collected. Feedback was positive (more movement and comfortable than traditional restraints) and constructive (bulky, intimidating to apply).

Conclusions:

This pilot study provided key safety and feasibility data for a Phase II RCT evaluating Exersides® versus traditional wrist restraints. Feedback motivated minor device modifications before RCT initiation.
The effect of synbiotics in patients with NAFLD: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cai Jiacheng , Dong Jia , Chen Dahua , Ye Hua
Published: June 2023

Background:

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the highest incidence of chronic liver disease worldwide, seriously endangering human health, and its pathogenesis is still unclear. In the recent years, increasing evidence has shown that intestinal flora plays an important role in the occurrence and development of NAFLD. Synbiotics can alter gut microbiota and may be a treatment option for NAFLD in the future.

Objectives:

To systematically investigate the therapeutic effect of synbiotic supplementation on NAFLD patients.

Design:

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted.

Data sources and methods:

We conducted a search on four databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) to identify relevant studies. Eligible studies were then screened, and data from the included studies were extracted, combined, and analyzed.

Result:

This study analyzed 10 randomized controlled trials involving 634 patients with NAFLD. The results showed that synbiotic supplementation could significantly reduce the level of alanine aminotransferase (mean difference (MD) = −8.80; (95% CI [−13.06, −4.53]), p < 0.0001), aspartate aminotransferase (MD = −9.48; 95% CI [−12.54, −6.43], p < 0.0001), and γ-glutamyl transferase (MD = −12.55; 95% CI [−19.40, −5.69], p = 0.0003) in NAFLD patients. In the field of metabolism, synbiotic supplementation could significantly reduce the level of total cholesterol (MD = −11.93; 95% CI [−20.43, −3.42], p = 0.006) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD = −16.2; 95% CI [−19.79, −12.60], p < 0.0001) and increase the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD = 1.56; 95% CI [0.43, 2.68], p = 0.007) in NAFLD patients. In addition, synbiotic supplementation could significantly reduce liver stiffness measurement indicator (MD = −1.09; 95% CI [−1.87, −0.30], p = 0.006) and controlled attenuation parameter indicator (MD = −37.04; 95% CI [−56.78, −17.30], p = 0.0002) in NAFLD patients.

Conclusion:

Based on the current evidence, synbiotic supplementation can improve liver function, adjust lipid metabolism, and reduce the degree of liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD, but these effects need to be confirmed by further studies.
Instrumental dead space and proximal working channel connector design in flexible ureteroscopy: a new concept
Authors: Kwok Jia-Lun , De Coninck Vincent , Pietropaolo Amelia , Juliebø-Jones Patrick , Ventimiglia Eugenio , Tailly Thomas , Alexander Schmid Florian , Hunziker Manuela , Poyet Cédric , Traxer Olivier , Eberli Daniel , Keller Etienne Xavier
Published: June 2023

Objective:

The objective of this study was to evaluate a new concept in flexible ureteroscopy: instrumental dead space (IDS). For this purpose, various proximal working channel connector designs, as well as the impact of ancillary devices occupying the working channel were evaluated in currently available flexible ureteroscopes.

Design and methods:

IDS was defined as the volume of saline irrigation needed to inject at the proximal connector for delivery at the distal working channel tip. Because IDS is related to working channel diameter and length, proximal connector design, as well as occupation of working channel by ancillary devices, these parameters were also reviewed.

Results:

IDS significantly varied between flexible ureteroscope models, ranging from 1.1 ml for the Pusen bare scopes, to 2.3 ml for Olympus scopes with their 4-way connector ( p < 0.001). Proximal connector designs showed a high degree of variability in the number of available Luer locks, valves, seals, angles, and rotative characteristics. The measured length of the working channel of bare scopes ranged between 739 and 854 mm and significantly correlated with measured IDS ( R2 = 0.82, p < 0.001). The coupling of scopes with an alternative ancillary proximal connector and the insertion of ancillary devices into the working channel significantly reduced IDS (mean IDS reduction of 0.1 to 0.5 ml; p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

IDS appears as a new parameter that should be considered for future applications of flexible ureteroscopes. A low IDS seems desirable for several clinical applications. The main factors impacting IDS are working channel and proximal connector design, as well as ancillary devices inserted into the working channel. Future studies should clarify how reducing IDS may affect irrigation flow, intrarenal pressure, and direct in-scope suction, as well as evaluate the most desirable proximal connector design properties.
The Effects of the Levels of Hypoxia in the Olfactory Nervous System in Mouse Model
Authors: Kim Boo-Young , Park Ju Yeon , Bae Jung Ho
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Intermittent hypoxia (IH) results in low-grade inflammation, sympathetic overactivity, and oxidative stress. However, the specific effects of IH on olfaction have not yet been directly assessed and remain unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic effects of IH exposure on the mouse olfactory epithelium and the relationship between the concentration of hypoxia and the degree of destruction of the olfactory system.

Methods

Thirty mice were randomly divided into six groups: control (room air for 4 weeks), recovery control (room air for 5 weeks), IH 5% oxygen concentration, IH 7% oxygen concentration, recovery 5% hypoxia, and recovery 7% hypoxia groups. Mice in the two hypoxia groups were exposed to 5% and 7% oxygen for 4 weeks. Mice in the two recovery groups were exposed to room air for 1 week after 4 weeks of hypoxia period.

Results

Based on, the olfactory marker protein ( OMP), Olfr1507, ADCY3, and GNAL were lower, whereas S100b and NGFRAP1 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were higher in the 5% hypoxia group than those in the control group in the olfactory neuroepithelium. In the brain tissue, the changes in RNA analysis for Olfr 1507, OMP, ADCY, and GNAL mRNA were not typical. However, NeuN and GFAP levels were decreased under 5% hypoxia in the brain tissue. In the recovery state, CNPase, S100b and NeuN levels were increased significantly in both the olfactory neuroepithelium and brain tissue in the 5% hypoxia group. The change in RNA activity in PCR was much higher in the 5% hypoxia group than in the 7% hypoxia group.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that IH damages the olfactory neuroepithelium and brain tissue in mouse model. The activity of olfactory marker genes and neurogenesis in the olfactory neuroepithelium were decreased. The levels of oxygen may be affect changes in the olfactory neuroepithelium. The olfactory ensheathing cell may be a major factor in the recovery of the olfactory neuroepithelium.
As clear as mud: Assessing the relationship between proposed pay transparency mechanisms and data protection obligations in EU law
Authors: Hooton Victoria E. , Pearce Henry
Published: June 2023

This article considers the provisions of the EU's proposed pay transparency Directive and comments upon their potential for uncovering and rectifying pay imbalances. We note the necessity of pay transparency measures, for full realisation of the right to equal pay for equal work or work of equal value, given that information access inequality is usually present between employee and employer. Whilst many of the innovations in the proposed provisions are commendable and desirable, we see several obstacles to success in the drafting of the proposed articles. Specifically, regarding the most important transparency provisions—the requirement to report on gender pay gaps, and the right to request and receive comparator pay data—the ease with which concerns over a potential clash with data protection obligations has been dismissed is concerning. In light of the jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the European Union on data protection obligations, and the fallibility of data anonymisation techniques, we predict a tension between these two sets of provisions that has not been entirely precluded by the drafting of the new pay transparency directive.
Can online discussions benefit students’ learning in online courses? Evidence From teaching introduction to microeconomics
Authors: Lin Tin-Chun
Published: June 2023

In this research, we investigated whether online discussions can significantly benefit students’ learning in online courses. We designed an experiment by dividing 129 students who enrolled in four fully online “Introduction to Microeconomics” courses taught by the same instructor into four groups (one control group and three experimental groups). We adopted econometric analysis to investigate the issue. Our empirical evidence demonstrated that online discussions can significantly benefit students’ exam performance in online courses only when instructors are effectively engaged in discussions. Instructors who do not effectively engage in online discussions had a less than significant effect on students’ exam performance even when peer-responses were required. On the other hand, the effect was positive and significant when instructors effectively engaged but the level of significance was weak (at the 10% level of significance) and began with a later exam (Exam 4, out of a total of five exams) rather than the first exam or earlier. Detailed discussions about these phenomena are offered as are several possible reasons for these findings. We recommend significantly increasing weights for online discussions in the final course grade and including exam questions that directly reflect online discussion questions (including serious participation in discussions and requiring that students provide answers to instructors’ follow-up questions). These additions would significantly benefit students’ learning in online courses.
Minorities’ diminished psychedelic returns
Authors: Viña Sean M , Stephens Amanda L
Published: June 2023

Although there is a growing support for the use of psychedelics to improve the health of marginalized groups, there are some critical gaps. First, no empirical studies have examined the effects of psychedelics on Black Americans. Second, there is little research on population effects of psychedelics. Third, little research has tested how cultural set and setting may affect the relationship between psychedelics and health. Specifically, how could economic inequality or the criminal justice system jeopardize the relationship between psychedelics and health for Black people. This study tests race and gender differences in multiple aspects of lifetime classic psychedelic use, specifically drug use, arrest history, economic inequality, and psychological distress. This project uses pooled data of Black and White respondents from the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (2008–2019) ( N = 490,586). The analysis includes a series of logistic and ordinary least square regression models conducted in Stata 17. Results demonstrate that Black people are policed more even though they use less drugs than Whites. Higher class White men are more likely to use psychedelics, while class does not predict use among Black people. Finally, for White men and women, the positive association of psychedelics are enhanced by class, while the negative effect of arrest history on health are buffered by psychedelics. However, Black people do not gain health benefits from psychedelics regardless of class or arrest history. Results suggest that systemic inequality deters use and eliminates all health benefits of psychedelics for Black people.
Development and Validation of a Predictive Risk Algorithm for Bleeding in Individuals on Long-term Hemodialysis: An International Prospective Cohort Study (BLEED-HD)
Authors: Madken Mohit , Mallick Ranjeeta , Rhodes Emily , Mahdavi Roshanak , Bader Eddeen Anan , Hundemer Gregory L. , Kelly Dearbhla M. , Karaboyas Angelo , Robinson Bruce , Bieber Brian , Molnar Amber O. , Badve Sunil V. , Tanuseputro Peter , Knoll Gregory , Sood Manish M.
Published: June 2023

Background:

Individuals with kidney disease are at a high risk of bleeding and as such tools that identify those at highest risk may aid mitigation strategies.

Objective:

We set out to develop and validate a prediction equation (BLEED-HD) to identify patients on maintenance hemodialysis at high risk of bleeding.

Design:

International prospective cohort study (development); retrospective cohort study (validation).

Settings:

Development: 15 countries (Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study [DOPPS] phase 2-6 from 2002 to 2018); Validation: Ontario, Canada.

Patients:

Development: 53 147 patients; Validation: 19 318 patients.

Measurements:

Hospitalization for a bleeding event.

Methods:

Cox proportional hazards models.

Results:

Among the DOPPS cohort (mean age, 63.7 years; female, 39.7%), a bleeding event occurred in 2773 patients (5.2%, event rate 32 per 1000 person-years), with a median follow-up of 1.6 (interquartile range [IQR], 0.9-2.1) years. BLEED-HD included 6 variables: age, sex, country, previous gastrointestinal bleeding, prosthetic heart valve, and vitamin K antagonist use. The observed 3-year probability of bleeding by deciles of risk ranged from 2.2% to 10.8%. Model discrimination was low to moderate (c-statistic = 0.65) with excellent calibration (Brier score range = 0.036-0.095). Discrimination and calibration of BLEED-HD were similar in an external validation of 19 318 patients from Ontario, Canada. Compared to existing bleeding scores, BLEED-HD demonstrated better discrimination and calibration (c-statistic: HEMORRHAGE = 0.59, HAS-BLED = 0.59, and ATRIA = 0.57, c-stat difference, net reclassification index [NRI], and integrated discrimination index [IDI] all P value <.0001).

Limitations:

Dialysis procedure anticoagulation was not available; validation cohort was considerably older than the development cohort.

Conclusion:

In patients on maintenance hemodialysis, BLEED-HD is a simple risk equation that may be more applicable than existing risk tools in predicting the risk of bleeding in this high-risk population.
To chat or bot to chat: Ethical issues with using chatbots in mental health
Authors: Coghlan Simon , Leins Kobi , Sheldrick Susie , Cheong Marc , Gooding Piers , D'Alfonso Simon
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a critical review of key ethical issues raised by the emergence of mental health chatbots. Chatbots use varying degrees of artificial intelligence and are increasingly deployed in many different domains including mental health. The technology may sometimes be beneficial, such as when it promotes access to mental health information and services. Yet, chatbots raise a variety of ethical concerns that are often magnified in people experiencing mental ill-health. These ethical challenges need to be appreciated and addressed throughout the technology pipeline. After identifying and examining four important ethical issues by means of a recognised ethical framework comprised of five key principles, the paper offers recommendations to guide chatbot designers, purveyers, researchers and mental health practitioners in the ethical creation and deployment of chatbots for mental health.
Patients, carers and healthcare providers’ perspectives on a patient-owned surveillance system for diabetic foot ulcer care: A qualitative study
Authors: Lo Zhiwen Joseph , Chong Bryan , Tan Elaine , Ooi Desmond , Liew Huiling , Hoi Wai Han , Cho Yuan Teng , Wu Kyle , Surendra Naren Kumar , Mammadova Maleyka , Nah Audrey , Goh Victor , Car Josip
Published: June 2023

Objective

Digital health has recently gained a foothold in monitoring and improving diabetes care. We aim to explore the views of patients, carers and healthcare providers (HCPs) regarding the use of a novel patient-owned wound surveillance application as part of outpatient management of patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).

Methods

Semi-structured online interviews were conducted with patients, carers and HCPs in wound care for DFUs. The participants were recruited from a primary care polyclinic network and two tertiary hospitals in Singapore, within the same healthcare cluster. Purposive maximum variation sampling was used to select participants with differing attributes to ensure heterogeneity. Common themes relating to the wound imaging app were captured.

Results

A total of 20 patients, 5 carers and 20 HCPs participated in the qualitative study. None of the participants have used a wound imaging app before. Regarding a patient-owned wound surveillance app, all were open and receptive to the system and workflow for use in DFU care. Four major themes emerged from patients and carers: (1) technology, (2) application features and usability, (3) feasibility of using the wound imaging application and (4) logistics of care. Four major themes were identified from HCPs: (1) attitudes towards wound imaging app, (2) preferences regarding functionality, (3) perceived challenges for patients/carers and (4) perceived barriers for HCPs.

Conclusion

Our study highlighted several barriers and facilitators from patients, carers and HCPs regarding the use of a patient-owned wound surveillance app. These findings demonstrate the potential of digital health and areas to improve and tailor a DFU wound app suitable for implementation in the local population.
Using a virtual reality power mobility device simulator to assess the driving skills of people with brain diseases
Authors: Kwon Namwoo , Lim Myung Joon , Hong Ilki , Kim Hyoung Seop
Published: June 2023

Introduction

No previous study has explored the effectiveness of current prescription standards for evaluating power mobility device (PMD) maneuverability. To verify the current prescription standards for PMDs using a virtual reality (VR)-based PMD simulator and to present the possibility of using a VR-based PMD simulator as an alternative to current evaluation standards.

Methods

A total of 52 patients with brain diseases were enrolled. All participants were over 18 years old and had gait disturbance or limited outdoor walking ability. Participants performed a driving ability test using a VR PMD simulator.

Results

The driving ability test using the VR PMD simulator indicated that cognitive impairment, measured by the K-MMSE ( p = 0.017), and unilateral neglect, measured by line bisection ( p = 0.031), led to reduced driving ability and safety. In addition, patients with cognitive impairment or neglect presented driving stability problems, which were observed in the driving trajectory. There was also no correlation between driving scores and MBI subitems.

Conclusion

In patients with brain lesions, a driving ability test using a VR PMD simulator can be a safe, objective method for comprehensively evaluating a driver’s capacity, offering an alternative to the current prescription standards for PMDs.
Factors Associated With COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance Among Patients Receiving Care at a Federally Qualified Health Center
Authors: Lalika Mathias , Woods Cynthia , Patel Aarti , Scott Christopher , Lee Alexander , Weis Jennifer , Jones Clarence , Abbenyi Adeline , Brockman Tabetha A. , Sia Irene G. , White Richard O. , Doubeni Chyke A. , Brewer LaPrincess C.
Published: June 2023

Background:

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in the United States is high, with at least 63 million unvaccinated individuals to date. Socioeconomically disadvantaged populations experience lower COVID-19 vaccination rates despite facing a disproportionate COVID-19 burden.

Objective:

To assess the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among under-resourced, adult patients.

Methods:

Participants were patients receiving care at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in St. Paul, Minnesota. Data were collected via multiple modes over 2 phases in 2020 (self-administered electronic survey) and 2021 (study team-administered survey by telephone, self-administered written survey) to promote diversity and inclusion for study participation. The primary outcome was COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Using logistic regression analysis, associations between vaccine acceptance and factors including risk perception, concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine, social determinants of health (SDOH), co-morbidities, pandemic-induced hardships, and stress were assessed by adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results:

One hundred sixty-eight patients (62.5% female; mean age [SD]: 49.9 [17.4] years; 32% <$20 000 annual household income; 69% <college education) were included in the study. Sixty-one percent of the patients received or were willing to receive the vaccine. Risk perception was positively associated with vaccine acceptance (AOR: 5.3; 95% CI: 2.5, 11.5, P < .001), while concerns about the vaccine (eg, safety, side effects, rapid development of the vaccine, etc.) were negatively associated with vaccine acceptance (all P < .001). SDOH, co-morbidities, pandemic-induced hardships were not associated with vaccine acceptance.

Conclusions:

Our study in a socioeconomically disadvantaged population suggests that risk perception is associated with an increased likelihood of vaccine acceptance, while concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine are associated with a lower likelihood of vaccine acceptance. As these factors could impact vaccine uptake, consistent, innovative, and context-specific risk communication strategies may improve vaccine coverage in this population.
Experience of Violence and Non-Electoral Political Participation Among Nigerians
Authors: Dim Eugene Emeka
Published: June 2023

Most studies on political participation suggest that social capital is an important factor for individuals to express their political agency. This study provides another perspective—the violence perspective. There has been a debate about the direction of the association between violence and political participation, and most of these studies have focused on electoral participation and civic engagement. This study seeks to examine how the experience of non-domestic violence (NDV) are associated with non-electoral political participation (NEP) in Nigeria. Using the seventh round of the Nigerian Afrobarometer dataset, findings from the study show that individuals who experienced NDV were more likely to be active in non-electoral political activities. The findings of this study have broader implications for the importance of the norms and values that inform engagement in the political realm, especially in developing countries.
Factors affecting shift work sleep disorder in female shift work nurses: Integrating shift workers’ coping with stress and transactional stress coping theory
Authors: Setyowati Anggi , Yusuf Ah. , Agianto  , Yunitasari Esti , Firdaus Syamsul
Published: June 2023

Background:

Nurses have to work different and often irregular shifts to provide care. This puts nurses at health risks, such as sleep impairment.

Design and methods:

The aim of this study was to test the comprehensive conceptual framework for predicting shift work sleep disorder of female nurses, we used a structural equation model analysis based on shift worker’s coping and transactional stress coping theory. This study used a cross-sectional design. We collected the data from three public hospitals and three private hospitals in South Kalimantan, Indonesia, with a total sample of 201 female shift work nurses. Data were collected from February to April 2020. We were also granted permission by the director and the head nurse of these hospitals. After obtaining the informed consent forms, we distributed the online self-report questionnaire using Google Forms. Demographic data were evaluated using descriptive statistical analysis. We used a structural equation model analysis to test the comprehensive conceptual framework for predicting shift work sleep disorder of female shift work nurses.

Results:

The model’s effectiveness in predicting factors contributing to shift work sleep disorder was confirmed by the good statistical fit indicated by the comparative fit index, root-mean-square error of approximation, incremental fit index, and Tucker Lewis Index.

Conclusions:

This study provides evidences that workload and interpersonal conflict contribute to occupational stress. Workload, interpersonal conflict, and the biological sleep clock influences shift work sleep disorder through mediators of coping strategies and stress.
Efficacy of ozonated water as a PS in photodynamic therapy: A tool for dental caries management? An in vitro study
Authors: Casu Cinzia , Orrù Germano , Fais Sara , Mazur Marta , Grassi Roberta , Grassi Roberto Felice , Nardi Gianna Maria
Published: June 2023

Background:

The most prevalent noncommunicable disease in the world is dental caries; and when it is not adequately treated, it is usually associated with tooth loss or severe dental lesions. In fact, expensive care or tooth extraction may be necessary due to the negative effects dental caries have on general health. This is due to its frequent pain and secondary bacterial infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the activity of ozonated water as such and in combination with appropriate light radiation so as to perform a photodynamic treatment (PDT) against the cariogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans.

Design and methods:

This work has been performed in vitro by using an S. mutans strain mainly structured in a biofilm status, reproducing the natural condition of the tooth infection. The ozone was tested at three different concentrations by using a commercial device able to generate different O3 formulations in water. The PDT treatment requires an appropriate light wavelength, evaluated in this work through the UV-Vis adsorption spectrum of the ozonated water.

Results:

The obtained results suggested an effective and synergic property of O3 and light at 460–470 nm against this microorganism. The most antibiofilm activity was observed using a concentration of ozone of 0.06 mg/L alone as well as with PDT treatment.

Conclusions:

The results are encouraging for additional research and in vitro/in vivo fresh experimental investigations to perform an exhaustive antimicrobial treatment protocol against the S. mutans tooth infection.
Reputation as Articulation: Alliance Building of Career Politicians in the Jim Crow South
Authors: Fine Gary Alan , Whitlinger Claire
Published: June 2023

Studies of political articulation focus overwhelmingly on the role of parties in constructing political identities and group interests, relying on inter-party competition, given a sharp partisan divide. However, where party identification is less salient, local politicians forge alliances from disparate constituencies, cultivating varying political reputations that personify the concerns of distinct groups. By examining Alabama politics in the 1920s, focusing on the dramatically different relations with the Ku Klux Klan and business elites of Alabama’s three senators, we address how politicians generate supportive alliances in the absence of party competition. To this end, we extend articulation theories by examining how political actors—and not only their parties—cultivate support by presenting the concerns of local publics through their electoral persona. Drawing on archival material, we explore how Senators Oscar Underwood, J. Thomas Heflin, and Hugo Black came to represent key interest groups, forging distinct paths to electoral success. An exclusive focus on parties overlooks politicians’ reputation-building as a mechanism of political articulation.
Classroom Segregation without Tracking: Chance, Legitimacy, and Myth in “Racial Paradise”
Authors: Leung-Gagné Josh
Published: June 2023

Though schools do not track in Brazil, I find that racial classroom segregation in Brazil is on par with recent estimates from North Carolina high schools (Clotfelter et al., 2020). How does racial classroom segregation occur without tracking, and in a supposed “racial paradise,” no less? Using national, student-level data spanning from 2011 to 2017, I describe racial classroom segregation among Brazilian 5th and 9th graders and assess potential mechanisms identified in the literature. The findings are consistent with segregation by chance in which (1) schools initially segregate students by using effectively random classrooms assignment practices and (2) schools choose to move forward with these initial assignments, even when they are highly segregating, rather than make race-conscious adjustments. This is consistent with the myth of racial democracy, a prominent colorblind ideology in Brazil that promotes the legitimacy of de facto racial segregation and undermines the legitimacy of race-conscious desegregation.
The Irony of Accountability: How a Performance-Inducing Policy Reduces Motivation to Perform
Authors: Trinidad Jose Eos
Published: June 2023

Although sociological and organizational studies have focused on the influence of quantification on behavior, the author focuses on quantification’s increasingly important consequences on well-being and motivation. Using the case of U.S. education, which has long relied on accountability policies, the author finds that attendance at schools with high-stakes accountability predicted lower student self-efficacy, that is, decreased task motivation and resilience as well as increased fear of failure—salient for low-income, urban, and public schools. These associations, however, did not spill over to social and life satisfaction dimensions of well-being. Taken together, these findings suggest the irony of accountability, where data used to induce performance may unintentionally reduce people’s motivation to perform, particularly consequential in disadvantaged contexts. This article is an attempt to contribute to a broader theorization of quantification, affecting not only external behaviors and organizational structures but also internal personal dispositions. Finally, the article provides implications for the study of well-being, organizations, and education policy.
Chinese Missionaries in Cross-Cultural Overseas Mission: Emergence of a New Missionary Nation?
Authors: Brandner Tobias
Published: June 2023

This article traces the emergence of Chinese Christians’ participation in cross-cultural overseas mission. It shows how Chinese Christians emerge as a significant new force in world mission and how they navigate their path between China’s growing economic clout and repressive religious policies at home and in most of their targeted destinations. Based on contacts with Chinese missionaries and mission trainers and facilitators, it identifies different groups engaged in mission and analyzes motives in the Chinese missionary endeavors and how the presence of Chinese Christian missionaries adds a different layer to the complexities of Chinese overseas activities.
An Asian Integral Ecological Theology: Pope Francis’s Teaching in Dialogue with Asian Religions
Authors: Phan Peter C.
Published: June 2023

This article presents Pope Francis’s ecological theology, especially as presented in his Laudato Si’ and Querida Amazonia, and places it in dialogue with the ecological thought in Buddhism and Daoism. It begins by placing Pope Francis’s teaching in the environmental context of Asia. It then compares it with the statements on ecology by the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, especially regarding what Francis terms “the globalization of the technocratic paradigm” and the “excessive anthropocentrism.” The article then relates these two critiques to the Buddhist concept of interdependent origination, especially as presented by the Vietnamese Buddhist Thich Nhat Hanh, and the Daoist concepts of de, dao, wuwei, and ziran. It ends by showing where Pope Francis’s ecological theology could be expanded by addressing the population issue, the theology of the “Cosmic Christ,” and an evolution-based theology of creation. The substance of this article was presented during the twenty-second Louis Luzbetak Lecture on Mission and Culture at Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, on October 18, 2021 (watch the video at https://learn.ctu.edu/2021-luzbetak-lecture ). The author is grateful to its organizers for the opportunity to discuss Laudato Si’.
The Missional Implications of the Theology of H. Richard Niebuhr
Authors: Park Joon-Sik
Published: June 2023

The significance of the work of H. Richard Niebuhr for the field of mission studies has not yet been fully explored. Yet, as Edward Poitras put it, his “theological perspective throughout most of his career contained an implicit missionary dynamic.” This article argues that Niebuhr’s lifelong reflections on God’s sovereignty, the paradoxical and dialectical relationship between the church and the world, and the concept of conversion as a continuing, ever-renewed process have profound implications for missiological thinking today. It looks into, inter alia, Niebuhr’s influence on the International Missionary Conference at Willingen in 1952 and examines his essay “An Attempt at a Theological Analysis of Missionary Motivation,” one of his few writings of direct relevance to missional practice.
Prediction of response to thrombolysis in acute stroke using neural network analysis of CT perfusion imaging
Authors: Chen Yutong , Tozer Daniel J , Liu Weiran , Peake Edward J , Markus Hugh S
Published: June 2023

Background:

In ischaemic stroke patients undergoing reperfusion therapy, the amount of salvageable tissue, that is, extent of the ischaemic penumbra, predicts the clinical outcomes. CT perfusion (CTP) enables quantification of penumbral tissues to guide decision making, and current programmes have automated its analysis. More advanced machine learning techniques utilising the CTP maps may improve prediction beyond the ischaemic volume measures.

Method:

We determined whether applying convolutional neural networks (CNN), a key machine learning technique in modelling image-label relationships, to post-processed CTP maps improved prediction of outcome, assessed by 3 months modified Rankin scale (mRS). Patients who underwent thrombolysis but not thrombectomy were included. CTP maps of a retrospective cohort of 230 patients with middle cerebral artery stroke were used to develop the model, which was validated in an independent cohort of 129 patients.

Results:

We constructed a CNN model that predicted a favourable post-thrombolysis outcome (mRS 0–2 at 3 months) with an area under receiver-operator characteristics curve (AUC) of 0.792 (95% CI, 0.707–0.877). This model outperformed a currently clinically used MISTAR software using previously validated thresholds (AUC = 0.583, 95% CI, 0.480–0.686) and a model modified using thresholds from the derivation cohort (AUC = 0.670, 95% CI, 0.571–0.769). By combining CNN-derived features and baseline demographic features, the prediction AUC was improved to 0.865 (95% CI, 0.794–0.936).

Conclusion:

CNN improved prediction of post-thrombolysis outcome, and may be useful in selecting which patients benefit from thrombolysis.
Reflections on Care Experiences Among Early, Middle, and Late Adolescents in Residential Care
Authors: Boel-Studt Shamra , Dowdy-Hazlett Taylor
Published: June 2023

Although most youth served in residential group care are adolescents, empirical theories indicate that youth needs vary at different stages of adolescent development. These differences likely impact adolescents’ experiences and, ultimately, responses to treatment; a neglected research topic that may have implications for residential placement and services. This study explored youth experiences in residential care at different stages of adolescence. A descriptive qualitative content analysis from a sample of 103 youths was used to classify open-ended text into categories among early, middle, and late adolescents. Comments showed similarities and differences across developmental stages in six categories—general views on placement, relationships, needs and supports, safety, autonomy and control, and growth and development. Youth in late adolescents were more contemplative about their time in residential care, with comments reflecting a need for more autonomy, while expressing how residential care has helped with future endeavors and goal planning. Middle and early adolescents’ experiences were more varied. Early adolescents focused on relationships outside of care and discussed support needs differently, compared to middle and late adolescents. Our findings suggest that experiences in residential placements differ in important ways across stages of adolescent development.
The transcriptomic landscape of normal and ineffective erythropoiesis at single-cell resolution
Authors: Doty Raymond T. , Lausted Christopher G. , Munday Adam D. , Yang Zhantao , Yan Xiaowei , Meng Changting , Tian Qiang , Abkowitz Janis L.
Published: June 2023

The anemias of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and Diamond Blackfan anemia (DBA) are generally macrocytic and always reflect ineffective erythropoiesis yet result from diverse genetic mutations. To delineate shared mechanisms that lead to cell death, we studied the fate of single erythroid marrow cells from individuals with DBA or MDS-5q. We defined an unhealthy (vs healthy) differentiation trajectory using transcriptional pseudotime and cell surface proteins. The pseudotime trajectories diverge immediately after cells upregulate transferrin receptor (CD71), import iron, and initiate heme synthesis, although cell death occurs much later. Cells destined to die express high levels of heme-responsive genes, including ribosomal protein and globin genes, whereas surviving cells downregulate heme synthesis and upregulate DNA damage response, hypoxia, and HIF1 pathways. Surprisingly, 24% ± 12% of cells from control subjects follow the unhealthy trajectory, implying that heme might serve as a rheostat directing cells to live or die. When heme synthesis was inhibited with succinylacetone, more DBA cells followed the healthy trajectory and survived. We also noted high numbers of messages with retained introns that increased as erythroid cells matured, confirmed the rapid cycling of colony forming unit–erythroid, and demonstrated that cell cycle timing is an invariant property of differentiation stage. Including unspliced RNA in pseudotime determinations allowed us to reliably align independent data sets and accurately query stage-specific transcriptomic changes. MDS-5q (unlike DBA) results from somatic mutation, so many normal (unmutated) erythroid cells persist. By independently tracking erythroid differentiation of cells with and without chromosome 5q deletions, we gained insight into why 5q+ cells cannot expand to prevent anemia.
Identification of ORM1, vWF, SPARC, and PPBP as immune-related proteins involved in immune thrombocytopenia by quantitative LC-MS/MS
Authors: Yin Dong-mei , Yuan Dai , Sun Rui-jie , Xu Hong-zhi , Hun Shou-yong , Sui Xiao-hui , Shan Ning-ning
Published: June 2023

Background

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a common autoimmune disease characterized by loss of immune tolerance to platelet autoantigens leading to excessive destruction and insufficient production of platelets.

Method

Quantitative liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was performed to detect the differentially expressed proteins in bone marrow samples from active ITP patients and normal controls.

Result

Our bioinformatic analysis identified two upregulated proteins (ORM1 and vWF) and two downregulated proteins (PPBP and SPARC) related to immune function. The four proteins were all found to be related to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -α signalling pathway and involved in the pathogenesis of ITP in KEGG pathway analysis.

Conclusion

Bioinformatics analysis identified differentially expressed proteins in bone marrow that are involved in the TNF-α signalling pathway and are related to the activation of immune function in ITP patients. These findings could provide new ideas for research on the loss of immune tolerance in ITP patients.
Brazilian teachers’ views and experiences regarding teaching biodiversity in an evolutionary and phylogenetic approach
Authors: Araujo Leonardo Augusto Luvison , Santana Carolina Maria Boccuzzi , Franzolin Fernanda
Published: June 2023

Background

The centrality of evolution to the biological sciences is recognized by many authors. Given the importance of evolution to biology, we intend to understand if, and how, science and biology teachers teach about biodiversity from an evolutionary perspective. In the first part of the research (Study 1), teachers from all geographic regions of Brazil (n = 147) answered a questionnaire containing both open-ended and Likert scale items in order to compare biodiversity-related contents to evolution. Considering the results obtained, a second study sought to analyze what challenges and possibilities Brazilian teachers who were enrolled in a continuing professional development course find in their classroom practices and the teaching materials they use when approaching cladograms while teaching about the diversity of organisms, as well as the experiences they had with cladograms during their education. These teachers responded to open-ended questionnaires concerning their experiences when learning and teaching about cladograms.

Results

Findings in Study 1 revealed that the concepts with the least emphasis among teachers were those related to macroevolution and phylogenetics. We found in Study 2 that teachers recognize cladograms as an important biological representation. In general, they approach it in biology and science classes, but often not relating it to topics concerning biodiversity. Teachers reported using multiple resources for teaching about cladograms, but textbooks were the most used teaching material. However, teachers reported that textbooks do not approach the theme sufficiently enough and mentioned it as a challenge. They also reported learning about phylogenetic content during teacher education but did not discuss aspects regarding teaching about cladograms.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that it is important that teacher education courses and new teaching materials consider the importance of cladograms and the specificities of phylogenetics within the teaching context.