bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Workers with few hours – who secures their social rights? – The role of social dialogue and collective bargaining
Authors: Larsen Trine Pernille , Ilsøe Anna
Published: October 2024

This special issue looks at the contributions of social dialogue and collective bargaining to creating, maintaining or reducing the risks associated with employment contracts of few hours, such as marginal part-time work, temporary agency work and zero-hour contracts. It additionally considers changes in welfare institutions with regard to the protection of these groups of workers. In this paper, we introduce the arguments on why and how working in marginal part-time jobs involves vulnerability, and on the differential roles collective bargaining and social protection may have on these jobs, depending in particular on which status (employees, workers or self-employed) they are associated to.
YTHDC1 Mitigates Apoptosis in Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells by Inhibiting NfƙBiα and Augmenting Cardiac Function Following Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Han Weiyu , Xiong Weidong , Sun Weixing , Liu Weiwei , Zhang Yu , Li Chaofu , Gu Ning , Shen Youcheng , Qiu Zhimei , Li Chaozhong , Zhao Yongchao , Zhao Ranzun
Published: October 2024

The therapeutic efficacy of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in myocardial infarction (MI) is hindered by poor cell survival. This study explored the role of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) regulation, specifically YTHDC1, in improving BMSC transplantation for MI. By screening m6A-related regulators in hypoxia and serum deprivation (HSD)-induced BMSC apoptosis, YTHDC1 was found to be downregulated. Overexpression of Ythdc1 in BMSCs reduced apoptosis markers, reactive oxygen species (ROS) release, and improved cell survival under HSD conditions. Conversely, Ythdc1 knockdown enhanced apoptosis. In rat MI models, transplantation of Ythdc1-overexpressing BMSCs improved cardiac function and reduced myocardial fibrosis. Mechanistically, YTHDC1 interacts with nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) inhibitor-alpha mRNA, suggesting its involvement in BMSC survival pathways. This study identifies YTHDC1 as a potential target to enhance BMSC efficacy in MI therapy.
Health Professions Students’ Reflections About Principles of Interprofessional Collaboration after Shadowing Interprofessional Palliative Care Rounds
Authors: Kates Jeannette , Brown Ceasia , Campolieto Jenna , Brucato Maria
Published: October 2024

Future healthcare professionals are educated on collaborative practice methods through interventions that may include shadowing. While shadowing allows students to learn from and about other health professions, it often fails to offer an opportunity for the student to work and collaborate with other health professionals. This study sought to investigate themes regarding interprofessional students’ experiences during a palliative care shadowing activity and their understanding of collaborative patient-centered care, social determinants of health, and health disparities. Twenty-eight students representing 13 health professions from the Interprofessional Palliative Care program at Jefferson Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education at Thomas Jefferson University submitted reflection essays at the conclusion of their shadowing experience. Four hundred ninety-eight sentences from 28 essays were analyzed via qualitative directed content analysis. Coding categories were determined a priori using definitions of collaborative practice from the 2023 Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) competencies and definitions of social determinants of health from Healthy People 2030. Thirty-two percent of sentences described IPEC competencies, 18% described social determinants of health/ health disparities, 4% included student emotional reactions, and 2% included student descriptions of the development of their professional role. These results suggest that shadowing offers an opportunity to identify and learn interprofessional competencies in interprofessional palliative care curricula, as made evident through student reflection assignments.
Using the SEIPS Model to Assess a Maternal Hemorrhage Risk Alert Tool
Authors: Hale-Lopez Kaitlyn L. , Verma Neelam , Chakravarthy Shruti , Handler Jonathan , Ebert-Allen Rebecca , Bond William F. , Wooldridge Abigail R.
Published: October 2024

Deaths resulting from maternal hemorrhage (MH), for example, excessive blood loss related to childbirth, are preventable if the hemorrhage is identified in a timely manner. One approach to support timely identification is the use of alerts. However, alerts with low utility have negative, unanticipated consequences for both clinician and patient outcomes. This study has two objectives: (1) use the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety model to describe how the MH risk alert tool is used in the care process, and (2) evaluate the utility of the MH risk alert tool from the perspective of the care team. We performed observations to understand the care process and fielded a survey to evaluate the alarm utility. Our results showed that the MH risk alert tool is used throughout the care process, both antepartum and postpartum. Additionally, our results showed that workflow integration, usefulness, and trustworthiness of the alert need to be improved.
How ADHD Self-Report Scale Scores Predict Vigilance Task Performance
Authors: Diaz Yazmin V. , Hancock P. A.
Published: October 2024

As technology advances, the integration of automation into human-machine systems is increasing and humans are more frequently assuming the role of monitor. Unfortunately, humans are poor monitors and struggle to sustain attention. This struggle is often greater for individuals with ADHD. As a result, they tend to exhibit impaired performance on vigilance tasks compared to their counterparts. Prior research has proposed that ADHD is more prevalent in the general population, with many going undiagnosed. The present study conducted several exploratory analyses to determine how differences in ADHD-like symptom manifestation predict vigilance task performance. The results provide evidence for a predictive relationship between impulsive scores and detection accuracy as well as inattention scores and response time on a cognitive vigil. This suggests that various dimensions of attention may influence performance on different measures. Such differences should be considered when assigning monitoring roles to operators.
Clinical features of tularemia in cats: a retrospective study from 2000 to 2021
Authors: Nikpour Hoda , Hung Chien-Che , Lanka Saraswathi , Barger Anne M , Reinhart Jennifer M
Published: October 2024

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to describe the clinical features of cats diagnosed with tularemia, and to compare the clinical features of cats with and without tularemia and identify characteristics increasing the likelihood of a tularemia diagnosis.

Methods

Diagnostic laboratory data and medical records were retrospectively reviewed of cats tested for tularemia between 2000 and 2021. Clinical features including signalment, presenting complaint(s), physical examination findings and clinicopathologic data were described for cats with tularemia diagnosed by culture and/or PCR. Clinical features were also compared between PCR+ vs PCR− cats and logistic regression was used to identify features that predicted PCR+ status.

Results

A total of 18 cats were diagnosed with tularemia. The affected cats had a mean age of 5.8 ± 4.9 years, with a slight male predominance. Most were domestic shorthair cats and had outdoor access. Common presenting complaints included lethargy and anorexia, while physical examination findings frequently revealed fever, peripheral lymphadenomegaly and oral ulcers. Laboratory findings varied, with notable abnormalities including neutrophilic inflammation observed on cytology and widespread acute systemic pathologic changes in necropsy results. Leukopenia and neutropenia were more common in PCR+ vs PCR− cats, and these factors were 7.4 times (confidence interval [CI] 1.2–62.3) and 10.0 times (CI 1.4–83.2) more likely to occur in PCR+ vs PCR− cats, respectively. There were no significant differences between the groups in other parameters including anemia, thrombocytopenia, band neutrophilia and hyperbilirubinemia.

Conclusions and relevance

This study provides a more comprehensive description of tularemia in cats than has been available to date. In particular, leukopenia and neutropenia are significantly associated with tularemia-positive cats. These clinical features should be considered and raise suspicion for tularemia in cats. These findings may be valuable for the timely diagnosis, treatment and prevention of tularemia outbreaks in cats and humans.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is Associated with Self-Reported Cognitive Function in Adults with HIV
Authors: Belloir Joseph A. , Myers Thomas , Batey Scott , Schnall Rebecca
Published: October 2024

Background: People with HIV (PWH) are at risk of developing HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) despite receiving combination antiretroviral therapy. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been implicated in cognitive function and neuroplasticity, but its role in HIV-related neuroinflammation remains understudied. Methods: This study analyzed data from the CHAMPS study, assessing BDNF serum levels and cognitive function in 140 adults with HIV at baseline. Cognitive function was evaluated using the PROMIS Applied Cognition-Abilities 8-item questionnaire. BDNF levels (pg/ml) were measured using high sensitivity Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay (ELISA) kits. Linear regression analyses were conducted to explore the associations between BDNF levels, cognitive function, and AIDS diagnosis, adjusting for demographic variables. Results: A significant positive association was found between BDNF levels and cognitive function scores in PWH ( p = .03). Additionally, PWH with a history of AIDS diagnosis showed significantly lower BDNF levels ( p = .02). Other demographic factors did not significantly impact cognitive function or BDNF levels in this cohort. Conclusions: Our results highlight the potential of BDNF as a biomarker for cognitive decline in PWH and suggest its relevance in understanding HAND pathophysiology. Further research is warranted to explore the multifaceted interactions influencing cognitive outcomes in this population and to develop targeted interventions for improving cognitive health in PWH.
Debunking the corporate paint shop: Examining the effects of misleading corporate social responsibility claims on social media
Authors: Brugman Britta C , van Huijstee Dian , Droog Ellen
Published: October 2024

Misinformation thrives on social media, prompting much research into social media interventions such as debunks. This paper tests debunking’s effectiveness against an understudied but prominent form of online misinformation: misleading organizational claims of corporate social responsibility, or CSR-washing. British participants ( N = 657) took part in a preregistered experiment with a 2 (debunk: present, absent) x 3 (CSR-washing: greenwashing, bluewashing, purplewashing) between-subjects design. They saw an Instagram ad from a fictional clothing company that showcased its dedication to environmental sustainability, gender equality in the workplace, or the elimination of child labor. Half of the participants then received a debunk. Unlike most previous research which showed continued influence of misinformation after debunking, we found that the debunks were very effective: they reversed the persuasive effects of CSR-washing, resulting in negative brand attitudes and low purchase intentions. Several explanations for this finding are discussed, highlighting CSR-washing’s distinctiveness from many other forms of misinformation.
The experiences of unpaid carers of people living with dementia during the cost-of-living crisis: A reflexive thematic analysis
Authors: Herron Daniel , Kyte Lisa , Clewes Lilli
Published: October 2024

Some carers have reported struggling to manage the additional costs of caring for someone with dementia, which has negatively impacted upon their financial resilience. Since 2021, this has been compounded by the cost-of-living crisis experienced in the United Kingdom. This crisis has been driven by sharp increases in energy prices and the prices of everyday basics such as food. This study aimed to better understand how unpaid carers, supporting and co-habiting with people living with dementia, experience the cost-of-living crisis, and the impact this has on their ability to provide care for the person living with dementia. Eleven carers supporting and co-habiting with people living with dementia in England, took part in two semi-structured interviews approximately 3 months apart between November 2022 and February 2023. All transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Carers reported having to make difficult and sometimes drastic decisions in reaction to the cost-of-living crisis and the uncertainty of future cost-of-living increases, such as using blankets and extra lays of clothing for them and the person living with dementia in place of using the heating system in their home, going without food so their loved one can eat, or even missing social opportunities. Some carers described aspects which they felt mitigated some of the negative impact of the cost-of-living crisis, such as being able to draw upon financial resources or their local authority providing social events which included a heated space with food. The cost-of-living crisis has led to carers having to make difficult decisions which created worry and anxiety. Findings indicate that many carers need financial support, and it would be beneficial for free social events to be organised which provide a heated space and food, where carers and people living with dementia can socialise with others.
A Review of the Effectiveness and Safety of Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis for Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Xiang Sai , Wang Xiaodong
Published: October 2024

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is a major cause of morbidity, mortality, and elevated healthcare costs. Between 20% and 50% of patients with lower extremity deep vein thrombosis will develop an advanced complication called post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) within 2 years. Early mortality rates for DVT and acute high-risk pulmonary embolism are 3.8% and 38.9%, respectively. Additionally, PE is the most common and preventable cause of in-hospital death. Early removal of thrombus and improvement of vascular function can reduce the incidence of serious complications and mortality. Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) involves the placement of a thrombolytic catheter into a venous thrombus, allowing the thrombolytic drug to act directly on the thrombus. Compared to conventional anticoagulation, CDT removes thrombus more rapidly, thereby enhancing venous function in the lower extremities and reducing pulmonary artery pressure. Compared to systemic thrombolytic therapy, CDT is safer, and complications from the procedure are uncommon. However, the risk of bleeding is slightly higher with CDT than with anticoagulation alone. In this review, we will discuss the pathophysiology of VTE and the technical advancements in CDT. We will also examine a selection of notable studies on CDT for the treatment of DVT in the lower extremities and PE in recent years, with the aim of integrating the findings.

Clinical Impact

Catheter-directed thrombolysis reduces the thrombolytic time and dose of thrombolytic drugs without affecting the thrombolytic effect to ensure that bleeding does not occur. This helps clinicians choose safer CDT treatments for their patients. We combine the historical process of catheter-directed thrombolytic therapy for VTE and prospect the future development of CDT.
Behavioral Weight Management Interventions for Hispanic Men in the United States: A Systematic Review
Authors: Flaxman Hana R. , Hernandez Noelia G. , Critelli Brian , Chong Brittney K. , Sadowska Karolina , Pain Kevin , Gonzalez Christopher J.
Published: October 2024

Hispanic men have the highest prevalence of obesity relative to other racial and ethnic subgroups; however, this population is consistently underrepresented in weight management interventions. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of behavioral weight management interventions adapted for Hispanic men and describe their tailoring strategies and efficacy. Six online databases were selected for their abundant collection of high-quality, peer-reviewed literature and searched for studies which evaluated and reported weight outcomes for a cohort of adult (>18 years) Hispanic men. Of 6,508 unique publications screened, 12 interventions met inclusion criteria, the majority of which were published in the past 10 years. Only one study regarding an intervention tailored for Hispanic men was a randomized controlled trial adequately powered to assess a weight-based outcome; the remaining assessed feasibility or utilized quasi-experimental methods. Intervention characteristics and tailoring strategies varied considerably, but content was most frequently based on the Diabetes Prevention Program. Tailoring strategies commonly focused on improving linguistic access and incorporating social or family support. Follow-up varied from 1 month to 30 months and mean change in weight, the most common outcome, ranged from 0.6 to −6.3 kg. Our findings reveal a need for more fully powered randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of interventions systematically tailored specifically for Hispanic men. Although the majority were not fully powered, these interventions showed some efficacy among their small cohorts for short-term weight loss. Future directions include exploring how to tailor goals, concepts, and metaphors included in interventions and comparing individual to group delivery settings.
Variational Bayesian Monte Carlo simulation for rare event assessment
Authors: Lei Jingzhe , Ling Chunyan , Xie Min , Kuo Way
Published: October 2024

Estimating rare events in structural engineering demands intensive computational resources, and the complexity of the performance function poses challenges to accurate probability estimation. To efficiently conduct the structural reliability analysis on rare events, we propose a novel variational Bayesian Monte Carlo (VBMC)-based subset simulation (SS) method. The proposed approach can be divided into two aspects: the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) is first applied to estimate the first-layer unconditional failure probability, then VBMC is employed to estimate subsequent conditional failure probabilities. Finally, the original small failure probability is obtained by the product of the first-layer unconditional failure probability and a series of conditional failure probabilities. The proposed approach inherits the merits of SS as well as VBMC, which converts the tricky rare event estimation into a series of high-frequency event estimations and leverages VBMC instead of the canonical Markov chain to produce the independent and informative next-generation failure-conditional samples. Four case studies, including high-dimensional and discrete state space scenarios, are performed to illustrate the feasibility and generality of the proposed method.
Meningeal Dissemination and Drop Metastasis From Glioma Presenting With Non-Epileptic Myoclonus and Minipolymyoclonus
Authors: Taga Arens , Cheong Ian , Green Kemar E. , Kornberg Michael D.
Published: October 2024

We describe the case of a 36-year-old woman with a past medical history of low grade right frontal lobe glioma and focal epilepsy presenting with subacute, progressive, multifocal myoclonus and neck and back pain. Unlike her typical seizures, the myoclonus exhibited a distinct semiology, involving both positive and negative muscle jerks affecting multiple limb muscles while sparing the face. In addition, neurological examination revealed low-amplitude, arrhythmic movements of the hands and fingers, resembling minipolymyoclonus. There were no other neurological exam findings, including mental status changes, extrapyramidal signs or signs of myelopathy. Brain and spine MRI indicated leptomeningeal and spinal “drop” enhancing lesions, suggesting likely malignant evolution of the glioma. EEG ruled out a cortical origin of the myoclonus. Pharmacological trials with benzodiazepines and other antiepileptic medications were ineffective. The patient’s myoclonus was most likely spinal segmental in origin from meningeal spread of glioma. The spinal roots or anterior horns of the spinal cord may have represented a focus of hyperexcitability responsible for generating minipolymyoclonus. Our case expands the etiological spectrum of non-epileptic myoclonus and minipolymyoclonus to encompass meningeal carcinomatosis and drop metastases from glioma. These cases may occur even without overt signs of myelopathy. Recognizing such presentations holds significance due to the poor prognosis associated with meningeal spread of glioma and the limited response of non-epileptic myoclonus to symptomatic treatments.
It’s Fine If Others Do It Too: Privacy Concerns, Social Influence, and Political Expression on Facebook in Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States
Authors: Hoffmann Christian Pieter , Boulianne Shelley
Published: October 2024

Political expression is a focal point for understanding how digital media have transformed political engagement. Privacy concerns tend to impede online political expression, but this relationship is still poorly understood. Based on the theory of reasoned action, this study focuses on the role of social influence and institutional privacy concerns in political expression on Facebook. We draw on research on the privacy calculus to examine how observing the behavior of Facebook friends moderates the relationship between privacy concerns and online political expression. We use survey data gathered in 2023 from Canada, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States ( n = 5,936). Across all five countries, we find that observing Facebook friends posting political content bolsters political expression on Facebook, as per our preregistered analysis. In all countries except Germany, privacy concerns impede political expression on Facebook. Also, the importance of institutional privacy concerns for political expression depends on the observed posting behavior of Facebook friends. This moderated effect is only observed in three of the five examined countries, however. Our findings offer new insights into the factors that encourage and discourse political expression, particularly on Facebook which is a platform that has been widely criticized for failing to protect its users’ privacy.
Enhancing Employee Assistance Programs for Stress Management in Thailand: Employees’ Perspectives
Authors: Hengboriboon Lakkana , Yukongdi Vimolwan
Published: October 2024

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) are commonly used to manage stress and well-being in organizations in Thailand; however, their utilization rates remain low among employees. This study investigates the factors that influence employees’ utilization of an EAP, focusing on the moderating roles of perceived privacy protection and perceived trust, using the Health Belief Model (HBM). Data were collected by surveying 434 employees from organizations providing EAPs in Thailand. Structural Equation Modelling was employed to analyze the data and test the hypotheses. The findings indicated that employees’ intention to use EAPs was significantly influenced by perceived benefits, cues to action, and privacy protection, whereas self-efficacy had a negative effect. Moreover, perceived privacy protection can strengthen the relationship between self-efficacy and EAP utilization, while it weakens the relationship between cues to action and perceived barriers. Perceived trust further enhances the impact of perceived severity and self-efficacy on EAP utilization. The practical implications for organizations are also discussed.
Invariant (or Not) Reading Strategies Between Languages and Genders
Authors: Chen Fang , Yang Yi , Huang Peiyi , Han Xiaoyu
Published: October 2024

This study explores the similarities and differences in reading strategies applied by students to Chinese versus English reading. 842 students responded to a reading strategy inventory in terms of their habits when reading in Chinese versus in English. The result validates the general structure of a reading strategy inventory originally designed for English. The general scale seemed reasonable for Chinese reading as well as English reading. However, gender differences were found on some items. In addition, there was no statistically significant correlation between strategy use and test scores, which is inconsistent with previous research. Besides, we found a strong correlation between English and classical Chinese reading scores, but not between English and modern Chinese reading. Language as L1 or L2, curriculum and restricted test formats may partly explain the low correlations while social and educational environment can contribute to the high correlation observed. This study also serves as a rare example of a complete cycle of invariance test for ordinal data with a repeated design in Mplus. Implications for research and pedagogy were discussed.
Music Teacher Competences Oriented Toward Inclusive Education: An Analysis of Proposals in the Initial Pre-Service Teacher Training Phase
Authors: del Barrio Luis , Casanova Oscar , Vernia Ana M.
Published: October 2024

Initial pre-service teacher training should include insights and learning that are closely related to classroom practice. In this paper, we analyse the expectations voiced by pre-service teachers studying toward a master’s degree in secondary education as well as by in-service teachers. Both groups participated in a 6-month professional development project focusing on the competences they need as music teachers in order to achieve inclusion in the classroom. Results from interviews and focus groups confirm that music teachers require multidimensional and correlated training that combines and integrates didactic, pedagogical, disciplinary, and transversal competences in their professional practice. Multidimensional correlated training and a critical teaching attitude are essential for teachers to be equipped to rationally address music learning needs and problems in the inclusive classroom. Findings of this exploratory study can be used as guidelines for policy makers and curriculum developers.
Clinical and Radiological Outcomes After Isolated Double-Bundle Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction: A 5-Year Analysis
Authors: Hong Sung-Yup , Kim Seounghyeon , Lee Hyo-Beom , Song Won-Ho , Kim Jeehyoung , Seo Young-Jin , Song Si Young
Published: October 2024

Background:

There are few studies that have examined clinical and radiological outcomes at 5 years after isolated medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. To date, midterm outcomes after isolated double-bundle (DB) MPFL reconstruction are not well known.

Hypothesis:

Isolated DB MPFL reconstruction using a patellar suture anchor technique would lead to improved functional scores and radiological findings, and these improvements would remain stable over the 5-year postoperative period.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Isolated MPFL reconstruction was performed in patients with recurrent patellar instability between March 2013 and February 2017. Clinical and functional evaluations were performed via an interview using the Kujala, Lysholm, and Tegner scores preoperatively and at 6, 12, 24, and 60 months postoperatively. Radiographs were taken preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at 24 and 60 months after surgery. Radiographic assessments included measuring the modified Insall-Salvati ratio, congruence angle, and lateral patellofemoral angle.

Results:

A total of 31 patients (31 knees) underwent isolated MPFL reconstruction; 4 patients did not complete 5-year follow-up, and thus, 27 patients (27 knees) were enrolled in the study. The mean age at the time of surgery was 22.0 ± 6.4 years (range, 14-32 years). All clinical and functional scores significantly improved in the first 2 years ( P < .001), with the mean Kujala, Lysholm, and Tegner scores improving from 52.7 to 90.7, 49.6 to 92.7, and 2.9 to 5.1, respectively. There was no significant difference in scores between 2- and 5-year follow-up. All radiographic parameters significantly improved between preoperatively and immediately postoperatively ( P < .001), with mean values for the modified Insall-Salvati ratio, congruence angle, and lateral patellofemoral angle improving from 1.7° to 1.6°, 5.7° to −6.6°, and 3.0° to 5.9°, respectively. No significant differences were observed in radiographic measurements between the postoperative time points. No patients experienced a patellar redislocation or fracture.

Conclusion:

The prospective analysis of isolated DB MPFL reconstruction at 5-year follow-up showed that clinical and radiological outcomes significantly improved postoperatively and were maintained to 5 years. These midterm results suggest that isolated DB MPFL reconstruction is an effective treatment option for patients with patellar instability.
Family leadership and CSR decoupling: Founder–descendant differences in socioemotional wealth
Authors: Park Sang-Bum
Published: October 2024

Founders of family firms differ from descendants, particularly in terms of affective attachment, cognitive identification, and social concern. This study examines how these generational differences between founder-led and descendant-led family firms affect corporate social responsibility (CSR) decoupling, which is the gap between stated CSR policies on paper and their actual implementation in practice. While decoupling may yield economic benefits by saving on implementation costs if concealed, it can damage socioemotional wealth if revealed. The findings, based on a sample of 3,576 firm-year observations from large firms in the United States, demonstrate that the relationship between family ownership and CSR decoupling is contingent upon family generation. Family ownership decreases CSR decoupling in founder family firms, while it increases CSR decoupling in descendant family firms. It indicates that family firms perceive the benefits and risks of CSR decoupling differently based on the generation of family leaders.

JEL CLASSIFICATION: M14, G32, D22, L25
Development of an Online, Asynchronous Community Engagement Course for Master of Public Health Students: Theoretical and Practical Considerations
Authors: Sneed Rodlescia S. , Habermehl Kayla , Smart Mieka , Key Kent , Currier Connie
Published: October 2024

Community engagement is the cornerstone of public health and should be a central part of graduate education in the field. The growing popularity of online graduate education requires instructors and programs to carefully craft community engagement curricula in new ways that leverage opportunities and mitigate challenges presented by remote learning. This article offers a theoretical and practical roadmap for developing and implementing an effective community engagement course that encompasses both research and practical applications. It offers a review of learning theories that course designers may leverage in their work as well as real-world lessons learned from implementation of such a course in a Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)-accredited program.
3D-printed microfluidic and millifluidic devices for cell culture and mechanotransduction studies: A review
Authors: Santiago Jeromi G. López , Martínez Olga M. Rodríguez , Sundaram Paul A.
Published: October 2024

The practice of conventional cell culture techniques affects the quality of biological research in mechanobiology by not replicating the cell’s microenvironment adequately. Microfluidic devices resembling 3D in vivo cell culture offer viable alternatives for mechanobiology studies and other applications including cell screening, cell separation, and point-of-care diagnostics. This review highlights recent advances in additive manufacturing (AM) to fabricate microfluidic and millifluidic devices through fast design iterations and cost reduction compared with conventional device manufacturing. Key advances in AM technologies such as fused deposition modeling (FDM), stereolithography apparatus (SLA), and digital light processing (DLP) have allowed the direct manufacture of complex microfluidic devices with master molds and sacrificial structures using multiple material components. Currently, available 3D printed devices for the precise fabrication of milli- and microfluidic devices, essential to mimicking the cellular microenvironment, while economically reducing production costs by eliminating expensive clean-room environments and reducing material waste are highlighted.
Incidental Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors in Thoracic and Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Conrad Hope , June Ciara , Hamidi Mohammad , Rizvi Omar , Ghaderi Iman , Worrell Stephanie
Published: October 2024

Background:

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare. This study aims to determine GIST rates in bariatric sleeve gastrectomy (SG) patients and esophageal cancer (EC) patients who receive esophagectomy.

Methods:

Retrospective review of an institution from 01/2022 to 03/2023 was performed. Incidental GIST rate was determined utilizing pathology reports.

Results:

One hundred thirteen patients were included (21% esophagectomy, 79% SG). Of EC patients, 21% had incidental GIST compared to 0 SG patients ( P < .01). All GIST patients had a secondary malignancy and 50% had a tertiary malignancy.

Conclusions:

Esophagectomy patients with EC had a significantly higher rate of incidental GIST compared to bariatric SG patients and general population.
Characteristics and Correlates of Health Information Literacy Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Wu Kailu , Wen Aichun , Jin Pina , Wang Xiaojing , Li Aihua , Dong Huan , Ji Meihua
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to examine the characteristics and the influential effect of individual and social contextual factors on health information literacy among Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes coexisting with metabolic syndrome.

Methods

Following convenience sampling, a total of 225 patients with type 2 diabetes coexisting with metabolic syndrome were recruited from a tertiary hospital in a suburban area of Beijing, China. Participants’ information was gathered through a set of self-reported questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, normality test, correlational analysis, univariate analysis, multiple linear regression, and logistic regression analysis were adopted to examine the potential factors of personal and social contextual resource related to health information literacy based on the health empowerment theory.

Results

The health information literacy in this current sample was limited, with a mean score of 16.83 ± 2.96. Correlational analysis showed that self-management knowledge, attitude, and practice for metabolic syndrome; self-efficacy; health problem-solving; resilience; and chronic illness resources were significantly and positively related to health information literacy. Logistic regression analysis showed that self-management knowledge, health problem-solving, and the chronic illness resources were significantly correlated with health information literacy after controlling covariates.

Conclusions

Overall, the health information literacy among Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes coexisting with metabolic syndrome is suboptimal. Study findings demonstrated that personal and social contextual resources factors are significantly related to health information literacy. Health care professionals should consider strategies to enhance people’s health information literacy level and promote individuals’ health problem-solving, enhance chronic illness resources, and improve self-management knowledge when developing tailored interventions.
Deciphering STAT3’s negative regulation of LHPP in ESCC progression through single-cell transcriptomics analysis
Authors: Chen Yurao , Zheng Zemao , Wang Luoshai , Chen Ronghuai , He Ming , Zhao Xiang , Jin Liyan , Yao Juan
Published: October 2024

Background

Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC) remains a predominant health concern in the world, characterized by high prevalence and mortality rates. Advances in single-cell transcriptomics have revolutionized cancer research by enabling a precise dissection of cellular and molecular diversity within tumors.

Objective

This study aims to elucidate the cellular dynamics and molecular mechanisms in ESCC, focusing on the transcriptional influence of STAT3 (Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3) and its interaction with LHPP, thereby uncovering potential therapeutic targets.

Methods

Single-cell RNA sequencing was employed to analyze 44,206 cells from tumor and adjacent normal tissues of ESCC patients, identifying distinct cell types and their transcriptional shifts. We conducted differential gene expression analysis to assess changes within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Validation of key regulatory interactions was performed using qPCR in a cohort of 21 ESCC patients and further substantiated through experimental assays in ESCC cell lines.

Results

The study revealed critical alterations in cell composition and gene expression across identified cell populations, with a notable shift towards pro-tumorigenic states. A significant regulatory influence of STAT3 on LHPP was discovered, establishing a novel aspect of ESCC pathogenesis. Elevated levels of STAT3 and suppressed LHPP expression were validated in clinical samples. Functional assays confirmed that STAT3 directly represses LHPP at the promoter level, and disruption of this interaction by promoter mutations diminished STAT3's repressive effect.

Conclusion

This investigation underscores the central role of STAT3 as a regulator in ESCC, directly impacting LHPP expression and suggesting a regulatory loop crucial for tumor behavior. The insights gained from our comprehensive cellular and molecular analysis offer a deeper understanding of the dynamics within the ESCC microenvironment. These findings pave the way for targeted therapeutic interventions focusing on the STAT3-LHPP axis, providing a strategic approach to improve ESCC management and prognosis.
Academic orientation and alcohol-related harm among adolescents
Authors: Thor Siri , Landberg Jonas , Karlsson Patrik , Gripe Isabella
Published: October 2024

Background

This study aimed to examine the social gradient in self-reported alcohol-related harm (ARH) among young alcohol consumers by including a largely overlooked group of adolescents. We also explored the extent to which such a gradient could be attributed to differential exposure or differential vulnerability to risk factors.

Method

Cross-sectional survey of upper-secondary students (n = 2996) in Sweden. Negative binomial regressions estimated the relationship between academic orientation (higher education preparatory; HEP, vocational; VP and introductory; IP) and ARH. To assess the contribution of explanatory factors, we estimated models that included risk factors such as heavy episodic drinking (HED).

Results

A graded association was observed between academic orientation and ARH, with more ARH among students in IP (IRR = 1.79) and VP (IRR = 1.43) than in HEP. Adjustments for risk factors attenuated the estimates by approximately half, but there was still 14% more ARH in VP and 50% more in IP than in HEP. The additive interaction test indicated a positive and significant interaction for students in VP who engaged in HED, versus students in HEP, who did not.

Conclusion

The findings suggest a negative gradient in the association between academic orientation and ARH, where the students in IP experienced the highest levels of ARH. While differential exposure and vulnerability to HED account for a significant proportion of the excess risk among VP students, HED seems to be less important relative to other risk factors among IP students. More research is needed to identify the mechanisms underlying the elevated levels of ARH among the most disadvantaged group—students enrolled in IP.
Novel rapid molecular diagnosis methods for comprehensive genetic analysis of 21-hydroxylase deficiency
Authors: Xia Yanjie , Yu Feng , Bai Ying , Jiang Lili , Shi Panlai , Jiang Zhengwen , Kong Xiangdong
Published: October 2024

Background

Molecular analysis of the CYP21A2 gene is highly important for understanding the aetiology of 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD). The aim of this study was to use a novel approach named CNVplex, together with the SNaPshot assay and direct sequencing, to identify CYP21A2 mutations efficiently and comprehensively. Targeted CYP21A2 mutation analysis was performed in 113 patients and 226 parents. Large rearrangements of CYP21A2 were characterized by CNVplex; twenty prevalent mutations, including nine common micro-conversions and eleven high-frequency mutations reported in the literature, were detected by SNaPshot; and rare mutations were investigated by direct sequencing.

Results

Among the 113 21-OHD patients, 95.6% of the affected alleles were detected accurately by SNaPshot and CNVplex. Prevalent mutations were detected in 69.5% of the alleles; 62.4% of alleles contained pseudogene-derived micro-conversions, 1.8% contained nonpseudogene-derived mutations, and 5.3% contained complex variations resulting from multiple recombinations between CYP21A2 and CYP21A1P. Large rearrangements were identified in 27.0% of the alleles, including five types (CH-1, CH-3, CH-4, CH-5 and CH-8) of chimeric CYP21A1P/CYP21A2 genes. Two novel CYP21A2 haplotypes and four de novo CYP21A2 mutations were characterized. A rare haplotype with a c.955 C > T mutation in the duplicated CYP21A2 gene was found in 0.9% of the probands and 33.3% of the parents. In addition, four parents were also diagnosed with 21-OHD.

Conclusion

CNVplex and SNaPshot appear to be highly efficient and reliable techniques for use in a molecular diagnosis laboratory, and combined with direct sequencing based on locus-specific PCR, they might constitute a definitive way to detect almost all common and rare 21-OHD-related alleles.
First report of Angiostrongylus vasorum in an African golden wolf (Canis lupaster) in Algeria
Authors: Mechouck Noureddine , Deak Georgiana , Ionică Angela Monica , Toma Corina , Negoescu Andrada Gabriela , Taulescu Marian , Bouslama Zihad , Mihalca Andrei Daniel
Published: October 2024

Background

Angiostrongylus vasorum, commonly known as the “French heartworm,” is a nematode belonging to the Metastrongyloidea superfamily. This parasite was first identified in Toulouse, France in 1853 infecting the pulmonary arteries and the right side of the heart of a Pointer dog. Angiostrongylosis is an important infection due its severe clinical signs and potential for causing high morbidity and mortality in domestic dogs. This nematode has not been studied in Algeria. The aim of this study was investigate the presence of lungworms among different mammal species in a number of Algerian regions.

Methods

Between February 2022 and September 2023, 47 road-killed animals were collected from six administrative units (departments) in Algeria. All carcasses underwent a full parasitological necropsy, and lung tissues were preserved in 10% buffered formalin and concentrated ethanol for further study. All collected samples were subjected to histological and PCR (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene) analyses for lungworm identification.

Results

Histological examination revealed the presence of nematode eggs and larvae in the alveolar space and chronic obstructive vascular changes were detected in a single golden African wolf (Canis lupaster) collected from the department of Constantine. First-stage larvae were collected and morphologically identified as Angiostrongylus spp. The molecular identification confirmed the presence of A. vasorum. All other animals tested were negative for lungworms.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of A. vasorum infection in an African golden wolf (Canis lupaster). We report a new host association, highlighting the importance of further studies to update the geographical distribution of A. vasorum and its epidemiology across Algeria.

Graphical Abstract
Developmental-status-aware transcriptional decomposition establishes a cell state panorama of human cancers
Authors: Luo Yikai , Liang Han
Published: October 2024

Background

Cancer cells evolve under unique functional adaptations that unlock transcriptional programs embedded in adult stem and progenitor-like cells for progression, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. However, it remains challenging to quantify the stemness-aware cell state of a tumor based on its gene expression profile.

Methods

We develop a developmental-status-aware transcriptional decomposition strategy using single-cell RNA-sequencing-derived tissue-specific fetal and adult cell signatures as anchors. We apply our method to various biological contexts, including developing human organs, adult human tissues, experimentally induced differentiation cultures, and bulk human tumors, to benchmark its performance and to reveal novel biology of entangled developmental signaling in oncogenic processes.

Results

Our strategy successfully captures complex dynamics in developmental tissue bulks, reveals remarkable cellular heterogeneity in adult tissues, and resolves the ambiguity of cell identities in in vitro transformations. Applying it to large patient cohorts of bulk RNA-seq, we identify clinically relevant cell-of-origin patterns and observe that decomposed fetal cell signals significantly increase in tumors versus normal tissues and metastases versus primary tumors. Across cancer types, the inferred fetal-state strength outperforms published stemness indices in predicting patient survival and confers substantially improved predictive power for therapeutic responses.

Conclusions

Our study not only provides a general approach to quantifying developmental-status-aware cell states of bulk samples but also constructs an information-rich, biologically interpretable, cell-state panorama of human cancers, enabling diverse translational applications.