bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The brave new world of unstable jobs hiding in plain sight: A reply to Murphy and Turner
Authors: St-Denis Xavier
Published: October 2023

The article Employment stability and decent work published in the Journal of Industrial Relations by Murphy and Turner presents evidence forming the basis of a claim that job instability has not increased in Ireland between 1998 and 2021. This contrasts with a rich literature in industrial relations and the sociology of work and organizations, which documents the fundamental transformation of employment relationships since the 1990s toward greater insecurity. In this response paper, I question the empirical foundations of Murphy and Turner's claims. Analyzing the same data set used in their study, I provide clear evidence that an increase in job instability consistent with the precarious work literature has been hiding in plain sight. I also engage with their efforts at theorizing the nature of the recent transformation of employment relationships in Ireland specifically, and in Liberal Market Economies more broadly. In doing so, I suggest research avenues that go beyond a polarized debate in whether or not job instability has increased in order to contribute to a more complex understanding of contemporary changes in career trajectories.
Career Confidential: Teacher is lonely at work
Authors: Fagell Phyllis L.
Published: October 2023

In this Kappan column, Phyllis L. Fagell gives workplace advice to a teacher who longs for a sense of belonging with the other adults in the building. Fagell also weighs in on whether a staff development specialist should serve as a “go-between” for teachers and administrators.
Everyday migration hierarchies: negotiating the EU’s visa regime
Authors: Beaumont Paul D. , Glaab Katharina
Published: October 2023

Critical security studies have shed invaluable light on the diffuse governmental technologies and pernicious effects of the EU’s bordering practices. While scholars have focused upon the experience of precarious migrant groups, this article suggests that extending our critical gaze to include seemingly privileged migrants can further understanding of just how far the insecurity produced by the EU’s migration regime reaches. Focusing on the migration process of international students in Norway, this article inquires into how these migrants experience, theorize and negotiate the EU’s visa regime and its governmental technologies. We show how their subjective understandings of ‘broad’ and ‘narrow’ hierarchies of the visa regime play out in their bureaucratic encounters, influencing their everyday lives. Ultimately, the article shows how the regime’s disciplinary effects extend further than prior critical research has appreciated.
Oregon’s Transitional Leave Program and Recidivism
Authors: Leymon Mark G. , Campbell Christopher M. , Henning Kris
Published: October 2023

The State of Oregon has operated an early prison release program called Short-Term Transitional Leave (STTL) since 1989. The program was designed to improve prison releasee reentry planning and reintegration in the community. In the last 10 years, Oregon expanded STTL several times, with individuals now being released up to 120 days early. We assessed whether differences in recidivism existed between STTL and those completing their planned sentence and if the length of their leave is associated with differential recidivism. We used propensity-score matching (PSM) to create quasi-experimental models. The results indicate no appreciable observed associations between STTL and rearrest, reconviction, or reincarceration. However, there were higher rates of technical violations among STTL participants, especially for those with the longest release time.
Using Eye-Tracking Methods for Social Attention Research and Interventions
Authors: Bacos Catherine A. , McCreery Michael P. , Boone Randall
Published: October 2023

Recent findings from social attention research suggest direct engagement with others is a necessary condition for the social cognitive development of both autistic children and their typically developing peers. These findings come from studies that have used eye-tracking technology and paradigms for measuring social attention in naturalistic, real-time settings. Social interactions allow two social partners to coordinate their attention in order to understand each other. Using a framework for studying social cognitive development and social attention in the context of social interactions, this article proposes the use of eye-tracking paradigms for social attention research and presents an intervention called second-person interactions (SPI). The article provides a review of eye-tracking research and interventions for social attention and describes the methods for assessing social attention using the SPI intervention.
A realistic evaluation of the dark side of data in the digital ecosystem
Authors: Jaber Faten , Abbad Muneer
Published: October 2023

This article examines the negative consequences that can arise from the utilisation of innovative data practices implemented by organisations. While these technologies offer significant value, their improper implementation can lead to harmful practices that undermine the rights of individuals within societies. Through a systematic literature review of 383 articles employing the realistic evaluation theory, this study synthesises key findings to identify the contextual factors that contribute to these harmful practices. The results highlight the challenges posed by the characteristics of Big Data, often resulting in haphazard data implementation scenarios. Three critical mechanisms, namely data transparency, biases, and breaches, interact with these implementation contexts, leading to adverse outcomes that compromise individual empowerment, societal fairness, and personal privacy. In addition, this article identifies important areas for future research and provides recommendations for policymakers to effectively manage the negative aspects of data practices, ensuring sustainability within the digital ecosystem.
Operationalizing the Capabilities Approach to Understand Neighborhood Well-Being in a Participatory Action Research Study
Authors: Binet Andrew , Sportiche Noémie , Gavin Vedette , Arcaya Mariana C.
Published: October 2023

The capabilities approach is useful for evaluating progress toward the just city. We report how a Participatory Action Research consortium studying neighborhood change and well-being designed a survey instrument measuring respondents’ ability to fulfill a set of common life priorities. We present data on priority endorsement and fulfillment, and conduct a factor analysis to explore the underlying structure of the instrument. We argue that the instrument operationalizes the capabilities approach and serves as a model for using participatory methods to evaluate the impact of planning interventions on social justice and health equity.
A Case Study of Innovative Workplace Development Programming at Community Colleges in the United States
Authors: Housel David A. , Weinstock Hannah , Mahadeswaraswamy Chandana , DaSilva Michelin Paula
Published: October 2023

Given changes in the 21st century workplace and expectations of employers, the notion that a bachelor’s degree is the sole pathway to sustainable employment and a middle-class life in the United States has become obsolete. Many (e.g., Fleming, 2016) have argued that employers are now seeking employees with technical skills, digital literacy, and the ability to analyze and think critically, capabilities that do not necessarily require a postsecondary degree. Because of the lingering economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including rising inflation globally, many adults, including English-language learners, are seeking short-term certificate or credentialing programs because their financial realities necessitate entering the workplace and earning a living wage as quickly as possible. The need for effective credentialing programs that are connected to market sector demands in the local community can foster productive partnerships among educational programs/institutions, local businesses, and governmental agencies on the municipal, state, and federal levels. Such partnerships often occur in the adult and continuing education areas of community colleges, and this case study focuses on the timely and financially responsive programming and practices at one community college (4C) in the northeastern United States. Key components of their programming that have produced successful outcomes have been highlighted as well as how they might be modified to address the marketplace and educational needs of adult learners in other areas of the United States and internationally.
Euler-buckled beam based nonlinear energy sink for vibration reduction of flywheel system under different excitations
Authors: Liu Haiping , Zhang Jun , Shen Dashan , Xiao Kaili
Published: October 2023

This study develops a new class of Euler-buckled beam based nonlinear energy sink (EBNES) with three configurations, which is expected to attenuate the disturbance effects and further enhance vibration suppression under launching and on-orbit loads simultaneously. The effects of different arrangements on amplitude-frequency responses of the primary system are derived and analyzed through complexification-averaging method, and the approximate solutions are verified by fourth-order Runge Kutta method. Comparison results exhibit that the EBNES-I is much more effective with enhanced vibration reduction performance and stability in a broad frequency range. Furthermore, a two-degree-of-freedom dynamic model of the flywheel system, which integrates the EBNES-I and the supporting structure in satellite, is established. The vibration reduction and bifurcation behaviors of the proposed EBNES-I are investigated, and the efficiency of the proposed EBNES-I in vibration reduction of the flywheel is compared to that of a traditional cubic-stiffness-type NES. It is found that the EBNES-I exhibits a good vibration reduction performance on the dynamic responses of the flywheel system in launching and on-orbit stage simultaneously. Additionally, the bifurcations of the coupled system are studied in order to investigate the influences of gravity and excitation amplitudes on the stability of the EBNES. Calculation results provide conditions for occurrence of the saddle-node (SN) and Hopf bifurcations.
The Reciprocal Effects of Perceived Accuracy and Trust in News Media: A Two-Wave Online Panel Study in the Context of the 2021 German Federal Election
Authors: Holtrup Stefanie , Henke Jakob , Steffan Dennis , Möhring Wiebke
Published: October 2023

Trust in the news media is an important prerequisite for democracies. Building on media trust and accuracy research, we investigate reciprocal effects between perceived accuracy and trust in news. We implemented a two-wave online panel survey ( N = 952) in the context of the 2021 German federal election. For media individuals' use, we find that trust and accuracy are reciprocally related and are influenced by media use. For the media in general, only trust has an effect on accuracy, whereas media skepticism and cynicism are only associated with trust, not with accuracy. Further results and their implications are discussed.
Comparison of three radiographic assessment methods for detecting slipped capital femoral epiphyses in cats: Klein’s line, modified Klein’s line and the S-sign
Authors: Butts Daniel , Smith Alex J , Bradley Kate , Meeson Richard , Parsons Kevin , Langley-Hobbs Sorrel J
Published: October 2023

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether diagnostic assessment methods used on radiographs in humans with slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) can be used in cats.

Methods

The ventrodorsal (VD) extended-leg and VD frog-leg pelvic radiographs of 20 cats with SCFE without fully displaced femoral capital epiphyses (FCE), eight cats with fully displaced FCE and five control cats with normal pelvic anatomy were assessed by five observers on two separate occasions 3 months apart. The Klein’s line and modified Klein’s line were assessed on each VD extended-leg radiograph, and the S-sign was assessed on each VD extended-leg and VD frog-leg radiograph.

Results

Excluding cases of fully displaced FCE, the S-sign on the VD frog-leg radiographs more accurately diagnosed SCFE than the S-sign on the VD extended-leg radiographs and the Klein’s line (92.4% vs 88.8% vs 60.6%, respectively), and had the greatest sensitivity (93.9% vs 79.2% vs 30.6%, respectively). The S-sign on the VD extended-leg radiographs had greater specificity than the Klein’s line and S-sign on the VD frog-leg radiographs (99.2% vs 97.9% vs 90.9%, respectively). The modified Klein’s line detected SCFE in 40.2% of cases that were negative for the Klein’s line.

Conclusions and relevance

The S-sign in both VD extended-leg and VD frog-leg views successfully detected SCFE in cats and can be used to increase early diagnosis and treatment in cats with SCFE that have only subtle radiographic changes.
Foreign body ingestion due to detachment of pill dispenser tips in cats: a retrospective study of 13 cases
Authors: M de Souza Heloisa Justen , Alves Camila R , Castro Sarah M , Pedro Julia F , Meirelles Ana Carolina A
Published: October 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate and describe 13 cases in which a pet piller broke during the administration of medication, and the tip was accidentally ingested by the cat.

Methods

A total of 15 presentations to the clinic were identified in a private practice database involving 13 cats in which the silicone tip broke. Two of these cats ingested foreign bodies on two separate occasions. Routine radiographic examination enabled the identification of silicone tips in all animals. On 2/15 occasions, the cats did not receive an emetic drug. Intramuscular xylazine (0.2 mg/kg) and dexmedetomidine (6 μg/kg) were administered to 12/15 and 1/15 cats, respectively.

Results

The cats were aged 3–17 years (mean age 11.00 ± 4.35 years). Vomiting occurred in 13 cats that received alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists, although the silicone tip was recovered in only five occurrences. In 9/15 occurrences, endoscopy was performed under general inhalation anesthesia, and the silicone tip was successfully removed. Natural elimination occurred in only one case.

Conclusions and relevance

The use of pet pillers with detachable silicone tips increases the risk of accidental foreign body ingestion by animals. Therefore, guidelines regarding safety standards for manufacturing would be beneficial. No cat in this series developed clinical signs related to the ingestion of the piller tip, probably because of the quick presentation by the owners and early intervention, including endoscopic retrieval. Surgical intervention was not required in any case, including one in which the foreign body was lodged within the small intestine before being passed naturally by the cat.
The ethics of intra-amniotic drug administration in perinatal clinical practice
Authors: Hong Grace , Baden Kyrie Eleyson , Olds Rolanda , Injeti Elisha , Muzzy Julia , Cole Justin W , Sullivan Dennis
Published: October 2023

Providing in-utero treatments to target specific conditions in the fetus is a relatively new approach in perinatal care, with the vast majority of these treatments being used off-label. The high degree of off-label medication use in the perinatal and neonatal settings raises concern for the safety of both the fetuses and expectant mothers.

This report presents two examples of intra-amniotic drug administration based on reported clinical cases. From the ethical framework of medical principlism, we examine the competing ethical duties of autonomy, beneficence, and non-maleficence in this setting. We then lay out three fundamental ethical principles for obtaining informed consent and maximizing clinical benefit.
A Systematic Review of Social Marketing Interventions Promoting Occupational Health and Safety
Authors: Lagoe Carolyn , Newcomer Derek
Published: October 2023

Background

Unintentional and preventable workplace injuries are a common occurrence across employment contexts. Campaign and intervention initiatives are often implemented to promote health and safety in the workplace. However, to date, scarce research has reviewed the manner in which social marketing principles have been used to inform these efforts.

Focus of Article

The current review seeks to address this gap by completing a systematic review of occupational health and safety interventions that utilize social marketing approaches.

Research Question

This review sought to identify key trends and characteristics across occupational health and safety social marketing efforts such as what topics, theories, and design characteristics are most often used to inform these initiatives. The review also sought to determine how effective social marketing tactics were in promoting behavior change.

Method

In total, 4,354 article titles and abstracts were reviewed across four databases. Ultimately, 11 articles reviewed met the set inclusion criteria, were reviewed, and subsequently analyzed.

Results

Results indicated that social marketing interventions typically addressed behaviors related to construction safety, agricultural safety, and safety within healthcare environments. While little continuity existed among information dissemination approaches specified, it was clear that many interventions used some form of traditional media (e.g., print, radio, etc.) as a mainstay of their approach. Further, most were effective in promoting behavior change.

Importance to the Social Marketing Field

While this review identified vital information relating to the development and implementation of occupational health and safety initiatives, clear gaps exist in how key campaign elements, messaging approaches, and strategies are documented in the literature.

Recommendations for Research and Practice

Practitioners can and should use information identified from this review to guide the development of social marketing interventions. Further, this work also provides important guidance on best practices for documenting features and outcomes of future social marketing efforts.
A Water Nymph’s Curse and the Serotonergic Mechanism of Postictal Breathing Dysfunction
Authors: Wenker Ian C. , Patel Manoj K.
Published: October 2023

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Interrogating dynamic, intersecting inequalities in education amidst armed conflict
Authors: Diwakar Vidya
Published: October 2023

This paper examines dynamic, intersecting pathways – marked by gender inequalities, poverty dynamics and conflict trajectories – affecting education access and learning outcomes in conflict-affected contexts. A set of key challenges in intersectional research in conflict-affected contexts are outlined, embedded in the complexity of these contexts, heterogeneity of conflict processes and non-trivial data gaps. To better engage with this complexity, this paper argues that the capability approach extended through a multidisciplinary, intersectional lens drawing on mixed methods data has the potential to offer a strong conceptual basis to understand pathways of impact. The operationalisation of the capability approach in the context of research on conflict can help move the empirical literature towards a sounder focus on intersecting factors that may dynamically constrain the exercise of people’s freedoms. In turn, suggestions for promoting gender-sensitive, inclusive education amidst conflict are discussed.
Dynamic monitoring of serum tumor markers as prognostic factors in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer treated with first-line immunotherapy: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Yang Xiongwen , Xiao Yi , Zhou Yubin , Deng Huiyin , Yuan Zihao , Dong Longyan , Lan Jun , Hu Hao , Huang Jian , Huang Shaohong
Published: October 2023

Background:

To date, no specific studies have reported the use of dynamic serum tumor markers (STMs) as prognostic factors in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who receive first-line immunotherapy. Therefore, it is unclear whether STMs can be used as a prognostic factor for first-line immunotherapy in advanced NSCLC.

Objectives:

To elucidate the role of STMs in monitoring immunotherapy response in advanced NSCLC. Patients were treated with first-line programmed cell death-1/programmed cell death ligand-1 inhibitors at four Chinese centers.

Design:

This was a multicenter retrospective study.

Methods:

Blood samples were collected at baseline and after 6–8 weeks of treatment. Computed tomography scans were used to evaluate treatment efficacy according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1. Post-treatment drops in STMs [Serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), cytokeratin fragment 19 (CYFRA21-1), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), and carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125)] were decreased ⩾20% (Group C) over baseline was used as cutoff level for defining a marker response. If STMs were increased by ⩾20% after treatment, the therapeutic effect was limited (Group A). Patients with STM changes between a 20% increase or decrease were enrolled in Group B. In univariate and multivariate stepwise Cox regression analyses, STMs and RECIST responses were analyzed for their impact on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results:

The analysis included 716 patients. By multivariate analysis, CEA, NSE, CYFRA21-1, CA19-9, and CA125 (Group A versus Group B and Group A versus Group C) were associated with significant differences in PFS. Similar results were observed in the OS analysis. Similar results were observed in the adenocarcinoma subgroup analyses. In squamous cell carcinoma subgroup analyses, there was no statistical difference in PFS ( p = 0.147) or OS ( p = 0.068) between Group A and Group B for CA125.

Conclusion:

The increase and decrease in serum levels of STMs might be reliable prognostic factors for immunotherapy efficacy in NSCLC patients.
Don’t Drag Me Down: Valence Asymmetry in Well-Being Co-Development in Couples
Authors: Stavrova Olga , Chopik William J.
Published: October 2023

There is a notable similarity in psychological well-being among romantic partners. Drawing on valence asymmetry research (e.g., negativity bias), we tested whether partners’ convergence toward a similar level of well-being is marked by the happier partner’s over-time deterioration or by the less happy partner’s over-time improvement. In two studies using nationally representative samples of German and Dutch couples ( Ncouples=21,894) followed for 37 (Study 1) and 14 (Study 2) years, we compared romantic partners’ well-being trajectories. Over time and within each couple, the happier partner experienced the most dramatic well-being declines; the unhappier partner’s well-being either did not change or increased slightly. Across all model specifications, the decline experienced by the happier partner was significantly stronger than any improvement reported by the less happy partner. The results provide the first evidence for a “negativity bias” in well-being co-development in couples and contribute to literatures in developmental psychology and relationship science.
Examining How Social and Emotional Factors Inform Response to Cross-Cutting Political Views on Social Media
Authors: Pennington Natalie , Palagi Joshua S.
Published: October 2023

While social media creates the opportunity for exposure and engagement with cross-cutting political views, they may not always be well-received. Drawing on research related to tie strength, the need to belong, and affective intelligence theory, the present study examined how a combination of social and emotional factors informed how social media users respond to exposure to cross-cutting political views. Survey participants ( N = 288) were presented with scenarios where they were exposed to cross-cutting views on a self-identified important political topic with a close friend and an acquaintance. Social media response strategies assessed included public (comment), private (messaging), ignoring (scrolling past), hiding (muting), and unfriending–unfollowing. The tie strength of the person posting and emotions toward a political topic were identified as salient factors. Results indicated that if the cross-cutting view was shared by a strong tie, participants were more likely to respond by engaging publicly or private messaging, while cross-cutting views shared by weak ties were more likely to lead to ignoring the post as well as the decision to hide or unfriend. Participants also identified how they felt about the political topic selected (enthusiasm, aversion, or anxiety). Anxiety was largely unrelated to the identified response strategies, while aversion predicted the same responses regardless of tie strength. Enthusiasm predicted public and private response for both ties, and predicted ignoring (negative), hiding, and unfriending for close friends.
Let’s intervene: How platforms can combine media literacy and self-efficacy to fight fake news
Authors: Ferrucci Patrick , Hopp Toby
Published: October 2023

In light of concerns over the spread of so-called “fake news” on social media, organizations, and policymakers have increasingly sought to identify tools that can be used to stem the dissemination of misinformation and disinformation. Some evidence suggests that brief media literacy interventions might serve as an important means of helping social media users discern between “real” and “fake” news headlines. However, empirical research indicates that these effects tend to be relatively modest in magnitude. To that end, this study explored the degree to which epistemic self-efficacy beliefs may be able to positively “boost” media literacy interventions. Specifically, we used a series of 2 × 2 experiments to test the contention that the combinatory effects of epistemic self-efficacy and media literacy interventions will better equip users with the resources necessary to discern between disinformation and objectively produced news content. The results failed to indicate the presence of combinatory effects. We did, however, find initial evidence that epistemic self-efficacy beliefs may be importantly associated with the ability to properly classify both fake and mainstream news content.
Linking Affective and Hearing Sciences—Affective Audiology
Authors: Zhang Min , Siegle Greg J.
Published: October 2023

A growing number of health-related sciences, including audiology, have increasingly recognized the importance of affective phenomena. However, in audiology, affective phenomena are mostly studied as a consequence of hearing status. This review first addresses anatomical and functional bidirectional connections between auditory and affective systems that support a reciprocal affect-hearing relationship. We then postulate, by focusing on four practical examples (hearing public campaigns, hearing intervention uptake, thorough hearing evaluation, and tinnitus), that some important challenges in audiology are likely affect-related and that potential solutions could be developed by inspiration from affective science advances. We continue by introducing useful resources from affective science that could help audiology professionals learn about the wide range of affective constructs and integrate them into hearing research and clinical practice in structured and applicable ways. Six important considerations for good quality affective audiology research are summarized. We conclude that it is worthwhile and feasible to explore the explanatory power of emotions, feelings, motivations, attitudes, moods, and other affective processes in depth when trying to understand and predict how people with hearing difficulties perceive, react, and adapt to their environment.
Slavery’s Legacy of White Carceral Advantage in the South
Authors: Ward Matthew
Published: October 2023

Legacy of slavery scholarship has experienced a renaissance as of late, with researchers across numerous disciplines focusing increased attention on the long-term ramifications of America’s original sin. Using quantitative methods these researchers have found that where slavery was deeply entrenched—particularly in the South—racial inequality and Black disadvantage across numerous domains is exacerbated. While this research has contributed enormously to understanding slavery’s legacy in the South and its nefarious consequences for Black communities, little attention has been paid to the other side of slavery’s legacy of inequality—notably, the many ways White populations continue to benefit from slavery. The state’s carceral apparatus represents a significant area of such advantage and, yet, despite the genealogical linkage historians and socio-legal scholars have drawn between the two institutions, few studies empirically examine slavery’s enduring effects on modern incarceration. Using quantitative methods, this article examines whether—and, if so, how—greater slavery levels in Southern counties generates carceral advantage for contemporary White populations. Where slavery levels were once greater, White populations living in those same areas today—relative to White populations living in areas where slavery was less deeply entrenched—have accrued significant formal social control benefits in the form of lower jail incarceration rates. This effect, however, operates indirectly. Mediation analyses reveal the carceral privilege White populations enjoy in higher slave-dependent locales is generated through the advantageous shaping of White social and economic outcomes.
Preferences for potential benefits and risks for gene therapy in the treatment of sickle cell disease
Authors: Gonzalez Sepulveda Juan Marcos , Yang Jui-Chen , Reed Shelby D. , Lee Ting-Hsuan , Ng Xinyi , Stothers Sarah , Irony Telba , Ho Martin , Rothman Jennifer A. , Badawy Sherif , Rowley Carolyn , Little Jane , Shah Nirmish R. , Li Kaiwen , Telen Marilyn J.
Published: October 2023

Objective of this study is to quantify benefit-risk tradeoffs pertaining to potential gene therapies among adults and parents/caregivers of children with sickle cell disease (SCD). A discrete-choice experiment survey was developed in which respondents selected their preferred treatment alternatives in a series of experimentally controlled pairs of hypothetical gene therapies and a “no gene therapy” option. Gene therapy alternatives were defined based on the chance of eliminating SCD symptoms, expected increases in life expectancy they could offer, treatment-related risk of death, and potential increases in lifetime cancer risk. Respondents made selections based on their current disease severity and in the context of expectations of worsened disease. Three clinical sites and 1 patient organization recruited 174 adult patients and 109 parents of children with SCD to complete the survey. Adult and parent respondents were generally willing to choose gene therapies, but the adults required higher expected levels of efficacy (ie, higher chance of eliminating symptoms) than parents to choose gene therapies that conferred mortality risks of ≥10%. When adults and parents of children with less severe symptoms were asked to consider scenarios of higher levels of disease severity, the increased risk tolerance, and the lowest acceptable level of efficacy for gene therapies with mortality risks dropped by >50%. Baseline SCD symptoms are a major driver of gene therapy acceptability. Adults and parents of patients with milder symptoms may prefer other treatment options; however, an expectation of symptoms deterioration triggers strong reassessment of the acceptable benefit-risk balance of this novel technology.
Optimizing pyrolysis parameters and product analysis of a fluidized bed pilot plant for Leucaena leucocephala biomass
Authors: Clemente-Castro S. , Palma A. , Ruiz-Montoya M. , Giráldez I. , Díaz M. J.
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to optimize the production of bio-oil from Leucaena leucocephala wood using a fluidized bed reactor. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the fast pyrolysis through three operational parameters: pyrolysis temperature, nitrogen flow rate, and temperature of the first condensation stage. The optimum conditions obtained for bio-oil production were 500 °C, 26.4 L min–1, that is, about 3.3 times the minimum fluidization flow, and 80 °C, respectively. The bio-oil obtained under optimum conditions was of good quality and did not require further treatment. Physical properties of the bio-oil were analysed according to ASTM D7544-12. In addition, the chemical composition of the non-condensed gases and bio-oil were identified using GC–MS. The non-condensed gases were found to contain mainly ketones and lignin derivatives, while the bio-oil contained cyclic ketones, alcohol ethers, aromatic alcohols, and lignin derivatives. The study found that increasing the pyrolysis temperature did not significantly increase the yield of H2 and CO for syngas production. Regarding the solid obtained, a large amount of unreacted material (66.7 wt.%) is generated at 400 °C, and as the temperature is increased, a high-quality biochar is obtained.
The pan-genome of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) confirms ancestral lineage and reveals gene rearrangements within Map Type S
Authors: Hodgeman Rachel , Mann Rachel , Djitro Noel , Savin Keith , Rochfort Simone , Rodoni Brendan
Published: October 2023

Background

To date genomic studies on Map have concentrated on Type C strains with only a few Type S strains included for comparison. In this study the entire pan-genome of 261 Map genomes (205 Type C, 52 Type S and 4 Type B) and 7 Mycobacterium avium complex (Mac) genomes were analysed to identify genomic similarities and differences between the strains and provide more insight into the evolutionary relationship within this Mycobacterial species.

Results

Our analysis of the core genome of all the Map isolates identified two distinct lineages, Type S and Type C Map that is consistent with previous phylogenetic studies of Map. Pan-genome analysis revealed that Map has a larger accessory genome than Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium (Maa) and Type C Map has a larger accessory genome than Type S Map. In addition, we found large rearrangements within Type S strains of Map and little to none in Type C and Type B strains. There were 50 core genes identified that were unique to Type S Map and there were no unique core genes identified between Type B and Type C Map strains. In Type C Map we identified an additional CE10 CAZyme class which was identified as an alpha/beta hydrolase and an additional polyketide and non-ribosomal peptide synthetase cluster. Consistent with previous analysis no plasmids and only incomplete prophages were identified in the genomes of Map. There were 45 hypothetical CRISPR elements identified with no associated cas genes.

Conclusion

This is the most comprehensive comparison of the genomic content of Map isolates to date and included the closing of eight Map genomes. The analysis revealed that there is greater variation in gene synteny within Type S strains when compared to Type C indicating that the Type C Map strain emerged after Type S. Further analysis of Type C and Type B genomes revealed that they are structurally similar with little to no genetic variation and that Type B Map may be a distinct clade within Type C Map and not a different strain type of Map. The evolutionary lineage of Maa and Map was confirmed as emerging after M. hominissuis.
Predictive value of Dmax and %ΔSUVmax of 18F-FDG PET/CT for the prognosis of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Dang Jun , Peng Xiaojuan , Wu Ping , Yao Yutang , Tan Xiaofei , Ye Zhenyan , Jiang Xuemei , Jiang Xiao , Liu Yongli , Chen Shirong , Cheng Zhuzhong
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To investigate the prognosis value of a combined model based on 18F-fluoro-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (18F-FDG PET-CT) baseline and interim parameters in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the PET metabolic parameters and clinical data of 154 DLBCL patients between December 2015 and October 2020. All of these patients underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT scan before treatment and after three or four courses of chemotherapy. The optimal cut-off values for quantitative variables were determined by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The baseline and interim PET/CT parameters, which respectively included maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax0), total metabolic tumor volume (TMTV0), standardized total metabolic tumor volume (STMTV0), and the distance between the two furthest lesions (Dmax) and total tumor lesion glycolysis (TTLG1), SUVmax1, TMTV1, and the rate of change of SUVmax (%ΔSUVmax), and clinical characteristics were analyzed by chi-squared test, Kaplan-Meier survival curve, and Cox regression analysis.

Results

Of 154 patients, 35 exhibited disease progression or recurrence. ROC analysis revealed that baseline 18F-FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters, including maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax0), total metabolic tumor volume (TMTV0), standardized total metabolic tumor volume (STMTV0), and the distance between the two furthest lesions (Dmax), along with interim 18F-FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters such as total tumor lesion glycolysis (TTLG1), SUVmax1, TMTV1, and the rate of change of SUVmax (%ΔSUVmax), were predictive of relapse or progression in DLBCL patients (P < 0.05). The chi-squared test showed that TMTV0, STMTV0, Dmax, SUVmax1, TMTV1, TTLG1, %ΔSUVmax, Deauville score, IPI, Ann Arbor stage, and LDH were associated with patient prognosis (P < 0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that Dmax (P = 0.021) and %ΔSUVmax (P = 0.030) were independent predictors of prognosis in DLBCL patients. There were statistically significant differences in PFS among the three groups with high, intermediate, and low risk according to the combination model (P < 0.001). The combination model presented higher predictive efficacy than single indicators.

Conclusion

The combined model of baseline parameter Dmax and intermediate parameter %ΔSUVmax of 18F-FDG PET/CT improved the predictive efficacy of PFS and contributed to the risk stratification of patients, providing a reference for clinical individualization and precision treatment.
Immune characteristics analysis and construction of a four-gene prognostic signature for lung adenocarcinoma based on estrogen reactivity
Authors: Wang Yangwei , Yu Tong , Chen Jiaping , Zhao Rong , Diao Mingxin , Mei Peiyuan , He Shiwen , Qiu Wenlin , Ye Guanchao , Jiang Lijuan , Xiao Han , Liao Yongde
Published: October 2023

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a common type of malignant tumor with poor prognosis and high mortality. In our previous studies, we found that estrogen is an important risk factor for LUAD, and different estrogen statuses can predict different prognoses. Therefore, in this study, we constructed a prognostic signature related to estrogen reactivity to determine the relationship between different estrogen reactivities and prognosis. We downloaded the LUAD dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, calculated the estrogen reactivity of each sample, and divided them into a high-estrogen reactivity group and a low-estrogen reactivity group. The difference in overall survival between the groups was significant. We also analyzed the status of immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint expression between the groups. We analyzed the differential gene expression between the groups and screened four key prognostic factors by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and univariable and multivariable Cox regression. Based on the four genes, a risk signature was established. To a certain extent, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed the predictive ability of the risk signature, which was further verified using the GSE31210 dataset. We also determined the role of estrogen in LUAD using an orthotopic mouse model. Additionally, we developed a predictive nomogram combining the risk signature with other clinical characteristics. In conclusion, our four-gene prognostic signature based on estrogen reactivity had prognostic value and can provide new insights into the development of treatment strategies for LUAD.
Orthokeratology in controlling myopia of children: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Li Xue , Xu Meiling , San Shanshan , Bian Lanzheng , Li Hui
Published: October 2023

Background

Delaying the development and lowering the progression of myopia in children is the focus of current ophthalmology researches. We aimed to evaluate the role of orthokeratology in controlling myopia of children, to provide insights to the clinical treatment and care of children with myopia.

Methods

Two investigators searched the The Cochrane Library, Embase, Pubmed, China national knowledge infrastructure, China biomedical literature database, WanFang and Weipu databases for randomized controlled trials(RCTs) on the role of orthokeratology in controlling myopia of children up to November 5, 2022. Two researchers independently searched, screened and extracted the studies according to the inclusion and exclusion standards. RevMan5.3 software was used for statistical analysis.

Results

A total of 14 RCTs involving 2058 children were included in this meta-analysis. Synthesized outcomes indicated that orthokeratology improved the uncorrected visual acuity(MD = 0.40, 95%CI: 0.05 ~ 0.74), reduced the diopter change(MD=-3.19, 95%CI: -4.42~-1.95), changes of corneal curvature(MD=-3.21, 95%CI: -3.64~-2.79), the length of ocular axis (MD=-0.66, 95%CI: -1.27~-0.06) and amount of ocular axis change(MD=-0.42, 95%CI: -0.64~-0.21) after 1 year of wearing orthokeratology(all P < 0.05). Besides, orthokeratology reduced the diopter change (MD=-3.22, 95%CI: -4.86~-1.58), the length of ocular axis (MD=-1.15, 95%CI: -2.25~-0.06) and the amount of ocular axis change after 2 year of wearing orthokeratology (MD=-0.53, 95%CI: -0.96~-0.11) after 2 year of wearing orthokeratology (all P < 0.05). No publication biases were found amongst the synthesized outcomes (all P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Orthokeratology delays the progression of myopia in children, the long-term effects of orthokeratology need further investigations in future studies.
Association between 5-min Apgar score and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a Scotland-wide record linkage study of 758,423 school children
Authors: Bala Jecintha J. , Bala Joel D. , Pell Jill P. , Fleming Michael
Published: October 2023

Background

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects around 1 in 20 children and is associated with life-long sequelae. Previous studies of the association between Apgar score and ADHD have reported inconsistent findings.

Methods

Record linkage of maternity, prescribing and school pupil census databases was used to conduct a population e-cohort study of singleton children born in Scotland and attending school in Scotland at any point between 2009 and 2013. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between 5-min Apgar score and treated ADHD adjusting for sociodemographic and maternity confounders.

Results

Of the 758,423 children, 7,292 (0.96%) received ADHD medication. The results suggested a potential dose–response relationship between Apgar score and treated ADHD independent of confounders. Referent to an Apgar score of 10, risk of treated ADHD was higher for scores of 0–3 (adjusted OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.32–2.34), 4–6 (adjusted OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.21–1.86) and even 7–9 (adjusted OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.18–1.36) which are traditionally considered within the normal range.

Conclusions

In addition to reinforcing the need to maximise Apgar score through good obstetric practice, the findings suggest that Apgar score may be useful in predicting future risk of ADHD and therefore facilitating early diagnosis and treatment.
Short-term prognosis of low-risk prostate cancer patients is favorable despite the presence of pathological prognostic factors: a retrospective study
Authors: Semba Remi , Uchida Katsunori , Hirokawa Yoshihumi , Shiraishi Taizo , Onishi Takehisa , Sasaki Takeshi , Inoue Takahiro , Watanabe Masatoshi
Published: October 2023

Background

Prostate cancer patients with pathological prognostic factors have a poor prognosis, but it is unclear whether pathological prognostic factors are associated with prognosis limited to low-risk patients with good prognosis according to NCCN guidelines. The present study examined whether prognosis is influenced by pathological prognostic factors using radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens from low-risk patients.

Methods

We evaluated diagnostic accuracy by examining biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival with respect to clinical and pathological prognostic factors in 419 all-risk patients who underwent RP. Clinical prognostic factors included age, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, PSA density, and risk stratification, while pathological prognostic factors included grade group, lymphovascular space invasion, extraprostatic extension, surgical margins, seminal vesicle invasion, intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDCP), and pT. In a subsequent analysis restricted to 104 low-risk patients, survival curves were estimated for pathological prognostic factors using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using log-rank and generalized Wilcoxon tests.

Results

In the overall risk analysis, the presence of pathological prognostic factors significantly shortened BCR-free survival (p < 0.05). Univariable analysis revealed that PSA density, risk categories, and pathological prognostic factors were significantly associated with BCR-free survival, although age and PSA were not. In multivariable analysis, age, risk categories, grade group, IDCP, and pT significantly predicted BCR-free survival (p < 0.05). Conversely, no statistically significant differences were found for any pathological prognostic factors in low-risk patients.

Conclusions

In low-risk patients, pathological prognostic factors did not affect BCR-free survival, which suggests that additional treatment may be unnecessary even if pathological prognostic factors are observed in low-risk patients with RP.
An evaluation of the quality of ear health services for Aboriginal children living in remote Australia: a cascade of care analysis
Authors: Su Jiunn-Yih , Leach Amanda Jane , Cass Alan , Morris Peter Stanley , Kong Kelvin
Published: October 2023

Background

In the Northern Territory (NT) the prevalence of otitis media (OM) in young Aboriginal children living in remote communities has persisted at around 90% over the last few decades. OM-associated hearing loss can cause developmental delay and adversely impact life course trajectories. This study examined the 5-year trends in OM prevalence and quality of ear health services in remote NT communities.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on de-identified clinical data for 50 remote clinics managed by the NT Government. We report a 6-monthly cascade analysis of the proportions of children 0–16 years of age receiving local guideline recommendations for surveillance, OM treatment and follow-up at selected milestones between 2014 and 2018.

Results

Between 6,326 and 6,557 individual children were included in the 6-monthly analyses. On average, 57% (95%CI: 56–59%) of eligible children had received one or more ear examination in each 6-monthly period. Of those examined, 36% (95%CI: 33–40%) were diagnosed with some type of OM, of whom 90% had OM requiring either immediate treatment or scheduled follow-up according to local guidelines. Outcomes of treatment and follow-up were recorded in 24% and 23% of cases, respectively. Significant decreasing temporal trends were found in the proportion diagnosed with any OM across each age group. Overall, this proportion decreased by 40% over the five years (from 43 to 26%).

Conclusions

This cascade of care analysis found that ear health surveillance and compliance with otitis media guidelines for treatment and follow-up were both low. Further research is required to identify effective strategies that improve ear health services in remote settings.