bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of Regional Socioeconomic Heterogeneous Indicators in the Subjects of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation and Their Integral Assessment
Authors: Bose Upasak , Gennadevna Kuzmenko Yulia , Markovich Greiz Georgy
Published: January 2024

The Arctic Zone of Russian Federation (AZRF) is a unique geography with diverse socioeconomic factors playing significant roles in its stability and progress. In order to accurately assess and evaluate the overall socioeconomic progress of AZRF, the heterogeneous factors should be considered in an integrated manner, which will give a holistic view of the socioeconomic stability and development of the region. The available literature on socioeconomic development of Russian Arctic region however suffers from lack of integrated analysis of heterogeneous indicators. In this article, the authors have selected five heterogeneous indicators which best describe the socioeconomic condition of a given region, which in this case is AZRF and performed integral analysis for the time period 2014–2019. The indicators refer to socioeconomic aspects such as gross regional product and amount of investments received by the region, which in turn leads to changes in employment opportunities and income level of the population along with social benefits available to them. The mathematical instrument used for the analysis is the theory of fuzzy logic in the framework of determination of the subdirect image of a fuzzy set. This method is scalable and can be extended to any number of indicators of diverse nature since the final score will be in the range of [0, 1] making comparison of regions and ranking possible. Using this method, the subjects were ranked at individual indicator level and at holistic level as a result of which the advantages and disadvantages of each subject and the AZRF as a whole were determined. At holistic level, the subjects were ranked as Krasnayarsky Krai, Arkhangelsk Oblast, Republic of Komi, Murmansk Oblast, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Karelia Republic, Sakha Republic (Yakutia), Nenets Autonomous Okrug and Chukotka Autonomous Okrug based on the integral scores obtained.

JEL Code: R11
Shallow Water Crossings: Elevating Indigenous Knowledge Systems Through Adventure Learning
Authors: Moody Nathan L. , Miller Brant G. , Hougham Robert Justin
Published: January 2024

Background: Outdoor Adventure Education (OAE) predominantly centers learning around individual goal setting and experiences and has not traditionally elevated Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS). Purpose: This research focuses on understanding how student learning and inquiry is affected through OAE that emphasizes the importance of IKS as a starting point for environmental and experiential data collection. Methodology/Approach: Over the course of two multi-day river trips on Idaho's Salmon River during the summer of 2023, 30 incoming university students encountered an Adventure Learning (AL) educational framework centered around IKS. Students used citizen science methods to collect environmental and experiential data to be shared digitally using GIS applications prior to oncampus learning. Web-based surveys will be sent to assess learning impacts. Results will be analyzed for changes in appreciation and awareness of IKS. Conclusions: We anticipate that the data will demonstrate an appreciation and awareness of other ways of knowing within OAE that decenters a Western epistemic ideal of goal driven knowledge production and elevates IKS as a recognized and respected approach to knowledge production. Implications: Incorporating a hybrid environment for incoming university students to address personal knowledge production in context to IKS will promote various decolonizing projects within higher education through shifting student inquiry.
Social Risk Factors and Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care Resource Utilization Among Medicare Advantage Beneficiaries With Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Cook Benjamin Lê , Rastegar Jeremiah , Patel Nikesh
Published: January 2024

The intersection of social risk and race and ethnicity on mental health care utilization is understudied. This study examined disparities in health care treatment, adjusting for clinical need, among 25,780 Medicare Advantage beneficiaries with a diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder. We assessed contributions to disparities from racial and ethnic differences in the composition and returns of social risk variables. Black and Hispanic beneficiaries had lower rates of mental health outpatient visits than Whites. Assessing composition, Black and Hispanic beneficiaries experienced greater financial, food, and housing insecurity than White beneficiaries, factors associated with greater mental health treatment. Assessing returns, food insecurity was associated with an exacerbation of Hispanic-White disparities. Health care systems need to address the financial, food and housing insecurity of racial and ethnic minority groups with psychiatric disorder. Accounting for racial and ethnic differences in social risk adjustment-based payment reforms has significant implications for provider reimbursement and outcomes.
Former smoking as a risk factor for visual field progression in exfoliation glaucoma patients in Sweden
Authors: Ayala Marcelo
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The present study aimed to identify whether former smoking was a risk factor for visual field progression in exfoliation glaucoma patients.

Methods

Prospective nonrandomised cohort study. The study included patients diagnosed with exfoliation glaucoma. All included patients were followed for three years (± three months) with reliable visual fields. At least five reliable visual fields needed to be included in the study. Exfoliation glaucoma was defined using the European Glaucoma Society Guidelines. The visual fields were tested using the 24–2 test strategy of the Humphrey Field Analyzer. Smoking was assessed through questionnaires. Outcomes: Visual field progression. Three different approaches were used: difference in mean deviation (MD), rate of progression (ROP), and guided progression analysis (GPA).

Results

In total, n = 113 patients were included; among them, n = 57 were smokers. Smoking was a significant predictor for visual field progression in the three models (MD/ROP/GPA) studied ( p = 0.01/ p = 0.001/p ≤ 0.001), even adjusting for intraocular pressure (IOP). Other predictors were included in the MD model: IOP at diagnosis ( p = 0.04) and selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) treatment ( p = 0.01). Other predictors were in the ROP model: Visual field index ( p = 0.005), number of medications ( p = 0.001) and SLT treatment ( p = 0.001). The number of medications was another predictor in the GPA model ( p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Former smoking induced visual field deterioration in all models studied. Smoking status should be considered when establishing the glaucoma diagnosis. Increased glaucoma care should be provided to former smokers to slow the progression of the disease.
Disputed expertise and chaotic disinformation: COVID-19 and denialist physicians in Brazil
Authors: Rochel de Camargo Kenneth
Published: January 2024

This article aims to show how incorrect ideas about COVID-19 were promoted by physicians in Brazil, contributing to a catastrophic response at the cost of hundreds of thousands of lives, and to examine the implications of this episode for the social studies of science, technology and medicine. The literature on the relationship between science and society takes two broad approaches, which are sometimes at odds with each other: (i) there is a traditional critique of science that points to unsupported claims of certainty and thus undue interference in general human affairs; (ii) there are many examples of attempts to undermine reasonable scientific claims, when they clash with economic and/or political interests of certain groups. Navigating those extremes is particularly critical in situations in which accurate knowledge is necessary for intervening in people's lives, as is the case in health-related issues. Determining who has actual epistemic expertise is a key factor in solving this conundrum. This became painfully clear during the unfolding of the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the uncertainties of science in guiding decisions being made in real time, and provided opportunities for many forms of disinformation and conspiracy theories that hampered public health measures and promoted useless or even dangerous “treatments”. This article discusses an instructive example of such developments in the chaotic response to the pandemic challenge in Brazil, which saw, among other unfortunate situations, physicians aligned with the denialist federal government advocating for unproven – or proven as ineffective – treatments and disseminating unfounded doubts about vaccines. Presumed expertise on the basis of professional training clearly did not translate into actual expertise in the necessary domains to ascertain the validity of such claims and scientific advice was overridden by ideology.
Cross-culturally adapting the GHQ-12 for use with refugee populations: Opportunities, dilemmas, and challenges
Authors: Fennig Maya
Published: January 2024

This article discusses the opportunities, dilemmas, and challenges involved in the cross-cultural adaptation (CCA) of psychological scales for use with refugee populations. It draws on insights derived from an attempt to adapt the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) to the particular culture and context of Eritrean refugees residing in Israel. Multiple techniques including expert translations, a focus-group discussion, a survey, and piloting, were employed to attain a cross-cultural and conceptually equivalent measure. During the CCA process, the research team encountered issues pertaining to conceptual non-equivalence, the structure of the measure's responses and scoring system, and acceptability. These issues required the team to move beyond semantic translation by adapting certain items. This study demonstrates the compromises which need to be made in the adaptation process and indicates the potential bias which each of these compromises introduces. Despite its limitations, CCA does appear to significantly improve detection of mental health symptoms in refugee populations. Overall, the results of the present study provide support for the notion that the sensitive and appropriate assessment of individuals from refugee backgrounds requires adopting a rigorous, systematic, and contextual approach to instrument adaptation, with an emphasis on the integration of idioms of distress as well as the adaptation of Likert-type scales.
Structural damage identification under ambient temperature variations based on CNN and normalized modal flexibility-autoregressive coefficients hybrid index
Authors: Gu Jianfeng , Xiang Chunyan , Luo Jin , Huang Minshui , Liu Hexu , Sun Chang , Yang Yuhou
Published: January 2024

This study proposes a novel method to identify structural damage considering ambient temperature variations. In this method, the normalized modal flexibility based index (nMFBI) and autoregressive (AR) coefficients are combined to form the nMFBI-AR hybrid index, and convolutional neural networks (CNN) are exploited to locate and quantify the damage. Moreover, the effects of ambient temperature variations and measurement noise are not considered in the training dataset, which is preferable in practical engineering. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, firstly, a numerical structure of a simply supported beam is investigated, and the performance of the nMFBI-AR index is evaluated by making a comparison with the nMFBI and AR indexes. Then, the proposed method is further verified by a test model of a three-story frame and a practical engineering example of a continuous rigid frame bridge. The results demonstrate that although the influence of ambient temperature variations and measurement noise are only considered in the test datasets, this approach has the best performance in locating and quantifying structural damage, and the errors are less than 16%, which is promising. In addition, this paper provides a guideline and a new idea for the study of damage index based on time-frequency hybrid information.
The impact of using person-centered language to reference stigmatized groups in news coverage
Authors: Murray Caroline , Varma Anita , Stroud Natalie Jomini
Published: January 2024

News coverage often uses stigmatizing language to label marginalized groups. Person-centered language has been discussed as a potential remedy, which this study tests for the first time. Using a between-subjects experiment with members of three marginalized groups ( n = 339), we investigate whether news articles that use person-centered terms (e.g., “person with substance use disorder”) instead of stigmatizing terms (e.g., “drug abuser”) improve attitudes towards journalism. Findings show person-centered terms increased the perception that one’s group was humanized in the news article and marginally increased trust in news. This study highlights the importance of journalists’ careful consideration of the labels they apply to marginalized groups. Although trust-building efforts cannot be limited to the use of person-centered terms, this research shows that the linguistic change is a step in the right direction.
Inclusion of People With Disabilities in Community Health Needs Assessments in Florida, United States
Authors: Roberts Logan S. , James Tyler G.
Published: January 2024

Community health needs assessments (CHNAs) play a crucial role in identifying health needs of communities. Yet, unique health needs of people with disabilities (PWDs) are often underrecognized in public health practice. In 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) required the implementation of standardized data collection guidelines, including disability status, among federal agencies. The extent to which guidance from ACA and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has impacted disability inclusion in CHNAs is unknown. This study used a content analysis approach to review CHNAs conducted by local health councils and the top 11 nonprofit hospitals in Florida (n = 77). We coded CHNAs based on mentioning disability in CHNA reports, involving disability-related stakeholders, and incorporating data on disability indicators. Findings indicate that PWDs are widely not included in CHNAs in Florida, emphasizing the need for equitable representation and comprehensive understanding of PWDs in community health planning.
Analysis of the strength of joints in fabric/ unsaturated polyester composites
Authors: El Messiry Magdi , El-Tarfawy Shaimaa , El Deeb Rania
Published: January 2024

Fabric/unsaturated polyester composites have garnered significant attention due to their lightweight properties and superior mechanical characteristics. Despite these advantages, the strength of joints within these composites remains a crucial aspect requiring thorough investigation. This paper presents a study focused on comprehending the factors that influence joint strength in fabric/polymer composites, emphasizing the importance of effective load transfer and robust adhesion within the fabric/polymer matrix. The objective is to minimize stress concentration and enhance load distribution within the joint. The failure mechanism involves a combination of Bearing Failure and shear-out failure, particularly in single-fabric layer composites. The study establishes a linear relationship between composite bending stiffness and the enforcement fabric’s flexural rigidity. A comparison of tensile properties across various joining methods, such as bolts, adhesive bonding, and tongue grooves, reveals that bolt joints exhibit the highest strength and elongation, followed by tongue groove joints. Notably, bolt joints demonstrate elevated toughness, efficiency, and stiffness in samples of two-layer twill fabric when the twill lines are oriented perpendicular to each other. Under these conditions, joint properties are measured at 0.89%, 14804.65 Nm, and 20.46 J, respectively. Increased fabric flexural rigidity yields advantages in terms of load distribution, load transfer efficiency, and dimensional stability. This study deepens the understanding of factors influencing joint strength, contributing valuable insights for the development of optimized joint designs and manufacturing processes. These advancements aim to enhance the performance and reliability of fabric/unsaturated polyester composites in applications requiring high strength and structural integrity.
Adolescent Contact, Lasting Impact? Lessons Learned From Two Longitudinal Studies Spanning 20 Years of Developmental Science Research With Justice-System-Involved Youths
Authors: Cauffman Elizabeth , Gillespie Marie L. , Beardslee Jordan , Davis Frank , Hernandez Maria , Williams Tamika
Published: January 2024

In this article, we summarize key findings from 20 years of research conducted at the intersection of developmental psychology and juvenile justice in the United States. We predominantly examine data from two large-scale, multisite longitudinal studies involving justice-system-involved adolescents—the Pathways to Desistance study and the Crossroads study. Topics of discussion include predictors of offending and desistance from crime; youth outcomes and psychosocial needs; and emerging research, programs, and policy initiatives. First, individual-level (e.g., age, psychosocial maturity) and contextual-level (e.g., antisocial peers, exposure to violence) risk factors associated with offending are explored. Second, we discuss short-term and long-term outcomes of justice-system contact for youths engaging in moderate offenses. We highlight main findings from the Crossroads study indicating that youths who are sanctioned by the justice system at their first arrest have worse outcomes than youths who are diverted from formal processing. Additionally, we discuss the high prevalence of youths’ exposure to violence and mental health disorders as well as the differential treatment of youths of color in the justice system. Third, we extend the conversation to justice-system-involved young adults and discuss emerging, innovative legal solutions, including young adult courts. Last, we discuss real-world implications of these findings.
Epilepsy Is Associated With Increased Long-Term Risk of Cardiac Arrhythmias: Did Your Heart Skip a Beat?
Authors: Karakis Ioannis
Published: January 2024

[Box: see text]
Leisure Engagement Among People Living With Acquired Brain Injury: A Scoping Review
Authors: Trevorrow Shane , Gustafsson Louise , Hodson Tenelle
Published: January 2024

Return to previously valued occupations is a common goal of individuals following acquired brain injury (ABI). However, the focus of rehabilitation is often on self-care and productivity occupations. Return to leisure should be a priority of rehabilitation to support a person’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional well-being. Consequently, the aim of this article was to review the research evidence on engagement in leisure occupations among community-dwelling adults living with ABI. A six-step scoping review was conducted searching five databases. Articles were included if they focused on leisure engagement post-stroke or traumatic brain injury. Seventeen studies were included. Leisure engagement decreased post-ABI with engagement primarily in solitary, sedentary, cognitively inactive, home-based leisure. Leisure engagement was impacted by personal and contextual factors. The findings identify a need to focus on and address changes to leisure following ABI, with exploration of why these changes have occurred beyond personal factors.
Investigation of comfort characteristics of knitted fabric produced from neppy yarn
Authors: Hossain Md Anwar , Islam Md Reajul
Published: January 2024

Fabric made from fancy yarn, especially neppy yarn has a great environmental impact because the fabric does not need any additional dyeing process. This study involved knitting neppy yarn of two distinct spinning processes, vortex and ring spinning, each having three different percentages of neps. The comfort properties of six different fabrics were evaluated by analyzing various parameters, including moisture management properties, water vapor transmission rate, air permeability, hand feel properties, and bursting strength. Microscopic views were also examined for analyzing the physical appearance of the fabric’s surface. The experimental results revealed that fabrics made from vortex-spun neppy yarn (VSNY) exhibit better moisture management, breathability, and hand feel properties than ring-spun neppy yarn (RSNY). Alternatively, bursting strength and water vapor evaporation rate showed a lower trend in fabrics made from vortex-spun neppy yarn. The research findings contribute valuable insights into the potential of vortex spinning techniques for sustainable and comfortable textile production.
Corticosteroid Injection in the Operative Hand Prior to a Trigger Finger or Carpal Tunnel Release: If It Is Not at the Surgical Site Then What Is the Big Deal?
Authors: Koso Riikka E. , Njoku-Austin Confidence O. , Piston Hannah E. , Mirvish Asher B. , Li Runjia , Fowler John R.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Patients who have had a corticosteroid injection at the surgical site within 90 days of trigger finger release (TFR) or carpal tunnel release (CTR) have an elevated risk of postoperative infection. Currently, it remains unknown if a preoperative injection in proximity to the surgical site for a separate complaint alters the risk of a postoperative infection.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who underwent TFR or CTR between 2010 and 2022. Patients who had a corticosteroid injection at or near the surgical site within 90 days of surgery were included. Outcome measures included uncomplicated healing, superficial infection requiring antibiotics, and deep infection (DI) requiring surgical debridement.

Results:

There were 564 cases in which a corticosteroid injection was performed within 90 days of TFR or CTR. Superficial infections occurred in 12 (2.1%), and DIs occurred in 6 (1.1%) cases. There was no significant difference in infection rates between the two groups relative to the location of the injection nor timing of the injection (0-30, 31-60, or 61-90 days prior to surgery).

Conclusions:

Patients who had an injection at the surgical site within 90 days of TFR or CTR had an elevated rate of postoperative infection compared with published rates in the literature. This study is unique in that preoperative injections at an adjacent site in the palm also correlated with an elevated rate of infection, similar to patients who had an injection at the surgical site.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.
Single-center outcomes of Onyx Frontier™ and Resolute Onyx™ drug-eluting balloon-mounted stents for rescue stenting for acute large vessel occlusion
Authors: Mehta Shyle H. , White Timothy G. , Shah Kevin A. , Lynch Daniel G. , Werner Cassidy D. , Teron Ina , Link Thomas , Patsalides Athos , Woo Henry H.
Published: January 2024

Background

In cases where mechanical thrombectomy (MT) fails, rescue stenting may be necessary to achieve reperfusion; however, the lack of standardized techniques or devices poses a challenge. This series aims to present our early experience with the Onyx Frontier™ and Resolute Onyx™ balloon-mounted drug-eluting stents for rescue stenting.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients who underwent rescue stenting, in the setting of failed MT, using Onyx Frontier™ or Resolute Onyx™ stents at a single institution. Technical details, procedural complications, and patient outcomes were recorded for each case.

Results

Twenty-two Onyx Frontier™ and Resolute Onyx™ stents were deployed in 18 patients undergoing rescue stenting. Stent locations included the middle cerebral artery (36.4%), internal carotid artery (18.2%), vertebral artery (22.7%), and basilar artery (22.7%). The average National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score before MT was 13.8 (range 0–31). The median initial modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was zero, while the median mRS score at follow-up was three. Successful reperfusion, as assessed by TICI scores, was achieved in 43.8% of patients for TICI 3, 43.8% for TICI 2C, and 12.5% for TICI 2B. Post-revascularization, 16.7% of patients experienced hemorrhage, of which one patient (5.6%) had symptomatic hemorrhage.

Conclusions

Onyx Frontier™ and Resolute Onyx™ stents are well suited for rescue stenting in cases of failed MT. These balloon-mounted drug-eluting stents exhibit excellent navigability, rendering them appropriate for rescue revascularization procedures. Our findings demonstrate that these stents confer a high degree of technical success.
Carotid stenting for symptomatic carotid artery web: Multicenter experience
Authors: Pasarikovski Christopher R. , Lynch Jeremy , Corrin Michael , Ku Jerry C. , Kumar Ashish , Pereira Vitor M. , Krings Timo , da Costa Leodante , Black Sandra E. , Agid Ronit , Yang Victor XD.
Published: January 2024

Objective

Carotid artery webs are an underappreciated cause of recurrent ischemic stroke, and may represent a significant portion of cryptogenic stroke. Evidence-based guidelines for the management of symptomatic carotid webs do not exist. The goal of this study is to audit our local experience for patients with symptomatic carotid artery webs undergoing carotid stenting as a treatment option, along with describing the hypothesized dynamic physiology of carotid webs.

Methods

All patients undergoing stenting for symptomatic carotid artery web at two comprehensive regional stroke centers with high endovascular thrombectomy volume from January 1, 2012 to March 1, 2021 were included. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was used to define functional outcome at 3 months after stenting.

Results

Fourteen consecutive patients with symptomatic carotid artery webs underwent stenting. Twelve patients were female (86%), with a median age of 54 (IQR, 48–64) years across all patients. Stroke was the qualifying event in 12 (86%) patients and TIA in 2. Eleven patients (11/14, 79%) achieved a mRS score of 0–2 at 90 days, 2 (14%) were mRS 3–5, and one patient was lost to follow-up. The median follow-up was 12 months (IQR, 10–12). There was no recurrent stroke or TIA like symptoms in any patients.

Conclusions

Carotid stenting appears to be safe at preventing recurrent stroke/TIA with a median follow-up of 12 months in this retrospective multicenter observational study.
Study of the boundary friction of high-strength steel during the cold rolling
Authors: Shimura Masahiro , Yamashita Naoki , Hino Masahiro , Otsuka Takayuki , Hirayama Tomoko
Published: January 2024

Skidding, which causes strip-surface defects between rolls and strips, is more likely to occur during the cold rolling of high-strength steel (HSS) than during that of ordinary steel. This occurs when the friction coefficient between them is low. However, the cause of the low friction coefficient during the cold rolling of HSS necessitates further investigation. This study conducted rolling tests using a synthetic hydrocarbon with oleic acid and methyl oleate as friction modifiers to compare the boundary friction coefficients of HSS and ordinary steel. Consequently, the friction coefficient of the HSS was lower than that of ordinary steel, regardless of the type of friction modifier applied. Furthermore, neutron reflectometry revealed that thicker adsorption films were formed on the HSS than on ordinary steel. Moreover, the thicker friction modifier film formation on HSS than on ordinary steel probably resulted in a lower friction coefficient during the cold rolling of HSS.
A new category within European Union Law: Personal work
Authors: Perulli Adalberto
Published: January 2024

This article deals with personal work, a concept of doctrinal origin that is emerging as an alternative to the traditional bipartition between subordinate and self-employed work. EU law has used the concept of personal work in three different contexts and with different shades of meaning: in the field of anti-discrimination law, in the field of collective bargaining, and in that of platform work. A composite picture emerges, but converges towards the universalisation of protections in favour of the person who works, regardless of the classification of the relationship (anti-discrimination law, platform work), or the solo self-employed worker (collective bargaining).
Extensive thoracoabdominal aortic electro septotomy: A case report of a novel approach in the treatment of chronic aortic dissections
Authors: Huber Florian , Schachner Bruno , Hagleitner Georg , Binder Ronald K. , Pichler Peter , Zierer Andreas
Published: January 2024

Treatment of post-dissection arch and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms presents significant therapeutic challenges. True lumen collapse or take off of aortic branches from the false lumen makes endograft alignment difficult, if not impossible. We present herein the first successful case of an extensive thoracoabdominal electro aortic septotomy of the entire dissection membrane from the aortic arch down to the aortic bifurcation during an open redo aortic arch replacement employing the frozen elephant trunk technique. The procedure was performed on a 59 years old female patient presenting with a progressive post-dissection aortic aneurysm during follow-up with a maximum diameter of 6 cm 11 years after operating on an acute type A aortic dissection. Due to the extensive longitudinal aortic electric septotomy, we created a new “common lumen” for subsequent endovascular completion of the repair.
The Land for Peace Message Between Israel and Jordan: The Case of Baqura and Ghamr
Authors: Segell Glen
Published: January 2024

Israel has reached historic agreements in its sought-after objective of recognition—each unique. There is a similarity between agreements between Israel and neighboring states. These agreements were with Egypt (1979) and Jordan (1994) . In both these, land for peace was an element. That is a legalistic interpretation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 242 adopted on November 22, 1967, in the aftermath of the Arab–Israeli War of 1967. There are two arguments on the land for peace concept. One is that there were more historical and significant reasons for peace than land. The other is that every millimeter of land is significant and not overlooked. Looking at both, this article examines the agreement with Jordan, focusing on two small farmland areas in the border areas referred to as Baqura and Ghamr in Arabic and Naharayim and Tzofar in Hebrew. The agreement was a land lease for 25 years (1994–2019). It could have been extended after that, yet Jordan called for its return, which Israel accepted. This is examined under four headings: Where did the land come from? The Israel–Jordan peace treaty; legal viewpoint; and private ownership versus state sovereignty. The take-out from such a message of land for peace examination is to bear the findings in mind for future agreements with Israel on how much land for peace, where, how, and why. The bottom line is that strong leadership and issues other than land may be more important in achieving a peace treaty, yet land for peace is a strong message.
Psychological Symptoms of COVID-19 Pandemic Among Community-Dwelling Older People in Oman and Associated Risk Factors
Authors: Al-Jadidi Saleha , Alharrasi Maryam , Al-Shukaili Ahmed , Alkalbani Ali , Muthukrishnan Akila
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic loss of human lives worldwide.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the psychological factors of the COVID-19 pandemic in the community-dwelling older population.

Method

This was a cross-sectional study of older people aged ≥60 years with no mental or psychological illnesses. A total of 193 participants were recruited. The study questionnaire included anxiety- and depression-related questions tailored for the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire was developed through a literature review and expert review. Data was collected from December 2020 to January 2022.

Results

The psychological symptoms of COVID-19 were high in this sample (mean 29.18 ± 3.57). Gender (female) was found to have a strong positive relationship with the psychological symptoms of COVID-19 score ( p = 0.003). Chronic illnesses (β = 0.19, p < 0.001), living alone (β = 0.39, p < 0.001), and having a family member or a friend with COVID-19 (β = 0.15, p < 0.001) were also found to have a strong positive relationship with the psychological symptoms of COVID-19 score.

Conclusion

The negative psychological effects of COVID-19 were high among the older population in Oman. In this study, female gender, chronic illnesses, living alone, and having a family member or a friend with COVID-19 were associated with worse COVID-19 psychological symptoms. Older women were affected by COVID-19 more than older men. In addition, those who had chronic illnesses, lived alone, or had a family member or a friend with COVID-19 were more psychologically burdened by the pandemic than those without those characteristics. Particular attention should be given to older adults who have chronic illnesses, live alone, or have a family member or a friend with COVID-19. Support groups and psychological counseling programs are essential for older people during a pandemic.
Book review: Sonya Surabhi Gupta (Editor), Subalternities in India and Latin America: Dalit Autobiographies and the Testimonio
Authors: Jana Sanjoy
Published: January 2024

Sonya Surabhi Gupta (Editor), Subalternities in India and Latin America: Dalit Autobiographies and the Testimonio, London, Routledge, 2022, 228 pp., ₹995. ISBN: 978-0-367-36097-9 (Paperback)
MACI Sandwich Technique With Autologous Bone Graft
Authors: Minas Tom
Published: January 2024

Background:

Osteochondral lesions of the knee are difficult to manage. Such lesions can be effectively treated with the matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) “sandwich” technique using autologous chondrocytes on porcine collagen membrane in conjuction with autologous cancellous bone grafting (ABG). Few studies have examined this technique to restore the osteochondral unit.

Indications:

The MACI “Sandwich” procedure is indicated when osteochondral lesions are larger than 2 cm2 in size and deeper than 8 to 10 mm, with symptoms consistent with the location of the lesion.

Technique Description:

The chondral defect is radically debrided back to healthy bone and cartilage tissue. The base of the bony cavity is drilled to enhance the vascular supply and promote healing. Next, the bony cavity is prepared to slightly undermine the subchondral bone surface around the articular margins, with the depth of the cavity wider than the opening, similar to a dental amalgam. The autologous cancellous bone is subsequently morselized and impacted up to the level of the native subchondral bone plate. The first MACI membrane with the cells facing up is placed directly onto the bone graft site and compressed with a neural patty. The neural patty is removed, and the second MACI membrane is then placed with the cells facing down. The edges are then micro-sutured to ensure stability.

Results:

The “sandwich” technique has superior survival rates compared with autologous bone grafting alone, with patients reporting decreased pain, improved function, and high satisfaction scores over a mid-term to long-term follow-up.

Discussion/Conclusion:

The MACI “sandwich” technique is an effective surgical intervention to restore the osteochondral unit and preserve the patient's native knee joint.

Patient Consent Disclosure Statement:

The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
How Did the Imperfection of an Innovation Project Come About? The Tension Between Legitimacy and Flexibility
Authors: Qian Qinzhen
Published: January 2024

Although current project management literature has claimed to learn from imperfect or failing projects, the process through which the imperfection of a project, in particular of an innovative-centered one, comes about remains unexplored. Based on a longitudinal case study of an interorganizational innovation project, the author developed a process model, showing that the project management team involved—consisting of well-integrated members of their permanent organizations—failed to manage the tension between legitimacy and flexibility by relying too heavily on traditional project management practices. This then led to an innovation project that was anything but perfect with respect to both process and outcome.
Low ectonucleotidase activity and increased neutrophil-platelet aggregates in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: NaveenKumar Somanathapura K. , Tambralli Ajay , Fonseca Bruna Mazetto , Yalavarthi Srilakshmi , Liang Wenying , Hoy Claire K. , Sarosh Cyrus , Rysenga Christine E. , Ranger Caroline H. , Vance Caroline E. , Madison Jacqueline A. , Orsi Fernanda A. , Sood Suman L. , Schaefer Jordan K. , Zuo Yu , Knight Jason S.
Published: January 2024

Many patients with antiphospholipid syndrome had decreased ectonucleotidase activity on neutrophils and platelets, which enabled extracellular nucleotides to trigger neutrophil-platelet aggregates. This phenotype was replicated by treating healthy neutrophils and platelets with patient-derived antiphospholipid antibodies or ectonucleotidase inhibitors.
ADAMTS13 recovery in acute thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura after caplacizumab therapy
Authors: Mingot-Castellano María-Eva , García-Candel Faustino , Martínez-Nieto Jorge , García-Arroba José , de la Rubia-Comos Javier , Gómez-Seguí Inés , Paciello-Coronel María-Liz , Valcárcel-Ferreiras David , Jiménez Moraima , Cid Joan , Lozano Miquel , García-Gala José-María , Angós-Vazquez Sonia , Vara-Pampliega Miriam , Guerra-Domínguez Luisa , Ávila-Idrobo Laura-Francisca , Oliva-Hernandez Ana , Zalba-Marcos Saioa , Tallón-Ruiz Inmaculada , Ortega-Sánchez Sandra , Goterris-Viciedo Rosa , Moreno-Jiménez Gemma , Domínguez-Acosta Lourdes , Araiz-Ramírez María , Hernández-Mateos Luis , Flores-Ballesteros Elena , del Río-Garma Julio , Pascual-Izquierdo Cristina
Published: January 2024

Caplacizumab prevents the interaction between von Willebrand factor and platelets and is used to treat immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP). Its administration has been associated with a delay in ADAMTS13 activity restoration after plasma exchange (PEX) suspension. We analyzed the outcomes of 113 iTTP episodes, 75 of which were treated with caplacizumab, in 108 patients from the Spanish Registry of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura. Caplacizumab shortened the time to platelet count normalization and reduced PEX requirement, exacerbations, and relapses. There was no difference in the time to achieve ADAMTS13 activity ≥20% after PEX end between caplacizumab-treated and nontreated episodes (median [interquartile range], 14.5 [7.7-27.2] vs 13.0 [8.0-29.0] days, P = .653). However, considering the 36 episodes in which caplacizumab was started ≤3 days after iTTP diagnosis, the time for ADAMTS13 restoration from PEX end was higher than in those episodes in which caplacizumab was started >3 days after iTTP diagnosis (20.0 [12.0-43.0] vs 11.0 [3.5-20.0] days, P = .003) or than in non-caplacizumab-treated episodes (P = .033). This finding could be related to a significantly shorter duration of PEX in early caplacizumab-treated episodes than in late caplacizumab-treated episodes (5.5 [4.0-9.0] vs 15.0 [11.0-21.5] days, P < .001) or non-caplacizumab-treated episodes (11.0 [6.0-26.0] days, P < .001). There were no differences in time to ADAMTS-13 restoration from PEX start (28.0 [17.2-47.5], 27.0 [19.0-37.5] and 29.5 [15.2-45.0] days in early caplacizumab-treated, late caplacizumab-treated and non-caplacizumab-treated episodes). Early administered caplacizumab does not prevent the requirement for immunosuppression but has beneficial effects by shortening PEX requirement without major safety concerns.
T-cell dysfunctions in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Rodriguez-Sevilla Juan Jose , Colla Simona
Published: January 2024

Escape from immune surveillance is a hallmark of cancer. Immune deregulation caused by intrinsic and extrinsic cellular factors, such as altered T-cell functions, leads to immune exhaustion, loss of immune surveillance, and clonal proliferation of tumoral cells. The T-cell immune system contributes to the pathogenesis, maintenance, and progression of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Here, we comprehensively reviewed our current biological knowledge of the T-cell compartment in MDS and recent advances in the development of immunotherapeutic strategies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and T-cell– and antibody–based adoptive therapies that hold promise to improve the outcome of patients with MDS.
Genome-wide molecular evolution analysis of the GRF and GIF gene families in Plantae (Archaeplastida)
Authors: Chen Xinghao , Zhang Jun , Wang Shijie , Cai Hongyu , Yang Minsheng , Dong Yan
Published: January 2024

Background

Plant growth-regulating factors (GRFs) and GRF-interacting factors (GIFs) interact with each other and collectively have important regulatory roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. Therefore, it is of great significance to explore the systematic evolution of GRF and GIF gene families. However, our knowledge and understanding of the role of GRF and GIF genes during plant evolution has been fragmentary.

Results

In this study, a large number of genomic and transcriptomic datasets of algae, mosses, ferns, gymnosperms and angiosperms were used to systematically analyze the evolution of GRF and GIF genes during the evolution of plants. The results showed that GRF gene first appeared in the charophyte Klebsormidium nitens, whereas the GIF genes originated relatively early, and these two gene families were mainly expanded by segmental duplication events after plant terrestrialization. During the process of evolution, the protein sequences and functions of GRF and GIF family genes are relatively conservative. As cooperative partner, GRF and GIF genes contain the similar types of cis-acting elements in their promoter regions, which enables them to have similar transcriptional response patterns, and both show higher levels of expression in reproductive organs and tissues and organs with strong capacity for cell division. Based on protein–protein interaction analysis and verification, we found that the GRF–GIF protein partnership began to be established in pteridophytes and is highly conserved across different terrestrial plants.

Conclusions

These results provide a foundation for further exploration of the molecular evolution and biological functions of GRF and GIF genes.
Phototropin2 3’UTR overlaps with the AT5G58150 gene encoding an inactive RLK kinase
Authors: Łabuz Justyna , Banaś Agnieszka Katarzyna , Zgłobicki Piotr , Bażant Aneta , Sztatelman Olga , Giza Aleksandra , Lasok Hanna , Prochwicz Aneta , Kozłowska-Mroczek Anna , Jankowska Urszula , Hermanowicz Paweł
Published: January 2024

Background

This study examines the biological implications of an overlap between two sequences in the Arabidopsis genome, the 3’UTR of the PHOT2 gene and a putative AT5G58150 gene, encoded on the complementary strand. AT5G58150 is a probably inactive protein kinase that belongs to the transmembrane, leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase family. Phot2 is a membrane-bound UV/blue light photoreceptor kinase. Thus, both proteins share their cellular localization, on top of the proximity of their loci.

Results

The extent of the overlap between 3’UTR regions of AT5G58150 and PHOT2 was found to be 66 bp, using RACE PCR. Both the at5g58150 T-DNA SALK_093781C (with insertion in the promoter region) and 35S::AT5G58150-GFP lines overexpress the AT5G58150 gene. A detailed analysis did not reveal any substantial impact of PHOT2 or AT5G58150 on their mutual expression levels in different light and osmotic stress conditions. AT5G58150 is a plasma membrane protein, with no apparent kinase activity, as tested on several potential substrates. It appears not to form homodimers and it does not interact with PHOT2. Lines that overexpress AT5G58150 exhibit a greater reduction in lateral root density due to salt and osmotic stress than wild-type plants, which suggests that AT5G58150 may participate in root elongation and formation of lateral roots. In line with this, mass spectrometry analysis identified proteins with ATPase activity, which are involved in proton transport and cell elongation, as putative interactors of AT5G58150. Membrane kinases, including other members of the LRR RLK family and BSK kinases (positive regulators of brassinosteroid signalling), can also act as partners for AT5G58150.

Conclusions

AT5G58150 is a membrane protein that does not exhibit measurable kinase activity, but is involved in signalling through interactions with other proteins. Based on the interactome and root architecture analysis, AT5G58150 may be involved in plant response to salt and osmotic stress and the formation of roots in Arabidopsis.
LncRNA HOTTIP as a diagnostic biomarker for acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with sepsis and to predict the short-term clinical outcome: a case-control study
Authors: Shi Weitao , Zhu Wang , Yu Jiani , Shi Yingjun , Zhao Yuliang
Published: January 2024

Background

The present research aims to investigate the clinical diagnostic value of LncRNA HOXA distal transcript antisense RNA (HOTTIP) in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) of sepsis and its predictive significance for mortality.

Methods

One hundred eighteenth patients with sepsis and 96 healthy individuals were enrolled. RT-qPCR to examine HOTTIP levels. The incidence of ARDS and death was recorded. The diagnostic significance of HOTTIP in sepsis ARDS was examined using ROC and logistic regression analysis. The correlation between HOTTIP and disease severity was evaluated using Pearson’s coefficients. Kaplan-Meier analysis and COX regression were employed to examine the predictive significance of mortality. Validation of HOTTIP target miRNA by dual-luciferase assay.

Results

HOTTIP was persistently up-regulated in patients with ARDS sepsis than in patients without ARDS patients (P < 0.05). HOTTIP was a risk factor for the development of ARDS, which could be diagnosed in ARDS patients from non-ARDS patients (AUC = 0.847). Both the SOFA score (r = 0.6793) and the APACHE II score (r = 0.6384) were positively correlated with the HOTTIP levels. Furthermore, serum HOTTIP was an independent predictor of short-term mortality (HR = 4.813. 95%CI: 1.471–15.750, P = 0.009) and noticeably predicted the occurrence of short-term death (log rank = 0.020). miR-574-5p, a target miRNA for HOTTIP, was reduced in patients with sepsis ARDS and negatively correlated with HOTTIP.

Conclusions

The presence of HOTTIP serves as a diagnostic biomarker for the occurrence of ARDS, exhibits correlation with disease severity, and provides predictive value of short-term mortality in sepsis patients. HOTTIP may be involved in ARDS progression by targeting miR-574-5p.