bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
De novo germline pathogenic variant in Lynch Syndrome: A rare event or the tip of the iceberg?
Authors: Brignola Clorinda , Volorio Sara , De Vecchi Giovanna , Zaffaroni Daniela , Dall’Olio Valentina , Mariette Frederique , Sardella Domenico , Capra Fabio , Signoroni Stefano , Rausa Emanuele , Vitellaro Marco , Pensotti Valeria , Ricci Maria Teresa
Published: September 2023

Lynch Syndrome is an autosomal dominant cancer predisposition syndrome caused by germline pathogenic variants or epimutation in one of the DNA mismatch repair genes. De novo pathogenic variants in mismatch repair genes have been described as a rare event in Lynch Syndrome (1-5%), although the prevalence of de novo pathogenic variants in Lynch Syndrome is probably underestimated. The de novo pathogenic variant was identified in a 26-year-old woman diagnosed with an adenocarcinoma of the caecum with mismatch repair protein deficiency at immunohistochemistry and a synchronous neuroendocrine tumor of the appendix with normal expression of mismatch repair proteins. DNA testing revealed deletion of exon 6 of the MLH1 gene. It appeared to be a de novo event, as the deletion was not detected in the patient’s parents. The presence of a mosaicism in the patient was excluded and haplotype analysis demonstrated the paternal origin of the chromosome harboring the deletion. The de novo deletion probably originated either from a very early postzygotic or a single prezygotic mutational event, or from a gonadal mosaicism. In conclusion, the identification of de novo pathogenic variants is crucial to allow proper genetic counseling and appropriate management of the patient’s family.
Conferone, a coumarin from Ferula flabelliloba, induced toxic effects on adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma cells
Authors: Rafatpanah Houshang , Golizadeh Marziyeh , Mahdifar Maryam , Mahdavi Shakiba , Iranshahi Mehrdad , Rassouli Fatemeh B
Published: September 2023

Background

Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) is a lymphoid malignancy caused by HTLV-1 infection, with distinct geographical distribution. Despite advances in cancer treatment, the average survival rate of ATL is low. Conferone is a natural coumarin extracted from Ferula species with a wide range of pharmaceutical effects. In search for a novel chemotherapeutic agent, we investigated the cytotoxicity of conferone on ATL cells.

Methods

To obtain conferone, the methanolic extract of the roots of F. flabelliloba was subjected to silica gel column chromatography, followed by 1H- and 13C-NMR to confirm its structure. For cytotoxicity assay, MT-2 cells were treated with different concentrations of conferone (2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 40 µM) for 24, 48, and 72 h, and viability was evaluated by a colorimetric assay using alamarBlue. Cell cycle was analyzed by PI staining and flow cytometry, and qPCR was used to study the expression of candidate genes.

Results and Conclusion

Obtained findings indicated that conferone induced considerable cytotoxic effects on MT-2 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. In addition, accumulation of cells in the sub-G1 phase of the cell cycle was detected upon conferone administration. Moreover, conferone reduced the expression of CDK6, c-MYC, CFLIP L, and NF-κB (Rel-A) in MT-2 cells. Accordingly, conferone could be considered as a potent agent against ATL, although complementary investigations are required to define more precisely its mechanism of action.
Drivers and barriers to achieve a circular economy of small-IT: Case study from the city of Porto
Authors: Espino Penilla Marisol , Dubey Asmita , Prot Maurice , van Beekhuizen Evi-Mara , Deeb Elie , Taipa Soraia , Machado Telmo
Published: September 2023

Advances in digital electronics delivered small and portable gadgets, changing human interface with technology. Demand for new small devices of Information and Telecommunication Technology (small-IT) that have a short lifespan, like smartphones and laptops, creates flows and accumulation of electronic resources. These include precious metals that show potential for Urban Mining and Circular Economy. To find out the extent of setting up an improved recycling, reuse and repair system, data collection was conducted through surveys, bin observations and social experiments. These methods enabled us to analyse stocks and flows, identify behavioural practices and map collection infrastructure. About 80% of domestic small-IT stocks are hibernated, meaning they could be directly reused or easily repaired. Results show four barriers that keep citizens from handing in their unused small-IT: Devices are kept as back-up, they contain sentimental value, citizens are suspicious of post-collection data confidentiality issues and there is a perceived high effort to recycle. Drivers to enhance circularity are: improving e-waste infrastructure, introducing economic incentives and raising awareness on environmental impacts of hibernated stocks. A more trustworthy and legitimate management system is expected to deliver safety and confidentiality of personal data and provide the quality that fits the expectations of citizens of a proper place to dispose of their valuable items.
Past 6-Month Prevalence of IPV Victimization among Transgender and Gender-Diverse Undergraduate Students: A Brief Report
Authors: Huff Merle , Edwards Katie M. , Littleton Heather
Published: September 2023

Research has largely neglected the issue of intimate partner violence (IPV) among transgender and gender-diverse (TGD; e.g., nonbinary and genderqueer) individuals. However, existing research suggests that TGD individuals are disproportionately affected by IPV. The current study sought to explore if and how rates of IPV vary among subgroups of TGD undergraduate students and contextual factors of IPV among TGD individuals including the co-occurrence of multiple forms of IPV victimization, the type of relationship in which IPV occurred, and the gender identity of the IPV perpetrator. Participants were 280 TGD undergraduate students attending 20 medium- and large-sized residential public universities across the contiguous United States. Of the entire sample of TGD undergraduate students ( N = 280), a total of 27.5% endorsed past 6-month IPV victimization (20.0% psychological, 6.1% physical, 8.9% sexual, 11.4% coercive control, and 5.7% LGBTQIA+-specific). Among only the participants who endorsed past 6-month IPV victimization ( N = 77), 45.4% reported one form of IPV victimization, 26.0% two forms, 22.1% three forms, and 6.5% four forms. Further, 41.3% of TGD IPV victims were in a casual relationship, 56.0% were in a serious relationship, and 2.7% were in multiple relationship types. Finally, 55.8% of victims reported their perpetrator was a man, 22.1% a woman, and 22.1% a TGD individual. No significant differences in rates of IPV were found between TGD respondents. These data highlight the urgent need for programming efforts on college campuses that are specifically designed to prevent and address IPV among and against TGD students. Future research should evaluate universal- and population-specific risk and protective factors for IPV among TGD individuals to inform prevention and response efforts for this highly vulnerable population.
Gender Segregation in Civic Life: Women’s and Men’s Involvement in Voluntary Associations
Authors: Dederichs Kasimir , de Graaf Nan Dirk
Published: September 2023

The pervasive persistence of gender segregation has been documented in a myriad of social settings, implying that women and men primarily encounter peers of their own gender in daily life. While voluntary associations are often praised for their ability to bridge other social divides, previous research indicates substantive gender disparities in voluntary involvement. Yet we still know relatively little about the extent and origins of gender segregation in civic life. In this article, we study gender homophily in voluntary involvement and examine how structural features of friendship networks and traditional gender norms bring about gender segregation. Employing data from a German panel study (SC6-NEPS), we analyze cross-sectional patterns of gender segregation and run multinomial and binary logistic regressions to model joining and quitting transitions. Our results indicate substantive gender segregation across and within types of voluntary associations. The overall gender segregation is driven by homophilous transitions into associational contexts, not by selective quitting decisions. Gender-segregated friendship networks partially explain the tendency to join organizations dominated by one’s own gender. Traditional gender norms are associated with more homophilous joining transitions among men, but not among women. Overall, these findings imply that civic life perpetuates the structural significance of gender.
Jewish and Christian “signature features” in the Testament of Job
Authors: List Nicholas
Published: September 2023

Pseudepigrapha research continues to slowly embrace the “default position” when working with texts of uncertain origin: start by investigating the Christian reception of a text, before attempting to work back toward its purported Jewish provenance. Taking a pseudepigraphon as Christian until proven otherwise—as a theoretical and methodological stance—has led some scholars to break with the general consensus concerning the Jewish origins of the Testament of Job, citing a lack of any identifiable Jewish or Christian “signature features” in the work. While sympathetic to the default position, this paper considers features of the Testament that should each be considered distinctively characteristic of Judaism (the intermarriage prohibition, T. Job 45:3) and Christianity (the use of the Greek compounds ἀπροσωπόληπτός, T. Job 4:8 and προσωπολήπτης, 43:13, attested only in Christian texts). The conclusions drawn from this study support the position that the Testament of Job is a Jewish diaspora text and that the instances of Christian language are most satisfactorily explained as later Christian scribal emendation.
Fatigue life prediction and structural optimization design of the bionic petal non-pneumatic tire with spokes
Authors: Wang Jian , Zeng Haohan , Gao Qiang , Yin Guodong , Li Junwei , Qiu Rongxian , Xiao Fujun
Published: September 2023

Fatigue durability of the non-pneumatic tire (NPT) has a decisive influence on vehicle safety and transport economy. This paper aims at the research on the fatigue life prediction method suitable for the flexible spokes of the NPT, and explores the influence of structural parameters on fatigue performance. By simultaneously taking consideration of fatigue performance, bearing capacity, and weight of the NPT, the optimal model parameters are obtained by the proposed structural optimization method. Firstly, based on the Thomas crack model, the fatigue life of the bionic petal non-pneumatic (BP-NPT) is predicted. Then, the influential mechanism of key structural parameters including the curvature, array period, and spoke thickness on tire fatigue durability is investigated by numerical simulation methods. Finally, an optimization method based on the Kriging model and modified NSGA-II is proposed to optimize the structure characteristics of the BP-NPT for better fatigue life and bearing capacity while ensuring lightweight. The results show that the predicted fatigue failure mileage of the BP-NPT is 2.54 × 104 km. By properly increasing the curvature and thickness of the spoke, the maximum strain energy density of the BP-NPT will be reduced, thus improving its fatigue durability. The performance of the optimized structure is significantly improved by the proposed optimization method. The total mass is reduced by 7.44%. The fatigue life and bearing capacity are improved by 9.75% and 4.16%, respectively. It is indicated that a more durable and safer tire configuration is provided for tire safety applications.
The psychopathic hospital
Authors: Nathan Robert DF
Published: September 2023

A new psychiatric institution emerged in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries: the psychopathic hospital. This institution represented a significant development in the history of psychiatry, as it marked the profession’s reorientation from asylum-based to hospital-based care, and in this way presaged the deinstitutionalization movement that would begin half a century later. Psychopathic hospitals were also an important marker of psychiatry’s efforts to redefine its professional boundaries and respond to its vociferous critics. This entailed both a rapprochement with general medicine in an effort to assert its scientific bona fides and a redefinition of its scope of practice to absorb non-certifiable ‘borderland’ cases in order both to emphasize non-coercive treatment and to enlarge the profession’s boundaries.
Thermal performance of three concentrating collectors with bifacial photovoltaic cells part I – Experimental and computational fluid dynamics study
Authors: Lança Miguel , Gomes João , Cabral Diogo
Published: September 2023

Bifacial photovoltaic cells can produce electricity from incoming solar radiation on both sides. These cells have a strong potential to reduce electricity generation costs and may play an important role in the energy system of the future. However, today, these cells are mostly deployed with one side receiving only ground reflection, which leads to a profound sub-optimal utilization of one of the sides of the bifacial cells. Concentration allows a better usage of the potential of bifacial cells, which can lead to a lower cost per kWh. However, concentration also adds complexity due to the higher temperatures reached which add the requirement of cooling in order to achieve higher outputs. This way, this paper focuses on the effectiveness of forced air circulation methods by comparing the thermal performance of three specific concentrating bi-facial collector designs. This paper developed a computational model, using ANSYS Fluent intending to assess the thermal performance of a covered concentrating collector with bifacial Photovoltaic (PV) cells. These results have then been validated by outdoor measurements. Results show that even a simple natural ventilation mechanism such as removing the side gable can effectively reduce the receiver temperature, thus resulting in favourable cell operation conditions when compared to the case of an airtight collector. Therefore, compared with a standard model, a decrease of 13.5% on the cell operating temperature was reported when the side gables are removed. However, when forced ventilation is apllied a 22.8% reduction on temperature is found compared to the standard air-tight model. The validated CFD model has proven to be a useful and robust tool for the thermal analysis of solar concentrating systems.
Role of [68Ga]-pentixafor positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging in assessing disease activity in patients with lupus nephritis: A pilot study
Authors: Nair Ahalya , Pandit Nandini , Kavadichanda Chengappa
Published: September 2023

Objective

The primary objective of our study was to evaluate renal uptake of 68Ga-pentixafor in patients with lupus nephritis. Eighteen patients who satisfied the inclusion criteria were included in our study.

Methods

The study participants were patients with histopathologically confirmed lupus nephritis who were referred to our department for 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT scan. We studied the renal images in these patients for uptake patterns based on purely visual as well as semi-quantitative parameters. The visual parameters included uptake relative to the spleen and liver. Semi-quantitative analysis involved the uptake as given by SUVmax. These parameters were correlated with the patients’ biochemical as well as histological parameters. Kendall’s tau-b test was used to look for an association between renal uptake by visual assessment and histopathological findings. Mean SUVmax values were compared by using the Mann–Whitney U test and a p value < .05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

No significant association between the mean renal SUVmax of the bilateral kidneys in pentixafor PET and histopathological class was observed. We did not observe any heterogeneity in uptake patterns that could be attributed to the disease process in our patients.

Conclusion

68Ga-pentixafor PET is not a suitable imaging modality for assessment of disease activity in lupus nephritis patients. There is a void in non-invasive testing for patients with this chronic and often disabling condition which calls for further research in this area.
The Psychology of Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Allen Mark S. , Wood Alex M. , Sheffield David
Published: September 2023

Erectile dysfunction is a major chronic condition affecting hundreds of millions of individuals worldwide. This review provides a concise overview of research on the psychological experience of erectile dysfunction. There is evidence that psychological factors such as personality, depression, stress, and cognitive interference (e.g., performance worry, shifts in attentional focus) contribute to erectile problems. There is also evidence that the experience of erectile dysfunction can have negative psychological effects, including feelings of emasculation and humiliation, decreases in self-confidence and feelings of self-worth, feelings of isolation and loneliness, increases in depression, and decreases in subjective well-being. Effects on the affected individuals’ sexual partner include feelings of being unattractive, feelings of rejection, feeling unloved, decreases in self-esteem, and frustration. Psychological interventions (particularly multimodal interventions) show promise for treating erectile dysfunction, but more research is needed to help establish their effectiveness. We present a brief research agenda of critical areas in need of further study. This review should be of interest to the general public and also researchers looking to develop a program of research in sexual health psychology that focuses on the psychological experience of erectile dysfunction.
Early performance measures following regular versus irregular screening attendance in the population-based screening program for breast cancer in Norway
Authors: Thy Jonas E , Larsen Marthe , Vigeland Einar , Koch Henrik , Hovda Tone , Hofvind Solveig
Published: September 2023

Objective

Irregular attendance in breast cancer screening has been associated with higher breast cancer mortality compared to regular attendance. Early performance measures of a screening program following regular versus irregular screening attendance have been less studied. We aimed to investigate early performance measures following regular versus irregular screening attendance.

Methods

We used information from 3,302,396 screening examinations from the Cancer Registry of Norway. Examinations were classified as regular or irregular. Regular was defined as an examination 2 years ± 6 months after the prior examination, and irregular examination >2 years and 6 months after prior examination. Performance measures included recall, biopsy, screen-detected and interval cancer, positive predictive values, and histopathological tumor characteristics.

Results

Recall rate was 2.4% (72,429/3,070,068) for regular and 3.5% (8217/232,328) for irregular examinations. The biopsy rate was 1.0% (29,197/3,070,068) for regular and 1.7% (3825/232,328) for irregular examinations, while the rate of screen-detected cancers 0.51% (15,664/3,070,068) versus 0.86% (2003/232,328), respectively. The adjusted odds ratio was 1.53 (95% CI: 1.49–1.56) for recall, 1.73 (95% CI: 1.68–1.80) for biopsy, and 1.68 (95% CI: 1.60–1.76) for screen-detected cancer after irregular examinations compared to regular examinations. The proportion of lymph node-positive tumors was 20.1% (2553/12,719) for regular and 25.6% (426/1662) for irregular examinations.

Conclusion

Irregular attendance was linked to higher rates of recall, needle biopsies, and cancer detection. Cancers detected after irregular examinations had less favorable histopathological tumor characteristics compared to cancers detected after regular examinations. Women should be encouraged to attend screening when invited to avoid delays in diagnosis.
Citizenship without identity? Instrumentalism, nationalism and naturalization in Chinese men's football
Authors: Han Peizi , Tang Shengying , Bairner Alan
Published: September 2023

Representing the nation in sports mega events has become a highly contested issue with the acceleration of the transnational movement of athletes. This research has examined Chinese people's attitudes to the naturalization of football players. The article discusses the findings in the context of the qualifying stages for the 2022 FIFA Men's World Cup by presenting and analysing data collected from semi-structured interviews and social media extracts. Two main issues were debated by Chinese people concerning the identity of naturalized athletes. One was the ethnicity of the naturalized footballers in relation to nationality, with some people questioning whether they belong to China and can represent China. The other issue concerned the players’ skills and ability which influenced considerations of how much they could help China to qualify for the World Cup Finals. In relation to Chinese nationalism, national identity and Chinese sports, this study reveals, through the window provided by the presence of these naturalized footballers, how football, instrumentalism, nationalism and naturalization have been inextricably linked and have interacted with one another within the current context. The article analyses how pragmatic values have negotiated with ethno-cultural nationalism and impacted on the Chinese public's attitudes towards naturalized athletes, their image being presented in variable and dynamic ways by football fan netizens after each qualifying game.
Improving Doctoral Educator Development: A Scaffolding Approach
Authors: Pittaway Luke A. , Tantawy Maha M. , Corbett Andrew C. , Brush Candida
Published: September 2023

In response to a need for improved training of business school teaching, this research explores US doctoral programs in management and finds a need to purposefully embed scaffolding—the process of gradually enabling the doctoral student to take on more challenging aspects of teaching—into doctoral program design. We also recommend a more influential role to be played by professional organizations to address doctoral educator development. As we followed a grounded theory approach, our methodology started with an analysis of program marketing documents and materials followed by behavioral event interviews (BEIs) and perceptual interviews (PIs) with doctoral students in management. Following coding, we reviewed the literature on doctoral education to explore how our emergent data mapped against prior research. By also taking into consideration the lived experience of students, the study data provides evidence that doctoral programs are not properly designed to support educator development. We discuss our findings related to what programs do to support students and what students do to support themselves. Theorizing from our data, we present our model that illustrates how programs could embed scaffolding to support programs’ commitment to develop future educators.
The Limits of Mimetic Isomorphism: Emerging Market Service Providers Entering Triad Markets
Authors: Widmier Scott M. , Nikolov Atanas Nik , Brouthers Lance Eliot , O’Donnell Edward
Published: September 2023

Prior research shows that using mimetic isomorphism to select price/quality product strategies results in superior performance in the United States, the European Union, and Japan for both developed economy and emerging market manufacturers. However, do these results generalize in the case of emerging market service providers? Due to the nature of services, customers cannot gauge service quality prior to consumption, and they must rely on other cues; commonly, consumers rely on the brand name as a proxy. We theorize that for emerging market service providers, choosing a strategy of “distinctiveness” (pursuing a nondominant price/quality strategy) offers a way to differentiate their offering from the mimetic choice, resulting in superior performance. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
A Multi-Trait Multi-Method Examination of Psychometric Instrument Performance in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Levine Michael A. , Chen Huan , Wodka Ericka L. , Deronda Alyssa C. , Caffo Brian S. , Ewen Joshua B.
Published: September 2023

Anecdotal evidence has suggested that rater-based measures (e.g., parent report) may have strong across-trait/within-individual covariance that detracts from trait-specific measurement precision; rater measurement-related bias may help explain poor correlation within Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) samples between rater-based and performance-based measures of the same trait. We used a multi-trait, multi-method approach to examine method-associated bias within an ASD sample ( n = 83). We examined performance/rater-instrument pairs for attention, inhibition, working memory, motor coordination, and core ASD features. Rater-based scores showed an overall greater methodology bias (57% of variance in score explained by method), while performance-based scores showed a weaker methodology bias (22%). The degree of inter-individual variance explained by method alone substantiates an anecdotal concern associated with the use of rater measures in ASD.
The Activity of Adenosine Deaminase and Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Naralan Yüksel Sümeyra , Doğan Özlem , Elgün Serenay , Öztop Didem Behice , Kılıç Birim Günay
Published: September 2023

Objective:

In this study, to investigate the place of T cell-mediated immunity in the etiology of ADHD, for which we do not have enough information; we aimed to investigate the activity of DPP IV and ADA, which are T cell-related enzymes, and the relationship of these enzymes with ADHD symptoms in children with ADHD.

Methods:

Twenty-seven children aged 6 to 12 years with a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and 27 children aged 6 to 12 years without any psychiatric disease were included in the study.

Results:

While serum ADA and DPP-IV activity were found to be statistically significantly higher in the group with ADHD. There was no statistically significant correlation between serum ADA and DPP-IV activities and CTRS-R-L and CPRS-R-L in both groups.

Conclusion:

We think that T cell mediated inflammation may play a role in the etiology of ADHD due to changes in ADA and DPP-IV levels in children.
The fluid-thermal-structural interaction analysis of a new multifoil aerodynamic thrust bearings
Authors: Xiong Cheng , Xu Bo , Huang Zhongwen , Chen Zhenqian
Published: September 2023

In the present study, a multiphysics simulation model was established to evaluate the effects of the fluid-thermal-structural interaction on the performance of multifoil gas lubrication thrust bearing. The thermal and elastic deformation mechanisms of multifoil bearings were studied in detail, and the effects of the preload ratio and foil structural parameters on the bearing performance were analyzed. The results show that the preload ratio determines the performance of the multifoil thrust bearing. A small preload helps the bearing maintain a low lift-off speed, whereas a large preload is helpful in improving the bearing load capacity. The thickness of the foil has a significant effect on the gas film pressure distribution and the down foil thickness plays a leading role in the load capacity.
How do the ethnicity minangkabau male express their masculinity in language: A identity point of view
Authors: Rahmat Wahyudi , Putra Libra Dui , Fitriyah Rifkah
Published: September 2023

Modernization significantly alters the structure of human existence, including the relationship between men and women. This change creates a new dimension of masculinity, including in literary works, specifically Novels. Clear language inequality between men and women gives rise to differences in language characteristics or word choice when men and women communicate. The novel 'Tamu’ by Weiran Hadi, set in Minangkabau Socio-Cultural Background, served as the data source for this qualitative descriptive study based on Coates' concept of masculinity. This analysis reveals that the characters in Weiran Hadi’s novel “Tamu” exhibit three linguistic traits indicative of masculinity as formulating new conceptualizations of Minangkabau culture in psychology: the use of profanity and taboo words, the use of commands and directives, and the use of rhetorical questions. Inversely proportional to the use of language by women, they are more on intuition when talking with others than their male counterparts, whereas male users approach language more directly and with less emotional investment.
Expanding the early intervention offer: A new care pathway for children’s wellbeing practitioners in a south London child and adolescent mental health service
Authors: Hickling Lauren M , Dabrowski Julia , Williams Sadie
Published: September 2023

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) have been under recent increased demand, with increasingly limited resources, contributing to longer waiting lists, and a growing proportion of rejected referrals due to limited capacity and increasing thresholds. Child and Wellbeing Practitioners (CWPs) provide an opportunity to meet the needs of rejected referrals. We aimed to determine the feasibility of a new and direct referral route within a South London CAMHS. All referrals rejected to the local CAMHS in one year were assessed for inclusion to an embedded child and youth wellbeing in schools team (CYWS), and data collected on reasons for rejection, demographics and eligibility for the CYWS team. Of the 1,322 referrals made to CAMHS in this period, 317 were rejected. The most common reason for referral rejection was not meeting the severity threshold. One third of rejected referrals were judged to be eligible for inclusion to the CYWS team. Therefore, a significant number of children and young people (CYP) being rejected by CAMHS would be eligible for assessment and possible treatment under the CYWS team, making a new referral route potentially feasible, allowing more CYP to access mental health support and have a positive impact on waiting times.
Changes in the severity of autism symptom domains are related to mental health challenges during middle childhood
Authors: Waizbard-Bartov Einat , Ferrer Emilio , Heath Brianna , Andrews Derek S , Rogers Sally , Kerns Connor M , Wu Nordahl Christine , Solomon Marjorie , Amaral David G
Published: September 2023

Many autistic children experience changes in core symptom severity across middle childhood, when co-occurring mental health conditions emerge. We evaluated this relationship in 75 autistic children from 6 to 11 years old. Autism symptom severity change was evaluated for total autism symptoms using the autism diagnostic observation schedule calibrated severity score, as well as social-communication symptoms calibrated severity score, and restricted/repetitive behaviors calibrated severity score. Children were grouped based on their symptom severity change patterns. Mental health symptoms (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, disruptive behavior problems) were assessed via parental interview and questionnaire and compared across the groups. Co-occurring mental health symptoms were more strongly associated with change in social-communication symptom or restricted/repetitive behavior severity than with total autism symptom severity. Two relevant groups were identified. The social-communication symptom-increasing-severity-group (21.3%) had elevated and increasing levels of anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and disruptive behavior problems compared with children with stable social-communication symptom severity. The restricted/repetitive behavior-decreasing-severity-group (22.7%) had elevated and increasing levels of anxiety; 94% of these children met criteria for an anxiety disorder. Autism symptom severity change during middle childhood is associated with co-occurring mental health symptoms. Children that increase in social-communication symptom severity are also likely to demonstrate greater psychopathology, while decreases in restricted/repetitive behavior severity are associated with higher levels of anxiety.

Lay abstract

For many autistic children, the severity of their autism symptoms changes during middle childhood. We studied whether these changes are associated with the emergence of other mental health challenges such as anxiety and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Children who had increased social-communication challenges had more anxiety and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and disruptive behavior problems than other children. Children who decreased their restricted and repetitive behaviors, on the contrary, had more anxiety. We discuss why these changes in autism symptoms may lead to increases in other mental health concerns.
Numerical investigation of interference effects for the Delft 372 catamaran
Authors: Farkas Andrea , Degiuli Nastia , Tomljenović Ivan , Martić Ivana
Published: September 2023

Due to interference effects, the resistance of a catamaran is not the same as the double resistance of the monohull. If demihulls are close enough to each other, the wave fields generated by each demihull usually significantly interfere causing either advantageous or disadvantageous effects. In this paper, the numerical investigation of interference effects for the Delft 372 catamaran is performed. The verification and validation studies are performed demonstrating the potential of the proposed numerical model for the analysis of interference effects. The investigation of the effect of Froude number and demihull separation on the total resistance of a catamaran, trim angle, and sinkage is conducted. The interference effects are quantified through the interference factor, which is defined based on the total resistance of a catamaran and double the total resistance of the monohull. Finally, the flow field characteristics, wave patterns, and pressure distributions are analysed using Computational Fluid Dynamics.
CYP2C19*17 association with higher plasma 4-hydroxy tamoxifen in Pakistani (estrogen-positive) breast cancer patients
Authors: Tareen Muhammad Usman , Riaz Sana , Malik Saima Shakil , Zahid Sana , Khursheed Anum , Tariq Fizza , Abbas Faiza , Malik Muhammad Nouman , Anis Riffat Aysha , Anees Mariam , Murtaza Iram , Sultan Aneesa
Published: September 2023

Breast cancer (BC) continues to be the most common cancer in the women worldwide. Since estrogen receptor (ER)-positive BC accounts for the majority of newly diagnosed cases, endocrine therapy is advised to utilize either tamoxifen (Tam) or aromatase inhibitors. The use of Tam as a monotherapy or in conjunction with an aromatase inhibitor following two or three years of endocrine therapy has long been recommended. When used adjuvantly, Tam medication reduces BC mortality and relapses, while it extends survival times in metastatic BC when used in conjunction with other treatments. Unfortunately, the efficiency of Tam varies considerably. This study was conducted to explore the influence of genetic polymorphisms in CYP2C19 gene on Tam’s pharmacogenetics and pharmacokinetics in estrogen-positive BC patients. Data from healthy, unrelated individuals ( n = 410; control group) and ER-positive BC patients ( n = 430) receiving 20 mg of Tam per day were recruited. Steady-state plasma concentrations of Tam and its three metabolites were quantified using the high-performance liquid chromatography in the patients. The CYP2C19 polymorphisms were genotyped using an Amplification Refractory Mutation System-Polymerase Chain Reaction (ARMS-PCR) approach. More than 65% of healthy individuals were extensive metabolizers (*1/*1) for CYP2C19, whereas more than 70% of ER-positive BC patients were rapid and ultrarapid metabolizers (*1/17*, *17/17*). The polymorphism CYP2C19*17 is significantly associated with higher 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OH-Tam). Patients with the *17/*17 genotype exhibited 1- to 1.5-fold higher 4-OH-Tam, which was also high in patients with the *1/*2 and *2/*2 genotypes.
The Influence of Aging-Related Decrease in Endothelial Function on the Stiffness of Peripheral Conducting Arteries
Authors: Petrovic Dusan J.
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

The aim of this study is to determine the degree of aging-related decrease in endothelial capacity for endothelium-dependent vasodilatation and its mutual inter-relation with increase in the stiffness of peripheral arteries.

Methods:

The reactive hyperemia test is useful for noninvasively evaluating the degree of endothelium-dependent vasodilatation. Stiffness index is a parameter used to evaluate vascular tonus and structural changes in the peripheral vasculature. The examination was done on 30 healthy respondents of both sexes and different ages, with no manifested risk factors and/or symptoms of cardiovascular diseases, to evaluate the influence of endothelium-dependent vasodilatation on the brachial artery and the influence of stiffness index on the common carotid artery.

Results:

With aging, the functional capacity of the endothelium for endothelium-dependent vasodilatation declines, in men as early as in their 20s, and in women more considerably after the age of 50 years. Over the course of aging, a significant stiffness increase was recorded in respondents of both sexes, the correlations being summarized in the following formulas: stiffness index = 0.028 × years of age + 5.0992 in male respondents, and stiffness index = 0.028 × years of age + 5.1991 in female respondents.

Conclusion:

Decrease in the capacity of peripheral arteries for endothelium-dependent vasodilatation correlates with increase in the stiffness of peripheral arteries.
Length changes in the distal oblique band during forearm rotation measured using four-dimensional CT: an in vivo study
Authors: Qian Sijia , Shi Yuliang , Tan Jun
Published: September 2023

Length change in the distal oblique band during forearm rotation was measured using four-dimensional CT in seven volunteers. There was no significant change in length, which provides more theoretical support for distal oblique band reinforcement for treatment of instability of the distal radioulnar joint.
IBD barriers across the continents: a continent-specific analysis – Australasia
Authors: Elford Alexander T. , Leong Rupert W. , Halmos Emma P. , Morgan Manal , Kilpatrick Kate , Lewindon Peter J. , Gearry Richard B. , Christensen Britt
Published: September 2023

Australasia, encompassing Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea, has some of the highest prevalence’s of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the world. The way IBD medicine is practiced varies between and within these countries. There are numerous shared issues of IBD care between Australia and New Zealand, whereas Papua New Guinea has its’ own unique set of circumstances. This review looks to explore some of the barriers to IBD care across the continent from the perspective of local IBD healthcare professionals. Barriers to IBD care that are explored include access to IBD multidisciplinary teams, provision of nutritional-based therapies, the prevalence and engagement of IBD-associated mental health disorders, access to medicine, access to endoscopy, rural barriers to care, Indigenous IBD care and paediatric issues. We look to highlight areas where improvements to IBD care across Australasia could be made as well as address research needs.
The Local News Industry's Challenge: Recruiting and Retaining Talent in a Multi-Platform Distribution Environment
Authors: Grissom Stone
Published: September 2023

The rise of digital platforms and the demand for multi-platform content have revolutionized the news industry. Evolving technology has caused a crisis for the local linear broadcast market due to a lack of competitive wages and recruitment of talent. Local news is no longer tied to the traditional linear model and must adapt to a multi-platform distribution model. However, local stations seem tied to short-sighted financial policies that are antithetical to long-term recruitment and retention of top talent. These policies threaten to undermine the industry's own future and create a model that is ultimately unsustainable in tomorrow's competitive business environment. Without current reform, local news outlets are in danger of undermining themselves and destroying the competitiveness of the entire industry.
“Everything is Biased”: Populist Supporters’ Folk Theories of Journalism
Authors: Juarez Miro Clara
Published: September 2023

Populist supporters have a complex relationship with journalism (e.g., embracing elites’ negative rhetoric, yet consuming news profusely). This study explores this relationship. The notion of folk theories informs an inductive analysis of thirty-three in-depth interviews conducted in 2021 with right-wing and left-wing populist supporters in the United States and Spain to understand how they (RQ1) make sense of their news consumption habits and (RQ2) navigate the current high-choice media environment to stay informed. Findings reveal three interconnected folk theories that populist supporters drew from in explaining their news consumption: (1) “everything is biased,” (2) “it’s a way of seeing what other people think,” and (3) “it’s a pleasurable source of information.” Findings additionally support an important role of emotion underlying these folk theories, which helped participants reconcile their negative views of journalism with the pleasure they derived from meeting ingrained normative democratic ideals.
Rib Stress Fractures and a Novel Muscle-Sparing Rib Fixation Plating in an Elite Tennis Player: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Case Report
Authors: Fearing Marcus , Behzadpour Vafa , House Richard D. , Tarakemeh Armin , Morey Tucker , Randall Jeffrey , Vopat Bryan , Darche Jean-Philippe
Published: September 2023

A nationally ranked Division One female collegiate tennis player presented with pain in the chest and right posterior rib region after feeling a popping sensation during a routine overhead movement. The patient was eventually diagnosed with 2 lower rib stress fractures. After unsuccessful conservative management, the player underwent an open reduction and internal fixation and autologous bone grafting of the sixth and seventh ribs with a muscle-sparing approach and was able to return to full competition. We present this case along with a systematic review of the literature regarding rib stress fractures, which included 6 separate online data sources (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, CINAHL, SportDiscus, and Medline). The successful surgical intervention demonstrates a significant option for elite athletes who wish to return to competition but have been unable to with standard of care conservative management of rib stress fractures.
Cooperative Governance and Cooperative Performance: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Jamaluddin Faridzah , Saleh Norman Mohd , Abdullah Azizah , Hassan Mohamat Sabri , Hamzah Noradiva , Jaffar Romlah , Abdul Ghani Aziz Sarah Aziz , Embong Zaini
Published: September 2023

Despite the proliferation of systematic literature review studies on cooperative organization, a similar review of cooperative governance and performance literature has yet to be conducted. To close this gap, this paper presents a systematic literature review on the relationship between cooperative governance (CG) and cooperative performance using the PRISMA approach. Major search engines were used in the compilation of studies published between 2009 and 2021. A review of the 30 selected papers indicate there are four categories of CG used in relation to cooperative performance: board characteristics, policy compliance, management, leadership and strategies, and the board’s social or human capital. The results also suggest mixed and inconclusive findings on the CG–cooperative performance relationship. The current study seeks to contribute to the existing literature by highlighting patterns and gaps of past studies on the CG–cooperative performance relationship, thereby providing insights for future research.
Evaluation of Self-Efficacy and Job Satisfaction of Teachers Teaching Turkish as a Foreign Language
Authors: Biçer Nurşat
Published: September 2023

In this study, it was aimed to determine the relationship between self-efficacy and job satisfaction of teachers Turkish teaching as a foreign language. The mixed methods study was used by collecting quantitative and qualitative data from teachers. The study was conducted with 150 Turkish teachers working in different countries. Interviews were conducted with 12 participants selected from the sample. Participants voluntarily participated in the study. Job satisfaction scale, general self-efficacy scale, and interview guide were used to collect data. In the study, they have used scales with high validity and reliability and an interview guide prepared by the researcher. Data has been collected online. In the analysis of the data, t-test, ANOVA, correlation, and regression analysis were performed using the SPSS 22.0 package program. Content analysis was used for qualitative data. According to the results, it was determined that there were significant differences according to the variables of gender, age, place of work, and professional seniority. Positive and significant relationships were found between teachers’ self-efficacy perceptions and job satisfaction, and it was determined that self-efficacy predicted job satisfaction. It was determined that general self-efficacy and job satisfaction have an important effect on solving problems in professional life. The results of the research are expected to guide the professional life of language teachers.
Catastrophic health expenditure and household impoverishment in Togo
Authors: Sanoussi Yacobou , Zounmenou Alexandre Yedjannavo , Ametoglo Muriel
Published: September 2023

Background:

The main way of financing healthcare in low-income countries continues to be out-of-pocket payments. Despite the efforts of national authorities and international partners to protect households from impoverishment arising from seeking healthcare, the risk of incurring catastrophic healthcare expenses remains very high for households in developing countries. This study aims to analyse catastrophic health expenditures and their effects on household impoverishment in Togo.

Design and methods:

Data were obtained from the CWIQ survey, a nationally representative survey conducted in 2015 among 2400 households.We calculated the incidence and the intensity of catastrophic health expenditures in Togo through various thresholds and then estimated the effects of these expenditures on the level of households’ impoverishment by determining poverty levels using consumption expenditure before and after making payments for healthcare.

Results:

The results indicate that the incidence of catastrophic expenditure varies between 6% and 57% depending on the thresholds used. Households at risk of catastrophic expenditure spend between 19% and 64% of their spending on healthcare. Based on total expenditure and above 20%, the richest households are more prone to catastrophic health expenditures. The findings also show that the incidence of impoverishment caused by health expenditure payments is 8.2% in relative terms and 4.52% in absolute terms. In Togo, 4.52% of households are impoverished by catastrophic health expenditures. This impoverishment effect is greater for male-headed households.

Conclusions:

Health system reforms aiming at accessibility to quality care and the development of pre-payment mechanisms will promote the earlier use of healthcare services and thus reduce the higher healthcare costs generated by later attendance at them.