bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collective intentions of the social economy: An experiment on the community currency of the French Basque country
Authors: Alia-Thorey Hayyan , Spiegelman Eli
Published: September 2024

Community currencies (CCs) are common social economy instruments for aligning market transactions with social commitments. They change incentives, encouraging trade within the CC network, but may also symbolize and thereby amplify users’ commitment to social values of solidarity and cooperation. The behavioral effect of the second channel, moreover, is clouded by endogenous use of the CC: commitment encourages use, but does use also trigger commitment? We disentangle the direction of causality with a lab-in-the-field ultimatum game experiment, which confronts participants with a choice between more or less competitive responses. By exogenously varying the currency in which the game is played (CC or euros), we isolate the causal effect of the CC on behavior. Self-declared regular users of the currency are less competitive when playing in the CC than when playing in euros. This is not due to unobserved differences in the individuals, because when playing in euros, their behavior is the same as non-users’. Nor is it due to non-convertibility of the CC, as non-users’ behavior is not affected by the currency. We therefore isolate the CC as a “trigger of cooperativeness” for those who have a base-level of commitment to it.
“That Is What We Have Left of Her”: The Significance of Transitional Objects After the Death of an Infant in a Norwegian Context
Authors: Værland Inger Emilie , Johansen Anne Beth Gilja , Lavik Marta Høyland
Published: September 2024

When an infant dies in a neonatal intensive care unit in Norway, healthcare professionals provide bereaved parents with objects intended to help them processing their loss. Such objects can be clothes, blankets, soft animal toys, hand- and footprints, hair, as well as scrapbooks where the short life is documented through text and photo. By interviewing bereaved parents in three focus groups, we investigated the parents’ use of these objects. Applying the method of reflexive thematic analysis, we developed three themes from the data material: (i) the importance of preserving objects, (ii) the approach to the objects, and (iii) the ambivalence concerning the objects. Pertinent to all themes was the parents’ feeling of ambivalence toward the objects. On the one hand, the parents experienced the objects to affirm parenthood and manifest that the infant existed as a family member. Further, the objects were important in ritualization while according the child its status as deceased. Also, the objects helped the bereaved establish and keep continuing bonds with the deceased and to integrate their traumatic experience of losing a child. On the other hand, the bereaved parents shared that they were ambivalent toward the objects as they stirred up both good and painful emotions. The objects reminded them of their shocking and traumatic loss and the bereaved did not want to be confronted with this all the time. Therefore, through a preference for some objects and indifference toward others as time passed, the parents worked on transforming their bonds with the lost infant.
The Value of Small Samples to Groups and Teams Research: Accumulating Knowledge across Philosophies of Science
Authors: Kane Aimée A. , Emich Kyle J.
Published: September 2024

The large increase in the average sample size of team studies published in premier management journals over the past decade is concerning. A strict focus on large samples suppresses the study of many teams, particularly less prominent ones; for example, teams in small or medium-sized enterprises, teams in unique contexts, teams containing underrepresented minorities, and teams adopting new technologies. It also impedes our collective understanding of teams by devaluing work relying on philosophies of science that do not prioritize large samples. Large samples allow positivists to establish relationships between constructs. Yet, contextualized, rich data from as few as just one team can help constructivists uncover lived experiences or could be studied by critical realists to identify mechanisms underlying social systems of active agents. In this paper, we review how these three philosophies of science view sample size, addressing how and when small samples are beneficial. Importantly, research from all three traditions is necessary to build an in-depth, practical understanding of teams. We also describe five specific ways small sample research can contribute to team science and lay out four general recommendations for assessing the value of sample size in team research. Throughout, we maintain that scientific progress is collective and pluralistic. A sole reliance on large samples threatens this goal.
Performance Quality Assessment in Ballet, Modern and Contemporary Dance: A Two-Step Systematic Review
Authors: Wirdnam Matthew , Bonello Christian , Mayes Susan , Cook Jill , Ferrar Katia
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Measurement of performance quality in dance is important but challenging and few dance performance quality measures exist. This study aims to (1) identify and (2) assess the quality of dance performance outcome measures for ballet, modern and contemporary dance. Methods: A 2-step systematic review with two separate literature searches was conducted. Step 1 involved a systematic review to identify all ballet, modern and contemporary dance performance quality outcome measures. Step 2 involved a systematic review to identify studies that reported measurement properties (eg, validity, reliability) of the tools identified in Step 1. A comprehensive electronic search of MEDLINE, SPORTSDiscus, CINHAL, Embase and IADMS Bibliography was conducted from inception to November 2020 (Part 1) and February 2021 (Part 2). To evaluate the quality of each dance performance outcome measure, three steps were conducted (1) assessment of methodological quality using the COSMIN checklists, (2) evaluation of results against criteria of good measurement properties and (3) summary of the evidence and an overall rating of evidence using a modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Results: Fifteen dance performance quality outcome measures were identified (Step 1). Seventeen studies reported measurement property data for 14 of 15 identified outcome measures (Step 2). The majority of the 34 measurement property outcomes were rated as doubtful (COSMIN checklists), and demonstrated sufficient measurement properties. Only one outcome measure, the Radell Evaluation Scale for Dance Technique (RESDT), was assessed as having low and moderate quality evidence for validity and reliability respectively. The remaining 13 tools were rated as having very low-quality evidence (GRADE criteria). Conclusions: Due to low quality, the 15 dance performance quality tools cannot be confidently recommended for use at this time. Dance teachers, clinician and researchers should consider feasibility issues and use the tools with caution until adequate high-quality evidence is available.
Prevalence of Mental Health Problems and their Potential Association with Sleep Disturbance, Coping Skills and Social Support in Professional Ballet Dancers
Authors: Junge Astrid , Hauschild Anja
Published: September 2024

Introduction: While several studies have analyzed the characteristics and burden of injuries and physical complaints in (pre-)professional dancers, mental health problems, other than eating disorders, have rarely been studied in professional ballet dancers. The aims were to (a) investigate the prevalence of self-reported mental health problems, and (b) analyze their potential associations with sleep disturbance, coping skills and social support in professional ballet dancers. Methods: During a pre-season health screening, professional ballet dancers of three companies were asked to answer questions on personal characteristics, current need and attempt to lose weight, chronic/recurrent mental health problems, and need of support from a psychotherapist as well as established questionnaires on depression (PHQ-9), generalized anxiety (GAD-7), eating disorders (EDE-QS), sleep disturbance (ASSQ), athletic coping skills (ACSI-28) and perceived social support (F-SozU-K6). Results: All 96 dancers (average age 27.3 years, 51.0% male) who participated in the screening answered the questionnaire. In the PHQ-9, 19 (19.8%) dancers reported mild, and 4 (4.2%) moderate to severe symptoms. In the GAD-7, 19 (19.8%) dancers reported mild, 11 (11.5%) moderate and three (3.1%) severe symptoms. Ten (10.4%) dancers were screened positive for an eating disorder in the EDE-QS. Almost two thirds of the dancers reported sleep problems of mild (n = 39; 40.6%), moderate (n = 19; 19.8%) or severe extent (n = 3; 3.1%) in the ASSQ. One in five dancers (n = 19; 19.8%) wanted or needed support from a psychotherapist at the time of the screening. The mean score of ASSQ correlated significantly with PHQ-9 ( r = .34; P = .001) and GAD-7 ( r = .27; P = .008). Correlations of mental health problems with athletic coping skills and social support were generally low. Conclusion: The prevalence of mental health problems, especially anxiety and eating disorders, was high in professional ballet dancers. Routine screening of mental health and sleep problems as well as interventions to improve mental health and sleep quality are strongly recommended. Level of Evidence: 2b cross-sectional study.
Hip Range of Motion and Strength in Young Pre-Professionals Ballet Dancers Versus Non-Dancers
Authors: Eleftheraki Anna , Oviedo Guillermo R. , Massó-Ortigosa Núria
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Lower-extremity external rotation, commonly known as turnout, is a fundamental skill in dance. Limited data exist regarding joint range of motion and strength in pre-professional young dancers and non-dancers. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in hip range of motion and hip strength between pre-professional ballet dancers and non-dancers. Additionally, the study assessed the variations between the left and right sides within each group. Methods: This observational study assessed 60 pre-professional ballet dancers and 31 non-dancers with an average age of 11.91 ± 1.49. Evaluation included passive hip rotation, tibial torsion, total passive turnout measured with digital goniometers, and total active turnout (both static and dynamic) through standing on paper and rotational discs. Hip rotation strength was measured using a force sensor device. Statistical analyses encompassed student t-tests, Pearson’s correlations, and ANCOVA with age and body weight as covariates, applying the Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Results: Ballet dancers exhibited greater passive hip external rotation and lower passive hip internal rotation compared to non-dancers. They also demonstrated superior total active turnout (static and dynamic). After adjusting for age and weight, dancers demonstrated significantly higher hip external rotation strength than non-dancers. Hip internal rotation strength did not differ significantly between the groups. Ballet dancers displayed inherent asymmetry, with the left side showing greater tibial torsion and standing active turnout, while the right side exhibited greater hip external rotation during dynamic active turnout. Non-dancers did not show significant side differences. Conclusions: Young pre-professional ballet dancers exhibited significant hip rotation differences compared to non-dancers, including notable right-left asymmetry. These findings should be considered when planning training, aiming to optimize musculoskeletal attributes and promote balanced hip rotation. Recognizing these asymmetries and addressing muscular imbalances is vital for injury prevention and performance enhancement.
How do inclusive leaders emerge? A theory-based model
Authors: Mor Barak Michàlle E , Luria Gil , Brimhall Kim C , Özbilgin Mustafa F
Published: September 2024

Despite recent theoretical developments examining the emergence of several types of leadership, there is a paucity of research on the emergence of inclusive leaders. We sought to address this gap by proposing a theory-based conceptual model. We identify a paradox in leader emergence: Although there is evidence that inclusive leaders can improve organizational effectiveness, those who influence decisions about leader selection, both formal and informal, often overlook this evidence and instead select leaders who do not practice inclusion. Integrating expectation states theory and implicit leadership theory to explain leadership emergence, with social identity theory and social comparison theory to explain inclusion, we propose a conceptual model culminating with four propositions. The model suggests practices that can support inclusive leadership and how inclusive leadership can improve organizational effectiveness and employee well-being. We conclude with implications for policies to promote inclusive leadership emergence and propose avenues for future research.
The impact of COVID-19 on physical activity and mental health: A mixed-methods approach
Authors: Hung Wai Tung , Bell Vaughan , Wong Keri Ka-Yee
Published: September 2024

This mixed-methods study investigated how and why physical activity (PA), anxiety, depression and self-perceived loneliness are related, and the feasibility of social prescribing (SP). Whilst SP may involve PA with broader effects on health and wellbeing, there is little research exploring perceptions of this intervention. Data from the UCL-Penn Global COVID Study wave 1 (17 April–17 July 2020, N = 1037) were analysed. Twenty-one UK adults who self-identified as low ( n = 15) and high ( n = 6) on PA at wave 1 were interviewed at wave 4 (18 March–1 August 2022). At wave 1, depression was associated with higher odds of low-PA (OR = 1.05; 95% CI 1.01–1.10, p = 0.02). Both high/low-PA groups cited the threat of contracting COVID-19, general impacts of COVID-19 policies and heightened awareness of the mind-body connection. Five recommendations are made to address challenges in engaging with SP.
The influence of gender and body satisfaction on attentional bias among young adults in Hong Kong: An eye-tracking study
Authors: Rochelle Tina L , Huang Xiuyan
Published: September 2024

The present study examined gender differences in attentional bias of body images. Using an experimental design, 58 young adults aged 18–29 years ( Mage = 20.53) completed self-report measures of body satisfaction, eating pathology and trait appearance comparison before viewing whole body images of thin/muscular and large men/women through an eye tracker. After viewing the images, participants completed self-report measures of body satisfaction and state appearance comparison, BMI was also recorded. Results revealed that higher BMI was associated with reduced body satisfaction. Problematic eating attitudes were associated with greater engagement in appearance comparison, which was linked to lower levels of body satisfaction. Exposure to idealised body images negatively impacted individuals with lower body satisfaction leading to lower levels of body satisfaction post-experiment. Findings provide support for the positive association between body dissatisfaction and attentional bias to idealised bodies in both women and men in a Chinese context.
“You just can’t do that in dementia care”: Barriers to partnership working within dementia services for people from south Asian communities
Authors: Cheston R , Dodd E , Smith P , Woodstoke NS , Jutlla K , Fry G , Truswell D , Butt J , Parveen S
Published: September 2024

Background: People from South Asian communities are under-represented at all levels of dementia services. Consequently, there is pressure for the statutory sector to deliver services in partnership with Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprises (VCFSEs). This study set out to explore the constraints to effective partnership working which prevent dementia care from being delivered in an equitable way.

Methods: Data collection consisted of two phases. First, we interviewed seven people with experience of partnership working and developed three fictional vignettes that were representative of the challenges they faced. We then used these vignettes to stimulate discussion in focus groups and interviews with 13 VCFSE and 16 statutory sector participants. Data was analysed using deductive thematic analysis.

Findings: Three themes were developed during the analysis. First, White British-centric services focused on the challenges for statutory services in meeting the needs of South Asians, developing flexible, responsive services and making inclusive partnership working truly meaningful. Second, VCFSE participants (but not statutory service participants) associated a failure to deliver effective partnership working with unconscious bias operating within systems, leading to the devaluing of their expertise and to their views being ignored. Finally, participants emphasised the need to prioritise relationships if they were to meet the challenges of developing partnership working.

Conclusion: We identified three constraints acting to prevent effective partnership working. First, the different meanings that statutory and VCFSE participants attach to challenges threatens their ability to develop a shared understanding of the needs of communities. Second, a reluctance to explicitly address service deficiencies can mean that stereotypes remain unaddressed. Finally, while both parties lacked power to change the fundamentals of service delivery, power and resources were also unbalanced with VCSFE services being more reliant on the statutory sector.
Gender equity in academic knowledge production: the influence of politics, power and precarity
Authors: Read Barbara
Published: September 2024

This paper explores the issue of gender, intersecting with other aspects of identity, in relation to academic staff and academic knowledge production in higher education institutions across Europe. The paper argues for the need to go beyond the ‘topline’ figures regarding gender equity (and intersecting aspects of identity) when considering diversity of academic staff, to a focus on the degree to which academics can meaningfully contribute to knowledge production. Looking across Europe, the paper focuses on a number of factors that are frequently brought up, but not often together, when discussing equity in the academy: gendered discourses of the most valued and legitimate forms of knowledge and the knower; the increasing levels of precarity in the academic workforce; and the growing influence of far right political discourse in Europe and beyond. Drawing on poststructuralist theories of gender, knowledge and precarity, I will be discussing how such dynamics combine to exacerbate already existing inequalities regarding who and what are regarded as legitimate knowledge and legitimate ‘knowers’ in European academia.
Effect of pre-swirl stator angles on broadband noise considering hydrodynamic performance of pump-jet propeller
Authors: Kim Min-Hyeok , Hong Suk-Yoon , Song Jee-Hun
Published: September 2024

A pump-jet propeller is composed of a rotor, stator, and duct. A pre-swirl stator is employed to optimize flow into the rotor. The hydrodynamic and noise performances of pump-jet propellers vary with the stator angles. In this study, the hydrodynamic performance of a full-scale submarine and pump-jet propeller is assessed by conducting computational fluid dynamics simulations based on the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equation. Additionally, broadband noise, blade-passing frequency noise, and a significant factor, that is, underwater radiated noise are predicted using Lighthill’s equation, Green’s function, and wall pressure spectrum. Unsteady forces were extracted from the flow field to obtain the blade-passing frequency noise. Broadband noise could not be calculated directly from the flow field owing to the absence of small eddies, and wall pressure spectrum was used to obtain high-frequency broadband noise. The overall noise, including broadband noise and blade-passing frequency noise, was evaluated. The optimal stator angle for the rotor at the self-propulsion point was determined considering the propulsion efficiency and noise level of the pump-jet propeller.
Strategies Used by University Students With Dyslexia: A Narrative Review
Authors: Knight Ruthie E. , Ritter Michaela J. , Loeb Diane F.
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this narrative review was to examine the linguistic and classroom strategies used by young adults with dyslexia. Studies investigating evidence about university students’ use of strategies were compiled from four databases, including Academic Search Complete, APA PyscINFO, Education Research Complete, and Medline. Among the 117 articles identified, 15 studies were ultimately reviewed. The articles were summarized concerning the participant demographics, sample size, design of the study, methods, and the primary outcomes. The findings suggest that adults acquire strategies to help cope with their reading challenges to improve overall academic performance. Building a compensatory reading system using intact language abilities allows adults with dyslexia to perform at the same level as skilled readers. The importance of recognizing the emotional characteristics that may accompany a lifelong condition like dyslexia is emphasized, suggesting collaboration with healthcare professionals for comprehensive guidance.
Incentivizing recycling in local governments: the moderating role of fiscal conditions in the adoption of Pay-As-You-Throw recycling programs
Authors: Peng Jing , Yi Hongtao
Published: September 2024

This article aims to extend the political market framework by exploring whether policy demand or supply is the key consideration for local governments’ policymaking and under what financial conditions local governments favor one over the other. We expect that local governments with good fiscal conditions are more likely to respond to public demand, but local governments with poor fiscal conditions pay more attention to supply influences. To test this idea, this study examines the moderating role of fiscal conditions within the political market framework regarding what factors account for adopting local governments’ Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) recycling programs in solid waste management (SWM). The results of the fixed-effect logistic model support that fiscal conditions play a moderating role in shifting organizational attention on the supply side based on cross-section data covering 1,840 local governments in the United States.
Radio Okapi online newspapers: Between media framing, conflict and peacebuilding
Authors: Ntanyoma Delphin Rukumbuzi
Published: September 2024

United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKOs) have incorporated a Public Information (PI) component to communicate with the public. This component has shifted from public outreach towards media reports on current events, including violent incidents. Few studies have assessed the contribution of the PI components of UN-led media. This article assesses the framing of Radio Okapi (RO) online newspaper articles to understand RO’s contribution to peacebuilding processes in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), an ethnically highly polarized region where many sites are difficult to access. By analysing how RO reports on violent incidents in this region, the study identifies some shortfalls in RO’s PI role. Its framing of reporting can obscure the causes of conflict, for example, by equating ethnic communities with their armed actors and giving secondary importance to the direct victims of armed violence. Moreover, much RO reporting relies on uncorroborated and questionable sources of information, mostly provided by security services. Its framing is unlikely to contribute to sustainable peacebuilding processes and thus does not meet the PI aspirations of UNPKOs. This article suggests that journalists should be empowered with background skills and knowledge relevant to peace journalism, framing news reports in ways that help tackle the root causes and drivers of violent conflict.
Inflammatory bowel disease in children and adolescents
Authors: Yasin Froher , Yasin Ferdous , Hibberd Owen
Published: September 2024

There is an increasing incidence of paediatric inflammatory bowel disease, and the disease is associated with significant physical and psychosocial morbidity. This article, based upon a fictional clinical case scenario, highlights the role of primary care in the recognition, referral and ongoing holistic care of paediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Is less more? Intravenous immunoglobulin for pediatric immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Elron Eyal , Yacobovich Joanne , Efros Orly , Tanous Osama , Levy-Mendelovich Sarina , Shamba Esti , Steinberg-Shemer Orna , Goldberg Tracie , Izraeli Shai , Gilad Oded
Published: September 2024

Objectives:

Treatment of pediatric immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is guided by the risk of bleeding. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is one of the first-line therapy options for new-onset pediatric ITP. However, the exact optimal dose of IVIg has not been determined.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study included all hospitalized children with newly diagnosed ITP receiving IVIg as first-line therapy during 2010–2020. We compared the safety and efficacy of two common IVIg dose regimens, 1 and 2 g/kg. Outcomes were short and long-term treatment responses and adverse events to the different doses.

Results:

A total of 168 children were included in our cohort. Eighty-two children were treated with 1 g/kg of IVIg and 86 with 2 g/kg. There was no difference in sustained response (platelet count > 20 × 109, > 14 days) between the groups (74.3% vs 76.7%, respectively, p = 0.72) and maximal platelet counts following treatment ( p = 0.44). No difference was found regarding the percentage of chronic ITP between the two groups (24.4% in the 1 g/kg group as compared to 17.4% in the 2 g/kg group; p = 0.34). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated there was no effect of the IVIg dose on treatment failure and development of chronic ITP. As anticipated, 47.7% of adverse events were in the 2 g/kg group and 32.9% in the 1 g/kg group, with borderline statistical significance ( p = 0.06).

Conclusion:

The initial treatment of newly diagnosed pediatric ITP using a 1 g/kg IVIg regimen may give comparable results to the double dose of 2 g/kg in attaining a prolonged safe hemostatic threshold, without impacting the incidence of chronic disease.
Elderly Victimization in the Context of Witchcraft Accusations and Persons Accused of Witchcraft Practices Living Within the Gambaga Witches’ Camp: Understanding of Human Rights
Authors: Onzaberigu Nachinaab John , Ofori-Dua Kwadwo , Dwumah Peter , Manful Esmeranda
Published: September 2024

The practice of sociocultural belief systems in Ghana such as witchcraft accusations leads to situations where some elderly people in the northern part of Ghana are likely to be victimized based on sociocultural belief systems. Persons accused of witchcraft practices can be denied some of their basic fundamental human rights. The lack of a clear understanding of human rights standards among many rural folks, especially in a rural part of Northern Ghana, makes many people consider accusations of persons suspected of witchcraft practices as a non-abuse of victims’ human rights when persons accused of witchcraft are encamped in witches’ camps. Hence, this study sought to explore the accused persons of witchcraft practice’s understanding of human rights and how their conceptualization of human rights has led to elderly victimization based on sociocultural practices regarding witchcraft accusations. The study employed a qualitative method where 37 participants were selected consisting of persons accused of witchcraft practices living within the Gambaga witches’ camp. A thematic approach was used in the data analysis. The study found that accused persons of witchcraft practices have a distinctive understanding of human rights, which they conceptualized to include social and cultural rights, economic rights, civil and political rights and legal rights and missed out on the civil and political aspects of human rights. The study found that the accused persons’ lack of understanding of the civil rights concept of human rights made most of the persons living within the Gambaga witches’ camp to be victims of torture, undergo forced labour, lack their right to protection, gender discrimination and slavery within the camp. The study recommended that traditional leaders should engage in community dialogues that facilitate open and inclusive community dialogues to discuss the negative impact of witchcraft accusations on individuals and the community as a whole.
Erythropoietin regulates osteoclast formation via up-regulating PPARγ expression
Authors: Liu Xiao , Zhou Mengxue , Wu Yifan , Gao Xiang , Zhai Lei , Liu Liang , Geng Huan
Published: September 2024

Erythropoietin (EPO), expressed in red blood progenitor cells, primarily regulates erythropoiesis by binding to its receptor. Besides anemia, recent studies have identified new therapeutic indications for EPO that are not connected to red blood cell formation. Elevated EPO levels harm bone homeostasis in adult organisms and are associated with increased osteoclast; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study demonstrated that EPO enhanced osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption in vitro. We showed that EPO promoted osteoclast formation by up-regulating PPARγ expression through activating the Jak2/ERK signaling pathway. Consistently, PPARγ antagonists rescued the hyperactivation of osteoclasts due to EPO, while PPARγ agonists reversed the EMP9-mediated decrease in osteoclast differentiation. Further, exposing female mice to EPO for two months led to a decrease in bone mass and increased osteoclast numbers. The present results suggested that EPO promotes osteoclastogenesis by regulating the Jak2/ERK/ PPARγ signaling pathway. From a clinical perspective, the risk of compromised bone health should be considered when using EPO to treat anemia in post-operative patients with intertrochanteric fractures of the femur, as it could significantly impact the patient’s recovery and quality of life.
Late Pleistocene polar bear genomes reveal the timing of allele fixation in key genes associated with Arctic adaptation
Authors: Sun Yulin , Lorenzen Eline D. , Westbury Michael V.
Published: September 2024

The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) occupies a relatively narrow ecological niche, with many traits adapted for cold temperatures, movement across snow, ice and open water, and for consuming highly lipid-dense prey species. The divergence of polar bears from brown bears (Ursus arctos) and their adaptation to their Arctic lifestyle is a well-known example of rapid evolution. Previous research investigating whole genomes uncovered twelve key genes that are highly differentiated between polar and brown bears, show signatures of selection in the polar bear lineage, and are associated with polar bear adaptation to the Arctic environment. Further research suggested fixed derived alleles in these genes arose from selection on both standing variation and de novo mutations in the evolution of polar bears. Here, we reevaluate these findings based on a larger and geographically more representative dataset of 119 polar bears and 135 brown bears, and assess the timing of derived allele fixation in polar bears by incorporating the genomes of two Late Pleistocene individuals (aged 130–100,000 years old and 100–70,000 years old). In contrast with previous results, we found no evidence of derived alleles fixed in present-day polar bears within the key genes arising from de novo mutation. Most derived alleles fixed in present-day polar bears were also fixed in the Late Pleistocene polar bears, suggesting selection occurred prior to 70,000 years ago. However, some derived alleles fixed in present-day polar bears were not fixed in the two Late Pleistocene polar bears, including at sites within APOB, LYST, and TTN. These three genes are associated with cardiovascular function, metabolism, and pigmentation, suggesting selection may have acted on different loci at different times.
Risk factors and prognostic factors associated with retinal detachment and visual outcomes in acute retinal necrosis
Authors: Li Yuxin , Chen Li , Li Pengcheng , Kang Hao , Tao Yong
Published: September 2024

Objective

To investigate the risk factors and prognostic factors that affect the long-term clinical outcomes of acute retinal necrosis (ARN).

Methods

A retrospective study of patients with ARN who underwent treatment and completed follow-up in our ophthalmology department from 2011 to 2021 was conducted. The incidence and risk factors of retinal detachment (RD) and prognostic factors affecting long-term clinical outcomes, such as late-onset RD and final vision loss (< 20/200), were analyzed.

Results

Totally 59 ARN patients (65 eyes) with an average follow-up of 48.9 months were enrolled. During the follow-up period, RD occurred in 34 eyes (52.3%). The risk factors for RD included quadrants of involved retinal necrosis (odds ratio [OR], 4.181; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.950–10.834) and initial intraocular viral load (OR, 1.721; 95% CI, 1.071–3.083). Early intravitreal antiviral treatment (OR, 1.204; 95% CI, 1.040–1.480) was independently associated with a decreased risk of late-onset RD. The factors independently associated with an increased risk of final vision loss were worse initial visual acuity (OR, 3.895; 95% CI, 1.551–13.662) and late-onset RD (OR, 8.043; 95% CI, 1.380–67.216). In addition, we utilized the fluctuating magnitude of viral load to quantify the extent of its reduction in comparison to its original value following the initial intravitreal antiviral injection (IAI). This ratio was strongly related to initial intraocular IL-8 concentration (Spearman correlation coefficient=-0.741, P = 0.000) and moderately related to the initial degree of aqueous flare (Spearman correlation coefficient=-0.508, P = 0.010).

Conclusion

RD is a common and severe complication of ARN with multiple risk factors, such as initial retinitis involvement area and initial intraocular viral load. Active local antiviral therapy may reduce the risk of late-onset RD. The antiviral medication should be adjusted according to the inflammatory state. Therefore, timely detection of causative viruses and intensive systemic and local antiviral therapy is crucial for preserving visual function in ARN patients.
Synthesis and evaluation of nanosized aluminum MOF encapsulating Umbelliferon: assessing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing potential in an earthworm model
Authors: Thabit Rabab M. , El-Aziz Fatma El-Zahraa A. Abd , El-Fadl A. Abu , Abu-Sehly A. A. , Sayed Ahmed M.
Published: September 2024

Nanoporous aluminum metal–organic framework (Al-MOF) was synthesized via solvothermal methods and employed as a carrier matrix for in vitro drug delivery of Umbelliferon (Um). The encapsulated Um was gradually released over seven days at 37 °C, using simulated body fluid phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at pH 7.4 as the release medium. The drug release profile suggests the potential of Al-MOF nanoparticles as effective drug delivery carriers. Structural and chemical analyses of Um-loaded Al-MOF nanoparticles (Um-Al MOF) were conducted using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) was employed to investigate the thermal stability of the Al-MOF nanoparticles, while Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) was utilized to assess their morphological features. Um-Al MOF nanoparticles demonstrated notable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties compared to Um and Al-MOF nanoparticles individually. Moreover, they exhibited significant enhancement in wound healing in an earthworm model. These findings underscore the potential of Al-MOF nanoparticles as a promising drug delivery system, necessitating further investigations to explore their clinical applicability.
Factors associated with acculturative stress among international medical students in an Egyptian university
Authors: Ali Yomna Ayman , Hussein Rasha Saad , Mostafa Nayera Samy , Manzour Ayat Farouk
Published: September 2024

Background

International students frequently face difficulties that are specific to the typical college experience, in addition to facing other factors of acculturative stress, including cultural differences, language barriers, and comfortability in accommodation.

Aim

The study aims to measure the prevalence of acculturative stress among first-year international students enrolled at Faculty of Medicine in an Egyptian University and aims to reveal the factors that are associated with acculturative stress in these students.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 422 international students in the academic year 2021–2022, using the Acculturative Stress Scale for International Students (ASSIS). The factors associated with acculturative stress were examined using the following criteria: comfort in accommodation, student adjustment to college, language proficiency, and academic pressure.

Results

This study showed that 28.7% of the international students were “above the warning sign” of acculturative stress (above 109). The major stressors of acculturative stress among international students were the non-specific concerns, homesickness, and perceived discrimination, while the least reported stressors were fear and guilt. International students who scored in the “above the warning sign” in the (ASSIS) were mostly females (35.3%) and non-Arab students (37.8%). Having a friend or a family member living in Egypt significantly reduced the level of acculturative stress. Moreover, the ASSIS total score showed a negative correlation with the scores for overall language proficiency, comfort in accommodation, academic adjustment, and student adjustment to college.

Conclusion

Acculturative stress among the studied groups is influenced by several factors, including nationality, English and Arabic language proficiency, academic adjustment, and comfort of living. That being said, the most significant stressor is the country of origin, which is defined in terms of nationality or language proficiency. Consequently, resources that ensure the sustainability and growth of international students throughout their educational process must be made available to a multicultural environment in order to support and retain those students.

Clinical trial number

Not applicable.
Peer mentorship and professional identity formation: an ecological systems perspective
Authors: Krishna Lalit Kumar Radha , Hamid Nur Amira Binte Abdul , Phua Gillian Li Gek , Mason Stephen , Hill Ruaraidh , Lim Crystal , Ong Simon Yew Kuang , Ong Eng Koon , Ibrahim Halah
Published: September 2024

Background

Mentoring can help shape how medical students think, feel, and act as physicians. Yet, the mechanism in which it influences this process of professional identity formation (PIF) remains poorly understood. Through the lens of the ecological systems theory, this study explores the interconnected and dynamic system of mentoring relationships and resources that support professional development and growth within the Palliative Medicine Initiative (PMI), a structured research peer mentoring program.

Methods

A secondary analysis of transcripts of semi-structured interviews with peer mentors and mentees and a review of their mentoring diaries was conducted to explore the impact of participation in a longitudinal peer mentoring program on both mentees and peer mentors on their personal and professional development through the lens of the mentoring ecosystem model. The Systematic Evidence-Based Approach was adapted to analyze the data via content and thematic analysis.

Results

Eighteen mentees and peer mentors participated and described a supportive community of practice within the research program, with discrete micro-, meso-, and macro-environments that are dynamic, reflexive, and interconnected to form a mentoring ecosystem. Within this ecosystem, reflection is fostered, and identity work is done—ultimately shaping and refining self-concepts of personhood and identity.

Conclusion

This study underscores the nuances and complexities of mentorship and supports the role of the mentoring ecosystem in PIF. A deeper understanding of the multiple factors that converge to facilitate the professional development of mentees can help educators develop and implement structured peer mentorship programs that better support reflective practice and identity work.
Technical efficiency of ghanaian health facilities before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Abekah-Nkrumah Gordon , Ofori Charles Gyamfi , Antwi Maxwell , Attachey Alex Yao , de Wit Tobias F. Rinke , Janssens Wendy , Duah James , Dieteren Charlotte , Sunkwa-Mills Gifty
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Understanding the technical efficiency of health facilities is essential for an optimal allocation of scarce resources to primary health sectors. The COVID-19 pandemic may have further undermined levels of efficiency in low-resource settings. This study takes advantage of 2019 and 2020 data on characteristics of health facilities, health services inputs and output to examine the levels and changes in efficiency of Ghanaian health facilities. The current study by using a panel dataset contributes to existing evidence, which is mostly based on pre-COVID-19 and single-period data.

Methods

The analysis is based on a panel dataset including 151 Ghanaian health facilities. Data Envelopement Analysis (DEA) technique was used to estimate the level and changes in efficiency of health facilities across two years..

Results

The results show a net increase of 26% in inputs, influenced mostly by increases in temporary non-clinical staff (131%) and attrition of temporary clinical staff and permanent non-clinical staff, 40% and 54% respectively. There was also a net reduction in output of 34%, driven by a reduction in in-patient days (37%), immunization (11%), outpatients visits and laboratory test of 9%. Nowithstanding the COVID-19 pandemic, the results indicate that 59 (39%) of sampled health facilities in 2020 were efficient, compared to 48 (32%) in 2019. The results also indicate that smaller-sized health facilities were less likely to be efficient compared to relatively bigger health facilities.

Conclusion

Based on the findings, it will be essential to examine factors that accounted for efficiency improvements in some health facilities, to enable health facilities lagging behind to learn from those on the efficiency frontier. In addition, the findings emphasise the need for CHAG to work with health facility managers to optimise inputs allocation through a redistribution of staff. Most importantly, the findings are suggestive of the resilience of CHAG health facilities in responding to a health shock such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Buqi-Huoxue-Tongnao decoction drives gut microbiota-derived indole lactic acid to attenuate ischemic stroke via the gut-brain axis
Authors: Liu Yarui , Zhao Peng , Cai Zheng , He Peishi , Wang Jiahan , He Haoqing , Zhu Zhibo , Guo Xiaowen , Ma Ke , Peng Kang , Zhao Jie
Published: September 2024

Background

Ischemic stroke belongs to “apoplexy” and its pathogenesis is characterized by qi deficiency and blood stasis combining with phlegm-damp clouding orifices. Buqi-Huoxue-Tongnao decoction (BHTD) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula for qi deficiency, blood stasis and phlegm obstruction syndrome. However, its efficacy and potential mechanism on ischemic stroke are still unclear. This study aims to investigate the protective effect and potential mechanism of BHTD against ischemic stroke.

Materials and methods

Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) surgery was carried out to establish an ischemic stroke model in rats. Subsequently, the rats were gavaged with different doses of BHTD (2.59, 5.175, 10.35 g/kg) for 14 days. The protective effects of BHTD on the brain and gut were evaluated by neurological function scores, cerebral infarction area, levels of brain injury markers (S-100B, NGB), indicators of gut permeability (FD-4) and bacterial translocation (DAO, LPS, D-lactate), and tight junction proteins (Occludin, Claudin-1, ZO-1) in brain and colon. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metabolomic analysis were utilized to analyze the effects on gut microecology and screen for marker metabolites to explore potential mechanisms of BHTD protection against ischemic stroke.

Results

BHTD could effectively mitigate brain impairment, including reducing neurological damage, decreasing cerebral infarction and repairing the blood–brain barrier, and BHTD showed the best effect at the dose of 10.35 g/kg. Moreover, BHTD reversed gut injury induced by ischemic stroke, as evidenced by decreased intestinal permeability, reduced intestinal bacterial translocation, and enhanced intestinal barrier integrity. In addition, BHTD rescued gut microbiota dysbiosis by increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria, including Turicibacter and Faecalibaculum. Transplantation of the gut microbiota remodeled by BHTD into ischemic stroke rats recapitulated the protective effects of BHTD. Especially, BHTD upregulated tryptophan metabolism, which promoted gut microbiota to produce more indole lactic acid (ILA). Notably, supplementation with ILA by gavage could alleviate stroke injury, which suggested that driving the production of ILA in the gut might be a novel treatment for ischemic stroke.

Conclusion

BHTD could increase gut microbiota-derived indole lactic acid to attenuate ischemic stroke via the gut-brain axis. Our current finding provides evidence that traditional Chinese medicine can ameliorate central diseases through regulating the gut microbiology.
Machine learning-assisted rapid determination for traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution
Authors: Sun Wen , Bai Minghua , Wang Ji , Wang Bei , Liu Yixing , Wang Qi , Han Dongran
Published: September 2024

The aim of this study was to develop a machine learning-assisted rapid determination methodology for traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution. Based on the Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire (CCMQ), the most applied diagnostic instrument for assessing individuals’ constitutions, we employed automated supervised machine learning algorithms (i.e., Tree-based Pipeline Optimization Tool; TPOT) on all the possible item combinations for each subscale and an unsupervised machine learning algorithm (i.e., variable clustering; varclus) on the whole scale to select items that can best predict body constitution (BC) classifications or BC scores. By utilizing subsets of items selected based on TPOT and corresponding machine learning algorithms, the accuracies of BC classifications prediction ranged from 0.819 to 0.936, with the root mean square errors of BC scores prediction stabilizing between 6.241 and 9.877. Overall, the results suggested that the automated machine learning algorithms performed better than the varclus algorithm for item selection. Additionally, based on an automated machine learning item selection procedure, we provided the top three ranked item combinations with each possible subscale length, along with their corresponding algorithms for predicting BC classification and severity. This approach could accommodate the needs of different practitioners in traditional Chinese medicine for rapid constitution determination.