bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ang-(1-7) and ET-1 Interplay Through Mas and ET
B
Receptor Interaction Defines a Novel Vasoprotective Mechanism
Authors: Montezano Augusto C. , Kuriakose Jithin , Hood Katie Y. , Sin Yuan Yan , Camargo Livia L. , Namkung Yoon , Castro Carlos H. , Santos Robson A. , Alves-Lopes Rheure , Tejeda Gonzalo , Passaglia Patricia , Basheer Sehrish , Gallen Emily , Findlay Jane E. , Awan Fazli R. , Laporte Stéphane A. , MacLean Margaret R. , Baillie George S. , Touyz Rhian M.
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:

Ang-(1-7) (angiotensin (1-7)) via MasR (Mas receptor) opposes vaso-injurious actions of Ang II (angiotensin II) as shown in models of pulmonary hypertension. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We hypothesized cross talk between Ang-(1-7) and the protective arm of the ET-1 (endothelin-1) system involving MasR and ET
B
R (endothelin receptor type B).

METHODS:

To address this, we studied multiple models: in vivo, in a mouse model of ET-1–associated vascular injury (hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension); ex vivo, in isolated mouse arteries; and in vitro, in human endothelial cells.

RESULTS:

Pulmonary hypertension mice exhibited pulmonary vascular remodeling, endothelial dysfunction, and ET-1–induced hypercontractility. Ang-(1-7) treatment (14 days) ameliorated these effects and increased the expression of vascular ET
B
R. In human endothelial cells, Ang-(1-7)–induced activation of eNOS (endothelial NO synthase)/NO was attenuated by A779 (MasR antagonist) and BQ788 (ET
B
R antagonist). A779 inhibited ET-1–induced signaling. Coimmunoprecipitation and peptide array experiments demonstrated the interaction between MasR and ET
B
R. Binding sites for ET
B
R were mapped to MasR (amino acids 290–314). Binding sites for MasR on ET
B
R were identified (amino acids 176–200). Peptides that disrupt MasR:ET
B
R prevented Ang-(1-7) and ET-1 signaling. Using high-throughput screening, we identified compounds that enhance MasR:ET
B
R interaction, which we termed enhancers. Enhancers increased Ang-(1-7)–induced eNOS activity, NO production, and Ang-(1-7)–mediated vasorelaxation, and reduced contractile responses.

CONCLUSIONS:

We identify cross talk between Ang-(1-7) and ET-1 through MasR:ET
B
R interaction as a novel network that is vasoprotective. Promoting coactivity between these systems amplifies Ang-(1-7) signaling, increases ET-1/ET
B
R-mediated vascular actions, and attenuates the injurious effects of ET-1. Enhancing Ang-(1-7)/MasR:ET-1/ET
B
R signaling may have therapeutic potential in conditions associated with vascular damage.
Addressing Systemic Complications of Acute Stroke: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Chou Sherry H-Y , Smith Craig J. , Nallaparaju Anusha , Laurido-Soto Osvaldo Jose , Leonard Anne D. , Singla Ajay K. , Leonhardt-Caprio Ann , Stein Daniel Joseph ,   on behalf of the American Heart Association Stroke Council; Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing; and Council on Hypertension
Published: December 2024

Systemic, nonneurological complications are common after ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, affect different organ systems, and have a major impact on patient outcomes. Despite their obvious implications, this area in stroke management remains inadequately researched, and current literature offers fragmentary guidance for care. The purpose of this scientific statement is to elucidate the major systemic complications of strokes that occur during hospitalization, to synthesize evidence from current literature and existing guidelines, to address gaps in knowledge, and to provide a coherent set of suggestions for clinical care based on interpretation of existing evidence and expert opinion. This document advocates for improved interdisciplinary collaboration, team effort, and effective implementation strategies to reduce the burden of these events in clinical practice. It also calls for further research on strategies for preventing and managing systemic complications after stroke that improve outcomes in stroke survivors.
Adherence to Physical Activity Recommendations Among Stroke Survivors in the United States
Authors: Vemuri Ajith Kumar , Hejazian Seyyed Sina , Sadr Alireza Vafaei , Zhou Shouhao , Decker Keith , Hakun Jonathan , Sciamanna Christopher , Abedi Vida , Zand Ramin
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:

Physical activity is an effective modifiable behavior for preventing recurrent strokes. This study aims to determine the adherence to physical activity recommendations among stroke survivors in the United States. We further compared our findings with the adherence observed among myocardial infarction (MI) survivors and healthy adults, each assessed against distinct physical activity guidelines specific to their respective populations.

METHODS:

We utilized data from the 2011 to 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a nationally representative survey. To establish benchmarks for stroke survivors, we referenced 3 different physical activity recommendations outlined in 2011, 2014, and 2021 American Heart Association stroke prevention guidelines. Similarly, for MI survivors and healthy adults, we used the 2011 guidelines for secondary prevention of coronary vascular diseases and the 2020 World Health Organization physical activity guidelines, respectively. Adherence to recommendations was determined by the respondents’ self-reported intensity, duration, and frequency of physical activity. Multivariate logistic regression compared adherence in stroke survivors, MI survivors, and healthy adults.

RESULTS:

Among 48 222 stroke survivors in the United States, the overall adherence rates to 2011, 2014, and 2021 physical activity guidelines were 75.4%, 40.2%, and 69.2%. For independently mobile stroke survivors, the adherence rates increased to 78.1%, 42.1%, and 69.9%. Among MI survivors and healthy adults, the adherence rates were 42.7% and 72%. When 2021 recommendations were used as a benchmark, older (aged ≥65 years) stroke survivors were more likely to adhere to recommendations than younger survivors (71.9% versus 62.3%;
P
<0.0001). After adjusting for sociodemographic factors and comorbidities, non-Hispanic Black survivors were less likely to adhere to recommendations (adjusted odds ratio, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.7–0.94]), whereas older and higher educated stroke survivors were more likely to adhere to recommendations. Geographically, stroke belt and nonrural residents were less likely to adhere to recommendations ([63.5% versus 67.9%;
P
<0.0001]; [53.8% versus 58.7%;
P
<0.0001]). Stroke and MI survivors were less likely to adhere to the latest recommendations than healthy adults (adjusted odds ratio, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.69–0.8]; (adjusted odds ratio, 0.24 [95% CI, 0.22–0.26]).

CONCLUSIONS:

A substantial number of stroke survivors do not meet physical activity recommendations. Tailored interventions should be designed for at-risk populations, for example, non-Hispanic Black survivors and lower educated stroke survivors.
Penumbral Imaging to Guide Endovascular Treatment for M2 Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke
Authors: Broocks Gabriel , Mannoun Mahmoud , Bechstein Matthias , Kniep Helge , Winkelmeier Laurens , Schön Gerhard , Heitkamp Christian , Papanagiotou Panagiotis , Kemmling Andre , Alfke Karsten , Fiehler Jens , Meyer Lukas
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:

A potential benefit of mechanical thrombectomy for patients with distal medium vessel occlusions is currently being investigated in randomized trials. Computed tomography perfusion imaging has not yet been tested as a method to guide mechanical thrombectomy for distal medium vessel occlusions. The purpose of this study was to assess penumbral imaging as an imaging-based method for triaging patients with ischemic stroke and acute M2-middle cerebral artery occlusion.

METHODS:

This observational retrospective study of M2-middle cerebral artery patients with ischemic stroke triaged by multimodal computed tomography undergoing mechanical thrombectomy at a high-volume stroke center between January 2015 and January 2023. The effect of recanalization was analyzed according to computed tomography perfusion-derived lesion volumes (defined using relative cerebral blood flow <30% and
T
max
>6 seconds) using logistic regression analysis, and interaction terms between the independent variables and recanalization were tested. The primary end point was functional independence at day 90, defined using modified Rankin Scale scores of 0 to 2.

RESULTS:

A total of 140 patients with M2-middle cerebral artery occlusion were included. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, recanalization was not associated with better functional outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 1.85 [95% CI, 0.87–3.90];
P
=0.11). After including interaction terms, a significant treatment effect between recanalization and computed tomography perfusion-derived lesion volumes was observed in patients with >150 mL hypoperfusion volume (adjusted odds ratio, 1.02 [95% CI, 1.00–1.03];
P
=0.007) or >125 mL penumbral volumes (adjusted odds ratio, 1.02 [95% CI, 1.01–1.03];
P
=0.005), as well as for baseline ischemic core volume within the range of 15 to 40 mL (adjusted odds ratio, 1.11 [95% CI, 1.01–1.22];
P
=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS:

Penumbral imaging might serve as a useful tool for treatment decision-making in distal medium vessel occlusions, particularly in cases of suspected non- or codominant M2-middle cerebral artery vessel occlusions. A hypoperfusion volume threshold of >150 mL emphasizes the potential value of computed tomography perfusion as a standardized tool directly showing the volumetric relevance in distal medium vessel occlusion cases.
Stress in the Educational Environment and its Impact on Academic Success and Psychological Wellbeing of Students
Authors: Fomina Tatiana G. , Filippova Elena F. , Burmistrova-Savenkova Anzhelika V. , Morosanova Varvara I.
Published: December 2024

Background. Increasing stress and mental health disorders in modern students lead to a decrease in their life quality, academic performance, and psychological well-being. In turn, these phenomena may serve as the negative prognostic factors in regard to professional self-determination and future career. It is necessary to summarize the theoretical and empirical studies in order to analyse the influence of stress in the educational environment on the academic success and psychological well-being of students.
Objective. The research analyses modern approaches to studying the stress factors in academic environment as well as the mechanisms of its influence on the academic performance and psychological well-being of students in modern conditions of educational system development. An additional task was to highlight promising areas for studying the psychological resources of academic performance and for maintaining psychological well-being under conditions of academic stress.
Methods. Searching for articles on the topic was carried out by means of Google Scholar, Science Direct, Consensus, PubMed, Research Gate, etc. using the keywords “educational stress”, “academic stress”, “exams”, “student health”, “student well-being”, "stress management".
Results. The article considers the sources, factors, and forms of academic stress. It is substantiated that the main cause of stress is the lack of students’ resources to meet the requirements of their educational environment. The research analysis has revealed a diverse negative impact that academic stress has on the students’ psychological well-being and established its multidirectional effects on academic performance. Among the psychological resources for overcoming academic stress, a wide range of characteristics is considered, with a special focus made on the conscious self-regulation as a meta-tool for actualization and mobilization.
Conclusions. The presented review allows to conclude that the factors, mechanisms, and consequences of academic stress have not been sufficiently studied to date. It is necessary to organize comprehensive studies to identify and describe the stress loads on the students at different levels of education. The study of psychological resources that ensure the resistance of schoolchildren and students to stressful influences will allow for developing the effective technologies of psychological support to provide a high quality of life for modern youth.
The Old Norse Toponym Grænland and its Tie to the Trade in Walrus Ivory
Authors: Sayers William
Published: December 2024

The implausible medieval toponym Grænland ‘Greenland’ is traced to the walrus hunting station in the Disko Bay region of northwestern Greenland and to the dominant island proto-industry, tusk extraction and trade in ivory. Language substitution and related processes take a notional *tannland ‘tusk land’ (perhaps tabooed) through *granland ‘whisker land’ (a second dominant cranial feature of the animal) to grænland, variously ‘fresh, new land’, ‘land of hope’, and, lastly, ‘green land’. Norse trade as far as to central Asia in ivory and other luxury goods such as North American hardwoods is also reviewed.
Die Partnerwahl in den Mären „Die halbe Birne“ und „Das Häslein“
Authors: Schneidergruber Dietmar
Published: December 2024

The text compares two tales that deal with finding a partner. In the context of a legal gap after the IV. Lateran Council regarding the validity of marriage, two different cases are presented, in which the naive young woman in the tale Das Häslein regains her social honor. The king’s daughter in the tale Die halbe Birne goes into an uncertain future, her father the king loses control over his daughter. Both tales disqualify the woman’s lust, especially when she shows it or brags about it. In both cases the protection failed.
Endings -s and -st in the 2nd Person Singular Present Indicative in Old English
Authors: Afros Elena
Published: December 2024

The replacement of the ending -s with -st in the 2nd person singular present indicative is an often-discussed diachronic development in Old English. Whereas most accounts center on the origins of -st, the present study focuses on the competition between the two endings throughout the Old English period. The current examination of the witnesses dating between the ninth and eleventh centuries shows that the -s- and -st-forms did not contrast on the phonological and morphological features generally cited in the analyses of this change. The adjacency of the pronominal subject did not affect the choice of the inflection either. Instead, initially the -s-forms occurred in the SV and VS environments whereas the -st-forms were restricted to the SV environments. This distribution explains why the verbs ending in -stu, which appeared only in the VS environments, could not have triggered the change of -s to -st. As the ending -st spread to the VS environment as well, the ending -s was confined to the VS environments where it survived into the twelfth century.
Forum: The Self-Realising Soldier: Post-Heroic Reflections from Norwegian Afghanistan Veterans by Heidi Mogstad
Authors: Mogstad Heidi , Molendijk Tine , Kotilainen Noora , Hunniecutt Jeni , Mogstad Heidi
Published: December 2024

In western media and politics, Afghanistan is usually depicted as a place of scarcity and hardship. This article attends to a different western representation of the country, that is, Afghanistan, as a site of self-fulfilment and growth. In doing so, I outline a mode of soldiering that emerged from my ethnographic interviews with Norwegian Afghanistan veterans: the self-realising soldier seeking combat, adventure and personal development in a distant and failing war. While not entirely new, this mode of soldiering challenges dominant representations of western soldiers in the post-9/11 wars as driven by humanitarian values or socio-economic mobility. However, the soldiers’ narratives are not merely fragments of lived and embodied experience. Nor do I read them as duped by military recruitment campaigns or neoliberal discourses idealising self-investment. Instead, this article interprets their post-war reflections as confessional speech acts that constitute the Norwegian Afghanistan veterans as realistic and sincere vis-à-vis “dishonest” politicians and “naïve” civilians far removed from the battlefield. The self-realisation discourse has ambiguous political effects, as it both exposes and obscures the military’s core functions and simultaneously unsettles and reinforces imperialist images of Afghanistan. Moreover, the self-realising soldiers challenge us to consider alternative moralities of war and raise important questions about the ethics of contemporary western expeditionary warfare.
An Integrated Model for Pollution Prevention, Ecological Integration and Sustainability of Surface Water: Case of Awetu River, Jimma City, South-Western Ethiopia
Authors: Gobana Mohammedsalih , Haddis Alemayehu , Dadi Dessalegn
Published: December 2024

There are complex relationships among water quality, ecological integration and sustainability of surface water resource. Several factors are interacting in these three things, making them complex for understanding and managing, while the integration of these three is very important for sustainable development, environmental sustainability and public health. To increase the understanding of this complex relationship, appropriate tool is needed. Modeling is considered as an appropriate tool to simplify the understanding of this concept. The objective of this study is developing an integrated conceptual model for pollution prevention, ecological integration and sustainability of Awetu River basin. To develop this model, a preliminary study was conducted in the study area, which includes water quality status, its ecological condition, settlement in the river area, identifying pollution sources, and an on-going project in the river basin. Based on this information, and general environmental scientific knowledge, a conceptual model was developed. This conceptual modeling was passed through the four broad steps; each step involved several key activities that support developing an integrated model. Three correlated sub-models were developed first; finally, one integrated conceptual model was developed. Developing and application of an integrated model for Awetu river basin is very important to improve the current situation of the river. Achieving this needs an integrated work of all stakeholders and concerned bodies. Stakeholders recommended applying this model, whereas researchers recommended evaluation and modifying the model more. The model is also applicable for most rivers and surface water, particularly for waters with similar situations.
Supply Chain Analytics, Definitions, Characteristics and Applications: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Wairimu Desmond
Published: December 2024

While there is a high uptake of BDA in the realm of supply chain management, in the view of automation supply chains and improving their value proposition by providing more accurate data for demand forecasting. There are material knowledge gaps on the SC-specific analytics applied to match demand, albeit the existing knowledge could be more amorphous. From this backdrop, the study endeavored to analyze extant literature within the ambit of BDA to unpack the current trends and possible future research directions to foster the application of BDA in SC contexts. The study adopted a systematic literature review of the extant literature published between 2014-2023. The study adopted the five-stage iterative procedure used in the systematic review methodology. The review's findings depict extensive use of big data analytics in matching demand and supply and supply chain optimization. The findings of this study adduce almost non-rebuttable evidence that big data analytics can be applied in procurement, inventory control, logistics, and order processing. Under the auspices of BDA is the SCA. Arguably, extant research has demonstrated the capability of SCA in mitigating contemporary SC risks such as mismatches between demand and supply, sub-optimal SCs, and underutilization of the supply chain infrastructures at the cusps of various echelons.
Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Infectious Laryngotrachitis Virus from Poultry in and Around Bishoftu Town and the Bordering District Liban Cuqala
Authors: Marga Galana , Wako Dereje , Getachew Belayneh
Published: December 2024

Infectious Laryngotrachitis is an important respiratory disease of chicken caused by gallid herpes virus-І belonged to family Herpesviridae, subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae, genus Iltovirus The disease has little or no previous documented data in the country. The study was conducted from November 2022 to June 2022 by a cross-sectional study design with purposive sampling strategy. In this study, a molecular detection of ILTV were conducted generally in 12 pooled samples out of the total 40 poultries sampled from peasant Associations (PAs) of in and around Bishoftu town and the bordering district Liban Cuqala. Swab samples from upper trachea and tracheal tissue samples were collected from the selected PAs in the study area. From the total 12 pooled samples, 3 samples were positively detected for the presence of Infectious Laryngotrachitis. The study revealed an overall PCR detection of 25%. Three strains of ILT namely ICP4, TCO low and TCO high were detected with the general master mix that can bind with all of the ILT strains. Generally, ILTV were one of the serious avian respiratory pathogen challenging the study areas resulted in high economic losses. Control and prevention measures through vaccination programmed should schedule within the viral strains.
Pre-service Teacher Perceptions of ChatGPT for Lesson Plan Generation
Authors: Kalenda Peter J. , Rath Logan , Abugasea Heidt Marium , Wright Allison
Published: December 2024

This study explores preservice education student perceptions on ChatGPT's ability to write lesson plans through the use of a guided analysis process with 59 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in STEM, TESOL, and Social studies methods courses for grades PreK-12. A pre- post-survey and a reflection on the strengths and weaknesses of ChatGPT were written by participants. Statistically significant findings were revealed regarding student perceptions of ChatGPT's ability to write a complete lesson plan in their content area and ChatGPT's ability to write a detailed lesson plan for a substitute teacher. In both cases, students’ perceptions of ChatGPT to complete these tasks decreased after they engaged in analysis of the content. Students shared that they plan to use ChatGPT for lesson planning as a practicing educator, but indicated that revision of output is necessary. A call for future work is explored.
Restricted Racial Realism: Heterogeneous Effects and the Instability of Race
Authors: Tolbert Alexander Williams
Published: December 2024

This paper challenges the view that race is a reliable scientific variable or kind for the purpose of inductive inference within the social sciences. I characterize stability in terms of Extended Conditional Independence (ECI) and show that the heterogeneity and instability of racial categories across different background circumstances undermines their ability to support robust inductive inference and explanatory power. I claim this, in turn, undermines racial categories' status as real scientific variables or kinds. Race, has local stability within restricted sets of target systems and thus, its reality is limited to those domains. I argue for a restricted form of racial realism, a view I call Restricted Racial Realism (RRR).
Regulatory influence on the overall quality of platform work: Lessons from the Chilean context
Authors: Bellido de Luna Daina
Published: December 2024

This study examines the impact of Chile’s new regulation (Act N° 21.431) on the quality of platform work via 23 detailed interviews with gig workers and trade unionists. It reveals that regulation helped but fell short in its attempts to enhance job quality in the platform economy. By providing empirical evidence on the efficacy of regulation, this article enriches the discourse on platform work regulation, while offering a nuanced understanding of the pitfalls of new legislation, delivering key insights for shaping national labour policies. This contribution is central for policymakers aiming to navigate the complexities of regulating platform work and ensuring meaningful improvements in job quality.
An experimental investigation on AA5083 alloy shot peening surface characteristics
Authors: Thirumavalavan K , Sudharson S , Sarukasan D
Published: December 2024

The research examines how varying shot peening parameters affect the surface properties of AA5083 aluminum alloy, specifically looking at topography, mechanical traits, and surface morphology. Shot peening treatment is conducted using a custom system with stainless steel shots ranging from 4–8 mm diameter, peening durations of 30–60 min, and shaft speeds of 500–1000 rpm. Surface characteristics are assessed through hardness depth-wise measurement, surface roughness, and tensile properties. The study investigates phase transformation and grain refinements using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD), and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). Full-depth profile and lattice strain study with localized plastic strain are analyzed using XRD, with EBSD estimating the depth of plastically strained regions. A multi-criteria decision-making approach is used to identify the optimal peening parameters based on hardness, tensile strength, and surface roughness, employing analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Grey Regression analysis.
Understanding the Digital Divide Among Protestant Churches in the United States
Authors: Lee Young-joo
Published: December 2024

This study examines what contributes to the digital divide among Protestant churches in the United States, by testing how a church's organizational, participant, and clergy characteristics predict its adoption of Facebook and other social media platforms. The analysis of the 2018–2019 National Congregations Study data shows that lead pastors’ familiarity with social media, church size, and proportion of younger congregants increase the likelihood of social media use. This study concludes that denominational support for individual congregations can help close the digital divide.
Utilizing Lactation Acuity to Improve Lactation Services in a U.S. Hospital
Authors: Mannel Rebecca
Published: December 2024

National staffing guidelines for hospital lactation services do not account for the lactation acuity of breastfeeding patients. Higher acuity breastfeeding couplets require a higher level of knowledge and skill from lactation care providers. In these cases, a referral to an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) is recommended for appropriate management. Use of a lactation acuity classification system as a clinical practice innovation was implemented at Oklahoma University Medical Center to improve the distribution of staff resources for optimal care of breastfeeding patients. Lactation service reports from this facility, a tertiary care teaching hospital, were reviewed to evaluate staffing, number of lactation consults, reason for and acuity of consults, and time spent. The review included over 10,000 lactation consults completed over a 1-year period. Once the lactation acuity system for IBCLC staff was in place, there was an increased mean direct consult time and acuity level with 85% of IBCLC time allocated to high acuity consults. Trained bedside nurses handled most low-acuity patients. The percentage of patients needing a lactation consult who received one increased along with the number of consults per patient. Data on time spent per consult were stratified by acuity, location, and reason for consult, including details on priority consults for neonatal intensive care unit patients. The productivity of the lactation team was higher with the use of a lactation acuity system compared to without it. The data reported support the use of lactation acuity in making recommendations for staffing of hospital lactation services.
Predictors of the inclusion of people with disabilities in small and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: van Berkel Rik
Published: December 2024

Background

During the last decades, studies addressing the persistently large labor-market participation gap of people with disabilities have increasingly focused attention to the role of employers and their organizations. Relatively little attention has been paid to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Objective

The objective of this article is to deepen our understanding of predictors of the inclusion of people with disabilities in SMEs.

Methods

A survey was conducted among SMEs in the Netherlands. The survey focused on three groups of predictors of employing people with disabilities: general organizational characteristics, human resource practices, and capabilities, opportunities and motivations to employ people with disabilities.

Results

The most important positive predictors of employing people with disabilities in SMEs were size, capabilities and opportunities. HR recruitment and selection was negatively related to employing people with disabilities. Comparing small with larger enterprises we found that predictors for employing people with disabilities are not completely similar.

Conclusion

Given the role of SMEs as a resource of employment, and the notion that SMEs are not simply ‘small’ large organizations but have their own unique characteristics which may create specific challenges and opportunities for inclusion, future research of SMEs is recommended. Concerning HR practices our findings are inconclusive. The role of general versus disability-specific HR practices, the issue of inclusive versus exclusive effects of HR practices and the effects of individual versus bundles of HR practices are interesting topics for future research.
The variation in axial length in office hours causes a diopter change in the intraocular lens power calculation
Authors: Nemeth Gabor , Revak Agnes , Vamosi Peter , Elekes Agnes , Modis Laszlo , Sohajda Zoltan
Published: December 2024

Purpose

To investigate whether diurnal changes in biometric parameters at different times of the day are visible and to analyze whether the variations could have clinical significance in the process of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation.

Methods

Phakic eyes measured by IOLMaster 700 above the age of 16 were included, with the exclusion of previous surgery. Measurements were taken between 7:00 and 15:00 and data were treated in hourly groups within this range. Data such as age, sex and biometric parameters (axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth, central corneal thickness, white-to-white distance, keratometry readings, lens thickness) were used besides the hour:minute time of the examination.

Results

Biometric data from 32,596 eyes were used (38.89% males). There were no statistically significant differences in age and biometric parameters between the office-hour groups (p > 0.05), excluding the AL. The AL at the end of the day was 0.198 mm longer for male and 0.197 mm longer for female compared to the beginning of the office day. Accordingly, the results of IOL power calculation varied between 21.0 and 20.0 D for male, and 21.5 D and 20.5 D for the female population.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the assessment of AL may be affected by the intraday time of the biometry. This variation is clinically significant and may have implications for the evaluation of AL.
Creating new participatory linkages? Political parties and democratisation in Germany, Austria, and the UK
Authors: Butzlaff Felix
Published: December 2024

A modernisation- and individualisation-induced loss of trust, membership, and voters has been addressed in party research for a while. However, social theory authors such as Beck, Bauman, Sennett, and Taylor have pointed to further organisational dilemmas that have not been addressed in depth: That demands for flexibility, individualisation and non-bindingness and demands for centralized political leadership might go hand in hand; and that notwithstanding increasing individualisation citizens might demand new forms of social collectives and belonging. In this article, I compare how different established party families perceive these contradictions and seek to create new party-society linkages. Based on a series of qualitative in-depth interviews with social democratic and conservative party functionaries, I emphasise that different party families and their reform attempts reflect individualisation, flexible and liquid identities differently and thus refashion the way citizens are linked with political parties and representative democracy.
Effects of the laser spot size and beam wobbling on the properties of aluminum 6061 weld metal
Authors: Matsuda Kazuki , Ramachandiran Nivas , Yang Hanwen , Gerlich Adrian P.
Published: December 2024

The effects of the spot size and beam wobbling on the mechanical properties and microstructure of the AA 6061 aluminum alloy during laser welding have been investigated. Changing the spot size from 0.6 to 0.3 mm reduced the required heat input for full penetration by 56% for a static laser beam and by 62% for a wobbling laser beam. Using a 0.3 mm diameter spot with beam wobbling reduced the severity of surface defects such as undercuts and excessive reinforcement. When the heat input and bead width were increased, laser beam wobbling increased the width of the equiaxed microstructure region in the weld metal. Grain refinement and the reduction in solute strengthening due to evaporation only had small effects on the weld metal strength.
Through the looking glass: Locating litigation privilege under the Indian evidence code
Authors: Upadhyay Shaurya
Published: December 2024

Indian law is increasingly being tested on issues relating to third-party communication during litigation. One aspect that has been the subject of discussion both in India and other common law jurisdictions is the law relating to privilege that applies to communications between litigants and third parties, in situations where standard rules of ‘attorney-client privilege’ do not apply. This article aims to identify the origins and sources of the law on litigation privilege in India to construct a functional understanding of the applicability of the rule of evidence in Indian adjudicatory processes. It systematically analyses attempts made by Indian courts to import English law rules on litigation privilege to address the foundational weaknesses in the current approaches to importation, suggesting pathways which may be utilised by legal actors to tackle issues relating to such privilege using a textual, legal historical approach.
Impact of a national dementia research consortium: The Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA)
Authors: Chertkow Howard , Phillips Natalie , Rockwood Kenneth , Anderson Nicole , Andrew Melissa K , Bartha Robert , Beaudoin Camille , Bélanger Nathalie , Bellec Pierre , Belleville Sylvie , Bergman Howard , Best Sarah , Bethell Jennifer , Bherer Louis , Black Sandra , Borrie Michael , Camicioli Richard , Carrier Julie , Cashman Neil , Chan Senny , Crowshoe Lynden , Cuello Claudio , Cynader Max , Dang-Vu Thanh , Das Samir , Dixon Roger A , Ducharme Simon , Einstein Gillian , Evans Alan C , Fahnestock Margaret , Feldman Howard , Ferland Guylaine , Finger Elizabeth , Fisk John D , Fogarty Jennifer , Fon Edward , Gan-Or Ziv , Gauthier Serge , Greenwood Carol , Henri-Bellemare Charlie , Herrmann Nathan , Hogan David B , Hsiung Robin , Itzhak Inbal , Jacklin Kristen , Lanctôt Krista , Lim Andrew , MacKenzie Ian , Masellis Mario , Maxwell Colleen , McAiney Carrie , McGilton Katherine , McLaurin JoAnne , Mihailidis Alex , Mohades Zia , Montero-Odasso Manuel , Morgan Debra , Naglie Gary , Nygaard Haakon , O’Connell Megan , Petersen Ron , Pilon Randi , Rajah Maria Natasha , Rapoport Mark , Roach Pamela , Robillard Julie M , Rogaeva Ekaterina , Rosa-Neto Pedro , Rylett Jane , Sadavoy Joel , St George-Hyslop Peter , Seitz Dallas , Smith Eric , Stefanovic Bojana , Vedel Isabelle , Walker Jennifer D , Wellington Cheryl , Whitehead Victor , Wittich Walter
Published: December 2024

The Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA) was created by the Canadian federal government through its health research funding agency, the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR), in 2014, as a response to the G7 initiative to fight dementia. Two five-year funding cycles (2014–2019; 2019–2024) have occurred following peer review, and a third cycle (Phase 3) has just begun. A unique construct was mandated, consisting of 20 national teams in Phase I and 19 teams in Phase II (with research topics spanning from basic to clinical science to health resource systems) along with cross-cutting programs to support them. Responding to the needs of researchers within the CCNA teams, a unique sample of 1173 deeply phenotyped patients with various forms of dementia was accrued and studied over eight years (COMPASS-ND). In the second phase of funding (2019–2024), a national dementia prevention program (CAN-THUMBS UP) was set up. In a short time, this prevention program became a member of the World Wide FINGERS prevention consortium. In this article, the challenges, successes, and impacts of CCNA in Canada and internationally are discussed. Short-term deliverables have occurred, along with considerable promise of impacts in the longer term. The creation of synergy, networking, capacity building, engagement of people with lived experience, and economies of scale have contributed to the considerable success of CCNA by all measures. CCNA is evidence that an organized “centrally-organized” approach to dementia research can catalyze important progress nationally and yield significant and measurable results.
‘You can get a bit immune to it’: Emotional preparedness and coping strategies as utilised by English homicide detectives
Authors: Paine Bethany , Yankouskaya Ala , Sweeting Fay
Published: December 2024

Despite facing extraordinary emotional demands, limited research has been conducted on homicide investigators in England and Wales. This qualitative study explores the unique challenges experienced, focusing on well-being and coping strategies. Five detective sergeants participated in semi-structured interviews, with results highlighting influences on well-being. Both positive and negative themes emerged, including intrinsic motivations, emotional preparedness and operational stress. Discussions around the diverse coping strategies employed by homicide investigators emphasised the importance of developing tailored support programmes to address the multifaceted challenges they face. Expanding on this research, encompassing a larger and more representative sample of homicide investigators, is encouraged for deepening our knowledge and allowing for evidence-based support to be employed for these dedicated professionals.
Dielectric properties of (1 − x) PMN–(x) AB ceramic nano powder
Authors: Legesse Kebede , Elangovan Sampandam
Published: December 2024

In this study, lead magnesium niobate–aluminium bismuthate ((1 −  x) PMN–( x) AB) solid solution ceramics with composition of x = 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 were prepared by solid state reaction method to study temperature and frequency dependency of its dielectric properties. Dielectric properties were studied using the complex impedance spectroscopic method. The temperature dependence of dielectric constant ([Formula: see text]) for compositions with x = 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 is ≈ 109.75, 112.56 and 115, respectively. The imaginary dielectric constant is also ≈ 0.030, 0.033 and 0.035 for the composition 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3, respectively, for frequency of 10 kHz. The temperature at maximum of dielectric constant of (1 −  x) PMN–( x) AB ceramics was seen to increase with increasing AlBiO3 content. Temperature of maximum dielectric constant ( Tm) of 86 °C was obtained at 10 kHz for the composition x = 0.3.
Arousal May Not Be Anything to Get Excited About
Authors: Smith Karen E. , Woodard Kristina , Pollak Seth D.
Published: December 2024

The idea of arousal as a non-specific state of activation has been implicated as an explanatory factor for many aspects of human behavior, ranging from emotional experiences to learning and memory. Critiques of this concept have highlighted that arousal is ambiguous and evidence for its role in emotion is mixed. However, contemporary emotion theories and empirical research continue to incorporate the concept of arousal in ways that fail to address its problems. Here, we review the origins of the term arousal in physiology and trace how it has been translated and applied to psychology (particularly as it relates to emotion). We consider whether the construct of arousal is currently (a) consistent and (b) useful in understanding human behavior.
The perception of HIV self-testing and willingness to use mHealth for HIV prevention among Black men who have sex with men in Iowa, United States: A qualitative study
Authors: Badru Oluwaseun Abdulganiyu , Adeagbo Oluwafemi Atanda
Published: December 2024

Objective

The World Health Organization approved HIV self-test (HIVST) to break the barriers to HIV testing. Black men who have sex with men (Black MSM) in the United States are less likely to test for HIV or link to care due to several factors, such as stigma and distance. We explored Black MSM's knowledge of HIVST and their willingness to use a mobile application (mHealth) to link to HIV care and engage with health providers.

Methods

Between March and September 2023, we interviewed 12 Black MSM in small urban areas and explored HIVST awareness and willingness to use mHealth. Participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. The data were analyzed inductively.

Results

The age range was 20–42 years. Participants had mixed knowledge of HIVST. The barriers to HIVST uptake are poor knowledge of HIVST, lack of adequate medical insurance to access HIVST kits, and concerns about the efficacy of HIVST kits. Black MSM were willing to link to care via mHealth but expressed concerns related to safety, confidentiality, and the risk of HIV stigma. Participants recommended wider awareness via social media and that the proposed mobile application has a simple interface for ease of use.

Conclusion

To encourage uptake among Black MSM, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services should make HIVST accessible (low-cost or free). The proposed mHealth should be developed with a simple and interactive interface, including images and videos to guide HIVST and linkage to health professionals for assistance.
Development and Implementation of a Clinical Nursing Practice Guideline for Prevention and Management of Increased Intracranial Pressure in Hemorrhagic Stroke Patients
Authors: Sirisaen Kannika , Chaiviboontham Suchira , Phornsuwannapha Surachest
Published: December 2024

Background

Hemorrhagic stroke is a serious condition that leads to high morbidity and mortality rates, particularly within the first 30 days following the stroke. One serious complication is increased intracranial pressure (IICP), which worsens neurological symptoms and can result in death or disability.

Purposes

To develop and implement a clinical nursing practice guideline (CNPG) for prevention and management of IICP in hemorrhagic stroke patients.

Methods

This study had two phases: (1) Evidence trigger and support, identifying clinical problems and gathering empirical evidence, and (2) Evidence-observed, where a CNPG was developed and implemented. The CNPG was based on the Nursing Role Effectiveness Model and Soukup's Nursing Practice Development Model, covering preoperative and postoperative care and key nursing activities such as assessment, prevention, and management. The study assessed the CNPG's impact on nurses’ knowledge, practices, and implementation feasibility. Nineteen registered nurses from the Surgical Intensive Care Unit were included and analyzed using descriptive statistics, interquartile range, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results

The findings showed a significant improvement in nurses’ mean knowledge scores after implementing the nursing guideline for preventing IICP in hemorrhagic stroke patients ( p < 0.000). The overall mean knowledge score was high (X̄ = 23.11, SD = 2.54, Mdn = 23, IQR = 5). Additionally, the total mean nursing practice score (X̄ = 122.53, SD = 17.80) and overall mean perceived implementation feasibility score were both high (X̄ = 4.68, SD = .35).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that integrating nursing practice guidelines and providing training to enhance nurses’ knowledge significantly contribute to positive outcomes in both structure and process. Regarding structure, nurses demonstrated increased knowledge and proficiency in nursing practices. Regarding process outcomes, evidence-based guidelines were effectively utilized, paving the way for practical application in future nursing practice.
Centella asiatica improves cognitive function and alters the hippocampal metabolome of aged Tg2576 and wild-type mice
Authors: Matthews Donald G , Khorani Mona , Bobe Gerd , Caruso Maya , Magana Armando Alcazar , Gray Nora E , Quinn Joseph F , Stevens Jan F , Maier Claudia S , Soumyanath Amala
Published: December 2024

Background: 

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a growing public health problem in the aging population, with limited treatment options. We previously reported that Centella asiatica herb water extract (CAW) attenuates cognitive decline in murine models of AD and aging.

Objective: 

To explore changes in the hippocampal metabolome associated with CAW's modulation of cognitive function and amyloid-β (Aβ) plaque load in aged Tg2576 and wild-type (WT) mice.

Methods: 

We compared cognitive function, hippocampal Aβ plaque burden, and hippocampal metabolite profile in 20-month-old Tg2576 female mice and their WT littermates following 3–5 weeks treatment with CAW (0, 200, or 1000 mg/kg/d p.o.). Cognitive testing included contextual fear response (CFR) and novel object recognition task (NORT). Aβ plaque burden was measured via immunohistochemistry. Metabolomic profiles of mouse hippocampi were obtained using liquid chromatography coupled with high resolution tandem mass spectrometry.

Results: 

CAW treatment resulted in dose-related improvements in CFR and NORT performance of Tg2576 and WT mice. However, while CFR correlated with neurosignaling and glycosylated ceramide levels, NORT performance correlated with lysophosphatidylcholines and oxidized metabolites, and Aβ accumulation was linked to elevated excitatory and suppressed inhibitory neurotransmission. Only a subset of the metabolite changes induced by CAW in Tg2576 mice represented a reversal of metabolite differences between Tg2576 and WT mice, suggesting the involvement of other pathways in CAW's cognitive effects.

Conclusions: 

Mechanisms underlying CAW's cognitive effects extend beyond reversing metabolic effects of Aβ accumulation. The data support the potential use of CAW to manage memory challenges in aged individuals with or without AD.
Decolonising medieval history modules – Without going global
Authors: Birkett Helen , Pracy Stuart
Published: December 2024

This article uses two case studies to show how decolonising approaches can be applied to medieval modules that focus on countries or regions within Europe, without expanding their geographical remit to offer a more global perspective. In Birkett’s case study, the course materials on a module on colonisation in twelfth-century Britain and Ireland were diversified, and the intellectual depth of the module enhanced, by integrating literature from the broader fields of colonial and postcolonial studies. This included explicitly citing the work of prominent scholars of colour as authorities, which helped to disrupt the Whiteness of this subject area. Pracy’s case study concerns two modules on the themes of rebellion and revolt, which, together, cover two millennia of history. He shows not only how exploration of the historical concept of ‘revolution’ across this longue durée, and particularly in medieval contexts, can challenge and decentre teleological, Eurocentric thinking on this topic, but how students and educators can collaborate in this process. Both case studies place emphasis on the conscious reassessment of concepts and terminology, and the diversification of course content and materials – with active engagement with scholarship from other periods highlighted as a key way of facilitating both.