bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internal conflicts and shocks: A narrative meta-analysis
Authors: Laville Camille , Mandon Pierre
Published: December 2024

Do variations in local incomes influence peace and conflict in low- and middle-income countries? The present meta-regression analysis contributes to answering this question by delving into the narratives that researchers use to qualify how various shocks affect conflict risk through channels implicitly linked to income. After examining 2,464 subnational estimates from 64 recent empirical studies, we find that several publication biases related to authors’ methodological choices influence our understanding of this phenomenon. Importantly, studies that fail to uncover empirical effects that conform to researchers’ expectations on the theoretical mechanisms are less likely to be published. After accounting for publication selection bias, the analysis finds that, on average, income-increasing shocks in the agriculture sector are negatively associated with the local risk of conflict. Nonetheless, the analysis finds no average effect of income-decreasing shocks in the agriculture sector or income-increasing shocks in the extractive sector on the local risk of conflict. The article opens avenues for further study on the granular observed heterogeneity in the literature, particularly focusing on the conditional aspects of how shocks and conflicts are measured and the geographical coverage, among others.
Adenoid cystic carcinoma of palatine tonsil: A case report
Authors: Guo Yang , Huang Qiang , Du Huaidong
Published: December 2024

In head and neck, adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignant tumor. ACC mainly generated from minor salivary glands, especially in the palate. We report an extremely rare case of ACC generating in the left palatine tonsil. A 50-year-old woman with foreign body sensation in the pharynx for 6-month was admitted to our hospital. Physical examination revealed a dark red mass in the soft palate near the upper pole of the left tonsil. Preoperative imaging examinations indicated a low-density mass in the left tonsillar area on the CT plain scan, which was a hyperintense mass at the anterior superior pole of the left tonsil on T2-weighted MRI. Complete surgical resection of the mass together with the left palatine tonsil was conducted under general anesthesia. The diagnosis of ACC was established based on histopathology and immunohistochemistry results. Then, postoperative radiotherapy of 60 Gy was administered. During regular medical follow-up for 12 months, no local recurrence was observed. Complete surgical resection, with or without postoperative radiotherapy is generally acknowledged as the standard of care for ACC. Despite the extremely low incidence in palatine tonsil, clinicians should consider the differential diagnosis of ACC.
Conceptualising Black (Co-)Reflexive Feminist Methodologies: Collaboration, Process and Critical Friendship
Authors: Lewis Chantelle Jessica , Kerkhoff-Parnell Bryel
Published: December 2024

This article situates Black feminist research on race and class as a pre-determined collaborative process, which builds on a plethora of existing scholarship as well as on the relationships and wisdoms of others. We want to pay homage to the way we arrive at our ideas about social life together. We see lived experience(s) as a fundamental aspect of our work as social scientists and Black feminist practitioners, but also acknowledge the pitfalls of this approach. Using Bryel’s transcriptions of Chantelle’s ethnographic research with Black and Black mixed-race families as an example, we aim to bring a fresh perspective to this long-standing approach, while emphasising that this leaves us open to the creation of over-individualised accounts of often-marginalised social lives. We hope to further discourses that acknowledge and celebrate the numerous, complicated and personal pathways taken by researchers as they analyse their data, specifically in methodologically insider–outsider encounters.
Assessing Disproportional Calls Home for Problems at School: A Critical Race Framing and Analysis of Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Childhood Adversities
Authors: Joseph-McCatty Andrea A. , Massey Michael , Sanders Jane E. , Mitchell Brandon
Published: December 2024

This paper describes the relationship between student identity, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and risk for receiving calls home for problems in school. Data are drawn from the 2017 to 2018 National Survey of Children's Health ( n = 4,579). Critical race theory and QuantCrit were used to frame the study and analysis. Findings reflect that ACEs were associated with a call home for all students, that students of color with ACEs were 1.24 times more likely to receive a call home for problems at school, and that specific individual ACEs were associated with calls home for each student group.
Reflections on My Experiences as Editor-In-Chief of the Journal of Black Psychology
Authors: Cokley Kevin
Published: December 2024

This article is temporarily under embargo.
collaging carceral entrapments and reorientating to the imagination
Authors: ackhurst molly rosabelle
Published: December 2024

In this article I interrogate the attachment to ‘the imagination’ as a site free from the weed-like tentacles of carceral systems and structures, and thus a solution to ‘stuckness’. Building on Lauren Berlant’s theorisation of ‘cruel optimism’, I draw on my own sticky, cruelly optimistic methodological engagements with the imagination in qualitative research, whereby collage was used to explore what participants wanted in response to the injustice wrought by sexual violence. Drawing on scholarship that seeks to examine the edges of the carceral imaginary, I instead suggest a gentle, yet significant, reorientation to imaginings and what I see as their weed-like capabilities. Thus, rather than holding on to the imagination as a solution for coining futures free from the violence of carcerality, I instead call for a deeper attention to, and staying with, the ‘stuckness’ that exists when utilising the tool of the imagination.
Young Australian drinkers’ awareness, perceptions and behaviours towards low alcohol beverage products
Authors: Palmer Blake , Desbrow Ben , Irwin Christopher
Published: December 2024

Background: Young Australian drinkers (aged 18–24 years) are more likely to consume alcohol at risky levels than any other age group. The increased availability and diversity of low alcohol beverages (LAB)s available to Australian consumers presents an opportunity for young drinkers to moderate their drinking behaviours. Aim: To explore young risky drinkers’ awareness, perceptions and behaviours towards LAB products. Study Type: A cross-sectional online survey of 159 young Australian risky drinkers aged 18–24 years. Methods: Demographic information, LAB awareness, previous consumption and perceptions of LABs reducing alcohol consumption were captured. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's chi-squared analyses and binomial logistic regression were used to explore data. Results: Overall, 51% of respondents had previously consumed LABs, with most doing so on a few occasions. The choice to consume LABs was influenced by factors including friend and family influence (28%), curiosity (28%) and the purposeful intent to reduce alcohol intake (27%). In contrast, factors preventing the consumption of LABs included individuals’ intent to get drunk (58%), a lack of consideration of LABs (49%) and the perception that higher strength beverages were more desirable (35%). The majority of respondents (63%) agreed that LAB products would assist them and their peers to moderate alcohol consumption behaviours. Conclusion: The majority of young risky drinkers surveyed have consumed LAB products on a limited number of occasions or not at all. There are several factors likely preventing greater uptake of these products. Further work is required to explore whether greater exposure to the diversity of LAB products can moderate alcohol consumption behaviours.
Navigating agitation in neurodevelopmental disorders: A comparative study of pharmacotherapies via network meta-analysis in children and adults with autism spectrum disorder or intellectual disabilities
Authors: Bahji Anees , Forth Evan , Nasar Amina , Waqas Ahmed , Hawken Emily R , Ayub Muhammad
Published: December 2024

Importance:

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability often experience persistent challenges related to aggressive behaviour and agitation, highlighting the critical need for evidence-based pharmacological interventions among other strategies. Despite previous network meta-analyses (NMAs), the rapidly evolving landscape of treatment options necessitates ongoing and updated assessments.

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of various pharmacotherapies in managing agitation in children and adults with ASD or intellectual disabilities (ID).

Methods:

Employing a systematic review and network meta-analysis methodology, we conducted an exhaustive search across multiple databases for double-blind, randomized controlled trials focusing on pharmacotherapies targeting agitation in these neurodevelopmental disorders. Adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines, our assessment of study quality utilized the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool to ensure methodological rigour and accuracy in data synthesis. Primary outcomes encompassed measures of reduced agitation, as indicated by treatment response on standardized agitation scales, alongside dropout rates, providing a comprehensive overview of treatment efficacy and tolerability.

Results:

Our analysis included data from 38 eligible trials, involving 2503 participants across both pediatric and adult populations. Key pharmacological interventions, such as arbaclofen, risperidone plus buspirone, omega-3 fatty acids, risperidone plus palmitoylethanolamide, aripiprazole and risperidone, demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing agitation compared to placebo. Importantly, these treatments were generally well-tolerated, with no significant increase in all-cause dropouts compared to placebo, highlighting their suitability for clinical use in managing agitation in individuals with ASD or ID.

Conclusions:

This study underscores the efficacy and tolerability of several pharmacotherapies in managing agitation among children and adults with ASD or ID. Our findings provide robust evidence that specific treatments, such as arbaclofen, risperidone plus buspirone and omega-3 fatty acids, are both effective and well-tolerated, offering valuable therapeutic options for clinicians. The study emphasizes the need for ongoing research to ensure that treatment strategies remain aligned with the evolving clinical landscape, ultimately improving patient outcomes in this challenging population.
Developing and Testing a Two-Part Intervention: Enhancing Dementia Instruction and Tool in Home Hospice Care
Authors: Geisser Sophia Rose , Amponsah Abigail , Vasquez Felix , McDonald Margaret , Coyne Noreen , Tamer Ebtesam , Luth Elizabeth A.
Published: December 2024

Family care partners (FCP) of persons living with dementia provide extensive care and experience significant stress. Hospice nurses and social workers seldom receive training to help FCP. This article describes the development and pilot testing of Enhancing Dementia Instruction and Tool in Home Hospice Care (EDITH-HC). This intervention provides 1) instructional videos for clinicians about dementia-specific end-of-life care and 2) a worksheet for clinicians and FCP to complete together to identify and address FCP stressors and concerns. EDITH-HC development involved co-developing and revising draft intervention materials based on two rounds of structured input from FCP ( n = 10), hospice nurses and social workers ( n = 5), and research/content experts ( n = 4); and a single-arm pilot test of the intervention to assess initial feasibility and acceptability ( n = 13). Initial pilot testing indicates the intervention is feasible and acceptable. A larger randomized pilot study to determine feasibility and acceptability is underway.
The Relationship Between Palliative Care Nurses’ Frequency of Providing Spiritual Care and Their Job Satisfaction: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Aslan Hakime , Çelik Hanife , Kaplan Feride
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between the frequency of spiritual care and job satisfaction of palliative care nurses.

Methods

This study was a cross-sectional type. The study population consisted of nurses working in palliative care units of three hospitals in eastern Turkey. The study was conducted with 110 nurses who agreed to participate in the study. The researchers’ “Information Form”, “Nurse Spiritual Care Therapeutics Scale” and “Nurse Job Satisfaction Scale” were used to collect data. Data was collected by face-to-face interview method between August and September 2022.

Results

It was determined that the nurses scored 45.2 ± 15.8 points from the Nurse Spiritual Care Therapeutics Scale and 4.1 ± 0.7 points from the nurse job satisfaction scale. There was a positive and moderately significant relationship between the frequency of spiritual care giving and job satisfaction of nurses. The frequency of giving spiritual care positively affected job satisfaction (β = .409) and predicted it by 19% (Adjusted R2 = .195). It was determined that satisfaction with the unit (palliative care) mediated the relationship between the frequency of spiritual care and job satisfaction.

Conclusion

“Palliative care nurses’ frequency of providing spiritual care was moderate and their job satisfaction was high, with frequency of providing spiritual care having a positive effect on job satisfaction. This suggests that increasing opportunities for nurses to provide spiritual care may further enhance their job satisfaction, leading to improved overall well-being.
Never-Ending Journeys to the Past
Authors: Austin Robert C.
Published: December 2024

In 1989, much of the Communist world disappeared. But in the People’s Socialist Republic of Albania the Communist leadership hunkered down and insisted its path was uninterrupted by events in countries that had hardly been real socialist countries anyway. By then, Albania’s long-time ruler Enver Hoxha had been dead for four years. Having survived regime changes that shook the Communist world, Hoxha was decidedly obsessed with the ensuring that his succession would ensure that Albanian Stalinism would survive. Starting in 1981, when Hoxha embarked on what would become his last really great purge, one can see signs of what lay ahead. These events shed light on what happened in Albania when Communism started to unravel in late 1990 and inaugurated what looks like a never-ending transition.
Do Narcissistic People Exhibit More Authentic Self-Disclosure to Generative AI? The Roles of Short-Form Video Addiction, Loneliness, and Usage Intention
Authors: Wang Pengcheng , Yue Yongjie , Ouyang Mingkun , Yin Lipeng , Yin Yulong , Li Biao
Published: December 2024

The widespread application of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technology has innovated human–AI interactions, making authentic self-disclosure to machines an emerging trend. Drawing on the cognitive–affective personality system theory, this study examined how narcissism, short-form video addiction, and loneliness contribute to the authentic self-disclosure to GenAI, as well as the moderating role of intention to use GenAI. The mediation and moderation analyses of data were collected from 524 college students (357 females, Mage = 21.25) in China. The results indicated that narcissism was positively associated with authentic self-disclosure to GenAI, and short-form video addiction and loneliness sequentially mediated this connection. Intention to use GenAI enhanced the positive association between loneliness and authentic self-disclosure to GenAI. The significance and limitations of the findings were discussed.
Personalized Learning Policy and Student Voice: A Statewide Case Study
Authors: Biddle Catharine , Brezicha Kristina
Published: December 2024

This qualitative study examines the experiences of student leaders working in partnership with teacher leaders to implement Vermont’s Act 77, a state mandated personalized learning policy. Drawing on a theoretical framework that connects the zones of mediation and knowledge brokering research, this study explores the question: How do youth and adults experience youth leadership around the implementation of Vermont’s Act 77? Drawing on focus group data, interviews, and observations of youth leadership of personalized learning policy implementation across 18 high schools between 2014 and 2018, the study identifies the opportunities challenges of youth acting as knowledge brokers around state education policy in their schools. It concludes with implications for educational leaders and policymakers.
The Digital Boss: Algorithms, Housekeeping Apps, and the Digitalization of Domestic Work in Colombia
Authors: Mantilla-León Laura Clemencia , Jaimes Rodríguez Isabella , Maldonado Castañeda Oscar Javier
Published: December 2024

Domestic work in Colombia has historically been undervalued and unpaid, with informality continuing to rise despite legal efforts to dignify it, such as the ratification of ILO C189. In this context, domestic work gig platforms have emerged as a source of formal employment. Unlike most gig economy models, these platforms operate as agencies that directly hire workers, ensuring key conditions like stable income and social security. However, gaps remain in understanding the algorithmic design of these platforms. Through an ethnographic study of one domestic work platform interface called Hogaru and semi-structured interviews with workers and customers, we examine algorithmic governance and its impact on domestic workers’ experiences, particularly concerning employment and social relations. Our research focuses on the platform’s matching system, ranking, and pricing mechanisms. We conclude with implications for designing more effective and equitable platforms, specifically tailored to the unique context of Latin America.
Message Content and Diversity as an Effective Nonprofit Fundraising Strategy on Social Media
Authors: Bhati Abhishek , McDonnell Diarmuid
Published: December 2024

This article explores the relationship between solicitation messages posted by nonprofit organizations on their Facebook profile and attracting donations during online fundraising events. Recent studies suggest that certain types of messages are more effective at spurring donors to give, but the evidence base is founded mainly on experimental designs. We use observational data for 752 nonprofits that participated in one or both of the Omaha Gives fundraising events in 2015 and 2020. Using the total amount of money donated to each organization as our outcome, we find nonprofits that post more diverse solicitation messages raise more money during online fundraising events. Consistent with previous studies, social media network size and activity (likes, posts, and shares) are once again important factors in explaining fundraising success. Our results provide deeper insights into the nuances of social media strategies for attracting donors and raising funds.
Lateral collision avoidance stability control study of intelligent vehicles on low adherence roads
Authors: Weng Shuofeng , Yu Qiuye , Yuan Chaochun , Shen Jie , Chen Long , Cai Yingfeng , He Youguo , Wang Tong , Wang Zhen
Published: December 2024

To enhance lateral collision avoidance safety for intelligent vehicles on various road surfaces, this paper proposes a collision avoidance algorithm specifically designed for low-adhesion roads. The study begins by a fuzzy control lane change decision model that considers the relative state information between the ego vehicle and the front vehicle. Next, the environment risk potential field is modeled, with multiple lane change paths of varying parameters considered as candidate trajectories. Critical risks during vehicle steering are analyzed, leading to the design of a dynamic instability boundary risk point potential field. Trajectory optimization is then performed using the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm. Finally, a fuzzy PID controller is developed to track the optimal trajectory. Simulation results demonstrate that, compared to the traditional artificial potential field method, the proposed collision avoidance algorithm provides better lateral stability in the planned paths. Additionally, the fuzzy PID controller designed in this study outperforms the Quantitative Feedback Theory (QFT) controller in terms of tracking accuracy.
Vavro Šrobár: Slovak politician and publicist as a medical doctor involved (also) in the history of medicine
Authors: Gogola Matej
Published: December 2024

Vavro Šrobár was a prominent political figure in East-Central Europe. He played a pivotal role in the establishment and development of the First Czechoslovak Republic, which emerged following the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He was the first Minister to exercise full administrative authority in overseeing the Provisional Government of Slovakia, and throughout his career, including until the end of his life, he held several significant political positions, such as Minister of Public Health and Physical Education, Minister of Unification, Minister of Education and National Enlightenment, and Minister of Finance. Among his numerous contributions, Šrobár was unquestionably one of the key figures behind the founding of the University in Bratislava. His name subsequently became closely associated with the first decades of the Bratislava Faculty of Medicine at Comenius University, founded in 1919. In the field of medicine, he is regarded as one of the founding figures of social medicine in Slovakia. This article will primarily examine Šrobár's medical accomplishments within the context of healthcare in present-day Slovakia during the first quarter of the 20th century and his work at the Faculty of Medicine in Bratislava. Additionally, we will explore the connection between his person and the early history of medicine in Slovakia.
Management of Persistent Hypernasality After Pharyngeal Flap by Revision Palatoplasty With Use of MRI to Aid Surgical Decision Making
Authors: Chee-Williams Jessica L. , Perry Jamie L. , Singh Davinder J. , Verhey Erik M. , Sitzman Thomas J.
Published: December 2024

Objective

Describe surgical decision making and outcomes in a series of patients with persistent VPI after pharyngeal flap placement that were all treated with revision palatoplasty.

Design

Retrospective, case series.

Participants

Five patients with nonsyndromic cleft palate and persistent hypernasality following a pharyngeal flap. On MRI, 3 patients presented with an incohesive levator veli palatini muscle, and 4 patients had a pharyngeal flap that was below the palatal plane.

Interventions

One patient underwent straight-line intravelar veloplasty (IVVP), 2 patients underwent pharyngeal flap take-down and IVVP, and 2 patients underwent pharyngeal flap take-down and palate lengthening with buccal myomucosal flaps.

Main Outcome Measure

Pre- and postoperative resonance.

Results

Four of five patients (80%) achieved normal resonance 12 months postoperation.

Conclusions

Revision palatoplasty may be an effective approach for treating patients with persistent hypernasality following a pharyngeal flap. MRI may aid in surgical selection based on patient-specific anatomical findings.
Workplace and Individual Social Capital as Moderators on the Work-Life Interface Processes: Testing a Multilevel Model
Authors: Tsounis Andreas , Xanthopoulou Despoina , Kafetsios Konstantinos , Demerouti Evangelia , Tsaousis Ioannis
Published: December 2024

We explored the role of two different facets of social capital -workplace social capital (WSC) and individual social capital (ISC)- for work-life interface. Based on job demands-resources theory, we hypothesized WSC to buffer the positive relationship between job demands (workload and emotional demands) and work-life conflict and to boost the positive relationships between job (autonomy, performance feedback) and personal (psychological capital) resources and work-life facilitation. Similarly, ISC was expected to buffer the negative relationship between work-life conflict and well-being and to boost the positive relationship between work-life facilitation and well-being. Further, we hypothesized job demands to relate negatively to well-being via increased work-life conflict particularly in conditions of lower (vs. higher) WSC and ISC, and job and personal resources to relate positively to well-being through increased work-life facilitation particularly in conditions of higher (vs. lower) WSC and ISC. Hypotheses were tested among 547 workers nested within 115 organizations. Results from multilevel analyses revealed that the positive relationship between psychological capital and work-life facilitation was stronger for employees working in organizations with higher WSC, while work-life conflict related negatively with well-being only for employees with lower ISC. Job demands related negatively to well-being through higher work-life conflict but only among employees with lower ISC. Performance feedback, psychological capital, and WSC related positively to well-being through higher work-life facilitation. The findings highlight the importance of considering different facets of social capital in better understanding the work-life interface processes.
Epstein-Bar Virus-Positive Lymphoepithelioma-Like Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ghandour Fatme , Anderson Sarah , Al-Diffalha Sameer
Published: December 2024

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is a primary liver malignancy with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Lymphoepithelioma-like intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is an exceedingly rare variant of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma that histologically resembles nasopharyngeal carcinoma, previously known as lymphoepithelioma. It was first reported by Hsu et al in 1996 and they were able to show the presence of Epstein-Barr virus in tumor cells. Even though several risk factors for the development of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma have been identified, the association between Epstein-Barr virus and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is relatively rare. This article aims at discussing a female patient's lymphoepithelioma-like intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma tumor and summarizing the existing literature on Epstein-Barr virus-positiveLymphoepithelioma-like intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, including the clinical features, pathogenesis, diagnostic challenges, treatment approaches, prognosis, and histopathologic description.
Key Issues at the Forefront of Diagnosis and Testing for Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Authors: Qiao Jesse , Bailly Jenique , Opie Jessica
Published: December 2024

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by antiphospholipid antibodies associated with thrombosis and pregnancy complications. Catastrophic APS is a severe form involving multiple organ systems with a high mortality rate. The pathogenesis involves antiphospholipid antibodies which target phospholipid-binding proteins and damage endothelial cells thus activating coagulation, triggering a pro-thrombotic state. Laboratory tests for antiphospholipid antibody detection include lupus anticoagulant testing in the coagulation laboratory and serological detection of anticardiolipin and anti-beta 2 glycoprotein I antibodies. Despite recent updates in the diagnostic criteria for APS the recent decades and our improved knowledge of this disease, there remain several key issues pertaining to diagnosis and testing with potential implications to patient management. Here we briefly review APS pathophysiology, strengths and weaknesses of classification criteria, laboratory challenges leading to test interpretation, and clinical management of this complex condition.
Hidden Contexts, Multilevel Comparisons, and the Postcolonial Location: Reconsidering the Documentary Method Vis-à-Vis Decolonization
Authors: Nohl Arnd-Michael
Published: December 2024

Postcolonialism and decoloniality, which question the epistemology of Western science as a colonial construct, also challenge qualitative methods. Based on an overview of various attempts to decolonize qualitative methods, this article explores how the Documentary Method, a methodology for reconstructing the modus operandi of social practices, can avoid the pitfalls of colonial epistemology. To achieve this, it is crucial to consider multiple contexts to adequately interpret the utterances and actions of research participants. Comparative and multilevel analyses help not only to uncover hidden contexts but also to give voice to previously unconsidered social groups, such as subaltern and oppressed communities. The concept of “postcolonial location” is newly introduced as a theoretically elaborated search strategy to focus researchers’ attention on the potential coloniality of practices. Rather than relying on self-confession, self-reflexivity is methodically initiated and controlled.
Comprehensive Analysis of CRISPR-Cas Systems and Their Influence on Antibiotic Resistance in Salmonella enterica Strains
Authors: Fallah Tina , Shafiei Morvarid
Published: December 2024

Salmonella enterica is a gram-negative bacterium that demonstrates a remarkable ability to acquire antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). The role of the CRISPR-Cas system in influencing antibiotic resistance in S. enterica is still under investigation. This study explores the distribution and impact of CRISPR-Cas systems on antibiotic resistance by analyzing 316 S. enterica genomes. We conducted sequence alignments, phylogenetic analyses, and conservation studies on Cas genes, direct repeats (DRs), and leader sequences. Promoter predictions and RNA secondary structure analyses were also performed. ARGs were identified, and their correlation with Cas gene clusters was evaluated. Our findings revealed that 82.33% of strains possess complete CRISPR-Cas systems, while 17.66% have orphan CRISPRs. We identified 290 distinct DRs, most of which formed stable stem-loop structures, although no promoter regions were detected within the leader sequences. Most spacers were chromosome-targeting, with a smaller proportion homologous to phages and plasmids. Importantly, strains with complete CRISPR-Cas systems showed a higher incidence of ARGs compared with those with orphan or no CRISPR systems. Specifically, the incidence of ARGs was 54.3% higher in strains with complete CRISPR-Cas systems than in strains without CRISPR-Cas systems, and 15.1% higher than in strains with orphan CRISPRs. Spearman’s correlation analysis confirmed a statistically significant but weak correlation between the presence of Cas genes and the frequency of ARGs ( P-value = 3.892e–06). These results suggest that CRISPR-Cas systems may play a role in the acquisition of ARGs, potentially through mutations under antibiotic pressure. Future studies should investigate mutations, particularly in Cas3—the signature protein of type I CRISPR-Cas systems. In addition, experimental validation, such as culturing S. enterica strains with complete CRISPR-Cas systems under different antibiotic conditions, followed by sequencing to assess the uptake or absence of newly acquired ARGs, would help clarify the potential role of CRISPR-Cas systems in bacterial adaptation to antimicrobial pressures.
Exploring the Human Health Impact of Artificial Turf Worldwide: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ryan-Ndegwa Sebastian , Zamani Reza , Martins Tanimola
Published: December 2024

The growing use of artificial turf in place of natural turf in residential, recreational and commercial settings has raised concerns regarding its potential impact on human health. A systematic review of databases revealed 5673 articles of which, 30 were deemed eligible. Those performing total concentration analyses, bioaccessibility analyses or human health risk assessments (HHRAs) of artificial turf fibres or crumb rubber infill were of interest. Health hazards and risks were explored in relation to three groups of chemicals of concern: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), heavy metals and other rubber additives. Twenty-five studies performed total concentration analyses on samples of artificial turf infill and/or turf fibres. Of these studies, median reported concentrations of eight PAHs, cadmium, mercury and zinc exceeded the European limits used. Eight studies performed bioaccessibility assays using synthetic biofluids and simulated organ systems. PAHs were not found to be bioaccessible except for benzo[a]pyrene in gastric fluid; heavy metals were bioaccessible except arsenic, and rubber additives were mostly bioaccessible except for three plasticisers: diisobutyl phthalate, benzyl butyl phthalate and dibutyl phthalate. Fourteen studies performed HHRAs to determine non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk. Cancer risks were identified for ingestion exposure to PAH in children with pica and heavy metal exposure via dermal, inhalation and ingestion pathways. Non-carcinogenic risks were identified for the ingestion of cobalt in a child spectator and the ingestion of arsenic, cobalt, thallium and zinc. Potentially hazardous concentrations of chemicals were found across both artificial turf infill and artificial turf fibre samples; bioaccessibility of these chemicals varied. Definitive conclusions were unable to be derived on the human health risks posed to users of artificial turf under real-world exposure scenarios. Future studies are recommended to explore the risks associated with the potential synergistic toxicities of chemical mixtures found in artificial turf.
The Influence of Cancer Type on Stroke Incidence: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Acır İbrahim , Erdoğan Hacı Ali , Toka Ertuğrul , Yayla Vildan
Published: December 2024

Background:

The aim of this study is to examine the hematological and biochemical variables in patients diagnosed with cancer-related stroke who have different types of cancer and to evaluate the effects of these variables.

Methods:

This retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary hospital stroke center and included 153 patients diagnosed with cancer-related stroke. Comprehensive etiological investigations were performed, and patients were classified according to the Trial of Org 101072 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) classification. Laboratory parameters including d-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and fibrinogen levels were collected from blood samples taken at the time of stroke. Statistical analysis was performed using 1-way analysis of variance to assess differences in laboratory parameters across different cancer types.

Results:

The study found significant variations in hematological and biochemical parameters among different cancer types. Specifically, glomerular filtration rate, activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, and international normalized ratio levels showed significant differences across cancer types ( P < 0.05), indicating that these factors may play distinct roles in the pathophysiology of cancer-related strokes. d-dimer, CRP, and sedimentation levels were significantly elevated in certain cancer types such as rectal, endometrial, and pancreatic cancers ( P < .01). These findings suggest a strong association between hypercoagulability and increased risk of stroke in these patients.

Conclusions:

This retrospective study highlights the importance of considering cancer-specific factors in the management of stroke risk, particularly in cancers such as pancreatic and colon, which show a predisposition to earlier stroke occurrence. The elevated coagulation factors in these patients suggest the potential need for early preventive treatment with anticoagulants or thrombin inhibitors.
The Yellow Peril and the Ontology of the Enemy
Authors: Kripp Jacob
Published: December 2024

How and when did war come to be understood as a “science”—one that could be quantitatively calculated and measured in such a way that one could derive universal laws? This paper turns to the archives of the Operations Research Office (ORO) during the Korean War to argue that race war orders and produces a scientific “truth” of war. This techno-scientific “truth” drives war to increasingly brutal forms of imperial and racial violence while simultaneously naturalizing and sanitizing this violence as the nature of war. Techno-scientific war produced a racialized enemy: the numerically superior Asian Communist attacked in human waves, willing to sacrifice soldiers because of an Asian disregard for life. But the enemy’s tactics, however seemingly irrational, could be rendered predictable through quantitative analysis. Race ordered techno-scientific war. Combat was rendered sensible through perfecting and managing the superior techno-scientific capabilities of the white race to overcome the problem of the Asian horde and ensure victory. By treating Korea as a “laboratory” for future combat, the ORO ordered and produced these racialized visions through technical manuals on infantry weapons, chemical weapons, and atomic weapons.
New rights, new members? The consequences of intra-party primaries for membership
Authors: von Nostitz Felix-Christopher
Published: December 2024

In response to declining membership, European parties have often moved to offering direct participation of members and/or non-members in leadership and candidate primaries. However, the consequences for party members remains unclear. This paper aims to address this issue by suggesting a new conceptual framework exploring the combined effect of the degree of inclusiveness of the two key formal dimensions of “who can run” and “who can vote” in intra-party primaries and their joint positive or negative effect on party membership size, attitude toward the leadership and turnout during the primary. Based on secondary and new pre- and post-primary party membership surveys data and in-depth membership interviews, the paper qualitatively and comparatively studies primaries within the UK Conservatives, the German Greens and the French Parti Socialiste. It finds that mainly primaries limited to members combined with permissive candidate requirements have potentially positive consequences for parties, attracting citizens back to parties, leading to higher participation and membership satisfaction. Thus, the paper contributes to the understanding of the consequences of party reforms for parties and party members.
Mental health care use of autistic adults: Identifying longitudinal patterns using sequence analysis
Authors: Selten Iris , Ziermans Tim , Rapoport Iris , Jonkman Kim , Geurts Hilde M
Published: December 2024

To improve mental health care for autistic adults, a better understanding of their real-world intervention use is required. The aim of this study is to investigate individual differences in the intervention trajectories of autistic adults, by examining longitudinal patterns of therapy, counseling, and medication use. Self-reported intervention use of 445 autistic adults (18–87 years) across at least five consecutive measurements (2015–2021) was collected to identify clusters using sequence analysis and hierarchical clustering. Sensitivity analyses and cross-method validation (group-based multivariate trajectory modeling) were used to verify the obtained clusters. Four out of five obtained clusters had sufficient internal consistency and were replicated. These four clusters had distinct intervention trajectories (least intervention, mostly counseling, mostly medication, mixed use) and differed on several demographic variables. Most notably, the “mixed cluster” contained relatively more females and individuals with self-reported co-occurring psychiatric conditions. Many autistic adults used interventions, although they varied in type and duration of intervention use. This reflects the clinical complexity of tailoring intervention approaches and highlights that accessible and multidisciplinary care is essential to adequately support autistic adults. An important next step is to investigate whether available interventions sufficiently support autistic females and those with co-occurring psychiatric conditions.

Lay abstract

Many autistic adults experience co-occurring mental health problems, which have a negative effect on their well-being and result in increased use of mental health services. To improve mental healthcare for autistic adults, a better understanding is needed of what type of support they use in real life. Clinical guidelines recommend three kinds of mental health interventions: therapy, counseling, and medication. We investigated the use of these types of interventions in a sample of 445 autistic adults (aged 18–87 years) across a 5-to-7-year period. We found evidence for four different patterns of intervention use, or so-called subgroups: (1) least intervention use, (2) mostly counseling, (3) mostly medication, and (4) mixed intervention use. The group with mixed intervention use consisted of relatively more females and individuals with co-occurring psychiatric conditions, especially compared to the subgroup with the least intervention use. It appeared that many, but not all, autistic individuals used mental health services for an extended period. However, there was considerable variability in the type, combination, and duration of intervention use. This means that determining the optimal support for autistic adults is often a complex task, which requires collaboration of clinical experts and autistic individuals themselves, to make informed decisions.
A bad migrant: An autoethnographic case study of racism in Australian HIV care
Authors: Istiko Satrio Nindyo
Published: December 2024

Australia is world renowned when it comes to its successful response to HIV prevention, but their HIV epidemiological trend has shifted towards the increase of new HIV diagnoses among migrants. This paper reveals a neglected determinant of migrants’ health within Australian HIV care, and that is: racism. To provoke a debate on the saliency of racism, I used autoethnographic case study to analyse my encounter with racism in Australian HIV care. I argue migrants who live with HIV can be racially classified by health care professionals into ‘good’ or ‘bad migrants’ based on biomedical measures, neoliberal values and dehumanising health care provision. A migrant patient becomes a bad migrant if the person is perceived to be incapable of taking personal responsibility over their treatment, is a burden to the health system and deserving of poor HIV care. Decolonising HIV care is a necessity to stop the subtle yet insidious social reproduction of racism.
Getting lost with artifacts in teacher inquiry
Authors: Neufeld Maddie , Naraian Srikala
Published: December 2024

This paper attends to the creation and effects of arts-based artifacts when inquiring into teacher embodiment within practices of inclusive education. Taking a postqualitative approach, we engaged in “making” data with four teacher participants, including an embodied poem, digital boards, and an affective storyboard. These artifacts reflect our conversations with participants and present portals back into them, enlivening and alerting us to the process and qualities of the inquiry. We discuss our process of getting lost with the multimodal artifacts in a way that allowed us to open up to the emergent properties of inquiry through a refusal of certainty, temporal disruptions, and an entangled emergence.
Problematizing platform use in qualitative inquiry: a postdigital, anti/colonial critique
Authors: Jordan Lorien S
Published: December 2024

Qualitative inquirers are increasingly exploring the possibilities and promise of web-based research. From re-envisioning the meaning of face-to-face interaction through online collaboration platforms to harvesting organically occurring digital content, these data generation interactions occur on platforms designed for purposes other than inquiry. Researchers who work within these platformed field sites must be clear on the affordances of these imperfect and continually evolving ecosystems. In this article, I engage in a postdigital anti/colonial critique of platforms to outline the contours of their relational-cultural affordances as distinctly colonial and white. From this engagement, I invite a dialogue on the risks researchers take when assuming a platform is universal and, subsequently, our digital research on these platforms are neutral endeavors. I conclude with a series of critically reflexive prompts for researchers to consider when engaging in digital research.
Preliminary exploration of a rat model of reversible renal artery stenosis
Authors: Shuang Zhou , Yejia Lin , Xuedong Li
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Development of renal artery stenosis (RAS) can lead to renal function impairment, blood pressure elevation, and myocardial remodeling. However, the detail mechanism, the treatments using medicines and stents were still blurred. In order to study RAS, animal models are badly needed. This study aimed to establish RAS model based on the novel “two kidneys, one clip” approach for renal hypertension (2K1C-RHR) modeling in rats.

Methods

Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were selected for model building. Using the approach of 2K1C, the RAS model was built with delayed removal of clips. Animal models were evaluated using systolic blood pressure (SBP) and creatinine (Cr) at the time points for the stenosis recording. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and one-way ANOVA was used for comparisons among groups.

Results

The SBP levels and the Cr concentrations were significantly increased after the establishment of RAS model ( P < 0.05) using 2K1C method with delay of 1 to 3 weeks, blood pressures increased from 85.9 ± 5.9 mmHg to 131.5 ± 16.7 mmHg in model groups and especially obvious in after the establishment model of two weeks (from 87.4 ± 6.9 mmHg to 145.6 ± 11.8 mmHg). Cr increased from 19.2 ± 4.1 μmol/L to 40.5 ± 11.8 μmol/L in model groups and especially obvious in after the establishment model of three weeks (from 18.8 ± 4.5 μmol/L to 51.4 ± 9.7 μmol/L). When the clips were removed from the stenosis models, 3 days from removal of clips, the SBP levels and the Cr concentrations decreased.

Conclusion

Based on 2K1C approach, rat RAS model would be established and the reversible effects were observed which would be used for kidney function restore and the blood pressure control.
Addendum to ‘Assessment of offshore wind power including effects of sea surface roughness using observed wind statistics’: Assessment using sea surface roughness depending on spectral bandwidth of ocean waves
Authors: Myrhaug Dag , Lader Pål F
Published: December 2024

This addendum addresses the assessment of offshore wind power based on observed mean wind speed statistics from 11 sites in the North Sea and the North Atlantic. The wind gust and the ambient turbulence level are also estimated by adopting a wind gust spectrum. The sea surface roughness is specified using a recently published sea surface drag coefficient given in terms of the spectral bandwidth of ocean waves. The results are supplementary to those in a recent paper published by the present authors using the same mean wind speed statistics and wind gust spectrum, but with a different sea surface roughness formula depending on significant wave height and spectral wave steepness. It is demonstrated how the spectral bandwidth affects the assessment of the offshore wind power and the ambient turbulence level. Thus, since the spectral bandwidth is a frequently used parameter to characterize wave conditions the results should be useful.