bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Doravirine/lamivudine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in virologically suppressed people living with HIV: A real-life experience
Authors: Calza Leonardo , Colangeli Vincenzo , Pensalfine Giulia , Appolloni Lucia , Vitale Salvatore , Bon Isabella , Viale Pierluigi
Published: August 2023

Background

Doravirine is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) showing high efficacy and tolerability in both naïve and experienced people living with HIV (PLWHIV) in randomized trials, but scarce data are available to date from the real-life experience.

Methods

We performed an observational, retrospective study of PLWHIV on suppressive antiretroviral therapy who switched to a daily single-tablet regimen containing doravirine 100 mg, lamivudine 300 mg, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate 300 mg.

Results

As a whole, 62 suppressed patients (51 men, median age, 51.7 years; median CD4 T+ lymphocyte count, 577 cells/mm3) were enrolled. After 12 months, 58 (93.5%) patients showed HIV RNA <20 copies/mL and reasons for treatment failure were virological failure in one case, missing data in one case, and adverse events in two cases. At month 12, a significant decrease in median serum level of triglycerides (median change −61.2 mg/dL; p = .009) and total cholesterol (median change −38.4 mg/dL; p = .021) was reported, while a not significant median weight increase was registered (+0.55 kg).

Conclusions

In our study, simplification to a single-tablet regimen of doravirine/lamivudine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in virologically suppressed PLWHIV was effective and showed a good tolerability profile, in association with a significant improvement in serum lipid levels.
Socio-economic advancement and grid-frequency control of a wind farm-PHS-solar connected EV hybrid electrical system considering imbalance prices
Authors: Das Shreya Shree , Kumar Jayendra
Published: August 2023

The Independent System Operator (ISO) plays a key role in a competitive electrical system by controlling the market with the received bidding from the different market participants. The ISO settled the energy at the location-based marginal pricing (LBMP) where all the participants get economic benefits. In the renewable combined system, the future renewable power production data need to be submitted to the ISO at least one day before the operation. There is always a chance for not fulfilling the contracted power due to the volatile nature of the renewable which creates an imbalance price in the system. In this situation, energy storage systems can alleviate the imbalance issues by supplying additional power to the electrical grid. This study proposes a two-phase scheduling technique for the optimum operation of a wind farm (WF)–pumped hydro storage (PHS)–solar-connected electric vehicle (EV) hybrid system to obtain more economic profit and revenue with a stable grid frequency. In the first phase, the energy level of PHS upper reservoirs has been scheduled to maintain the grid frequency with the presence of a wind farm. Along with the first phase, additionally solar-connected EVs are incorporated in the second phase to maximize the system profit further to get more economic benefit. A modified IEEE 30 bus system is used to effectively assess the aforesaid approach. MiPower software has been used to conduct this work. This proposed method has been compared with the existing method and got better results in all aspects.
Wikipedia and academia: University faculty patterns of use and perceptions of credibility
Authors: Malik Amara , Rafiq Muhammad , Mahmood Khalid
Published: August 2023

Wikipedia is a widely used information source among students in higher education institutes but is regarded as less credible among teaching faculty. The present study is an attempt to understand how faculty perceive, use and believe Wikipedia as a credible source of information. The paper draws upon a survey data gathered from 257 university faculty members by employing the systematic random sampling technique. The analysis of collected data suggests that faculty members used Wikipedia for multiple purposes ranging from teaching and research to leisure reading. They regarded Wikipedia as a useful and credible source of information while having a positive belief in the Wikipedia project. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that faculty perceptions have grown more favorable regarding Wikipedia use, usefulness, and quality of information. Hence, our study found that faculty members were trying to integrate Wikipedia into their teaching, learning and research endeavors by allowing students to consult and cite Wikipedia information and enabling them to be critical and proficient users of Wikipedia as a part of their information-seeking, gathering, and sense-making practices. However, there is a need of moving beyond the passive consumption of content to contribute to Wikipedia content by creating new entries, and adding to and editing earlier entries. The present study would enhance our understanding of the richness, usefulness, and credibility of Wikipedia information among university faculty from a developing country’s perspective. Such understanding contributes to illustrating the global acceptance level of Wikipedia in academia as a source of information and knowledge.
Tensegrity of Internal Control System, Board’s Ability and Corporate Governance Practices
Authors: Kanojia Sunaina , Lakshmi Vijay , Sachdeva Shikha , Verma Manisha
Published: August 2023

Using unique propositions of systems and peoples approaches, this study aims to examine the tensegrity of internal control system, board’s ability and corporate governance practices (CGPs) by evaluating the impact of CGPs on the internal control system and the board of directors’ ability to manage and steer a company in an efficient manner. We analyse the moderation effect of the internal control system on the relationship between CGPs and board’s ability. We used confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM) to place evidence highlighting the impact of CGPs on the internal control system and board’s ability. The variables used were tested for endogeneity and the results found to be robust. The statistical strength of CGPs on internal control systems is found to be greater than the board’s ability. We documented that robust internal control system facilitates CG practices to improve the abilities of the board to attain corporate excellence by moderating the later variables by the former one. Our findings infer CG practices gives rise to a dynamic internal control system resulting in a better risk mitigation and reliable financial reporting and monitoring by the company’s agents, that is, the board of directors.
Tourniquet use benefits to reduce intraoperative blood loss in patients receiving total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis: An updated meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis
Authors: Xu Xiangjun , Wang Chao , Song Qunshan , Mou Zhifang , Dong Yuefu
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The efficacy and safety of tourniquets use during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in patients with osteoarthritis remain debated. This updated systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to further evaluate the role of tourniquets use in patients undergoing TKA for knee osteoarthritis by introducing trial sequential analysis.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched. We used the Cochrane risk of bias tool for quality assessment. Statistical heterogeneity across studies was evaluated using Cochran’s Q and I 2 statistic. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata/SE 14.0, and trail sequential analysis was performed using TSA software version 0.9.5.10 Beta. In addition, qualitative summary was also used to describe results.

Results

15 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1202 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled results showed that tourniquet use during TKA significantly reduced intraoperative blood loss (mean difference (MD)= −123.84, 95% confidence interval (CI): −163.37 to −84.32, p < .001)and shortened operation time (MD = −4.71, 95% CI: −7.6 to −1.82, p = .001), but there were no significant differences in postoperative blood loss, calculated blood loss, total blood loss, transfusion rate ( p = .939), and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) rate between the tourniquet and no-tourniquet groups. TSA confirmed that the result of operation time was false positive, but the results of other outcomes were conclusive. The results of qualitative summary showed conflicting findings in terms of pain, range of motion (RoM) and swelling ratio between the two groups.

Conclusions

Tourniquet use in patients receiving TKA for osteoarthritis benefits to reduce intraoperative blood loss but has no effect on postoperative blood loss, calculated blood loss, total blood loss, operation time, transfusion rate, and DVT rate. In addition, it remains unclear the difference between the tourniquet and non-tourniquet groups in terms of pain, RoM and swelling ratio.
Being a ‘good’ doctor: Understanding and managing professional boundaries is challenging and can lead to stress and burnout
Authors: Lampe Lisa , Hitching Rita , Hammond Trent Ernest , Park Jeannie , Rich Dominique
Published: August 2023

Objective

The aim is to increase the understanding of non-sexual boundary challenges and potential personal and professional impacts on doctors and medical students.

Method

We examined peer-reviewed and grey literature and published commentary and cases from Australian health practitioner boards and medico-legal insurance companies. Key ideas relating to the objective of our study were subsequently framed into a narrative.

Results

Compared to ‘sexual’ boundary crossings, the literature examining ‘non-sexual’ boundaries is scanty, fragmented, and difficult to find. There are gaps in knowledge around the prevalence and consequences of non-sexual boundary challenges and crossings, although the safety and wellbeing of health professionals and patients are of concern. Non-sexual boundary crossings may represent a ‘slippery slope’ to boundary violations. Opportunities for doctors and medical students to access relevant training appear limited.

Conclusions

We identified several categories of boundary challenges based on context, the nature of the existing relationship, and the type of behaviour. Non-sexual boundary challenges may be related to stress, burnout, and risk for future boundary violations. Future research to investigate the impacts on doctors and medical students in maintaining professional boundaries in their relationships with patients and colleagues, their specific training needs, and the effectiveness of training in reducing work-related stress and burnout is needed.
Novel Platelet Function Analyzer 200 Predicts Blood Transfusion After Elective Cardiac Surgery in Patients Suspended on Dual Antiplatelet Therapy
Authors: Cui Wen , Zhang Jun , Wu Yuan , Yang Weixian , Gao Runlin , Yang Yuejin , Yuan Jinqing , Zhao Xueyan
Published: August 2023

The value of platelet function test in timing of cardiac surgery remains uncertain. Researches on correlation between Platelet Function Analyzer 200 (PFA-200) and bleeding after elective cardiac surgery are still inadequate. The objective of this study was to investigate the predictive value of PFA-200 in blood transfusion after cardiac surgery. A total of 71 patients on aspirin and P2Y12 receptor inhibitors undergoing cardiac surgery in Fuwai Hospital were enrolled. Platelet function after discontinuing of antiplatelet drugs was assessed by PFA-200 using closure time (CT). PFA-200 results before surgery were included in the statistics. The primary endpoint was postoperative blood transfusion. Seventeen patients (21.9%) received blood transfusion after cardiac surgery. The preoperative PFA-200 CT value in the transfused group was significantly higher than that in the non-transfused group (147.24 ± 85.54 s vs 98.06 ± 61.59 s, P = .011). Using 106 seconds as the dividing point, the incidence of blood transfusion in the elevated PFA-200 (CT > 106 s) group was significantly higher than those in normal PFA-200 (CT ≤ 106 s) group (10/24 patients, 41.9% vs 7/47 patients, 14.7%, P = .012). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that PFA-200 CT value > 106 s was an independent predictor of postoperative blood transfusion (OR: 4.05, 95%CI: 1.19-13.86, P = .026). The platelet function test PFA-200 had a predictive value for postoperative blood transfusion in elective cardiac surgery and had a promising prospect in the timing of cardiac surgery.
Output feedback attitude control of flexible spacecraft under actuator misalignment and input nonlinearities
Authors: Javaid Umair , Zhen Ziyang , Shahid Sami , Ibrahim Dauda Sh , Ijaz Salman
Published: August 2023

The attitude tracking control problem of flexible spacecraft subjected to parameter uncertainties, time-dependent external disturbances, actuator input nonlinearity, and input actuator misalignment is investigated in this paper. Explicitly, the proposed strategy addresses the input actuator misalignment and dead-zone issues that increase the controller design difficulties. Initially, a new second-order sliding mode observer (SoSMO) using an extended state approach is developed by adding a correction function to improve observer performance to estimate unwanted system perturbations. Then, a distinct SoSMO-based integral-type sliding mode control (ISMC) structure is designed in a unified manner to guarantee the asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system. Comparative numerical simulations under input actuator misalignment, the dead-zone nonlinearity, external disturbance, and inertia uncertainty are performed to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
Assessment of the change of antiemetic prophylaxis from double to triple combination in patients with high dose carboplatin chemotherapy
Authors: Albanell-Fernández Marta , Pérez Sánchez Ángela , Monge-Escartín Inés , Riu-Viladoms Gisela , Rodríguez Mues Mª Carmen , Corominas Bosch Mª Lourdes , Gaba García Lydia , Rollán Neus Basté , Reguart Noemí , Soy Muner Dolors , Carcelero San Martín Esther
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is one of the adverse events that most affects oncologic patients’ quality of life. Carboplatin AUC ≥ 4 belongs to agents with high emetic risk (moderate risk in ASCO guidelines). We aimed to compare the effectiveness of netupitant/palonosetron and dexamethasone triple combination (TC) therapy versus ondansetron and dexamethasone double combination (DC) therapy as antiemetic prophylaxis in patients with carboplatin AUC ≥ 4. As a secondary endpoint, in TC group we evaluated the effectiveness of changing NEPA administration timing from 1 h to 15 min before chemotherapy.

Methods

Open-label prospective study conducted in a tertiary-care hospital in patients receiving carboplatin AUC ≥ 4. CINV was evaluated using MASCC antiemetic tool, in acute (<24 h) and delayed phase (24–120 h). Results were analyzed using χ2 test.

Results

Two-hundred four completed questionnaires (CQ) were analyzed (76 in DC and 128 in TC). The proportion of patients who remained emesis-free was superior for TC-treated group compared to DC, either in acute (99.2% vs 92.1%, p = 0.0115) and delayed phase (97.6% vs 90.7%, p = 0.043). Likewise, a higher proportion of TC-treated patients compared to DC remained nausea-free for the first 24 h after treatment (90.6% vs 71%, p = 0.0004) and between 24 and 120 h (82.3% vs 62.7%, p = 0.0025). The change of NEPA administration time showed similar effectiveness in terms of CINV control (81.6% vs 74.5%, p = 0.70).

Conclusions

TC showed superiority in early and delayed CINV control in carboplatin AUC ≥ 4 regimens, with no significant differences among cancer types. Change in NEPA administration timing has beneficial implications; it allows NEPA to be administered at hospitals before chemotherapy session.
Do ASD and ADHD Have Distinct Executive Function Deficits? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Direct Comparison Studies
Authors: Townes Parker , Liu Chunlin , Panesar Prabdeep , Devoe Daniel , Lee Soo Youn , Taylor Gracie , Arnold Paul D. , Crosbie Jennifer , Schachar Russell
Published: August 2023

Objective:

To evaluate if children and adolescents with a diagnosis of ASD or ADHD have distinct executive function (EF) profiles.

Methods:

Peer-reviewed articles comparing ASD, ADHD, and typically developing individuals under 19 years of age were identified. The domains evaluated were: working memory, response inhibition, planning, cognitive flexibility, attention, processing speed, and visuospatial abilities.

Results:

Fifty-eight articles met inclusion criteria. Analyses were performed on 45 performance metrics from 24 individual tasks. No differences in EF were found between individuals diagnosed with ASD and ADHD. Individuals diagnosed with ASD and ADHD exhibited worse performance in attention, flexibility, visuospatial abilities, working memory, processing speed, and response inhibition than typically developing individuals. Groups did not differ in planning abilities.

Conclusion:

Children and adolescents with ASD and ADHD have similar EF profiles. Further research is needed to determine if comorbidity accounts for the commonality in executive dysfunction between each disorder.
Environmental Sustainability in Selected OPEC Countries: Do the Influence of FDI and ICT Matter?
Authors: Sepehrdoust Hamid , Tartar Mohsen , Zamani Shabkhaneh Saber , Heydari Parvin Shaghayegh
Published: August 2023

Considering the undeniable role and importance of the environment in people’s lives, the present study is designed to investigate the combined effect of information and communication technology (ICT) and foreign direct investment (FDI) on achieving environmental sustainability. Since the increasing emission of carbon in society and its destructive environmental effects on social economic aspects and even political tensions have become a challenge, the main question of the research is what strategies have governments, especially oil exporting countries, used in the past to reduce the level they have discovered pollution and what policies do they want to follow in the future? Among the policies undertaken by the OPEC oil exporting countries, has the action for foreign direct investment (FDI) and the development of information and communication technology (ICT) been effective in preventing harmful environmental effects? For this purpose, data on renewable energy consumption, the intensity of use of information and communication technology, foreign direct investment (FDI), and urbanization have been used as explanatory variables, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission as a dependent variable. The target countries selected are oil exporting countries (OPEC) for the period 2000 to 2020, and the analysis method used is panel VAR. The results showed that creating a shock in FDI, labor force, urban population, and renewable energy consumption decreases CO2 while creating a shock in Gross capital formation increases CO2. The impact of shock of ICT on CO2 is also insignificant and can be ignored. The results of variance analysis also showed that urban population, labor force, and FDI variables have the largest contribution in explaining the behavior of CO2; therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to FDI and try to increase the attraction of foreign direct investment to reduce CO2 in OPEC countries.

JEL: C23, F43, F64
Assessing the wear degradation of tungsten in acidic solutions using a lubricated tribocorrosion model
Authors: Cao Shoufan , Xu Zhang , Liang Yi , Mischler Stefano
Published: August 2023

The tribocorrosion property of tungsten plays a great role in the chemical mechanical polishing of tungsten plugs used in integrated circuits. This study applied a lubricated tribocorrosion model to tungsten, verified and calibrated the model using results from laboratory tribocorrosion experiments, and predicted the effect of the key parameters on the mechanical and chemical wear behavior of tungsten. The results showed that the model could be successfully applied to the tribocorrosion of tungsten considering that the prevailing wear mechanism and the electrochemical corrosion property of tungsten fulfills the model's basic concepts. The model was able to predict the influence of the material, mechanical, electrochemical and rheological parameters on the mechanical wear and chemical wear behavior of tungsten. The model could clearly distinguish the contribution of the mechanical wear and chemical wear to the total wear degradation of tungsten, which provides useful instructions on how to control the related parameters in order to obtain tailored removal rate and surface quality in tungsten's chemical mechanical polishing process.
Understanding the link between pain invalidation and depressive symptoms: The role of shame and social support in people with chronic pain
Authors: Coady Alanna , Godard Rebecca , Holtzman Susan
Published: August 2023

Pain invalidation (e.g., having pain discounted) is a risk factor for depression among people with chronic pain, but the mechanisms remain unclear. Shame is a common, yet understudied, aspect of the pain experience. This study investigated whether pain-related shame helps explain the relationship between pain discounting and heightened depressive symptoms. The secondary aim was to examine whether social support can protect against the harmful effects of discounting. Patients with chronic pain ( N = 305) were recruited from outpatient pain clinics. Participants completed an online cross-sectional survey and data were analyzed using moderated mediation analysis. Greater discounting was associated with greater depressive symptoms, and pain-related shame significantly mediated this relationship. Perceived social support attenuated the relationship between discounting and depressive symptoms. Greater attention towards pain-related shame as a treatment target is needed. Individual- and system-level interventions are required to address pain invalidation and bolster support for this population.
A survey of international addiction researchers’ views on implications of brain-based explanations of addiction and the responsibility of affected persons
Authors: Ochterbeck Doris , Frense Jennifer , Forberger Sarah
Published: August 2023

Aim: To complement existing stakeholder surveys by exploring addiction researchers’ views on the implications of brain-based explanations of addiction and the responsibilities of addicted persons. Methods: A total of 190 researchers from 29 countries (13.2%) participated in a LimeSurvey. Their perspectives on implications of brain-based explanations of addiction were explored qualitatively using open-ended questions. In addition, respondents could indicate their views on the responsibility of addicted individuals for their condition and actions using a Likert scale and a free-text field (“mixed methods light”). Qualitative analyses inductively identified the most frequent themes and deductively assessed the overall impact (positive, negative or both/ambivalent). Quantitative analyses included frequencies and proportions. Results: The major themes mentioned were medicalisation and the neglect of other factors, better treatment options and access, (reduced) stigma and (impaired) agency of affected persons. The overall evaluation yielded 46% positive, 33% negative and 16% ambivalent views. Approximately 60% of the participants considered addicted persons to be responsible for their condition and 80% for their actions. Conclusions: According to researchers, a brain-based approach to addictions has positive and negative implications. In particular, the neglect of factors other than biomedical seems to be of concern. Thus, a re-consideration of research priorities as well as affected individuals’ agency and role in treatment and care seems warranted.
Low-frequency sound-absorbing metamaterial based on a series-parallel arrangement structure
Authors: Zhuang Hongyu , Cui Hongyu , Hu Haoming
Published: August 2023

Low-frequency noise has a long wavelength, decays very slowly, and is extremely penetrating. Traditional marine acoustic insulation materials have difficulty achieving effective control of this low-frequency noise. In this paper, a series-parallel arrangement structure of a low-frequency metamaterial is designed, which mainly comprises convoluted channels and Helmholtz cavities in series and a sandwich arrangement of multiple cells (as opposed to the traditional parallel arrangement). We use a numerical method to establish an acoustic-solid coupling model for the metamaterial, consider the influence of thermal and viscous losses on its sound absorption performance, and investigate the sound absorption characteristics and mechanisms of the single-cell and multicell structures. The metamaterial designed in this paper shows an average absorption coefficient of 0.97 in the range of 130–145 Hz. An experimental model was prepared by 3D printing, and the intended sound absorption effect was experimentally verified.
Creating a web of multimodal resources: Examining meaning-making during a children’s book project in a multilingual community
Authors: Samuelsson Robin
Published: August 2023

While many children grow up in linguistically and symbolically diverse communities, it is still rare that they encounter an early educational experience adapted to the complexities of their everyday communicational reality. This paper takes an ecological and multimodal approach to a preschool’s book project in a multilingual community. The study examines the web of resources that emerges from activities, actors and their interrelations during the book project. It is shown how multimodal resources emerge when supported by active pedagogical community engagement, and how resources underpinning early childhood literacy cross linguistic and modal boundaries. The paper uses a multimodal interaction analysis to show how the socioecological resources emerging during the project come together in multimodal interaction. Pedagogical potentials building on multimodal resources involving the wider ecology of actors in linguistically complex settings are discussed.
Exploring the ecosystem of meaning: representation of gesture and its contribution to the visual communication of attitude in South African picture books
Authors: Smith Jade , Adendorff Ralph
Published: August 2023

As children age and learn to read words, so the pictures in storybooks decrease in frequency and readers rely less on their meaning. However, South African children are more likely to rely on pictures as a result of low verbal literacy levels, but how much meaning is construed by the pictures? In a multimodal investigation of local picture books, the authors used Painter et al.’s ( Reading Visual Narratives, 2013) visual analysis framework to code interpersonal meaning in the images of picture books produced for the Nal’ibali national reading initiative. During this research, the body language of the stories’ characters could not be coded using this framework. Gestures are important indicators of emotions and intentions (see Gesture: Visible Action as Utterance, Kendon, 2004), and the visual analysis framework proposed by Painter et al. (2013) should include resources to capture this interpersonal meaning conveyed to the young reader. In the picture books studied, gestures construe affect and intensify the feelings displayed on characters’ faces. This article gives evidence from the data where gestures intensify the affectual meaning in the image by various means. By also considering the surrounding characters and the logogenetic progression of meaning radiated across the pages of the story, the authors argue that meaning in images is multistranded and thus due attention should be given to the intramodal synergies that contribute to the emotions conveyed to the reader. A more fluid view of semiosis that incorporates pragmatic and cultural considerations must be adopted when investigating those gestures that are meaningful and those that are not. The gestures and vectors they create direct the readers’ gaze to the visually represented feelings of the character that drive the narrative. They also resonate with the meaning of these feelings so that young readers receive their maximal interpersonal impact.
Use of S2.2/DOX Magnetic Nanoliposomes in MR Molecule Imaging and Targeted Thermochemotherapy for Breast Cancer In Vitro
Authors: Zhu Yinxing , Yang Dazhuang , Guo Ting , Lin Mei
Published: August 2023

Objective

To prepare S2.2/DOX magnetic nanoliposomes by combining the potential benefits of MNPs in MRI and the targeted performance of nano-drugs as an innovative method for integrated diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer (BC).

Methods

We created a S2.2-PEG-MZF/DOX molecular probe by using a lipid material to encapsulate PEG-MZF-NPs and doxorubicin (DOX), and a S2.2 aptamer to target MUC1 to conjugate with PEG-MZF/DOX nanoliposomes. The potential of probe for cell-specific targeting and magnetic resonance (MR) molecular imaging was evaluated by MR scanner and Prussian blue staining. Additionally, we explored the feasibility by using nanoliposome magnetic induction heating to interfere with MCF-7 (MUC1+) BC cells under the influence of an alternating magnetic field (AMF).

Results

PEG-MZF-NPs were biologically safe. The T2 relaxation rate of PEG-MZF-NPs was found to inhibit T2 signal in a concentration-dependent manner, and the T2 signal of the S2.2-PEG-MZF molecular probe in MCF-7 cells was significantly lower than that in PEG-MZF-NPs group. Moreover, the T2 signal reduction was more pronounced in MCF-7 cells than in the hepatoma cell line HepG2 (MUC1-), suggesting a strong MRI potential of the S2.2-PEG-MZF molecular probe. The S2.2-PEG-MZF/DOX nanoliposome was able to achieve the desired temperature range for tumor hyperthermia (42-44 °C) in vitro. The S2.2-PEG-MZF/DOX nanoliposome accompanied by magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) could inhibit proliferation and invasion and induce apoptosis of MCF-7 cells. The effects of this approach were significantly higher than those observed in the other groups.

Conclusion

We successfully developed a novel technique for BC diagnosis and treatment using thermochemotherapy under the guidance of MR molecular imaging. This approach holds great potential for improving the management of this devastating disease in the future.
Enhanced Punishment Responses in Patients With Schizophrenia: An Event-Related Potential Study
Authors: Akgül Özge , Fide Ezgi , Özel Fatih , Alptekin Köksal , Bora Emre , Akdede Berna Binnur , Yener Görsev
Published: August 2023

It is well known that abnormal reward processing is a characteristic feature of various psychopathologies including schizophrenia. Reduced reward anticipation has been suggested as a core symptom of schizophrenia. The Monetary Incentive Delay Task (MID) is frequently used to detect reward anticipation. The present study aims to evaluate the amplitude and latency of event-related potential (ERP) P300 in patients with schizophrenia (SCH) compared to healthy controls during the MID task. Twenty patients with SCH and 21 demographically matched healthy controls (HC) were included in the study. ERP P300 amplitude and latency values were compared between groups using an MID task in which reward and loss cues were presented. Relations between P300 and clinical facets were investigated in the patient group. SCH group had enhanced mean P300 amplitudes and delayed peak latency in the punishment condition compared with HC. These higher responses were also associated with negative symptoms. SCH group showed altered reward processing as being more sensitive to loss of reward conditions as firstly evidenced by electrophysiological methods, possibly due to abnormality in various systems including social withdrawal, social defeat, and behavioral inhibition system.
From Data Management to Actionable Findings: A Five-Phase Process of Qualitative Data Analysis
Authors: Bingham Andrea J.
Published: August 2023

This article outlines a five-phase process of qualitative analysis that draws on deductive (codes developed a priori) and inductive (codes developed in the course of the analysis) coding strategies, as well as guided memoing and analytic questioning, to support trustworthy qualitative studies. The five-phase process presented here can be used as a whole or in part to support researchers in planning, articulating, and executing systematic and transparent qualitative data analysis; developing an audit trail to ensure study dependability and trustworthiness; and/or fleshing out aspects of analysis processes associated with specific methodologies.
Visual–tactile fusion object classification method based on adaptive feature weighting
Authors: Zhang Peng , Bai Lu , Shan Dongri , Wang Xiaofang , Li Shuang , Zou Wenkai , Chen Zhenxue
Published: August 2023

Visual–tactile fusion information plays a crucial role in robotic object classification. The fusion module in existing visual–tactile fusion models directly splices visual and tactile features at the feature layer; however, for different objects, the contributions of visual features and tactile features to classification are different. Moreover, direct concatenation may ignore features that are more beneficial for classification and will also increase computational costs and reduce model classification efficiency. To utilize object feature information more effectively and further improve the efficiency and accuracy of robotic object classification, we propose a visual–tactile fusion object classification method based on adaptive feature weighting in this article. First, a lightweight feature extraction module is used to extract the visual and tactile features of each object. Then, the two feature vectors are input into an adaptive weighted fusion module. Finally, the fused feature vector is input into the fully connected layer for classification, yielding the categories and physical attributes of the objects. In this article, extensive experiments are performed with the Penn Haptic Adjective Corpus 2 public dataset and the newly developed Visual-Haptic Adjective Corpus 52 dataset. The experimental results demonstrate that for the public dataset Penn Haptic Adjective Corpus 2, our method achieves a value of 0.9750 in terms of the area under the curve. Compared with the highest area under the curve obtained by the existing state-of-the-art methods, our method improves by 1.92%. Moreover, compared with the existing state-of-the-art methods, our method achieves the best results in training time and inference time; while for the novel Visual-Haptic Adjective Corpus 52 dataset, our method achieves values of 0.9827 and 0.9850 in terms of the area under the curve and accuracy metrics, respectively. Furthermore, the inference time reaches 1.559 s/sheet, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics Simulation, and in vitro Experiments to Explore the Mechanism of Asiatic Acid Inhibiting Acetaldehyde-Induced Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells
Authors: Jiang Tao , Chen Xiaojin , Yang Wanzhi , Li Ning , Xu Jinhong , Lu Yang , Zhang Sisi , Yu Shuihong , Li Yongxia
Published: August 2023

Purpose: This study utilized network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and in vitro experimental verification to explore the mechanisms of action by which asiatic acid (AA) inhibits acetaldehyde-induced activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Methods: Databases were screened to identify intersections between AA and alcoholic liver fibrosis. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) Enrichment analysis were performed, followed by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation to predict further the interactions between AA and cross-targets. Mechanisms of action of AA were assessed experimentally in HSC-T6 rat HSCs. Results: Screening of the relevant databases using web pharmacology identified several genes, including those encoding signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB)-P65 (RELA), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), that were closely associated with alcoholic liver fibrosis. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the alcoholic liver disease pathway was the most relevant one, and molecular docking showed critical binding activity of RELA, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β with AA. Molecular dynamics simulation showed that the binding between RELA and AA was stable. AA at concentrations of 0 to 30 μM were determined to be nontoxic to HSC-T6 cells. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting showed that the levels of expression of α-SMA and type 1 collagen were higher in acetaldehyde-treated than untreated HSC-T6 cells, with AA reducing their expression dose-dependently in acetaldehyde-treated cells. Western blotting also showed that AA could upregulate the expression of the apoptotic proteins BCL2 associated X and cleaved caspase 3 and could inhibit the phosphorylation of RELA and IKB-α. Conclusion: AA inhibited acetaldehyde-induced HSC-T6 cell proliferation and suppressed the secretion of fibrillar factors by inhibiting RELA phosphorylation.
Development of an Evidence-Based Employee Wellness Program
Authors: Moss Eileen
Published: August 2023

Workplaces can positively or negatively shape employee health and sense of well-being. Employees who feel well are more productive, engaged, and present at work. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic added to an already stressed work environment for educators. Student success is dependent on educators who are healthy and present. Employee wellness programs have the potential to improve the well-being of employees and now, more than ever, should be a priority in schools. The purpose of this article is to provide the school nurse with evidence-based resources to assist in the creation and implementation of an employee wellness program in the school setting.
The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Internship Experiences of Principal Candidates in Texas
Authors: Snodgrass Rangel Virginia , Butcher Keith
Published: August 2023

This paper investigated principal interns’ leadership work during the COVID-19 pandemic in Texas. We used data from one-on-one semistructured interviews to document the experiences of 21 principal candidates in spring 2021 through spring 2022. Participants’ leadership work changed in four ways during the pandemic: striving, intensifying, expanding, and limiting. We also found that the changes that participants reported varied across the three semesters we studied. Our findings highlight how, in some cases, the pandemic created new opportunities for interns, while in other cases, it led to an intensification or limiting of work that narrowed interns’ leadership work.
Vertebral artery wall inflammation suspected as the cause of cryptogenic ischemic stroke developing during the recovery period of COVID-19
Authors: Hayashi Satoru , Nishimoto Yo , Yanase Yongran , Okune Yukiya , Matsuoka Keita , Nishimoto Shota , Hosoda Koji , Negishi Masatoshi
Published: August 2023

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) can cause acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). Some cases of COVID-19-related LVO are known to be resistant to mechanical thrombectomy and have different characteristics from non-COVID-19-related LVO. Inflammation of the occluded arterial wall is suspected as one of the causes of such differences, but the exact mechanism is not fully understood. A 52-year-old man suffered from AIS due to left vertebral artery (VA) occlusion during the recovery period after mild COVID-19. Successful recanalization of the left VA was achieved with antithrombotic therapy, but a late and reversible edematous lesion appeared in part of the brainstem adjacent to the left VA, with abnormal enhancement in both the left VA wall and medulla oblongata on postcontrast magnetic resonance imaging. We suggest that the left VA wall inflammation, induced by COVID-19, caused the ischemic stroke and extended to the brainstem, and an incidental thrombosed unruptured aneurysm of the left VA accelerated these changes. This case provides the first evidence of LVO after COVID-19 in which the pathological conditions in the brainstem adjacent to the affected artery could be observed with neuroimaging and inflammation of the arterial wall was indirectly confirmed. Physicians should be aware that unconventional ischemic stroke may develop in some patients during the recovery period after COVID-19.
Visual saltation illusion induced by flashes of subjective contours
Authors: Ito Hiroyuki , Kubo Keiya , de Jesus Sheryl Anne Manaligod
Published: August 2023

The visual saltation illusion of a Kanizsa-type subjective triangle was demonstrated. After a subjective/real triangle was flashed twice at the same position, another subjective/real triangle was flashed at a displaced position. In a typical case, the second flash was perceived to occur midway between the first and third flash positions. This study showed that the rated illusion strength for the Kanizsa and real triangles largely depended on stimulus onset asynchrony and retinal eccentricity and that the illusion rating was the same between the Kanizsa and real gray triangles when they were presented on black disks (or inducers). When the real triangle was presented in isolation, the illusion rating was lower. Presenting flashes on disks appears to enhance the saltation illusion for both the Kanizsa and real triangles possibly due to a stronger crowding effect or shape changes of inducers enhancing the perception of object appearance and disappearance. Various types of saltation illusions with a Kanizsa triangle are demonstrated in a video.
Comparative renal risk of long-term use of beta-lactams in combination with vancomycin across the continuum of care
Authors: Dolly Lauren M. , Rivera Christina G. , Jensen Kelsey L. , Mara Kristin C. , Schreier Diana J. , Virk Abinash , Arensman Hannan Kellie N.
Published: August 2023

Background:

Data are controversial regarding nephrotoxicity risk with vancomycin plus piperacillin–tazobactam (VPT) compared to vancomycin alone or in combination with other beta-lactams (BLs) in acute care use. Furthermore, data are lacking on the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) with long-term use of VPT including outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT).

Methods:

This retrospective study included 826 adult patients on an intravenous vancomycin plus BL for ⩾2 weeks, including cefepime, piperacillin/tazobactam, ertapenem, or meropenem, from August 2017 to January 2022. The primary outcome was incidence of AKI. Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were conducted to adjust for confounding variables. A secondary analysis based on the propensity score (PS)-matched cohort was performed.

Results:

AKI occurred in 14.4% of patients in the VPT group ( n = 15/104) compared to 5.5% in the other BL group ( n = 40/722) ( p < 0.001). Average time to AKI from start of combination therapy was 9.4 (1.7–12.0) days in the VPT group and 10.9 (5–22.7) days in the other BL group ( p = 0.20). The median duration of vancomycin and BL in the overall cohort was approximately 1 month. Beyond BL selection, patient characteristics were not associated with AKI other than the receipt of concomitant acyclovir [hazard ratio (HR) 2.48 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.33–4.65), p = 0.004]. In the PS-matched cohort, AKI occurred in 14.4% of patients in the VPT group ( n = 15/104) and 5.3% in the other BL group ( n = 11/208) ( p = 0.006). Receipt of VPT [HR: 2.55 (1.36–4.78), p = 0.004] and acyclovir [HR: 2.38 (1.19–4.74), p = 0.014) remained significantly associated with AKI in the multivariable model.

Conclusion:

Clinicians should exercise caution when using VPT for >2 weeks, including in the OPAT setting, even when no renal dysfunction is observed during the initial week of combination therapy.
Shaping the liberal international order from the inside: A natural experiment on China’s influence in the UN human rights council
Authors: Pauselli Gino , Urdínez Francisco , Merke Federico
Published: August 2023

Scholars have long discussed whether the rise of China poses a threat to the Liberal International Order. However, there are methodological challenges to studying the effect of a rising power on established norms. In particular, the participation of rising powers in the established order is not exogenously determined. To make an empirical contribution to this debate, we focus on Beijing’s influence as a member of the Human Rights Council. We exploit the fact that China’s membership in the Council is determined by an exogenous membership rule and implement a matching technique to test whether China has influenced the voting patterns of the other member states on identical recurring resolutions. We find that China’s presence in the Council systematically alters the voting behavior of other states in favor of China’s interest, and that this change is larger when it comes to the enforcement of human rights through international criticism. To delve into the mechanisms underlying these findings, we conduct in-depth interviews with experienced diplomats at the UN Human Rights Council.
Ukraine refugee health screening service in Wales Ukraine/Powys case study 2022 by Powys Teaching Health Board and technology-enabled care Cymru
Authors: Whistance Megan , Thomas Bronwen , Johns Gemma , Ahuja Alka , Ogonovsky Mike , Khalil Sara , Johns Tracey
Published: August 2023

The development of the new health screening service for Ukraine Refugees put in place by Powys Teaching Health Board in 2022 has seen extensive use from Ukrainian families in need of extra support from the National Health Service (NHS) and signposting to specific NHS departments. To discuss the experiences of the staff from Powys regarding their role in setting up the screening service and working within it, Research Assistants from Technology Enabled Care, Wales conducted interviews with two staff members. These clinical leads suggested improvements for the screening service, as captured through analysing the data collected via the interviews. This included recognition of benefits, challenges and future recommendations.
The “Descendant of Dragon” or an “American Dreamer”? The Flow of Identity in the Media Discourse of Eileen Gu Between China and the US
Authors: Zhang Liwen , Shi Lin
Published: August 2023

Identity in sports forms a key stage in which globalization is both constituted and resisted and where various contentions and nuanced dynamics remain to be unpacked. In this paper, we examined the media’s ability, from China and the US separately, to construct and deconstruct the national identity of a naturalized athlete, Eileen Gu (Gu Ailing), an American-born Chinese athlete, during the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games. By combining frame analysis with critical discourse analysis (CDA), salient differences were found in terms of the media frames and discourses used by China and the US in their adoption and interpretations of “sports role”, “ethnic role”, “social role”, and “entertainment role”. Furthermore, we pointed out that the national media from both countries simultaneously attempt to legitimize their stance on Gu’s national identity and stress the maximization of each nation’s own interest. The findings shed light on our existing understanding of the complex identity of naturalized athletes in the context of globalization and argue that media discourses, as constructed by the two countries, remain deeply rooted in an overdetermined East-West binary.