bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Case of Traumatic Submacular Hemorrhage Treated with tPA and Pneumatic Displacement
Authors: Motta Lorenzo , Ripa Matteo , Theodoraki Korina , Jackson Timothy L. , McHugh Dominic
Published: November 2023

This is a case of a 31-year-old female who presented to the emergency department at a London teaching hospital with a 24-h history of visual loss following an assault. The ophthalmological routine examination showed a submacular hemorrhage (SMH), and a computerized tomography scan demonstrated a displaced orbital floor fracture with inferior rectus entrapment and a medial wall fracture. To induce displacement of the SMH, intravitreal injection of 0.25 μg tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) was combined with 0.3 mL of intravitreal 100% perfluoropropane (C3F8) gas. At the 1-day follow-up, there was an inferotemporal displacement of the blood clot, and visual acuity improved from hand motions to 6/5 within 3 months. No complications occurred over 2 years of follow-up, with a final visual acuity of 6/5. This case shows us that intravitreal tPA and gas appear safe and effective as a treatment for traumatic SMHs. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that prompt treatment leads to favorable anatomical and functional outcomes.
Development of a Prototype Video Head Impulse Test System Using an iPhone for Screening of Peripheral Vestibular Dysfunction
Authors: Kuroda Tatsuaki , Kuroda Kazuhiro , Fushiki Hiroaki
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Head impulse, nystagmus, and test of skew (HINTS) is more accurate for the early diagnosis of occipital fossa stroke than magnetic resonance imaging. However, the head impulse test (HIT) is relatively challenging to perform, as it is subjective. Herein, we developed a prototype video HIT (vHIT) system using an iPhone (Apple, Cupertino, CA, USA) that is compact, easy to operate, and analyzable by our iPhone application. Methods: The iPhone-vHIT and a vHIT using EyeSeeCam (Interacoustics, Eden Prairie, NM, USA) were performed on a healthy man in his 30s and on a patient with vestibular neuritis who visited the Mejiro University Ear Institute Clinic. For the iPhone-vHIT, eye movements were detected by analyzing high-speed videos captured using an iPhone camera, and head movements were followed using an iPhone gyro sensor. An iPhone fixation brace was used to capture the video without any blurring. Results: The iPhone-vHIT system obtained vHIT waveforms similar to those of the EyeSeeCam-vHIT system in the healthy man and the patient with vestibular neuritis. The iPhone-vHIT system effectively detected the reduced vestibulo-ocular reflex gain in patients with vestibular neuritis. The iPhone-vHIT system at 120 frames per second was less sensitive to catch-up saccades than the EyeSeeCam. Conclusion: vHIT systems using a smartphone have been reported but are currently unavailable. At present, the iPhone-vHIT application in this study is the only available smartphone-based vHIT system for screening of peripheral vestibular dysfunction. We believe that the prototype iPhone-vHIT with a high-speed camera will be clinically used to perform the vHIT, even though it only examines the lateral semicircular canal.
Association between Artificial Sweetener-Aspartame Consumption and Colorectal Cancer Risk: Evidence-Based Strategies
Authors: Zhu Chenglou , Ji Dandan , Ma Jichun , Da Mingxu
Published: November 2023

In this study, clinical trials were generalized, summarized, and meta-analyzed to evaluate correlations between artificial sweeteners (ASs) and colorectal cancer (CRC). PubMed, Web of Science, Embase (Ovid platform), MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception until July 24, 2023. The association between AS exposure and CRC incidence was assessed using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). STATA software (version 12.0) was used to perform the meta-analysis. Ten studies (three case-control studies and seven cohort studies) involving 711,537 participants were identified. Results showed that the intake of ASs reduced the incidence of CRC (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = [0.87–0.99]) and was not significantly associated with mortality (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = [0.83–1.05]). Subgroup analyses showed that low doses of ASs were associated with lower CRC incidence (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = [0.83–0.99]), and medium/high doses were not associated with CRC incidence (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = [0.93–1.33]; OR = 0.89, 95% CI = [0.79–1.00], respectively). Moreover, low, medium, and high exposures were not associated with an increased risk of mortality due to CRC (OR = 0.95, 95% CI = [0.80–1.14]; OR = 0.99, 95% CI = [0.88–1.11]; OR = 0.93, 95% CI = [0.71–1.21], respectively). The results of our meta-analysis showed that a low intake of ASs may be associated with a lower risk of CRC.
Avalonian Bahaism
Authors: Rose Dell J.
Published: November 2023

This article considers the thought of Wellesley Tudor Pole, one of Britain’s most important modern religious teachers, and his particular take on the Bahá’i faith. Pole’s ‘Bahaism,’ sought to present the teachings of ʿAbdu’l-Bahá and the other Bahá’i prophets as compatible with a constellation of different esoteric ideologies, which he felt would be at the centre of a world-wide spiritual revival. Pole also found in ʿAbdu’l-Bahá an Eastern teacher who he believed confirmed this new spiritual period, and he worked hard to promote ʿAbdu’l-Bahá and what he understood as being the Bahá’i faith, being for a time a major figure amongst nascentBahá’is in the West. His ideas were influential on the group of Esotericists around Glastonbury, known as the Avalonians, and his Chalice Well Trust is one of Britain’s most important centres of tourism.
Validation of Gobiodon howsoni Allen (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae) from Rowley Shoals, Western Australia
Authors: ALLEN GERALD R.
Published: November 2023

N/A
The civil service careers of university support staff and new public management: A qualitative study from Chile
Authors: Calderón-Orellana Magdalena , López-Huenante Nicolás , Burgos-Bravo Daniel , Tralma González Gloria , Morales Segura Miguel Ángel , Gamonal Aravena Jorge
Published: November 2023

New public management policies have been in effect in Chile since the 1980s, influencing the development of human resources policies and procedures, particularly within higher education institutions. While the impact of these policies on academic staff is evident, their implications for non-academic personnel who operate under the same regime as public servants remain unclear. This research aims to investigate the relationship between new public management principles and the career beliefs of non-academic personnel in Chile. Utilizing focus groups, this study analyzes the perceptions of career trajectories among the collaboration staff at the country's most prominent public university. Finally, the results are discussed.
Effects of LRRK2 Inhibitors in Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Miller Glen K. , Kuruvilla Sabu , Jacob Binod , LaFranco-Scheuch Lisa , Bakthavatchalu Vasudevan , Flor Jason , Flor Kristin , Ziegler Julie , Reichard Christine , Manfre Phil , Firner Suzanne , McNutt Tara , Quay Diane , Bellum Sairam , Doto Greg , Ciaccio Paul J. , Pearson Kara , Valentine Jack , Fuller Pete , Fell Matt , Tsuchiya Takayuki , Williamson Toni , Wollenberg Gordon
Published: November 2023

Toxicology studies in nonhuman primates were conducted to evaluate selective, brain penetrant inhibitors of LRRK2. GNE 7915 was limited to 7-day administration in cynomolgus monkeys at 65 mg/kg/day or limited to 14 days in rhesus at 22.5 mg/kg b.i.d. due to physical signs. Compound 25 demonstrated acceptable tolerability at 50 and 225 mg/kg b.i.d. for 7 days in rhesus monkeys. MK-1468 was tolerated during 7-day administration at 100, 200 or 800 mg/kg/day or for 30-day administration at 30, 100, or 500 mg/kg b.i.d. in rhesus monkeys. The lungs revealed hypertrophy of type 2 pneumocytes, with accumulation of intra-alveolar macrophages. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed increased lamellar structures within hypertrophic type 2 pneumocytes. Hypertrophy and hyperplasia of type 2 pneumocytes with accumulation of intra-alveolar macrophages admixed with neutrophils were prominent at peripheral lungs of animals receiving compound 25 or MK-1468. Affected type 2 pneumocytes were immuno-positive for pro-surfactant C, but negative for CD11c, a marker for intra-alveolar macrophages. Accumulation of collagen within alveolar walls, confirmed by histochemical trichrome stain, accompanied changes described for compound 25 and MK-1468. Following a 12-week treatment-free interval, animals previously receiving MK-1468 for 30 days exhibited remodeling of alveolar structure and interstitial components that did not demonstrate reversibility.
“The World Cup of Empowerment” and “They Really Missed the Ball”: Gender Discourses at the 2019 Women’s World Cup
Authors: Allison Rachel
Published: November 2023

The FIFA Women's World Cup disseminates ideas about gender, women, and sport to a global audience. I report on a short-term ethnography involving participant observation at the 2019 Women's World Cup and in-depth interviews with fan attendees to examine the gender discourses produced through the tournament and fans’ responses to them. Integrating the concept of neoliberal postfeminism with an affective lens, I illustrate how discourses of empowerment and the progress of women's sport circulate positive affects in order to bring fans into neoliberal postfeminist ideas, ultimately presenting tournament organizers as benevolent supporters of women. While fans sometimes produced these discourses themselves, finding them emotionally resonant, they also championed a discourse of inequality that was skeptical about organizations’ true commitments and circulated an affect of frustration to call public attention to gender inequality. Fans’ simultaneous embrace and rejection of empowerment and progress discourses reveal both their reflexive agency and the powerful emotional pull that these discourses present.
Evaluation of the ICHD-3 diagnostic criteria for cardiac cephalalgia and new proposal
Authors: Navarro-Pérez María Pilar , Santos-Lasaosa Sonia , Olesen Jes
Published: November 2023

Background

The current International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3) diagnostic criteria for cardiac cephalalgia were established according to previous case reports and the opinion of experts. We aimed to assess the ICHD-3 diagnostic criteria for cardiac cephalalgia.

Methods

We conducted a series of cases study and evaluated these criteria in 54 patients with cardiac cephalalgia. Next, we assessed whether the ICHD-3 diagnostic criteria B, C and D for migraine without aura were fulfilled by these patients.

Results

ICHD-3 criteria A, B, C1, C2 and D for cardiac cephalalgia were met by 100% of patients, whereas criterion C3 was fulfilled by 81.5%. The least frequently fulfilled sub-criterion was C3b (accompanied by nausea) (18.5%). Moreover, we found that ICHD-3 criteria B, C and D for migraine without aura were met by a low proportion of patients: 11.1%, 46.3% and 25.9%, respectively, and no patient fulfilled the three criteria simultaneously.

Conclusion

Based on our results, we propose revised diagnostic criteria for cardiac cephalalgia. We suggest removing criterion C3 and C4. We also suggest removing the word “migraine-like” from its description.
Examining Seasonal Changes in Light-Vehicle Traffic Volume on Freeways Under Extreme Weather Conditions: A Combination of Temporal Statistical and Data Mining Non-Parametric Techniques
Authors: Effati Meysam , Atrchian Chakavak
Published: November 2023

Today, with the increasing changes in weather patterns and the huge amount of data related to weather and traffic in different parts of the freeway network, the use of data mining methods to quantify the impact of weather on traffic flow is inevitable. The main objective of this study is to present a geostatistical method for computing and analyzing the effects of base and extreme cases of weather variables on light-vehicle traffic volumes on freeways, with an emphasis on temporal changes on different days of the week and between daytime and nighttime. In the proposed method for statistical analysis, the parametric test of two-way analysis of variance was used. In the following, with the development of a nonparametric method based on the classification and regression tree (CART) decision tree algorithm, the weather-related parameters with the greatest effect on traffic volumes were investigated separately for different seasons. For this purpose, nine years of statistics covering traffic and weather data for the studied freeway were analyzed. The computational results show that a fall in temperature of more than 35% on weekdays during the cold season and the parameters of horizontal visibility and rainfall during the day and temperature during the night in the spring cause a reduction of traffic volume of more than 45%. This study has shown that the combination of data-driven parametric and nonparametric data mining techniques is effective for traffic managers in planning and traffic control under extreme weather conditions. In this regard, an adverse weather conditions dynamic message sign (AWCDMS) framework was proposed as a practical way to warn drivers of adverse weather.
Research on Vertical Bearing Performance of Precast Concrete Pile Reinforced with Cement-Treated Soil under Different Loading Modes
Authors: Zhang Chaozhe , Liu Songyu , Zhang Dingwen , Jiang Chen , Wang Anhui , Chen Guangwei
Published: November 2023

Precast concrete pile reinforced with cement-treated soil (PCRC) is a composite pile formed by inserting a precast concrete (PC) pile into a deep cement mixing (DCM) column. It has become widely recognized and used for soft soil ground treatment. Despite its extensive application, the cooperative bearing mechanism of PCRC has not been fully investigated under diverse loading conditions. This paper presents the results of finite element analysis, comparing the bearing performances of the PCRCs under two loading forms: load applied solely to the PC pile (Form 1) and the entire cross-section (Form 2). The results reveal that the inner and outer cores of the PCRC loaded under Form 2 can synergistically work together, exhibiting a 13.2% higher ultimate bearing capacity than the PCRC with Form 1. The load sharing ratio, μ, of the inner core of the PCRC loaded under Form 2 ranges from 0.86 to 0.93, while μ of the inner core under Form 1 remains stable at approximately 0.96. Increasing the loading plate size improves the DCM column’s load sharing capacity. Furthermore, axial load tests in Form 1 underestimated the bearing capacity of PCRC to a certain extent. It is, therefore, recommended in engineering design that the top of the DCM column be positioned higher than that of the PC pile to achieve the actual force mode of Form 2.
Preparation of CuO loaded cation exchange resin composites and its degradation of polyacrylamide aqueous solution
Authors: Wang Ying , Lai Zhiqing , Yang Xueying , Li Gang
Published: November 2023

Macroporous cation exchange resins (CER) were used as carriers, and CuO loaded cation exchange resin composites was successfully prepared under thermostatic oscillation and hydrothermal conditions. The results showed that the as-prepared composites exhibited obvious shell-core structure. The different amounts of NaOH affected the micro morphology of CuO on the surface and in the internal pores of the resin, and also affected the percentage content of Cu element. XRD characterization clearly revealed that the products were monoclinic crystal system CuO species with a grain size of about 16 nm. The highest degradation rate of polyacrylamide (PAM) by CuO@IER-1g reached 81.94%, after 6 cycles CuO@CER-1g has still good photocatalytic activity, and the decrease in degradation rate was the combined effect from the adsorption of ion exchange resins and the electron-hole pairs formed by CuO and a series of free radical transfer reactions under ultraviolet light. This study has important theoretical basis and practical significance for enriching ion exchange theory, developing the photocatalytic industry, and purifying the environment.
Functional relation between postural sway and saccadic eye movements is strong and not altered by moving visual environment and concomitant memory task
Authors: Belizário Brito Matheus , Gotardi Gisele Chiozi , Rodrigues Sérgio Tosi , Jacomassi Daniela Godoi , Bonnet Cédrick T , Polastri Paula Fávaro
Published: November 2023

We investigated whether the adaptation of postural control to perform saccadic tasks is still maintained in challenging situations such as when the posture is challenged with a large movement of the moving room and with the addition of a second perturbation as a visual task of memorization. Thirty young adults (20.0 ± 1.3 years) were randomly assigned to the control and experimental groups. Participants stood upright on a force plate inside a moving room wearing eye-tracking. The room moved back and forth (anterior–posterior direction), at low (.6 cm—first and third trials) and high (3.5 cm—second trial) amplitude, and frequency of .2 Hz. In each trial, participants performed left-right horizontal saccades on a target (1.1 Hz). The experimental group also performed a concomitant number memorization task. There were no differences between groups in the coupling between center of pressure (CoP) displacements and visual stimulus in any condition. There was also no difference in the performance of the saccadic task. In the memorization task, CoP displacements in response to the visual stimulus frequency (room motion) were not affected. The performance in the memorization task was similar between room conditions. Overall, increasing cognitive involvement by adding a working memory task does not deteriorate the postural stabilization of young adults to accomplish accurate gaze shifts. Also, it does not interfere with adaptive visual reweighting due to changes in the moving room amplitude. In conclusion, young adults are flexible in optimizing their postural control to succeed in multiple tasks even under perturbation.
“Keep Your Chin Up, and Keep Eating”: Perceptions of Barriers and Facilitators to Healthful Dietary Behaviors Among Individuals With Gastrointestinal Cancer and Caregivers
Authors: Milliron Brandy-Joe , Klobodu Cynthia , Deutsch Jonathan , Martyn Karon , Dychtwald Dan , Riahi Emily , Carro Shawn , Hisek Taylor , Darcy Natalie , Klassen Ann C
Published: November 2023

Background

This study explored perceptions of barriers and facilitators to healthful dietary behaviors among patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer and their caregivers, including caregiver preparedness, patient and caregiver self-efficacy for symptom management, and other environmental, social, and familial factors that may serve as barriers and facilitators to healthful eating.

Methods

Using a concurrent mixed methods cross-sectional study design, individuals with GI cancer receiving outpatient chemotherapy and their caregivers completed surveys, dietary assessments, and interviews. Caregiving preparedness, self-efficacy for symptom management, and dietary intake were assessed using validated instruments. Dietary quality was measured using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2020. In-depth interviews explored barriers and facilitators to healthful eating, symptom management, and caregiver preparedness.

Results

Twenty-seven patient-caregiver dyads completed study activities (N = 54). Dietary quality scores ranged from 26 to 81, with a median score of 43 for patients and 42 for caregivers. Thematic analysis identified three barriers to healthful eating: caregiver self-efficacy and preparedness, caregiver needs are neglected, and nutrition as a source of conflict. Overall self-efficacy scores (Mdn, [IQR]) were 69.1 (45.0) for caregivers and 75.6 (34.1) for patients. Caregiver preparedness score was 2.99 ± .87; problem areas were identified, including addressing emotional needs, fluctuating eating habits, advanced disease progression and making care activities pleasant. Despite the challenges, three main facilitators were identified: increased awareness and value of nutrition, influential others, and positive coping.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest the importance of developing interventions that increase nutrition-related preparedness among caregivers and self-efficacy for managing treatment side effects. Future research should continue to explore the relationship between positive coping and dietary behaviors. While engaging patients and caregivers together during dietary interventions is a promising modality, strategies for maintaining personal nutrition-related goals when facing contrasting priorities between patients and caregivers should be addressed.
Suicidal ideation and attempts among adolescents from a tertiary hospital in Turkey: A comparative study of pre and postpandemic periods
Authors: Erdem Torun Şeyma , Pehlivantürk Kızılkan Melis , Derman Orhan , Akgül Sinem
Published: November 2023

Aim

This study aims to compare changes in rates of suicidal ideation (SI) and attempts (SA) among adolescents during pre, mid and later periods of the pandemic.

Material and Method

This study included adolescents who presented to the adolescent medicine clinic in Turkey between March-May 2019 (prepandemic = T0), March-May 2021(mid period of the pandemic = T1) and March-May 2022 (late period year of the pandemic = T2). SI and SA data were assessed through the electronic hospital records of the “HEEADSSS” inventory.

Results

The charts of 2113 adolescents were evaluated. The rates of both SI ( p = .015) and SA ( p = .026) were determined to be higher during the pandemic (T1+T2) compared to the pre-pandemic period, with a 1.4-fold increase in SI and a 1.5-fold increase in SA. The rates of SI did not differ according to gender, ( p = .090). In contrast, SA rate was significantly higher in females (7.3%) than males (3.6%) ( p = .001).

Conclusion

This study reveals an increase in SI and SA among adolescents during the first 2 years of the pandemic. In challenging times, health professionals should prioritize the identification and treatment of mental health issues, including screening for depression and suicide risk.
Disease course and psychosocial outcome for children and adolescents with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis
Authors: Depreitere Joke , Antrop Inge , Verhelst Helene
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Explore psychosocial outcome and impact of persisting deficits on quality of life (QoL) and global functioning after anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis (anti-NMDARE) in children and adolescents.

Methods

Four female patients (age 7-16y) and their caregivers participated in the study. Information was collected from the medical records and the caregivers via a questionnaire. Both the patients and their caregivers were interviewed by means of the structured clinical interview for DSM-5 disorders, junior version (SCID-5 junior). CGAS and mRS scores were defined and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) was used to assess quality of life of patients and caregivers.

Results and conclusion

After the acute phase of the disease patients go through a post-acute phase in which several persisting physical, cognitive and psychiatric symptoms gradually resolve during the following months to a year. In long-term follow up these symptoms partly resolved, but deficits persisted on several domains. Psychiatric symptoms, fatigue and mild cognitive deficits were present in three out of four patients at current assessment. In three patients their academic trajectory was altered. These deficits can have an impact on the quality of life and the global functioning of the patients and caregivers.
Large vessel occlusion prediction scale thresholds that are sensitive for DAWN Trial patients
Authors: Keenan Kevin J , Smith Wade S , Jadhav Ashutosh P , Haussen Diogo C , Budzik Ronald F , Bonafé Alain , Bhuva Parita , Yavagal Dileep R , Ribò Marc , Cognard Christophe , Hanel Ricardo A , Hassan Ameer E , Sila Cathy A , Saver Jeffrey L , Liebeskind David S , Jovin Tudor G , Nogueira Raul G
Published: November 2023

Background

Large vessel occlusion (LVO) prediction scales are used to triage prehospital suspected stroke patients with a high probability of LVO stroke to endovascular therapy centers. The sensitivities of these scales in the 6-to-24-h time window are unknown. Higher scale score thresholds are typically less sensitive and more specific. Knowing the highest scale score thresholds that remain sensitive could inform threshold selection for clinical use. Sensitivities may also vary between left and right-sided LVOs.

Methods

LVO prediction scale scores were retrospectively calculated using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores of patients enrolled in the DAWN Trial. All patients had last known well times between 6 and 24 h, NIHSS scores ≥ 10, intracranial internal carotid artery or proximal middle cerebral artery occlusions, and mismatches between their clinical severities and infarct core volumes. Scale thresholds with sensitivities ≥ 85% were identified, along with scores ≥ 5% more sensitive for left or right-sided LVOs. Specificities could not be calculated because all patients had LVOs.

Results

A total of 201 out of 206 patients had the required NIHSS subitem scores. CPSS = 3, C-STAT ≥ 2, FAST-ED ≥ 4, G-FAST ≥ 3, RACE ≥ 5, and SAVE ≥ 3 were the highest thresholds that were still 85% sensitive for DAWN Trial LVO stroke patients. RACE ≥ 5 was the only typically used score threshold more sensitive for right-sided LVOs, though similar small differences were seen for other scales at higher thresholds.

Conclusions

Our findings likely represent the maximum sensitivities of the LVO prediction scales tested for ideal thrombectomy candidates in the 6-to-24-h time window because NIHSS scores were documented in hospitals during a clinical trial rather than in the prehospital setting. Patients with NIHSS scores < 10 or more distal LVOs would lower sensitivities further. Selecting even higher scale thresholds for LVO triage would lead to many missed LVO strokes.
Safety and Efficacy of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Heating Units
Authors: Bilodeau Kyle S. , Charette Kevin , McMullan D. Michael
Published: November 2023

Background

Patient temperature during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is commonly managed by dedicated heating units (HUs) that are integrated into ECMO circuitry. Currently, no HU has received approval for ECMO by the FDA in the United States. Older FDA-approved HUs have been implicated in life-threatening patient infections and are no longer manufactured or available for use in the United States.

Methods

We performed laboratory tests to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Micro-Temp and the HTP-1500 HU systems that are potentially suitable for use in ECMO and describe our initial experience with the HTP-1500 HU after being placed in clinical service.

Results

Both units demonstrated similar heating efficacy, with the HTP-1500 achieving steady-state temperature approximately 5 h earlier than the Micro-Temp. Microorganisms were detected in the water compartment of all HUs prior to and after performing the manufacturer's recommended cleaning procedure, and after implementation of the HTP-1500 into clinical use we observed a decrease in the rate of bloodstream infection/ECMO days which did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

Based on the results of this analysis and our institutional experience, we believe that integration of the HTP-1500 HU, an easily replaceable HU, into ECMO systems may reduce the risk of bacterial contamination and thus nosocomial infection when the devices are cleaned and maintained according to manufacturer's guidelines.
Making Our Firm More Sustainable: The Role of CEO Vision Communication of Sustainability on Sustainability Performance
Authors: Ji Xiaode , Su Yanzhao , Zhang Yue , Wang Hui
Published: November 2023

Despite awareness of the importance and value of sustainability for organizations, how sustainable development can be achieved remains poorly understood. This article aims to address this issue by examining the role of vision communication in promoting organizational sustainability. Drawing on the Upper Echelon Theory (UET) and existing literature on sustainability, we propose that sustainable vision communication can enhance sustainability performance by promoting and facilitating organizational change. Furthermore, we argue that CEO’s dialectical leadership behavior can supplement the efforts of leaders in achieving sustainable development, thereby strengthening the aforementioned relationship. Through a field study of 130 CEOs and their 562 top management team members, we tested our model and found evidence to support the hypotheses. This study thus advances our understanding of the processes underlying organizational sustainability and highlights the crucial role of leadership in this regard. We also discuss the theoretical implications of our findings and outline potential avenues for future research.
Understanding the Lived Experiences of Tibetan Muslims in Kashmir: A Mixed Method Analysis
Authors: Hamid Wasia , Khan Tanveer Ahmad , Farooqi Irfanullah , Qayum Shaista
Published: November 2023

This study examines the lived experiences of Tibetan Muslims in Kashmir. They witnessed active and passive forms of exclusion during pre and post-migration. Though they enjoyed a dignified life before Tibet was conquered by China, once China colonised Tibet and its people, the Tibetan Muslims migrated for safeguarding their lives. Their post-migration settlements in different parts of India could not help them live life the way they lived in Tibet. To understand the challenges and exclusion they face, we conducted this study on 50 participants (comprising 30 men and 20 women) from the Tibetan Muslim community living in Kashmir. These participants were recruited with the help of a key informant. A mixed-method analysis was used to get comprehensive information about the research problem. The results of our study reveal various forms of exclusion: (a) caste-oriented, (b) marriage practice-related, (c) family-related, (d) exclusion in higher education, (e) occupation-based and (f) exclusion from various items listed in the Tibetan Muslims Deprivation Index in Kashmir. The authors attempted to understand their sense of being excluded, discriminated against and alienated on many grounds by meticulously attending to various narratives obtained through face-to-face interviews.
Conversations on death and dying: exploring performance as a prompt
Authors: McCormick Sheila
Published: November 2023

Background:

Death is inevitable, yet for some, conversations around death remain difficult. The stigmatisation of death amongst some cultures has a negative impact with studies showing societies least likely to discuss end of life openly remain the lowest ranked in terms of end-of-life care quality. Out of this understanding have come several socially engaged projects (e.g. Death Cafes, The Conversation Project, Before I Die Festivals) developed to encourage engagement with the subject.

Objective:

In this article I ask, can autobiographical performance prompt conversations on death and dying? To answer the research question, I examine the socially engaged Death, Dinner, and Performance project, and analyse the effectiveness of the performance/dramaturgical methodology developed in the project to encourage participant engagement with the difficult subjects of death and dying.

Design:

I look specifically at the use of autobiographical performance strategies in the Death, Dinner, and Performance project and explore the outcomes associated with the adaptation of those strategies (particularly regarding relationality in a socially engaged context) in conversations between participants on death, dying and bereavement.

Method:

The project adopted a mixed methodology that engaged both Practice as Research (PaR) and qualitative research strategies.

Results:

PaR reflection and analysis, along with qualitative coding of participant responses allowed an inductive, thematic analysis that highlighted several recurring themes. These are analysed and discussed under two categories in the Analysis and results section at the end of this paper: firstly, in relation to recurring themes in the participants’ discussion around the subject of death and dying, and secondly, in relation to the socially engaged strategy (commensality and use of autobiographical performance) used to encourage that discussion.
Across-country genetic and genomic analyses of foot score traits in American and Australian Angus cattle
Authors: Alvarenga Amanda B. , Retallick Kelli J. , Garcia Andre , Miller Stephen P. , Byrne Andrew , Oliveira Hinayah R. , Brito Luiz F.
Published: November 2023

Background

Hoof structure and health are essential for the welfare and productivity of beef cattle. Therefore, we assessed the genetic and genomic background of foot score traits in American (US) and Australian (AU) Angus cattle and investigated the feasibility of performing genomic evaluations combining data for foot score traits recorded in US and AU Angus cattle. The traits evaluated were foot angle (FA) and claw set (CS). In total, 109,294 and ~ 1.12 million animals had phenotypic and genomic information, respectively. Four sets of analyses were performed: (1) genomic connectedness between US and AU Angus cattle populations and population structure, (2) estimation of genetic parameters, (3) single-step genomic prediction of breeding values, and (4) single-step genome-wide association studies for FA and CS.

Results

There was no clear genetic differentiation between US and AU Angus populations. Similar heritability estimates (FA: 0.22–0.24 and CS: 0.22–0.27) and moderate-to-high genetic correlations between US and AU foot scores (FA: 0.61 and CS: 0.76) were obtained. A joint-genomic prediction using data from both populations outperformed within-country genomic evaluations. A genomic prediction model considering US and AU datasets as a single population performed similarly to the scenario accounting for genotype-by-environment interactions (i.e., multiple-trait model considering US and AU records as different traits), even though the genetic correlations between countries were lower than 0.80. Common significant genomic regions were observed between US and AU for FA and CS. Significant single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified on the Bos taurus (BTA) chromosomes BTA1, BTA5, BTA11, BTA13, BTA19, BTA20, and BTA23. The candidate genes identified were primarily from growth factor gene families, including FGF12 and GDF5, which were previously associated with bone structure and repair.

Conclusions

This study presents comprehensive population structure and genetic and genomic analyses of foot scores in US and AU Angus cattle populations, which are essential for optimizing the implementation of genomic selection for improved foot scores in Angus cattle breeding programs. We have also identified candidate genes associated with foot scores in the largest Angus cattle populations in the world and made recommendations for genomic evaluations for improved foot score traits in the US and AU.
Choroidal vascular changes in silicone oil-filled eyes after vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachments
Authors: Chen Jiayu , Guan Lina , Liu Yalu , Song Yingying , Tang Yu , Cao Yumei , Li Meishuang , Sheng Aiqin , Zhang Zhengpei , Liu Haiyang
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The tamponade of silicone oil (SO) can affect both the structure and blood flow of the retina. However, there are few studies on the effect of SO tamponade on choroidal blood flow. Our study aimed to compare the effects of SO tamponade on the choroidal vascular index (CVI) and choroidal thickness (CT) in patients with unilateral rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) with operated eyes and fellow healthy eyes.

Methods

We retrospectively collected demographic and clinical data from 36 patients who underwent 23G pars plana vitrectomy and SO tamponade for unilateral complicated RRD. Enhanced depth imaging-optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) scans were performed both within 1 week before SO removal and at the last follow-up visit after SO removal. Using ImageJ software, images were binarized to segment the total choroidal area, luminal area, and stromal area, respectively. The CVI was calculated as CVI=(luminal area)/(total choroidal area), and CT was also evaluated.

Results

During SO tamponade, the CVI and luminal area in operated eyes were significantly lower compared to fellow eyes (57.616 ± 0.030 vs. 60.042 ± 0.019, P < 0.0001; 0.909 [0.694; 1.185] vs. 1.091 [0.785; 1.296], P = 0.007). Even after SO removal, the CVI remained lower in operated eyes than in fellow eyes (59.530 ± 0.018 vs. 60.319 ± 0.020, P = 0.031). Both CVI and luminal area were lower in operated eyes before SO removal than after SO removal (57.616 ± 0.030 vs. 59.530 ± 0.018, P = 0.0003; 0.909 [0.694; 1.185] vs. 0.994 [0.712; 1.348], P = 0.028). The duration of SO tamponade was positively correlated with the difference in CVI between fellow eyes and operated eyes during SO tamponade (P = 0.035). Total choroidal area, stromal area, and CT did not differ significantly between fellow eyes and operated eyes or between pre- and post-SO removal.

Conclusions

SO tamponade reduces CVI and decreases choroidal blood circulation in patients with retinal detachments required vitrectomy combined with SO tamponade. The longer the SO tamponade time, the more CVI reduction. In future work, we will aim to reduce these side effects by shortening the duration of silicone oil filling.
Relationship between the circulating N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide and the risk of carotid artery plaque in different glucose metabolic states in patients with coronary heart disease: a CSCD-TCM plus study in China
Authors: Yang Tong , Zheng Hongmei , Pan Guangwei , Guo Ruiying , Liu Fengmin , Liu Shengyuan , Tao Shuang , Li Lin , Yang Rongrong , Yu Chunquan
Published: November 2023

Objective

Circulating N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a marker for heart failure in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and associated with glycemic abnormalities. Studies on the association and diagnostic value of NT-proBNP in carotid plaques (CAP) in patients with CHD are limited.

Methods

The relationships between NT-proBNP and the risk of CAP in different glucose metabolic states, sexes, and age categories were also examined using 5,093 patients diagnosed with CHD. The NT-proBNP tertiles were used to divide patients into three groups in which the NT-proBNP levels, blood glucose levels, the occurrence of CAP, and the number and nature of CAP were measured using normoglycemic (NG), prediabetes (Pre-DM), and diabetes mellitus (DM) glucose metabolic statuses. Logistic regression analyses were used to compare the relationship between NT-proBNP and the risk of CAP occurrence and the number and nature of CAP. The diagnostic value of NT-proBNP for CAP risk was measured using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

We found a 37% relative increase in the correlation between changes in NT-proBNP per standard deviation (SD) and the incidence of CAP. After adjusting for potential confounders, NT-proBNP at the T3 level was found to be associated with an increased CAP odds ratio (OR) when T1 was used as the reference. This relationship was also present in males, patients aged > 60 years, or both pre-DM and DM states. NT-proBNP was more likely to present as hypoechoic plaques at T1 and as mixed plaques at T3. We also measured the diagnostic accuracy of CAP for NT-proBNP in patients with CHD, with an AUC value of 0.627(95% CI 0.592–0.631), sensitivity of 50.7%, and specificity of 68.0%.

Conclusion

An increase in NT-proBNP was significantly associated with the risk of CAP in patients with CHD, especially in males and patients aged > 60 years, and exhibited specific characteristics under different glucose metabolism states.

Trial registration The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Approval number TJUTCM-EC20210007) and certified by the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry on April 4, 2022 (Registration number ChiCTR2200058296) and March 25, 2022 by ClinicalTrials.gov (registration number NCT05309343).

Graphical Abstract
NUAK1 promotes tumor metastasis through upregulating slug transcription in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yang Huiru , Wei Zhen , Song Yifan , Du Kexin , Yin Nannan , Lu Hong , Li Bingbing , Hou Lili , Xing Panfei , Chen Liang , Wang Chaojie , Xie Songqiang
Published: November 2023

Background

Metastasis is still a major cause of poor pathological outcome and prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. NUAK1 has been reported highly expressed in many human cancers and is associated with the poor prognosis of cancer patients. However, the role of NUAK1 and its underlying signaling mechanism in ESCC metastasis remain unclear.

Methods

Expression of NUAK1 in ESCC was detected by real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. MTT, colony formation, wound-healing and transwell assays were used to determine the role NUAK1 in vitro. Metastasis was evaluated by use of an experimental pulmonary metastasis model in BALB/c-nu/nu mice. The mechanisms were assessed by using coimmunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence and dual-luciferase reporter gene experiments.

Results

NUAK1 was highly expressed in ESCC tissues compared with the adjacent normal esophageal epithelial tissues. Moreover, the elevated expression of NUAK1 positively correlated with tumor invasion depth, lymph node metastasis, pathological TNM stage, and poor survival in ESCC patients. Further experiments showed that NUAK1 overexpression did not change the cell viability and colony formation of ESCC cells, while remarkably promoted the migration and invasion in vitro and experimental pulmonary metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, NUAK1 enhanced the transcription level of Slug, which enhanced the migratory and invasive capability of ESCC cells. Consistently, silencing Slug almost completely diminished the migration and invasion of NUAK1-overexpressing ESCC cells. Further studies demonstrated that NUAK1 upregulated the transcription activity of Slug through activating the JNK/c-Jun pathway.

Conclusion

These results demonstrated that NUAK1 promoted the metastasis of ESCC cells through activating JNK/c-Jun/Slug signaling, indicating NUAK1 is a promising therapeutic target for metastatic ESCC.
Comparative clinical significance and biological roles of PFKFB family members in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hu Kai-Fang , Shu Chih-Wen , Lee Cheng-Hsin , Tseng Ching-Jiunn , Chou Yu-Hsiang , Liu Pei-Feng
Published: November 2023

Background

Cancer cells promote glycolysis, which supports rapid cell growth and proliferation. Phosphofructokinase-fructose bisphosphatases (PFKFBs), a family of bidirectional glycolytic enzymes, play key roles in the regulation of glycolysis in many types of cancer. However, their roles in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the most common type of oral cancer, are still unknown.

Methods

We compared the gene expression levels of PFKFB family members and analyzed their clinical significance in oral cancer patients, whose clinical data were obtained the Cancer Genome Atlas database. Moreover, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, assays for cell viability, cell cycle, cell migration and viability of cell spheroid were performed in scramble and PFKFB-silenced cells.

Results

We discovered that PFKFB3 expression in tumor tissues was slightly higher than that in tumor adjacent normal tissues but that PFKFB4 expression was significantly higher in the tumor tissues of oral cancer patients. High PFKFB3 and PFKFB4 expression had different effects on the prognosis of oral cancer patients with different clinicopathological outcomes. Our data showed that PFKFB3 and PFKFB4 play different roles; PFKFB3 is involved in cell viability, G2/M cell cycle progression, invasion, and migration, whereas PFKFB4 is involved in the drug resistance and cancer stemness of OSCC cells. Furthermore, oral cancer patients with co-expressions of PFKFB3/cell cycle or EMT markers and PFKFB4/stemness markers had poor prognosis.

Conclusions

PFKFB3 and PFKFB4 play different biological roles in OSCC cells, which implying that they might be potential prognostic biomarkers for OSCC patients with certain clinicopathological outcomes.
Differences in intestinal motility during different sleep stages based on long-term bowel sounds
Authors: Wang Guojing , Chen Yibing , Liu Hongyun , Yu Xiaohua , Han Yi , Wang Weidong , Kang Hongyan
Published: November 2023

Background and objectives

This study focused on changes in intestinal motility during different sleep stages based on long-term bowel sounds.

Methods

A modified higher order statistics algorithm was devised to identify the effective bowel sound segments. Next, characteristic values (CVs) were extracted from each bowel sound segment, which included 4 time-domain, 4 frequency-domain and 2 nonlinear CVs. The statistical analysis of these CVs corresponding to the different sleep stages could be used to evaluate the changes in intestinal motility during sleep.

Results

A total of 6865.81 min of data were recorded from 14 participants, including both polysomnographic data and bowel sound data which were recorded simultaneously from each participant. The average accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the modified higher order statistics detector were 96.46 ± 2.60%, 97.24 ± 2.99% and 94.13 ± 4.37%. In addition, 217088 segments of effective bowel sound corresponding to different sleep stages were identified using the modified detector. Most of the CVs were statistically different during different sleep stages ($$p<0.05$$p<0.05). Furthermore, the bowel sounds were low in frequency based on frequency-domain CVs, high in energy based on time-domain CVs and low in complexity base on nonlinear CVs during deep sleep, which was consistent with the state of the EEG signals during deep sleep.

Conclusions

The intestinal motility varies by different sleep stages based on long-term bowel sounds using the modified higher order statistics detector. The study indicates that the long-term bowel sounds can well reflect intestinal motility during sleep. This study also demonstrates that it is technically feasible to simultaneously record intestinal motility and sleep state throughout the night. This offers great potential for future studies investigating intestinal motility during sleep and related clinical applications.