bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient-reported migraine-specific quality of life, activity impairment and headache impact with once-daily atogepant for preventive treatment of migraine in a randomized, 52-week trial
Authors: Lipton Richard B. , Halker Singh Rashmi B. , Mechtler Laszlo , McVige Jennifer , Ma Julia , Yu Sung Yun , Stokes Jonathan , Dabruzzo Brett , Gandhi Pranav , Ashina Messoud
Published: August 2023

Background

Atogepant is an oral, small-molecule, calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist for the preventive treatment of episodic migraine.

Methods

In this 52-week, multicenter, randomized, open-label trial, adults with 4–14 monthly migraine days received atogepant 60 mg once-daily or standard care. Health outcome endpoints collected from participants randomized to atogepant included change from baseline in Migraine-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire version 2.1 (MSQ v2.1) Role Function-Restrictive (RFR), Role Function-Preventive (RFP) and Emotional Function (EF) domain scores, change in Activity Impairment in Migraine-Diary (AIM-D) Performance of Daily Activities (PDA) and Physical Impairment (PI) domain scores, and change in Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6) total score.

Results

Of 744 randomized participants, 521 received atogepant 60 mg in the modified intent-to-treat population. Least-squares mean changes from baseline in MSQ-RFR score were 30.02 (95% confidence interval = 28.16–31.87) at week 12 and 34.70 (95% confidence interval = 32.74–36.66) at week 52. Improvements were also observed in other MSQ domains, AIM-D PDA, PI and HIT-6 total scores. A ≥5-point improvement from baseline in HIT-6 score was observed in 59.9% of participants at week 4 and 80.8% of participants at week 52.

Conclusion

Over 52 weeks, atogepant 60 mg once-daily was associated with sustained improvements in quality of life and reductions in activity impairment and headache impact. Trial Registration: NCT03700320
Predicting Public Willingness to Use Autonomous Shuttles: Evidence from an Emerging Economy
Authors: Liew Ying Wei , Vafaei-Zadeh Ali , Teoh Ai Ping , Ramayah Thurasamy
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the public’s willingness to adopt autonomous shuttles for public transport. This study proposes a research framework to explain people’s adoption intentions. Therefore, this study adapts and extends the value-based adoption model based on the cost-benefit theory. Using empirical data from 312 respondents in Malaysia, a structural equation model is utilized to test the hypotheses. The results indicate that perceived usefulness and perceived enjoyment have a positive influence on perceived value. Furthermore, perceived value positively influences the intention to use autonomous shuttles. Perceived risk was found to have no influence on perceived value, and the relationship between perceived risk and perceived value was not moderated by personal innovativeness. To improve consumer adoption intention predictions for this complex and new technology, future research should consider incorporating additional variables. Additionally, once autonomous shuttles are introduced into the market, future studies can utilize market data for more precise analysis. This study adds to past research findings by providing a detailed understanding of the role of perceived value in the adoption of autonomous shuttles. It contributes new knowledge on consumers’ psychological stance toward this emerging technology. Consequently, it serves as a valuable benchmark for further studies seeking to provide a more comprehensive understanding of consumer acceptance of autonomous shuttle services, particularly in emerging economies.
Reprocessing and reuse of dialyzers: A technological solution for balancing cost and quality in lower and middle-income countries
Authors: Sankarasubbaiyan Suresh , Shah Kamal D , Vuppula Vikram , Jha Vivekanand
Published: August 2023

Hemodialysis is the commonest kidney replacement therapy (KRT) globally and rapidly growing in developing countries, while in developed countries it is reaching a plateau. The penetration of hemodialysis (HD) varies widely among countries and is largely influenced by socioeconomics, healthcare financing, particularly by government, local infrastructure, healthcare workforce, health system characteristics, and affordability of the population. Biomedical equipment, consumables, disposables, and labor are major cost drivers of KRT. Implementing strategies to balance cost and quality of care is an arduous task for health care planning, delivery, and patient care in low- and middle-income countries. In this context, the cost of dialyzers which form a significant component of the recurring cost of HD can be reduced by reuse after appropriate reprocessing. But this practice is largely abandoned in developed countries because of concerns of safety. However, the evidence against the reuse of modern dialyzers is not robust and certainly not based on well-designed randomized trials. The industrialization of dialysis delivery, the interests of equipment manufacturers and the nature of dialysis delivery have propelled single use of dialyzers. In this context, developing countries needing to expand HD services access at low cost are caught at crossroads. Process improvements are needed to standardize reprocessing that prioritizes safety while maintaining effectiveness. Recent advances in mobile and internet technologies could make this an achievable reality. We propose such an approach that would ensure treatment effectiveness, patient and healthcare provider safety, efficient resource utilization, and cost control.
Evaluating the effects of solutions and constructive journalism: A systematic review of audience-focused research
Authors: McIntyre Karen , Lough Kyser
Published: August 2023

The study of constructive and solutions journalism has grown in recent years, led by claims of positive audience effects. Our systematic review of 22 effects experiments across 19 studies found that solutions and constructive news stories unequivocally affect audience emotions. Clarity is needed for other dependent variables. Consistency is needed in theoretical constructs and the independent variables used. Focus needs to continue to extend beyond the United States and Western Europe.
Reaping the fruits of co-creation through design experiments
Authors: Torfing Jacob , Sørensen Eva , Dečman Mitja
Published: August 2023

Co-creation has received a growing attention in the public sector as a tool for mobilizing resources, spurring public innovation, and enhancing democratic legitimacy. Reaping the fruits of co-creation largely depends on the attempts made by local leaders to facilitate effective collaboration, overcome emerging problems and obstacles, and cope with the emerging dilemmas and paradoxes. There is limited knowledge about how this is done in practice. Hence, public administration researchers must team up with local leaders of co-creation to jointly test different ways of improving the processes and results of co-creation processes. This endeavour calls for an interactive research strategy where researchers and practitioners work together to conduct design experiments aimed at improving the design of a process by iteratively diagnosing problems and obstacles that prevent goal achievement, seeking to remove the hindrances through targeted interventions, and finally measuring the impact of the interventions vis-à-vis the stated goals. This article serves the dual purpose of producing new context-dependent insights into how leaders of co-creation can tackle emerging problems and obstacles and evaluating the use of design experiments in the field of public administration. It analyses and compares six design experiments conducted in relation to local cases of co-creation that are studied using mixed methods. The main finding is that: (1) the problems emerging in co-creation processes are for the most part manageable; (2) the leadership interventions are relatively undemanding; and (3) the positive impact of most of the interventions finds support in the extant research literature.
Molecular dynamics simulation and experimental study on formation mechanism of micro-hole and cracks in nano-imprinting diamond
Authors: Che Jianwei , Shi Guangfeng , Meng Siwei , Zou Chunyang , Yao Dong , Cao Guohua
Published: August 2023

Diamond nano-imprint microhole forming technology is a new type of microhole forming method. However, there will always be some unqualified microholes and cracks in the manufacture of microholes. In order to obtain better microhole quality, it is crucial to study the mechanism of microhole formation. In this paper, the indentation process of single crystal copper by a conical indenter is simulated by molecular dynamics. After the indentation is completed, microholes and cracks will form on the surface of the copper sheet. Dislocation analysis will be conducted on the microholes and surrounding cracks, and then the microstructure and morphology will be demonstrated to explain the formation mechanism of microholes and cracks. The influence of different indentation speeds and temperatures on the energy change of the system is discussed. In addition, this article established an experimental device for diamond indentation of copper sheets, and conducted indentation microholes experiments to observe microholes and cracks through scanning electron microscopy. The results show that when the diamond indenter is pressed down, the number of atoms in contact between the diamond indenter particles and the copper surface gradually increases, causing local stress concentration and the formation of new dislocations. Among them, 1/6<112> shockley dislocation is the main dislocation type. When the strain energy stored in the lattice increases beyond a certain value, the lattice structure of the copper atoms in the contact area is broken, resulting in internal defects, gradually forming microholes and surrounding cracks. The increase in the imprinting speed will accelerate the plastic deformation of the copper sheet. This paper reveals the mechanism of the formation of microholes and cracks, laying the foundation for high-quality micropore manufacturing.
“It's like a gamble, anything could happen”: Women navigating safety and agency in online dating in urban Turkey
Authors: Gurcan Cansu , Ustunel Anil Ozge
Published: August 2023

Online dating platforms are increasingly used to explore dating and relationships by young adults. Although a growing body of evidence shows that they pose disproportionate and gendered risks to women's safety and health, the question of how young adult women respond to and resist these risks is not sufficiently understood. The present study aims to fill this gap by exploring how women navigate safety and exercise agency when dating men online in a non-Western traditional context in transition, that is, urban Turkey. Data were collected through qualitative interviews with 11 women users of dating apps, aged 24–33 years, and thematically analyzed from a feminist perspective. The analysis showed three themes that captured the women's extensive and individual safety-building labor when dating men via apps: (a) bearing the burden of risks, (b) exercising control in the midst of risks, and (c) planning for a safe exit. The conservative gender order that fails to effectively respond to gender-based violence and reinforces the stigmatization of women for dating online exacerbated their effort in contemporary Turkey. Our findings extend previous work by showing that women's safety work and agency in online dating are socioculturally, contextually, and continually mediated.
Psychology and the question of radical democracy
Authors: Malherbe Nick
Published: August 2023

Throughout its history, capitalism has undertaken its extractive, imperial, and expropriative operations under the sign of democracy. Psychology has played a part in the ideological consolidation of capitalist democracy, adapting people to this system while also legitimising it. However, what of radical democracy as an always-contested grassroots organisational form that stands in opposition to both capitalism and the capitalist co-optation of democracy? Radical democracy of this sort remains a psychologically fraught function of anticapitalist resistance, one that has the potential to produce fracturing among comrades building such democracy. In this article, I consider how critical psychologists can work with those undertaking the difficult work of building radical democracy into political and quotidian life. I consider what critical psychology praxis could mean for those practicing radical democracy and how critical psychology might reconstitute itself through radically democratic formations.
The picture theory of symbolic development in early childhood
Authors: Porto Alexander
Published: August 2023

Symbolic representation is a central facet of human development that enables people to depict experiences and communicate meaningful information with others. Participation in social interaction relies on graphical symbols, gestures, and symbolic artifacts to form relationships, acquire language, and represent the world. However, substantial theoretical differences between cognitive and social-constructivist accounts of the development of symbolic representation prevent a unified model from forming. Thus, the task of this work is to introduce a theoretical model for symbolic development in early childhood. Throughout this work, Wittgenstein’s picture theory of language is empirically grounded with nascent, cross-cultural research in iconicity and experimental semiotics in order to propose a picture theory of symbolic development in early childhood. Last, this work critically reformulates current debates regarding the representational facets of symbolic development and offers novel insights that bridge philosophy of language and cognitive anthropology.
The effect of early conversion from central venous catheter to arteriovenous fistula on hospitalization and mortality in incident haemodialysis patients
Authors: Gan Wenyuan , Zhu Fan , Mao Huihui , Xiao Wei , Chen Wenli , Zeng Xingruo
Published: August 2023

Background:

Controversy remains as to whether initiating haemodialysis (HD) with a central venous catheter (CVC) and vascular access conversion are associated with the risk of morbidity and mortality in incident HD patients.

Methods:

At our dialysis centre, the vascular access strategy is to create an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) early and use the AVF to initiate HD. In emergency situations, HD is initiated with a CVC and subsequent conversion from a CVC to an AVF as soon as possible. The effects of early AVF conversion on hospitalization and mortality were analysed.

Results:

At HD initiation, 35.42% used AVF, 15.63% used CVC with immature AVF and 48.96% used CVC, and all patients were able to convert from CVC to AVF within approximately 3 months. Compared to starting HD using an AVF, using a CVC was associated with access-related hospitalizations at 2 years, regardless of whether an AVF was created before (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 3.02, 95% CI 0.89–10.24, p = 0.03) or after (IRR = 4.10, 95% CI 1.55–10.85, p < 0.01) HD initiation. The Kaplan–Meier method showed that the 2-year survival probability was not statistically significant between the three groups (log-rank χ2 = 0.165, p = 0.921). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression showed that starting HD with a CVC was not associated with mortality at 2 years ( p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

In this cohort, initiating HD with a CVC was associated with more access-related hospitalizations. Under the impact of an early AVF conversion strategy, despite initiating HD with a CVC, subsequent conversion from a CVC to an AVF within approximately 3 months had no impact on all-cause mortality in incident HD patients.
Fluoride induces osteoblast autophagy by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Linghu Yan , Deng Chao-Nan , He Li , Wu Qi , Xu Lin , Yu Yan-Ni
Published: August 2023

Fluorosis primarily manifests as bone damage in the form of dental fluorosis and skeletal fluorosis and represents a critical global public health challenge. However, few studies have examined autophagy-related signaling pathways in skeletal fluorosis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of fluoride on autophagy in osteoblasts using comprehensive methods and to explore the role of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in regulating fluoride-induced autophagy in osteoblasts. Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were exposed to different concentrations of fluoride (NaF: 5, 50, and 100 mg/L) for six months. Primary osteoblasts were treated with 0.5, 1.0, or 3.0 mM NaF. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence staining, and western blotting were performed to evaluate morphological changes in bone tissues and autophagosomes and to detect the protein expression of autophagy-related markers and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway-related molecules both in vivo and in vitro. The bone tissues of fluoride-exposed rats showed osteosclerosis, autophagosomes and autolysosomes. LC3B immunofluorescence staining revealed an increase in autophagosomes in the primary osteoblasts treated with fluoride. The LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio and levels of autophagy-related markers (Beclin 1 and Atg7) were increased, whereas P62 levels were decreased in bone tissues and primary osteoblasts in the fluoride groups. Simultaneously, p-AKT and p-mTOR levels were reduced in bone tissues and primary osteoblasts in the fluoride groups. Moreover, a PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) further downregulated p-AKT and p-mTOR protein expression but slightly increased the LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio in primary osteoblasts. These results demonstrate that fluoride induces autophagy in osteoblasts by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, which deepens our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying fluoride-induced bone damage and provides a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of skeletal fluorosis.
Pancreaticoduodenal Artery Aneurysm Complicated by Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome
Authors: Hamlin Sean , Gallo Stephen R. , Petrochko Jameson , Wilson Jacob , Sheth Sharvil
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To highlight median arcuate ligament syndrome as a potential cause for celiac artery stenosis and pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm, and describe treatment options in this setting.

Case Report

A 63-year-old male presented with a pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm and concomitant celiac artery stenosis that was treated with celiac artery stenting and aneurysm coiling. He subsequently developed stent fracture and celiac artery occlusion secondary to previously unrecognized median arcuate ligament syndrome causing reperfusion of the aneurysm. This was treated with open median arcuate ligament release and aorta to common hepatic artery bypass with good clinical result and stable 20-month surveillance imaging.

Conclusion

It is critical to recognize median arcuate ligament syndrome as a cause of celiac artery stenosis in the setting of pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm given the high risk of failure of endovascular stenting. Open aorto-hepatic artery bypass and endovascular aneurysm coiling should be the preferred approach in these patients.
Memorial reparation: Women’s work of remembrance, repair and restoration in rural Colombia
Authors: Tacchetti Maddalena , Chocontá-Piraquive Alexandra , Quiceno Toro Natalia , Papadopoulos Dimitris
Published: August 2023

The article discusses the reparative textile-making practices of three women’s sewing collectives in Colombia. Textile making and crafting is also a memory work which intersects and negotiates with different geographies, temporalities and scales of human subjectivity, social interaction and ecological belonging. We approach textile memory work as a practice embedded in a complex net of other everyday practices, spaces, and human and non-human beings, enabling the production of collective memories, while facilitating transformational processes by which women materially resignify and recover their communities affected by war. Textile memory work is a socially and ecologically situated practice of repair and reparation from below.
Predictive factors for efficacy and safety of intrathecal infusion devices for oncological pain
Authors: Fernández-Torres Bartolomé , Fontán-Atalaya Isabel M , Peralta-Espinosa Estefanía , Díaz-Rodríguez Diego
Published: August 2023

Introduction

In an important percentage of intrathecal infusion therapy, the pain after implantation of a spinal device does not improve. Our objective is to identify factors that can predict therapeutic success and complications, developing a predictive model based on univariate and multivariate analyses.

Methods

Retrospective observational study, including 132 patients with oncological pain who were implanted with a fixed-flow device for intrathecal infusion. Four time points were established for data collection and, in addition to demographic and anthropometric data, variables related to oncologic pain pathology, initiation of therapy, pain control and complications were collected. Based on univariate and multivariate analyses, we performed predictive models on efficacy and complications.

Results

The mean baseline pain intensity was VAS 7.78, and when comparing the values before implantation with those at month 1, we observed an overall decrease of 4.75 points, maintained at months 3 and 6. Nocturnal pain progressively decreased in incidence from 50.0% before implantation to 21.8%, 9.1% and 4.3% at 1, 3 and 6 months. Episodic pain was present in 90.1% of the patients before implantation (7.79 episodes/day), and at 6 months the incidence remained at 53.8%. Most of the patients (66.6%) had no complications related to therapy. We constructed a highly significant multivariate model for the efficacy of the therapy with a predictive capacity of 30.2% and composed of factors: absence of nocturnal pain before implantation and clinical improvement on day 2 after implant. Regarding the prediction of complications, it was not possible to achieve a significantly multivariate effective model.

Conclusion

We identify two factors that predict therapeutic success in a multivariate model: the absence of nocturnal pain before implantation and the improvement of pain on the second day after implantation.
Feasibility of a smartphone app for prescribed exercise tutoring in patients with stable coronary heart disease
Authors: Xia Kun , Bai Changhao , Ding Rongjing , Kong Yue , Fan Xiaomian , Liu Yefa , Liu Bo , Chen Xi
Published: August 2023

Background

Digital health technologies have potential to address the challenges associated with traditional cardiac rehabilitation (CR). However, it is not complete enough for prescribed exercise guidance and remote monitoring.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a smartphone app for prescribed exercise tutoring by exercise videos combined with wearable devices to monitor heart rate in patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD).

Methods

The study is a quasi-experimental design study with a single group. A total of 31 patients were included with an average age of 56.2 years (SD 13.4). They participated in a 12-week remote digital CR program. We employed a wearable heart rate monitoring device connected with an app to monitor the patients’ exercise intensity. The app can display the videos corresponding to an exercise prescription to guide the exercise. Cardiorespiratory endurance, blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, blood uric acid, left ventricular ejection fraction and quality of life (QoL) were assessed at the beginning and end of the intervention. Compliance and safety events were recorded as well.

Results

Completion rate reached 90.3%. Average daily effective exercise time was 39.4 min (SD 17.8), and 92.9% of the patients could exercise in the prescribed intensity for at least 20 min per day. Average effective exercise days per week were 4.6 days (SD 2.2), and 67.9% of the patients could exercise in the prescribed intensity for at least 3 days per week. Patients’ peak VO2 ( P = 0.041) and peak metabolic equivalents ( P = 0.018) were significantly increased, low-density lipoprotein ( P = 0.036) and diastolic blood pressure at rest ( P = 0.044) were significantly decreased, and depression (GAD-7, P = 0.014) and anxiety (PHQ-9, P = 0.013) were significantly improved.

Conclusions

It is feasible, safe, and helpful for stable CHD patients to use the app for prescribed exercise tutoring with videos combined with wearable devices to monitor heart rate.

Trial Registration

ChiCTR1800019144.
Measuring efficiency of the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Wu Jih-Shong
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unprecedented loss of life and a severe economic downturn across the globe. Countries have adopted various social distancing and vaccination policies to reduce the spread of the disease and lessen the impact on healthcare systems. The world should work together to confront the disaster and challenge of COVID-19.

Methods

This study uses stochastic frontier analysis to measure the efficiency and influencing factors of the global response to COVID-19 epidemics and to provide follow-up strategies and reference guidelines.

Results

The results of this study show that (1) the average efficiency of the global response to COVID-19 is not good, with significant space for improvement of up to 60%; (2) adequate medical supplies and equipment can reduce mortality; (3) the initial implementation of social distancing policies and wearing masks can effectively reduce the infection rate; and (4) as infection rates and vaccination rates increase so that most people have basic immunity to COVID-19, the epidemic will gradually be reduced.

Conclusions

As the world becomes more aware of the COVID-19 disease, humans will gradually return to normal social interaction and lifestyles. The results of this study are expected to provide a reference for the future direction of the global fight against epidemics and the improvement of public health policies.
The Narrowing Gender Wage Gap Among Faculty at Public Universities in the U.S
Authors: Koedel Cory , Pham Trang
Published: August 2023

We study the conditional gender wage gap among faculty at public research universities in the U.S. We begin by using a cross-sectional dataset from 2016 to replicate the long-standing finding in research that, conditional on rich controls, female faculty earn less than their male colleagues. Next, we construct a data panel to track the evolution of the wage gap through 2021. We show that the gender wage gap is narrowing. It declined by more than 50% over the course of our data panel to the point where by 2021, it is no longer detectable at conventional levels of statistical significance.
How Do People Living With HIV (PLHIV) and AIDS Feel About the Quality of Care They Received Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic in Lagos, Nigeria?
Authors: Adeniran Adeyinka , Shogbamimu Yeside , Ojo Omobola Y. , Chieme Florence C. , Olowofeso Helen O. , Sidebe Imane , Fisher Oladipupo , Adeleke Monsurat
Published: August 2023

Background: This study aimed to assess the perception of quality of care among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Lagos, Nigeria, and identify factors influencing their perceptions. Methodology: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey conducted between December 2020 and March 2021 among 578 PLHIVs drawn from various healthcare facilities in Lagos where HIV care and treatment services were provided. Data were collected through pretested questionnaires and analyzed using Stata SE 12. Results: About 83% of the respondents had a good attitude toward their HIV medication, and 95.5% had a good perception of the quality of care they received. PLHIVs with higher education, skilled or professional occupations and higher monthly income had a significantly higher perception of quality of care compared to others ( P < .05). Conclusion: The PLHIV in Lagos had a positive attitude toward their medication and a good perception of the quality of care they received during the COVID-19 pandemic. All stakeholders’ efforts should be sustained for continuous quality improvement in HIV care in Lagos.
Understanding the Individual in Context: Socioeconomic Inequality in College Students’ Perspectives
Authors: Silver Blake R.
Published: August 2023

Knowledge about whether and how students’ dispositions and ways of thinking are shaped by higher education has expanded rapidly in recent years. Drawing from in-depth interviews with 104 college students at a large public university in the United States, this study examined how participants described the relationship between individual experiences and social, historical, and political contexts. Findings indicate that most students understood the world in ways that were in conflict with stated university goals to foster understanding of the connections between individuals and broader contextual factors. The perspectives that emerged varied by socioeconomic status. Less socioeconomically advantaged students placed an emphasis on individual responsibility in ways that evoked self-blame for struggles. More socioeconomically advantaged students, by contrast, relied on contextualized explanations of their own lived experiences but refused to extend those explanations to understand the experiences of others. These perspectives contribute to the reproduction of inequality as students move through and beyond college. Presented findings extend conversations about how the potential transformative impact of higher education may be undermined by neoliberalism and marketization, which have reshaped the distribution of opportunities and resources in postsecondary institutions. Implications for addressing this inequality by framing education in more holistic ways are discussed.
Work hour mismatches and sickness absence and the moderating role of human resource practices: Evidence from Germany
Authors: Reich Ricarda
Published: August 2023

Working time mismatches – and especially overemployment – continue to be a highly relevant topic in German legislation, business practice and in research. However, it has been rather neglected in empirical absenteeism research. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the relationship between contractual overemployment, that is, the difference between contractual and preferred working hours, and sickness absence in Germany. Furthermore, this study explores the moderating role of HR practices (flexible work arrangements and part-time employment) on this relationship. Therefore, I conduct two-level negative binomial regression analyses, using data from the German Socio-economic panel (GSOEP). In line with the JD-R model, results indicate that overemployment (especially overemployment of 6–10 hours compared to a work hour match) is positively related to sickness absence. However, the moderating role of flexible work arrangements, that is, the buffer effect of working time autonomy on this link cannot be confirmed. Moreover, the results suggest that part-time employment amplifies the relationship between overemployment (1–5 hours) and sickness absence for females only. This study highlights the need to move away from standardised work hour arrangements. Indeed, it is one of the first studies that emphasises the role of preference-based contractual working hours in reducing absenteeism, also and especially because standard HR practices do not mitigate overemployment-related absenteeism, but can in fact exacerbate it. Furthermore, this study contributes to theory and literature, by extending the JD-R model to overemployment.
Identification of QTL for kernel weight and size and analysis of the pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) gene family in cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Fang Yuanjin , Liu Hua , Qin Li , Qi Feiyan , Sun Ziqi , Wu Jihua , Dong Wenzhao , Huang Bingyan , Zhang Xinyou
Published: August 2023

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important oilseed crop worldwide. Improving its yield is crucial for sustainable peanut production to meet increasing food and industrial requirements. Deciphering the genetic control underlying peanut kernel weight and size, which are essential components of peanut yield, would facilitate high-yield breeding. A high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based linkage map was constructed using a recombinant inbred lines (RIL) population derived from a cross between the variety Yuanza9102 and a germplasm accession wt09-0023. Kernel weight and size quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were co-localized to a 0.16 Mb interval on Arahy07 using inclusive composite interval mapping (ICIM). Analysis of SNP, and Insertion or Deletion (INDEL) markers in the QTL interval revealed a gene encoding a pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) superfamily protein as a candidate closely linked with kernel weight and size in cultivated peanut. Examination of the PPR gene family indicated a high degree of collinearity of PPR genes between A. hypogaea and its diploid progenitors, Arachis duranensis and Arachis ipaensis. The candidate PPR gene, Arahy.JX1V6X, displayed a constitutive expression pattern in developing seeds. These findings lay a foundation for further fine mapping of QTLs related to kernel weight and size, as well as validation of candidate genes in cultivated peanut.
Identification of novel tumor-associated antigens and evaluation of a panel of autoantibodies in detecting oral cancer
Authors: Xie Weihong , Sun Guiying , Xia Junfen , Chen Huili , Wang Chen , Lin Juan , Wang Peng
Published: August 2023

Background

We aimed to identify tumor-associated antigen (TAA) biomarkers through bioinformatic analysis and experimental verification, and to evaluate a panel of autoantibodies against tumor-associated antigens (TAAbs) for the detection of oral cancer (OC).

Methods

GEO and TCGA databases were used to screen significantly up-regulated genes related to OC, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis and Cystoscope software were used to identify key genes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the expression levels of autoantibodies in 173 OC patients and 173 normal controls, and binary logistic regression analysis was used to build a diagnostic model.

Results

Using bioinformatics, we identified 10 key genes (AURKA, AURKB, CXCL8, CXCL10, COL1A1, FN1, FOXM1, MMP9, SPP1 and UBE2C) that were highly expressed in OC. Three autoantibodies (anti-AURKA, anti-CXCL10, anti-FOXM1) were proven to have diagnostic value for OC in the verification set and the validation set. The combined assessment of these three autoantibodies improved the diagnostic value for OC, with an area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity of 0.741(95%CI:0.690–0.793),58.4% and 80.4%, respectively. In addition, the combination of these three autoantibodies also had high diagnostic value for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), with an AUC, sensitivity and specificity of 0.731(95%CI:0.674,0.786), 53.8% and 82.1%, respectively.

Conclusions

Our study revealed that AURKA, CXCL10 and FOXM1 may be potential biomarkers and the panel of three autoantibodies (anti-AURKA, anti-CXCL10 and anti-FOXM1) had good diagnostic value for OC.
Application of virtual reality in dental implants: a systematic review
Authors: Monaghesh Elham , Negahdari Ramin , Samad-Soltani Taha
Published: August 2023

Background and objective

A treatment approach that is widely used as a permanent and natural replacement for missing or extracted teeth is dental implants .VR is a computer-generated simulation that creates a three-dimensional (3D) image or environment. Advances in VR -based learning allow learners and students to practice and also help professionals plan a wide variety of surgical procedures, including the correct placement of dental implants. Therefore, in this systematic review, our aim was to investigate and evaluate the available virtual reality tools for dental implants and their effectiveness.

Materials and methods

Studies published up to 01/30/2023 which report the applications of using virtual reality technology in dental implants, were reviewed in three databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. All studies with evidence reporting the role of virtual reality technology in the field of dental implants were included in our analyses, written in English and published in peer-reviewed form, are included. Theoretical articles, and letters that did not provide original data, as well as studies that reported incomplete information, were excluded. Two reviewers independently assessed search results, extracted data, and assessed the quality of the included studies, and decisive agreement was reached by discussion and consultation with the third researcher. Narrative synthesis was undertaken to summarize and report the findings.

Results

Out of 1633 initial search results, nine were included in the present study based on the inclusion criteria. The focus of seven studies was on teaching and learning, and two studies have examined the implant planning procedure. The most commonly used hardware and software were head-mounted display and Unity3D, respectively. In almost all studies, the results showed that the use of virtual reality-based systems improves and enhances the skills of users, including dental students and specialists.

Conclusions

Our findings showed that VR is an effective method for teaching and planning the implant process. Although the use of VR technology is limited for various reasons such as cost, it can increase the skills of dental professionals in performing dental implants.
Extensive lesions and a positive cone margin are strong predictors of residual disease in subsequent hysterectomy following conization for squamous intraepithelial lesion grade 2 or 3 study design
Authors: Peng Hongfa , Liu Wencan , Jiang Jingjing , Du Hui
Published: August 2023

Background

This study aimed to determine the predictive factors for post-conization of residual disease in subsequent hysterectomy for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or 3.

Methods

This retrospective study included 267 patients with histologically confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or 3 who underwent hysterectomy within 7 months after conization. Clinical data (e.g., age, menopausal status, gravidity, parity, type of transformation zone, conization method) as well as pathological data pertaining to conization and hysterectomy were collected from medical records. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between the variables and risk of residual lesions in hysterectomy samples.

Results

Overall, 70 (26.2%) patients had residual lesions in their hysterectomy specimens. Univariate analyses revealed that age ≥ 50 years (p=0.019), endocervical gland involvement(p=0.013), positive margin(p < 0.001), and involvement of 3–4 quadrants(p < 0.001) were risk factors for residual lesions. Conversely, postmenopausal status, gravidity ≥ 3, parity ≥ 2, loop electrosurgical excision procedure, and type III transformation zone were not risk factors for residual lesions. A positive margin(p < 0.001) and multiple-quadrant involvement(p < 0.001) were identified as independent risk factors for residual lesions on multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Multiple-quadrant involvement and a positive cone margin were reliable predictive factors for residual disease. Total hysterectomy or repeated cervical conization should be considered for patients with these two risk factors. The identification of high-risk patients with extensive lesions by colposcopic examination before conization is indispensable, as it will enable surgeons to perform conization with consideration of risk factors and possibly improve the approach used for the excisional procedure. For high-risk patients, colposcope-guided cold-knife conization is preferred when resources permit.
Mutations in CCNB3 affect its location thus causing a multiplicity of phenotypes in human oocytes maturation by aberrant CDK1 activity and APC/C activity at different stages
Authors: Wang Congjing , Chen Meng Xi , Zhang Yuan , Bai Xue , Cao Qiqi , Han Jian , Zhang Nana , Zhao Chun , Ling Xiufeng , Rui Ximan , Guan Yichun , Zhang Junqiang , Huo Ran
Published: August 2023

Background

Oocyte maturation arrest results in female infertility and the genetic etiology of this phenotype remains largely unknown. Previous studies have proven that cyclins play a significant role in the cell cycle both in meiosis and mitosis. Cyclin B3 (CCNB3) is one of the members of the cyclin family and its function in human oocyte maturation is poorly understood.

Methods

118 infertile patients were recruited and WES was performed for 68 independent females that experienced oocyte maturation arrest. Four mutations in CCNB3 were found and effects of these mutations were validated by Sanger sequencing and in vitro functional analyses.

Results

We found these mutations altered the location of cyclin B3 which affected the function of cyclin dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) and led to mouse oocyte arrested at germinal vesicle (GV) stage. And then, low CDK1 activity influenced the degradation of cadherin 1 (CDH1) and the accumulation of cell division cycle 20 (CDC20) which are two types of anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) activators and act in different stages of the cell cycle. Finally, APC/C activity was downregulated due to insufficient CDC20 level and resulted in oocyte metaphase I (MI) arrest. Moreover, we also found that the addition of PP1 inhibitor Okadic acid and CDK1 inhibitor Roscovitine at corresponding stages during oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) significantly improved the maturation rates in CCNB3 mutant cRNAs injected oocytes. The above experiments were performed in mouse oocytes.

Conclusion

Here, we report five independent patients in which mutations in CCNB3 may be the cause of oocyte maturation arrest. Our findings shed lights on the critical role of CCNB3 in human oocyte maturation.
Trends in mosquito species distribution modeling: insights for vector surveillance and disease control
Authors: Lippi Catherine A. , Mundis Stephanie J. , Sippy Rachel , Flenniken J. Matthew , Chaudhary Anusha , Hecht Gavriella , Carlson Colin J. , Ryan Sadie J.
Published: August 2023

Species distribution modeling (SDM) has become an increasingly common approach to explore questions about ecology, geography, outbreak risk, and global change as they relate to infectious disease vectors. Here, we conducted a systematic review of the scientific literature, screening 563 abstracts and identifying 204 studies that used SDMs to produce distribution estimates for mosquito species. While the number of studies employing SDM methods has increased markedly over the past decade, the overwhelming majority used a single method (maximum entropy modeling; MaxEnt) and focused on human infectious disease vectors or their close relatives. The majority of regional models were developed for areas in Africa and Asia, while more localized modeling efforts were most common for North America and Europe. Findings from this study highlight gaps in taxonomic, geographic, and methodological foci of current SDM literature for mosquitoes that can guide future efforts to study the geography of mosquito-borne disease risk.

Graphical Abstract
Diagnostic performance of Strongyloides-specific IgG4 detection in urine for diagnosis of human strongyloidiasis
Authors: Wongphutorn Phattharaphon , Worasith Chanika , Kopolrat Kulthida Y. , Homwong Chutima , Sithithaworn Jiraporn , Eamudomkarn Chatanun , Techasen Anchalee , Tippayawat Patcharaporn , Pitaksakurat Opal , Hongsrichan Nuttanan , Crellen Thomas , Sithithaworn Paiboon
Published: August 2023

Background

Detection of parasite-specific IgG in urine is a sensitive method for diagnosis of strongyloidiasis and gives similar accuracy to serum IgG. However, there are no data concerning detection of IgG subclass in urine. To further explore the utility of diagnosis from urine samples, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of IgG4 in urine compared with parasitological and other immunological methods.

Methods

The urine and sera included proven strongyloidiasis (group 1, n = 93), other parasitic infections (group 2, n = 40) and parasite negatives (group 3, n = 93). The performance of Strongyloides-specific IgG4 in urine for diagnosis of strongyloidiasis using fecal examinations as the reference standard was assessed.

Results

With fecal examination as a gold standard, Strongyloides-specific IgG4 in urine had 91.4% sensitivity and 93.2% specificity while serum IgG4 had 93.6% sensitivity and 91.0% specificity. IgG4 in both urine and serum had almost perfect diagnostic agreements with fecal examination (Cohen's kappa coefficient was > 0.8). Cross-reactivity to Opisthorchis viverrini and Taenia spp. of IgG4 in urine were 7.5% and 12.5% in serum. Concurrent analyses of total IgG in urine and serum showed that the sensitivities (97.9–100%) and specificities (88.7–91.0%) were similar (P > 0.05). The sensitivity for parasitological examination by the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique (FECT) was 49.5% and that for agar plate culture technique (APC) it was 92.6%.

Conclusion

Our findings showed that specific IgG4 detection in urine yielded similar diagnostic performance to the same biomarkers in serum. This suggests that accurate diagnosis of strongyloidiasis can be performed using urine samples and IgG4 is a valid choice of diagnostic marker. Further assessment is required to assess the utility of urine IgG4 for measuring the response treatment in strongyloidiasis.

Graphical Abstract
Idiopathic omental hemorrhage: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Rashidi Fatemeh , Samimiat Alireza , Jafarimehrabady Niloofar , Hajebi Reza
Published: August 2023

Background

A spontaneous rupture of an omental vessel can cause severe intraabdominal hemorrhage. We present a case of idiopathic omental hemorrhage caused by a vascular malformation. The literature is systematically reviewed.

Case presentation

A 65-year-old Iranian man was admitted to the emergency department for 10 days with abdominal pain. His medical history was not significant. Fever, vomiting, nausea, or anorexia were not reported. However, he was suffering from diaphoresis and malaise at the time. He did not smoke or drink alcohol. During physical examination, blood pressure was 82/60 mmHg with a temperature of 36.6 °C; heart rate was 96 beats/minute and respiratory rate was 18 breaths per/minute. An abdominal examination revealed mild tenderness in the periumblical. The focused assessment with sonography in trauma examination yielded positive results. The complete blood count showed 14 × 103/mcL of white blood cells and 185 × 103/mcL of platelets. The hemoglobin value was 6.7 g/L at admission. To stabilize the patient’s condition, a unit of packed cell was administered. A double contrast enhancement abdominal computer tomography was performed, which revealed a massive hemoperitoneum. Subsequently, an exploratory laparoscopy was performed to search for the responsible pathology. But it was not successful. The surgical plan was changed to laparotomy. The hemorrhage source was not found during laparotomy. Observation revealed a massive hemoperitoneum originating in the omental vessels. A portion of the omentum located on the greater omentum at the greater curve was removed. Based on the pathological examination of the extracted tissue, vascular malformations were identified. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged from the hospital 7 days after surgery. Previous reports assessing idiopathic omental bleeding were systematically reviewed. A total of 14 hits were identified in PubMed and Scopus from 2015 to November 2022 for idiopathic omental bleeding.

Conclusion

Presence of positive focused assessment with sonography in trauma, abdominal pain, imaging evidence of fluid accumulation, and a reduction in hemoglobin levels collectively indicate the likelihood of arteriovenous malformation occurrence. The treatment options include surgical intervention and transcatheter arterial embolization. Surgical intervention is recommended for subjects with hemodynamic instability, persistent hypotension and those whose diagnosis is unconfirmed.