bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Religious identity, religious practice, and religious beliefs across countries and world regions
Authors: Leite Ângela , Nobre Bruno , Dias Paulo
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the structure and measurement invariance of the religious identity, religious practice, and religious beliefs across cultures in six world regions (Asia, non-Western Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, and Western Europe) and across Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic regions (WEIRD) and non-WEIRD world regions. Confirmatory factory analysis examined whether the hypothesized measurement model fits the data; several multi-group confirmatory factor analyses were performed to examine measurement invariance through a progressive analytic strategy involving three invariance conditions of configural, metric, and scalar invariance. The results generally supported the adequate fit to the data of the three correlated factors model (religious identity-RII, religious practice-RPI, and religious beliefs—RBI); it was found to be full metric invariance for WEIRD regions (RII), North America (RII and RBI), Western Europe (RII) and Non-Western Europe (RII), and South America (RII and RBI). Finally, for RII, it was found to be full configural invariance in almost all regions, except North America and Oceania; for RPI, it was found to be full configural only in North America and Non-WEIRD regions; and for RBI, it was found to be full configural only in North America, Asia, and South America, being that women scored significantly higher than men in all three indices all over the world; finally, it was found to be configural, but not metric or scalar invariance across WEIRD and non-WEIRD world regions.
Sector-Switching, Bureaucratic Reputation, and Citizen Evaluation of Performance: Evidence From a Large-Scale Experiment in India
Authors: Hameduddin Taha , Vivona Roberto
Published: January 2023

Amid crises of trust in government, the legitimacy of public organizations has never been more important. In this context, access to performance information ensures democratic control and thus legitimacy. However, performance evaluation is hindered by transaction costs in accessing and cognitive biases in interpreting performance. We examine two antecedents of citizen evaluations of performance: sector and bureaucratic reputation. Utilizing two experiments on a representative sample of Indian citizens, we situate our paper amid the increasing privatization of public services, and reputation management strategies used to influence performance evaluations. We discuss our findings and their implications for public management theory and practice.
COVID-19 Risk Perception and Support for COVID-19 Mitigation Measures among Local Government Officials in the U.S.: A Test of a Cultural Theory of Risk
Authors: Dimitrijevska-Markoski Tamara , Nukpezah Julius A.
Published: January 2023

This study relies on a cultural theory of risk to examine how cultural biases (hierarchy, individualism, egalitarianism, and fatalism) of local government officials affect their COVID-19 risk perception and support for COVID-19 mitigation measures. After controlling for partisanship, religiosity, and other factors, the analysis of survey data from county governments in the U.S. revealed that cultural biases matter. Officials with egalitarian and hierarchical cultural biases report higher support for adopting COVID-19 mitigation measures, while those with individualistic cultural biases report lower support. These findings highlight the need to understand cultural worldviews and develop cultural competencies necessary for governing traumatic events.
Thermal monitoring of lithium-ion batteries based on machine learning and fibre Bragg grating sensors
Authors: Liu Shiyun , Li Kang
Published: January 2023

Lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) are well-known power sources due to their higher power and energy densities, longer cycle life and lower self-discharge rate features. Hence, these batteries have been widely used in various portable electronic devices, electric vehicles and energy storage systems. The primary challenge in applying a Lithium-ion battery (LiB) system is to guarantee its operation safety under both normal and abnormal operating conditions. To achieve this, temperature management of batteries should be placed as a priority for the purpose of achieving better lifetime performance and preventing thermal failures. In this paper, fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor technology coupling with machine learning (ML) has been explored for battery temperature monitoring. The results based on linear and nonlinear models have confirmed that the novel methods can estimate temperature variations reliably and accurately.
Bilateral Masticator Space Metastasis of Breast Cancer Mimicking Abscess
Authors: Gozgec Elif , Ogul Hayri , Eren Suat
Published: January 2023

Metastasis to the masticator space and mandible is very rare. The most common origin in women is breast cancer. Cystic metastases may radiologically mimic abscess. Definitive diagnosis can be made histopathologically. The prognosis of these patients is very poor and early diagnosis is important. Therefore, metastasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of oral lesions.
Timing is everything: Developmental changes in the associations between intergroup contact and bias
Authors: Merrilees Christine E. , Taylor Laura K. , Klotz Madeline , Goeke-Morey Marcie C. , Shirlow Peter , Cummings E. Mark
Published: January 2023

Identifying developmental patterns in intergroup contact and its relation with bias is crucial for improving prevention strategies around intergroup relations. This study applied time-varying effects modeling (TVEM) to examine age-based changes in relations between contact and bias in a divided community that included 667 youth ( M age = 15.74, SD = 1.97) from Belfast, Northern Ireland, a conflict-affected setting. The results suggest no change in the relation between contact frequency and bias; however, the relation between contact quality and bias increases from ages 10–14 and then levels off. Differences between Catholics, the historic minority group, and Protestants, the historic majority group, also emerged. The article concludes with implications for future research and interventions for youth growing up amid conflict.
A Center Experience with Common Data Elements in Chronic Illness Self-Management Research
Authors: Bauer Wendy S. , Schiffman Rachel F.
Published: January 2023

In recent decades, the use of common data elements has expanded across the health disciplines. This has included growth within programs of research focused on self-management and family nursing. Family nursing and self-management science may be expanded with the increased use of common concepts, measures, and theoretical frameworks. This article describes the experience of exploring the use of common data elements and identifying shared concepts from the perspective of one National Institute of Nursing Research funded Exploratory Center in Self-Management. Guidance offered by the Individual and Family Self-Management Theory is discussed, and implications for family research are presented.
IT usage and fundraising performance in nonprofit organizations: Empirical evidence from Buddhist temples in Thailand
Authors: Pholphirul Piriya , Bhatiasevi Veera
Published: January 2023

The use of IT has seen great success in the private sector and is now beginning to fill a similar role for non-profit organizations (NPOs) as well. The use of IT in fundraising activities in NPOs has been studied in the past. But applying this concept in the case of Buddhist temples, which make up the majority of NPOs in a Buddhist country like Thailand, has never been done before. Using the national survey of 16,895 Buddhist temples in Thailand and econometrics modeling reveals that using IT in temple management has a statistically significant effect on generating higher income from fundraising activities. Using the Internet and computers can boost temple donations and fundraising by promoting religious activities. And temples that use websites and social media seem to receive more government subsidies. In addition, other variables, such as location, number of monks and staff, pro-social activities, and temple age, also represent strong determinants of fundraising performance. Therefore, we find that Buddhist temples in Thailand would do well to use the Internet and social media to develop content, provide advice, and preach online, as these technology-enhanced activities play an important role in increasing fundraising efficiency. Thus, training in such current communication technology should be provided to monks so that they can take advantage of such tools to not only increase their productivity, but also to equip themselves with other, up-to-date skills to enhance the religious education of their congregations that they currently provide through traditional preaching.
Prosthesis-prosthesis anastomosis using barbed sutures compared to conventional sutures under high, long-term pressure; in vitro extracorporeal circulation setup
Authors: Haenen Filip WN , Van Oostende Claire , Allegaert Mathias , Round Kellen J , Rosen Jake L , Guy Sloane T , Rodrigus Inez
Published: January 2023

Background

While barbed sutures have been extensively utilized in other disciplines, they have not been widely adopted in cardiac surgery. The lack of safety and feasibility data has limited its use within the field. To aide in the further understanding of how cardiac surgeons can use barbed sutures, we sought to develop a high-pressure in vitro simulation model. We compared knotless barbed sutures in a highly pressurized anastomosis to conventional sutures.

Methods

Ten specimens in total were utilized in prosthesis anastomosis, using 34 mm Gelweave Plexus (Terumo Aortic, Sunrise, FL 33325, USA) and 34 mm Hemabridge (Intergard Woven Hemabridge, Getinge, Göteborg, Sweden). Five models of size 3-0 barbed suture anastomoses using non-absorbable, barbed, self-retaining, monofilament polypropylene sutures (Filbloc® 3-0, Assut Europe, Rome, Italy) were compared against five conventional anastomoses using size 4-0 polypropylene monofilament (Ethicon, USA). The systems were connected using a novel-designed extracorporeal circulation system. Pressure was rapidly increased in the specimen to a mean pressure of 300–350 mmHg, running then for a minimum of 48 hours to assess anastomosis strength and endurance.

Results

No anastomotic dehiscence or rupture was recorded. Complex, angular anastomosis required extra stitch leakage sutures in both conventional and barbed suture specimens.

Conclusion

Using knotless barbed sutures with an additional self-locking maneuver for prosthesis-prosthesis anastomosis in cardiac surgery is feasible in an in vitro model under long term, high-mean pressure when compared to conventional sutures. In vivo trials should be performed to further validate the in vitro findings.
Self-entrepreneurship in uncertain futures: The case of performing artists in Italy
Authors: Naclerio Emanuela
Published: January 2023

This article contributes to contemporary debates on self-entrepreneurship in cultural work by focusing on project-based theatre actors in Italy. Drawing on in-depth interviews, the study considers performing artists’ narratives of success, unsuccess, and future expectations to shed light on how entrepreneurial projects are negotiated in neoliberal cultural work. The article expands current research by considering how self-entrepreneurial projects are lived out in insecure working environments, taking into account a geographical area and a creative sector often overlooked by studies of creative labour. In a context where precariousness is normalised, actors’ discourses point at the emergence of disaffection towards neoliberal entrepreneurial ideals of autonomy and competition and to the loss of a progressive idea of biographical projects. The research highlights that an ongoing status of insecurity can mine optimistic and entrepreneurial orientations, questioning the sustainability of neoliberal ethos of work as a future-oriented project in times of enhanced insecurity.
Comorbidity or combination – more evidence for cluster-migraine?
Authors: Chwolka Mateusz , Goadsby Peter J , Gantenbein Andreas R
Published: January 2023

Background

While migraine and cluster headache share some clinical features and therapies, they differ considerably in the frequency and duration of the headache, as well as the inter-attack, or inter-bout, pathophysiology. Neither is fully understood, with their shared pathways being of interest.

Findings

Five patients for whom it was difficult to distinguish migraine from cluster headache are presented. They had aspects of their phenotypes, which could be attributed to both disorders. Each patient was thoroughly examined, excluding secondary causes of headache, and had been treated with a number of medicines.

Conclusion

A correct diagnosis is key to the appropriate treatment approach. Especially, if treatment is not successful for the suspected headache type, and enlargement of the diagnostic and therapeutic range, respectively, should be evaluated. Whether in such settings there is shared or different pathophysiology can only be speculated upon.
What Else Can Be Learned When Coding? A Configurative Literature Review of Learning Opportunities Through Computational Thinking
Authors: Melro Ana , Tarling Georgie , Fujita Taro , Kleine Staarman Judith
Published: January 2023

Underpinning the teaching of coding with Computational Thinking has proved relevant for diverse learners, particularly given the increasing demand in upskilling for today’s labour market. While literature on computing education is vast, it remains unexplored how existing CT conceptualisations relate to the learning opportunities needed for a meaningful application of coding in non-Computer Scientists’ lives and careers. In order to identify and organise the learning opportunities in the literature about CT, we conducted a configurative literature review of studies published on Web of Science, between 2006 and 2021. Our sample gathers 34 papers and was analysed on NVivo to find key themes. We were able to organise framings of CT and related learning opportunities into three dimensions: functional, collaborative, and critical and creative. These dimensions make visible learning opportunities that range from individual cognitive development to interdisciplinary working with others, and to active participation in a technologically evolving society. By comparing and contrasting frameworks, we identify and explain different perspectives on skills. Furthermore, the three-dimensional model can guide pedagogical design and practice in coding courses.
Kinematics analysis, motion planning and control of the continuum manipulator in minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Qi Fei , Dou Xiaoming , Bai Dongming , Zhang Heng , Pei Haishan , Zhu Jing
Published: January 2023

Due to its unique dexterity, flexibility, and safety, continuum manipulator is more suitable for the detection, diagnosis, and maintenance in complex, narrow, and unstructured constrained environment. This paper presented a new cable-driven flexible endoscope robot for diagnosis and treatment, and its kinematics model, motion planning and control performance were systematically studied. First of all, the kinematics model of the proposed continuum manipulator was established by D-H method, and the workspace was analyzed based on the improved Monte Carlo method. In order to make the multi-segment continuum robot safety and quickly intervene into the target area, a motion planning method was proposed by using the ridge method under the constraints of the navigation path. In other words, the minimum distance between the beginning point, middle point and distal point of the robot and the theoretical trajectory points was taken as the optimization function, the configuration parameters of each bending segment were solved by inverse recursion to control the robot move along the pre-given navigation path. Then, the motion planning simulations of the plane path and spatial path were carried out to verify the proposed motion planning method. Finally, the experimental prototype of the proposed endoscopic robot was set up to verify the feasibility of the proposed continuum structure and the correctness of the established model, which can be used as a feedback control and navigation reference.
Process parameters optimization for cold metal transfer-deposited IN625 single-layer bead features by entropy weightage-assisted grey-based Taguchi analysis
Authors: Motwani Amit , Kumar Anand , Talekar Akshay , Puri Yogesh
Published: January 2023

The selection of the right set of parameters for the desired bead geometry leads to minimize the discontinuous weld bead, weld cracks, porosity, and waviness. The present work focuses on the multi-response optimization for the cold metal transfer-deposited IN625 weld bead characteristics that include bead height, bead width, and penetration depth along with a mechanical property of micro-hardness. Effects of input parameters such as input current, travel speed, and standoff distance are being selected for the investigation by implementing grey relational analysis where entropy weightage method is applied for the calculation of overall grey relation grade. The multi-responses of minimum bead width and maximum bead height, penetration, and microhardness by grey relational analysis are optimized at 140 A current, 4 mm/s travel speed, and 4 mm standoff distance. Confirmatory experiments were also carried out giving the satisfactory validation. The evaluation of bead features optimization can be used for the development of wire arc additive manufacturing process in later stages.
Stability analysis of water-alumina nanofluid film at the spherical interface
Authors: Agarwal Shivam , Awasthi Mukesh Kumar , Shukla Atul Kumar
Published: January 2023

The interface of a viscous fluid and [Formula: see text]-water nanofluid is analyzed through linear instability analysis in a spherical configuration. The viscous fluid lies inside the sphere while the outside region contains nanofluid. In this model, the viscosity of the nanofluid is considered a function of the base fluid viscosity, nanoparticles volume fraction, fractal aggregates, and nanoparticles shape. The perturbed flow is taken as irrotational, and the linear perturbation equations are solved through viscous irrotational theory. The perturbations growth rate can be computed through a 2-degree polynomial and the coefficients of this polynomial are the functions of the Atwood number, Richardson number, Weber number, Reynolds number, etc. The nanofluid interface is found more stable than the viscous fluid interface. The density of nanofluids raises the amplitude of disturbances while the nanofluid's viscosity has a reverse effect.
The airing of grievances: A look at complaint behavior in library reddit
Authors: Ming Yue , Matteson Miriam L.
Published: January 2023

Social media platforms have been adapted into society in various ways during last two decades. Few studies have examined social media content from the perspective of the individual library professional, and in particular, from librarians’ social media posts about their work. This research explores social media complaints from library professionals to reveal insights into the areas of concern related to libraries as expressed in an informal, discursive style. Reddit data from three library subReddits was collected through a Python script. A total of 272 complaint posts with enough information were coded manually. A computational tool, Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC), was also used to extract linguistic characteristics of each post. The majority of the sources of the complaint posts came from librarians (86.76%). The top five categories of the target of the complaints were patrons (27.94%), the poster’s organization (20.22%), the poster’s supervisor (11.03%), the library field (11.03%), and the poster’s coworkers (10.29%). The top four topics of the complaint posts were patron behavior (21.69%), negative work environment (16.18%), job expectations (11.76%), and service expectations (10.66%). Organizations should put into place mechanisms and processes through which employees may share their concerns and exercise their voice, with no retribution, to solve workplace problems.
Legislating for human security: Could South Australia lead the way again?
Authors: Moulds Sarah , Knight Mark
Published: January 2023

Conventional approaches to legislating to protect individual rights in Australia have utilised the language and discourse of international human rights law, attracting both support and criticism from key political actors and commentators. In South Australia, where no human rights legislation exists, past efforts to generate sustained public and political support for the enactment of international human rights principles into legislation have been unsuccessful. This is despite ongoing instances of human rights breaches occurring within the South Australian community. The reasons are varied and warrant careful consideration in order to identify and evaluate future options for improving the legal protection of human rights. One potential option is to reframe the discourse associated with human rights legislation. This could involve moving away from a legalistic approach that draws from international human rights law concepts and instead embrace the language of human security to refocus public and political attention on the need to secure dignity, equality and safety for the community. This article explores whether the language of human security, and the strategies identified by the United Nations Development Programme towards achieving human security, could create new opportunities for legislative reform in South Australia. It also considers the potential shortcomings of this approach, having regard to successful attempts to enact human rights legislation in other Australian states and territories.
Introduction to Research on Social Work Practice Special Issue: Program Theory in Social Interventions Developed in Practice Settings
Authors: Olsson Tina M. , Skoog Therése
Published: January 2023

Solving individual, group, or societal problems through social intervention in practice settings is a complex task. The extent to which this end is achieved depends heavily on the effectiveness of the change strategies in use. Increased understanding of how these change strategies work to impact outcomes is at the forefront of the science of social intervention. In this special issue, we have gathered a collection of seven articles that present central issues related to program theory in social interventions developed in practice setting. Our goal is to advance the knowledge of how an understanding of theory in practice can advance social intervention research.
Warfarin Time in Therapeutic INR Range and Direct Oral Anticoagulant Adherence for Venous Thromboembolism Across the Spectrum of Weight and Body Mass Index: Findings from Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Din Natasha , Fan Jun , Schmitt Susan , Guo Jennifer D. , Hlavacek Patrick , Pundi Krishna , Russ Cristina , Emir Birol , Turakhia Mintu P. , Perino Alexander C.
Published: January 2023

The evidence of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) usage for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients at extremes of body weight or mass index is limited. In such situations, warfarin may be more frequently used. We investigated warfarin time in the therapeutic international normalized ratio range (TTR) and DOAC adherence based on the calculated proportion of days covered (PDC) by pill coverage from a DOAC prescription in patients with VTE across all body sizes. Using data from the Veterans Health Administration (VA), we identified first-time patients with VTE between 2013 and 2018 treated with warfarin or DOACs. We analyzed 28,245 patients with warfarin TTR (N  =  10,167) or DOAC PDC(N  =  18,078). For warfarin-treated patients after index VTE, mean TTR was lower over shorter treatment durations (TTR 30 vs TTR 180 [mean  ±  SD]: 43.8% ± 33.5% vs 58.8% ± 23.5%). Mean TTR over 180 days after VTE was lowest for patients <60 kg (TTR 180 [mean  ±  SD]: <60kg: 49.3% ± 24.2% vs ≥60 to <100 kg: 57.8% ± 23.4%; P < .0001). For DOAC-treated patients over 180 days after index VTE, mean PDC was lowest for patients <60 kg (PDC 180 [mean  ±  SD]: < 60kg: 76.9% ± 33.2% vs ≥ 60 to <100 kg: 83.6% ± 27.7%; P < .0001).

Most DOAC-treated patients attained sufficient adherence across the body size spectrum while warfarin-treated patients <60kg were at risk for low TTR.
The Association of Missed Nursing Care With Very Low Birthweight Infant Outcomes
Authors: Lake Eileen T. , Staiger Douglas , Smith Jessica G. , Rogowski Jeannette A.
Published: January 2023

The health outcomes of very low birthweight (VLBW) infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) may be jeopardized when required nursing care is missed. This correlational study is the first to look at the association between missed nursing care and mortality, morbidity, and length of stay (LOS) for VLBW infants in a U.S. NICU sample. We used 2016 hospital administrative discharge abstracts for VLBW newborns ( n = 7,595) and NICU registered nurse survey responses ( n = 6,963) from the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators. The 190 sample hospitals were from 19 states in all regions. Missed clinical nursing care was significantly associated with higher odds of bloodstream infection and longer LOS, but not mortality or severe intraventricular hemorrhage. With further research, these results may motivate the development of interventions to reduce missed clinical nursing care in the NICU.
Clinical characteristics, prognostic factors, and outcomes of ventricular septal rupture in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Ning Feifei , Liu Hui , Yan Yang
Published: January 2023

Ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is a rare but devastating complication in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This was a retrospective single-center observational study which aimed to assess the characteristics and outcomes of VSR patients and identify risk factors for in-hospital mortality of VSR patients in the era of percutaneous intervention. Patients with VSR after AMI at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University from January 2016 to December 2020 were enrolled. Among 5395 consecutive patients with AMI, 42 patients (0.78%) were diagnosed with VSR. Left anterior descending coronary artery was the culprit vessel in most cases (84.4%, 27/32). In the multivariate analysis, female sex (odds ratio (OR): 14.043, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.396–141.283, p = 0.025) and lower platelet count on admission (OR: 0.979; 95% CI: 0.963–0.995; p = 0.009) were significant risk factors of in-hospital death in VSR patients. In all, 11 patients (26.2%) underwent surgical repair, and the rest were treated medically. The 1-year mortality was lower in the surgical group (36.4%, 4/11) than that in the conservative group (74.2%, 23/31) (p = 0.034). During the follow-up, VSR patients treated surgically tended to have a higher long-term survival rate than those treated medically (log rank χ2 = 5.005, p = 0.025). The prognosis of patients with VSR remained poor in this study. Female sex and lower platelet count were independent risk factors of in-hospital death in VSR patients. The long-term survival rate of patients treated with surgical repair was significantly better than that of patients treated conservatively.
Associations among cardiorespiratory fitness, C-reactive protein, and all-cause mortality in men and women
Authors: Farrell Stephen W , Leonard David , Barlow Carolyn E , Shuval Kerem , Pavlovic Andjelka , Cooper Kenneth H , DeFina Laura F
Published: January 2023

We examined individual and joint associations among high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), cardiorespiratory fitness (fitness), and mortality in healthy men and women. Between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2016, 30,077 adults (31.3% women) received a comprehensive physical examination. Fitness was determined from maximal treadmill exercise test duration. Participants were categorized as unfit (Quintile 1) and fit (Quintiles 2–5), and by normal (<2 mg/L) and elevated (≥2 mg/L) CRP categories. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for all-cause mortality were computed with Cox regression. During an average of 10.1 years of follow-up, 576 deaths occurred. Following adjustment for age, smoking status, sex, exam year, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglyceride:high-density lipoprotein ratio, and fasting glucose, HR (95% CI) for all-cause mortality were 1.0 (referent) and 1.52 (1.14–2.02) for fit and unfit categories, respectively. Corresponding values for normal and elevated CRP categories were 1.0 and 1.50 (1.20–1.89), respectively. When grouped by fitness and CRP category, there was significantly greater mortality risk in the unfit than the fit category within the elevated CRP category (HR = 1.77 (1.14–2.75)), but not in the normal CRP category (HR = 1.38 (0.96–1.98)). Each 1 metabolic equivalent increment in fitness and 1 mg/L increment in CRP were associated with 10.0% (95% CI: 5.1–14.8%) decreased and 7.3% (95% CI: 2.0%–12.9%) increased mortality hazard, respectively. Compared to the unfit, fit individuals have an attenuated mortality risk within each CRP category. Thus, higher fitness appears to provide some protection against all-cause mortality, particularly among those with elevated levels of inflammation.
Population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic models of JNJ-64794964, a toll-like receptor 7 agonist, in healthy adult participants
Authors: Wu Liviawati S , Hu Yue , Gane Edward J , Slaets Leen , De Creus An , Ding Yanhua , Niu Junqi , Schwabe Christian , Goeyvaerts Nele , Xu Zhongnan , Huo Dandan , Tuefferd Marianne , Verbrugge Inge , Van Remoortere Pieter , Schwertschlag Ullrich , Vandenbossche Joris
Published: January 2023

Background

JNJ-4964 is a TLR7 agonist, which, via a type I interferon (IFN)–dependent mechanism, may enhance host immunity suppressed by persistent exposure to hepatitis B antigens in chronic hepatitis B.

Methods

PK and PD data were pooled from 2 studies involving 90 participants ( n = 74 JNJ-4964, dose range 0.2–1.8 mg; n = 16 placebo) in a fasted state. Food effects on PK were studied in 24 participants (1.2 or 1.25 mg). A population PK model and PK/PD models were developed to characterize the effect of JNJ-4964 plasma levels on the time course of IFN-α, IFN-γ–inducible protein 10 (IP-10 or CXCL10), IFN-stimulated gene 15 ( ISG15), neopterin and lymphocytes following single and weekly dosing in healthy adults. Covariate effects, circadian rhythms and negative feedback were incorporated in the models.

Results

A 3-compartment linear PK model with transit absorption adequately described JNJ-4964 PK. Bioavailability was 44.2% in fed state relative to fasted conditions. Indirect response models with maximum effect (Emax) stimulation on production rate constant (kin) described IFN-α, IP-10, ISG15 and neopterin, while a precursor-dependent indirect response model with inhibitory effect described the transient lymphocyte reduction. Emax, EC50 and γ (steepness) estimates varied according to PD markers, with EC50 displaying substantial between-subject variability. Female and Asian race exhibited lower EC50, suggesting higher responsiveness.

Conclusions

PK/PD models well characterized the time course of immune system markers in healthy adults. Our results supported sex and race as covariates on JNJ-4964 responsiveness, as well as circadian rhythms and negative feedback as homeostatic mechanisms that are relevant in TLR7-induced type I IFN responses.
The organisation and responsibility for care for older people in Denmark, Finland and Sweden: outline and comparison of care systems
Authors: Agerholm Janne , Pulkki Jutta , Jensen Natasja K. , Keskimäki Ilmo , Andersen Ingelise , Burström Bo , Jämsen Esa , Tynkkynen Liina-Kaisa , Schön Pär , Liljas Ann E.M.
Published: January 2023

Aim:

To outline the organisation and responsibility for health and social care provided to older people in Denmark, Finland and Sweden.

Methods:

Non-quantifiable data on the care systems were collated from the literature and expert consultations. The responsibilities for primary healthcare, specialised healthcare, prevention and health promotion, rehabilitation, and social care were presented in relation to policy guidance, funding and organisation.

Results:

In all three countries, the state issues policy and to some extent co-funds the largely decentralised systems; in Denmark and Sweden the regions and municipalities organise the provision of care services – a system that is also about to be implemented in Finland to improve care coordination and make access more equal. Care for older citizens focuses to a large extent on enabling them to live independently in their own homes.

Conclusions:

Decentralised care systems are challenged by considerable local variations, possibly jeopardising care equity. State-level decision and policy makers need to be aware of these challenges and monitor developments to prevent further health and social care disparities in the ageing population.
Facebook’s platform coloniality: At the nexus of political economy, nation-state’s internal colonialism, and the political activism of the marginalized
Authors: Salih Mohammed A.
Published: January 2023

This article explores Facebook’s censorship of Kurdish political activism at the request of the Turkish government. I argue that Facebook’s censorship of political voices belonging to the marginalized Kurdish community is an articulation of platform coloniality, an outcome constituted by the intersecting of the social media giant’s global political economy imperatives with racialized and hierarchized conceptions of human worth. The effects of platform coloniality are exacerbated due to it being mediated by the Turkish nation-state’s internal colonial politics and militarist regional policies, thus intensifying the marginalization of Kurds inside and outside Turkey. Covered in a typical neoliberal discourse of freedom and human rights, platform coloniality represents a continuation of the age-old patterns of Western power and its flow toward the Global South.
Consideration of blue light hazard for virtual reality head mounted displays
Authors: Leontopoulos M , Leontopoulos S , Knoop M
Published: January 2023

Virtual reality (VR) introduces new approaches to creating virtual spaces for empirical studies and design processes. At the same time, VR platforms for research and education purposes in the field of daylight, such as one being built at TU Berlin, have to consider technical limitations. Besides the imperfections caused by simulation tools, VR head mounted displays (VR HMDs) bring additional shortcomings, one of the most obvious being the low maximum luminance compared to daylight. However, considering a typical viewing distance within VR HMDs is about 15 mm, and a usage duration can last up to 8 hours or more, concerns have arisen about the safety of displays with high luminance levels, particularly as a prototype claiming a maximum luminance of up to 6 000 cd/m2 has been introduced in the last years. Therefore, this paper compares the blue light hazard (BLH)-weighted radiances of VR HMDs to given exposure limits provided by the ICNIRP guidelines on limits of exposure to incoherent visible and infrared radiation and by the IEC 62471 (photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems). The paper concludes with a statement on the BLH safety of VR HMDs.
Must It Be Lonely at the Top? Developing Leader Well-Being in Organizations
Authors: Bachman Julia , Henry Rachel , Jackson Corai , Mitchell Tyree , Crocco Oliver S.
Published: January 2023

The Problem

Human resource development (HRD) scholars and practitioners have given considerable attention to the topic of employee well-being; however, scholarship on the well-being of leaders in organizations is fragmented and comparatively understudied.

The Solution

We conducted an integrative literature review of empirical research on factors that influence leader well-being to synthesize research across various disciplines and generate novel insights that could benefit HRD scholars and practitioners. The findings of this review revealed factors that influence leader well-being at five levels: intra-individual, individual, dyadic/group, organizational, and environmental. We mapped these factors onto a model with mediating mechanisms (i.e., constructive or destructive leader behaviors) and outcomes of leader well-being. Outcomes included short- and long-term psychological, physical, and social outcomes in the domains of work and life in general.

The Stakeholders

This article contains implications for leaders in organizations as well as HR and HRD professionals interested in cultivating leader well-being.
Neurofeedback Treatment Affects Affective Symptoms, But Not Perceived Cognitive Impairment in Cancer Patients: Results of an Explorative Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Fink Madeleine , Pasche Saskia , Schmidt Kira , Tewes Mitra , Schuler Martin , Mülley Bernhard W. , Schadendorf Dirk , Scherbaum Norbert , Kowalski Axel , Skoda Eva-Maria , Teufel Martin
Published: January 2023

Background:

EEG biofeedback (NF) is an established therapy to enable individuals to influence their own cognitive-emotional state by addressing changes in brainwaves. Psycho-oncological approaches of NF in cancer patients are rare and effects are hardly studied.

Objective:

The aim of this explorative, randomized controlled trial was to test the effectiveness of an alpha and theta NF training protocol, compared to mindfulness based therapy as an established psycho-oncological treatment.

Methods:

Of initially 62 screened patients, 56 were included (inclusion criteria were cancer independent of tumor stage, age >18 years, German speaking; exclusion criteria suicidal ideation, brain tumor). Randomization and stratification (tumor stage) was conducted by a computer system. Participants got 10 sessions over 5 weeks, in (a) an NF intervention (n = 21; 13 female, 8 male; MAge = 52.95(10 519); range = 31 to 73 years)) or (b) a mindfulness group therapy as control condition (CG; n = 21; ie, 15 female, 6 male; MAge = 50.33(8708); range = 32 to 67 years)). Outcome parameters included self-reported cognitive impairment (PCI) as primary outcome, and secondary outcomes of emotional distress (DT, PHQ-8, GAD-7), fatigue (MFI-20), rumination (RSQ), quality of life (QoL, EORTC-30 QoL), self-efficacy (GSE), and changes in EEG alpha, and theta-beta band performance in the NF condition.

Results:

No changes in cognitive impairment were found ( P = .079), neither in NF nor CG. High affective distress was evident, with 70.7% showing elevated distress and 34.1% showing severe depressive symptoms. Affective symptoms of distress ( P ≤ .01), depression ( P ≤ .05) and generalized anxiety ( P ≤ .05) decreased significantly over time. No differences between NF and CG were found. There was a significant increase of the alpha band ( P ≤ .05; N = 15) over the NF sessions. Self-efficacy predicted QoL increase in NF with P ≤ .001 and an explained variance of 48.2%.

Conclusion:

This is the first study to investigate NF technique with regard to basic mechanisms of effectiveness in a sample of cancer patients, compared to an established psycho-oncological intervention in this field. Though there were no changes in cognitive impairment, present data show that NF improves affective symptoms comparably to mindfulness-based therapy and even more pronounced in QoL and self-efficacy. Trial registration: ID: DRKS00015773
Protective effect of astaxanthin on tuberculosis-associated inflammatory lung injury
Authors: Li Li , Alimu Ayiguli , Zhong Xuemei , Yang Boyi , Ren Jie , Gong Hui , Abudurehemen Zulipikaer , Yilamujiang Subinuer , Zou Xiaoguang
Published: January 2023

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) invades the lungs and is the key cause of tuberculosis (TB). MTB induces immune overreaction and inflammatory damage to lung tissue. There is a lack of protective drugs against pulmonary inflammatory damage. Herein, the protective roles and mechanisms of Astaxanthin (ASTA), a natural compound, in inflammatory injured lung epithelial cells were investigated. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to establish inflammatory injury model in the murine lung epithelial (MLE)-12 cells. Cell counting kit-8 was used for screening of compound concentrations. Cell proliferation was observed real-time with a high content analysis system. Flow cytometry assessed apoptosis. The changes of apoptotic proteins and key proteins in nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway were measured with the western blot. LPS was used to establish an animal model of pulmonary injury. The pathological changes and degree of inflammatory injury in lung tissue were observed with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The levels of inflammatory mediators were detected with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that ASTA reduced lung inflammation and attenuated inflammatory damage in lung tissues. ASTA reduced apoptosis stimulated by LPS through suppressing the NF-κB pathway in MLE-12 cells. We believe that ASTA may have great potential for protection against inflammatory damage to lung tissue.
Foam Sclerotherapy in Pelvic Congestion Syndrome
Authors: Shahat Mohammed , Hussein Reda S. , Ahmed Ahmed Khairy Sayed
Published: January 2023

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a prevalent condition in middle-aged women that represents a heavy social impact on the quality of life of those females. Treatment of pelvic congestion syndrome is a complex and controversial issue, but treatment can be one of 3 lines: medical therapy, endovascular treatment, and surgical intervention. The endovascular line was first introduced in 1993 and has been popular over other lines of treatment methods. This retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary university hospital over 24 months, from March 2019 to March 2021. Forty patients with PGS were managed by left ovarian vein TCFS. The Institutional Review Board waived the need for ethics approval or informed consent to use anonymized and retrospectively analyzed data. The mean age of enrolled women was 33.80 ± 6.54 years, ranging between 20 and 45 years. Trans-catheter ethanolamine foam embolization is an effective and safe method to treat pelvic and atypical lower limb varices.
Fracture Gap Closure and Reduction Are Affected by the Orientation of the Headless Compression Screw
Authors: Mickley John P. , Lynch Daniel J. , Gordon Adam M. , Roebke Austin J. , Goyal Kanu S.
Published: January 2023

Background:

We evaluated the impact of a variable-pitch headless screw’s angle of insertion relative to the fracture plane on fracture gap closure and reduction.

Methods:

Variable-pitch, fully threaded headless screws were inserted into polyurethane blocks of “normal” bone model density using a custom jig. Separate trials were completed with a 28-mm screw placed perpendicular and oblique/longitudinal to varying fracture planes (0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, and 60°). Fluoroscopic images were taken after each turn during screw insertion and analyzed. Initial screw push-off, residual fracture gap at optimal fracture gap reduction, and malreduction were determined in each trial. Statistical analysis was performed via a 1-way analysis of variance followed by Student t tests.

Results:

Malreduction was found to be significantly different between the perpendicular (1.88 mm ± 1.38) and the oblique/longitudinal (0.58 mm ± 0.23) screws. The malreduction increased for the perpendicular screw as the fracture angle increased (60° > 45°=30° > 15° > 0°). Residual fracture gap at optimal fracture gap reduction was also found to be significantly different between the perpendicular (0.97 ± 0.42) and oblique/longitudinal (1.43 ± 1.14) screws. The residual fracture gap increased for the oblique/longitudinal screw as the fracture angle increased, although the oblique/longitudinal screw with a 60° fracture angle was the only configuration significantly larger than all the other configurations. Screw push-off was not found to be significantly different between the oblique/longitudinal screw and perpendicular screw trials.

Conclusions:

The perpendicular screw had a larger malreduction that increased with fracture angle, whereas the oblique/longitudinal screw had a larger residual fracture gap that increased with fracture angle.
Endovascular thrombectomy for cerebral venous sinus thrombosis using the Penumbra Indigo® Aspiration System
Authors: Kothari Sachin , Morsi Rami Z , Thind Sonam , Tarabichi Ammar , Carrión-Penagos Julian , Desai Harsh , Smith Matthew , Goldenberg Fernando , Mansour Ali , Ahmed Osman , Coleman Elisheva R , Mendelson Scott , Prabhakaran Shyam , Kass-Hout Tareq
Published: January 2023

We present a 35-year-old male with ulcerative colitis initially admitted for a flare-up who then presented with altered mental status and was found to have extensive cerebral venous sinus thrombosis on computed tomography imaging. The patient underwent successful partial recanalization of the superior sagittal sinus and bilateral transverse sinuses using the Penumbra Indigo® Aspiration System with improved outcomes. To our knowledge, this is the first reported use of this device in the treatment of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis.
The incidence of pediatric ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gao Lan , Lim Megumi , Nguyen Dieu , Bowe Steven , MacKay Mark T , Stojanovski Belinda , Moodie Marj
Published: January 2023

Background:

Despite its importance in being among the top 10 causes of childhood death, there is limited data on the incidence of stroke in children and whether this has changed over time.

Aims:

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the worldwide incidence rate of pediatric ischemic stroke, identify population differences, and assess trends in incidence.

Methods:

We screened three databases (Medline, Embase, and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL)) and a Google Search was performed up to October 2021. The protocol was pre-registered: PROSPERO: CRD42021273749. Data extraction and quality assessment were independently undertaken by two reviewers. A random-effects model was used for meta-analysis using Stata SE17 to calculate the overall incidence rate. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2. Meta-regression and assessment for bias were performed.

Results:

Out of 4166 records identified, 39 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis and the quantitative meta-analysis. The incidence rate for all ischemic strokes varied from 0.9 to 7.9 per 100,000 person-years, with a pooled incidence of 2.09 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.57–2.76). The pooled incidence was 1.28 (95% CI: 0.75–2.19) per 100,000 person-years for arterial ischemic stroke, and 0.56 (95% CI: 0.31–1.02) per 100,000 person-years for cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. The incidence of arterial ischemic stroke was high in neonates, less than 28 days old (18.51, 95% CI: 12.70–26.97). Significant heterogeneity was observed in the initial analyses of stroke incidence estimates, and geographical region, cohort age upper limit, length of study, study quality, and study design could not explain this. The incidence rate of childhood stroke appeared remained relatively stable over time.

Conclusion:

Our review provides estimates of global stroke incidence, including stroke subtypes, in children. It demonstrates a particularly high stroke incidence in neonates.