bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward more motivationally-supportive reading interventions: Learning from young DLLs’ perceptions of English-only programmes
Authors: Erickson Joy D , Davison Kelsey E , Markmann Sarah
Published: June 2023

How willing to participate in supplemental reading intervention programs are young dual language learners (DLLs)? Here we employ a qualitative case study design to consider two kindergarten and one first-grade DLLs’ motivation for doing reading tasks within a school-based, pull-out, English-only, reading intervention. Focal children’s motivation-related perceptions were elicited with two participatory interviews. Responses were compared with adults’ evaluations of the children’s behavioral engagement specific to the intervention. All DLLs shared their perceived benefits and costs of intervention involvement and made recommendations for improvement. Exercising autonomy within the intervention was found to be motivating for all children. The degree to which the intervention supported DLLs in sustaining valued connections with friends, family, and teachers also appeared to have a significant influence on motivation. The findings align with and extend existing literature that explores the reading motivation of older DLLs and young monolingual English speakers' motivations for reading within intervention programs. Collectively, findings imply that motivation theory and research, along with DLLs' own program-specific feedback, should inform intervention design and delivery.
Numerical study of acoustic source localization of rotor using a novel discrete noise analysis strategy
Authors: Bao Weicheng , Chen Xi , Zhao Qijun , Sun Dazhi
Published: June 2023

In order to obtain the influence mechanism of the rotor noise and the local aerodynamic variation under different operating conditions, a novel discrete noise analysis strategy for the acoustic source localization is established. The analysis strategy has two aspects including the blade division method and the noise contribution calculation method. Firstly, the body-fitted rotor blade grids are preprocessed and refined at the division position before the flowfield simulation. Then, based on the flowfield result, the blade grids are divided into several blocks in the chordwise and spanwise directions, and the acoustic pressure of each block is predicted. Finally, a discriminant function for the contribution of the block to the rotor noise is proposed, and the acoustic source localization is carried out. The URANS equations and FW-H equations are used to capture high-fidelity flowfield and rotor acoustic pressure. Parameters such as the block position in different direction on the rotor blade and the collective pitches are quantified, and the relationship between air flow and aeroacoustics is discussed in detail. Some conclusions are obtained by analyzing the BO105 model rotor in hover. The acoustic pressure produced by the leading edge of the upper surface could cancel about 50% acoustic pressure of the remainder of these blocks. Increasing the force at this position will be benefit to the noise reduction. Acoustic source distribution is closely linked to the flow separation near the blade tip: the main acoustic source moves toward around 0.9 R section of the blade in the spanwise direction, and it moves from the leading edge towards the trailing edge in the chordwise direction.
Disparities in minority executive dismissal: A contingency perspective
Authors: Wangrow David B , Kolev Kalin D , Hughes-Morgan Margaret
Published: June 2023

As part of society’s motivation to address racial and ethnic disparities, scholars have examined racial/ethnic minorities’ underrepresentation in organizations’ upper echelons. However, prior research on minority executive dismissal has yielded equivocal findings. We draw on leadership categorization theory and token status theory to hypothesize that, under conditions of greater ambiguity and uncertainty, the likelihood of dismissal differs for White and non-White executives. Using a sample of NCAA Division 1 college basketball coaches over an 18-year period, we find overall support for our theorizing—lower financial support, low prestige power, and greater strategic change increase the chances of non-White executives being dismissed. Our findings have important implications for minority executive dismissal research and point to potential remedies that organizations can implement to reduce stereotyping and bias against non-White executives.
ginteff: A generalized command for computing interaction effects
Authors: Radean Marius
Published: June 2023

Interaction analyses are useful tools to examine complex socioeconomic outcomes in which the effect of one variable depends on the presence or values of another variable. Interaction effects capture simultaneous changes in two (or more) covariates, and their computation is especially challenging in nonlinear models. For such models, a statistically significant interaction-term coefficient does not necessarily indicate significant interactive effects. For analyses in which the interaction effect cannot be inferred from the model estimates, I introduce ginteff, a new command that automatically computes two- and three-way interaction effects. The command accommodates a large suite of estimation models and allows researchers to use either the partial derivative or the first difference to model the effect of the interacted variables.
A Lagrange multiplier test for the mean stationarity assumption in dynamic panel-data models
Authors: Magazzini Laura , Calzolari Giorgio
Published: June 2023

In this article, we describe the xttestms command, which implements the Lagrange multiplier test proposed by Magazzini and Calzolari (2020, Econometric Reviews 39: 115–134). The test verifies the validity of the initial conditions in dynamic panel-data models, which is required for consistency of the system generalized method of moments estimator.
xtnumfac: A battery of estimators for the number of common factors in time series and panel-data models
Authors: Ditzen Jan , Reese Simon
Published: June 2023

In this article, we introduce a new community-contributed command, xtnumfac, for estimating the number of common factors in time-series and panel datasets using the methods of Bai and Ng (2002, Econometrica 70: 191–221), Ahn and Horenstein (2013, Econometrica 81: 1203–1227), Onatski (2010, Review of Economics and Statistics 92: 1004–1016), and Gagliardini, Ossola, and Scaillet (2019, Journal of Econometrics 212: 503–521). Common factors are usually unobserved or unobservable. In time series, they influence all predictors, while in paneldata models, they influence all cross-sectional units at different degrees. Examples are shocks from oil prices, inflation, or demand or supply shocks. Knowledge about the number of factors is key for multiple econometric estimation methods, such as Pesaran (2006, Econometrica 74: 967–1012), Bai (2009, Econometrica 77: 1229–1279), Norkute et al. (2021, Journal of Econometrics 220: 416–446), and Kripfganz and Sarafidis (2021, Stata Journal 21: 659–686). This article discusses a total of 10 methods to estimate the number of common factors. Examples based on Kapetanios, Pesaran, and Reese (2021, Journal of Econometrics 221: 510–541) show that U.S. house prices are exposed to up to 10 common factors. Therefore, when one fits models with house prices as a dependent variable, the number of factors must be considered.
Endovascular treatment simulations using a novel in vitro brain arteriovenous malformation model based on three-dimensional printing millifluidic technology
Authors: Rivera Rodrigo , Cespedes Alvaro , Cruz Juan Pablo , Rivera Gladys Carlota , Valencia Alvaro , Rouchaud Aymeric , Mounayer Charbel
Published: June 2023

Background

Brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVM) are complex vascular diseases. Several models have been used to simulate endovascular treatments; thus in vitro models have not been widely employed because it has been difficult to recreate realistic phantoms of this disease.

Objective

To describe the development and evaluate the preliminary experience of a novel bAVM in vitro model for endovascular embolization using millifluidic three-dimensional (3D) printing technology.

Methods

We designed a bAVM phantom starting from simple to more complex designs, composed of a nidus, feeding arteries and draining vein. We recreate the design by using millifluidic technology with stereolithography 3D printing. Structural and functional tests were performed using angiographic images and computer flow dynamics. Treatment simulations with ethylene vinyl alcohol were tested using two different microcatheter position techniques. A Likert-scale questionnaire was applied to perform a qualitative evaluation of the model.

Results

We developed a realistic model of a bAVM with hollow channels. The structural evaluation showed a high precision of the 3D printing process. Embolization tests with the liquid agent gave similar sensations and material behaviour as in vivo cases. There were no significant differences between microcatheter position techniques, thus we observed a trend for better nidus filling with a deeper in-nidus position technique.

Conclusions

We were able to create and test a novel bAVM in vitro model with stereolithography 3D printing in resin. It showed a high capacity for simulating endovascular embolization characteristics, with an excellent user experience. It could be potentially used for training and testing of bAVM embolizations.
The Case for Using an Intergenerational Multi-Methods Approach in Community-Based Research
Authors: Swanson Lee A. , Leader Joelena
Published: June 2023

Community-Based Participatory Action Research (CBPAR) is used in a variety of disciplines, including community development. However, intergenerational CBPAR research, particularly when using visual methods, has been uncommon in fields outside of those in the health domain. Given the success with which some health-related studies with vulnerable youth and adults from disadvantaged regions have applied this kind of research, we conducted a study using a similar approach on entrepreneurship and social and economic capacity building in a rural and remote region. Our CBPAR intergenerational multi-methods research project involved youth, adults, seniors, Elders (Indigenous spiritual leaders), and academic researchers as investigative co-leaders seeking findings useful for changing inequitable systems and practices. With these research partners, we employed a carefully selected set of qualitative data collection methods, including a variety of visual methods, designed to produce robust and actionable findings and knowledge mobilization opportunities. Our research design provided a powerful way to triangulate data while engaging with the broader community to co-produce knowledge across generations. One way we did this was through Indigenous language videos, featuring community members of all ages describing their perspectives on social and economic development in their communities. In this article, we describe how and why our intergenerational multi-methods approach helped us verify our data and enabled our partner communities to leverage the findings to enhance local wellbeing. In doing so, we develop the case for using intergenerational multi-methods approaches with visual method elements in business and other disciplines in which these methods are not often used.
The Governance of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence in Network Industries
Authors: Knieps Guenter
Published: June 2023

An important precondition for the development of artificial intelligence (AI) in network industries is the access to big data and the attendant necessities of data sharing and data portability. The goal of this paper is to analyze the changing needs of entrepreneurial decision-making to exhaust the innovation potential of AI-driven big data value chains taking into account AI-specific ethical, security and privacy regulations. The analytical concept of AI-powered big data virtual networks is investigated with a focus on the governance of 5G-based big data value chains required for Internet of Things (IoT) applications in particular smart networks. Although several actors may be involved—such as broadband providers, cloud service providers, geopositioning service providers, or sensor network service providers—the final responsibility for bundling these different service components lies in the hands of the AI-powered big data virtual network providers. In addition to the required data privacy and security regulations, the exploration of new liability rules for AI interacting with traditional technologies is becoming relevant, taking into account AI-specific ethical and transparency obligations. Firstly, the complementary roles of the EU data regulatory framework and European AI regulatory framework are examined. Secondly, the network economic concept of AI-powered big data virtual networks is elaborated taking into account the required regulations. Thirdly, the heterogeneity of AI systems—required for a variety of IoT applications—is considered, with a particular focus on the application of AI within the transportation sector.
Scoliosis risk factors and outcomes in children with dysplastic spondylolisthesis undergoing surgical reduction and fixation
Authors: Jiao Jiahao , Guo Dong , Cao Jun , Zhang Xuejun , Yao Ziming
Published: June 2023

Purpose:

To explore scoliosis risk factors and outcomes in children with dysplastic spondylolisthesis undergoing surgical reduction and internal fixation.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed 56 children with dysplastic spondylolisthesis who underwent surgical reduction and internal fixation. Patients were grouped according to presence of scoliosis before surgery. Radiographic parameters measured before surgery included pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, sacral slope, coronal Cobb angle, slip percentage, Dubousset’s lumbosacral angle, lumbar lordosis, sagittal vertical axis, and Spinal Deformity Study Group index. Groups were compared using logistic regression. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine the optimal Spinal Deformity Study Group index cut-off value. All patients were followed up for at least 2 years.

Results:

The scoliosis group comprises 36 patients (mean age: 9.6 ± 2.7 years), while the no scoliosis group comprises 20 (mean age: 9.1 ± 2.4 years). Slip percentage and Spinal Deformity Study Group index were significantly higher in the scoliosis group (p < 0.01). Sacral slope and pelvic incidence were lower in the scoliosis group (p < 0.05). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that slip percentage, Spinal Deformity Study Group index, pelvic incidence, and sacral slope were significantly associated with scoliosis. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, only Spinal Deformity Study Group index was an independent risk factor for scoliosis. The optimal cut-off value for Spinal Deformity Study Group index was 0.288. Mean Cobb angle decreased from 20.3° ± 8.8° before surgery to 8.5° ± 8.9° at last follow-up; the mean scoliosis correction rate was 59.3%.

Conclusion:

Severe S1 dysplasia and high slip percentage may be risk factors for developing scoliosis in patients with dysplastic spondylolisthesis. Scoliosis resolved spontaneously after spondylolisthesis reduction and fixation in most patients.

Level of evidence

3.
Arginase deficiency with parotid gland swelling and hyperamylasemia: A case report
Authors: Kuyama Noboru , Nagaki Shigeru , Miyamoto Akie , Etou Kaoru , Maruyama Hiroshi , Osawa Makiko
Published: June 2023

Arginase deficiency is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by episodic hyperammonemia crises. Our patient had been diagnosed with cerebral palsy (spastic paraplegia) in childhood and received rehabilitation. She had suffered parotid swelling since the age of 5 years, prior to liver dysfunction becoming apparent, and then developed hyperamylasemia at 8 years of age. At age 25 years, she presented with hyperammonemia and elevations of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. At age 27 years, she was diagnosed with arginase deficiency due to hyperargininemia and absent arginase activity in erythrocytes. Liver cirrhosis was also present. She was hospitalized several times for management of episodic hyperammonemia due to recurrent viral infections, an unbalanced diet, and poor compliance with medications.
Menopause: Nutrition and weight gain
Authors: Denby Nigel
Published: June 2023

There remains great debate amongst health professionals, women and social media commentators about what the best menopause diet should be. There are areas of nutrition requiring specific attention in the menopause such as bone health and cardiovascular health. Many women experience weight gain during the menopause. This tool for clinicans has been written to cover current evidence based dietary advice for menopause health and provide practical tips on how to present this information to women and motivate them to make appropriate changes.
Interpersonal and Environmental Protective Factors and Their Associations With Children’s Weight Status
Authors: Hunt Ethan T. , Armstrong Bridget , Beets Michael W. , Turner-McGrievy Gabrielle , Weaver Robert G.
Published: June 2023

Both external structure (ie, participating in extracurricular activities) and family factors (ie, parental emotional support) have separately been linked with children’s physical health and well-being, however, their combined effects are less well known. The current study examined the longitudinal associations between participating in structured out-of-school activities and parent reports of warmth/emotional support with children’s weight status (ie, zBMI) over time. Utilizing longitudinal data from the United States-based Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 2010 to 2011 (ECLS-K:2011), we employed a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and a latent variable cross-lagged path analysis to examine if emotional supportiveness and participation in structured activities predicted lower zBMI over the course of 1 year. The final sample included 18 135 participants. Mean age of the participants was 8.12 years (±0.38 years), and 51% of children were male. Mean zBMI was 0.54 (±1.12). Structure at baseline predicted increased zBMI in year 2 (β = .03, P = .02) but did not predict parent emotional supportiveness at year 2 (β = −.05, P = .09). Parent emotional supportiveness at baseline predicted greater zBMI at year 2 (β = .02, P = <.01) but did not predict structure at year 2 (β = .02, P = .39). zBMI at baseline did not predict structure (β = .02, P = .25) or parent emotional supportiveness at year 2 (β = −.01, P = .55). Our findings were inconsistent with our hypothesis with regard to directionality. Continued refinement about the role of internal structure (ie, family, and parenting practices) may inform public health prevention strategies to support the well-being of children and families.
Measuring Motivation for Mathematics Course Choice in Secondary School Students: Interrelationships Between Cost and Other Situated Expectancy-Value Theory Components
Authors: Kirkham Jane , Chapman Elaine , Male Sally
Published: June 2023

Higher-level mathematics courses in upper secondary school serve as a critical filter to future educational courses and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). However, the percentage of senior school students in Australia undertaking higher-level mathematics courses is decreasing. Given that these courses provide students with skills and knowledge integral to STEM disciplines, it is important to discover factors that serve to encourage or detract students in choosing higher-level mathematics courses. Considering that educational and career choices are influenced by personal interests, values, and expectations, the purpose of this study was to design and validate a bipolar format survey instrument to investigate motivational factors on mathematics course choices of Year 10 Australian school students based upon Situated Expectancy-Value Theory (SEVT). A 25-item survey instrument using a bipolar format was developed to measure: Expectancy for success (operationalized as Competence-beliefs); Intrinsic value; Attainment value; Utility value; and Cost in relation to mathematics. Confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses of data collected from Year 10 students ( n = 886) revealed a four-factor model consisting of well-defined factors of Competence-beliefs, Intrinsic value, Attainment value, and Utility value. Unexpectedly, the items designed to measure the Cost factor dispersed variously into the factors of Competence-beliefs, Intrinsic value, and Utility value, and conceptually plausible explanations are offered for this finding. This survey represents a promising instrument for measuring predictors of mathematics course choices in senior school students. The study findings also suggest interrelationships between specific cost dimensions and other factors relevant to the measurement of SEVT constructs more generally.
Urbanization, Industrial Structure Upgrading, and Lottery Consumption based on the Sustainable Development of the Emerging Markets: Evidence from China
Authors: Bai Yufei , Liu Wenjing , Yang Wujian , Zuo Wen , Song Hemin
Published: June 2023

Steady progress in urbanization and continuous industrial structure upgrading are important pillars for emerging economies to achieve sustainable development. As an important means of enhancing national economic development, the lottery industry has always been highly valued by all countries. For China, how to promote the sustainability of the lottery industry so as to improve residents’ subjective wellbeing and life satisfaction is particularly critical. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of urbanization and industrial structure upgrade on lottery consumption. Based on provincial panel data running from 2008 to 2019 in China, it uses two-way fixed effects to make empirical analysis. The results show that the increase in urbanization rate and tertiary industry share has significantly positive effects on lottery consumption; the impact of urbanization and the proportion of the tertiary industry on lottery consumption would vary in categories of lottery tickets; the urbanization and tertiary industry share have a greater role in promoting lottery sales in the eastern region, followed by the central region, and finally the western region. Accordingly, this article proposes policy recommendations to promote the coordinated development of the lottery industry and other related industries in China.
Ethnoarchaeology of Pastoral Transhumance in Kashmir Himalayas
Authors: Dar Ubaid Ahmad , Das Mitoo
Published: June 2023

Despite immense ethnographic and archaeological potential, nomadic pastoralism finds not much attention from an ethnoarchaeological perspective in India. The ethnoarchaeological survey was thus undertaken among the contemporary pastoralist tribe of Bakarwal in the Kashmir Himalayan region to aid in the development of a diachronic model for seasonal transhumance. From this study, it is suggested that pastoralist communities in the northwest Himalayas retained flexible ethnic identities, dynamic settlement and subsistence patterns, and maintained trade and exchange relationships with adjacent groups over the historical period. The ethnoarchaeological analysis of Bakarwal sites in the Kashmir Himalayas has demonstrated that these sites’ structure, geographical positioning and functionality provide critical information concerning the exploitation of the landscape by the pastoral groups.
Mediation Effect of Entrepreneurial Alertness Between Prior Knowledge and Experience on Entrepreneurial Intention Among Accountancy Students
Authors: Soni Alisha , Bakhru Kanupriya Misra
Published: June 2023

The ability to recognize valuable business prospects is the primary meta-skill for entrepreneurship and can be deliberated through entrepreneurial alertness. In the opportunity identification perspective of entrepreneurship, inadequate attention is provided for the development of entrepreneurial alertness and its effectiveness among students pursuing professional or postgraduate courses in a specific discipline. Therefore, the present study determines the intervening role of entrepreneurial alertness in the causal association of students’ prior knowledge and experience on their entrepreneurial intention. The data of 408 final level students studying Chartered accountancy course from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) were gathered through cluster sampling. The statistical method of structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to examine the postulated associations. The results indicate that the students’ knowledge and experience appropriately stimulate the alertness for potential business prospects, which further motivates the intention for entrepreneurial actions. The partial intervention of entrepreneurial alertness is also observed ensuring that the use of knowledge and experience in identifying profitable business opportunity increases the chances of selecting a successful entrepreneurial career. The findings of the study contribute to the promotion of early-stage entrepreneurship among students of a specific discipline.
Netflix: Subscription-based Video-on-demand Channel Operations in Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Jashim Uddin , Siddiqui Saima , Ahmed Asma , Sharif Raihan
Published: June 2023

This case study explores the subscription-based video-on-demand (hereafter SVOD) business strategy of Netflix from multiple dimensions such as company value chain, customers’ experience and marketing strategy. From initiation to now this brand has evolved itself to appropriately benefit the consumers. A company that was initiated in a developed country is now successfully running its business across the world. In a developing country such as Bangladesh, Netflix has effectively utilized its quintessential strategies and is successfully entertaining the subscribers. This case study is dedicated to understanding the situation of Netflix in Bangladesh. It highlights some strengths of Netflix such as (a) customization of its contents and (b) seamless user experience as well as some weaknesses such as (a) pricing strategy and (b) selecting the right target market.
A novel approach to CSF pressure measurement via lumbar puncture that shortens the measurement time with a high level of accuracy
Authors: Yücel Duygu , Ülgen Yekta
Published: June 2023

Intracranial pressure (ICP) is an important parameter in clinical management and diagnosis of several neurological diseases which is indirectly measured via lumbar puncture (LP). In routine measurements of cerebrospinal fluid pressure (PCSF) from lumbar region, a spinal needle and a spinal manometer are used. PCSF measurement via LP with the use of a spinal manometer may not yield correct PCSF results due to prolonged times required to obtain an accurate pressure value. Equilibrium pressure may be underestimated in circumstances where spinal manometry procedure is terminated prematurely, with the wrong assumption that equilibrium pressure is reached. Elevated PCSF levels can lead to visual loss and brain damage when go undiagnosed. In this study, the spinal needle-spinal manometer combination was modelled with a first-order differential equation and a time constant (τ) was defined as the product of the resistance to flow of the needle with the bore area of the manometer divided by the dynamic viscosity of CSF, i.e. τ= RA/ρCSF. Each needle/manometer combination had a unique constant as a predictor of the equilibrium pressure. The fluid pressure in the manometer rose in an exponential manner which was tested in a simulated environment using 22G spinal needles namely Braun-Spinocan, Pajunk-Sprotte and M.Schilling. Curve fitting of the manometer readings were obtained with regression coefficients of R2 ≥ 0.99 to determine measurement time constants. The residual differences between predicted and true values were less than 1.18 cmH2O. For a given needle/manometer combination, time required to reach equilibrium pressure was identical for all pressure levels. PCSF measured at reduced times can easily be interpolated to their equilibrium level allowing clinicians to obtain PCSF values with high accuracy within seconds. This method can be used as an indirect estimation of ICP in routine clinical practice.
Incidence of early complications requiring treatment plan changes after vitreoretinal surgery: a single-center study in South Korea
Authors: Yoon Ji Hyun , Kim Jae Hui , Kim Chul Gu , Kim Jong Woo
Published: June 2023

Background

Information regarding incidence of treatment plan changes may be useful when discussing postoperative treatment plans for patients. Moreover, it may help establish a standardized postoperative treatment plan. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of early complications requiring treatment plan changes in patients following vitreoretinal surgery and investigate its risk factors.

Methods

This single-center retrospective study included 465 patients who had undergone vitreoretinal surgery. The reasons, incidence, and timing of treatment plan changes within 14 days of surgery were identified. Potential factors associated with the changes, such as patient demographics, surgeon’s experience, diagnoses, and type of surgery were also analyzed.

Results

The treatment plan was changed in 76 patients (16.3%) at a mean of 4.0 ± 3.2 days after vitreoretinal surgery. The reasons for the plan changes were increased intraocular pressure (IIOP) in 66(86.8%), intraocular inflammation in 2(2.6%), corneal edema in 3(3.9%), leakage from the sclerotomy wound in 3(3.9%) patients, and combined IIOP and intraocular inflammation in 2(2.6%). The date of discharge was postponed because of treatment plan changes in 17 patients (22.4%). The incidence of plan changes was higher in patients who underwent gas or oil tamponade (P < 0.001) and those who underwent surgery performed by less experienced surgeons (P = 0.034).

Conclusions

Treatment plan was changed in 16.3% of patients after vitreoretinal surgery. The risk of treatment plan changes was associated with the surgeon’s experience in vitreoretinal surgery and the type of surgery. These results should be considered when establishing standardized care plans for patients who require vitreoretinal surgery.
Assessment of anxiety and depression in patients with Posner-Schlossman syndrome
Authors: Qian Chaoxu , Soh Zhi Da , Thakur Sahil , Yan Wen , Shao Xian , Zhong Hua , Wang Kaidi
Published: June 2023

Background

To assess the anxiety and depression levels in patients with Posner-Schlossman syndrome (PSS) and to determine the potential risk factors.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 195 participants, including 93 PSS patients and 102 healthy controls were recruited. Sociodemographic and clinical information were collected for all participants. Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS) was administered to evaluate the anxiety and depression levels. Visual function (VF) and quality-of-life (QOL) questionnaires were administered to assess variables potentially associated with anxiety and depression.

Results

Increased anxiety level was observed in 22 (23.7%) PSS patients as compared to 10 (9.8%) of controls (P = 0.009). While the frequency of depression between the two groups was not significantly different (P = 0.349). The mean anxiety and depression scores were 6.98 ± 4.20 and 6.44 ± 3.66 in PSS patients as compared to 6.67 ± 3.21 (P = 0.564) and 5.96 ± 2.93 (P = 0.311) in controls. Logistic regression analysis showed mental well-being was significantly associated with anxiety (odds ratio [OR] = 0.920, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.881–0.962, P < 0.001) and depression (OR = 0.959, CI = 0.926–0.994, P = 0.023) in PSS patients.

Conclusion

More patients with PSS may experience anxiety as compared to healthy controls. Mental well-being is an independent risk factor for anxiety and depression. It is important for ophthalmologists to be aware of these factors and should pay more attention on mental health when PSS is managed in clinic.
Association of length of service and job category with occupational health literacy of port employees in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Wang Jinlin , Mo Chunbao , Sheng Qiujie , Huang Yuehong , Lin Dafeng , Liang Yuan , Zhang Naixing
Published: June 2023

Background

Health literacy (HL) is associated with health outcomes, but little is known about the occupational HL (OHL) for port employees and its link to the length of service and job category.

Method

A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 3492 port employees from the Occupational Health Survey for Port Employees project, and a special questionnaire was utilized to measure the OHL status. Binary and ordinal logistic regressions were used to estimate the association.

Result

Among the participants, 72.90% had sufficient OHL with a mean score (standard deviation) of 53.10 (7.26). Binary logistic regression results indicated that the association between length of service (33–40 years group Adjusted OR = 1.11; 41–49 years group Adjusted OR = 1.14; ≥50 years group Adjusted OR = 1.19) and job category (longshoremen Adjusted OR = 0.90; driver Adjusted OR = 0.91) with OHL were statistically significant. Ordinal logistic regression results indicated that, for OHL, Adjusted OR was increased in different lengths of service level (33–40 years group, Adjusted OR = 1.50; 41–49 years group, Adjusted OR = 1.75; ≥50 years group, Adjusted OR = 2.19), and the Adjusted OR of skilled workers was 1.60.

Conclusion

Most port participants had sufficient OHL, and the length of service and job category could affect OHL. The effect of the length of service may be more obvious; the length of service can promote the improvement of OHL continuously.
Can we determine anterior hip coverage from pelvic anteroposterior radiographs? A study of patients with hip dysplasia
Authors: Cheng Hui , Zhang Zhendong , Sun Wei , Ren Ningtao , Luo Dianzhong , Li Yong , Zhang Jianli , Zhang Hong
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Insufficient coverage causes hip joint instability and results in hip pain. Anterior hip coverage can be determined on both pelvic anteroposterior (AP) radiographs and false profile (FP) radiographs. Four parameters are commonly used to determine the anterior coverage on pelvic AP radiographs: the crossover index, crossover sign, anterior wall index (AWI), and rule of thirds. This study aims to clarify the relationship between these 4 parameters on AP radiographs and the anterior center edge angle (ACEA) on FP radiographs.

Methods

In this study, 53 patients who underwent periacetabular osteotomy for hip dysplasia at our center between July 2020 and October 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Four parameters on AP radiographs and the ACEA on FP radiographs before surgery and 6 months after surgery were measured and compared for each hip.

Results

Upon examining the 53 hips in this study, there was no correlation between either the crossover index and the ACEA (P = 0.66) or the crossover sign before surgery. The postoperative correlation between the crossover index and the ACEA was weak (r = 0.36, P = 0.007), and that between the crossover sign and the ACEA was moderate (r = 0.41, P = 0.003). There was a weak correlation between the AWI and ACEA both before (r = 0.288, P = 0.036) and after (r = 0.349, P = 0.011) the operation. Evaluation of the anterior coverage by the rule of thirds was also not consistent when determining the anterior coverage with the ACEA.

Conclusion

Anterior coverage on AP radiographs is largely inconsistent with ACEA on FP radiographs, especially before the surgery. It is recommended to take FP radiographs routinely for determining anterior hip coverage.
Fanca deficiency is associated with alterations in osteoclastogenesis that are rescued by TNFα
Authors: Oppezzo Alessia , Monney Lovely , Kilian Henri , Slimani Lofti , Maczkowiak-Chartois Frédérique , Rosselli Filippo
Published: June 2023

Background

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) reside in the bone marrow (BM) niche, which includes bone-forming and bone-resorbing cells, i.e., osteoblasts (OBs) and osteoclasts (OCs). OBs originate from mesenchymal progenitors, while OCs are derived from HSCs. Self-renewal, proliferation and differentiation of HSCs are under the control of regulatory signals generated by OBs and OCs within the BM niche. Consequently, OBs and OCs control both bone physiology and hematopoiesis. Since the human developmental and bone marrow failure genetic syndrome fanconi anemia (FA) presents with skeletal abnormalities, osteoporosis and HSC impairment, we wanted to test the hypothesis that the main pathological abnormalities of FA could be related to a defect in OC physiology and/or in bone homeostasis.

Results

We revealed here that the intrinsic differentiation of OCs from a Fanca−/− mouse is impaired in vitro due to overactivation of the p53–p21 axis and defects in NF-kB signaling. The OC differentiation abnormalities observed in vitro were rescued by treating Fanca−/− cells with the p53 inhibitor pifithrin-α, by treatment with the proinflammatory cytokine TNFα or by coculturing them with Fanca-proficient or Fanca-deficient osteoblastic cells.

Conclusions

Overall, our results highlight an unappreciated role of Fanca in OC differentiation that is potentially circumvented in vivo by the presence of OBs and TNFα in the BM niche.
Promoting physical activity to patients: a scoping review of the perceptions of doctors in the United Kingdom
Authors: Woodhead Gemma , Sivaramakrishnan Divya , Baker Graham
Published: June 2023

Background

The physician–patient encounter presents an ideal opportunity for physical activity (PA) promotion. This review aims to (i) explore the breadth and depth of existing literature investigating doctors’ perceptions of PA promotion in the United Kingdom (UK) and (ii) identify factors influencing the extent to which doctors engage in PA promotion during patient interactions.

Methods

A five-stage scoping review methodology and the PRISMA-ScR guidance were followed: Stage 1—research questions specified; Stage 2—relevant studies identified by searching five electronic databases and manual screening of references; Stage 3—studies screened using Covidence™; Stage 4—study data extracted and charted; and Stage 5—findings from included studies were analysed, summarised and reported using (i) descriptive numerical analysis to provide insight into study characteristics and (ii) narrative summary of the evidence categorised by factors that influence doctors’ engagement with PA promotion.

Results

In total, 16,961 studies were screened. Nineteen studies were included in the review with most conducted in primary care focusing on the perceptions of general practitioners. Seven influencing factors were identified: knowledge and training, personal interest and PA level, time, resources, confidence, the perceived role of the doctor and patient relevance.

Conclusion

This review provides new evidence that historical barriers and influencing factors have a persisting impact on the ability and willingness of UK doctors to engage with PA promotion with patients. Previous efforts to address these factors would appear to have had limited success. Further intervention efforts are required to ensure more widespread and effective PA promotion to patients.
Plant–pollinator metanetworks in fragmented landscapes: a simulation study
Authors: Rahimi Ehsan , Jung Chuleui
Published: June 2023

Background

The topology of the plant–pollinator network can be explained by the species’ abundance and their random interactions. Plant–pollinator networks can be studied in the context of a landscape, because each patch can accommodate a certain local network. Local populations of pollinators in the landscape can be connected through migration and then constitute a metanetwork that is known as a combination of spatial and ecological networks. In this regard, habitat fragmentation can affect the topology of plant–pollinator metanetworks through changes in the species abundance and limiting their interactions. However, it is not clear what pattern (fragmented or aggregated) of the landscape structure can accommodate networks with a higher degree of specialization.

Methods

we created simulated landscapes with different forest proportions scenarios (from 5% to 50% of the total landscape) and degrees of fragmentation. Then, for each landscape, we limited the proportion of pollinators to the forest patch. We assumed that plants and pollinators are randomly distributed around the landscape and interact randomly. We used landscape metrics to measure different aspects of landscape structure and bipartite metrics for calculating the degree of specialization in plant–pollinator networks.

Results

The statistical relationship between bipartite and landscape metrics showed that the relationship between the topology of plant–pollinator networks and the landscape structure is affected by the forest amount in the landscape and the degree of forest fragmentation. We also found that according to the nestedness and H2 (a measure of specialization) metrics, fragmented landscapes contain more general plant–pollinator networks.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that fragmented landscapes, characterized by scattered forest patches, can promote higher levels of interaction between limited pollinators and diverse flowers, leading to more general plant–pollinator networks.
Establishment of analysis method for the quantification of residues of halquinol and its metabolites in livestock and fishery products using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Lee Tae Ho , Park Sun Young , Kim Ji Young , Choi Jang-Duck , Moon Guiim
Published: June 2023

In this study, an analysis method was established for the quantification of residues of halquinol and its metabolites in livestock and fishery products using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). We selected beef, pork (muscle and fat), chicken, egg, milk, flat fish, eel, and shrimp as target samples for validation of the method owing to them being typical livestock and fishery products. Validation of the developed analysis method was performed using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) at three concentration levels (0.5, 1, and 2 × the maximum residue limits) following the Codex Alimentarius (CODEX) guidelines (CAC/GL 71–2009). For all samples, correlation coefficients (R2) exceeded 0.99, recoveries ranged between 75.59 and 119.36%, and coefficients of variation (CV) ranged between 1.39 and 28.66%, thus satisfying CODEX guidelines. In addition, inter-laboratory validation was conducted, and the resulting recoveries and CVs satisfied the CODEX guidelines; LOQ was established as 10 μg kg–1 for pig muscle and 5 μg kg–1 for the other samples. Therefore, the analysis method developed in this study can accurately and precisely screen for and quantify halquinol and its metabolites in livestock and fishery products.
Circadian rhythm in cardiovascular diseases: a bibliometric analysis of the past, present, and future
Authors: Chai Ruoning , Ye Zelin , Wu Qian , Xue Wenjing , Shi Shuqing , Du Yihang , Wu Huaqin , Wei Yi , Hu Yuanhui
Published: June 2023

Background

One of the most prominent features of living organisms is their circadian rhythm, which governs a wide range of physiological processes and plays a critical role in maintaining optimal health and function in response to daily environmental changes. This work applied bibliometric analysis to explore quantitative and qualitative trends in circadian rhythm in cardiovascular diseases (CVD). It also aims to identify research hotspots and provide fresh suggestions for future research.

Methods

The Web of Science Core Collection was used to search the data on circadian rhythm in CVD. HistCite, CiteSpace, and VOSviewer were used for bibliometric analysis and visualization. The analysis included the overall distribution of yearly outputs, top nations, active institutions and authors, core journals, co-cited references, and keywords. To assess the quality and efficacy of publications, the total global citation score (TGCS) and total local citation score (TLCS) were calculated.

Results

There were 2102 papers found to be associated with the circadian rhythm in CVD, with the overall number of publications increasing year after year. The United States had the most research citations and was the most prolific country. Hermida RC, Young ME, and Ayala DE were the top three writers. The three most notable journals on the subject were Chronobiology International, Hypertension Research, and Hypertension. In the early years, the major emphasis of circadian rhythm in CVD was hormones. Inflammation, atherosclerosis, and myocardial infarction were the top developing research hotspots.

Conclusion

Circadian rhythm in CVD has recently received a lot of interest from the medical field. These topics, namely inflammation, atherosclerosis, and myocardial infarction, are critical areas of investigation for understanding the role of circadian rhythm in CVD. Although they may not be future research priorities, they remain of significant importance. In addition, how to implement these chronotherapy theories in clinical practice will depend on additional clinical trials to get sufficient trustworthy clinical evidence.
The impact of early pregnancy metabolic disorders on pregnancy outcome and the specific mechanism
Authors: Zhu Xi-Zi , Deng Zhi-Min , Dai Fang-Fang , Liu Hua , Cheng Yan-Xiang
Published: June 2023

Miscarriage is the most common complication of pregnancy. The most common causes of early miscarriage are chromosomal abnormalities of the embryo, maternal endocrine abnormalities, organ malformations, and abnormal immune factors. Late miscarriages are mostly caused by factors such as cervical insufficiency. However, the causes of 50% of miscarriages remain unknown. Recently, increasing attention has been given to the role of metabolic abnormalities in miscarriage. In this review, we mainly discuss the roles of four major metabolic pathways (glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism, and oxidation‒reduction balance) in miscarriage and the metabolism-related genes that lead to metabolic disorders in miscarriage. Depending on aetiology, the current treatments for miscarriage include hormonal and immunological drugs, as well as surgery, while there are few therapies for metabolism. Therefore, we also summarize the drugs for metabolism-related targets. The study of altered metabolism underlying miscarriage not only helps us to understand the mechanisms involved in miscarriage but also provides an important basis for clinical research on new therapies.