bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive assessment of resources for prevention and control of chronic and non-communicable diseases in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yi Zhun , Xu Tingling , Yang Jing , Yu Shicheng , Zhou Maigeng , Li Han , Guo Jiahuan , Qian Jing , Dong Wenlan
Published: July 2023

Objective

This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the resources for prevention and control of chronic and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in China to provide a reference basis for optimising the resource allocation for prevention and control of NCDs.

Methods

China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance sites and National Demonstration Areas for Integrated Chronic and Non-communicable Disease Prevention and Control (NCDDA) were selected as investigation objects. In December 2021, the district (or county) resource allocation for NCD prevention and control was investigated through the NCDDA management information system. According to the index system of NCD prevention and control, 31 indicators of 6 dimensions were collected, and the weighted technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution, weighted rank-sum ratio and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation methods were used for comprehensive evaluation of resources for prevention and control of NCDs.

Results

The 653 districts (or counties) in this study cover 22.96% of China’s districts (or counties). The top three weights were full-time staff for NCD prevention and control (0.1066), the amount of funds for NCD prevention and control (0.0967), and the coverage rate of districts (or counties) establishing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease surveillance information system (0.0886). The comprehensive evaluation results for the resources for prevention and control of NCDs by the three methods were basically the same. The results of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation showed that the resource allocation in urban areas (0.9268) was better than that in rural areas (0.3257), the one in eastern region (0.9016) was better than that in central (0.3844) and western regions (0.3868), and the one in NCDDA (0.9625) was better than that in non-NCDDA (0.2901).

Conclusion

The resources in China for NCD prevention and control differ among different regions, which should be taken into account in future policymaking and resource allocation.
Factors influencing the implementation of shared decision-making in breast cancer care: protocol for a mixed-methods study
Authors: Bravo Paulina , Dois Angelina , Villarroel Luis , González-Agüero Marcela , Fernández-González Loreto , Sánchez César , Martinez Alejandra , Turén Valentina , Quezada Constanza , Guasalaga María Elisabeth , Härter Martin
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Chile is committed to actively involving patients in their healthcare. However, little is known about how this is translated into clinical encounters. Breast cancer (BC) is the first cause of cancer-related death in Chilean women. National policy guarantees standard care, and treatment decisions should be made along this process that can have long-term consequences for women. So, BC is a particularly well-suited case study to understand the complexity of patient participation in decision-making.

Objective

To identify the factors that affect the active involvement of patients in the BC treatment decision-making process, considering the perspectives and practices of health professionals and women facing the disease.

Method and analysis

We will conduct a mixed-method study through a convergent parallel design in three stages: (1) A qualitative study: non-participant observation of the tumour board (TB) meetings; semi-structured interviews with key informants from TBs; documentary analyses; semi-structured interviews with women facing BC; and non-participant observations of clinical encounters; (2) a cross-sectional study with 445 women facing BC stages I–III from three hospitals in Santiago, Chile. We will measure the level of expected participation, experienced participation, decisional conflict, quality of life (QoL) and satisfaction with healthcare. Descriptive analysis will be performed, and multivariable binary logistic regression models will be adjusted to identify factors associated with high levels of QoL or satisfaction; (3) an integration study will bring together the data through a joint display technique.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been conceived and will be conducted according to international and local agreements for ethical research. Ethical approval has been granted by two Ethics Committees in Chile.

The results will be disseminated to scientific and lay audiences (publications in scientific journals and conferences, seminars and a website for plain language dissemination).
Alanyl-glutamine supplementation forClostridioides difficileinfection treatment (ACT): a double-blind randomised controlled trial study protocol
Authors: Warren Cirle A , Shin Jae Hyun , Bansal Ekta N , Costa Deiziane V D S , Wang Xin Qun , Wu Martin , Swann Jonathan R , Behm Brian W , Targonski Paul V , Archbald-Pannone Laurie
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Clostridioides difficileis the leading cause of healthcare-associated infections in the USA, with an estimated 1 billion dollars in excess cost to the healthcare system annually.C. difficileinfection (CDI) has high recurrence rate, up to 25% after first episode and up to 60% for succeeding episodes. Preliminary in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that alanyl-glutamine (AQ) may be beneficial in treating CDI by its effect on restoring intestinal integrity in the epithelial barrier, ameliorating inflammation and decreasing relapse.

Methods and analysis

This study is a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, phase II clinical trial. The trial is designed to determine optimal dose and safety of oral AQ at 4, 24 and 44 g doses administered daily for 10 days concurrent with standard treatment of non-severe or severe uncomplicated CDI in persons age 18 and older. The primary outcome of interest is CDI recurrence during 60 days post-treatment follow-up, with the secondary outcome of mortality during 60 days post-treatment follow-up. Exploratory analysis will be done to determine the impact of AQ supplementation on intestinal and systemic inflammation, as well as intestinal microbial and metabolic profiles.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has received University of Virginia Institutional Review Board approval (HSR200046, Protocol v9, April 2023). Findings will be disseminated via conference presentations, lectures and peer-reviewed publications.

Trial registration number

NCT04305769.
Analytical modeling and bit sequence impact investigation of XPM-SMZI-induced nonlinear crosstalk in 4 × 4 interconnect
Authors: Kaur Harpreet , Kaler Rajinder Singh
Published: July 2023

This paper presents an analytical model of the origin of nonlinear crosstalk induced by the XPM-SMZI (Cross-Phase Modulation-Symmetric Mach–Zehnder Interferometric) phenomenon occurring in the TWSOA (Traveling Wave Semiconductor Optical Amplifier). We analyze the variation of nonlinear crosstalk with increasing logic levels and length of the input bit sequence. The investigation shows that alteration in high and low logic of bit sequence engenders changes in cross-phase modulation occurring in TWSOA and hence brings nonlinear crosstalk into the picture. The performance is evaluated on 4×4 switching interconnect with a TWSOA cavity length of 500[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m, a width of 3[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m, and a height of 0.8[Formula: see text]nm with 0.15[Formula: see text]A injection current in SMZI configuration operating at 10[Formula: see text]Gbps. The performance of the switch is also tested by comparing various combinations of bit logic inputs. The degradation is observed in the quality of service with an increase in the number of ‘1’s in bit sequence. The Extinction Ratio (ER) also deteriorates when a logic ‘1’s appears at consecutive places. This impairment in ER can be controlled by bias conditions of TWSOA. The promising crosstalk of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dB has been achieved and is further validated by comparing with previously reported techniques.
ON THE UNCERTAINTY QUANTIFICATION OF HYPERELASTIC PROPERTIES USING PRECISE AND IMPRECISE PROBABILITIES TOWARD RELIABLE IN SILICO SIMULATION OF THE SECOND-STAGE LABOR
Authors: NGUYEN TRIEU-NHAT-THANH , BALLIT ABBASS , LECOMTE-GROSBRAS PAULINE , COLLIAT JEAN-BAPTISTE , DAO TIEN-TUAN
Published: July 2023

Finite element models of the second-stage labor system have been commonly developed for providing objective and quantitative indicators as well as innovative therapeutic solutions for decision supports. However, the reliability of the simulation outcomes remains a challenging issue due to uncertainties in input data and model complexity as well as the lack of validation. The objective of this study was to perform uncertainty quantification (UQ) on the material properties of the pelvis soft tissue with a focus on the uterus tissue during the second labor simulation leading to explore more plausible outcome space for reliable decision support making. The developed modeling and simulation workflow includes an image-based finite element model of the fetal body and pelvis soft tissues (floor, vagina and uterus), an uncertainty modeling procedure using precise and imprecise probabilities and an uncertainty propagation process based on the Monte Carlo method with and without parameter dependency. Obtained results showed that hyperelastic properties of the uterus tissue are very sensitive during the second stage of labor simulation. Moreover, the use of imprecise probability and parameter dependency lead to a more consistent range of values for uterus tissue stress analysis. This study performed, for the first time, an UQ on the hyperelastic properties of the uterus tissue from the in silico simulation of the second-stage labor. This opens new avenues for providing reliable indicators for clinical decision support. As a perspective, the active uterus behavior will be integrated into a more realistic second-stage labor model and simulation. Then, UQ will be conducted for more reliable decision support.
Bipolar-Valued Fuzzy Filters of Sheffer Stroke BL-Algebras
Authors: Jun Young Bae , Oner Tahsin , Turan Duygu Selin , Ordin Burak
Published: July 2023

The bipolar-valued fuzzy filter in Sheffer stroke BL-algebras is defined, and several properties are investigated. Various characterizations of the bipolar-valued fuzzy filter are discussed. It is shown that the intersection of bipolar-valued fuzzy filters is also a bipolar-valued fuzzy filter, and an example to show that the union of bipolar-valued fuzzy filters is not a bipolar-valued fuzzy filter is provided.
Refinement of GRACE‐FO Kinematic Orbit by Combining Least Squares Method and Orbital Dynamic Model
Authors: Ma Yi , Yang Zhouming , Yuan Yunbin , Sun Qinglei , Zhou Fangrong , Wen Gang
Published: July 2023

Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow‐On (GRACE‐FO) satellites are used to map the gravity field of the Earth. The orbit accuracy of GRACE‐FO depends on the quality of on‐board GPS data, which is key factor affecting GRACE‐FO mission execution. To improve the orbit accuracy of GRACE‐FO, a dynamical method was developed to reprocess kinematic orbits. First, with known kinematic orbits, the least squares method was used to estimate the initial state and dynamical parameters of GRACE‐FO orbits. Second, during data processing, orbit coordinates containing outliers were deleted. Finally, GRACE‐FO dynamical orbits with high accuracy were determined by combining initial state and dynamical parameters. To assess the orbit accuracy, dynamical and kinematic orbits were compared with Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) orbits. Three‐dimensional root‐mean‐square (3D‐RMS) results show dynamical and kinematic orbit accuracy of 6.3 and 9.5 cm for GRACE‐FO‐C and 6.6 and 9.7 cm for GRACE‐FO‐D, achieving improvements of 33.68% and 31.96%, respectively. The RMS of satellite laser range (SLR) residuals was about 4.1 and 5.1 cm for GRACE‐FO‐C dynamical and kinematic orbit accuracy, and about 4.2 and 5.4 cm for GRACE‐FO‐D.
The Transcriptional and Epigenetic Landscape of Cancer Cell Lineage Plasticity
Authors: Davies Alastair , Zoubeidi Amina , Beltran Himisha , Selth Luke A.
Published: July 2023

Lineage plasticity, a process whereby cells change their phenotype to take on a different molecular and/or histologic identity, is a key driver of cancer progression and therapy resistance. Although underlying genetic changes within the tumor can enhance lineage plasticity, it is predominantly a dynamic process controlled by transcriptional and epigenetic dysregulation. This review explores the transcriptional and epigenetic regulators of lineage plasticity and their interplay with other features of malignancy, such as dysregulated metabolism, the tumor microenvironment, and immune evasion. We also discuss strategies for the detection and treatment of highly plastic tumors.

Significance:

Lineage plasticity is a hallmark of cancer and a critical facilitator of other oncogenic features such as metastasis, therapy resistance, dysregulated metabolism, and immune evasion. It is essential that the molecular mechanisms of lineage plasticity are elucidated to enable the development of strategies to effectively target this phenomenon. In this review, we describe key transcriptional and epigenetic regulators of cancer cell plasticity, in the process highlighting therapeutic approaches that may be harnessed for patient benefit.
Further Evidence that an Episode of Premature Labor Is a Pathologic State: Involvement of the Insulin-Like Growth Factor System
Authors: Prasad Priya , Romero Roberto , Chaiworapongsa Tinnakorn , Gomez-Lopez Nardhy , Lo Anderson , Galaz Jose , Taran Andreea B. , Jung Eunjung , Gotsch Francesca , Than Nandor Gabor , Tarca Adi L.
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Approximately 47% of women with an episode of preterm labor deliver at term; however, their infants are at greater risk of being small for gestational age and for neurodevelopmental disorders. In these cases, a pathologic insult may disrupt the homeostatic responses sustaining pregnancy. We tested the hypothesis of an involvement of components of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which maternal plasma concentrations of pregnancy-associated plasma protease (PAPP)-A, PAPP-A2, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1), and IGFBP-4 were determined in the following groups of women: (1) no episodes of preterm labor, term delivery (controls, n = 100); (2) episode of preterm labor, term delivery (n = 50); (3) episode of preterm labor, preterm delivery (n = 100); (4) pregnant women at term not in labor (n = 61); and (5) pregnant women at term in labor (n = 61). Pairwise differences in maternal plasma concentrations of PAPP-A, PAPP-A2, IGFBP-1, and IGFBP-4 among study groups were assessed by fitting linear models on log-transformed data and included adjustment for relevant covariates. Significance of the group coefficient in the linear models was assessed via t-scores, with p < 0.05 deemed a significant result. Results: Compared to controls, (1) women with an episode of premature labor, regardless of a preterm or a term delivery, had higher mean plasma concentrations of PAPP-A2 and IGFBP-1 (each p < 0.05); (2) women with an episode of premature labor who delivered at term also had a higher mean concentration of PAPP-A (p < 0.05); and (3) acute histologic chorioamnionitis and spontaneous labor at term were not associated with significant changes in these analytes. Conclusion: An episode of preterm labor involves the IGF system, supporting the view that the premature activation of parturition is a pathologic state, even in those women who delivered at term.
Pro-Inflammatory of PRDM1/SIRT2/NLRP3 Axis in Monosodium Urate-Induced Acute Gouty Arthritis
Authors: Zhao Qingsong , Xia Nan , Xu Jinmei , Wang Yingnan , Feng Luwen , Su Dihan , Cheng Zhifeng
Published: July 2023

PR domain-containing 1 with zinc finger domain (PRDM1) has been reported as a promoter of inflammation, which is a critical process involved in the pathogenesis of acute gouty arthritis. Herein, we sought to ascertain the function of PRDM1 in the development of acute gouty arthritis and related mechanisms. At first, peripheral blood-derived monocytes from patients with acute gouty arthritis and healthy individuals were collected as experimental samples. Then, macrophages were induced from monocytes using phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). The expression patterns of PRDM1, sirtuin 2 (SIRT2), and NLR family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) were characterized by RT-qPCR and Western blot assay. PMA-induced macrophages were stimulated by monosodium urate (MSU) for in vitro experimentation. Meanwhile, a murine model of MSU-induced acute gouty arthritis was established for in vivo validation. PRDM1 was highly expressed while SIRT2 poorly expressed in patients with acute gouty arthritis. Loss of PRDM1 could reduce NLRP3 inflammasome and mature IL-1β levels and downregulate inflammatory cytokines in macrophages, which contributed to protection against acute gouty arthritis. Furthermore, results showed that PRDM1 could inhibit SIRT2 expression via binding to the deacetylase SIRT2 promoter. Finally, the in vivo experiments demonstrated that PRDM1 increased NLRP3 inflammasome and mature IL-1β through transcriptional inhibition of SIRT2, whereby aggravating MSU-induced acute gouty arthritis. To sum up, PRDM1 increased NLRP3 inflammasome through inhibiting SIRT2, consequently aggravating MSU-induced acute gouty arthritis.
Impact of Transfer of Maternal Care for Fetal Anomalies on Maternal Depression and Anxiety Screening: A Prospective Cohort at a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Buskmiller Cara , Greenwood Lauren A. , Alpuing Radilla Linda A. , Lane Keneshia , Gray Lauren L. , Ivey R. Todd , Carrol Matthew R. , Munoz Jessian L. , Sanz Cortes Magdalena , Nassr Ahmed A. , Belfort Michael A. , Horst Karen , Donepudi Roopali V.
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Perinatal depression and anxiety are major causes of maternal morbidity, and are more common in high-risk pregnancies compared to low-risk pregnancies. This study used validated screening tools to assess the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms in pregnant patients who transferred their obstetric care to a specialized fetal center for fetal anomaly. Methods: This is a prospective cohort of patients with a fetal anomaly prompting transfer of obstetric care to Texas Children’s Hospital Fetal Center between January 2021 and February 2022. The primary outcome was a self-assessed Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score of 13 or higher, either antepartum or postpartum (“ever-positive EPDS”). Secondary outcomes included self-assessed Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS) scores of 21 or higher (“ever-positive PASS”), obstetric outcomes, and neonatal outcomes. A frequentist analysis was performed. Results: Of 149 women who transferred to Texas Children’s Hospital during the study period, 94 enrolled in this study. Twenty-six percent of women had an ever-positive EPDS; 20% of patients had an ever-positive PASS. Patients were more likely to have an ever-positive EPDS if they were single (46% compared to 20%, p = 0.025). Women who had an ever-positive EPDS were more likely to be referred to psychiatry (46% compared to 14%, p = 0.004) and psychotherapy (29% compared to 1%, p < 0.001). Surprisingly, patients were more likely to have an ever-positive PASS if they reported good social support (p = 0.03). Antepartum EPDS and PASS scores had no relationship with postpartum EPDS scores. Conclusion: Women who transfer care to a tertiary setting have positive EPDS scores at double the rate of the general population, but tend to experience this either antepartum or postpartum (not both). Fetal centers should be prepared to screen for mental health symptoms before and after delivery and provide appropriate referral or treatment.
Hypothermia Treatment after Hypoxia-Ischemia in Glutathione Peroxidase-1 Overexpressing Mice
Authors: Sheldon R. Ann , Windsor Christine , Lu Fuxin , Stewart Nicholas R. , Jiang Xiangning , Ferriero Donna M.
Published: July 2023

The developing brain is uniquely susceptible to oxidative stress, and endogenous antioxidant mechanisms are not sufficient to prevent injury from a hypoxic-ischemic challenge. Glutathione peroxidase (GPX1) activity reduces hypoxic-ischemic injury. Therapeutic hypothermia (HT) also reduces hypoxic-ischemic injury, in the rodent and the human brain, but the benefit is limited. Here, we combined GPX1 overexpression with HT in a P9 mouse model of hypoxia-ischemia (HI) to test the effectiveness of both treatments together. Histological analysis showed that wild-type (WT) mice with HT were less injured than WT with normothermia. In the GPX1-tg mice, however, despite a lower median score in the HT-treated mice, there was no significant difference between HT and normothermia. GPX1 protein expression was higher in the cortex of all transgenic groups at 30 min and 24 h, as well as in WT 30 min after HI, with and without HT. GPX1 was higher in the hippocampus of all transgenic groups and WT with HI and normothermia, at 24 h, but not at 30 min. Spectrin 150 was higher in all groups with HI, while spectrin 120 was higher in HI groups only at 24 h. There was reduced ERK1/2 activation in both WT and GPX1-tg HI at 30 min. Thus, with a relatively moderate insult, we see a benefit with cooling in the WT but not the GPX1-tg mouse brain. The fact that we see no benefit with increased GPx1 here in the P9 model (unlike in the P7 model) may indicate that oxidative stress in these older mice is elevated to an extent that increased GPx1 is insufficient for reducing injury. The lack of benefit of overexpressing GPX1 in conjunction with HT after HI indicates that pathways triggered by GPX1 overexpression may interfere with the neuroprotective mechanisms provided by HT.
Evolution and Variations of the Ovine Model of Spina Bifida
Authors: Lee Su Yeon , Du Yimeng , Hassan Abd-Elrahman Said , Brown Erin , Saadai Payam , Hirose Shinjiro , Wang Aijun , Farmer Diana L.
Published: July 2023

Spina bifida is the most common congenital anomaly of the central nervous system and the first non-fatal fetal lesions to be addressed by fetal intervention. While research in spina bifida has been performed in rodent, nonhuman primate, and canine models, sheep have been a model organism for the disease. This review summarizes the history of development of the ovine model of spina bifida, previous applications, and translation into clinical studies. Initially used by Meuli et al. [Nat Med. 1995;1(4):342–7], fetal myelomeningocele defect creation and in utero repair demonstrated motor function preservation. The addition of myelotomy in this model can reproduce hindbrain herniation malformations, which is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in humans. Since inception, the ovine models have been validated numerous times as the ideal large animal model for fetal repair, with both locomotive scoring and spina bifida defect scoring adding to the rigor of this model. The ovine model has been used to study different methods of myelomeningocele defect repair, the application of various tissue engineering techniques for neuroprotection and bowel and bladder function. The results of these large animal studies have been translated into human clinical trials including Management of Meningocele Study (MOMS) trial that established current standard of care for prenatal repair of spina bifida defects, and the ongoing trials including the Cellular Therapy for In Utero Repair of Myelomeningocele (CuRe) trial using a stem cell patch for repair. The advancement of these life savings and life-altering therapies began in sheep models, and this notable model continues to be used to further the field including current work with stem cell therapy.
Effects of Social Anxiety and Subjective Well-Being on Problematic Mobile Social Media Use in First-Year University Students: The Mediating Role of Self-Esteem
Authors: Luo Xiao
Published: July 2023

Background: Problematic mobile social media use may impact college students’ physical and mental health. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of social anxiety and subjective well-being on problematic mobile social media use and the mediating role of self-esteem in this relationship. Methods: A total of 387 first-year university students (39.8% females, 60.2% males; mean age = 18.74 years) were enrolled in this study and completed self-report measures of social anxiety, subjective well-being, self-esteem and problematic mobile social media use. A structural equation model was constructed and tested by AMOS 23.0 software. Results: (1) Social anxiety not only had a direct effect on problematic mobile social media use, but also had an indirect effect on problematic mobile social media use via self-esteem. (2) Subjective well-being was positively and significantly associated with self-esteem, as well as problematic mobile social media use. (3) Self-esteem played a suppressing role between subjective well-being and problematic mobile social media use. Conclusions: It is necessary to help college students reduce their social anxiety and increase their subjective happiness through appropriate ways, as this plays an important role in increasing self-esteem and reducing their problematic mobile social media use.
Even one voice: Teaching legislative advocacy as a core competency in family medicine
Authors: Brown Alexander , Wall Terri N , Pratt Grace , Talen Mary R , O’Grady Clare , Reitz Randall
Published: July 2023

Credentialing bodies increasingly focus on advocacy as a competency to be developed by physicians during residency. The skills of advocacy are especially important with the increased attention on social determinants of health, as restrictive state and federal health policy decisions gain widespread attention in the national news media. This movement is reflected in the ACGME’s recently revised statement on the training mission of family medicine residencies with the most recent update of milestones, which identifies advocacy as a core competency. Additionally, the major family medicine organizations and governing bodies all similarly identify advocacy as an important professional responsibility for family physicians. Advocacy is a broad term that can be applied across a range of settings and scenarios. For the purposes of this paper we focus primarily on legislative advocacy as a specific area for growing curricular emphasis in family medicine residency programs.
The Japanese preoccupation with Osamu Dazai in the twenty-first century
Authors: Uchimaru Kohei
Published: July 2023

This paper considers the underlying factors that dictated Osamu Dazai's adaptation of Hamlet in 1941, The New Hamlet, alongside the intellectual background against which he rewrote the play. Despite his reference to the critique of the Romantic interpretations of the play, Dazai's protagonist is represented as an indecisive man who is seized by what Carl Schmitt called ‘Romantic irony’, namely an impulse to suspend practical judgements. Underlying such a representation of Hamlet is Dazai's lack of a criterion of justice (or belief systems), which can be seen as a tragedy not only for Dazai and his contemporary young people but also for young people living in twenty-first century Japan.
In vitro evaluation of blood plasma coagulation responses to four medical-grade polyurethane polymers
Authors: Nguyen Lan , Xu Li-Chong , Yeager Eric , Weiss William J , Siedlecki Christopher A
Published: July 2023

Segmented polyurethane (PU) block copolymers are widely used in implantable cardiovascular medical devices due to their good biocompatibility and excellent mechanical properties. More specifically, PU Biospan MS/0.4 was used in ventricular assist devices over the past decades. However, this product is being discontinued and it has become necessary to find an alternative PU biomaterial for application in cardiovascular devices. One important criterion for assessing cardiac biomaterials is blood compatibility. In this study, we characterized the surface properties of four medical-grade PU biomaterials: Biospan MS/0.4, BioSpan S, BioSpan 2F, and CarboSil 20 80A, including surface chemistry, topography, microphase separation structure and wettability, and then measured the blood plasma coagulation responses using bovine and human blood plasma. Results showed that BioSpan 2F contains high amounts of fluorine and has the lowest surface free energy while the other materials have surfaces with silicone present. An in vitro coagulation assay shows that these materials demonstrated improved blood coagulation responses compared to the polystyrene control and there were no significant differences in coagulation time among all PU biomaterials. The chromogenic assay showed all PU materials led to low FXII contact activation, and there were no significant differences in FXII contact activation, consistent with plasma coagulation responses.
Correlates of recreational risk-taking behavior: A comparison between the Tower Building Task and two self-report measures
Authors: Hernández-Méndez Joel C , Gracia-Garrido Santiago , Hudson Robyn , Rosetti Marcos F
Published: July 2023

Risk-taking is a ubiquitous behavior and its assessment is a central aspect of understanding human decision-making. Self-report questionnaires can be used to probe risk-taking propensities in a domain-specific manner. In contrast, most behavioral tools for risk-taking assessment provide nonspecific, unitary measures with a strong bias towards risk scenarios involving monetary gains and losses tied to probabilities. In the current work, we evaluate a behavioral task designed to specifically address recreational risk-taking, that is, situations where decision-making is driven by intrinsic motivation and performance is rewarding in its own right. For this, we chose the Tower Building Task (TBT), in which participants use wooden blocks to attempt to build the tallest tower they can; a trial ends if the building collapses, the allotted time ends, or the builder is satisfied with their tower. We correlated the TBT scores with each of the domains provided by two widely used self-report instruments, the Domain-Specific Risk-Taking scale (DOSPERT) and the Evolutionary Domain-Specific Risk scale (ERS). We found small, but significant correlations between TBT scores and those of (i) the recreational domain of the DOSPERT as well as (ii) the environmental exploration domain of the ERS. These correlation values reflect a small degree of similarity between these tests, suggesting that they capture some aspects of the complex construct that is recreation. However, the small magnitude of the correlations highlights the need for a complementary set of tools to evaluate the full spectrum of recreational risk-taking activities.
Left-Right Social Identity and the Polarization of Political Tolerance
Authors: Peffley Mark , Yair Omer , Hutchison Marc L
Published: July 2023

A growing literature finds that social identity attachments to ideological and partisan groups often generate mistrust, hostility, and prejudice toward opposition groups. Yet, there are no studies of whether attachments to ideological groups (i.e., left, right, liberal, and conservative) contribute to political intolerance—defined as an unwillingness to extend basic liberties to groups one opposes—a widely studied and politically consequential form of outgroup hostility. Using both observational and experimental data, we examine how social identity attachments to left–right groups in Israel influence Jewish Israelis’ political intolerance of disliked domestic groups, that is, least-liked groups and Arab citizens. In contrast to other studies—mostly in the US—that find roughly parallel levels of political and social prejudice toward opposition groups, we theorize and find that more strongly attached rightists and leftists in Israel become more polarized in their levels of political tolerance toward disliked groups. Among rightists, stronger identities decrease tolerance, whereas among leftists, political tolerance increases. Thus, outside the US, identity strength can actually be a protector of democratic values, leading some groups (i.e., Jewish leftists) to become more tolerant.
Social exercise interventions for children who have complex developmental needs: A systematic review
Authors: Freire Kate , Pope Rod , Size Isabella , Andrews Kristen , Fitz-Gerald Emma , Bowman Tricia
Published: July 2023

Exercise interventions are identified as effective treatments for children not meeting developmental milestones. This systematic review synthesizes research regarding exercise interventions that involved social participatory elements, for children with complex developmental needs. Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, Emcare, Proquest Theses and Dissertations, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar were searched systematically for relevant studies. Peer-reviewed studies meeting the review aim and published between 2000 and 2021 in English, were included. Methodological quality of 49 eligible studies (47 controlled trials, two mixed methods, total of 2355 participants) was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Narrative synthesis identified two groups of studies: Group 1 incorporated intentional social participatory elements; Group 2 likely involved incidental social participation. Most studies were of moderate to low methodological quality. Few measured impacts of interventions upon total physical activity levels. Short-term improvements in physical outcomes – particularly motor skills – were most frequently reported and were the main benefit of social exercise interventions for children with complex developmental needs, for which evidence exists. Further rigorous, longitudinal research is needed to assess social, psychological, and executive function outcomes of social exercise interventions in this population. Such interventions should incorporate booster sessions to provide children with greater opportunity to meet developmental milestones.
Neural ordinary differential gray algorithm to forecasting models of controlled systems
Authors: Chen ZY , Meng YH , Jiang Rong , Wang Ruei-Yuan , Chen Timothy
Published: July 2023

Due to the feasibility of the gray model for predicting time series with small samples, the gray theory is well investigated since it is presented and is currently evolved in an important manner for forecasting small samples. This study proposes a new gray prediction criterion based on the neural ordinary differential equation, which is named the neural ordinary differential gray mode. This neural ordinary differential gray mode permits the forecasting model to be learned by a training process which contains a new whitening equation. It is needed to prepare the structure and time series, compared with other models, according to the regularity of actual specimens in advance, therefore this model of neural ordinary differential gray mode can provide comprehensive applications as well as learning the properties of distinct data specimens. To acquire a better model which has highly predictive efficiency, afterward, this study trains the model by neural ordinary differential gray mode using the Runge–Kutta method to obtain the prediction sequence and solve the model. The controller establishes an advantageous theoretical foundation in adapting to novel wheels and comprehensively spreads the utilize extent of mechanical elastic vehicle wheel.
Organizational Inclusion and OCB: The Moderating Role of Inclusive Leadership
Authors: Kuknor Sunaina , Bhattacharya Shubhasheesh , Sharma Bhuvanesh Kumar , Bhattacharya Sonali
Published: July 2023

Diversity and inclusion are considered to be critical for organizational success. Increased workforce diversity due to multicultural organizations also increases the importance of maintaining harmony and productivity in the workplace. In light of the above, this research article aimed to find the effect of perception of inclusion practices in the workplace on organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB). Further, the moderating role of a leader was examined in the study to understand if the presence of an inclusive leader affects the relationship between organizational inclusion (OI) and OCB. Primary data was collected from 352 working professionals from 47 information technology companies in India indexed in BSE S&P (Bombay Stock Exchange) through a self-administered questionnaire. Statistical technique of Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was applied to analyse the data using AMOS 18. The study found that OI is positively associated with OCB. This indicated that if organizations initiate and manage inclusion in the workplace through their policies and practices, it will positively impact the organizational outcome. In a diverse country like India, the study is one of its kind to examine the interrelationships between inclusion, OCB and inclusive leadership. The study has strong policy implications highlighting the role of an inclusive leader, which is a niche research area.
Effectiveness of Nurse-led Lifestyle Modification Intervention on Obesity Among Young Women in India
Authors: Shaji Princey , Singh Maharaj , Sahu Bharti , Arulappan Judie
Published: July 2023

Background

Obesity management in young women necessitates interventions that include dietary modification and physical exercise. High-intensity lifestyle modification is effective in managing obesity in young women.

Objectives

The study determined the effectiveness of a nurse-led lifestyle modification intervention (NLLMI) on obesity among young women in India.

Methods

The study adopted a quasi-experimental pre- and post-interventional control group research design. The study was conducted among obese young women in the communities of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India. The participants were selected using convenient sampling technique. The sample included 150 women in the study group and 150 in the control group. The NLLMI comprising of exercises and dietary modifications were taught to the participants for 30 min three times a week for 24 weeks. Thereafter, they were encouraged to follow the diet and perform the exercises on their own for the next 12 weeks. Practice diary was maintained by the participants and they were encouraged to continue the intervention through the phone. The participants in the control group did not engage in the NLLMI until the post-test. However, they did receive the same NLLMI after the trial was over.

Results

There was a high statistically significant difference ( p = 0.001) between the study group and the control group the after 12th and 24th weeks of NLLMI. The study group had a significant reduction in BMI after the intervention.

Conclusions

Young obese women may benefit from a NLLMI if they regularly follow the healthy eating habits and physical exercise.
Representation of Humiliation in Bengali Dalit Literature: A Comparative Study
Authors: Acharya Indranil , Naskar Shubhendu Shekhar , Pramanik Shyamal Kumar
Published: July 2023

This article proposes to develop a comparatist framework of pan-Indian Dalit writings on one hand and the representative Bengali Dalit writings on the other in the context of the experience of humiliation. The chief objective of this comparison would be a close reading of the treatment of the experience of humiliation, along with its claims and contexts, in both literary traditions. Cutting across the literary genres, the main argument of this article will be to show the qualitative difference in the perception of humiliation in Dalit literary expressions and a resultant realization that Bengali Dalit experience somehow falls short of depicting the intensity of insult abundantly manifest in Marathi and other Dalit writings. Throughout the scope of this article, various factors responsible for such low decibel representation of humiliation will be taken up for detailed study with frequent references to past and present Dalit authors and their most representative studies. Another abiding engagement with the issue of humiliation, vis-a-vis the tragic demise of Chuni Kotal, will lead to questions about the muted presence of the community experience of humiliation by the erstwhile Criminal Tribe, Lodha Savar, in contemporary Bengali Dalit writings.
Whose Valmiki?
Authors: Deepak Kashyap
Published: July 2023

The roots of sacred spiritual knowledge of Indian traditions lead one back to the Vedas, Puranas, Shrutis, Ramayana, Mahabharata and other mythical works that were transmitted orally by the Aryan scholars. Such scholars invented countless stories related to the birth, caste and death of a classical character but such narratives are challenged by modern scholars when examined from comparative methods, logical reasoning, rational angle and scientific perspective. One of such stories is the birth and caste of Valmiki, the creator of Ramayana. As per Puranas and Shrutis, Valmiki was a Brahmin but Sikh and Oriental scholars oppose the view by declaring him a Dalit who later became the guru of sweepers. The question of Valmiki’s caste evolved into one of the most fiercely disputed subjects in the twentieth century, and the controversy at the turn of the new century led to numerous lawsuits, court cases and litigations. Having orientation towards the controversy, this article aims to solve the puzzle by scrutinizing the aforementioned texts and scholars’ views from four different languages: Sanskrit, Hindi, Punjabi and English. The hypothesis will decode the enigma of Valmiki Jayanti and different propagandas related to the caste of poet Valmiki and Valmiki, the community. The conclusion will emphasize the difference between written texts and myths of the Indian knowledge system.
Incidence and risk factors associated with negative postoperative behavioral changes in children undergoing painless gastroscopy
Authors: YanYing Pu , ShenLing Liu , XiaoHan Peng , YunBo Xu , Xin Tan , GuoYan Li , Yan Cheng , Lei Huang
Published: July 2023

Objective

To investigate the incidence of and risk factors associated with negative postoperative behavioral changes (NPOBCs) in children undergoing painless gastroscopy.

Methods

Inclusion criteria: ASA I–II and outpatients aged 6–12 years undergoing painless gastroscopy. Exclusion criteria: history of surgery or anesthesia, children with developmental or intellectual abnormalities, refusal to participate, preoperative abdominal pain score > 3 points, history of chronic abdominal pain of > 3 months duration, and serious intraoperative complications. On the 1st, 14th, and 30th day after the gastroscopy, the Post Hospitalization Behavior Questionnaire for Ambulatory Surgery (PHBQ-AS) was used to assess NPOBCs in children.

Results

A total of 1,670 children were included in this prospective observational cohort study. The incidence rates of NPOBCs were 14.13%, 4.55%, and 2.14% on the 1st, 14th, and 30th day after gastroscopy, respectively. The risk factors for the first day were female sex (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.00–1.79), parental anxiety (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.75–3.12), and severe anxiety in children (OR 2.83, 95% CI 1.96–4.07). The risk factors on the 14th day were parental anxiety (OR 3.71, 95% CI 2.19–6.29), a parental educational level above high school (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.00–2.70), and severe anxiety in children (OR 11.87, 95% CI 5.85–24.07). The risk factors on the 30th day were female sex (OR 2.99, 95% CI 1.41–6.34), being an only child (OR 4.42, 95% CI 2.18–8.95), a parental educational level above high school (OR 2.66, 95% CI 1.27 NPOBCs 5.56), and severe anxiety in children (OR 6.84, 95% CI 2.84–16.49).

Conclusion

In children undergoing painless gastroscopy, the incidence rates of NPOBCs on the 1st, 14th, and 30th day were 14.13%, 4.55%, and 2.14%, respectively. The risk factors for NPOBCs were severe anxiety in children, female sex, parental anxiety, and a parental educational level above high school. In particular, severe preoperative anxiety in children was a persistent risk factor for NPOBCs within 30 days.
Comparing physical activity prescription with verbal advice for general practice patients with cardiovascular risk factors: results from the PEPPER randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bellanger William , Peurois Matthieu , Connan Laurent , Navasiolava Nastassia , Missud David , Py Thibaut , Bègue Cyril
Published: July 2023

Background

Regular physical activity improves health and quality of life for people with cardiovascular risk factors. However, few studies have demonstrated the applicability of strategies in health care to promote physical activity.

Objective

To evaluate if a written physical activity prescription combined with pedometer increases physical activity over one year compared with verbal advice in patients with cardiovascular disease risk in primary care.

Methods

The randomised-controlled, interventional, 12-month PEPPER study recruited patients aged 35 to 74 years, having quarterly followed-ups for hypertension, dyslipidaemia, or diabetes, and judged insufficiently active. Seventeen practices randomised patients into either the experimental group, who received a written, personalised prescription for daily step numbers, pedometer and logbook, or control group, who received verbal advice to do at least 15 min of rapid walking or equivalent daily. The primary outcome was the change in total weekly energy expenditure measured using an accelerometer at 3 months. The secondary outcomes were changes in step count, physical activity levels, quality of life, perceived obstacles to physical activity, and biomedical indicators at 3 and 12 months.

Results

One hundred and twenty-one participants were randomised. Although, weekly energy expenditure did not differ between the prescription and verbal instruction group, the estimated time spent doing moderate-intensity activity was significantly higher in the prescription group than the verbal group by an average of four minutes/week (p = 0.018)(95% CI [0.7 – 7.4]) reaching 48 min after 12 months (95% CI: 8 – 89). Similarly, this was associated with a clinically, higher average step number of 5256 steps/week increase over a year (95% CI: 660 – 9852). Among the most sedentary subgroup, walking less than 5000 steps/day at baseline, an 8868 steps/week (95% CI [2988 – 14700]) increase was observed in the prescription group.

Conclusion

Prescribing physical activity did not significantly modify total weekly energy expenditure, but slightly increased moderate-intensity activity duration and step counts, particularly among the most sedentary participants. Prescribing personalised physical activity goals encourages sedentary patients to engage in physical activity.

Trial registration

The PEPPER trial is registered in the US National Institutes of Health Clinical Trials Registry under number NCT02317003 (15/12/2014).