bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential of Natural Antioxidants for Upregulating Apoptosis in Cervical Cancer Cells: A Cellular and Molecular Study
Authors: Salehi Alireza , Faraji Samar , Shafaei Ahmadreza , Kangarlou Kimiya , Behzadi Amirhoushang
Published: July 2023

Natural antioxidants (NAs) are promising substances, which are established as potent therapeutic agents. However, the anticancer potential of many of them is not completely known. In this research, the anticancer effect of three natural antioxidants including geraniol (Ge), citronellol (Cit), and quercetin (Qu), and their combination by estimating their cytotoxicity on the Hela cells at doses from 15.625 to 1000 µg/mL was investigated. Moreover, cisplatin (Cis) was employed as a strong competitive comparison. After estimating the IC50 value of each treatment in the MTT assay, western blot was performed with the obtained doses for further evaluation. In this regard, the expressions of caspase3, Bax, Bcl2, and p53 proteins were examined. Our results showed that the combination of these natural substances had significant cytotoxic potential by upregulating all mentioned proteins, which demonstrated the apoptosis pathway. Our findings had also the same results in both Cis-receiving and non-Cis-receiving cells regarding some indices. Consequently, it was suggested to further investigate these natural antioxidants as both main or adjuvant therapies for their anticancer potential and side-effect reduction in vivo. Overall, it can be concluded that these natural antioxidants are effective against cancer cells by upregulating the apoptosis pathway.
Exploring the Impact of a Global Pandemic (COVID-19) on Factors Impacting the Resilience of Top-Tier London Hockey Players
Authors: Sharland Philippa Boag , Haroun Justin , Safi Ayazullah
Published: July 2023

Introduction. The cessation of all professional and amateur sport due to the COVID-19 pandemic had a dramatic effect on the mental and physical capacity of the United Kingdom populace, but its impact was arguably felt more deeply by the athletic population. Thus, this research explored which limiting factors were experienced by team hockey players during the national lockdowns (1.0–3.0) with the objective of enabling coaches and team management to better support and protect players’ physiological and psychological resilience in return to play. Methods. Data were collected over 12 weeks during the 3rd UK lockdown (March 2021) from two top-tier London clubs. Hockey players (n = 63) completed an online questionnaire that included validated tests for self-compassion, sport motivation, and a custom open-ended style qualitative questionnaire on nutrition and lifestyle behaviour. Mean self-compassion, motivation scores, and common indicative limiting factors were evaluated and ranked according to significance. Results. High “rebound resilience” was found with low amotivation scores (m = 8.33) and strong affinity for their sport identifying with the statement “because participation in my sport is an integral part of my life” with correspondingly high integrated regulation scores (m = 21.43). Participants’ self-compassion showed the highest scores in mindfulness (m = 3.66) and lowest in self-kindness (m = 2.84) indicating a common trait in athletes for self-criticism. The highest limiting factor was cited as “no social outlets, social interactions, or seeing friends and family”. Conclusion. This study revealed the critical role that social connectedness plays in promoting resilience and enhancing motivation in return to play during extremely challenging circumstances. When the social outlet is absent, enhancing resilience factors with mindfulness, self-compassion, and the creation of a more facilitative environment where player welfare takes priority are potential strategies to support players when they are unable to participate in their sport.
White Matter Microstructural Alterations over the Year after Acute Ischemic Stroke in Patients with Baseline Impaired Cognitive Functions
Authors: Wu Bingyuan , Guo Shida , Jia Xiuqin , Geng Zuojun , Yang Qi
Published: July 2023

Background. The disruption of white matter (WM) integrity is related to poststroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). The exploration of WM integrity alterations in the chronic stage of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) may help to improve the long-term outcomes of PSCI. Methods. Sixty patients showing impaired cognitive functions within 3 days after AIS (baseline) and 25 healthy controls underwent diffusion kurtosis imaging scan and cognitive assessment at baseline and 1 year. Based on the tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS), kurtosis fractional anisotropy (KFA) and mean kurtosis (MK) were compared in WM tracts between the groups. Results. One year after AIS, 25 patients were diagnosed with PSCI and 35 patients with non-cognitive impairment (NCI). Compared with baseline, cognitive performance improved in 54 patients and remained unchanged in 6 patients at 1 year. TBSS analysis showed that there were no significant differences in WM tract integrity between the AIS and control groups at baseline (

P
>
0.05

). Compared with the control group, the KFA and MK in multiple WM tracts in the AIS group decreased significantly at 1 year (

P
<
0.05

). Longitudinal analysis showed that the KFA and MK of multiple WM tracts recorded at 1 year were significantly lower than those recorded at baseline in the AIS, PSCI, and NCI groups (

P
<
0.05

), and PSCI group had a faster degeneration than NCI group (

P
<
0.05

). Conclusion. The finding suggests that the patients with baseline impaired cognitive functions still have WM microstructural damages at 1 year poststroke, even if their cognitive function has improved or returned to normal. Cautions should be taken against the possible negative impact of these changes on long-term cognition.
Survival, Incidence, and Mortality Trends in Female Cancers in the Nordic Countries
Authors: Tichanek Filip , Försti Asta , Hemminki Otto , Hemminki Akseli , Hemminki Kari
Published: July 2023

Background. Female cancers cover common breast cancers, relatively common endometrial, ovarian, and cervical cancers and rare vulvar cancer. Survival in these cancers is known to be relatively good compared to all cancers but long-term studies for these cancers are rare, and to fill the gap, here, we generate survival data through 50 years. Materials and Methods. We applied generalized additive models to data from the NORDCAN database and analyzed 1- and 5-year relative survival for these cancers in Denmark (DK), Finland (FI), Norway (NO), and Sweden (SE) over half a century (1971–2020). Conditional 5/1-year survival for patients who survived the 1st year after diagnosis and annual survival changes was also estimated. Results. In 2016–20, 5-year survival was best for breast cancer reaching 92.3% (in SE), followed by endometrial cancer at 86.1% (SE) and cervical cancer at 75.6% (NO). Improvement in 5-year survival over the 50 years was the largest for ovarian cancer (20% units), finally reaching 52.9% (SE). For vulvar cancer, the final survival was between 70 and 73%. The best 5-year survival rate in 2016–20 was recorded for SE in breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancers; NO showed the highest rate for cervical and DK for vulvar cancers. DK had the lowest survival for breast and ovarian cancers, and FI, for the other cancers. Conclusions. The overall survival development appeared to consist of continuous improvements, most likely because of novel treatment and imaging techniques as well as overall organization of patient care. The large survival improvement for ovarian cancer was probably achieved by a surgical focus on tumors spread in the peritoneal cavity. For cervical and vulvar cancers, the high early mortality requires attention and could be helped by raising increasing public awareness of early symptoms in these cancers and developing pathways for fast initiation of treatment.
Application of New Ammonium-Based Ionic Liquids for Dehydration of Crude Oil Emulsions
Authors: Abdullah Mahmood M. S. , Sajid Ali Mohd , Al-Lohedan Hamad A.
Published: July 2023

Crude oil emulsions are prevalent in the petroleum industries due to different natural emulsifiers in crude oil. In addition, adding amphiphilic compounds for enhanced oil recovery at high temperatures and pressure under extreme shear stress conditions improved the stability of these emulsions. However, these emulsions are not desirable because they cause different operational problems. Herein, this work aims to synthesize and characterize two novel ionic liquids (ILs) and apply them to the dehydration of water-in-crude oil (W/O) emulsions. For that, tetraethylene glycol (TEG) was reacted with thionyl chloride (TC), yielding dialkyl halide (TEC). After that, TEC was reacted with 4-hexylaniline (HA) or 4-tetradecylaniline (TA) in the presence of sodium carbonate, obtaining the amines TC-HA and TC-TA, respectively. Finally, TC-HA and TC-TA were reacted with acetic acid, yielding the corresponding ionic liquids, THA-IL and TTA-IL. Chemical structure, surface tension (ST), interfacial tension (IFT), thermal stability, and micelle size were investigated using various techniques. The conventional bottle test was used to evaluate the performance of these ILs for dehydration W/O emulsion at different crude oil/brine ratios (ranging from 90/10 to 50/50). The results indicated that the dehydration performance (DP) increased with an increase in IL concentration. In addition, DP improved with increased water contents, reaching 100% for THA-IL and 80% for TTA-IL, respectively, at a crude oil/brine ratio of 50/50. Furthermore, TTA-IL showed higher DP and separated more clear water than THA-IL, which could be linked to its higher ability to reduce IFT due to a longer alkyl chain than THA-IL. The results showed that the synthesized ILs could serve as demulsifiers in the petroleum industry.
Identifying p53 Target Genes Using Hypomorphic Variants
Authors: Bhatta Bibek , Cooks Tomer
Published: July 2023

The reduced tumor suppression activity of hypomorphic variants of the TP53 gene was used by Indeglia and colleagues to corroborate PADI4 as a p53 target. The study makes a noteworthy advancement in comprehending the downstream implications of TP53–PDI4, including potential predictions of survival and the efficacy of immunotherapy.

See related article by Indeglia et al., p. 1696 (4).
Coexisting Genomic Alterations in Risk Stratification of KRASG12C-Mutated Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Heng Sarina Z.W. , Hoo Regina , Tan Daniel S.W.
Published: July 2023

Negrao and colleagues showed that coalterations in three genes—KEAP1, SMARCA4, and CDKN2A— correlated to poor clinical outcomes in patients with KRASG12C-mutated non–small cell lung cancer treated with sotorasib or adagrasib. Their study highlights how pooling high-resolution real-world genomic data with clinical outcomes can potentially facilitate risk-stratified precision therapies.

See related article by Negrao et al., p. 1556 (2).
Identification of an Imidazopyridine-based Compound as an Oral Selective Estrogen Receptor Degrader for Breast Cancer Therapy
Authors: Pan Mengwu , Solozobova Valeria , Kuznik Nane C. , Jung Nicole , Gräßle Simone , Gourain Victor , Heneka Yvonne M. , Cramer von Clausbruch Christina A. , Fuhr Olaf , Munuganti Ravi S. N. , Maddalo Danilo , Blattner Christine , Neeb Antje , Sharp Adam , Cato Laura , Weiss Carsten , Jeselsohn Rinath M. , Orian-Rousseau Veronique , Bräse Stefan , Cato Andrew C. B.
Published: July 2023

The pro-oncogenic activities of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) drive breast cancer pathogenesis. Endocrine therapies that impair the production of estrogen or the action of the ERα are therefore used to prevent primary disease metastasis. Although recent successes with ERα degraders have been reported, there is still the need to develop further ERα antagonists with additional properties for breast cancer therapy. We have previously described a benzothiazole compound A4B17 that inhibits the proliferation of androgen receptor–positive prostate cancer cells by disrupting the interaction of the cochaperone BAG1 with the AR. A4B17 was also found to inhibit the proliferation of estrogen receptor—positive (ER+) breast cancer cells. Using a scaffold hopping approach, we report here a group of small molecules with imidazopyridine scaffolds that are more potent and efficacious than A4B17. The prototype molecule X15695 efficiently degraded ERα and attenuated estrogen-mediated target gene expression as well as transactivation by the AR. X15695 also disrupted key cellular protein–protein interactions such as BAG1–mortalin (GRP75) interaction as well as wild-type p53–mortalin or mutant p53–BAG2 interactions. These activities together reactivated p53 and resulted in cell-cycle block and the induction of apoptosis. When administered orally to in vivo tumor xenograft models, X15695 potently inhibited the growth of breast tumor cells but less efficiently the growth of prostate tumor cells. We therefore identify X15695 as an oral selective ER degrader and propose further development of this compound for therapy of ER+ breast cancers.

Significance:

An imidazopyridine that selectively degrades ERα and is orally bioavailable has been identified for the development of ER+ breast cancer therapeutics. This compound also activates wild-type p53 and disrupts the gain-of-function tumorigenic activity of mutant p53, resulting in cell-cycle arrest and the induction of apoptosis.
Fisioterapia vestibular na síndrome de Arnold-Chiari com uso da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF): relato de caso
Authors: Costa Wildna Sharon Martins da , Silva Jade Louise Alves Macedo Padilha , Souza Juliana Cirilo Soares de , Ferreira Lidiane Maria de Brito Macedo , Ribeiro Karyna Myrelly Oliveira Bezerra de Figueiredo
Published: July 2023

Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos de um protocolo de Fisioterapia Vestibular (FV), baseado no modelo da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF) em um paciente com sequelas da síndrome de Arnold-Chiari do tipo I nas queixas de tontura, alterações oculomotoras, desequilíbrio e impacto da tontura na qualidade de vida. Método: Trata-se da descrição do caso de um paciente de 40 anos que realizou um protocolo de FV em 44 sessões, uma a duas vezes por semana, envolvendo exercícios de estabilização do olhar, oculomotores, habituação, equilíbrio estático e dinâmico, tanto em ambiente clínico presencial, quanto remoto e domiciliar. Foram realizadas avaliações da intensidade da tontura e desequilíbrio, do sistema oculomotor, do equilíbrio estático e dinâmico, bem como da qualidade de vida. As informações coletadas na avaliação inicial foram convertidas para os domínios da CIF. Resultados: Houve redução no relato da intensidade da tontura e desequilíbrio, na distância do ponto próximo de convergência, melhora no equilíbrio postural estático e início da prática de atividade física regular, porém manteve o risco de queda no teste de equilíbrio dinâmico e deficiência grave quanto à qualidade de vida. Conclusão: O protocolo de FV, planejado a partir do uso da CIF, mostrou resultados positivos quanto à intensidade da queixa de tontura e desequilíbrio, convergência ocular e equilíbrio estático, com manutenção dos resultados quanto ao equilíbrio dinâmico e à qualidade de vida em um paciente com sequelas da Síndrome de Arnold-Chiari. Os resultados deste estudo podem direcionar a conduta clínica e pesquisas futuras relacionadas a esta população.
Notas sobre uma obra de Blumenbach
Authors: Farhat Pedro Casalotti
Published: July 2023

Resenha de: Blumenbach, J. F. Sobre o impulso de formação e a geração. Tradução, introdução e notas de Isabel Coelho Fragelli. Revisão técnica de Luciana Valéria Nogueira. Santo André: Editora UFABC, 2019
Evolving Utilization of Covered Stents for Treatment of Aortic Coarctation: Report From the IMPACT Registry
Authors: Morray Brian H. , Kennedy Kevin F. , McElhinney Doff B.
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

Covered stent (CS) use for the transcatheter treatment of coarctation of the aorta (COA) was first described over 20 years ago. The covered Cheatham-platinum stent received Food and Drug Administration approval for COA treatment in 2016. Data collected as part of the National Cardiovascular Data Registry IMPACT registry were evaluated for contemporary usage patterns of CS for the treatment of COA from 2016 to 2021.

METHODS:

Version 2 of the IMPACT registry was queried for all patients who underwent stent placement for treatment of COA from 2016 to 2021. Trends in CS use were evaluated by year and age of patient at the time of implant. Analysis was limited to clinical factors collected as part of the registry and was performed to identify factors associated with CS use.

RESULTS:

Data were available for 1989 case entries. Most patients (92%) received a single stent. The overall percentage of CS use in the cohort was 23% and remained consistent throughout the study period. The probability of CS use was significantly associated with increasing patient age at implant. Additional factors associated with CS use included smaller initial COA diameter, native COA, and the presence of a pseudoaneurysm. Procedural adverse event rates were low.

CONCLUSIONS:

CS use to treat COA was more common in adult patients and remained stable over the study period. Factors associated with CS use, including smaller COA diameter and aortic pseudoaneurysm, demonstrate the perceived value of CS as a tool to reduce the risk of aortic wall injury during treatment of COA.
The ‘Total-Legalization’ of Cannabis in Germany: Legal Challenges and the EU Free Market Conundrum
Authors: Hofmann Robin
Published: July 2023

The German government plans the ‘total-legalization’ of cannabis i.e. a state regulated market for recreational cannabis by 2024. Unlike Canada or Uruguay the German legislator plans to comply with the international treaty regime which strictly prohibits cannabis except for medical and scientific purposes. Concerning the equally prohibitive EU law the German government coalition follows a legal strategy of re-interpreting relevant provisions and exploiting legal loopholes. This article will outline this strategy and analyse the complex problems it raises under international and EU law. It will demonstrate that the German government has embarked on a risky endeavor as the international treaty regime as much as EU crime and drug policies give little room for legal maneuvers. Major issues such as the curbing of drug tourism and the compliance with free market rules remain widely unsolved.
Diversity and Women’s Representation in Small States’ Diplomacy: A Case Study of Lithuania
Authors: Park Ausra
Published: July 2023

Since 1991 women have broken many political ‘glass ceilings’ in Lithuania by getting elected to the presidency, the prime ministership and several ‘power’ ministries. The number of women diplomats has also steadily increased, reaching solid representation in the Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (LMFA). However, women are still markedly underrepresented at the ambassadorial level and the LMFA’s upper ranks. Using historical and feminist institutionalisms this article first examines the LMFA’s gendered origins. Then, drawing on a newly collected ambassadorial dataset and empirical analysis, it presents the most comprehensive socio-demographic profiling of Lithuanian ambassadors to reveal the extent of diversity and women’s representation in Lithuania’s foreign service. Through empirical mapping and application of a gender in diplomacy theoretical approach, it identifies where women (and men) are located in the country’s diplomacy and compare — for confirmation or refutation — observed patterns in Lithuania’s ambassadorial appointments against those discerned globally.
Multi-Isotopic Investigation of Population Dynamics and Mobility among Rural Medieval Christian Communities at Ghazali, Northern Sudan
Authors: Ciesielska Joanna A. , Stark Robert J. , Obłuski Artur , Boivin Nicole , Lucas Mary , Le Roux Petrus , Roberts Patrick
Published: July 2023

The archaeological site of Ghazali (northern Sudan) provides a rare opportunity to investigate the dynamics of mixed economies and mobility on the fringes on the Nile valley at the time of Christian expansion in Nubia. Thanks to its particular hydrological conditions, Sudan has a long history of diverse groups pursuing different economic activities, with agricultural communities settled along the fertile Nile valley and various mobile pastoralists groups occupying vast areas of the adjacent deserts. Ghazali represents an early medieval Nubian rural site with an extensive funerary zone. Somewhat removed from the Nile valley, Ghazali extends along the western bank of a large wadi, Wadi Abu Dom, running across the Bayuda desert, dated ca. 7th–13th century CE. Multi-isotopic analysis of human tooth enamel from Cemeteries 1, 3, and 4 was used to explore patterns of mobility among these communities. Ten enamel samples were subjected to 87Sr/86Sr analysis, while 24 individuals were studied for their δ18O values. 87Sr/86Sr and δ18O values were very heterogeneous, suggesting that the Ghazali community, as a whole, benefited from a variety of water sources, perhaps including significant contributions from groundwater wells. We suggest that this adds further support for the reconstruction of a mixed practice of agriculture and animal herding in the neighbouring Bayuda desert. These data add to growing evidence for diverse and flexible mixed economies in eastern Africa that provided food security even under the most challenging of conditions.
Increased Persistence in Winter-to-Spring Precipitation Anomalies over South China since the Late 1990s and the Possible Mechanisms
Authors: Zhang Mengqi , Sun Jianqi
Published: July 2023

This study reveals that South China precipitation (SCP) anomalies tend to persist well from winter to the following spring after the late 1990s, favoring long-lasting drought or flood events over South China. Mechanism analysis indicates that the interdecadal changes in El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the preceding November central Asian snow cover could contribute to the increased persistence of winter-to-spring SCP anomalies. ENSO has a stable impact on winter SCP, whereas its impact on spring SCP is significantly enhanced after the late 1990s. With a weakened intensity and faster decay rate in the recent two decades, the ENSO-related spring SST anomalies over the tropical Pacific are relatively weaker, inducing a weakened and more southward-located western North Pacific anticyclone. This further leads to an interdecadal migration of the spring rainfall belt anomaly, consequently favoring the persistence of winter-to-spring SCP anomalies after the late 1990s. Additionally, the impacts of November central Asian snow cover on winter and spring SCP are both strengthened after the late 1990s. In the most recent two decades, the snow-cover-related cooling effect has become stronger, which induces winter cyclonic anomalies over Lake Baikal, favoring increased winter SCP. In addition, increased snow cover excites upward-propagating waves from the troposphere to the stratosphere, consequently weakening the stratospheric polar vortex. In spring, the stratospheric polar vortex signals propagate downward and result in a negative Arctic Oscillation in the troposphere, favoring more spring SCP. Therefore, central Asian snow cover is also conductive to the persistence of winter-to-spring SCP anomalies after the late 1990s.
Evaluation of Seasonal Differences among Three NOAA Climate Data Records of Precipitation
Authors: Prat Olivier P. , Nelson Brian R.
Published: July 2023

Three satellite precipitation datasets—CMORPH, PERSIANN-CDR, and GPCP—from the NOAA/Climate Data Record program were evaluated in their ability to capture seasonal differences in precipitation for the period 2007–18 over the conterminous United States. Data from the in situ U.S. Climate Reference Network (USCRN) provided reference precipitation measurements and collocated atmospheric conditions (temperature) at the daily scale. Satellite precipitation products’ (SPP) performance with respect to cold season precipitation was compared to warm season and full-year analysis for benchmarking purposes. Considering an ensemble of typical performance metrics including accuracy, false alarm ratio, probability of detection, probability of false detection, and the Kling–Gupta efficiency (KGE) that combines correlation, bias, and variability, we found that the three SPPs displayed better performances during the warm season than during the cold season. Among the three datasets, CMORPH displayed better performance—smaller bias, higher correlation, and a better KGE score—than the two other SPPs on an annual basis and during the warm season. During the cold season, CMORPH showed the worst performance at higher latitudes over areas experiencing recurring snow or frozen and mixed precipitation. CMORPH’s performances were further degraded compared to PERSIANN-CDR and GPCP when considering freezing temperatures (T < 0°C) due to the inability to microwave sensors to retrieve precipitation over snow-covered surface. However, for cold rainfall events detected simultaneously by the satellite and the USCRN stations (i.e., conditional case), CMORPH performance noticeably improved but remained inferior to the two other datasets. The quantification of seasonal precipitation errors and biases for three satellite precipitation datasets presented in this work provides an objective basis for the improvement of rainfall retrieval algorithms of the next generation of satellite precipitation products.
Migration as Crisis? German Migration Discourse at Critical Points of Nation-Building
Authors: Fröhlich Christiane
Published: July 2023

This article enquires how the Federal Republic of Germany has governed migration at critical junctures of German nation-building within a growing European Union. Drawing on the documents on “Einwanderung” (immigration) from the archive of the German Bundestag from 1949 until 2022, and on secondary literature and media representations of (forced) migration, migrants, and refugees, this article traces different depictions of migration in German political discourse at critical moments of German nation-building to answer the question: Which role does the narrative of “migration as crisis” play for the German nation-building project? I argue that to answer this question, it is necessary to understand whether an incoming migrant group is considered beneficial or dangerous (“critical”) for the hegemonic articulations of an imagined German national identity.
Two Challenges for Neo-Brandeisian Antitrust
Authors: Lindeboom Justin
Published: July 2023

Several scholars and policy-makers have proposed a “Neo-Brandeisian” reform of U.S. antitrust law, aimed at reviving “republican” antitrust. Republicanism conceives of domination as inherently detrimental to freedom. Republican antitrust considers antitrust law as an “institution of antipower,” aimed at dispersing economic power. This paper sets out two key challenges to the Neo-Brandeisian reform agenda and argues for legal formalism to address them. First, republicanism would alter the normative justification, but not necessarily the content of antitrust law. Neoclassical antitrust law does not broadly reflect a Schumpeterian endorsement of dominance. Rather, its epistemological priors and methodology entail skepticism about the mere presence of economic power. Thus, mainstream antitrust law and policy remain unfazed by the Neo-Brandeisian claim that antitrust should target domination instead of consumer welfare. Second, Neo-Brandeisian reform proposals are inherently polycentric. How Neo-Brandeisians aim to balance distinct values including the competitive process, the harm of concentrated power, and the protection of democracy and egalitarianism has remained unclear. This paper argues that both challenges demand for a formalistic approach to Neo-Brandeisian antitrust. Compared to a case-by-case approach, adopting general rules through legislative or administrative decision-making may legitimately overturn current precedent, incorporate alternate methods of measuring power and competitive harm, and pursue a variety of republican goals. Neo-Brandeisian formalism would essentially reinvigorate the Harvard school’s insight that multiple purposes—including both efficiency and republican liberty—can be attained by formalistic rules.
A service evaluation of the use of faecal immunochemical tests in symptomatic patients aged under 50 years presenting to primary care
Authors: Tibbs Rebecca E , Benton Sally C
Published: July 2023

Background

Most colorectal cancers (CRCs) occur in individuals aged over 50 years; however, the incidence in younger age groups is increasing. Diagnosis in younger patients is frequently delayed due to non-specific symptoms and the relative frequency of benign disease. There is a need to identify patients who warrant further investigation for CRC. This study reviewed whether a faecal haemoglobin (f-Hb) ≥10 μg Hb/g faeces measured by the faecal immunochemical test for f-Hb (FIT) was associated with CRC in a local primary care population aged under 50 years.

Methods

f-Hb results from symptomatic patients aged 18–49 years presenting to primary care during a 17-month period were extracted from local laboratory information systems. Colonoscopy lists were obtained from three local trusts. The Somerset Cancer Registry was searched to identify CRCs. f-Hb and outcomes were matched using NHS numbers.

Results

A total of 3119 patients were included (median age 41 years); 313 of 2682 patients with f-Hb <10 μg/g (11.7%) and 305 of 437 patients with f-Hb ≥10 μg/g (69.8%) underwent colonoscopy. Twelve CRCs were detected. At a cut-off of 10 μg/g, the positivity rate was 14.0%, sensitivity was 100% (75.8–100%), specificity was 86.3% (85.1–87.5%), positive predictive value (PPV) was 2.7% (2.5–3.0%) and negative predictive value (NPV) was 100%. At a cut-off of 150 μg/g, sensitivity was 83.3% (55.2–95.3%), specificity was 95.2% (94.4–95.9%), PPV was 6.2% (4.7–8.2%) and NPV was 99.9% (99.8–100%).

Conclusion

Our data supports the use of FIT to triage patients aged under 50 years presenting to primary care with symptoms suggestive of CRCs.
Nurturing Musical Creativity through Assessment for Learning
Authors: Bolden Benjamin , Rickey Nathan , DeLuca Christopher
Published: July 2023

Assessment is one of the thorniest aspects of teaching for creativity. Nevertheless, research suggests there is tremendous potential for nurturing creativity through assessment. This article identifies how music educators can leverage assessment for learning (formative assessment) as a powerful tool for cultivating creativity within a variety of music activities. Four core strategies are described: (a) developing flexible success criteria, (b) providing and supporting engagement with feedback, (c) activating self-assessment, and (d) optimizing the classroom context for creativity-nurturing assessment.
Challenges and impacts from wait times for specialist care identified by primary care providers: Results from the MAAP study cross-sectional survey
Authors: Marshall Emily G. , Miller Laura , Moritz Lauren R.
Published: July 2023

In Canada, primary care providers are the front door to other services in the health system, such as specialist care. Compared to other countries, Canadians experience long wait times for specialist referrals and appointments leading to poorer health outcomes for patients. Although there is attention paid to the impacts of these waits on patients, little is known about how long specialist care wait times impact primary care providers. As part of a larger study surveying primary care clinics in Nova Scotia, primary care providers were invited to participate in a follow-up survey on comprehensive care and specialist wait times. We thematically analyzed responses to an open text field about specialist wait times. Respondents shared experiences with challenging specialist wait times, strategies to manage patients waiting for specialist care, and recommendations for improving access to specialist care in Nova Scotia, Canada.
“A Population at Risk”: Ageism Toward Elders During the COVID-19 Era in Israel
Authors: Hertzog Esther , Korazim-Kőrösy Yossi
Published: July 2023

The article focuses on ageism during COVID-19 lockdowns. It is based on a study that investigated how the elder population, living at home or in out-of-home settings, experienced that period. It also explored managements’ attitude toward residents’ representatives in out-of-home frameworks during that time. Employing the narrative research method 16 interviews were carried out with people aged 75–97, living at home or in out-of-home settings, with tenants’ representatives and a few officials. The research revealed that all interviewees encountered ageist attitudes. Yet, those living at home experienced relative independence and control of their lives while the sense of isolation was especially acute among tenants in institutional settings, sometimes described as “a prison.” This connotation is accentuated by the tenants’ representatives’ claims about silencing them. Thus, it appears that the COVID-19 period intensified the embedded conflicts between residents’ representatives and managements. However, all appeared to comply with the strict regulations and supervision.
Negative dynamics effect of in-wheel switched reluctance motor with inclined airgap eccentricity on handing stability for electric vehicle
Authors: Li Xu , Deng Zhaoxue , Chen Tao , Zhang Yangrui , Wei Hanbing
Published: July 2023

This paper focuses on the negative effect of in-wheel switched reluctance motor (SRM) with inclined airgap eccentricity for the handling stability of electric vehicle (EV). Firstly, the radial electromagnetic force of the SRM under inclined airgap eccentricity is deduced based on the Maxwell stress tensor and airgap permeability correction coefficient, and the calculation results are verified by the built measurement device. Then, a dynamics model of in-wheel motor driving EV is constructed according to the response relationship of driving wheels. Finally, the influence of unbalanced radial torque (URT) on the negative dynamic effect of EV is analyzed with angular step input and sine input respectively. The simulation results show that the EV will deviate from the expected trajectory due to the impact of URT, which will threaten driving safety in vehicle steering or overtaking. In addition, the vehicle yaw velocity will deteriorate with the increase of the driving speed and turning angle, which will affect the dynamics response of vehicle handling stability. This research, starting from the coupling relationship between in-wheel motor response characteristics and vehicle driving conditions, can provide theoretical support for the popularization and application for in-wheel motor driving EVs.
Baby Stocks: How America’s Equities Could Heal Its Inequities
Authors: Miovic Michael
Published: July 2023

This article reviews economic and financial evidence that explains why the U.S. stock market should be viewed as a social determinant of health. Because U.S. stocks return more than other assets, over time compound interest concentrates wealth in the hands of wealthy, white, and foreign investors who own most of the U.S. market. In contrast, lack of equity ownership sustains financial hardship and racial inequities for the bottom half of the population and worsens their health through socioeconomic effects on medical outcomes. To address these problems with wealth and health disparities, the author reviews potential models for democratizing market ownership and then argues the United States should give an index fund of its whole market to every child at birth (i.e., baby stocks) and ensure long-term holding to build wealth for all citizens.
The Self-Perceived Impact of Parental Suicide in Adolescence, of a Father, on his Daughter's Intimate, Heterosexual Relationships in Adulthood
Authors: Williams Sarah Ann , Gubi Peter Madsen
Published: July 2023

This research explores the self-perceived impact of parental suicide in adolescence, of a father, on his daughter's intimate, heterosexual relationships in adulthood. The aim of the research was to ascertain if, and how, paternal suicide, in a young woman's adolescence, affects her intimate, heterosexual relationships, in adulthood. Four participants who had lost their fathers to suicide between the ages of 10 and 19, were interviewed, and transcripts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The findings conclude that the majority of participants had experienced difficulties in establishing intimate relationships that fully met their needs. Participants perceived these factors were directly linked to their suicide loss. Four main group experiential themes arose from the data: isolation; connection with self and others; post-traumatic stress; and anxiety and shame. This research raises awareness for counsellors and helping professionals.
Female Homicides in Brazil and Its Major Regions (1980–2019): An Analysis of Age, Period, and Cohort Effects
Authors: Meira Karina Cardoso , Simões Taynãna César , Guimarães Raphael Mendonça , Beserra da Silva Pedro Gilson , Mendonça Angelo Braga , Cristina de Jesus Jordana , Covre-Sussai Maira
Published: July 2023

The objective was to analyze the temporal effects of age, period, and cohort on mortality from all female homicides, and from female homicides and by firearms, in Brazil from 1980 to 2019. Data were accessed from Brazilian health records. There was an increase in the risk of death in the 2000s in the North and Northeast regions and a decrease in the Southeast, South, and Midwest. Younger women had a higher risk of death than women born between 1950 and 1954. The findings may be correlated with the inefficiency of the Brazilian state in protecting female victims of violence.
“If Not Me, Then Who?”: Exploring the Challenges Experienced by Front-Line Clinicians Screening for, and Communicating About, Domestic Violence in the Emergency Department
Authors: Sargeant Sally , Baird Kathleen , Sweeny Amy , Torpie Thomas
Published: July 2023

Screening for domestic violence in healthcare settings increases detection. The emergency department (ED) is one setting where victims frequently attend with injuries and illnesses sustained from violence. However, screening rates remain suboptimal. There is little research about how formal screening occurs, or how less structured interactions are negotiated within the ED context. This article explores this important, but non-mandatory procedure within the context of clinician–patient interactions in Australia. A descriptive qualitative study was undertaken with 21 clinicians across seven EDs in Australia. Thematic analysis was undertaken by two researchers. Results indicate a lack of confidence around DV screening, and tensions in clinicians initiating conversation while managing their own emotional stressors. No participants expressed knowledge of formal screening processes in their workplaces. Successful DV screening programs must provide clinicians with the tools to minimize perceived discomfort in initiating and sustaining conversations while accepting patient preferences regarding disclosure.
Contribution of Circulating Host and Microbial Tryptophan Metabolites Toward Ah Receptor Activation
Authors: Morgan Ethan W , Dong Fangcong , Annalora Andrew J , Murray Iain A , Wolfe Trenton , Erickson Reece , Gowda Krishne , Amin Shantu G , Petersen Kristina S , Kris-Etherton Penny M , Marcus Craig B , Walk Seth T , Patterson Andrew D , Perdew Gary H
Published: July 2023

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand activated transcription factor that plays an integral role in homeostatic maintenance by regulating cellular functions such as cellular differentiation, metabolism, barrier function, and immune response. An important but poorly understood class of AHR activators are compounds derived from host and bacterial metabolism of tryptophan. The commensal bacteria of the gut microbiome are major producers of tryptophan metabolites known to activate the AHR, while the host also produces AHR activators through tryptophan metabolism. We used targeted mass spectrometry-based metabolite profiling to determine the presence and metabolic source of these metabolites in the sera of conventional mice, germ-free mice, and humans. Surprisingly, sera concentrations of many tryptophan metabolites are comparable between germ-free and conventional mice. Therefore, many major AHR-activating tryptophan metabolites in mouse sera are produced by the host, despite their presence in feces and mouse cecal contents. Here we present an investigation of AHR activation using a complex mixture of tryptophan metabolites to examine the biological relevance of circulating tryptophan metabolites. AHR activation is rarely studied in the context of a mixture at relevant concentrations, as we present here. The AHR activation potentials of individual and pooled metabolites were explored using cell-based assays, while ligand binding competition assays and ligand docking simulations were used to assess the detected metabolites as AHR agonists. The physiological and biomedical relevance of the identified metabolites was investigated in the context of a cell-based model for rheumatoid arthritis. We present data that reframe AHR biology to include the presence of a mixture of ubiquitous tryptophan metabolites, improving our understanding of homeostatic AHR activity and models of AHR-linked diseases.
Does aggressive commentary by streamers during violent video game affect state aggression in adolescents?
Authors: Lacko David , Dufková Eliška , Machackova Hana
Published: July 2023

In the past 10 years, live-streaming services have gained huge popularity. Streamers usually play video games and complement their performance with commentary. We examine the role of this streamer commentary on state aggression in Czech adolescents who were randomly assigned into one of the three experimental groups (i.e. aggressive commentary, non-aggressive commentary, no commentary). The findings suggest that a short-term streamer’s commentary has no effect on affective and cognitive state aggression. In addition, the experimental conditions did not moderate any effects of personal traits (i.e. aggression, empathy) and long-term environmental factors (i.e. exposure to violence, watching violent streams, playing violent video games) on state aggression. We found that trait aggression, trait affective empathy and long-term exposure to violence were positively associated with state aggression, whereas trait sympathy was negatively associated with state aggression. The findings enrich the research with evidence for the lack of influence of streamer commentary on viewer aggression.
Study on gasdynamic interaction in a regulated two-stage turbocharging turbines at pulsating conditions
Authors: Yang Mingyang , Xue Yingxian , Zhou Shilyue , Zhuge Weilin , Huang Min , Deng Kangyao , Zhang Yangjun
Published: July 2023

Understanding the response of performance of two-stage turbine to pulsating flow in exhaust manifold system is essential for performance improvement of engine. This paper studies unsteady interaction of two turbines in a two-stage turbocharging system via experimental method and a reduced order model. Firstly, experimental results of the unsteady pressure ratio of two turbines are discussed in cases with different engine speeds, engine loads, and bypass valve openings. Results show that the pressure ratio distribution between two turbines is profoundly influenced by the engine condition. The pressure ratio of low-pressure turbine (LPT) increases consistently with the engine speed and load, while it increases slightly or even remains unchanged for high-pressure turbine (HPT). HPT is de-loaded when the bypass valve is open, and there are large numbers of fluctuations with high frequencies in the trace of pressure ratio when the bypass valve is open. Next, a reduced order model of the two-stage turbine is established for turbine responses at pulsating conditions, and model validations of performance and unsteady pressure in two-stage turbine all show high precision. Finally, the model is applied for performance analysis of two-stage turbine system under pulsating conditions. The results show that with the increase in engine speed, load or bypass valve opening, the hysteresis loops of both turbines are expanded around the steady performance curve. However, the deviation of cycle-average performance from steady case for two turbines is notably different. LPT shows a stronger throttling effect at pulsating inflows. Moreover, compared with steady performance for whole two-stage turbine, cycle-average performance is reduced for all pulsating cases, especially for cases of open valve. The differences in turbine performance of two-stage turbine system caused by gasdynamic coupling effect of two turbines are suggested to be considered in the turbo-engine matching.
Psychosocial Risk Stratification in Upper Extremity Transplantation Candidates
Authors: Kinsley Sarah E. , Song Shuang , Losina Elena , Talbot Simon G.
Published: July 2023

Background:

Candidate selection for upper extremity transplantation remains an inherently subjective process. This work evaluated the effect that psychosocial factors have on outcomes, both to standardize evaluation of potential candidates and in optimizing these factors prior to transplantation. Our goal was to measure and quantify the risk that various psychosocial factors have on transplant outcomes.

Methods:

Given that we do not have sufficient post-transplant patients to examine specific factors, we chose to have experts in the field evaluate hypothetical patients based on their experience. We used a Generalized Estimating Equation to estimate and compare surgical candidacy scores using patient scenario vignettes based on the presence or absence of permutations of the following: (1) depression; (2) participation in occupational therapy (OT); (3) expectation of post-transplant function; (4) punctuality; and (5) family support were given to experts in the field.

Results:

This work suggests there is a decrease in predicted success with increasing numbers of negative factors with participation in OT and realistic expectations of outcomes being most important. An increase in the summarizing risk score from 0 to 1.7 was associated with a decrease in the outcome surgical candidacy score from 8.6 to 5.3, meaning candidates with 2 risk factors would often observe a large drop in surgical candidacy score.

Conclusions:

Focusing on optimizing psychosocial variables in transplant candidates may help improve hand transplant success.
Disciplinary discretion, interaction and compassion: Transports between prisons from the perspective of the transporters
Authors: Markezic Ottilia , Svensson Kerstin
Published: July 2023

This study examines the interactions between correctional officers and prisoners during transport between prisons, from the staff’s perspective, based on a thematic analysis of 14 interviews with transport officers in Sweden. The three central themes in their stories regarding their work – namely, disciplinary discretion, interaction and compassion – were analysed by following the process of picking up the prisoner, interacting during the ride, and reflecting on the core components of the work. Correctional officers aim to work stepwise in building alliances, understand the prisoners’ perspective and use discretionary discipline in verbal interactions to avoid physical violence. This facilitates a calm environment and smooth execution of the task, while also ensuring the officers’ well-being. The results are in line with what is known from prison work and also reflect differences due to the limited space and time spent in transport.