bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Figure 5 from Clotting Promotes Glioma Growth and Infiltration Through Activation of Focal Adhesion Kinase
Authors: Knowles Lynn M. , Wolter Carolin , Linsler Stefan , Müller Simon , Urbschat Steffi , Ketter Ralf , Müller Andreas , Zhou Xiangda , Qu Bin , Senger Sebastian , Geisel Jürgen , Schmidt Tim , Eichler Hermann , Pilch Jan
Published: December 2024

Silencing FAK in GBM cells is antiproliferative and antitumorigenic. A, Subconfluent extracts from U87MG (left), U373MG (middle), and U343MG (right) cells treated with FAK CRISPR-cas9 (three clones each) were probed for the expression of FAK and the cell-cycle regulators p21 and p27 by immunoblotting. Wild-type (WT) parental cells served as controls. α-tubulin served as a loading control. B, Proliferation of FAK knockout GBM cells (FAK 1–3) after 4 days compared with WT cells. WT proliferation was set to 1.0. C, Kaplan–Meier survival curves of athymic nude mice intracranially injected with U87MG FAK KO cells (FAK 1–3) in serum-free media compared with U87MG WT. Survival was monitored for 102 days. Median survival time was 26 (WT), 68 (FAK-1), 46 (FAK-2), and 81 (FAK-3) days after tumor cell injection (n = 8–9). D and E, Kaplan–Meier survival curves after intracranial injection of U373MG (D) and U343MG (E) WT and FAK knockout cells (FAK 1–3) into athymic nude mice. Median survival time was 91 (U373 WT) and 63 (U343 WT) days after tumor cell injection, with no death occurring in mice implanted with the FAK KO clones during 130 and 106 days, respectively (n = 8–9). *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001; ****, P < 0.0001 vs. WT.
Predictive modeling of significance thresholding in activation likelihood estimation meta-analysis
Authors: Frahm Lennart , Patil Kaustubh R. , Satterthwaite Theodore D. , Fox Peter T. , Eickhoff Simon B. , Langner Robert
Published: December 2024

Activation Likelihood Estimation (ALE) employs voxel- or cluster-level family-wise error (vFWE or cFWE) correction or threshold-free cluster enhancement (TFCE) to counter false positives due to multiple comparisons. These corrections utilize Monte-Carlo simulations to approximate a null distribution of spatial convergence, which allows for the determination of a corrected significance threshold. The simulations may take many hours depending on the dataset and the hardware used to run the computations. In this study, we aimed to replace the time-consuming Monte-Carlo simulation procedure with an instantaneous machine-learning prediction based on features of the meta-analysis dataset. These features were created from the number of experiments in the dataset, the number of subjects per experiment, and the number of foci reported per experiment. We simulated 68,100 training datasets, containing between 10 and 150 experiments and computed the vFWE, cFWE, and TFCE significance thresholds. We then used this data to train one XGBoost regression model for each thresholding technique. Lastly, we validated the performance of the three models using 11 independent real-life datasets (21 contrasts) from previously published ALE meta-analyses. The vFWE model reached near-perfect prediction levels (R² = 0.996), while the TFCE and cFWE models achieved very good prediction accuracies of R² = 0.951 and R² = 0.938, respectively. This means that, on average, the difference between predicted and standard (monte-carlo based) cFWE thresholds was less than two voxels. Given that our model predicts significance thresholds in ALE meta-analyses with very high accuracy, we advocate our efficient prediction approach as a replacement for the currently used Monte-Carlo simulations in future ALE analyses. This will save hours of computation time and reduce energy consumption. Furthermore, the reduced compute time allows for easier implementation of multi-analysis set-ups like leave-one-out sensitivity analysis or subsampling.
On joy and sorrow: Neuroimaging meta-analyses of music-induced emotion
Authors: Fuentes-Sánchez Nieves , Espino-Payá Alejandro , Prantner Sabine , Sabatinelli Dean , Pastor M. Carmen , Junghöfer Markus
Published: December 2024

Prior neuroimaging studies of music-evoked emotions have shown that music listening involves the activation of both cortical and subcortical regions. However, these regions could be differentially activated by music stimuli with varying affective valence and arousal. To better understand the neural correlates involved in the processing of pleasant and unpleasant emotions induced by music, while also considering the effect of arousal, we conducted a quantitative activation likelihood estimate (ALE) meta-analysis. We performed separate ALE analyses for the overall brain activation evoked by listening to emotional music (40 studies), for the brain activation during listening to unpleasant music (15 studies), for the brain activation while listening to pleasant music (17 studies), and for the brain activation while listening to emotional contrasted with neutral music (8 studies). Our results revealed the activation of a range of cortical and subcortical regions, including the amygdala, insula, striatum, thalamus, hippocampus, anterior cingulate gyrus, and superior temporal gyrus. Moreover, our findings indicated that certain regions were specifically activated based on the hedonic valence and arousal of the stimuli. Particularly, whereas the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), dorsal striatum, and thalamus were dependent on arousal effects, amygdala activation was dependent on hedonic valence. The identification of brain networks preferentially activated during listening to pleasant and unpleasant music provides valuable clinical insights for the development of therapies targeting psychological disorders associated with emotion reactivity problems.
The Developmental Process of the Heritage Language Parent Tool
Authors: Erenay Amy , Reinders Hayo
Published: December 2024

This article describes the development of a tool for heritage language parents (HLPs) to reflect on and guide their home practices for heritage language development and maintenance. It begins by making a case for better support for HLPs and the need for appropriate resources to empower parents and their children to make informed choices about their own language and identity preservation and development. Next, the article describes how the HLP tool was created, from initial stakeholder engagement through its four design iterations. We detail the processes we engaged in to establish the reliability and validity of the tool to ensure it meets the needs of our communities. We conclude by making some recommendations for others involved in supporting heritage language learners.
Global Early Modern Art in Seven Objects
Authors: Casale Sinem Arcak
Published: December 2024

Globality has remarkably dominated art historical discourse and practice in the past three decades. Within early modern studies, the global turn has highlighted the possibility of and the need for broader, more connected histories. This push has provided us with a range of multivalent conceptual tools, such as mobility, connectivity, entanglement, and interconnectedness. Departing from a single object, each essay in this special issue considers the promising potential and the limitations of globalizing perspectives, and suggests how this line of research may move forward. How global is early modern art? How global are our histories of early modern art? What are the ethical and methodological issues ingrained in our stories of connections and encounters? As art historians, how do we grapple with tensions between universalism and cultural relativism? How can we strike a balance between local and global expressions of materials, space, and lived experience? In this moment of new wars, shifting borders, migrations, and natural and social disasters, we also consider what lessons art historians can draw from the forms of domination, oppression, violence, and conflict inherent in early globalization.
An Analytical Examination of the Extent of Civil Society (Ir)Relevance & Its Historical Materialism in Championing Good Governance
Authors: Simuziya Nsama Jonathan
Published: December 2024

The euphoria of a global momentum of democracy that emerged in the early 1990s came with a belief that civil society would be key drivers in advancing democratic processes. In Zambia, civil society gained traction after the reintroduction of multiparty politics in 1990/1, yet over the years, has created a polarized debate on their relevance. On the one hand, some citizens see them as important actors in the development agenda by way of monitoring good governance practices. For this group, civil society organizations – notwithstanding their administrative shortcomings – are viewed positively as a glass half-full and hence essential for national growth. On the other hand, however, others argue that over time, civil societies have departed from what local people have been made to believe as the core principle of civil society, i.e., to champion the interests of marginalized groups, but instead have turned themselves into mouth pieces and fronts doing the bidding of the capitalist elites’ agendas entrenched in historical materialism. Specifically, from 2021 to 2024, critics have argued that civil societies who previously were very vocal (before the 2021 general elections that ushered in a new government) have now seemed to have hibernated, becoming increasingly mute on critical governance issues. It is further argued that some have been co-opted into the government system as part of a ploy to diffuse critical voices. Many others are perceived to be lumpen briefcase entities; businesses built around cronyism yet masquerading as civil society. This study argues that the extent of the relevance of civil societies depends largely on how (in)competent the incumbent regime is. A diligent regime which is steadfast in delivering on its key manifesto promises (as has seemed to be the case in Zambia from 2021 to 2024 under a new government) invariably makes civil society organizations appear to be less important in development discourse, and ultimately, their relevance might be comparable – metaphorically – to the role of a parish in a city council. To appreciate the essence of civil society and their frequent antagonisms with the state, this study examined a juxtaposed theoretical and conceptual analysis of the origins and ontology of civil society gleaned from Liberal, Marxist, Critical Theory, and Postcolonial theoretical lenses.
Engaging with International Organizations: A Tale of Love and Darkness
Authors: Morlino Elisabetta
Published: December 2024

The article explores the author’s journey of engagement with international organizations, likening it to the phases of love: falling in love, consolidation, disillusionment, and reconciliation. Initially “attracted” to the study of international organizations due to their role in promoting democracy and peace after the dramatic events of the Second World War, the author delves deeper into their characteristics and interactions with states and individuals. In particular, the article discusses the shortcomings in transparency and accountability of international organizations vis-à-vis individuals. In this respect, it argues that international organizations are experimenting a “temporal dissonance” in relation to their operational context. This dissonance, akin to a disconnect between the evolving societal and legal norms on one side and the rules and entrenched practices of these organizations on the other side, poses challenges to their legitimacy and relevance. The article suggests the need for a shift towards “temporal consonance”, where international organizations adapt their rules and practices to align with contemporary norms on transparency and accountability, ensuring their continued legitimacy and effectiveness.
Gaps and Innovation(s) in the Aktau Convention
Authors: Jahromi Sara Eftekhar
Published: December 2024

The number of Caspian littoral States expanded to five with the disintegration of the Soviet Union, encompassing Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation and Turkmenistan. This emergence of new littoral States, coupled with the ambiguous legal status of the Caspian Sea, resulting from historical Soviet-Iranian treaties, exacerbated conflicting interests associated with the Caspian Sea’s utilization. This complex scenario led to over two decades of protracted negotiations aimed at defining the legal status of the Caspian Sea, culminating in the signing of the Aktau Convention in Kazakhstan on 12 August 2018.

This article undertakes a comprehensive examination of the Aktau Convention, a regional agreement that governs the Caspian Sea. Employing a comparative approach, it aligns the Aktau Convention with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to discern both its distinctive features and areas where it is inspired by UNCLOS provisions. Subsequently, it delves into an intricate exploration of the Aktau Convention itself. In pursuit of a comprehensive understanding of the Aktau Convention, this dual-focused analysis stands as the most effective method to discern potential gaps and innovations, thus shedding light on aspects within the convention.
Russian Approaches to Post-Soviet Secession: Bad Faith Argumentation and Its Limits
Authors: Miklasová Júlia
Published: December 2024

The paper examines Russia’s language of secession, situates this language in a larger normative and factual context of post-Soviet secessionism and draws legal consequences. It shows how Russia had initially subscribed consistently to the territorial integrity of parent States. Since 2008, Russia has drastically changed its official position, selectively recognizing certain purported secessionist entities in the post-Soviet space. The primary argument of Russia’s recognition policy has been the purported existence of the right to secession deriving from the doctrine of remedial secession, unilateral referenda or the right of peoples to self-determination. Only the remedial secession argument follows up and mirrors previous limited practice, especially concerning Kosovo. The paper then demonstrates that the persistent feature of Russia’s approaches to secession has been raising untenable legal arguments, most prominently remedial secession based on non-existent situations of genocide in the post-Soviet space. It also shows that – regardless of its official discourse on post-Soviet secession – Russia has, ever since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, supported and fuelled post-Soviet secessionism. Therefore, it cannot deny its knowledge of the corrupt bases of the purported post-Soviet secessionist entities (lack of independence and origin in violation of peremptory norms of international law). Raising arguments based on the law of secession is, therefore, obviously made in bad faith. However, the normative impact of Russia’s mala fide arguments regarding the change in the international customary law of secession is limited, as the great majority of the international community rejects them.
There and Back Again, Russia’s Evolving Approach to the Freedom of Navigation
Authors: Rogiers Frederik
Published: December 2024

A State’s position on international law is “determined by the basic principles of its foreign policy.” Soviet international law scholar Gregorii Tunkin’s statement seems as valid as ever today. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine since 2014, the horrors of Bucha and Russia’s increasingly questionable statements leave little room for imagination that it is a nation that cares little for international law as Western nations see it. While Russia’s approach to international law has received increasing attention in recent years, not all fields of international law have been explored in equal depth. This article intends to put the spotlight on Russia’s evolving approach to one of the bedrock principles of the international law of the sea, the freedom of navigation and its corollary, the right of innocent passage, specifically for warships and government vessels. It will become clear that, rather than following in its footsteps, Russia is in many ways backtracking on the more liberal views developed by the Soviet-Union in its final years and is en route to embracing some modern form of closed seas doctrine.
Observed variability of temperature inversions over the Northern Bay of Bengal with emphasis on recent IOD years
Authors: Thomas Antony P. , Suneel V. , Karthika P. S. , Alex M. J. , Papa Fabrice , Rao V. Trinadha , Srinivas G. , Rao E. P. Rama , Sudheesh K.
Published: December 2024

Fourteen years of monthly repeated eXpendable Conductivity Temperature Depth sections across the northeastern Bay of Bengal were used to examine the inter-annual variability of temperature inversions during Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) years. Data averaged over three regions at the latitude band of 15°-19°N along the Port Blair-Kolkata shipping transect reveal occurrences of temperature inversions during November-February. Notably, inversions with higher thickness (∼92m) and intensity (3.24 °C) occurred at relatively shallow depths (∼50m) during the 2012 positive IOD compared to the 2016 negative IOD (∼25m thickness, 1.91°C intensity, at 86m depth). The intensity of the inversion layer gradually weakened from Kolkata to Port Blair during the 2012 and 2019 positive IOD years and vice-versa during the co-occurrence of IOD with El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in 2015. The observed stratification was higher during 2012 and 2019 positive IOD years. Salt budget analysis revealed that the advection of freshwater plumes was the primary reason for this observed high stratification. Interestingly, on average, the inversion layer occupied 73-86% of the Barrier Layer during the positive IOD years (2012 and 2019) and 40-55% during the 2016 nIOD year, from Kolkata to Port Blair. Heat budget analysis revealed that the net surface heat flux and penetrative shortwave radiation were the governing factors responsible for the observed inversion characteristics in the study region during different IOD phases. Our analysis indicates that undulations from westward propagating Rossby waves were the driving mechanism behind the shallow and deep occurrences of inversions in our study region during the positive (2012 and 2019) and negative (2016) phases of IOD. The changes in mixed layer temperature caused by these wave-processes were notably more dominant than the effect of the heat trapped in the inversion layer.
Unbundling Ethical Consumer Choice: A Configurational Analysis With a Framing Experiment
Authors: Lankoski Leena , Ollila Sari
Published: December 2024

To understand ethical consumer choice, it should be studied from a holistic, configurational perspective. We use fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) ( N = 715) with a randomized experiment in the context of animal welfare to examine (a) the interdependencies of factors aiding or impeding ethical choice, and (b) whether ethical choices occur differently in a loss frame than in a gain frame. We identify several alternative pathways to ethical choice and non-choice, and within these pathways, we reveal substitution effects, complementarities, and contingencies, reflecting the complexities of consumer choice. Furthermore, we demonstrate how ethical choice results more easily in a loss frame, and non-choice more easily in a gain frame, but how framing can also be irrelevant in certain situations. We contribute theoretically to ethical consumer choice in general and to food choice in particular by showing how it is the interplay of several factors in complex configurations that determines whether the situation favors ethical choice or non-choice. We outline important management and policy implications of our findings.
The Mediating Role of Fear of Happiness in the Relationship Between Rumination and Depression in University Students
Authors: Eliüşük Bülbül Ayşe , Özbay Ahmet
Published: December 2024

In this study, the mediating role of fear of happiness in the relationship between depression levels and rumination levels of university students was examined. The dependent variable of this study is depression, the mediating variable is fear of happiness and the independent variable is rumination. The research was conducted using the relational survey method. The sample consisted of university students studying at Selçuk University in the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 academic year. Of the participants, 83.8% (290) were female and 16.2% (56) were male. In the study, bootstrapping method was used to test the significance of the indirect effect. It was observed that fear of happiness had a partial mediating role between depression and rumination levels in university students. From this point of view, it can be said that rumination and fear of happiness will increase depression in university students. At the same time, it can be said that rumination affects depression.
Enhanced Emergency Medical Services Case Definition to Identify Suspected Nonfatal Opioid Overdose–Related Incidents in Rhode Island
Authors: Rodriguez McClaren , Basta Melissa , Rhodes Jason , Hallowell Benjamin D.
Published: December 2024

Objectives:

To improve rapid detection and response to spikes in suspected nonfatal opioid overdoses in the community, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) sought to modify its case definition to align with newly released guidance from the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE).

Methods:

RIDOH used CSTE guidance to create 2 alternative criteria (CSTE-guided and RIDOH-modified CSTE) to replace one of RIDOH’s original criteria. We gathered emergency medical services (EMS) records from 4 months in 2022 to determine whether they met any criteria, and we reviewed them to determine the accuracy of identifying an opioid overdose. We calculated the positive predictive value for each criterion individually and as a complete case definition (RIDOH original definition, CSTE-guided definition, and RIDOH-modified CSTE definition).

Results:

The RIDOH-modified CSTE case definition was adopted because it had a positive predictive value of 91.5% in identifying nonfatal opioid overdose–related EMS incidents, similar to the original definition (91.3%) and higher than the CSTE-guided definition (82.2%). The RIDOH-modified CSTE case definition identified 624 additional nonfatal opioid overdoses in EMS data from 2018 through 2022, a 7% increase from the original definition.

Conclusions:

The RIDOH-modified CSTE case definition increased RIDOH’s ability to detect suspected nonfatal opioid overdoses while maintaining the accuracy of the case definition. With the new case definition, RIDOH aims to improve allocation of resources to communities experiencing increased overdose burden.
When is historic risk history? Non-recent sexual offending and risk assessment
Authors: Marston Pete
Published: December 2024

Assessing and managing risk is seen as a key task for probation staff and its practice is outlined by the Risk of Serious Harm Guidance. This comment piece asks whether this guidance is always applied with reference to historic or non-recent sexual offending. Using a specimen case, the process is outlined and discussed. The reasons for false positive assessments are considered as are the consequences in terms of legitimacy, desistance and resources.
Hydrogen and the tetragonality of FeNi (tetrataenite)
Authors: Jang Jae Hoon , Bhadeshia H K D H
Published: December 2024

Calculations have been conducted to show that it may be feasible to enhance the tetragonality ([Formula: see text] ratio) of tetrataenite ([Formula: see text]) by charging it with hydrogen, a process that can be achieved at ambient temperature, well below the ordering temperature of the FeNi compound. Although the saturation magnetisation is slightly compromised, the magnetocrystalline anisotropy should increase significantly. It is now worth doing experiments to establish or disprove the results, because the energy of inserting a single hydrogen atom into the location that enhances tetragonality is slightly greater than that in a sub-optimal site in the context of increasing the [Formula: see text] ratio. Changes in tetragonality as a function of the location of the hydrogen atom can be explained in terms of the relative strengths of the Fe-H and Ni-H bonds.
Associations between physicians’ personal preferences for end-of-life decisions and their own clinical practice: PROPEL survey study in Europe, North America, and Australia
Authors: Mroz Sarah , Daenen Frederick , Dierickx Sigrid , Mortier Freddy , De Panfilis Ludovica , Downar James , Lapenskie Julie , Anderson Koby , Skold Anna , Campbell Courtney , Campbell Toby C , Feeney Rachel , Willmott Lindy , White Ben P , Chambaere Kenneth , Deliens Luc
Published: December 2024

Background:

Physicians have significant influence on end-of-life decisions. Therefore, it is important to understand the connection between physicians’ personal end-of-life care preferences and clinical practice, and whether there is congruence between what they prefer for themselves and for patients.

Aim:

Study to what extent physicians believe their personal end-of-life preferences impact their clinical practice and to what extent physicians’ personal treatment option preferences differ from what they prefer for their patients.

Design:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May 2022 to February 2023.

Setting/participants:

Eight jurisdictions: Belgium, Italy, Canada, USA (Oregon, Wisconsin, and Georgia), and Australia (Victoria and Queensland). Three physician types were included: general practitioners, palliative care physicians, and other medical specialists.

Results:

We analyzed 1157 survey responses. Sixty-two percent of physicians acknowledge considering their own preferences when caring for patients at the end of life and 29.7% believe their personal preferences impact the recommendations they make. Palliative care physicians are less likely to consider their own preferences when caring for and making recommendations to patients. Congruence was found between what physicians prefer for patients and themselves with cardiopulmonary resuscitation considered “not a good option for both” by 99.1% of physicians. Incongruence was found with physicians considering some options “not good for the patient, but good for themselves”—palliative sedation (8.3%), physician-assisted suicide (7.0%), and euthanasia (11.6%).

Conclusion:

Physicians consider their own preferences when providing care and their preferences impact the recommendations they make to patients. Incongruence exists between what physicians prefer for themselves and what they prefer for patients.
A new approach to repair recurrent vescicourethral anastomotic strictures after radical prostatectomy: The use of prerectal access
Authors: Vitarelli Antonio , Minafra Paolo , Vulpi Marco , Piana Alberto , Torre Giuseppe , Carbonara Umberto , Divenuto Lucia , Papapicco Giuseppe , Chiaradia Francesco , Alba Stefano , Lucarelli Giuseppe , Battaglia Michele , Ditonno Pasquale
Published: December 2024

Background:

Vesicourethral anastomosis stenosis (VUAS) is a well-known complication of prostate cancer treatments, observed in up to 26% of the cases after radical prostatectomy. Conservative management, with single or even repeated transurethral dilation or endoscopic incision of the stenosis, is successful in many cases, but up to 9% of patients are destined to fail after endoscopic treatment. In these cases, a revision of the vesicourethral anastomosis is necessary and can be realized with different surgical approaches. We aim to describe the technique and the outcomes of a new prerectal approach for VUAS repair.

Methods:

Twelve patients with recalcitrant VUAS following radical prostatectomy were enrolled between May 2014 and September 2018 for prerectal transperineal re-anastomosis. The evaluated outcomes were: the rate of successful anatomical repair at 3 months after surgery and at the last follow-up, postoperative incontinence and complications rate, and the need for further treatments.

Results:

No major intraoperative complications occurred. After a median follow-up of 46 months (IQR 36–55), 10 patients (83.3%) achieved a good anatomical repair even if one man required an endoscopic urethrotomy, while two patients (16.67%) with a history of pelvic radiotherapy developed a surgical site infection that required toilette and external urinary diversion. Among the others, nine (75%) developed severe stress urinary incontinence, with resolution of their condition. No patient reported significant postoperative pain or fecal incontinence.

Conclusions:

The prerectal approach to VUAS repair allows direct access to the posterior urethra and the anastomosis, providing a better mobilization of the bladder neck for tension-free anastomosis. However, patients with a history of pelvic radiotherapy have a higher risk of complications. Postoperative incontinence is very common, but urinary continence could be restored with subsequent artificial urinary sphincter placement.
Experienced Protective Factors While Growing up With Reading Disability
Authors: Aro Tuija , Rossi Mari-Lotta , Paakkari Leena , Torppa Minna
Published: December 2024

We studied lifelong factors that were experienced as protective by 48 Finnish adults (20–39 years) whose reading disability (RD) was diagnosed in childhood. Our aim was to gain a better understanding of the factors that can help individuals live with RD. We used semi-structured interviews and qualitative content analysis. Three main themes were identified: Factors Supporting Personal Development (four subthemes), Factors Supporting Social Well-being and Belonging (two subthemes), and Factors Supporting Learning (two subthemes). Our findings emphasize that in addition to an individual’s personal attributes and personal development, several protective factors can be identified from the acceptive and safe social environment, and social relationships. Besides, flexible and individual support for learning in school can make a difference. These findings can guide the planning and provision of the appropriate personal, social, and practical learning support, and they have implications for future studies on protective factors among individuals with RD.
The voices of refugee children in Norway: Coping with language barriers, outsiderness, bullying and longing
Authors: Halvorsen Therese Bjørndal , Saus Merete , Patras Joshua , Douglas Marcela , Bjørknes Ragnhild , Neumer Simon-Peter , Forsberg June Thorvaldsen , Krossbakken Elfrid , Potulski Rasmussen Lene-Mari
Published: December 2024

This qualitative study explored the challenges faced by refugee children in Norway and analyzed how they coped with them. We conducted interviews with 23 children between the ages of 7 and 13. The findings showed that these children struggle with language barriers, outsiderness, bullying, and longing. They utilized both personal and interpersonal resources through active and passive methods to cope. The findings indicated that the experiences of these children were influenced by larger societal structures that limited their autonomy. We recommend incorporating the perspectives of refugee children at all levels of the system to empower them and enhance their well-being.
Efficacy of ranibizumab with laser in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy compare with laser monotherapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Huang Ju , Liang Xin , Liu Qiu-fen , Zhou Ming-jing , Hu Pan , Jiang Shi-chun
Published: December 2024

Background

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the serious complications of diabetes mellitus. Laser therapy is the traditional treatment for DR, and the role of vitreous injection of ranibizumab in DR requires evaluation. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the efficacy of ranibizumab combined with laser versus laser monotherapy in treating diabetic retinopathy.

Method

We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, China Biology Medicine Disc (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang databases, from their inception to October 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the effectiveness of ranibizumab combined with laser versus laser monotherapy in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy were searched. We used the Cochrane Collaboration tool to evaluate the risk of bias.

Results

Our analysis included 18 studies. The improvement time for retinal edema in the ranibizumab combined with the laser group was significantly shorter than that in the laser monotherapy group ( P < 0.05). The time to absorb fundus hemorrhage in the ranibizumab combined with the laser group was significantly shorter than that in the laser monotherapy group ( P < 0.05). The absorption time of fundus exudation in the ranibizumab combined with the laser group was significantly lower than that of the laser monotherapy group ( P < 0.05). The rate of improvement in vision in the ranibizumab combined with the laser group was significantly higher than that of the laser monotherapy group ( P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the incidence of adverse reactions ( P > 0.05) and retinal thickness in the macula ( P > 0.05) between ranibizumab combined with the laser group and the laser monotherapy group.

onclusion

The combination of ranibizumab and laser for diabetic retinopathy is more effective than laser monotherapy.
Queen Alexandra was not the widow of Judah Aristobulus I
Authors: Scales Joseph , Turner Katie
Published: December 2024

This article assesses the state of the question on the identity of Alexandra, Queen of Judea, in the period before her regency. Currently, outside of a few select publications, the field identifies Alexandra with the widow of Judah Aristobulus I. The following argument demonstrates that Queen Alexandra cannot have been married to Aristobulus, having had a child with her husband Alexander Jannaeus before the death of Aristobulus. This argument has been previously presented in scholarship but has not received much attention, likely due to the focus of previous arguments being on the plausibility of a Levirate marriage between Alexandra and Jannaeus. This article seeks to redress this imbalance and clearly state the case against an ongoing misidentification.
Miraculous healing in the book of Tobit
Authors: Henderson Ruth
Published: December 2024

Much academic research has been conducted on the rich and bewildering variety of sources underlying the book of Tobit. In this study, yet another literary type from the Hebrew Bible which has received little scholarly attention will be suggested. In Part 1 of the following study, “the prophetic miracle story,” found among the historical traditions of Northern Israel in 2 Kgs 1–8, will be investigated according to its characteristic features. The correspondence between these features and those of the accounts of the miraculous healings of Sarah and Tobit in the book of Tobit will then be demonstrated, and it will be suggested that this literary type forms a model for the accounts of the healing of Tobit and Sarah in the book of Tobit. In addition to this, the influence of other themes from 2 Kgs 1–8 on the book of Tobit will be proposed. In Part 2 of this study, certain attested forms of healing from the author’s Hellenistic cultural background will be investigated. It will be suggested the book of Tobit could represent the author’s response to these Hellenistic types of healing in the revival and development of the earlier prophetic miracle story from 2 Kgs 1–8.
Investigation of the role of data conversion on prediction results: Evidence from USA's energy-related emissions and source-based energy use data
Authors: Kartal Mustafa Tevfik
Published: December 2024

Considering data conversion practices in empirical research, this research investigates the role of data conversion on prediction results in the United States (USA), where yearly and monthly data on energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and source-based energy consumption is available, which makes the USA an appropriate case for empirical analysis. In this context, this study considers CO2 emissions as the dependent variable, uses source-based energy use indicators as the explanatory drivers, and performs cointegration regression (CR) approaches on monthly datasets between 1989/1 and 2023/12, which consist of monthly original series (MOS), monthly converted series by quadratic-average-approach (MCSQA), and monthly converted series by quadratic-average-sum (MCSQS). The empirical results reveal that (i) data conversion increases R2 values and improves the goodness of fit criteria of the prediction models, where training and testing results are above 96%; (ii) data conversion causes a change in the coefficients of the explanatory variables. While the direction of the variables changes from MOS to MCSQA and MCSQS, it is the same across between MCSQA and MCSQS, but coefficients and p-values slightly differentiate; (iii) dynamic OLS approach has the highest prediction performance among approaches applied; (iv) the importance of source-based energy use indicators on CO2 emissions differentiate. Overall, the study empirically demonstrates the increasing but varying impact of data conversion on prediction results. Accordingly, the study discusses to benefit of the use of converted data series in empirical predictions, where policymakers can benefit from increasing the impact of data conversion on prediction capacity and prevent incorrect prediction results.
Quantile outcome adaptive lasso: Covariate selection for inverse probability weighting estimator of quantile treatment effects
Authors: Shoji Takehiro , Tsuchida Jun , Yadohisa Hiroshi
Published: December 2024

When using the propensity score method to estimate the treatment effects, it is important to select the covariates to be included in the propensity score model. The inclusion of covariates unrelated to the outcome in the propensity score model led to bias and large variance in the estimator of treatment effects. Many data-driven covariate selection methods have been proposed for selecting covariates related to outcomes. However, most of them assume an average treatment effect estimation and may not be designed to estimate quantile treatment effects (QTEs), which are the effects of treatment on the quantiles of outcome distribution. In QTE estimation, we consider two relation types with the outcome as the expected value and quantile point. To achieve this, we propose a data-driven covariate selection method for propensity score models that allows for the selection of covariates related to the expected value and quantile of the outcome for QTE estimation. Assuming the quantile regression model as an outcome regression model, covariate selection was performed using a regularization method with the partial regression coefficients of the quantile regression model as weights. The proposed method was applied to artificial data and a dataset of mothers and children born in King County, Washington, to compare the performance of existing methods and QTE estimators. As a result, the proposed method performs well in the presence of covariates related to both the expected value and quantile of the outcome.
Key Stakeholders’ Views on Salt Intake Reduction and Barriers and Facilitators to Reducing Salt Intake in Malaysian Schools: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Mohd Isa Darwish , Majid Hazreen Abdul , Hairi Farizah Mohd , Harun Zaliha , You Yee Xing , Abdul Manaf Zahara , Yook Chin Chia , Haron Hasnah , Michael Viola , He Feng , Brown Mhairi , Shahar Suzana
Published: December 2024

Excessive salt or sodium intake is strongly linked to increased blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to qualitatively explore the views of key stakeholders on salt intake reduction and barriers as well as facilitators to reducing salt intake in Malaysian schools. The stakeholders in this study were school administrators, food operators, and consumers. Their views were determined using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, and data collected were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Salient barriers identified in this study were a lack of knowledge pertaining to salt intake reduction and foods sold outside the school. Meanwhile, key facilitators of salt reduction included few strategies such as public health campaigns, priority toward salt reduction policies, and school-based education programs, alongside support from other relevant stakeholders. Overall, the barriers and facilitators signal the need for implementing salt reduction programs and the collaborative efforts of different stakeholders.
Free glycerol causes a positive error in the triacylglycerol value in the total glycerol measurement method for canine and feline blood
Authors: Hata Akihisa , Ochi Masaaki , Takeshita Masahiro , Fujitani Noboru
Published: December 2024

Two methods of measuring triacylglycerol (TG) in the blood are used in clinical laboratories. The glycerol-blanked TG analysis method is used primarily in Japan; the total glyceride measurement method is used in most countries, including the United States. The latter method includes free glycerol in the blood, which is known to be slightly higher in humans. However, the extent to which the 2 methods differ in companion animals is unknown. We used cryopreserved blood from dogs and cats that visited a secondary veterinary hospital to investigate the relationship between the data obtained using the 2 TG analysis methods. The median ratio (5th and 95th percentiles) of total glyceride measurement:glycerol-blanked TG measurement ratios was 1.24 (1.08 and 1.77) for dogs and 2.00 (1.44 and 3.66) for cats, with the total glycerol method clearly having higher values. The Passing–Bablok regression equation comparing the total glyceride method (y) and glycerol-blanked method (x) was y = 1.049x + 0.119 for dogs and y = 1.476x + 0.177 for cats. The estimated free glycerol value calculated from the difference between the 2 TG measurements was strongly correlated with the measured free glycerol value (dog, r = 0.7905; cat, r = 0.8708), indicating that free glycerol in the blood was the cause of the TG measurement discrepancy. Therefore, the TG concentrations obtained from total glyceride assays in dogs and cats may contain non-negligible levels of free glycerol.
Treatment Pressures and the Predicament of Family Care: A Grounded Theory Study With Relatives of People With a Serious Mental Health Condition
Authors: Hempeler Christin , Scholten Matthé , Gather Jakov , Juckel Georg , Potthoff Sarah
Published: December 2024

Relatives are increasingly recognized as important in the care of people with a serious mental health condition, such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. Research indicates that in providing care, relatives use so-called treatment pressures, such as persuasion, interpersonal leverage, inducements, or threats, to promote the treatment compliance of their family member. This grounded theory study investigated why relatives use treatment pressures by analyzing the experiences of relatives of people with a serious mental health condition before, during, and after mental health crises of their family member. We conducted 11 semi-structured, problem-centered interviews with such relatives in Germany between October 2019 and January 2020. Our analysis showed that the key category of relatives’ experiences is a predicament characterized by feeling responsible to take action while experiencing a limited range of action. Relatives’ perceived responsibility to take action had three dimensions: relatives’ worries about their family member and other members of the family, societal norms and expectations, and the transfer of responsibility from the mental healthcare system to relatives. The limitation of relatives’ scope of action also had three dimensions: their family member’s opposition to treatment, legal criteria for involuntary commitment or treatment, and their dependency on mental healthcare professionals and the mental healthcare system. We reconstructed three different ways in which relatives may deal with this predicament: assuming responsibility for their family member’s treatment, which involved exerting treatment pressures, staying out of their family member’s mental health–related matters, and focusing on their own well-being.
Recognizing Variations in Primary Palatoplasty Billing: A Review of 9827 Cases
Authors: Elver Ashlie A. , Zhang Wesley Q. , Perry Nancy K. , Lewis Jamie , Humphries Laura S. , Hoppe Ian C.
Published: December 2024

Objective

Identify unbundling trends in primary palatoplasty.

Design

Retrospective study utilizing the American College of Surgeon Pediatric National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (PNSQIP).

Setting

Records available from 2016 to 2021.

Patients

All patients with primary CPT (current procedural terminology) code 42200 (palatoplasty for cleft palate, soft and/or hard palate only).

Interventions

Cohorts compared “unbundled”: additional CPT code 42235 (repair of anterior palate, including vomer flap) vs. “bundled”: 42200 billed alone.

Main outcome measures

Operative time, surgical specialty, and other perioperative variables.

Results

In total, 9827 had primary CPT 42200. Of these, 671 (6.8%) were unbundled. Operative time was longer in unbundled (157.08 min vs. 133.16 min; P < .001). Plastic surgeons were less likely to unbundle (6.2% vs. otolaryngology, 9.12%; P < .001).

Conclusions

Variations in primary palatoplasty billing exist. Longer operative times in unbundled cases suggest added complexity. Undervaluation of craniofacial CPT codes may contribute to non-standard billing practices.
Motivation Bathroom the Best Bathroom: Doing Community Through Graffiti-Writing in a Liminal Space
Authors: Piironen Siiri
Published: December 2024

This article draws attention to a seldomly studied use of organizational space and examines how bathroom graffiti-writing produces a liminal community of care and kind motivating within a Finnish university. I explore an empirical case in which graffiti-writers of a specific bathroom, the “motivation bathroom,” have become informally organized around a shared cause without ever meeting or getting to know each other. Conceptualizing bathrooms as solitary liminal spaces, I examine how various forms of communitas are embedded in the “motivation bathroom” graffiti and how this experience of togetherness enables the graffiti-writers to sustain their shared message of care and kind motivating. The study advances the research on smaller scale organizational liminal spaces and proposes that future management and organizations studies would benefit from a wider use of the concept of communitas. The article also joins the emerging stream of micro-level material studies of work and organizing.
Racial Attitudes and Views of Disaster
Authors: Gilens Martin , Mendelberg Tali , Short Nicholas
Published: December 2024

As disasters become more frequent and costly, understanding attitudes toward government disaster policy becomes critically important. Scholars have explored the racialized nature of specific disasters such as Hurricane Katrina. But studies of general disaster policy preferences have not attended much to race, focusing instead on dimensions like partisanship and perceived deservingness. We use two original national surveys to assess the role of racial attitudes and ethnoracial identification on support for disaster spending. We find that racial attitudes are among the most powerful predictors of disaster spending preferences. They also strongly condition support for racially-targeted reasons justifying disaster spending. We also find that support for disaster spending is highest among Black Americans and lowest among Whites. Racial attitudes account for much of this racial gap, and strongly predict preferences even with controls for political attitudes, experience with disaster, and demographics. Our findings hold across question wordings and time. Racial attitudes are important in understanding general preferences about disaster policy, beyond responses to the specific racialized disasters on which scholars of race and disaster have focused.