bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Global Climatology of Diabatic Heating in Tropical Easterly Waves
Authors: Lewis-Merritt Carrie , Stachnik Justin P. , Hollis Margaret A. , Martin Elinor R. , McCrary Rachel R.
Published: January 2024

Tropical easterly waves (TEWs) play a critical role in regulating convection and precipitation across the global tropics. TEWs act as seed disturbances for tropical cyclogenesis, serve as an essential component in monsoon precipitation, and produce large amounts of rainfall and diabatic heating that can strongly affect the large-scale circulation. To help improve our knowledge of a more elusive type of tropical wave, we use satellite and reanalysis estimates of the diabatic heating associated with TEWs that are identified by a tracking algorithm based on low-level curvature vorticity. This study uses the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) version 6 convective–stratiform heating (CSH) and spectral latent heating (SLH) orbital products to create a global climatology (1998–2015) of TEW diabatic heating. TEW-specific composites for the satellite-observed vertical structure of diabatic heating are compared to similar terms from MERRA-2 across a variety of tropical regions. There are striking differences between the reanalysis and satellite heating with MERRA-2 having much stronger background heating, especially at low levels. Both the satellite-observed and reanalysis heating profiles show stronger midlevel heating associated with TEWs relative to the unconditional background. Similar patterns of mid- and bottom-heaviness emerge in two-dimensional composites of TEW latent heating as stronger heating rates and percent contributions to the background are generally higher at 500 hPa than at 850 hPa. Although TEWs only represent a few percent of the background heating across the global tropics, they comprise 30%–50% of the heating in the prominent TEW tracks over the northeastern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Research Knowledge Translation in Sensory Integration-Based Therapy: Exploring Subjectivity of Clinical Expertise
Authors: Bird Diane Elizabeth , Rihtman Tanya
Published: January 2024

Background. Clinical expertise is the mechanism through which practitioners implement other components of evidence-based practice (EBP). Within occupational therapy practice, intervention approaches that are both closely and loosely aligned with Ayres’ Theory of Sensory Integration are widespread, offering a unique opportunity to investigate the subjective nature of clinical expertise in EBP. Purpose. This qualitative study explored motivations to offer sensory integration-based interventions, and factors informing occupational therapists’ clinical decision making in relation to an arguably contentious evidence base. Method. Six post-graduate sensory integration trained UK occupational therapists participated in individual semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed, member-checked and analyzed using thematic coding analysis. Findings. Despite sound understanding of theory and continuous efforts to develop clinical knowledge, non-traditional hierarchies of evidence notably inform clinical decisions. The clinical expertise required for integration of patient preferences, clinical state and circumstances, and research evidence is informed by pragmatic responses to facilitators and barriers across contexts, combined with unique profession-specific identity factors. Implications. While empirical healthcare research is ideally undertaken under controlled conditions, realities of clinical practice are rarely so clear cut. Study findings highlight important subjective factors that are central to real-world research knowledge translation and further understanding of the clinical expertise component of EBP.
Renewable Energy and Economic Growth: Evidence from India
Authors: Gupta Rajesh , Guha Atulan
Published: January 2024

This article examines the nexus between economic growth and two renewable energy sources, namely wind and solar, to separate out the contrast between these two sources, for India deploying system generalised method of moments and vector error correction method suitable to capture the dynamic nature of panel data. Unlike most of the earlier studies, it takes into account cross-sectional dependence and addresses the issue of endogeneity. India has been chosen because despite India being one of the largest producers of renewable energy globally; the nexus is under-studied. This article finds the installation of solar energy capacity positively influences the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) growth. Moreover, there is a bi-directional positive relation between the installation of wind energy capacity and GSDP growth. Hence the adoption of renewable energy is helping the states to grow faster. However, the study found not much difference in the nature of the nexus between solar energy growth and wind energy growth for India.

JEL Codes: O13, P28, P44, Q56
Understanding the physical fitness standard, recruitment, and retention of Canadian Emergency Response Teams
Authors: Towns Zachary , Ricciardelli Rosemary , Cyr Kevin
Published: January 2024

Canadian police services rely on their Emergency Response Teams (ERT) to respond to diverse calls for service, requiring ERT members to meet physical fitness standards aligned with the physically demanding components of ERT responsibilities. In the current article, we explore the different physical testing components of Canadian tactical teams to better understand the physical testing standards for ERT. We do this by investigating how members of the Association of Canadian Critical Incident Commanders respond to closed and open-ended survey items related to fitness testing for ERT members, consequences of not passing ERT physical testing standards, and how fitness standards are perceived as creating barriers to member retention and recruitment to ERT. We center our discussion on the need for a physically capable police service to ensure security, reduce risk, and enhance public safety and suggest potential avenues for policy changes tied to physical testing standards as ways forward.
In situ formed poly(ε-caprolactone) as a novel non-toxic plasticizer of poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Kalousková Radka , Moravcová Edita , Vránová Lenka , Hrdlička Zdeněk , Brožek Jiří
Published: January 2024

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is the third most produced synthetic polymer in the world, irreplaceable in many applications including medical ones. The production of soft PVC presents a problem with volatile low-molecular plasticizers that can be harmful to human health. Therefore, they are often replaced with polymeric plasticizers, which are less effective and require higher processing temperature, however. In this work, we have studied a specific method of PVC plasticization consisting in the mixing of PVC with monomeric ε-caprolactone in a closed system. During thermal treatment of the mixture, in situ polymerization of the ε-caprolactone occurs, initiated by a tin stabilizer of PVC present in the mixture, which results in the formation of poly(ε-caprolactone), a non-toxic and bio-degradable polymeric plasticizer with various molar mass. In this way, a stable plasticized PVC material can be obtained, the thermal stability, softening range and mechanical properties of which correspond to the use of conventional plasticizers.
Intraoperative evaluation of local cerebral hemodynamic change by laser speckle contrast imaging for predicting postoperative cerebral hyperperfusion during STA-MCA bypass in adult patients with moyamoya disease
Authors: Tao Tianshu , Zhu Wenting , Yu Jin , Li Xiang , Wei Wei , Hu Miao , Luo Mingrui , Wan Guiping , Li Pengcheng , Chen Jincao , Zhang Jianjian
Published: January 2024

Cerebral hyperperfusion (CHP) occurred frequently after direct superficial temporal artery–middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass surgery for moyamoya disease (MMD). We analyzed cortical microvascular density (CMD) and the change of cerebral blood flow (LΔCBF) using intraoperative laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) on 130 hemispheres of 95 consecutive adult patients with MMD. The demographic characteristics, cortical hemodynamic sources, bypass methods, intraoperative blood flow data, and relative CBF changes on single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) examination (SΔrCBF) were compared between the groups with and without CHP. The median values for CMD, LΔCBF, and SΔrCBF were significantly higher in the CHP group than in the non-CHP group (CMD 0.240 vs 0.206, P = 0.004; LΔCBF 2.285 vs 1.870, P < 0.001; SΔCBF 1.535 vs 1.260, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that hemodynamic sources of recipient parasylvian cortical arteries from MCA (M-PSCAs), end-to-side (E-S) bypass method, CMD ≥ 0.217, and LΔCBF ≥ 1.985 were the risk factors for CHP. Intraoperative LSCI was useful for evaluating hemodynamics and predicting CHP in patients with MMD.
Eliciting Risk Perceptions: Does Conditional Question Wording Have a Downside?
Authors: Strueder Jeremy D. , Miller Jane E. , Yu Xianshen , Windschitl Paul D.
Published: January 2024

Background

To assess the impact of risk perceptions on prevention efforts or behavior change, best practices involve conditional risk measures, which ask people to estimate their risk contingent on a course of action (e.g., “if not vaccinated”).

Purpose

To determine whether the use of conditional wording—and its drawing of attention to one specific contingency—has an important downside that could lead researchers to overestimate the true relationship between perceptions of risk and intended prevention behavior.

Methods

In an online experiment, US participants from Amazon’s MTurk ( N = 750) were presented with information about an unfamiliar fungal disease and then randomly assigned among 3 conditions. In all conditions, participants were asked to estimate their risk for the disease (i.e., subjective likelihood) and to decide whether they would get vaccinated. In 2 conditional-wording conditions (1 of which involved a delayed decision), participants were asked about their risk if they did not get vaccinated. For an unconditional/benchmark condition, this conditional was not explicitly stated but was still formally applicable because participants had not yet been informed that a vaccine was even available for this disease.

Results

When people gave risk estimates to a conditionally worded risk question after making a decision, the observed relationship between perceived risk and prevention decisions was inflated (relative to in the unconditional/benchmark condition).

Conclusions

The use of conditionals in risk questions can lead to overestimates of the impact of perceived risk on prevention decisions but not necessarily to a degree that should call for their omission.

Highlights

Conditional wording, which is commonly recommended for eliciting risk perceptions, has a potential downside. It can produce overestimates of the true relationship between perceived risk and prevention behavior, as established in the current work. Though concerning, the biasing effect of conditional wording was small—relative to the measurement benefits that conditioning usually provides—and should not deter researchers from conditioning risk perceptions. More research is needed to determine when the biasing impact of conditional wording is strongest.
Applications of artificial intelligence in gastroscopy: a narrative review
Authors: Chen Hu , Liu Shi-yu , Huang Si-hui , Liu Min , Chen Guang-xia
Published: January 2024

Gastroscopy, a critical tool for the diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal diseases, has recently incorporated artificial intelligence (AI) technology to alleviate the challenges involved in endoscopic diagnosis of some lesions, thereby enhancing diagnostic accuracy. This narrative review covers the current status of research concerning various applications of AI technology to gastroscopy, then discusses future research directions. By providing this review, we hope to promote the integration of gastroscopy and AI technology, with long-term clinical applications that can assist patients.
To Evaluate Correlation Between Cervical Vertebral Maturation Stages and Third Molar Maturation Stages in North Maharashtrian Population
Authors: Chaugule Akshay Sunil , Patil Kunal Bhaskar , Nagmode Sunilkumar Laxman , Aphale Hrushikesh Subhash , Shinde Vivek Jayaram , Surana Sejal Pravin
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Assessment of growth is crucial in the diagnosis and treatment planning in orthodontics. Skeletal development can be assessed by using hand-wrist radiographs and lateral cephalograms. The advantage of the panoramic radiograph over hand wrist radiograph is that patient exposure is reduced following the ALARA principle.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between third molar calcification stages and skeletal maturity using the CVM stages in North Maharashtrian population.

Methods

Dental panoramic and lateral cephalograms of subjects ranged in age from 9 to 20 years were selected. Demirjians method was used to assess the dental maturation stages of third molars on both the sides. Hassel and Farman classification was used for classifying into cervical vertebral maturation indicator stages. The collected data were statistically analyzed.

Result

There was a statistically significant correlation between cervical maturation stages and third molar calcification stages in North Maharashtrian population.
Enablers and Barriers to Hearing aid Use in People Living With Dementia
Authors: Hooper Emma , Brown Laura J.E. , Cross Hannah , Dawes Piers , Leroi Iracema , Armitage Christopher J.
Published: January 2024

Hearing loss is highly prevalent in dementia; however, people with dementia are less likely to use hearing aids consistently than people with intact cognition are. This qualitative study is the first of its kind to explore factors that influence hearing aid use from the perspective of community-living people with mild to moderate dementia and their care partners. Eleven UK-based dyads from the European SENSE-Cog Randomized Controlled Trial of a sensory intervention for people with dementia completed semi-structured interviews based on the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Our findings suggest that the TDF domains environmental context and resources, behavioral regulation, reinforcement, and social influences are of greatest relevance to hearing aid use in dementia. Within these domains, we identified a range of factors that may influence the target behavior of hearing aid use. The findings suggest that adoption of multifaceted, flexible intervention approaches may support hearing aid use in dementia.
Cardiovascular Safety of Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine versus Methylphenidate in Older Adults
Authors: Paulmann Rachel , Stouffer Randi , Mathys Monica , Weideman Rick , Alvarez Carlos , Yang Hui
Published: January 2024

Background: Recent epidemiological data has shown a sharp increase in stimulant use among older adults, which is notable as older adults may be especially vulnerable to their cardiovascular effects. Results of recent studies have shown an increase in cardiovascular events among older adults using stimulants; however, little data exists comparing cardiovascular safety of these agents head-to-head. Objective: To determine if the incidence of serious cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction (MI), stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), or arrhythmia, are different in patients taking amphetamine/dextroamphetamine compared with patients taking methylphenidate. Methods: Retrospective chart review of veterans 50 years and older at the Veterans Affairs North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS) who were first prescribed a stimulant between 2015 and 2021. The primary outcome was the difference in composite cardiovascular events between amphetamine/dextroamphetamine and methylphenidate. Secondary outcomes were the composite cardiovascular endpoints compared individually (MI, stroke/TIA, or arrhythmia). Hazard ratios were calculated based off of a time-to-event analysis displayed using a Kaplan-Meier curve for primary and secondary outcomes. Results: 466 veterans were screened for inclusion, 30 were excluded, and 436 were included. There was no difference found in composite cardiovascular events between the 241 veterans in the amphetamine/dextroamphetamine group and the 195 veterans in the methylphenidate group with 12 (5%) vs 8 (4.1%) events respectively ( P = .6635). There was also no difference in time-to-event analysis ( P = .4966). Conclusion: In elderly veterans, there was no difference found in incidence of major cardiovascular events with the use of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine compared with methylphenidate.
Development of novel multiple-axis flexure hinges based on hook function curve and a generalized model for multiple-axis flexure hinges
Authors: Du Yunsong , Liu Shuoshuo , Li Tiemin
Published: January 2024

A novel asymmetric multiple-axis hook-function-curve (HFC) flexure hinge (HFCFH) with higher motion precision is proposed. For obtaining high-accuracy compliance and motion precision models of multiple-axis flexure hinges, a brief and generalized analytical model is presented by using the finite beam based matrix modeling (FBMM) method. It can be used to quickly obtain the compliance and precision models by just changing the notch contour functions. The comparative results prove the high accuracy and efficiency of the analytical model. For a much fairer comparison of motion precision between flexure hinges, a new precision model is proposed, in which a non-dimension and more intuitive precision matrix is defined. By using the precision model, the comparison of motion precision between multiple-axis HFCFHs and other multiple-axis flexure hinges indicates that asymmetric flexure hinges have higher motion precision, and multiple-axis HFCFHs also have higher motion precision in asymmetric flexure hinges. Based on the design concept of hybrid flexure hinges, eight types of hybrid multiple-axis flexure hinges with much higher performance are designed, enriching the types of multiple-axis flexure hinges and providing more reference for the selection of hinges in spatial compliant mechanisms.
Development of a multifunctional nursing bed system for in-bed position recognition and automatic repositioning
Authors: Zhou Haoyu , Sang Lingfeng , Luo Jingjing , Wang Hongbo , Feng Yongfei , Zhang Xueze , Chen Li
Published: January 2024

Bedridden elderly need to be repositioned at regular intervals to prevent pressure ulcers. However, repositioning, being one of the most physically demanding tasks in nursing, faces many challenges, including work-related injuries and limited manpower. To address these problems, we have developed a multifunctional nursing bed system. This system not only assists in repositioning and transitioning positions but also features in-bed position recognition, enabling automatic repositioning based on recognition results. In this paper, the repositioning process was analysed, and the nursing bed mechanism and its control design were developed. An algorithmic framework for in-bed position recognition, including preprocessing and convolutional neural networks, is proposed. The experimental results demonstrate that the nursing bed system facilitates comfortable repositioning and position transition for subjects. In a short-term experiment, the system demonstrated an accuracy rate of 96.83% for in-bed position recognition. Meanwhile, in a long-term experiment, it achieved a success rate of 93.89% for automatic repositioning. These findings indicate that the proposed system demonstrates substantial potential in nursing care, particularly in pressure ulcer prevention.
Cut surface characteristics of aluminum alloy sheet in cryogenic shearing process
Authors: Kongiang Saowalak , Rojananan Siriporn , Thipprakmas Sutasn
Published: January 2024

Die cutting is a well-known process of sheet metal forming for separating sheet metal into the required shape. Compared with other cutting processes such as machining, this process has the advantages of a high production rate and low production cost. Currently, as a necessary process in sheet metal manufacturing, this process has been researched to improve the efficiency of the process and quality of cut components. In this study, the application of cryogenics in the die-cutting process was investigated, and the characteristics of the cut surfaces were examined. The shearing process was investigated using a die-cutting model. An aluminum alloy grade A5083 (JIS standard) was used as the workpiece. After shearing, the physical characteristics of the cut surfaces were examined using a 3-D laser scanner. Shear forces were also reported. The grain evolution in the shearing zone was also investigated. The results revealed that compared with the shearing process at room temperature, the ratio of clean cut to workpiece thickness was slightly increased. However, they showed differences in fracture characteristics. A concave feature in the fracture zone was generated at the cryogenic temperature, particularly for small clearances. These results were clearly explained based on the initial fracture angle and its propagation, and grain evolution. Based on the changes in the material properties at cryogenic temperatures, an elongated grain structure was easily generated, resulting in a larger initial fracture compared with that of the shearing process at room temperature. This is important when using the cut component, as the strength of the cut part decreases owing to the larger concave features. In addition, it provides helpful information on cut components that may require additional operations.
Simple recognition of hand gestures using single-channel EMG signals
Authors: Pourmokhtari Mina , Beigzadeh Borhan
Published: January 2024

Electromyography (EMG) signals are used for many different purposes, such as recording and measuring the electrical activity generated by varying the body’s skeletal muscles. Biosignals are different types of biomedical signals, like EMG signals, which can be used for the neural linkage with computers and are obtained from a particular part of the body such as tissue, muscle, organ, or cell system like the nervous system. Surface electromyography (SEMG) is a non-invasive method that can be used as an effective system for controlling upper arm prostheses. This study focused on classifying the five types of distinct finger movements investigated in four unique channels.

We have used a classification technique, the k-nearest neighbors (KNN), to categorize the collected samples. Two time-domain features, (a) maximum (Max) and (b) minimum (Min), were used with one of these three features separately: mean absolute value (MAV), root mean square (RMS), and simple square integral (SSI) to classify gestures. We chose classification accuracy as a criterion for evaluating the effectiveness of every classification. We figured out that the first grouping, that is, (MAV, Max, Min), was the best choice for classification. The accuracy percentage in the four channels for the first group was 91.0%, 89.9%, 89.8%, and 96.0%, respectively.
Perceptions of Falling Behind “Most White People”: Within-Group Status Comparisons Predict Fewer Positive Emotions and Worse Health Over Time Among White (but Not Black) Americans
Authors: Caluori Nava , Cooley Erin , Brown-Iannuzzi Jazmin L. , Klein Emma , Lei Ryan F. , Cipolli William , Philbrook Lauren E.
Published: January 2024

Despite the persistence of anti-Black racism, White Americans report feeling worse off than Black Americans. We suggest that some White Americans may report low well-being despite high group-level status because of perceptions that they are falling behind their in-group. Using census-based quota sampling, we measured status comparisons and health among Black ( N = 452, Wave 1) and White ( N = 439, Wave 1) American adults over a period of 6 to 7 weeks. We found that Black and White Americans tended to make status comparisons within their own racial groups and that most Black participants felt better off than their racial group, whereas most White participants felt worse off than their racial group. Moreover, we found that White Americans’ perceptions of falling behind “most White people” predicted fewer positive emotions at a subsequent time, which predicted worse sleep quality and depressive symptoms in the future. Subjective within-group status did not have the same consequences among Black participants.
Health Expenditure and Utilisation of Poor Families in a Low-Income Community under the Philippine Conditional Cash Transfer Program
Authors: Ambong Ryan Mark A. , Gonzales Artemio M.
Published: January 2024

Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) is the Philippine version of the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program that measures human development through the provision of conditional cash grants to the poorest of the poor. This research determines the health expenditure and utilisation of the poor families in a low-income community under the CCT program. A cross-sectional research design was adopted using mixed methods of data collection from 177 households between May and June 2017. Results reveal that most families under CCT devote the largest portion of household health expenditure for inpatient health seeking. About 40% of the total expenditure is covered by the National Health Insurance Program and the cost for hospitalisation mostly comes from the out-of-pocket source. Moreover, the common problems encountered during health utilisation and spending are poor customer service of healthcare facilities and uncompensated hospital bill by health insurance.
Experimental Studies on the Effects of Glycitinregulated TGF-β Signaling Pathway on the Proliferation, Osteogenic, and Lipogenic Differentiation of BMSCs
Authors: Zhu Jiabo , Zhang Liyan , Sun Xin , Liang Jiaming , Li Hanlian
Published: January 2024

Background

Glycitin, generated from the seeds of the legume soybean, has an essential function in antioxidant, obesity inhibition, and wound healing promotion. Furthermore, recent research has shown that it has anti-inflammatory and cartilage-protective properties.

Objectives

This study was designed to investigate the osteogenic effects of glycitin and the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), as well as their interaction.

Materials and Methods

We isolated rabbit BMSCs by whole bone marrow adherent method and cultured, identified, and induced differentiation. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method was used to determine the proliferation ability of BMSCs with different concentrations of glycitin at different times; reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of osteogenesis-related genes runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), collagen type I (Col-1), and osteocalcin (OC) mRNA; and a kit was used to determine the activities of alkaline phosphatase and triglycerides (TG) in BMSCs. A Western blot was used to detect the expression of TGF-β protein in each group.

Results

On the fifth day of BMSC primary culture, the morphology of long spindle-shaped cells might be plentiful, dominated by a daisy-like or whirling arrangement. They proliferated rapidly and fused to 70%–80% on the eighth day of culture; the third generation of BMSCs was taken for phenotyping, and the detection results of flow cytometry analysis showed that the surface antigenic markers of BMSCs, CD44, and CD90 were positive, whereas CD34 and CD45 were negative; after osteogenic induction of BMSCs, visible calcified nodules were evident. There was cartilage matrix formation after osteogenic induction; glycitin promoted BMSC proliferation in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner, and BMSC proliferation increased significantly at 20 µM glycitin for 3–5 days; glycitin increased the expression of Runx2, Col-1, and OC mRNA in BMSCs and increased the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) while decreasing the activity of TG. Meanwhile, 20 µM glycitin dramatically increased the expression of TGF-β.

Conclusion

These findings imply that glycitin increases BMSCs proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. By regulating the TGF-β signaling pathway, glycitin modulates the differentiation of BMSCs into osteoblasts.
Exploring the Mechanism of Chang-An-Kang on Active Ulcerative Colitis Rats Based on NF-κB/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Lu Zhenhua , Wei Gangjie , Xu Qing , Li Yangguang , Cai Xiaojun
Published: January 2024

Objectives

The objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Chang-An-Kang on ulcerative colitis rats.

Materials and Methods

The rat model of ulcerative colitis induced by 6% glacial acetic acid was established. The corresponding therapeutic drugs were given 24 h after the model was established. The pathological morphology of colon tissue was observed after 21 days of continuous administration. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-7 (IL-7), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were measured by ELISA kit. The expression levels of NF-κB and STAT3 proteins in colon tissue were detected by IHC.

Results

The results showed that the changes in the pathological and biochemical indexes of the rat colon tissue indicate that the model was successfully established. Chang-An-Kang could significantly reduce rat colon tissue damage, decrease the content of IL-6, IL-7, and TNF-α, and increase the content of IL-10. The NF-κB and STAT3 protein expression levels were decreased.

Conclusion

By increasing the content of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10, decreasing the content of pro-inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α, and inhibiting the expression of NF-κB and STAT3 proteins, Chang-An-Kang can reduce inflammatory infiltration. It has an obvious therapeutic effect on acetic acid ulcerative colitis in rats.
Women's transnational migration through football: Possibilities, responsibilities, and respectability in Ghana
Authors: Darby Paul , Esson James , Ungruhe Christian
Published: January 2024

The growth of girls’ and women's football in Africa, coupled with increased professionalisation in Europe and the United States, has led to rising international migration of African female players. This trend reflects the longer standing culture of independent, transnational migration among African women since the late 1980s and of enlarged possibilities and responsibilities triggered by neoliberal reform across the continent. This article explores how these sporting, cultural and economic transformations have coalesced to influence the aspirations and agency of female youth and young women in Ghana. To do so, we draw on original data from ethnographic fieldwork in Ghana, Sweden and Denmark undertaken between 2015 and 2021. Our findings reveal that for ambitious, talented female footballers, transnational football migration is increasingly viewed as a speculative route to improve ones’ life chances and negotiate intergenerational responsibilities to family. Significantly, the article also illustrates that in seeking to produce this highly prized form of migration, they must carefully navigate gendered social norms and hierarchies related to ‘respectable’ career and life trajectories. The conclusion proposes a critical research agenda to explore the interplay between sporting opportunities, migration aspirations and diverse socioeconomic conditions in Africa.
The Impact of Hospice Care Structures on Care Processes: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: de Graaf Everlien , Grant Matthew , van der Baan Frederieke , Ausems Marieke , Leget Carlo , Teunissen Saskia
Published: January 2024

Background: Palliative care is subject to substantial variations in care, which may be shaped through adapting the organisational structures through which care is provided. Whilst the goal of these structures is to improve patient care, there is a lack of evidence regarding their effect on care processes and patient outcomes. Aims: This study aims to describe the relationship between care structures and the quantity and domains of care processes in hospice care. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Settings/Participants: Data were collected from Dutch hospice patient’s clinical records and hospice surveys, detailing hospice structures, patient clinical characteristics and care processes. Results: 662 patients were included from 42 hospices, mean age 76.1 years. Hospices were categorised according to their care structures - structured clinical documentation and multidisciplinary meetings. Patients receiving care in hospices with structured multidisciplinary meetings had an increased quantity of documented care processes per patient on admission through identification (median 4 vs 3, P < .001), medication (2 vs 1, P = .004) and non-medication (1 vs 0, P < .001) interventions, monitoring (2 vs 1, P < .001) and evaluation (0 vs 0, P = .014), and prior to death. Similar increases were identified for patients who received care in hospices with structured documentation upon admission, but these changes were not consistent prior to death. Conclusions: This study details that the care structures of documentation and multidisciplinary meetings are associated with increased quantity and breadth of documentation of care processes in hospice care. Employing these existing structures may result in improvements in the documentation of patient care processes, and thus better communication around patient care.
Barriers for Veterans Accessing Outdoor Programming: An Examination of Website Representation
Authors: Leonard Aaron , Bettmann Joanna Ellen , Blumenthal Ellison
Published: January 2024

Background: Existing outdoor programs which market to veterans are likely to help veterans to get outdoors and to connect with one another. However, these programs appear to market to mostly White, male populations even though many veterans are female and racially diverse. Purpose: In order to consider barriers to outdoor program engagement for diverse and marginalized populations of veterans, the present study evaluated the website landing pages for outdoor programs serving veterans. This study explored the question: what racial and gender identities appear on the online marketing for veterans-serving outdoor programs? Methodology/Approach: In order to answer the research question, four coders independently coded visual data from imagery found on publicly-available websites and each organization's associated social media. Three hundred and six veteran-serving organizations providing outdoor programming were identified and coded. Findings/Conclusions: Image coding revealed that website landing pages for these programs presented a majority of White and male images, with a minority of images of women and racial minorities. Implications: The present study suggests that veteran-serving outdoor programs should consider how they present themselves in terms of their representation of diverse and marginalized identities in their marketing. Unless such program change their online materials, female veterans and veterans from racially diverse backgrounds and marginalized communities may continue to face significant barriers in accessing outdoor programming.
Biofilm busters: Exploring the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of essential oils against Salmonella Enteritidis
Authors: Somrani Mariem , Huertas Juan-Pablo , Iguaz Asunción , Debbabi Hajer , Palop Alfredo
Published: January 2024

This study delves into an exploration of the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of the essential oils (EOs) of cinnamon, garlic, and onion on Salmonella Enteritidis. Firstly, disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) techniques were employed to assess the antibacterial activity of the EOs. Additionally, the study explored the effect of these EOs on both initial cell attachment and 24 h-preformed biofilms. The crystal violet assay was implemented to evaluate biofilm biomass. The findings revealed that cinnamon EO exhibited the highest anti-biofilm activity. Furthermore, initial cell attachment inhibition at MIC ranged between 50 and 65% for the three oils, while inhibition rates on preformed structures were lower than 40% for all EOs at this MIC concentration. The study also found that the effects of these oils were dosage- and time-dependent (p < 0.05), thereby urging the adoption of these natural extracts as effective strategies for combating Salmonella biofilms.
Outcomes of Mohs micrographic surgery for periocular squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hartley Matthew J. , Meredith Paul R. , Oliphant Thomas
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Periocular cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) accounts for 5–10% of all eyelid malignancies. Periocular cSCC carries a low mortality rate but can be destructive to local tissues. Due to the unique function and anatomy of the eyelids, Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is gold standard for treating cSCC to preserve healthy tissue and reduce rates of local recurrence. In this study, we describe the success and outcomes of MMS and subsequent oculoplastic reconstruction for periocular cSCC in the North East of England.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 34 patients who underwent MMS for periocular cSCC in the North of England between 2013 and 2020. Primary outcome measure of success is defined as no recurrence of cSCC after minimum 24 months’ time elapsed post-MMS. Secondary outcome measures included analysis of disease characteristics, describing the surgical techniques utilised for oculoplastic reconstruction following MMS and surgical complications should they occur.

Results

Two patients (5.9%) had local recurrence of periocular cSCC. Median time elapsed since MMS was 60 months. A variety of oculoplastic surgical techniques were utilised in the repair of the Mohs defect. One patient (2.9%) developed a significant post-operative reconstruction complication.

Conclusion

Periocular cSCC recurrence following MMS in the North of England is 5.9%, which is comparable to the literature. Significant post-operative complications following oculoplastic reconstruction of periocular MMS are very low, occurring in 2.9% of cases in this study.
Neomangiferin, a Naturally Occurring Mangiferin Congener, Inhibits Sodium-Glucose Co-transporter-2: AnIn silicoApproach
Authors: Olusola Ayobami J , Famuyiwa Samson O , Faloye Kolade O , Olatunji Oluwaseun E , Olayemi Uduak I , Adeyemi Abiodun A , Balogun John O , Ogundele Seun B , Babamuyiwa Blessing O , Patil Rajesh B
Published: January 2024

Type 2 diabetes is a major health concern contributing to most of diabetic cases worldwide. Mangiferin and its congeners are known for their diverse pharmacological properties. This study sought to investigate the inhibitory property of naturally occurring mangiferin congeners on sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 protein (SGLT-2) using comprehensive computational methods. The naturally occurring mangiferin congeners were subjected to molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MDs) simulation (100 ns), molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) binding free energy, density functional theory calculations (B3LYP 6-31G basis set), and ADMET approaches to identify potential SGLT-2 inhibitor. The molecular docking studies revealed neomangiferin (−9.0 kcal/mol) as the hit molecule compared with dapagliflozin (−8.3 kcal/mol). Root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) and root-mean-square fluctuation (RMSF) plots from the MD simulations established that neomangiferin stabilizes SGLT-2 better than the dapagliflozin, a standard drug. The MM-PBSA binding free energy calculations showed that neomangiferin (−26.05 kcal/mol) elicited better binding affinity than dapagliflozin (−17.42 kcal/mol). The electronic studies showed that neomangiferin (3.48 eV) elicited high electrophilicity index compared with mangiferin (3.31 eV) and dapagliflozin (2.11 eV). Also, the ADMET properties showed that the hit molecule is safe when administered to diabetic subjects. The current in silico studies suggest that neomangiferin could emerge as a promising lead molecule as a SGLT-2 inhibitor.
Cardiac Catheterization and Outcomes for Elderly Patients Hospitalized With Heart Failure
Authors: Patel Palak , Richard Ivan , Filice Giuseppe , Nikiforov Ivan , Kata Priyaranjan , Kanukuntla Anish Kumar , Okere Arthur , Hollenbeak Christopher S , Cheriyath Pramil
Published: January 2024

Background:

Heart failure affects over 6 million people in the United States (US) with limited evidence to support the use of cardiac catheterization. The benefit of its use remains mostly as expert opinion. This study intends to assess the benefits and risks of cardiac catheterization in elderly patients admitted for heart failure.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study using data from the National Inpatient Sample, including admissions 65 years and older hospitalized for heart failure, between 2008 and 2016. The outcomes analyzed were in-hospital mortality, total hospital costs, and length of stay.

Results:

After controlling for covariates, cardiac catheterization was found to have a protective association with mortality (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.833-0.912, P < .0001), an increased hospital length of stay by 2.88 days (95% CI: 2.84-2.92 days, P < .0001) and approximately $16 255 increase in cost.

Conclusions:

Cardiac catheterization was associated with decreased in-hospital mortality, longer length of stay and higher total costs in admissions with heart failure aged 65 years or older.
Moral status – human status? Interrogating the connection between morality and dehumanisation during mass violence
Authors: Michel Torsten
Published: January 2024

Beginning with early studies in the 1970s, dehumanisation has become a key feature in attempts to grasp the fundamental dynamics and conditions under which mass atrocities emerge. One of the most long-standing, prominent and widely accepted conceptions sees the loss of moral status as a key constitutive component of processes of dehumanisation, suggesting that the victims’ exclusion from the moral universe of obligation breaks down moral barriers, enabling forms of persecution outside the established practices of violence among human communities. With reference to the paradigmatic case of the Holocaust, this article critically interrogates this so far unquestioned equation of a loss of moral standing with dehumanisation. Overall, it argues for a much more nuanced differentiation between normative and analytical uses of dehumanisation, the need for more detailed reflections on its empirical appearances and relevance, and a more critical engagement with its conceptual grounding. Doing so will lead dehumanisation research beyond its current state and would allow for a more intricate assessment of its uses, meanings and relevance in cases of mass violence.
Half-sectioned spot weld parameter optimisation for liquid metal embrittlement analysis in advanced high-strength steels
Authors: Kim J U , Shojaee M , Sherepenko O , Ramachandran D , Betiku O T , Midawi A R H , Ghassemi-Armaki H , Biro E
Published: January 2024

Half-section welding has been proposed as a method to observe nugget growth throughout the resistance spot welding process. Some past studies used this technique as an in-situ monitoring approach to analyse the cracking behaviour during welding. However, there is a lack of understanding regarding the half-sectioned welding parameters, which critically impacts the liquid metal embrittlement cracking index. This study optimised half-sectioned welding parameters for liquid metal embrittlement crack analysis by developing process maps that compare the half-sectioned and full-section processes. It was found that the liquid metal embrittlement crack located at the weld shoulder can correlate to the temperature gradient in the heat-affected zone. This study proposes half-sectioned welding as a viable technique for liquid metal embrittlement analysis.
Research on psychotherapy for refugees in Germany: A systematic review on its transdisciplinary and transregional opening
Authors: Kleinschmitt Annika
Published: January 2024

Recently, an increasing amount of research has focused on adapting psychotherapy concepts for refugees moving to Germany. For a long time, research from disciplines like anthropology and cultural studies has problematized the eurocentrism of psychology's theoretical premises and methodologies. Currently, scholarship around Global Mental Health and decolonization emphasizes how knowledge production from various disciplines and regions relates to this topic and could contribute to improving respective approaches. Consequently, this review aims at evaluating the actual transdisciplinary and transregional opening of studies on psychotherapeutic interventions for refugees in Germany. It provides a theoretically as well as empirically informed basis for looking at disciplinary premises, practices, and boundaries as well as the regional locatedness of respective research. Fourteen relevant studies, published between January 1, 2007 and March 4, 2022, were identified by systematically searching the databases PubPsych and Web of Science. The studies were reviewed regarding study design, choice and characterization of target groups, regional origin and target group specific adaptations of the therapeutic concepts, integration of elements from and connections to other disciplines, and use of references to scholarship from the Global South. The findings show a pronounced focus on the development of trauma therapy approaches and moreover a broad variety of concept adaptations in response to the assumed characteristics, situations, and needs of the target groups. While the findings reveal a complex transregional pattern of development and adaptation of the therapeutic concepts, transdisciplinary opening and reference to the Global South appear scarce.
A Chinese help-seeking model for psychological distress in primary care: An adaptation of Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use
Authors: Sun Kai Sing , Lam Tai Pong , Wu Dan , Chan Tak Hon , Browne Graeme , Chan Sally Wai Chi
Published: January 2024

Help-seeking for depression and anxiety disorders from primary care physicians in Western countries is at three times the rate of China. Western help-seeking models for common mental disorders have limitations in the Chinese settings. This article argues that an adapted model based on Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use could be an appropriate tool to better understand patients’ help-seeking behaviors and improve outcomes. We applied a narrative review approach to integrate research findings from China into Andersen's model to generate a model that fits the Chinese context. We found 39 relevant articles in PubMed, MEDLINE, and Chinese journal databases from 1999 to 2022. Findings were mapped onto predisposing, enabling, and need factors of the model. This model emphasizes that predisposing factors including demographics, social norms, and health beliefs influence help-seeking preferences. Mental health service users in China tend to be older and female. Chinese generally have high concern about psychotropic medications, and social norms that consider psychological distress a personal weakness may discourage help-seeking. However, help-seeking can be enhanced by enabling factors in the health system, including training of primary care physicians, longer consultation time, and continuity of care. Need factors for treatment increase with the severity of distress symptoms, and doctor's skills and attitudes in recognizing psychosomatic symptoms. While predisposing factors are relatively hard to change, enabling factors in the health system and need factors for treatment can be targeted by enhancing the role of family doctors and training in mental health.