bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clonal Megakaryocyte Dysplasia with Isolated Thrombocytosis Is a Distinct Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Phenotype
Authors: Barosi Giovanni , Campanelli Rita , Massa Margherita , Catarsi Paolo , Carolei Adriana , Abbà Carlotta , Villani Laura , Magrini Umberto , Gregato Giuliana , Bertolini Francesco , de Silvestri Annalisa , Gale Robert Peter , Rosti Vittorio
Published: November 2022

Introduction: About 15% of people with a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) are identified as MPN, unclassifiable using the 2016 WHO classification. Methods: We tested whether persons with platelet concentration ≥450 × 10E+9/L, bone marrow megakaryocyte morphology typical of prefibrotic/early myelofibrosis (pre-MF), and no minor criteria of pre-MF should be classified as a distinct MPN subtype, clonal megakaryocyte dysplasia with isolated thrombocytosis (CMD-IT). Results: 139 subjects meet these criteria who we compared with primary myelofibrosis (PMF) including 402 with pre-MF and 521 with overt myelofibrosis. CMD-IT subjects were more likely female and younger. They had lower frequencies of JAK2V617F compared with persons with PMF (55% vs. 70%; p < 0.001) and higher frequencies of CALR mutations (37% vs. 17%; p < 0.001). They also had lower frequency of variations associated with JAK2V617F susceptibility, JAK2 46/1 (35% vs. 47%; p = 0.021), and VEGFA rs3025039 (12% vs. 17%; p = 0.030). Subjects with CMD-IT had lower incidences of thrombotic events compared with those with pre-MF (9.7% vs. 26%; p < 0.001) and longer survival (median, not reached vs. 23 years; HR = 0.34 (0.10, 0.30); p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our data indicate CMD-IT is a distinct MPN subtype and should be included in the classification of myeloid neoplasms.
Pemphiguserkrankungen: Positive Ergebnisse aus einer multizentrischen Studie mit Bruton-Tyrosinkinase-Hemmer
Authors: Didona Dario
Published: November 2022

Background: The treatment of pemphigus is based on systemic corticosteroid use and adjuvant therapies, but some patients are resistant to conventional therapy. Tirabrutinib is a highly selective oral Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitor that may be clinically effective in treating pemphigus by suppressing B-cell signaling. Objective: We investigated the efficacy and safety of tirabrutinib in patients with refractory pemphigus. Methods: This was a multicenter, open-label, single-arm phase 2 study of Japanese patients with refractory pemphigus receiving appropriate treatment with an oral corticosteroid and adjuvant therapies. Patients received postprandial oral tirabrutinib 80 mg once daily for 52 weeks. After 16 weeks of tirabrutinib treatment, the corticosteroid dose was tapered to ≤10 mg/day of prednisolone equivalent. Results: In total, 16 patients were evaluated (mean age, 52.5 years; 50% male). The complete remission rate after 24 weeks of treatment (primary endpoint) was 18.8% (3/16; 95% confidence interval, 6.6%-43.0%). By Week 52, eight patients (50.0%) achieved complete remission and 10 patients (62.5%) achieved remission. Over 52 weeks of treatment, the mean prednisolone dose decreased from 17.03 to 7.65 mg/day. Incidences of adverse events (AEs) and adverse drug reactions were 87.5% and 43.8%, respectively. A relationship with tirabrutinib was ruled out for all serious AEs and Grade ≥3 AEs. Conclusion: Treatment with tirabrutinib enabled remission and reduced oral corticosteroid exposure over time and did not result in any major safety concerns in patients with refractory pemphigus. Thus, oral tirabrutinib may be a new treatment option for patients with refractory pemphigus.
Fusional Vergence Dysfunctions in Acute Acquired Concomitant Esotropia of Adulthood with Myopia
Authors: Zhao Shiqiang , Hao Jie , Liu Jiawen , Cao Kai , Fu Jing
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Acute acquired concomitant esotropia (AACE) has been increasing dramatically in myopia. The aim of this study was to clarify whether fusional vergence dysfunctions exist in AACE with myopia and to explore the relationship between fusional vergence and myopia in AACE. Methods: This is a prospective clinical study. Adult AACE patients as well as controls (aged ≥18 years) both with myopia were prospectively recruited from October 2016 to August 2021. Refractive error and fusional divergence and convergence amplitude at distance were measured, as determined with a comprehensive refractor. The main outcome measures were the real value of the fusional divergence amplitude (calculated by subtracting the break point value from the angle of deviation) and the real value of the fusional convergence amplitude (calculated by subtracting the angle of deviation from the break point value). Two-sided p value of less than 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. Results: Fusional vergence consisting of fusional divergence and fusional convergence in patients with AACE of adulthood was different from the controls (p < 0.001), with fusional convergence decreased and fusional divergence increased. In the linear regression analysis, spherical equivalents were significantly negatively correlated with fusional convergence (right eyes, p < 0.001; left eyes, p < 0.001) in patients with AACE of adulthood but not in controls. There was a significant difference in fusional convergence amplitude among different degrees of spherical equivalents (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Fusional vergence dysfunction exists in AACE of adulthood, which may be attributed to self-adaptation based on concomitant esotropia to maintain fusion in AACE. Fusional convergence was associated with degrees of myopia, implying the adaption would be weakened as the degree of myopia becomes serious.
Local Recurrence in Choroidal Melanomas following Robotic-Assisted Radiosurgery (CyberKnife)
Authors: Schmelter Valerie , Schneider Frederick , Guenther Stefanie R. , Fuerweger Christoph , Muacevic Alexander , Priglinger Siegfried G. , Liegl Raffael , Foerster Paul
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Tumor recurrence in choroidal melanoma has been associated with decreased overall survival due to metastatic spreading. To detect risk factors of local recurrence and side effects, we analyzed tumor planning and treatment parameters in patients with recurrence of choroidal melanoma after treatment with robotic-assisted radiosurgery (CyberKnife). Methods: Six hundred ninety-four patients treated with CyberKnife between 2005 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Age, gender, best-corrected visual acuity, tumor height, and diameter were recorded. Treatment planning and radiation doses were reviewed. Salvage therapy, overall survival, metastasis, and complications were recorded. Results: Seventy-four patients showed local recurrence. Local recurrence occurred after 42.1 months post CyberKnife treatment (mean; range: 5–100 months). Fourteen out of 74 patients (18.9%) died during follow-up. Recurrence treatment included enucleation in 51 patients (68.9%) and radiosurgery in 19 patients (25.7%). Treatment planning without contrast medium MRI, radiation dose of less than 21 Gy, and insufficient margin delineation were identified as risk factors incrementing local control. Discussion: Robotic-assisted radiosurgery (CyberKnife) is a suitable treatment option for large choroidal melanoma up to 12 mm. Patients with significantly better visual acuity received repeat CyberKnife treatment as salvage therapy and showed an eye retention rate of 81%.
Fingerprint-based indoor positioning system using BLE: real deployment study
Authors: Safwat Rokaya , Shaaban Eman , Al-Tabbakh Shahinaz M. , Emara Karim
Published: November 2022

There are a myriad of applications where the localization of interior surroundings is vital in the era of smart cities Bluetooth low energy (BLE) technology is designed for short-range wireless communication, low energy consumption, low cost hardware design and simple deployment with respect to other technologies. This paper presents a low cost BLE fingerprint-based indoor positioning system, where a minimum number of Beacons are deployed in different test bed subareas with different conditions. Collected measured received signal strength indicator (RSSI) signals received from all beacons in each grid cell of all areas of interest are stored. We experimented two deterministic matching algorithms: k-nearest neighbors (KNN) and weighted algorithm (WKNN), to match previously collected RSSI readings with the RSSI at mobile unknown location, to determine where the user is. Experiments results show that WKNN algorithm manages to obtain less mean and standard deviation positioning error for all subareas, that experiencing different conditions of obstructions, reflections, and interferences.
Efficient model for detecting application layer distributed denial of service attacks
Authors: Kareem Morenikeji Kabirat , Aborisade Olaniyi Dada , Onashoga Saidat Adebukola , Sutikno Tole , Olayiwola Olaniyi Mathew
Published: November 2022

The increasing advancement of technologies and communication infrastructures has been posing threats to the internet services. One of the most powerful attack weapons for disrupting web-based services is the distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack. The sophisticated nature of attack tools being created and used for launching attacks on target systems makes it difficult to distinguish between normal and attack traffic. Consequently, there is a need to detect application layer DDoS attacks from network traffic efficiently. This paper proposes a detection system coined eXtreme gradient boosting (XGB-DDoS) using a tree-based ensemble model known as XGBoost to detect application layer DDoS attacks. The Canadian institute for cybersecurity intrusion detection systems (CIC IDS) 2017 dataset consisting of both benign and malicious attacks was used in training and testing of the proposed model. The performance results of the proposed model indicate that the accuracy rate, recall, precision rate, and F1-score of XGB-DDoS are 0.999, 0.997, 0.995, and 0.996, respectively, as against those of k-nearest neighbor (KNN), support vector machine (SVM), principal component analysis (PCA) hybridized with XGBoost, and KNN with SVM. So, the XGB-DDoS detection model did better than the models that were chosen. This shows that it is good at finding application layer DDoS attacks.
Relay node placement in wireless sensor network for manufacturing industry
Authors: Safiee Rabiatul Adawiyah , Apandi Nur Ilyana Anwar , Muhammad Nor Aishah , Sheng Wan Wing , Sarijari Mohd Adib
Published: November 2022

Relay nodes are necessary to maintain scalability and increase longevity as the number of manufacturing industrial sensors grows. In a fixed-budget circumstance, however, the cost of purchasing the bare minimum of relay nodes to connect the network may exceed the budget. Although it is hard to establish a network that connects all sensor nodes, in this case, a network with a high level of connection is still desirable. This paper proposes two metrics for determining the connectedness of a disconnected graph of sensor nodes and determining the optimum deployment method for relay nodes in a network with the highest connectedness while staying within a budget restriction. The metrics are the number of connected graph components and the size of the most significant connected graph component. Prim's algorithm and the approximation minimum spanning tree algorithm are applied to construct a disconnected graph and discover the best relay node placement to solve these two criteria. Compared to the other metrics, simulation findings suggest that prioritizing the most significant connected components in the disconnected graph can yield superior outcomes by deploying the fewest number of relay nodes while retaining the connectedness of the graph.
Character level vehicle license detection using multi layered feed forward back propagation neural network
Authors: Ummadisetti Ganesh Naidu , Thiruvengatanadhan R. , Narayana Satyala , Dhanalakshmi P.
Published: November 2022

Real-world traffic situations, including smart traffic monitoring, automated parking systems, and car services are increasingly using vehicle license detection systems (VLDS). Vehicle license plate identification is still a challenge with current approaches, particularly in more complicated settings. The use of machine learning and deep learning algorithms, which display improved classification accuracy and resilience, has been a significant recent breakthrough. Deep learning-based license plate identification using neural networks is proposed in this article. The number plate is detected using a multi layered feed forward back propagation neural network (MLFFBPNN). In this method, there are 3 layers namely input, hidden, and output layers has been utilized. Each layer has been related with interconnection weights. In feed forward of information, initially a set of randomly chosen weights are feed to the input data and an output has been determined. Back propagation training algorithm is utilized to train the network. Then character level identification is performed. The suggested proposed method is compared to the region-based convolutional neural network (RCNN) method in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency. The proposed method produced the character level recognition accuracy of 89%. It is improved by 4% when compared with the RCNN recognition method.
Long range and server inspired internet of smart street lights
Authors: Singh Rajesh , Krishna Konda Hari , Kumar Rajesh , Gehlot Anita , Akram Shaik Vaseem , Chodhury Sushabhan , Bisht Yashwant Singh , Bisht Kailash , Joshi Kapil
Published: November 2022

Currently, the integration of long-range (LoRa) and the internet of things (IoT) has been widely adopted in various applications for real-time monitoring with reliability. These technologies empower us to achieve the goal of the United Nations for the establishment of an inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable environment. The automation, monitoring, and controlling of streetlights is a necessary task for the development of smart infrastructure. With the motivation from the above, this study proposed a LoRa and IoT server-based architecture for automation and controlling of streetlights along with sensors. To implement the proposed architecture, the hardware of the sensor node and gateway based on ATMega 328P, 433 MHz LoRa module, and Wi-Fi module is realized. The realized hardware is deployed in the real-time environment and the sensor node can sense the motion of the object and also records the intensity value on the server through internet connectivity.
Neuro-fuzzy-based mathematical model of dispatching of an industrial railway junction
Authors: Bogdanova Leyla M. , Nagibin Sergey Ya , Loskutov Dmitry I. , Goncharova Natalia A.
Published: November 2022

In any transport system, especially at industrial railway junctions, it is fundamentally important to build an effective timetable (traffic schedule) to regulate traffic flows. The task is complicated by the high dimensionality of the railway network of the node, the large number of variable parameters associated with scheduling the use of a traction resource (locomotives) during operation for sorting wagons and transporting payloads (ore, fuel, finished products and empty wagons). The problem is that most plotting problems are NP-hard, i.e. the algorithms for solving them, used to automate the process, may require an unacceptably long execution time by traditional methods of solving this problem (sequential, using reference information; method of thread laying). The article deals with the issues of building a mathematical model for dispatching an industrial railway junction to minimize the time of using locomotives in order to increase the efficiency of its operation. The mathematical model uses the technique of neuro-fuzzy computing to determine the parameters for identifying fuzzy systems and calculating the priorities of operations in the framework of creating a flexible schedule for the decision support system of the dispatching service. The results of modeling and recommendations on the use of the developed methodology are presented.
Developed cluster-based load-balanced protocol for wireless sensor networks based on energy-efficient clustering
Authors: Jabbar Mohanad Sameer , Issa Samer Saeed
Published: November 2022

One of the most pressing issues in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is energy efficiency. Sensor nodes (SNs) are used by WSNs to gather and send data. The techniques of cluster-based hierarchical routing significantly considered for lowering WSN’s energy consumption. Because SNs are battery-powered, face significant energy constraints, and face problems in an energy-efficient protocol designing. Clustering algorithms drastically reduce each SNs energy consumption. A low-energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (LEACH) considered promising for application-specifically protocol architecture for WSNs. To extend the network's lifetime, the SNs must save energy as much as feasible. The proposed developed cluster-based load-balanced protocol (DCLP) considers for the number of ideal cluster heads (CHs) and prevents nodes nearer base stations (BSs) from joining the cluster realization for accomplishing sufficient performances regarding the reduction of sensor consumed energy. The analysis and comparison in MATLAB to LEACH, a well-known cluster-based protocol, and its modified variant distributed energy efficient clustering (DEEC). The simulation results demonstrate that network performance, energy usage, and network longevity have all improved significantly. It also demonstrates that employing cluster-based routing protocols may successfully reduce sensor network energy consumption while increasing the quantity of network data transfer, hence achieving the goal of extending network lifetime.
Dual stage cascade controller for temperature control in greenhouse
Authors: Abood Layla H. , Kadhim Nahida Naji , Mohammed Yousra Abd
Published: November 2022

In this paper, a dual stage cascade controller PI-(1+PD) is adopted to maintain and control temperature in greenhouse environment based on a smart and intelligent gorilla troops optimization (GTO) method for evaluating the controller gains to enhance the system response by reducing the error value and minimize the integral time absolute error (ITAE) fitness functions during simulation. The simulation results are obtained by using MATLAB 2019, then compared with two conventional controllers proportional integral derivative (PI and PID) based on evaluation parameters for all controllers in term of peak time, rise time, settling time and overshoot to show its efficient response if compared with other controllers used.
The ability to detect the linear attack of WL-CUSUM and FMA algorithms
Authors: Nguyen Duc Duong , Le Minh Thuy , Cung Thanh Long
Published: November 2022

The problem of detecting linear attacks on industrial systems is presented in this paper. The object is attacked by linear attack is the wireless communication process from sensors to controller with simulated mathematical model (stochastic dynamical systems and random noises). The attack matrices are calculated to ensure that Kullback-Leiber (K-L) algorithm is passed. With these matrices, the window limited cumulative SUM (WL-CUSUM) algorithm and finite moving average (FMA) algorithm are utilized to detect the changes in the sequence of residuals generated from Kalman filter method and are appreciated the ability to detect the linear attack. The simulated results show that an appropriate range of threshold of the WL-CUSUM and FMA algorithm can be chosen to detect the linear attack in case the K-L method cannot detect. Moreover, tested results using the Monte Carlo simulation also show that the evaluation performance of the FMA detection algorithm is better than that of WL-CUSUM, CUSUM, and Chi-squared (Chi2).
Privacy during epidemic of COVID-19: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Ali Auwal Shehu , Zaaba Zarul Fitri , Singh Manmeet Mahinderjit
Published: November 2022

1,226 articles on privacy and COVID-19 were published by authors from 69 countries in this year's issue. COVID 19's privacy is now the focus of many researchers' attention. The present body of knowledge on privacy for COVID-19 digital technologies has been thoroughly analyzed, and a concise overview of research status and future developments can be gleaned. This paper conducted a bibliometric examination of privacy using the Scopus dataset. Utilizing VOSviewer software, the relevant literature papers published on this topic were examined to determine the field's development history, research hotspots, and future directions. Over time, there has been a rise in the number of studies published in privacy for COVID-19, particularly after 2020, and the growth rate has been steadily increasing. Regarding published research, the United States and China lead the pack. These articles appeared in primarily English-language journals and conference proceedings. Privacy and COVID-19 research was mostly computer science. The most used terms in privacy and COVID-19 were data privacy and humans. This paper examines the evolution of privacy and COVID-19 research and indicates current research priorities and future research goals. Furthermore, the privacy and COVID-19 study seem to be a promising sphere as this study identifies 26 domains.
Data security in cloud environment using cryptographic mechanism
Authors: Fairosebanu Abdul Azis , Jebaseeli Antony Cruz Nisha
Published: November 2022

Virtual computing resources are provided via a cloud system that is both clever and intelligent. Based on the user's request, computing resources are made available. A hybrid cloud is the best option for storing and accessing user data for cloud deployments. Maintaining security in a hybrid cloud environment is time-consuming. This study provides a novel strategy for securing data in the hybrid cloud by ensuring the user's data is protected. Users' data in a hybrid cloud is protected using cryptographic approaches provided in this approach. Using this strategy, users' data may be protected in public and private clouds using various encryption methods. The suggested data security paradigm offers various advantages to both consumers and providers in terms of data security. Three symmetric encryption methods are offered as a service in the cloud. The concept is implemented as a cloud-based application hosted in the cloud, and the effectiveness of three strategies is assessed. They are evaluated in terms of performance and security. Using the recommended encryption methods in a hybrid cloud environment is more efficient than using other methods. The proposed technique can be used for relational data. It can be modified and enhanced to process multimedia data.
Survey of bovine brucellosis on the island of Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco, Brazil
Authors: Almeida Erivânia Camelo de , Souza Marcília Maria Alves de , Lima Filho Carlos Diógenes Ferreira , Magalhães Fernando Jorge Rodrigues , Pontual Késia Alcântara Queiroz , Fonsêca Filipe Sobral , Marvulo Maria Fernanda Vianna , Dias Ricardo Augusto , Ferreira Fernando , Ferreira Neto José Soares , Silva Jean Carlos Ramos da
Published: November 2022

Considering the lack of information about livestock diseases on Brazilian oceanic islands, the occurrence of bovine brucellosis was investigated on the island of Fernando de Noronha, state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Serum samples were collected in October 2009, from all the 105 cows raised on the island at that time. These were examined concurrently using the Rose Bengal test and the Complement Fixation Test. All the samples were negative in both tests, indicating that the cows on the island were likely free from infection by smooth forms of Brucella. These results can partly be explained by the prohibition of introduction and importation of both small and large-sized animals that had been implemented through District Decree 19 of February 28, 2004.
Blocking MG53
S255
Phosphorylation Protects Diabetic Heart From Ischemic Injury
Authors: Lv Fengxiang , Wang Yingfan , Shan Dan , Guo Sile , Chen Gengjia , Jin Li , Zheng Wen , Feng Han , Zeng Xiaohu , Zhang Shuo , Zhang Yan , Hu Xinli , Xiao Rui-Ping
Published: November 2022

Background:

As an integral component of cell membrane repair machinery, MG53 (mitsugumin 53) is important for cardioprotection induced by ischemia preconditioning and postconditioning. However, it also impairs insulin signaling via its E3 ligase activity-mediated ubiquitination-dependent degradation of IR (insulin receptor) and IRS1 (insulin receptor substrate 1) and its myokine function-induced allosteric blockage of IR. Here, we sought to develop MG53 into a cardioprotection therapy by separating its detrimental metabolic effects from beneficial actions.

Methods:

Using immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry, site-specific mutation, in vitro kinase assay, and in vivo animal studies, we investigated the role of MG53 phosphorylation at serine 255 (S255). In particular, utilizing recombinant proteins and gene knock-in approaches, we evaluated the potential therapeutic effect of MG53-S255A mutant in treating cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury in diabetic mice.

Results:

We identified S255 phosphorylation as a prerequisite for MG53 E3 ligase activity. Furthermore, MG53
S255
phosphorylation was mediated by GSK3β (glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta) and markedly elevated in the animal models with metabolic disorders. Thus, IR-IRS1-GSK3β-MG53 formed a vicious cycle in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders where aberrant insulin signaling led to hyper-activation of GSK3β, which in turn, phosphorylated MG53 and enhanced its E3 ligase activity, and further impaired insulin sensitivity. Importantly, S255A mutant eliminated the E3 ligase activity while retained cell protective function of MG53. Consequently, the S255A mutant, but not the wild type MG53, protected the heart against ischemia/reperfusion injury in
db/db
mice with advanced diabetes, although both elicited cardioprotection in normal mice. Moreover, in S255A knock-in mice, S255A mutant also mitigated ischemia/reperfusion-induced myocardial damage in the diabetic setting.

Conclusions:

S255 phosphorylation is a biased regulation of MG53 E3 ligase activity. The MG53-S255A mutant provides a promising approach for the treatment of acute myocardial injury, especially in patients with metabolic disorders.
Mechanism by Which Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Induce Mineralocorticoid Receptor Gene Expression in Aging Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Ibarrola Jaime , Lu Qing , Zennaro Maria-Christina , Jaffe Iris Z.
Published: November 2022

Background:

Vascular MR (mineralocorticoid receptor) expression increases with age driving aging-associated vascular stiffness and hypertension. MR has two isoforms (1α and 1β) with distinct 5′-untranslated and promoter sequences (P1 and P2), but the gene regulatory mechanisms remain unknown. We investigated mechanisms driving MR gene transcriptional regulation in aging human smooth muscle cells (SMC).

Methods:

MR was quantified in aortic tissue and primary human aortic SMC (HASMC) comparing adult and aged donors and adult HASMC treated with H
2
O
2
, to induce aging. Predicted transcription factor (TF) binding sites in the MR gene were validated using chromatin immunoprecipitations and reporter assays. The impact of TF inhibitors on MR isoforms and fibrosis target gene expression was examined.

Results:

Expression of both MR mRNA isoforms increased with donor age or H
2
O
2
treatment in HASMCs. HIF1α (hypoxia-inducible factor) and the inflammatory TF NFκB (nuclear factor kappa B) both increased with age in HASMCs and are predicted to bind MR promoters. H
2
O
2
induced HIF1α and NFκB expression and DNA binding of HIF1α to the MR P1 promoter and of NFκB to both MR promoters in HASMCs. HIF1α inhibition decreased MR-1α isoform expression while NFκB inhibition decreased both MR isoforms. HIF1α, NFκB, and MR inhibition decreased the expression of a SMC-MR target gene implicated in vascular fibrosis. In human aortic tissues, expression of HIF1α and NFκB each positively correlated with donor age and MR expression (
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions:

These data implicate the inflammatory TF, NFκB, and oxidative stress-induced TF, HIF1α, in regulating SMC MR transcription in aging HASMCs, which drives aging-related vascular stiffness and cardiovascular disease.
Resolvin D2 Attenuates Cardiovascular Damage in Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension
Authors: Díaz del Campo Lucia S. , García-Redondo Ana B. , Rodríguez Cristina , Zaragoza Carlos , Duro-Sánchez Santiago , Palmas Francesco , de Benito-Bueno Angela , Socuéllamos Paula G. , Peraza Diego A. , Rodrigues-Díez Raquel , Valenzuela Carmen , Dalli Jesmond , Salaices Mercedes , Briones Ana M.
Published: November 2022

Background:

Resolution of inflammation is orchestrated by specialized proresolving lipid mediators (SPMs), and this would be impaired in some cardiovascular diseases. Among SPMs, resolvins (Rv) have beneficial effects in cardiovascular pathologies, but little is known about their effect on cardiovascular damage in hypertension.

Methods:

Aorta, small mesenteric arteries, heart, and peritoneal macrophages were taken from C57BL/6J mice, infused or not with angiotensin II (AngII; 1.44 mg/kg/day, 14 days) in presence or absence of resolvin D2 (RvD2) (100 ng/mice, every second day) starting 1 day before or 7 days after AngII infusion.

Results:

Enzymes and receptors involved in SPMs biosynthesis and signaling were increased in aorta or heart from AngII-infused mice. We also observed a differential regulation of SPMs in heart from these mice. Preventive treatment with RvD2 partially avoided AngII-induced hypertension and protected the heart and large and small vessels against functional and structural alterations induced by AngII. RvD2 increased the availability of vasoprotective factors, modified SPMs profile, decreased cardiovascular fibrosis, and increased the infiltration of pro-resolving macrophages. When administered in hypertensive animals with established cardiovascular damage, RvD2 partially improved cardiovascular function and structure, decreased fibrosis, reduced the infiltration of neutrophils, and shifted macrophage phenotype toward a pro-resolving phenotype.

Conclusions:

There is a disbalance between proinflammatory and resolution mediators in hypertension. RvD2 protects cardiovascular function and structure when administered before and after the development of hypertension by modulating vascular factors, fibrosis and inflammation. Activating resolution mechanisms by treatment with RvD2 may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of hypertensive cardiovascular disease.
The Instrumentalization of CSR by Rent-Seeking Governments: Lessons From Tanzania
Authors: Nilsson Eva
Published: November 2022

This article examines how corporate social responsibility (CSR) can serve as an external source of rents for governments that depend on foreign financing for state-building and development. The strategic, instrumental use of CSR has been overlooked in previous research on governments and CSR, especially in the Global South. To understand how CSR can serve as a lever for rents, the concept of “extraversion” is introduced to describe the way in which rent-seeking African governments instrumentalize their asymmetric external relations for political and private benefit. The connection between CSR and rent-seeking is analyzed through a case study of large gas investments in Tanzania. The article finds that the government has set up regulation that enables local and central government authorities to appropriate, mediate, reclaim, or possibly trick CSR practices to gain rents. Based on the study, two contributions are made to the literature on CSR and governments. First, the instrumental use of CSR in the Global South is added to the variety of perspectives that can be taken when studying government agency. Second, CSR is conceptualized as a potential stream of rents for governments to exploit. The article ends with discussing that the outcome of CSR in a rent-seeking environment depends on whether the leveraged resources are managed well to support peaceful and locally beneficial economic development or whether they serve private accumulation through corruption.
To What Extent Is White-Collar Crime Understandable? An Empirical Study of Determinants Based on the Theory of Convenience
Authors: Gupta Chander Mohan , Gottschalk Petter
Published: November 2022

White-collar crimes (WCC) or financial crimes (FC) are the crimes that are linked with the top-level management representatives who are responsible to make the right decisions for the better functioning of the organization, these individuals are highly respectable as they hold a position of high repute. However, when the same individuals either under the pressure of performance or personal issues misuse the power and control vested on them due to the position they hold in the organization, take certain decisions which lead the organization into jeopardy. These individuals not only put the hard-earned money of the investors on stake but also enjoy the best of the facilities on the basis of their position. In the said article the authors have tried to answer two major questions regarding the abuse of position and manipulation of the financial statements at the struggling phase of the firm. The base of the study is convenience theory which was used to understand the concept of convenience theory for which a questionnaire based on 7-point Likert scale was used in which responses of 230 MBA students were studied. The results were near to what were expected supporting the fact that individuals are misusing their position to commit WCC, supporting the concept of convenience theory being used in the study.
The Trans Experience With the Criminal Legal System
Authors: Avalos Susana
Published: November 2022

In this article, I review the literature on trans people’s experiences with the criminal legal system using an intersectional lens to highlight how their multiple marginalized identities shape their treatment by criminal legal actors. The literature suggests that the intersectional contexts of trans people’s experiences must be considered and recognized when seeking to understand and apply this knowledge to improve interactions with the legal system, either in terms of victimization or system-involvement. An intersectional approach may not explain the full extent of trans people’s experiences. Still, it provides a glimpse into the multiplicative effects overlapping forms of oppression have on trans people’s daily lives and, subsequently, their system involvement.
Attitude towards people with same gender attraction among Medical students: A cross-sectional study in Southern part of India
Authors: YR Niranjan , Sutrave Ritesh , Hegde Soumya G
Published: November 2022

Western countries have found that Medical students have a prejudice and negative attitude towards people with same gender attraction. There is a dearth of literature on people with same gender attraction in Indian context. The objective of the study was to assess the attitude towards people with same gender attraction and to find out the predictors of attitude towards the same. A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students across Mangalore, India with a sample size of 672. After informed consent, data was collected and analysed. The study found that medical students had a neutral stance/less positive on people with same gender attraction. Gender and Marital status emerged as predictors of attitude towards people with same gender attraction.
Is Envy Always Bad? An Examination of Benign and Malicious Envy in the Workplace
Authors: Battle Logan , Diab Dalia L.
Published: November 2022

The current study investigated workplace envy by exploring if perceived self-efficacy of negative and positive emotions could predict malicious or benign envy. This study also examined how malicious and benign envy relate to two important organizational outcomes: job engagement and turnover intentions. Malicious envy is typically associated with negative emotions toward the target of comparison as well as negative behavioral outcomes, whereas benign envy is typically associated with positive emotions toward the target of comparison as well as positive behavioral outcomes. A total of 80 participants completed multiple measures gauging the variables of interest in this study. Results were mixed: Although both dimensions of emotional self-efficacy significantly and positively predicted benign envy, neither dimension significantly predicted malicious envy. Additionally, benign envy significantly and positively predicted job engagement, and malicious envy significantly and positively predicted turnover intention. Both effects were practically significant. However, benign envy did not negatively predict turnover intention, and malicious envy did not negatively predict job engagement. Although these results did not confirm all hypothesized relationships, they demonstrate the complexity of envy as a construct, supporting its multidimensional nature. Our findings also provide further insight into the predictors and outcomes of benign and malicious envy in the workplace.
From the Home to the (Hand)bag: Negotiating Privacy in Personal Life when Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Authors: White Lauren
Published: November 2022

Securing, and negotiating, privacy with intimate bodily needs is an ordinary but often hidden feature of our personal lives. Drawing upon a UK-based qualitative study that utilised diaries and follow-up interviews to explore everyday life with the health condition irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), this article explores the navigations of privacy when anticipating or experiencing symptoms. Building upon sociological understandings of privacy and personal life, this article maps the intimate and mobile ways in which privacy is sought out – disrupted or achieved – in domestic, material and public realms. It does so by following the paths to privacy and the personal belongings carried as they move through personal life. The article demonstrates how privacy is embodied and spatially, temporally, relationally and materially shaped. In doing so, the article argues that privacy comes to shift through everyday contexts and social relations with intimate materialities in mind.
Religion in the Public Workplace: A Primer for Public Employers
Authors: Roberts Robert
Published: November 2022

Today, public organizations face an increasing challenge of accommodating workplace religious expression by their employees. This article examines the impact of First Amendment workplace religious expression jurisprudence on workplace religious expression by public employees. The article also discusses the impact of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, on the workplace religious expression rights of public employees. The article argues that the complexity of public workplace religious expression jurisprudence may make it difficult for public employers to understand the workplace religious rights of their employees and their rights to regulate the workplace religious practices of their employees to maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of their organizations. The article also argues that public organizations have the capacity to embrace the workplace religious diversity of their employees as part of more extensive efforts to enhance the diversity of their public organizations. Finally, the article analyzes the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Kennedy v. Bremerton Sch. Dist. (2022) on the workplace religious rights of public employees.
Studying Edema Formation After Release of the Infraspinatus Tendon as an Experimental Model of Rotator Cuff Tears in Sheep: A Preliminary Imaging and Morphological Analysis
Authors: Lädermann Alexandre , Gehrke Rieke , Klein Karina , Karol Agnieszka , Darwiche Salim , Schwarzenberg Peter , Steffen Thomas , Wieser Karl , Kronen Peter , von Rechenberg Brigitte
Published: November 2022

Background:

The cause, extent, and role of muscle edema for muscle degeneration are unknown and not considered in the current literature. In vivo experiments were designed to prove muscle edema formation in the early period in a sheep model of acute rotator cuff tears.

Hypothesis:

Muscle edema occurs after tendon release with or without additional stretching trauma and may be associated with muscle retraction and subsequent muscle degeneration.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A sheep model with acute release of the infraspinatus tendon was used. An osteotomy of the greater tuberosity, including the insertion of the infraspinatus tendon, was performed in 14 sheep. To demonstrate presence of edema, magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed at 0, 2, and 4 weeks using T1-weighted, T2-weighted, proton density–weighted, and Dixon sequences. Excisional biopsy specimens were taken at 0, 3, and 4 weeks (histological results will be reported in a later publication). Two injury models were created: a nontrauma group that consisted of muscle release alone and a trauma group that included additional standardized traction to the musculotendinous unit. Evaluation of T1- and T2-weighted images included calculation of pennation angle, muscle fiber length, signal intensity (edema), and muscle volume. Muscle wet weight and volume were measured at sacrifice.

Results:

Edema formation was shown in all sheep and slightly more pronounced in the trauma group, where muscle intensity increased significantly between time point 0 (200 Grey Value (GV)) and weeks 2, 3, and 4 (300 GV). Edema formation started early after tendon release with a plateau between 3 and 4 weeks. Deterioration of muscle fiber bundles began also after tendon release with a peak at 4 weeks. Muscle volume decreased steadily over time.

Conclusion:

Muscle edema appeared early after rotator cuff tendon release, was more pronounced in the trauma group, and reached a plateau after 3 to 4 weeks. Muscle fatty content decreased within the short period of 4 weeks owing to a dilution effect. Muscle edema seems to be an essential factor in cuff tears and subsequent muscle retraction and degeneration.

Clinical Relevance:

This study demonstrates a new type of muscle edema of retraction and describes the characteristics of edema associated with a retracted rotator cuff tear.
Effect of Fatty Infiltration of the Infraspinatus Muscle on Outcomes and Graft Failure After Arthroscopic Superior Capsule Reconstruction for Irreparable Posterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tears
Authors: Lee Jun-Bum , Kholinne Erica , Yeom Ji Woong , Ben Hui , AlAhmadi Basim Masoud , Koh Kyung-Hwan , Jeon In-Ho
Published: November 2022

Background:

Superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) was developed as an alternative treatment for irreparable rotator cuff tears to restore superior stability of the glenohumeral joint. Although fatty infiltration (FI) of the rotator cuff muscles, especially the infraspinatus, has been implicated as a predictor of outcomes and graft integrity after rotator cuff repair, it has not been fully investigated in cases of SCR.

Purpose:

To evaluate the effect of FI of the infraspinatus muscle on clinical and radiological outcomes after SCR.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 55 consecutive patients with irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears who underwent SCR between January 2013 and August 2020 were included retrospectively. Preoperative and postoperative clinical and radiological findings (median follow-up of >2 years), including magnetic resonance imaging results, were thoroughly reviewed. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 with mild FI of the infraspinatus (Goutallier grades 0-2) and group 2 with severe FI of the infraspinatus (Goutallier grades 3-4). The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Constant score, visual analog scale score for pain, and range of motion were evaluated. Acromiohumeral distance and rotator cuff tear arthropathy using the Hamada classification were assessed on plain radiography. Postoperative graft integrity was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging. Graft failure was defined as complete discontinuity. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate clinical and radiological findings that might be associated with successful SCR.

Results:

Clinical and radiological outcomes significantly improved after SCR. Graft failure was noted in 15 (27.3%) patients and was more frequent in group 2 than in group 1 (50.0% vs 14.3%, respectively; P = .004). Univariate analysis indicated a significant association between severe FI in the infraspinatus (group 2) and graft failure after SCR (odds ratio, 6.00 [95% CI, 1.65-21.80]; P = .006). Multivariable analysis indicated that FI of the infraspinatus was the only factor associated with graft failure (odds ratio, 6.37 [95% CI, 1.63-24.90]; P = .008).

Conclusion:

Severe FI of the infraspinatus muscle was a factor indicating a poor prognosis for graft integrity after SCR. Preoperative evaluation of FI in the rotator cuff muscles can help predict postoperative outcomes and may help guide therapeutic options.
A Cross-Cultural Sequential Model of the Association Between Young Spanish and Colombian Women Victims of Power Imbalance and Suicide Risk: The Mediating Role of Dating Violence and Rumination
Authors: Gracia-Leiva Marcela , Ubillos-Landa Silvia , Puente-Martínez Alicia , Arias-Rodríguez Gina , Nieto-Betancour Lucy , Tobar-Lasso María José , Páez-Rovira Darío
Published: November 2022

For young women, the power imbalance in favor of males in dating relationships has been related to dating violence (DV) victimization. In addition, the use of rumination to cope with DV may increase their psychological distress. The purpose of the current study was to examine whether experiences of DV and rumination mediate the association between power imbalance and suicide risk (SR). The sample comprised 1,216 young women aged between 18 and 28 years from Colombia ( n = 461) and Spain ( n = 755), in a heterosexual dating relationship, not married or cohabiting with a partner and without children. The following scales were applied: The Sexual Relationship Power Scale-Modified, The Dating Violence Questionnaire–-R (DVQ-R); Cyberdating Abuse Questionnaire, Measure of Affect Regulation Scale (MARS), and The Spanish Suicide Risk Scale. A sequential mediation paths model was tested. Results indicated that power imbalance was associated with DV victimization. Furthermore, DV was associated with more rumination, which was also linked to a greater SR in both countries. Rumination may be a mechanism through which experiences of DV victimization negatively influence mental health in young women and is an important variable related cross-culturally to SR. The findings suggest an equality approach, addressing the power imbalance in dating relationships, empowering girls to prevent DV, and teaching coping strategies for dealing with victimization and its consequences.
Unpacking the Power Dynamics of Funding Research-Practice Partnerships
Authors: Rivera Peter , Chun Marc
Published: November 2022

In this paper two foundation program officers describe their experiences as funders engaged in supporting research practice partnerships in two very distinct settings. The authors set the context for their experiences and walk through the challenges and opportunities in supporting research practice partnerships. They also discuss how supporting these efforts create power dynamics between the strategic initiatives at foundations and the need for researchers to have independence in crafting research agendas for research practice partnerships. The authors provide some lessons learned and prospect how future engagements with research practice partnerships can be set up for success.