bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ending Preventable Neonatal Deaths: Multicountry Evidence to Inform Accelerated Progress to the Sustainable Development Goal by 2030
Authors: Lawn Joy E , Bhutta Zulfiqar A. , Ezeaka Chinyere , Saugstad Ola
Published: July 2023

Introduction: The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.2 aims for every country to reach a neonatal mortality rate (NMR) of ≤12/1,000 live births by 2030. More than 60 countries are off track, and 2.3 million newborns still die each year. Urgent action is needed, but varies by context, notably mortality level. Methods: We applied a five-phase NMR transition model based on national analyses for 195 UN member states: I (NMR >45), II (30–<45), III (15–<30), IV (5–<15), and V (<5). We analyzed data over the last century from selected countries to inform strategies to reach SDG3.2. We also undertook impact analyses for packages of care using the Lives Saved Tool software. Results: An NMR of <15/1,000 requires firstly wide-scale access to maternity care and hospital care for small and sick newborns, including skilled nurses and doctors, safe oxygen use, and respiratory support, such as CPAP. Neonatal mortality could be reduced to the SDG target of ≤12/1,000 with further scale-up of small and sick newborn care. To reduce neonatal mortality further, more investment is required in infrastructure, device bundles (e.g., phototherapy, ventilation), and careful attention to infection prevention. To reach phase V (NMR <5), which is closer to ending preventable newborn deaths, additional technologies and therapies such as mechanical ventilation and surfactant replacement therapy are needed, as well as higher staffing ratios. Conclusions: Learning from high-income country is important, including what not to do. Introduction of new technologies should be according to the country’s phase. Early focus on disability-free survival and family involvement is also crucial.
Sodium‐Glucose Cotransporter‐2 Inhibitors After Acute Myocardial Infarction in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Population‐Based Investigation
Authors: Kwon Osung , Myong Jun‐Pyo , Lee Yunhee , Choi Yeon‐Jik , Yi Jeong Eun , Seo Suk Min , Jang Sung‐Won , Kim Pum Joon , Lee Jung‐Min
Published: July 2023

Background

Whether the early use of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have cardioprotective effects following acute myocardial infarction is unknown. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the association between the early initiation of SGLT2 inhibitors and cardiac event rates in patients with diabetes with acute myocardial infarction undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods and Results

Based on the National Health Insurance claims data in South Korea, patients who received percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction between 2014 and 2018 were analyzed. Patients given SGLT2 inhibitors or other glucose‐lowering drugs were matched based on a propensity score. The primary end point was a composite of all‐cause mortality and hospitalizations for heart failure. Major adverse cardiac events (a composite of all‐cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke) were compared as the secondary end point. After 1:2 propensity score matching, the SGLT2 inhibitors group (938 patients) and the no use of SGLT2 inhibitors group (1876 patients) were compared. During a median follow‐up of 2.1 years, the early use of SGLT2 inhibitors was associated with lower risks of both the primary end point (9.8% versus 13.9%; adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.68 [95% CI, 0.54–0.87];
P
=0.002) and secondary end point (9.1% versus 11.6%; adjusted HR, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.60–0.99];
P
=0.04). All‐cause mortality and hospitalizations for heart failure were also significantly lower in early users of SGLT2 inhibitors.

Conclusions

The early use of SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with diabetes treated with percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction was associated with a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular events, including all‐cause mortality, hospitalizations for heart failure, and major adverse cardiac events.
Adenosine A
2A
Receptor Regulates microRNA‐181b Expression in Aorta: Therapeutic Implications for Large‐Artery Stiffness
Authors: Akiyoshi Kei , Fujimori Tomonari , Fu Xiuping , Shah Aparna P. , Yamaguchi Atsushi , Steenbergen Charles , Santhanam Lakshmi , Berkowitz Dan , Tuday Eric , Baraban Jay M. , Das Samarjit
Published: July 2023

Background

The identification of large‐artery stiffness as a major, independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease–associated morbidity and death has focused attention on identifying therapeutic strategies to combat this disorder. Genetic manipulations that delete or inactivate the translin/trax microRNA‐degrading enzyme confer protection against aortic stiffness induced by chronic ingestion of high‐salt water (4%NaCl in drinking water for 3 weeks) or associated with aging. Therefore, there is heightened interest in identifying interventions capable of inhibiting translin/trax RNase activity, as these may have therapeutic efficacy in large‐artery stiffness.

Methods and Results

Activation of neuronal adenosine A
2A
receptors (A
2A
Rs) triggers dissociation of trax from its C‐terminus. As A
2A
Rs are expressed by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), we investigated whether stimulation of A
2A
R on vascular smooth muscle cells promotes the association of translin with trax and, thereby increases translin/trax complex activity. We found that treatment of A7r5 cells with the A
2A
R agonist CGS21680 leads to increased association of trax with translin. Furthermore, this treatment decreases levels of pre‐microRNA‐181b, a target of translin/trax, and those of its downstream product, mature microRNA‐181b. To check whether A
2A
R activation might contribute to high‐salt water–induced aortic stiffening, we assessed the impact of daily treatment with the selective A
2A
R antagonist SCH58261 in this paradigm. We found that this treatment blocked aortic stiffening induced by high‐salt water. Further, we confirmed that the age‐associated decline in aortic pre‐microRNA‐181b/microRNA‐181b levels observed in mice also occurs in humans.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that further studies are warranted to evaluate whether blockade of A
2A
Rs may have therapeutic potential in treating large‐artery stiffness.
Co‐Occurrence of Social Risk Factors and Associated Outcomes in Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Savitz Samuel T. , Chamberlain Alanna M. , Dunlay Shannon , Manemann Sheila M. , Weston Susan A. , Kurani Shaheen , Roger Véronique L.
Published: July 2023

Background

Among patients with heart failure (HF), social risk factors (SRFs) are associated with poor outcomes. However, less is known about how co‐occurrence of SRFs affect all‐cause health care utilization for patients with HF. The objective was to address this gap using a novel approach to classify co‐occurrence of SRFs.

Methods and Results

This was a cohort study of residents living in an 11‐county region of southeast Minnesota, aged ≥18 years with a first‐ever diagnosis for HF between January 2013 and June 2017. SRFs, including education, health literacy, social isolation, and race and ethnicity, were obtained via surveys. Area‐deprivation index and rural‐urban commuting area codes were determined from patient addresses. Associations between SRFs and outcomes (emergency department visits and hospitalizations) were assessed using Andersen‐Gill models. Latent class analysis was used to identify subgroups of SRFs; associations with outcomes were examined. A total of 3142 patients with HF (mean age, 73.4 years; 45% women) had SRF data available. The SRFs with the strongest association with hospitalizations were education, social isolation, and area‐deprivation index. We identified 4 groups using latent class analysis, with group 3, characterized by more SRFs, at increased risk of emergency department visits (hazard ratio [HR], 1.33 [95% CI, 1.23–1.45]) and hospitalizations (HR, 1.42 [95% CI, 1.28–1.58]).

Conclusions

Low educational attainment, high social isolation, and high area‐deprivation index had the strongest associations. We identified meaningful subgroups with respect to SRFs, and these subgroups were associated with outcomes. These findings suggest that it is possible to apply latent class analysis to better understand the co‐occurrence of SRFs among patients with HF.
Myocardial Infarction Across COVID‐19 Pandemic Phases: Insights From the Veterans Health Affairs System
Authors: Yong Celina M. , Graham Laura , Beyene Tariku J. , Sadri Shirin , Hong Juliette , Burdon Tom , Fearon William F. , Asch Steven M. , Turakhia Mintu , Heidenreich Paul
Published: July 2023

Background

Cardiovascular procedural treatments were deferred at scale during the COVID‐19 pandemic, with unclear impact on patients presenting with non–ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).

Methods and Results

In a retrospective cohort study of all patients diagnosed with NSTEMI in the US Veterans Affairs Healthcare System from January 1, 2019 to October 30, 2022 (n=67 125), procedural treatments and outcomes were compared between the prepandemic period and 6 unique pandemic phases: (1) acute phase, (2) community spread, (3) first peak, (4) post vaccine, (5) second peak, and (6) recovery. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to assess the association between pandemic phases and 30‐day mortality. NSTEMI volumes dropped significantly with the pandemic onset (62.7% of prepandemic peak) and did not revert to prepandemic levels in subsequent phases, even after vaccine availability. Percutaneous coronary intervention and coronary artery bypass grafting volumes declined proportionally. Compared with the prepandemic period, patients with NSTEMI experienced higher 30‐day mortality during Phases 2 and 3, even after adjustment for COVID‐19‐positive status, demographics, baseline comorbidities, and receipt of procedural treatment (adjusted odds ratio for Phases 2 and 3 combined, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.13–1.43],
P
<0.01). Patients receiving Veterans Affairs‐paid community care had a higher adjusted risk of 30‐day mortality compared with those at Veterans Affairs hospitals across all 6 pandemic phases.

Conclusions

Higher mortality after NSTEMI occurred during the initial spread and first peak of the pandemic but resolved before the second, higher peak—suggesting effective adaptation of care delivery but a costly delay to implementation. Investigation into the vulnerabilities of the early pandemic spread are vital to informing future resource‐constrained practices.
Distinct Effects of Mitochondrial Na
+
/Ca
2+
Exchanger Inhibition and Ca
2+
Uniporter Activation on Ca
2+
Sparks and Arrhythmogenesis in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Velmurugan Sathya , Liu Ting , Chen Kuey C. , Despa Florin , O'Rourke Brian , Despa Sanda
Published: July 2023

Background

Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to the cardiac remodeling triggered by type 2 diabetes (T2D). Mitochondrial Ca
2+
concentration ([Ca
2+
]
m
) modulates the oxidative state and cytosolic Ca
2+
regulation. Thus, we investigated how T2D affects mitochondrial Ca
2+
fluxes, the downstream consequences on myocyte function, and the effects of normalizing mitochondrial Ca
2+
transport.

Methods and Results

We compared myocytes/hearts from transgenic rats with late‐onset T2D (rats that develop late‐onset T2D due to heterozygous expression of human amylin in the pancreatic β‐cells [HIP] model) and their nondiabetic wild‐type (WT) littermates. [Ca
2+
]
m
was significantly lower in myocytes from diabetic HIP rats compared with WT cells. Ca
2+
extrusion through the mitochondrial Na
+
/Ca
2+
exchanger (mitoNCX) was elevated in HIP versus WT myocytes, particularly at moderate and high [Ca
2+
]
m
, while mitochondrial Ca
2+
uptake was diminished. Mitochondrial Na
+
concentration was comparable in WT and HIP rat myocytes and remained remarkably stable while manipulating mitoNCX activity. Lower [Ca
2+
]
m
was associated with oxidative stress, increased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
leak in the form of Ca
2+
sparks, and mitochondrial dysfunction in T2D hearts. MitoNCX inhibition with CGP‐37157 reduced oxidative stress, Ca
2+
spark frequency, and stress‐induced arrhythmias in HIP rat hearts while having no significant effect in WT rats. In contrast, activation of the mitochondrial Ca
2+
uniporter with SB‐202190 enhanced spontaneous sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
release and had no significant effect on arrhythmias in both WT and HIP rat hearts.

Conclusions

[Ca
2+
]
m
is reduced in myocytes from rats with
T2D
due to a combination of exacerbated mitochondrial Ca
2+
extrusion through
mitoNCX
and impaired mitochondrial Ca
2+
uptake. Partial
mitoNCX
inhibition limits sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
leak and arrhythmias in
T2D
hearts, whereas mitochondrial Ca
2+
uniporter activation does not.
Contribution of Conventional Cardiovascular Risk Factors to Brain White Matter Hyperintensities
Authors: Koohi Fatemeh , Harshfield Eric L. , Markus Hugh S.
Published: July 2023

Background

White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are a major risk factor for stroke and dementia, but their pathogenesis is incompletely understood. It has been debated how much risk is accounted for by conventional cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs), and this has major implications as to how effective a preventative strategy targeting these risk factors will be.

Methods and Results

We included 41 626 UK Biobank participants (47.2% men), with a mean age of 55 years (SD, 7.5 years), who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging at the first imaging assessment beginning in 2014. The relationships among CVRFs, cardiovascular conditions, and WMH volume as a percentage of total brain volume were examined using correlations and structural equation models. Only 32% of the variance in WMH volume was explained by measures of CVRFs, sex, and age, of which age accounted for 16%. CVRFs combined accounted for ≈15% of the variance. However, a large portion of the variance (well over 60%) remains unexplained. Of the individual CVRFs, blood pressure parameters together accounted for ≈10.5% of the total variance (diagnosis of hypertension, 4.4%; systolic blood pressure, 4.4%; and diastolic blood pressure, 1.7%). The variance explained by most individual CVRFs declined with age.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest the presence of other vascular and nonvascular factors underlying the development of WMHs. Although they emphasize the importance of modification of conventional CVRFs, particularly hypertension, they highlight the need to better understand risk factors underlying the considerable unexplained variance in WMHs if we are to develop better preventative approaches.
Impact of a Digital Strategy Team in an Academic Stroke Journal: 1 Year in Review
Authors: Siegler James E. , Albin Catherin , Jones Erica , Schluntz Anamarie , Schultz Jonathan , Jadhav Ashutosh P.
Published: July 2023

Background

The social media platform Twitter has increasingly been leveraged to disseminate clinical and academic content, including scientific research. Launched in November 2021 as an exclusively online open access journal, the
Stroke: Vascular and Interventional Neurology
journal was not indexed on PubMed for its first year of publication. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the journal's Twitter presence by tracking social media posts and article metrics over the first year since the journal's inception.

Methods

Measures of Twitter influence from the @SVINJournal account were associated with the academic impact of articles published in the associated journal during the first 13 months of the journal's publication record. Descriptive statistics and the Pearson correlation coefficient were used to quantify measures of association, with the primary outcome being unique article requests (downloads).

Results

There were 174 unique articles published during the study period, with 367 unique tweets. Articles referenced in tweets from @SVINJournal had nearly twice as many requests as articles without tweets (median 967 [interquartile range, 683–1357] versus 497 [interquartile range, 331–711];
P
<0.01), with a mild correlation between number of tweets and article requests when @SVINJournal cited the article in tweets (
r
=0.20;
P
=0.009). There was a fair correlation between article request counts and any Twitter mentions (
r
=0.41;
P
<0.001), and a poor correlation between article requests and altmetric score (
r
=0.15;
P
=0.04). There was a small correlation between the number of citations and number of tweets from @SVINJournal (
r
=0.21;
P
=0.006).

Conclusions

There was a statistically significant, but small, association between tweets and article requests as well as citations. Highly tweeted articles had a higher number of citations. In the absence of PubMed indexing and print distribution, social media platforms can have an impact in promoting peer‐reviewed content and may increase content access and citations.
Leveraging “Enabling Power” Through Awarding in Global Climate Governance: Catalytic Impacts of UNFCCC’s Global Climate Action Award
Authors: Teunissen Aron , Chan Sander
Published: July 2023

Successful nonstate climate actions can scale up their efforts and/or have their approaches replicated by others. To strengthen these “catalytic impacts” and their contribution to global mitigation and adaptation efforts, multiple international awarding mechanisms have been established, including Momentum for Change, launched by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). To assess the actual value of awarding mechanisms for fostering catalytic impacts among nonstate climate actions, this article identifies drivers and barriers for catalytic impacts and the extent to which Momentum for Change addresses them, using the concept of enabling power. Research results indicate that only a selective range of drivers and barriers for catalytic impact is actually addressed through Momentum for Change, which mainly strengthens reputation as a driver. Overall, the study demonstrates that the enabling power of Momentum for Change relies on the legitimacy of the UNFCCC in climate governance. However, the extent to which awarding mechanisms help foster catalytic impact is also dependent on an initiative’s individual context, which may affect its ability to capitalize on reputational benefits.
Mbojo Tribe Wives Under Pressure in Public and Domestic Work Within the Family Culture at Penapali Village, Indonesia
Authors: Nurbayti  , Maryani Eni , Kuswarno Engkus , Rachmawati Tine Silvana
Published: July 2023

Wives’ stress and depression levels were higher when all household chores and income were placed on her. 42% of the Mbojo tribe’s wives in Penapali village, Bima regency, West Nusa Tenggara province, Indonesia, are the main breadwinners for their families. This study used ethnography of communication by examining 10 families. It was found that Pina and Paliti Palinga customs make husbands only receive works from landlords and consider helping their wives to do household chores as a taboo. Enslaving wives has resulted in high rates of domestic violence, neglect of children and wife, abortions, high rates of illiteracy at primary school age, malnutrition in children under five and other cases of poverty.
The Oral Microbiome and Cross-Kingdom Interactions during Pregnancy
Authors: Gilbert Klaczko C. , Alkhars N. , Zeng Y. , Klaczko M.E. , Gill A.L. , Kopycka-Kedzierawski D.T. , Jusko T.A. , Sohn M.B. , Xiao J. , Gill S.R.
Published: July 2023

Pregnancy initiates a temporary transition in the maternal physiological state, with a shift in the oral microbiome and a potential increase in frequency of oral diseases. The risk of oral disease is higher among populations of Hispanic and Black women and those with lower socioeconomic status (low SES), demonstrating a need for intervention within these high-risk populations. To further our understanding of the oral microbiome of high-risk pregnant women, we characterized the oral microbiome in 28 nonpregnant and 179 pregnant low-SES women during their third trimester living in Rochester, New York. Unstimulated saliva and supragingival plaque samples were collected cross-sectionally, followed by assessment of the bacterial (16S ribosomal RNA) and fungal (18S ITS) microbiota communities. Trained and calibrated dentists performed oral examinations to determine the number of decayed teeth and plaque index. Initially, plaque from 28 nonpregnant women and 48 pregnant women were compared; these data showed significant differences in bacterial abundances based on pregnancy status. To further our understanding of the oral microbiome within the pregnant population, we next examined the oral microbiome within this population based on several variables. Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus oralis, and Lactobacillus were associated with a greater number of decayed teeth. The composition of fungal communities differed between plaque and saliva, demonstrating 2 distinct “mycotypes” that were represented by a greater abundance of Candida in plaque and Malassezia in saliva. Veillonella rogosae, a common oral bacterium, was negatively associated with both plaque index and salivary Candida albicans colonization by culture data. This was further emphasized by in vitro inhibition of C. albicans by V. rogosae. Identification of interactions between the bacterial or fungal oral communities revealed that V. rogosae was positively associated with the oral commensal Streptococcus australis and negatively with the cariogenic Lactobacillus genus, suggesting V. rogosae as a potential biomarker of a noncariogenic oral microbiome.
Thunderstorms underground: Giuseppe Saverio Poli and the electric earthquake
Authors: Esposito Salvatore
Published: July 2023

This paper presents a case study of the “electric hypothesis” of the causes of earthquakes, which emerged in the second half of the eighteenth century as part of the first studies of seismology. This hypothesis was related to Franklin’s views on atmospheric electricity and developed in a period when electric phenomena were widely studied, and was essentially based on solid empirical evidence and confirmed by model experiments. Even though it resulted from scientific reasoning, the theory remained strongly empirical, and was supported by Italian scholars who were familiar with seismic events. Among these, Giuseppe Saverio Poli, a follower of Franklin, was able to provide a careful and comprehensive explanation of the disastrous earthquake of 1783, which occurred in Calabria, a region of southern Italy, and the St. Anne earthquake of 1805, by drawing not just upon the electric evidence, but all the relevant phenomenology available. We outline here the emergence, the development, and the later evolution (up to the beginning of the nineteenth century) of the “electric earthquake” paradigm by focusing on different works by Poli, including a previously unknown manuscript containing a thorough account of the Calabria earthquake prepared by the Neapolitan scholar for the Royal Society. The present case study therefore offers the opportunity to illustrate how electrical science shaped earthquake science to a degree not usually appreciated in the literature, and is also supported to some extent by the transition from Enlightenment scientific ideals to the Romantic conception of unity in the natural world, in search of common causes among phenomena belonging to different fields.
The development and use of adolescent mobile mental health (m-mhealth) interventions in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review
Authors: Madonsela Sonto , Ware Lisa J , Scott Megan , Watermeyer Jennifer
Published: July 2023

Adult mental health challenges frequently stem from undiagnosed poor mental health earlier in life. With increasing levels of poor adolescent mental health and insufficient health care resources in low- and middle-income countries, mobile mental health may offer expanded service access. Little is known about mobile mental health interventions for adolescents in low- and middle-income countries. Our aim was to review the literature on mobile mental health intervention, development and use for low- and middle-income country adolescents. We searched APA PsycInfo, Web of Science, Psychiatry online, and Ebscohost databases using keywords and phrases. Screening of the 6953 retrieved articles, generated 6 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Arksey and O’Malley’s adapted framework was followed using rigorous inclusion criteria and screening by two reviewers. Studies showed high heterogeneity. Two studies used short message service text messaging platforms, one used phone call reminders, two used smartphone applications (WhatsApp or game-based), and one study compared different short message service, web-based and smartphone app offerings. Generally, adolescents had a positive perception of mobile mental health interventions. Helpline messages, peer group sessions, access to a counsellor and games set in real-life environments were some of the preferred contents of mobile mental health interventions. Noted barriers include low personal mobile phone ownership, leading to lack of confidentiality, data costs and limited internet access. While adolescents in low- and middle-income countries find mobile mental health interventions acceptable and supportive, challenges remain. Mobile mental health interventions can potentially overcome barriers associated with face-to-face care, such as high cost and stigma. However, more research is needed to overcome these challenges and build the evidence-base in low- and middle-income countries for this field to grow.
Polarization navigation system/geomagnetic navigation system–assisted initial alignment method for ships under wind and wave conditions
Authors: Zhang Jie , Yu Xiang , Guo Lei
Published: July 2023

Autonomous navigation is one of the most critical technologies for ships. The initial alignment technology is the key to achieving autonomous navigation. However, the wind and waves on the sea seriously affect the initial alignment accuracy and even make it divergent. In this paper, a polarization navigation system/geomagnetic navigation system (PNS/GMNS)–assisted initial alignment method based on wind and wave disturbance model is proposed with applications of ships under wind and wave conditions. At the coarse alignment stage, a vector-weighted matching algorithm is designed in response to the difference in sensor measurement errors, which can solve the problem of error divergence in traditional methods. At the fine alignment stage, the proposed wind and wave disturbance model is introduced into the integrated navigation model. Subsequently, the Kalman filter is performed to estimate system states, which significantly improves the initial alignment accuracy. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by both simulation and experiment studies.
Fast fault detection for nonlinear interconnected systems via deterministic learning
Authors: Zeng Chujian , Chen Tianrui , Xing Mali , Wang Yonghua
Published: July 2023

In this paper, a fast fault detection scheme is developed for a class of nonlinear interconnected systems with output measurements. First, through combining an adaptive high gain observer with the deterministic learning theory, the system states and unknown dynamics are estimated simultaneously. However, large value of gain may let the estimator becomes noise sensitive. Thus, the observer structure is modified to avoid this issue. Second, by reusing the estimated knowledge which is stored in the constant radial basis function (RBF) neural networks, a bank of dynamic estimators are constructed. Then, the average [Formula: see text] norms of residuals are generated. The smallest residual principle is considered for decision-making in the detection phase. Third, the fault detection conditions and detection time are analyzed under the influence of observer gain. A simulation example is utilized to illustrate the effectiveness of this scheme.
A cross-domain recommendation model by unified modelling high-order information and rating information
Authors: Yi Ming , Liu Ming , Feng Cuicui , Deng Weihua
Published: July 2023

Cross-domain recommendation models are proposed to enrich the knowledge in the target domain by taking advantage of the data in the auxiliary domain to mitigate sparsity and cold-start user problems. However, most of the existing cross-domain recommendation models are dependent on rating information of items, ignoring high-order information contained in the graph data structure. In this study, we develop a novel cross-domain recommendation model by unified modelling high-order information and rating information to tackle the research gaps. Different from previous research work, we apply heterogeneous graph neural network to extract high-order information among users, items and features; obtain high-order information embeddings of users and items; and then use neural network to extract rating information and obtain user rating information embeddings by a non-linear mapping function MLP (Multilayer Perceptron). Moreover, high-order information embeddings and rating information embeddings are fused in a unified way to complete the final rating prediction, and the gradient descent method is adopted to learn the parameters of the model based on the loss function. Experiments conducted on two real-world data sets including 3,032,642 ratings from two experimental scenarios demonstrate that our model can effectively alleviate the problems of sparsity and cold-start users simultaneously, and significantly outperforms the baseline models using a variety of recommendation accuracy metrics.
Music teacher identity: Reassessing perceptions during a global pandemic
Authors: Reed Elizabeth A
Published: July 2023

From 2020 to 2022, a global pandemic caused schools to pivot from primarily in-person instruction to all-virtual or hybrid instruction, creating a shift in contextual learning environments that made it necessary for experienced music teachers to become more adaptable and flexible within their already established expertise or leave the profession. Those teachers who stayed in the profession during the pandemic had additional stress, which resulted in trauma. This article reassessed the perceptions of experienced stringed instrument teachers from a previous study ( N = 3) through the lens of their music teacher identity expertise. Reassessing changes in experienced music teachers’ teaching identity expertise during the pandemic could help preservice teachers enhance their creativity, resilience, and flexibility to face future environmental shifts of any proportion. Experienced music teachers’ outcomes could result in more meaningful and relevant curricula as well as a framework for implementing professional self-care to heal from the trauma of this global pandemic and prevent burnout and attrition.
A broken heart and fear of the bulldozer: Organized abandonment and living with abandon in Hawai‘i
Authors: Mei-Singh Laurel
Published: July 2023

Hawai‘i faces a crisis of homelessness due to the high cost of housing across the islands. Many without formal housing establish interdependent communities unsanctioned by property regimes and refer to themselves as “houseless” because intimate relations with place and expansive practices of care provide an adequate home. Attending to the experiences of Hawai‘i’s houseless, I unpack the meanings and practices of organized abandonment while proposing that some face structural neglect by “living with abandon.” I argue that the rupturing of life-giving relations entwined with particular places serve as a foundation of organized abandonment. Devolution, state retrenchment, the intensification of land use for revenue-oriented development, and a punitive carceral state layer upon this foundational rupture to propel the continual abandonment of shared resources. This enables the ongoing circulation of capital through the environment. In response, people live with abandon by rejecting, or holding an ambivalent relationship with, aspirations to thrive within capitalism. Living with abandon is a form of creative improvisation that cultivates connections in the face of broken relations, yet remains defined by uncertainty and heartbreak. It both invokes the fullness of time and space and mourns the losses that have produced the tenuous present.
Social media use, perceived social support, and well-being: Evidence from two waves of surveys peri- and post-COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Yue Zhiying , Zhang Renwen , Xiao Jun
Published: July 2023

Numerous studies have suggested that active social media use can promote well-being by enhancing perceived social support. However, the relationship between social media use and perceived social support remains inconsistent across studies. This study explores possible mechanisms underlying the relationship between active social media use, perceived social support, and well-being during and after a COVID-19 lockdown. Using online surveys with Chinese participants during ( N = 1,131) and after ( N = 407) the lockdown period, our findings support a sequential mediation model. Specifically, active social media use was positively associated with perceived online network responsiveness, which in turn, predicted augmented perceived social support. Ultimately, increased social support was linked to reduced loneliness and increased life satisfaction. These findings were consistent both during and after the lockdown, indicating that social media has the potential to complement offline social interactions and effectively fulfill individuals’ social needs.
Dutch–Mandarin learners’ online use of syntactic cues to anticipate mass vs. count interpretations
Authors: Yao Panpan , Hall David , Borer Hagit , Stockall Linnaea
Published: July 2023

It remains unclear whether late second language learners (L2ers) can acquire sufficient knowledge about unique-to-L2 constructions through implicit learning to build anticipations during real-time processing. To tackle this question, we conducted a visual world paradigm experiment to investigate high-proficiency late first-language Dutch second-language Mandarin Chinese learners’ online processing of syntactic cues to count vs. mass interpretations in Chinese which are unique-to-L2 and never explicitly taught. The results showed that late Dutch–Mandarin learners were sensitive to a mass-biased syntactic cue in real-time processing, and exhibited some native-like anticipatory behaviour. These findings indicate that late L2ers can acquire unique-to-L2 constructions through implicit learning, and can automatically use this knowledge to make predictions.
What makes the palliative care initial encounter meaningful? A descriptive study with patients with cancer, family carers and palliative care professionals
Authors: Goni-Fuste Blanca , Pergolizzi Denise , Monforte-Royo Cristina , Julià-Torras Joaquim , Rodríguez-Prat Andrea , Crespo Iris
Published: July 2023

Background:

The palliative care initial encounter can have a positive impact on the quality of life of patients and family carers if it proves to be a meaningful experience. A better understanding of what makes the encounter meaningful would reinforce the provision of person-centred, quality palliative care.

Aim:

To explore the expectations that patients with cancer, family carers and palliative care professionals have of this initial encounter.

Design:

Qualitative descriptive study with content analysis of transcripts from 60 semi-structured interviews.

Setting/participants:

Twenty patients with cancer, 20 family carers and 20 palliative care professionals from 10 institutions across Spain.

Results:

Four themes were developed from the analysis of interviews: (1) the initial encounter as an opportunity to understand what palliative care entails; (2) individualised care; (3) professional commitment to the patient and family carers: present and future; and (4) acknowledgement.

Conclusion:

The initial encounter becomes meaningful when it facilitates a shared understanding of what palliative care entails and acknowledgement of the needs and/or roles of patients with cancer, family carers and professionals. Further studies are required to explore how a perception of acknowledgement may best be fostered in the initial encounter.
Changes in lifestyle-related behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan: a questionnaire survey for examinees who underwent an annual health check-up
Authors: Kishimoto Miyako , Masuko Kayo , Yamamoto Sumie , Fujita Retsu , Nakamura Shoko , Odawara Masato , Zeniya Mikio
Published: July 2023

Objective

To investigate the effect of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on lifestyle behaviour and clinical data in a population who underwent an annual health check-up in Tokyo, Japan.

Methods

A self-report questionnaire was completed regarding changes in their physical activities, diet, alcohol intake, smoking and mental stress. For those recommended to undergo further examination or treatment, their intention to do so was also questioned. The clinical results of the check-ups across three different periods (before and during the pandemic and survey period) were statistically compared.

Results

During the survey period, 838 examinees responded. While physical activities decreased due to teleworking, changes in food intake and dietary patterns were varied. Furthermore, changes in mental stress were also diverse. As for the intention to undergo further clinical examination or treatment, 23.5% answered that they thought they would wait until the government lifted the state of emergency or the pandemic subsided. Compared with before the pandemic, diastolic blood pressure, liver function, kidney function and bone density tended to deteriorate.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the lifestyle of the current study population. To prepare for future outbreaks, real-world information should be collected and shared so that effective measures for health promotion can be developed.
Osteochondrosis in the central and third tarsal bones of young horses
Authors: Olstad Kristin , Ekman Stina , Björnsdóttir Sigriður , Fjordbakk Cathrine T. , Hansson Kerstin , Sigurdsson Sigurdur F. , Ley Charles J.
Published: July 2023

Recently, the central and third tarsal bones of 23 equine fetuses and foals were examined using micro-computed tomography. Radiological changes, including incomplete ossification and focal ossification defects interpreted as osteochondrosis, were detected in 16 of 23 cases. The geometry of the osteochondrosis defects suggested they were the result of vascular failure, but this requires histological confirmation. The study aim was to examine central and third tarsal bones from the 16 cases and to describe the tissues present, cartilage canals, and lesions, including suspected osteochondrosis lesions. Cases included 9 males and 7 females from 0 to 150 days of age, comprising 11 Icelandic horses, 2 standardbred horses, 2 warmblood riding horses, and 1 coldblooded trotting horse. Until 4 days of age, all aspects of the bones were covered by growth cartilage, but from 105 days, the dorsal and plantar aspects were covered by fibrous tissue undergoing intramembranous ossification. Cartilage canal vessels gradually decreased but were present in most cases up to 122 days and were absent in the next available case at 150 days. Radiological osteochondrosis defects were confirmed in histological sections from 3 cases and consisted of necrotic vessels surrounded by ischemic chondronecrosis (articular osteochondrosis) and areas of retained, morphologically viable hypertrophic chondrocytes (physeal osteochondrosis). The central and third tarsal bones formed by both endochondral and intramembranous ossification. The blood supply to the growth cartilage of the central and third tarsal bones regressed between 122 and 150 days of age. Radiological osteochondrosis defects represented vascular failure, with chondrocyte necrosis and retention, or a combination of articular and physeal osteochondrosis.
Assessment of sensory impairment of the upper limb post-stroke by occupational therapists within the acute setting: A mixed methods study exploring current clinical practice
Authors: Byrne Danielle , Cahill Liana S. , Barr Christopher , George Stacey
Published: July 2023

Introduction:

Sensory impairment of the upper limb is common after stroke and negatively impacts a stroke survivor’s recovery. The acute phase is a critical time for the identification of post-stroke somatosensory impairments and occupational therapists have a key role in the acute stroke setting. Sensory assessment and treatment practices of occupational therapists working in acute stroke settings are largely unknown. This study aims to describe current clinical practice and identify the barriers and enablers for the assessment of sensory impairment in patients post stroke within acute stroke units.

Method:

A mixed-methods approach was utilised, with an Australian national cross-sectional online survey of occupational therapists ( n = 85) and state-based focus groups ( n = 2). Descriptive analyses and thematic analysis were conducted.

Findings:

The majority of clinicians (78%) use non-standardised measures to assess for somatosensory impairment. Three qualitative themes were identified: acute setting contextual factors, individual patient characteristics and priorities, and clinician knowledge and perceived benefits.

Conclusion:

Occupational therapists working within acute stroke units are aware of the importance of assessing sensory impairment of the upper limb post stroke. However, the majority use non-standardised approaches and called for a standardised quick-to-administer tool kit that is readily available in acute stroke units.
Investigation of PBUC problem with RES and EV in restructured environment
Authors: Singh Amita , Sharma Veena , Kumar Vineet , Naresh Ram , Rahi Om Prakash , Kumar Vineet
Published: July 2023

This research proposes a novel solution for the optimal day-ahead scheduling problem in the GAMS environment using the BARON approach. The challenge is extended to include Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) and Electric Vehicles (EVs), making it more complex and practical. EVs serve as loads, energy suppliers, and storage during RESs’ uncertainties. The framework improves cost savings, quality, reliability, and stability of the power supply system by modeling solar, wind, and EV power in the scheduling problem. The solution is tested on a 10 -unit thermal system considering RESs and EVs under deterministic and stochastic environments. Stochastic scenarios are generated using Monte Carlo simulation, and the simultaneous scenario reduction approach enhances results. The BARON solver outperforms other solvers, achieving profits of $205,321 with wind, solar, and EVs, and $187,297 when considering uncertainty, resulting in a reduction of $18,024.
De-reification and self-consciousness: The aesthetic mimesis in the thought of Georg Lukács
Authors: Potamias Spyros , Mandilara Iro
Published: July 2023

In this article, we discuss the de-reifying role of art and its relation with humanity’s self-consciousness, as these are captured in Lukács’ aesthetic thought and, especially, in his work The Specificity of the Aesthetic. Through the discourse on both categories that traverse Lukács oeuvre (totality, reification, imputed consciousness, etc.) and exclusively aesthetic categories (typical, particular, catharsis, mimesis, etc.), we attempt to give prominence to the way in which Lukács conceives artwork’s contribution to the cultivation of humanity’s self-consciousness.
Thulium fiber laser cystolithotripsy under local anesthesia: A day care procedure
Authors: Gupta Rahul , Rahman Yaser , Mahajan Arti , Mehta Anjali
Published: July 2023

Introduction:

Bladder stones account for 5% of all urolithiasis. Patients present with LUTS or acute urinary retention. Thus, warranting an early intervention. Minimally invasive approach with laser lithotripsy is the present gold standard to treat bladder stones.

Aims and objectives:

To evaluate the outcomes of TFL (60 W) for bladder stones performed under local anesthesia as a day-care procedure.

Materials and methods:

This was a retrospective single-center study conducted after obtaining IRB approval. Study period was between June 2021 and June 2022 were included. All patients were operated under local anesthesia as a day care procedure. The procedure was carried out using an 18 Fr laser sheath and calculus dusted using TFL energy (15–30 W). Parameters including operative time in minutes, complications were recorded. Patients were encouraged oral and normal voiding in the immediate post-op period.

Results:

A total of 47 patients with bladder stones presented during this period. Of these, 30 underwent laser lithotripsy (TFL) for bladder calculi. The clinical presentation of patients was LUTS in 28 (93%) and 5 (16%) patients had AUR. The average size of the stone in this series was 15 ± 2.8 mm. The mean duration of laser lithotripsy was 15 ± 5.4 min. Energy to dust the stone was variable with mean LASER energy of 18.23 ± 10 W. All patients tolerated the procedure well and none required conversion to conventional anesthesia. One patient failed to void in the post-op period. 100% clearance rate was documented in all patients.

Conclusion:

Thulium fiber laser for transurethral cystolithotripsy of bladder stones under local anesthesia is a feasible technique with minimal morbidity and good outcome.
The Life-Course Perspectives of Mexican American Men With Mobility Limitation
Authors: Harrison Tracie C. , Taylor Janiece L. , Johnson Alisha H. , Ortega Lucia C. , Lowe John , Blozis Shelley
Published: July 2023

The life-history narratives of 10 Mexican American men with mobility limitations, age 55–77 years (mean = 63.8, SD = 5.8), were explored using a qualitatively driven, life-history mixed-methods study to understand perceptions of mobility limitations over the life course. Within that methodological and paradigmatic framework, conceptualizations of alterity and masculinity guided interpretation of data. Through an iterative, thematic analysis, we detail the way the men’s lives were influenced by growing familial responsibility with age. Quantitative data were integrated into themes of narrative inheritance, family, and masculinity. It was posited that masculinity with mobility limitations shaped and was shaped by ethnic identity and responsibility. This has implications for understanding the experience of Mexican American men over the life course.
Taboo Trade-Offs in the Community Business: The Case of Coworking
Authors: Bennis Will M. , Orel Marko
Published: July 2023

The past 15 years has seen the rise of businesses that seek to sell community as a service. Relational Models Theory provides a compelling theoretical framework that suggests the prospect of selling or buying community may be prone to evoking cognitive, affective, and behavioral aversion among both sides in the exchange. This paper considers the coworking industry—a paradigmatic example of a business that promises to sell community—through the lens of Relational Models Theory. We use our personal experience as coworking space owners and community managers to explore challenges and conflicts that we, other community managers, and our members have encountered that may be inherent to trying to buy and sell community. Finally, we suggest tentative solutions to those challenges.