bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No sweat: How wet bodies negotiate wearables as repairables
Authors: Plotnick Rachel
Published: February 2024

As embodied technologies, wearable devices—from fitness trackers to virtual reality head-mounted displays—interact not only with wearers’ movements but also interface with their skin and temperature. In so doing, people sweat. Perspiration occurs during physical activity and from close bodily contact and can culturally signify productive body-work or generate “grossness” and disgust. Wearable manufacturers Fitbit and Oculus encourage their users to sweat as a sign of healthy and engaged interaction; however, many users talk about their excretion as human-technology breakdowns that seep, corrode, and disrupt smooth coordination. This article integrates interdisciplinary thinking from media studies, science and technology studies, disability studies, and other fields to discuss how wearability becomes a maintenance and repair problem in wet everyday life. It analyzes discourses within the manufacturers’ Internet forums and on Reddit to argue that users clean up, repair, and calibrate their bodies’ overflows in care work that gets threaded throughout consumption practices.
Correlating pipe dimensions and success of local heat treatment: Developing nomograms to deduce heat treatment parameters
Authors: Prakash L , Balasubramanian KR , Sankar G , Santhosh kumar D , Sudharsanam V
Published: February 2024

Local post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) is the only option for heat treating field welded joints. Quite often, the success of local PWHT in alleviating the residual stress and tempering the material within the soak band (SB) is dependent on the ability to achieve the required heat treatment temperature and maintain through-thickness temperature gradient (TTG) within the specified limits at the end of heating cycle, whence soaking begins. Field observations reveal the inadequacy of AWS D 10.10 specified parameters viz. rate of heating (ROH), heat band (HB) and insulation band width in not achieving the required TTG for certain pipe dimensions. Although prior works have attempted to address this issue by widening the HB, the capacity of the heating equipment often pose a limitation. In such cases, reducing ROH is a plausible alternative. With, no such prior studies seen in literature, an exhaustive finite-element analysis simulating the local PWHT on 81, SA106GrC pipe samples (diameter and thickness varied in 9 levels each) was performed, thrice. First as per AWS recommendations, second by halving the code deduced ROH and third by doubling the code deduced HB. The trend of important outcomes (TTG, power source rating and energy consumption) with great significance to the heat treatment industry were also compared and analysed. Two nomograms were developed to serve as a ready reckoner for field heat treater in not only assessing the adequacy of heat treatment parameters but also with possible alternatives in achieving the desired TTG using field-available power source.
Impact of language ideologies on educational choices in intermarriages
Authors: Lendák-Kabók Karolina
Published: February 2024

This paper explores how parents in intermarriages choose between the majority language (Serbian) and the minority language (Hungarian) as their children’s instruction medium in Vojvodina, the northern province of Serbia. Adopting language ideologies as a theoretical framework, the study sheds light on (systems of) cultural ideas concerning social and linguistic relations, encompassing family and societal contexts. Qualitative research involving interviews was conducted with spouses/partners of individuals from the Hungarian national minority who are in a marriage/partnership with members of the majority community in Vojvodina. The analysis reveals that the choice of education in the majority language is influenced by both objective factors (such as the absence of minority language schooling in the parents’ locality) and subjective considerations, which are connected to adopting various language ideologies supported by gender differences. The study highlights the crucial societal function of intermarriage, as family decisions significantly shape the identity and ethnic affiliation of children born into these unions. The choice of the language of instruction for their education plays a significant role in this process, with opting for the majority language accelerating acculturation and assimilation compared to choosing the minority language and maintaining the minority community.
The influence of perceived social support on support seeking across individualistic/collectivistic employees
Authors: Acikdeniz Merve , Goh Yong Wah , Goh Pei Shan , Watanabe Yayoi , Noro Ikuko , Wang Rong , Jiang Jiang , Kun Agota , Jeevanandam Lohsnah
Published: February 2024

Greater perceived social support may influence an individual’s appraisals of their stressful situation, negative affect, and subsequent support seeking coping. An individual’s identification with the individualism-collectivism dimensions could also influence this process. We conducted structural equation modelling (AMOS) on archival data from two groups of adult workers from five countries, who were categorised by their scores on the individualism-collectivism dimensions: a highly individualistic group ( n = 424), and a highly collectivistic group ( n = 400). The analysis aimed to determine how levels of perceived support influenced appraisals of stress and negative affect experiences leading to the use of social support seeking for both groups. The process models representing the individualistic and collectivistic groups were compared to see whether stronger identification with individualism or collectivism resulted in a similar or different stress process. Although the conceptual models fit both groups similarly overall, there were differences between the groups regarding the indirect paths involved in the model, particularly relating to the influence of perceived support on appraisals of the threat of the stressor. Implications and applications of the findings are discussed.
Outcome of the Be Graft Bridging Stent in Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Repair in a High-Volume Single Center and an Overview of Current Evidence
Authors: Becker Daniel , Fernandez Prendes Carlota , Stana Jan , Stavroulakis Kostas , Konstantinou Nikolaos , Ali Ahmed , Rantner Barbara , Tsilimparis Nikolaos
Published: February 2024

Objective:

Fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) has become one of the standard treatment options for complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (cAAAs) and thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs). Despite technological advances in the main endograft design, the lack of dedicated bridging stent-grafts (BSGs) is still the Achilles heel of the procedure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mid-term outcomes of the BeGraft stent-graft as a dedicated bridging stent for FEVAR and to review the current evidence in literature.

Methods:

Retrospective single center study, including all consecutive FEVARs performed between September 2018 and December 2022 for the treatment of cAAAs and TAAAs with implantation of at least one BeGraft peripheral as the main BSG in one of the target vessels (TVs). Primary endpoints were technical success and TV instability of TV bridged with a BeGraft stent, as well as 30-day mortality and re-intervention rates. Secondary endpoints were follow-up TV instability, re-interventions, and mortality.

Results:

A total of 113 patients (93 male, mean age 71.1±9.7) and 440 TV (14 scallops and 426 fenestrations) were included. Of the 440 TV, 406 received primary stenting. Be Grafts were used in 88.9% of these (n=361; celiac trunk [CT]=67, superior mesenteric artery [SMA]=98, right renal artery [RRA]=97, and left renal artery [LRA]=99). The technical success rate was 99.4% (359/361). The 30-day TV instability rate was 0.27% (1/361) with one early renal artery occlusion. During a median follow-up of 20 months (6-32), TV instability rate was 0.8% (3/361). Freedom from TV instability was 99.3%, 98.8%, and 98.8% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively.

Conclusion:

Early-term and mid-term results regarding TV instability are satisfactory and support the use of BeGraft as BSG in FEVAR for cAAAs and TAAAs.

Clinical Impact

The findings of the current study show that the use of the BeGraft stent graft as bridging stent in FEVAR is associated with a high technical success and low early and mid-term instability rate and support the standard use as a bridging stent in fenestrated aneurysm repair.
Military camouflaged object detection with deep learning using dataset development and combination
Authors: Hwang Kyo-Seong , Ma Jungmok
Published: February 2024

Camouflaged object detection (COD) is one of the emerging artificial intelligence technologies. COD identifies objects that require attention and time to detect with human eyes due to the similarity in texture or color to the surrounding environment. Despite the importance of camouflage and its detection in military, there is a lack of military camouflaged object detection research. Previous studies point out that the general COD has not been well studied due to the lack of camouflaged datasets, and the situation is worse in the military domain. This study aims at tackling the challenge in two directions. First, we carefully assemble the military camouflaged object (MCAM) dataset, including camouflaged soldiers and people as well as camouflaged military supplies for military COD. The experiment shows that MCAM can generate better performance results than the other benchmark datasets (CAMO, COD10K). Second, military (MCAM) and nonmilitary camouflage datasets (benchmark datasets) are combined and tested to overcome data scarcity. The experiment shows that the nonmilitary camouflage datasets are effective for military COD at a certain level, and a proper combination of military and nonmilitary camouflage datasets can improve the detection performance.
Participatory Process Evaluation of Flexible and Integrative Treatment (FIT) Models in German Psychiatry – A Mixed Method Study
Authors: von Peter S. , Ziegenhagen J. , Göppert L. , Glück R. K. , Jänchen P. , Baum F. , Neumann A. , Beeker T. , Schwarz J. , Heinze M. , Timm J. , Ignatyev Y.
Published: February 2024

Flexible and integrative treatment (FIT) services in Germany make it possible to shift mental health inpatient care to day- and outpatient care. This paper presents the results of the mixed methods, participatory process evaluation (= PE) of the PsychCare clinical trial, which compares the outcomes of nine FIT departments to those of eight standard mental health care services. This PE integrates diverse data using a program theory and data transformation approach. It shows various implementation types of FIT services and how their processes and structures are distinct from those of control conditions, also experienced by service users. It contributes to mixed methods research by showing that the PE methodological frame is a valuable tool to effectively involve service users and other stakeholders.
Remote and Equitable Inductive Analysis for Global Health Teams: Using Digital Tools to Foster Equity and Collaboration in Qualitative Global Health Research via the R-EIGHT Method
Authors: Johnson-Peretz Jason , Arunga Titus O. , Lee Joi , Akatukwasa Cecilia , Atwine Fredrick , Onyango Angeline , Owino Lawrence , Camlin Carol S.
Published: February 2024

Qualitative methods encompass a variety of research and analysis techniques which have the common aim of uncovering what cannot be captured numerically through the quantification of data. For qualitative analytical methods in the interpretivist tradition (e.g. grounded theory, phenomenological, thematic, etc), inductive coding has become a mainstay but has not always lent itself to collaborative, remote team-based data interpretation among qualitative and mixed-methods clinical researchers. Finding ways to speed the inductive coding process without sacrificing rigour while remaining accessible to geographically dispersed teams remains a priority. This is especially crucial in global health partnerships where on-the-ground researchers may have less input into codebook development compared to in-the-office researchers. We describe a newly-developed, digital approach that integrates findings from our qualitative team, which we call R-EIGHT (Remote and Equitable Inductive Analysis for Global Health Teams). The technique we developed a) speeds the process of inductive coding as a team, b) visually displays interpretive consensus, and c) when appropriate fosters streamlined integration of inductive findings into codebooks. Because it involves all team members, our approach helps break the divide between in-office and on-the-ground teams, fostering integrated and representative contributions from all globally-dispersed team members.
Maintaining vulvar, vaginal and perineal health: Clinical considerations
Authors: Graziottin Alessandra
Published: February 2024

Knowledge of female genital anatomy and physiology is often inadequate or incorrect among women. Precise patient–physician conversations can be inhibited by a reluctance or inability to speak accurately about the vulva and vagina, with the terms often being used interchangeably. There is a paucity of scientific evidence and clinical guidelines to support women and physicians in ensuring best practices in feminine hygiene. In this review, the unmet needs in the field are highlighted. Evidence is provided for the complex array of physiological and pathological systems, mechanisms and behaviours that either protect or, if inappropriate, predispose the vulva and vagina to infections, irritation or other conditions. The need for attention to perineal health is recommended, given the interdependence of perineal and vulvar microbiota and the risk of colonic pathogens reaching the vulva and the vagina. Differences in feminine hygiene practices can vary widely across the world and among varying age groups, and suboptimal habits (such as vaginal douching or the use of certain cleansers) can be associated with increased risks of vulvar and vaginal conditions. Critical areas for discussion when advising women on their intimate health include: advice surrounding aesthetic vulvar cosmetic trends (such as depilation and genital cosmetic surgery), bowel health and habits, and protection against sexually transmitted infections. Routine, once-daily (maximum twice-daily) washing of the vulva with a pH-balanced, mild cleanser is optimal, ideally soon after bowel voiding, when feasible. Due to the finely balanced ecosystems of the vulva, the vagina and the perineal area, a scientific and clinical perspective is essential when determining the most appropriate vulvar cleansers based on their components. Correct intimate care may contribute to improved genital and sexual health and overall well-being. An increased awareness of correct practices will empower women to be the advocates of their own intimate health.
Stroke and high-risk TIA outcomes with reduction of treatment duration when treatment initiated in emergency rooms (SHORTER-study)
Authors: Alhazzani Adel , Alajlan Fahad S , Alkhathaami Ali M , Al-Senani Fahmi Mohammed , Muayqil Taim A , Alghamdi Saeed A , AlKawi Ammar , AlZahrani Saeed , Bakheet Majid , Aljohani Mohammed , Taher Nouran , Almutairi Abdulkarim , AlQarni Mustafa , Alsalman Sadiq , Alqahtani Saeed A , Almansour Nouf , Abukhamsin Laila , Mouminah Amr , Almodarra Nehal , Mohamed Gamal , Almodhy Meshal , Albogumi Eid , Alzawahmah Mohamad , Alreshaid Abdulrahman , Akhtar Naveed , Hussain Muhammad Shazam , Albers Gregory W , Shuaib Ashfaq
Published: February 2024

Background:

Following transient ischemic attack (TIA) and minor stroke, the risk of recurrent stroke can be significantly reduced with short-duration dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). We wish to investigate whether 10 days of DAPT is as effective as 21 days’ treatment.

Study design:

This is an open-label, randomized, parallel-group study comparing whether 10 days of DAPT treatment (ASA + clopidogrel) is non-inferior to 21 days of DAPT in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or high-risk TIA. In both groups, DAPT is started within 24 hours of symptom onset. This study is being conducted in approximately 15 study sites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The planned sample size is 1932.

Outcomes:

Non-inferiority of 10 days compared to 21 days of DAPT in the prevention of the composite endpoint of stroke and death at 90 days in AIS/TIA patients. The primary safety outcome is major intra-cranial and systemic hemorrhage.

Study period:

Enrolment started in the second quarter of 2023, and the completion of the study is expected in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Discussion:

The trial is expected to show that 10 days of DAPT is non-inferior for the prevention of early recurrence of vascular events in patients with high-risk TIAs and minor strokes.
Safety and potential usefulness of sequential intracoronary acetylcholine and ergonovine administration for spasm provocation testing
Authors: Kinoshita Yasusuke , Saito Yuichi , Kikuta Yuetsu , Sato Katsumasa , Taniguchi Masahito , Goto Kenji , Takebayashi Hideo , Haruta Seiichi , Kobayashi Yoshio
Published: February 2024

Background:

Although guidelines recommend intracoronary acetylcholine (ACh) and ergonovine (ER) provocation testing for diagnosis of vasospastic angina, the feasibility and safety of sequential (combined) use of both pharmacological agents during the same catheterization session remain unclear.

Objectives:

In this study, we investigated the feasibility and safety of sequential intracoronary ACh and ER administration for coronary spasm provocation testing.

Methods:

The study included 235 patients who showed positive results on ACh and ER provocation testing. Initial intracoronary ACh administration was followed by ER administration for left coronary artery (LCA) spasm provocation testing. Subsequently, the right coronary artery (RCA) was subjected to sequential ACh and ER administration for provocation testing. The primary outcome of the study was the safety of sequential intracoronary ACh and ER provocation testing, which was assessed based on a composite of all-cause death, sustained ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation, and cardiogenic shock.

Results:

Even in patients with negative results on sequential intracoronary ACh and ER provocation testing in the LCA and only ACh administration into the RCA, additional administration of ER into the RCA showed a positive provocation test result in 33 of 235 (14.0%) patients; three (1.3%) patients developed adverse effects (cardiogenic shock occurred in all cases) during LCA provocation testing. We observed no deaths attributable to spasm provocation testing.

Conclusion:

Sequential administration of intracoronary ACh and ER was associated with a relatively low major complication rate and may be safe and potentially useful for diagnosis of vasospastic angina.
Percutaneous image-guided management of a misplaced pericardiocentesis catheter into the inferior vena cava
Authors: Derbel Haytham , Krichen Mahdi , Zaarour Youssef , Jazzar Salim , Ghosn Mario , Tacher Vania , Kobeiter Hicham
Published: February 2024

Misplacement of pericardiocentesis catheter in central veins is a rare complication that can be managed with several methods. In this case, we report a percutaneous image-guided plug-assisted management of a misplaced pericardiocentesis catheter into the inferior vena cava through a transhepatic tract successfully occluded. This minimally invasive technique was not previously described in this setting and had a favorable long-term outcome.
Management of chronic pancreatitis: recent advances and future prospects
Authors: Han Chao , Lv Yan-Wei , Hu Liang-Hao
Published: February 2024

As a progressive fibroinflammatory disease, chronic pancreatitis (CP) often manifests as recurrent bouts of abdominal pain with or without complications, causing a heavy burden of health care. In recent years, some meaningful insights into the management of CP have been obtained from randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, which were of great importance. Based on this research, it is shown that there are various treatments for CP. Therefore, it is of great importance to choose a suitable strategy for patients with CP individually. Relevant evidence on the management of CP was summarized in this review, including nutrition supplements, medication, endoscopy, surgery, exploration of novel therapies as well as evaluation and prediction of treatment response.
Comparison of elastic stable intramedullary nailing versus Kirschner wires in treatment of pediatric radial neck fractures
Authors: Tian Kaixuan , Cao Jinchao , Pei Xinjian , Liu Yuchang , Li Tianyou , Li Yazhou
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

The aim of the study was to compare the different internal fixations between elastic stable intramedullary nailing and Kirschner wires in treatment of angulated radial neck fractures.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the patients with radial neck fracture without associated injuries who underwent surgery approach in our department during April 2011–March 2020. There were 62 patients meeting all the criteria with complete clinical data, with median age of 7.5 (IQR 5.8–9.5) years, 34 males and 28 females. The preoperative fracture pattern was assessed according to the Judet classification system. Depending on the materials implanted and fixation strategy, the patients could be divided into a Kirschner wire group and an elastic stable intramedullary nailing group. Final functional outcomes of patients were assessed by the Mayo Elbow Performance Score and Tibone–Stoltz functional evaluation classification.

Results:

The Kirschner wire group included 37 patients, with 4.8 years median follow-up. The elastic stable intramedullary nailing group included 25 patients with 5.9 years median follow-up. There were no significant differences in gender, age, Judet classification, average operative time, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, Tibone–Stoltz classification, or length of hospital stay between groups. However, the time to union in the Kirschner wire group was significantly shorter than that in the elastic stable intramedullary nailing group (p < 0.05). Both groups achieved satisfactory functional and cosmetic results.

Conclusion:

In the management of pediatric radial neck fractures, both elastic stable intramedullary nailing and Kirschner wire internal fixation have shown equivalent therapeutic results, leading to satisfactory functional outcomes. The selection of the internal fixation approach can be influenced by the patient’s fracture characteristics and the surgeon’s preferences.

Level of evidence:

Level III; Retrospective Comparison; Treatment Study.
Imagined Journalists: New Framework for Studying Media–Audiences Relationship in Populist Times
Authors: Panievsky Ayala , David Yossi , Gidron Noam , Sheffer Lior
Published: February 2024

These are challenging times for journalists’ relationship with their audiences. Attacks against “the media” and the increasing weaponization of social media to harass journalists have drawn the attention of scholars worldwide. In the current climate, journalists are not only distrusted but also hated, which creates a series of distinct ramifications. In this article, we suggest a new framework to study journalists–audiences relationship, particularly in times of hostile populism: the imagined journalists approach. A mirror image of the much-studied concept of imagined audiences, imagined journalists refers to the entirety of ideas, feelings, stereotypes, and imaginaries that audiences hold regarding their imagined news producers. It brings together the research on media trust, audiences’ perceptions, antimedia populism, and the emotional turn in journalism—to generate a comprehensive understanding of people’s criticisms, narratives, and priorities. We demonstrate the potential of this approach by analyzing 1,215 responses to an open-ended question regarding journalists’ traits in Israel in 2021. Employing qualitative and quantitative analyses, we find that: (a) right-wing and pro-populist voters hold more negative views of journalists, as expected; (b) voters express three different types of criticism of journalists (professional, personal, and national)—only one of which directly relates to their professional conduct; (c) different types of voters express different types of criticism; and (d) while objectivity and bias remain main concerns, democracy is not a dominant factor in respondents’ thinking on journalists. These findings contribute theoretically and methodologically to future research in the field, as well as to urgent attempts to improve our information environment.
Broad application of the training cost rule in the Netherlands
Authors: Boot Gerrard C.
Published: February 2024

A Dutch court has interpreted the national implementation of Art. 13 of the Directive on Transparent and Predictable Working Conditions, finding in favour of a high level of protection of workers against employers’ claims for training cost compensation.
Experience of compassion-based practice in mindfulness for health for individuals with persistent pain
Authors: Gray Callum , Jones Fergal , Agostinis Alessio , Morris Julia
Published: February 2024

Purpose of the Study

Research indicates that acquiring compassion is an integral part to positive outcomes to Mindfulness-based interventions (MBI), yet there is both theoretic and empirical literature suggesting that people with persistent pain are more likely to experience challenges and distress when engaging compassion-based practices. Mindfulness for Health is a standardised MBI for people with persistent pain and health conditions. This study sought to explore the positive, neutral and difficult experiences of compassion-based practice and meditation for participants in Mindfulness for Health to further understand implications and risks for participants of MBI’s.

Method and Design

A qualitative design using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was applied to explore how participants understood of the experience of compassion-based practice and the meaning they gave to it. Eight participants who had completed the Mindfulness for Health from four separate groups were interviewed about their experience.

Results

Five master themes were identified ‘turning away from self-with-pain’, ‘self-with-pain experienced as shameful’, ‘facilitating change’, ‘turning towards self-with-pain’, and ‘accepting self’. Participants identified both perceived positive changes and difficult emotional experiences during the meditation practice, which they related to the context of compassion in their past and present life.

Conclusions

Developing compassion is an important part of Mindfulness for Health, which is salient for participants as both a challenging and potentially valuable experience. Acquisition of mindfulness skills, supporting group dynamics and modelling compassion are understood as helpful in overcoming personal barriers and challenging experiences. Further research is needed to understand processes involved and explore the experience of non-completers.
Acute kidney injury should not be neglected – optimization of quick Pitt bacteremia score for predicting mortality in critically ill patients with bloodstream infection: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Cai Jiaqi , Yang Ming , Deng Han , Bai Hao , Zheng Guanhao , He Juan
Published: February 2024

Background:

Considering the therapeutic difficulties and mortality associated with bloodstream infection (BSI), it is essential to investigate other potential factors affecting mortality in critically ill patients with BSI and examine the utility of the quick Pitt bacteremia (qPitt) score to improve the survival rate.

Objectives:

To improve the predictive accuracy of the qPitt scoring system by evaluating the five current components of qPitt and including other potential factors influencing mortality in critically ill patients with BSI.

Design:

This was a retrospective cohort study.

Methods:

Medical information from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database was used in this retrospective cohort study. The risk factors associated with mortality were examined using a multivariate logistic regression model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to assess the discriminatory capability of the prediction models.

Results:

In total, 1240 eligible critically ill patients with BSI were included. After adjustment for age, community-onset BSI, indwelling invasive lines, and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) ⩽ 8, acute kidney injury (AKI) was identified as a notable risk factor for 14-day mortality. Except for altered mental status, the four other main components of the original qPitt were significantly associated with 14-day mortality. Hence, we established a modified qPitt (m-qPitt) by adding AKI and replacing altered mental status with GCS ⩽ 8. The AUCs for m-qPitt and qPitt were 0.723 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.683–0.759] and 0.708 (95% CI: 0.669–0.745) in predicting 14-day mortality, respectively. Moreover, m-qPitt also had acceptable performance and discrimination power [0.700 (95% CI: 0.666–0.732)] in predicting 28-day mortality.

Conclusion:

AKI significantly influenced the survival of critically ill patients with BSIs. Compared with the original qPitt, our new m-qPitt was proven to have a better predictive performance for mortality in critically ill patients with BSI. Further studies should be conducted to validate the practicality of m-qPitt.
Inadequate Uptake of USPSTF-Recommended Low Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening
Authors: Sorscher Steven
Published: February 2024

In 2023, Journal of Primary Care and Community Health published the results of 4 outstanding studies in which investigators aimed to explore and improve clinician and eligible individuals’ knowledge of the rationale for lung cancer screening (LCS). Their results highlighted the underutilization of LCS, particularly for certain high risk populations, and the continued disparities in screening seen between groups of eligible individuals. Here, key findings from those 2023 Journal of Primary Care and Community Health reports, along with salient findings of other recent LCS reports, are discussed. The bases for the United States Preventive Task Force (USPSTF) LCS recommendations, barriers primary care providers face, the perspective of eligible individuals, importance of shared decision-making (SDM) and disparities between groups in LCS are reviewed along with potential strategies to ensure that more eligible individuals are offered LCS.
Accounting Conservatism, IPO Underpricing, and Post-issue Stock Performance of Indian SMEs
Authors: Saravanan R , Shree Yash , Firoz Mohammad
Published: February 2024

This study aims to investigate the influence of accounting conservatism on the underpricing phenomenon observed in Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in India. For this investigation, the study specifically focuses on two major dimensions of conservatisms, namely, conditional conservatism and unconditional conservatism. The sample for this investigation consists of 254 SMEs that underwent IPOs between 2013 and 2022 and subsequently got listed in the NSE Emerge Index. Employing a multivariate regression analysis, the findings indicate a significant and negative association between both conditional and unconditional conservatism and IPO underpricing in the SME market. This result implies that the adoption of conservative accounting practices plays a prominent role in curtailing the underpricing tendencies observed in SME offerings. Furthermore, an investigation of long-term IPO performance using a buy-and-hold abnormal return approach indicates that the presence of conditional conservatism positively impacts IPO performance in the long run. Conversely, unconditional conservatism is found to have a detrimental effect on the long-term performance of SME IPO issues. Overall, the outcomes demonstrate that investors stand to gain from informative financial statements that result from the adoption of conservatism. However, it is critical that conservatism is selectively applied to avoid excessive understatement of firm value. The study findings highlight the nuanced relationship between accounting conservatism and IPO performance and offer valuable insight that can benefit firm managers, underwriters, and lead managers involved in the IPO process.
Risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and stroke associated with treatment with GLP-1 or the dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide for type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Stefanou Maria-Ioanna , Theodorou Aikaterini , Malhotra Konark , Aguiar de Sousa Diana , Katan Mira , Palaiodimou Lina , Katsanos Aristeidis H , Koutroulou Ioanna , Lambadiari Vaia , Lemmens Robin , Giannopoulos Sotirios , Alexandrov Andrei V , Siasos Gerasimos , Tsivgoulis Georgios
Published: February 2024

Introduction:

Mounting evidence suggests that glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptor-agonists (GLP-1 RAs) attenuate cardiovascular-risk in type-2 diabetes (T2DM). Tirzepatide is the first-in-class, dual glucose-dependent-insulinotropic-polypeptide GIP/GLP-1 RA approved for T2DM.

Patients and methods:

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled clinical trials (RCTs) was performed to estimate: (i) the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE); and (ii) incidence of stroke, fatal, and nonfatal stroke in T2DM-patients treated with GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 RAs (vs placebo).

Results:

Thirteen RCTs (9 and 4 on GLP-1 RAs and tirzepatide, respectively) comprising 65,878 T2DM patients were included. Compared to placebo, GLP-1RAs or GIP/GLP-1 RAs reduced MACE (OR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.81–0.94; p < 0.01; I2 = 37%), all-cause mortality (OR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.82–0.96; p < 0.01; I2 = 21%) and cardiovascular-mortality (OR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.80–0.96; p < 0.01; I2 = 14%), without differences between GLP-1 versus GIP/GLP-1 RAs. Additionally, GLP-1 RAs reduced the odds of stroke (OR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.76–0.93; p < 0.01; I2 = 0%) and nonfatal stroke (OR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.76–0.94; p < 0.01; I2 = 0%), whereas no association between fatal stroke and GLP-1RAs was uncovered (OR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.61–1.05; p = 0.105; I2 = 0%). In secondary analyses, GLP-1 RAs prevented ischemic stroke (OR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.61–0.91; p < 0.01; I2 = 0%) and MACE-recurrence, but not hemorrhagic stroke (OR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.51–1.66; p = 0.792; I2 = 0%). There was no association between GLP-1RAs or GIP/GLP-1 RAs and fatal or nonfatal myocardial infarction.

Discussion and conclusion:

GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 RAs reduce cardiovascular-risk and mortality in T2DM. While there is solid evidence that GLP-1 RAs significantly attenuate the risk of ischemic stroke in T2DM, dedicated RCTs are needed to evaluate the efficacy of novel GIP/GLP-1 RAs for primary and secondary stroke prevention.
Early recurrence of macular schisis in X-linked retinoschisis treated with vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment under silicone oil: case report and brief literature review
Authors: Stavrakas Panagiotis , Tsapardoni Foteini , Karmiris Efthymios , Iatropoulos Ioannis , Kounas Konstantinos , Lygeros Spyridon , Kozobolis Vassilios , Vavvas Demetrios G.
Published: February 2024

X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) is an inherited retinal degeneration affecting males, characterized by splitting of the retinal layers. We herein present the outcomes of surgical treatment in a case of XLRS complicated by rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). A 22-year-old male presented to the emergency department due to decreased visual acuity and visual field defect in his left eye Oculus Sinister (OS) of 1 week duration. The patient reported an early onset retinal degeneration and decreased visual acuity in both eyes since childhood in his past ocular history. Upon presentation, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 6/30 on the right eye Oculus Dexter (OD) and 6/120 OS. Fundus examination revealed areas of peripheral retinal schisis, and the characteristic spoke wheel pattern on the macula of both eyes. In OS, a temporal RRD involving the macula was identified. The patient underwent surgical treatment with pars plana vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, endolaser, and silicone oil (SO) tamponade. BCVA in OS improved to 6/60 and schistic cavities resolution was observed in the immediate postoperative period. The patient’s BCVA further improved to 6/19 at 1 month, as foveal anatomy showed relative improvement. However, there was a rapid reappearance of schisis spaces in the macular area at this point, which was also followed by progressive deterioration of foveal schisis by 3 months post-operatively. The resorption and recurrence of lamellar macular schisis changes after ILM peel and presence of SO, highlights that although XLRS findings can temporarily improve upon surgical intervention, the pathogenetic mechanisms contributing to disease phenotype remain to be elucidated.
Performance of blockboard using particle composite bagasse waste as core layer materials
Authors: Mawardi Indra , Nurdin Nurdin , Fakhriza Fakhriza , Jannifar Ali , Razak Hanif , Putra Jaya Ramadhansyah
Published: February 2024

Using wood as the core blockboard material has affected forest exploration, which causes damage to the ecosystem and the environment. The availability of large amounts of bagasse and styrofoam waste has become a potential alternative to replace wood. This study evaluates the properties of blockboards made from a composite of bagasse waste particles as the core layer, combined with thin plywood as the face layers, and styrofoam waste as the matrix for the bagasse particle composites. The blockboards were prepared through cold compression, and the effects of particles size and the ratio of particles to styrofoam on physical and mechanical properties such as density, moisture content, water resistance, bending strength, internal bond, and screw withdrawal resistance were investigated. The results demonstrated a linear improvement in both physical and mechanical properties with an increase in styrofoam content and a decrease in the particle size of bagasse. The blockboard with fine particles and 70 wt % of styrofoam exhibited the highest density of 0.59 g/cm3, moisture content of 8.54%, water absorption resistance of 33.71%, bending strength of 11.88 MPa, internal bond of 0.64 MPa, and screw withdrawal of 823.36 N. An increase in the density of the core layer was found to enhance all physical and mechanical properties of the blockboard. Consequently, the blockboard produced exhibits the potential to serve as an alternative to traditional blockboards.
The Creative Space Theory as a map to explore the mind
Authors: Goulet-Pelletier Jean-Christophe , Cousineau Denis
Published: February 2024

Despite significant transformations in most domains of activities, there might still be some constancies in the creative spaces explored throughout history. This paper introduces the Creative Space Theory (CST), a conceptual framework delineating 10 distinct creative spaces, analogous to creative landscapes. These creative spaces are proposed as navigational terrains for an array of media, tools, activities, and domains. The 10 spaces of the theory are movement, sound, image, sensation, emotion, strategy, story, symbol, network, and system. Notably, these creative spaces transcend specific media, and cover artistic as well as intellectual domains. For example, the sound space would be relevant to music, poetry, filmmaking, and acting among others, whereas the system space may be relevant to engineering, medicine, science, and design among others. The proposed theory holds potential utility in three key areas: (1) nurturing individual’s creative potential, (2) helping creators adapt to continuously changing circumstances, and (3) fostering positive creative self-beliefs in overlooked domains of creation. The current paper is a theoretical elaboration. We describe the creative spaces and discuss the implications of the theory towards individuals, educational practices, and research within the fields of cognition and Artificial Intelligence.
Challenges for conceptualising otherness
Authors: Gillespie Alex
Published: February 2024

Otherness is a deceptively simple concept. Ostensibly it refers to someone else, who is, in an ultimate sense, unknowable. But, there are many ways in which the self-other boundary is blurred. First, self is already other from the standpoint of the other. Second, in so far as perspective taking is possible, there is some otherness within the self, and some self within the other. Third, when people talk and think they routinely move between the perspectives of self and other, changing and shifting perspectives, and leveraging one perspective against the other. Overall, the core challenge for conceptualising otherness is that it does not exist without the self. Otherness is not ‘in’ the perspective of the other rather it is a two-sided relational quality that arises between the shifting perspectives of self and other.
Proteomic insights into the pathophysiology of hypertension-associated albuminuria: Pilot study in a South African cohort
Authors: Govender Melanie A. , Stoychev Stoyan H. , Brandenburg Jean-Tristan , Ramsay Michèle , Fabian June , Govender Ireshyn S.
Published: February 2024

Background

Hypertension is an important public health priority with a high prevalence in Africa. It is also an independent risk factor for kidney outcomes. We aimed to identify potential proteins and pathways involved in hypertension-associated albuminuria by assessing urinary proteomic profiles in black South African participants with combined hypertension and albuminuria compared to those who have neither condition.

Methods

The study included 24 South African cases with both hypertension and albuminuria and 49 control participants who had neither condition. Protein was extracted from urine samples and analysed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Data were generated using data-independent acquisition (DIA) and processed using Spectronaut™ 15. Statistical and functional data annotation were performed on Perseus and Cytoscape to identify and annotate differentially abundant proteins. Machine learning was applied to the dataset using the OmicLearn platform.

Results

Overall, a mean of 1,225 and 915 proteins were quantified in the control and case groups, respectively. Three hundred and thirty-two differentially abundant proteins were constructed into a network. Pathways associated with these differentially abundant proteins included the immune system (q-value [false discovery rate] = 1.4 × 10− 45), innate immune system (q = 1.1 × 10− 32), extracellular matrix (ECM) organisation (q = 0.03) and activation of matrix metalloproteinases (q = 0.04). Proteins with high disease scores (76–100% confidence) for both hypertension and chronic kidney disease included angiotensinogen (AGT), albumin (ALB), apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1), and uromodulin (UMOD). A machine learning approach was able to identify a set of 20 proteins, differentiating between cases and controls.

Conclusions

The urinary proteomic data combined with the machine learning approach was able to classify disease status and identify proteins and pathways associated with hypertension-associated albuminuria.
Assessing the Genetic Diversity of Parents for Developing Hybrids Through Morphological and Molecular Markers in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Nivedha Rakkimuthu , Manonmani Swaminathan , Kalaimagal Thiyagarajan , Raveendran Muthurajan , Kavitha Shanmugam
Published: February 2024

The advancement of hybrid technology plays a crucial role in addressing yield plateau and diminishing resources in rice cultivating regions. The knowledge of genetic diversity among parental lines is a prerequisite for effective hybrid breeding program. In the current study, a set of 66 parental lines was studied for diversity based on both morphological characters and microsatellite SSR markers. The genetic variability parameters unveiled that number of productive tillers per plant, single plant yield and hundred grain weight exhibited additive gene action. Mahalanobis D2 statistics grouped the genotypes into ten clusters based on yield and grain traits. The principal component analysis identified four PCs with eigen value more than one accounting for 71.28% of cumulative variance. The polymorphic SSR markers produced 122 alleles among which the marker RM474 recorded the highest values for Polymorphic Information Content (0.83) and heterozygosity index (0.85). The genotypes were assembled in seven clusters based on jaccard distances using the Unweighted Pair Group method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA). The population structure divided the entire population into 3 subpopulations. In both clustering, there was difference in the assembling of genotypes, but, good performing genotypes identified through PCA were positioned in different clusters in both approaches. The genotypes CBSN 495 and CBSN 494 located in different clusters were identified as the potential restorers for high yielding and short duration hybrids. The hybridization among CRR Dhan 310, CRR Dhan 315, IR64 DRT, CB 17135 and WGL 347 can be performed to develop climate smart varieties with improved nutrition.
A parametric additive hazard model for time-to-event analysis
Authors: Voeltz Dina , Hoyer Annika , Forkel Amelie , Schwandt Anke , Kuß Oliver
Published: February 2024

Background

In recent years, the use of non- and semi-parametric models which estimate hazard ratios for analysing time-to-event outcomes is continuously criticized in terms of interpretation, technical implementation, and flexibility. Hazard ratios in particular are critically discussed for their misleading interpretation as relative risks and their non-collapsibility. Additive hazard models do not have these drawbacks but are rarely used because they assume a non- or semi-parametric additive hazard which renders computation and interpretation complicated.

Methods

As a remedy, we propose a new parametric additive hazard model that allows results to be reported on the original time rather than on the hazard scale. Being an essentially parametric model, survival, hazard and probability density functions are directly available. Parameter estimation is straightforward by maximizing the log-likelihood function.

Results

Applying the model to different parametric distributions in a simulation study and in an exemplary application using data from a study investigating medical care to lung cancer patients, we show that the approach works well in practice.

Conclusions

Our proposed parametric additive hazard model can serve as a powerful tool to analyze time-to-event outcomes due to its simple interpretation, flexibility and facilitated parameter estimation.