bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining Ghanaian Midwives’ Health Education Facebook Posts on Prenatal/Antenatal Care
Authors: Thompson Rachel G. A. , Agbaglo Ebenezer , Ouner Jerry John , Thompson Tricia , Johnson Julene K.
Published: December 2024

Social media have become an important site for the dissemination of health information by health professionals, especially midwives who use them to debunk myths, empower women with knowledge, address common concerns, and foster a sense of community among pregnant women and new mothers. The present study examined the pregnancy‐related health information posted by three Ghanaian midwives on their Facebook pages. First, the midwives recommended some specific diets believed to contain nutrients important to the health of pregnant women and their unborn babies. Second, they encouraged sex during pregnancy, unless there is any medical condition that prohibits it. Third, the midwives cautioned against the use of herbal medicine whose dosage has not been prescribed and whose efficacy has not been confirmed by medical experts. The midwives also emphasized that it is essential for every pregnant woman to have a support person who will remind her of crucial information and check on her to ensure that she is in good health. Finally, they provided information on sleep and physical activity, where they commented particularly on sleep posture of the pregnant woman and the importance of exercise to her health and that of the unborn baby. Overall, these findings foreground topical areas for health campaigns and interventions on maternal health in Ghana and serve as a catalyst for further research in this area.
Identification and Phenotypic Characterization of Neoantigen-Specific Cytotoxic CD4+ T Cells in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Fusagawa Minami , Tokita Serina , Murata Kenji , Mariya Tasuku , Umemoto Mina , Sugita Shintaro , Matsuo Kazuhiko , Hirohashi Yoshihiko , Saito Tsuyoshi , Kanaseki Takayuki , Torigoe Toshihiko
Published: December 2024

Tumor-reactive CD4+ T cells often accumulate in the tumor microenvironment (TME) in human cancer, but their functions and roles in antitumor responses remain elusive. Here, we investigated the immunopeptidome of HLA class II–positive (HLA-II+) endometrial cancer with an inflamed TME using a proteogenomic approach. We identified HLA-II neoantigens, one of which induced polyclonal CD4+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte responses. We then experimentally demonstrated that neoantigen-specific CD4+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes lyse target cells in an HLA-II–dependent manner. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of the TME coupled with T-cell receptor sequencing revealed the presence of CD4+ T-cell clusters characterized by CXCL13 expression. The CXCL13+ clusters contained two subclusters with distinct cytotoxic gene expression patterns. The identified neoantigen-specific CD4+ T cells were found exclusively in one of the CXCL13+ subclusters characterized by granzyme B and CCL5 expression. These results demonstrate the involvement of tumor-reactive CD4+ T cells with cytotoxic function in immune surveillance of endometrial cancer and reveal their transcriptomic signature.
Retinal Vasculitis in the Setting of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Exposure: Clinical Course and Management of Three Cases
Authors: Kiryakoza Lauren C. , Sengillo Jesse D. , Fernandez Maria Paula , Pathengay Avinash , Albini Thomas A. , Flynn Jr. Harry W.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Retinal vasculitis in the setting of positive Mycobacterium tuberculosis (mTB) exposure represents an important diagnostic dilemma. Tubercular retinal vasculitis (TRV) is a recognized clinical entity, but it previously lacked diagnostic consensus. It shares clinical features with cases diagnosed as Eales disease. A precise distinction between the entities is lacking. Historically, Eales disease represented an idiopathic, obliterative retinal vasculitis seen in young males. Research has identified a potential relationship of Eales to mTB exposure, but the exact role of the organism is unclear, and the label “Eales disease” is reserved for truly idiopathic cases. We present the clinical course of 3 patients with retinal vasculitis and mTB exposure who were managed prior to group consensus guidelines for management of TRV. We discuss the evolving clinical meaning of Eales disease and review consensus TRV management guidelines. Case Presentation: The clinical course of 3 patients with retinal vasculitis and mTB exposure were reviewed. Two patients were male, and 1 was female. Mean age at presentation was 56.8 years. Mean follow-up was 119.5 months. Mean presenting visual acuity was Snellen 20/25 in the right eye and 20/30 in the left eye. Mean visual acuity at final visit was 20/30 in both eyes. All 3 patients received antitubercular therapy (ATT). Two patients underwent retinal laser photocoagulation in one or both eyes. Two patients experienced multiple episodes of vitreous hemorrhage. One patient underwent pars plana vitrectomy for non-clearing vitreous hemorrhage in both eyes. Conclusion: The cases demonstrate the potential diagnostic and management variability created by the overlapping features of Eales disease and TRV. All 3 cases had some form of positive mTB testing (radiologic, immunologic, or both) and received different ATT regimens. Case 1 was labeled Eales disease, and cases 2 and 3 were labeled TRV. All 3 had favorable outcomes but only with control of the inflammation and neovascular complications. Recent consensus guidelines now provide guidance on ATT initiation in cases of TRV.
The endocranial cast of Khirtharia (Artiodactyla, Raoellidae) provides new insights into the earliest evolution of the cetacean brain
Authors: Waqas Mohd , Smith Thierry , Rana Rajendra , Orliac Maeva J.
Published: December 2024

Introduction
Raoellidae are small artiodactyls retrieved from the middle Eocene of Asia (ca - 47 Ma) and closely related to stem Cetacea. Morphological observations of their endocranial structures allow for outlining some of the early steps of the evolutionary history of the cetacean brain. The external features of the brain and associated sinuses of Raoellidae are so far only documented by the virtual reconstruction of the endocast based on specimens of the species Indohyus indirae. These specimens are however too deformed to fully access the external morphology, surface area, and volume measurements of the brain.
Methods
We bring here new elements to the picture of the raoellid brain by an investigation of the internal structures of an exceptionally well-preserved cranium collected from the Kalakot area (Jammu and Kashmir, India) referred to the species Khirtharia inflata. Micro-CT scan investigation and virtual reconstruction of the endocast and associated sinuses of this specimen provide crucial additional data about the morphological diversity within Raoellidae as well as reliable linear, surfaces, and volumes measurements, allowing for quantitative studies.
Results
We show that, like I. indirae, the brain of K. inflata exhibits a mosaic of features observed in earliest artiodactyls: a small neocortex with simple folding pattern, widely exposed midbrain, and relatively long cerebellum. But, like Indohyus, the brain of Khirtharia shows unique derived characters also observed in stem cetaceans: narrow elongated olfactory bulbs and peduncles, posterior location of the braincase in the cranium, and complex network of blood vessels around the cerebellum. The volume of the brain relative to body mass of Khirtharia inflata is markedly small when compared to other early artiodactyls.
Conclusion
We show here that, cetaceans that nowadays have the second biggest brain after humans, derive from a group of animals that had a lower-than-average expected brain size. This is probably a side effect of the adaptation to aquatic life. Conversely, this very small brain size relative to body mass might be another line of evidence supporting the aquatic habits in raoellids.
A Novel HERC2 Variant in Two Siblings with Autosomal Recessive Intellectual Developmental Disorder-38 and Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Şenol Hüseyin Bahadır , Günay Çağatay , Polat Ayşe İpek , Aydın Adem , Hiz Ayşe Semra , Yiş Uluç
Published: December 2024

Backround: HERC2 encodes an E3 ubiquitin ligase that plays a critical role in brain development. Loss-of-function variants are associated with severe neurodevelopmental phenotypes, including intellectual disability, epilepsy, and various structural anomalies. This report aims to expand phenotypic spectrum of HERC2-related disorders, including an unusual cardiac manifestation.
Case Presentation: The proband, a male infant born to consanguineous parents, presented with myoclonia-like eyelid movements at 50 days old and subsequently developed severe neuromotor regression and choreoathetotic movements. Brain MRI revealed diffuse cerebral atrophy, corpus callosum thinning, and bilateral pachygyria. He also exhibited distinct dysmorphic features and dilated cardiomyopathy, confirmed by echocardiography. His sibling presented with similar features, including severe developmental delay and dilated cardiomyopathy. Whole-exome sequencing identified a homozygous likely pathogenic c.7645C>T (p.Gln2549Ter) variant in HERC2 gene. This case report is significant as it describes dilated cardiomyopathy in MRT38, a manifestation not previously associated with HERC2 variants. The unusual cardiac phenotype suggests a potential link between HERC2 dysfunction and mitochondrial impairment, contributing to cardiomyopathy.
Conclusion: These patients underscore the importance of recognizing novel clinical features associated with the HERC2 LoF variants, which can guide in disease characterization and patient management.
A REVIEW OF MARINE NATURAL PRODUCTS AS POTENTIAL SOURCE OF ANTIOXIDANTS
Authors: Hinampas Rhesa , Walag Angelo Mark
Published: December 2024

Article Highlights- Marine Natural Products have been the most favorable source of bioactive compounds for drug discovery research.- Many biologically active chemicals with antioxidant properties can be found in the marine environment.- A systematic review on potential source of antioxidants linked to marine natural products was carried out.- Algae, fungi, sponges, mollusks, and sea cucumbers were found to be abundant sources of antioxidants.- Integrate these discoveries into practical applications for enhancing human health and well-being.
AbstractSeveral diseases have been linked to oxidative stress, resulting from an imbalance between the creation of the body’s antioxidant defense mechanisms and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Due to their distinct metabolic makeup and wide range of biological adaptations, marine organisms have attracted interest as possible sources of new antioxidants. This systematic review aims to evaluate the antioxidant potential of marine natural products. To find relevant research published between 2002 and 2022, a thorough search strategy based on the PRISMA standards was used across databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Mendeley, and Science Direct. A total of 18 studies were extracted and included in the review. The results consistently showed that marine natural compounds had vigorous antioxidant activity. Algae, fungi, sponges, mollusks, and sea cucumbers were shown to be abundant sources of antioxidants in marine environments. Flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, tannins, steroids, saponins, glycosides, terpenoids, and carotenoids are only a few types of marine natural products that have been discovered to possess strong antioxidant properties. This systematic review provides compelling evidence for the antioxidant potential of marine natural products. The research validates their potential as sources of novel antioxidants with various bioactive properties. Unlocking the full potential of marine natural products and integrating these discoveries into practical applications for enhancing human health and well-being calls for further research.
Differential Expression Analyses on Human Aortic Tissue Reveal Novel Genes and Pathways Associated With Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Onset and Progression
Authors: Temprano‐Sagrera Gerard , Peypoch Olga , Soto Begoña , Dilmé Jaume , Calsina Juscafresa Laura , Davtian David , de la Rosa Estadella Mireia , Nieto Lluís , Brown Andrew , Escudero José Román , Viñuela Ana , Camacho Mercedes , Sabater‐Lleal Maria
Published: December 2024

Background

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are focal dilatations of the abdominal aorta that expand progressively, increasing their risk of rupture. Rupture of an AAA is associated with high mortality rates, but the mechanisms underlying the initiation, expansion, and rupture of AAAs are not yet fully understood. We aimed to characterize the pathophysiology of AAAs and identify new genes associated with AAA initiation and progression.

Methods and Results

This study used RNA sequencing data on 140 samples, becoming the largest RNA sequencing data set for differential expression studies of AAAs. We performed differential expression analyses and analyses of differential splicing between dilated and nondilated aortic tissue samples, and between AAAs of different diameters. We identified 3002 differentially expressed genes between AAAs and controls that were independent of ischemic time, 1425 of which were new. Additionally, 8 genes (
EXTL3
,
ZFR
,
DUSP8
,
DISP1
,
USP33
,
VPS37C
,
ZNF784
,
RFX1
) were differentially expressed between AAAs of varying diameters and between AAAs and control samples. Finally, 7 genes (
SPP1
,
FHL1
,
GNAS
,
MORF4L2
,
HMGN1
,
ARL1
,
RNASE4
) with differential splicing patterns were also differentially expressed genes between AAAs and controls, suggesting that splicing differences in these genes may contribute to the observed expression changes and disease development.

Conclusions

This study identifies new genes and splicing patterns associated with AAAs and validates previous relevant pathways on AAAs. These findings contribute to the understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying AAAs and may provide potential targets to limit AAA progression and mortality risk.
Neural signatures of word learning during adult-child interactions
Authors: Mosteller Sara , Wijeakumar Sobanawartiny , Wass Sam
Published: December 2024

Early language acquisition relies on the successful communication of specific word meanings when speaking or encoding labels. Here, we tested for evidence of this communication within the parallel functional neural activation that occurred for adults and children as unfamiliar objects were labelled by the caregiver. Measuring event-related hemodynamic responses with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) simultaneously recorded from both individuals, we compared cortical responses that were time-locked to spontaneous instances of object labelling during openly structured interactions. Most notably, children’s responses differed between words learned and not learned in the right posterior temporal cortex, with relatively greater positive activation when children were not learning. The findings bear relevance to investigations of coordination between speakers and listeners during word-learning interactions
Perinatal development of structural thalamocortical connectivity
Authors: Oldham Stuart , Mansour L. Sina , Ball Gareth
Published: December 2024

Thalamocortical connections are crucial for relaying sensory information in the brain and facilitate essential functions including motor skills, emotion, and cognition. Emerging evidence suggests that thalamocortical connections are organised along spatial gradients that may reflect their sequential formation during early brain development. However, this has not been extensively characterised in humans. To examine early thalamocortical development, we analysed diffusion MRI data from 345 infants, scanned between 29 and 45 weeks gestational age. Using diffusion tractography, we mapped thalamocortical connectivity in each neonate and used Principal Component Analysis to extract shared spatial patterns of connectivity. We identified a primary axis of connectivity that varied along an anterior/medial to posterior/lateral gradient within the thalamus, with corresponding projections to cortical areas varying along a rostral-caudal direction. The primary patterns of thalamocortical connectivity were present at 30 weeks’ gestational age and gradually refined during gestation. This refinement was largely driven by the maturation of connections between the thalamus and cortical association areas. Differences in thalamocortical connectivity between preterm and term neonates were only weakly related to primary thalamocortical gradients, suggesting a relative preservation of these features following premature birth. Overall, our results indicate that the organisation of structural thalamocortical connections is highly conserved across individuals, develops early in gestation, and gradually matures with age.
Bargibant’s pygmy seahorse Hippocampus bargibanti in Taiwan Bank: hidden biodiversity of Taiwan Strait
Authors: JIANG GUO-CHEN , CHEN KUO-SHU , CHEN YI-HSUAN , WENG JINN-SHING , YEH HSIN-MING , SHEN KANG-NING , CHANG CHIH-WEI
Published: December 2024

During a scientific expedition in the Taiwan Bank in the southern Taiwan Strait in 2021, five pygmy seahorses, measuring between 18.1 mm and 28.3 mm in standard length, were inadvertently collected along with Muricella sea fans. Morphometric measurements of these pygmy seahorse specimens coincided with the previous data on H. bargibanti, but they had a proportionally greater head depth and snout length. Genetically, DNA marker analysis of partial mitochondrial COI sequences confirmed that our specimens belonged to the same lineage as H. bargibanti, with a p-distance of 0.54% among populations. This discovery enhances our knowledge of the limited biodiversity in the Taiwan Bank, which includes a complex geomorphology of both reef banks and sandy substrates, and highlights the importance of strict laws prohibiting fishing with inadequate gear, invasive or illegal fishing, and sand dredging to protect unexplored coral reef biodiversity in the area.
A new brackish goby of Drombus (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from Taiwan with short comments on related gobiid species
Authors: CHEN I-SHIUNG , LI HSIEN-EN
Published: December 2024

The brackish environments of Taiwan were relatively unexplored and therefore houses many cryptic fish species, some of which were still unknown to science till this day. After our repeated estuarine surveys and collections, it was encountered an undescribed species of genus Drombus, that can be clearly separated from its congeners by the following unique combinations of characters: (a) dorsal fin elements VI-I, 10; anal fin elements I, 9; pectoral fin elements modally 17; (b) longitudinal scale rows 32–34; transverse scale rows modally 13; predorsal scale rows 9–10; and (c) specific coloration: body brownish with dark red spots scattered; first dorsal fin dusky with a black blotch. The brief morphological comparisons of the new species with its congeners is also provided herein.
A new species of Macropodus (Teleotsei: Osphronemidae) from Fujian Province, southern China
Authors: CHEN I-SHIUNG , CHIU YUH-WEN
Published: December 2024

A new Macropodus species was collected from the river basins of southeastern China. The new species Macropodus minnanensis, from Fujian Province, China can be well distinguished from congeners by the following combination of features: (1) dorsal fin with 13 spines and 7 soft rays; (2) anal fin with 20 spines and modally 10 soft rays; (3) vertical insertion of dorsal fin origin at second to third soft rays of anal fin; (4) longitudinal scale rows in midline modally 28; (5) transverse scale rows 14; (6) vertebrae 27 and (7) specific coloration: body with posteriorly black margin on scale pockets; eye greyish; a large opecular, deep black ocellus spot in male. The brief discussions of its related species are also provided.
Two new freshwater gobiid species of Rhinogobius Gill, 1859 (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from Taiwan
Authors: CHEN I-SHIUNG , YEH MING-FON
Published: December 2024

Two new freshwater gobies of Rhinogobius were discovered from Taiwan. They are fluvial species belonging to R. rubromaculatus complex. The new species, Rhinogobius baborinisanensis n. sp. which is collected from northern Taiwan can be well distinguished from all other congeners by the unique combination of the following features: (1) fins: second dorsal fin rays modally I/8; anal fin rays I/7; pectoral fin rays modally 17; (2) squamation: longitudinal scale series 32–34 (modally 33); perdorsal scales usually 13–14; scale series from origin of first dorsal fin to upper pectoral fin origin modally 10; (3) vertebral count 27; (4) rear edge of mouth merely extending to or slightly beyond vertical of anterior margin of pupil in male and (5) its own specific colouration. Another new species, Rhinogobius macromaculatus n. sp. which is collected from southern Taiwan can be well distinguished from all other congeners by the unique combination of the following features: (1) fins: second dorsal fin rays modally I/8; anal fin rays I/7; pectoral fin rays modally 15; (2) squamation: longitudinal scale series 27–28 (modally 28); perdorsal scales usually 14–15; scale series from origin of first dorsal fin to upper pectoral fin origin modally 8; (3) vertebral count 27; (4) rear edge of mouth extending slightly beyond vertical of anterior margin of pupil in male and (5) its own specific colouration. The brief comparison and discussion of morphological differentiation from congeners would be also addressed.
A new freshwater goby of Rhinogobius Gill, 1859 (Teleostei, Gobiidae) from South Central Vietnam
Authors: CHEN I-SHIUNG , NGUYEN ANH-TUAN , HUYNH QUANG-THIEN
Published: December 2024

A new species of freshwater gobiid fish of genus Rhinogobius Gill, 1859, was collected from the Cai Phan Rang River basin, South Central Vietnam. Rhinogobius phuocbinhensis n. sp. can be well distinguished from other congeners by its specific patterns of coloration and meristic features: (1) fins rays: second dorsal fin rays I/8; anal fin rays I/8; pectoral fin rays modally 19; (2) squamation: longitudinal scale series 26–27 (modally 27); perdorsal scales 9–11 (modally 9); vertebral count 26; and (3) specific colouration pattern: densely-set of small blackish brown spots on cheek and interorbital region to snout in male and many small blackish brown dots in first dorsal fin of both sexes. A brief morphological comparison of this new species with related species would be also addressed.
Zenarchopterus takaoensis (Perciformes: Zenarchoperidae), a new estuary garfish from southwestern Taiwan
Authors: LIAO YUN-CHIH , THIEL RALF , CHANG CHIH-WEI
Published: December 2024

Species of the genus Zenarchopterus are marine, brackish, and freshwater fishes that have modified dorsal-fin and anal-fin rays in adult males. There are 19 valid species worldwide. Three species have been recorded from Taiwan, namely Zenarchopterus buffonis (Valenciennes, in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1847), Z. dispar (Valenciennes, in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1847), and Z. dunckeri Mohr, 1926. However, Collette and Su (1986) noted one uncertain species (female, labeled “Zenarchopterus sp., Takao, Formosa, Hans Sauter, V–VII 1907”) in the Museum of Nature Hamburg (ZMH) from southern Taiwan. This species has only nine pectoral-fin and anal-fin rays, a longer snout, and does not agree well with any other species. In this study, Zenarchopterus takaoensis sp. nov. is described based on seven newly collected specimens from southwestern Taiwan and one (ZMH 6543, 59.4 mm SL) from southern Taiwan. This new species differs from its congeners by the following combination of characters: snout slightly longer, prominent pigmentation or dark mark on snout; nine anal-fin rays, 6th anal-fin ray not elongated or thickened in adult male; dorsal body pigmented with three longitudinal dashed lines, oval-like dashed pigmentation on dorsal lateral series scales; anterior lateral stripe on body in dashed line, ventral body with one longitudinal dashed line. In this study, specimens were examined and compared; morphological evidence revealed it is a hidden species. Taxonomic accounts, distribution, and a key to the congener species of Taiwan, along with color photographs of the new species, are provided.
A new species of marine goby Trimma (Teleostei:Gobiidae) from Taiwan
Authors: CHEN I-SHIUNG , HAREFA TONISMAN
Published: December 2024

A new species of marine goby, Trimma tigrinum sp. nov. is discovered and collected from the coastal waters off eastern and southern Taiwan. It can be well distinguished from other congeners by the following unique combination of features: (1) fin rays: D2 I/9, A I/9, P 17–19; second and third spines of D1 equal in length and not elongated; D2 rays branched; first ray of A not branched; fifth ray of V unbranched. (2) Squamation: LR 23–24 (modally 23), TR 6–7 (modally 7), PredS 7–8; no scales on the cheek and opercle. (3) Interorbital width narrow with deep trench and postorbital trench with slightly groove. (4) Specific colorations: cheek with two yellow vertical bands; anterior margin of pectoral-fin base with large yellow bar, two third of pupil diameter-sized; spine of second dorsal-fin with two small, dark reddish spots. dorsum from D1 to dorsal procurrent caudal-fin with seven yellow-orange bands like saddles; ventral from origin A to ventral procurrent caudal-fin with five diffuse yellowish or reddish orange bands. The molecular evidence from mtDNA COI sequence is also revealed that the new species is discrete species from others. A diagnostic key to nominal species of Trimma from Taiwanese waters would be also provided in this paper.
“I’ll Do Some Soul Searching”: Navigating a Black Student–Teacher Relationship Within the Sociopolitical Terrain of Urban Science Education
Authors: Wade-Jaimes Katherine , King Natalie
Published: December 2024

Using a multitiered framework, embedded in anti-Blackness, this qualitative case study centers a Black woman teacher and Black girl who were subjugated to multiple layers of oppression in a middle school science classroom. Findings revealed that systemic pressures, like standardized testing and school choice, hindered genuine learning. The teacher-participant felt compelled to prioritize test preparation over holistic education and noted how the science fair exacerbated racial inequities while midyear teacher reassignments fractured student–teacher relationships. This study underscores the need to name sociopolitical and historical factors to address structural and systemic inequities in urban science education.
Contesting the Racial Contract: Liberalism, Property, and Abolition
Authors: Issar Siddhant
Published: December 2024

This essay argues that Charles Mills’s normative vision for racial justice—a reformed, race-attentive liberalism—is fundamentally self-undermining because it embraces the liberal property form. Specifically, I show how Mills’s insistence on the practical utility of the property form for racial justice ignores both W.E.B. Du Bois’s signal warning about the reactionary power of propertied interests and how the hegemony of Lockean liberalism is a key mediator of racial/colonial domination in the United States. The essay first shows how Mills’s anti-racist, social democratic liberalism relies on and legitimizes a property rights framework. I then analyze Du Bois’s critique of liberal abolition-democracy during Reconstruction, surfacing how white propertied interests constantly threaten progressive gains and social democratic change. Building on Du Bois, I argue that Mills’s reformed liberalism, by preserving the property form, places racial justice on an inherently unstable foundation while also excluding struggles for Indigenous sovereignty. Finally, I question Mills’s pragmatic argument for restricting racial justice to a reformed liberalism. Mills’s “Black radical liberalism” is not as straightforwardly practical as he suggests because of the deep historical hold of Lockean, rather than Kantian, liberalism. Here, I excavate how hegemony around Lockean liberalism in the United States has been periodically reconsolidated, looking at the interwar and Cold War context as well as the deeper influence of Locke on US constitutionalism. Ultimately, against a politics that restricts racial justice to a social democratic horizon, I contend that it is necessary to challenge the liberal property form in the pursuit of racial justice and Indigenous sovereignty.
The Implementation of Integrated Youth Services in Canada: Planning and Costing of a Pan-Canadian Model: La mise en œuvre des services intégrés pour les jeunes au Canada : planification et établissement des coûts d’un modèle pancanadien
Authors: Henderson Jo L. , de Oliveira Claire , Mathias Steve
Published: December 2024

Objective

The implementation of Integrated Youth Services (IYS) can help ensure that youth are adequately supported. The objective of this analysis was to provide a model for the planning and costing of IYS throughout Canada over a 15-year period.

Methods

To estimate resource allocation for IYS, we determined the number of hubs and hub staffing requirements by service level and jurisdiction, backbone support and infrastructure requirements by jurisdiction. A needs-based analytic framework for planning was employed to estimate the number of hubs required. The optimal mix of hub staffing requirements was determined based on prior literature. The costs of running each hub were estimated using publicly available data and internal documents from existing IYS agencies. Finally, the cost of setting up IYS hubs, IYS virtual care and respective backbone support throughout Canada was estimated and projected over 15 years and the cost-savings of IYS were calculated.

Results

At maturity, it was estimated that 399 hubs—188 small, 43 medium, 168 large—across Canada would be required to address youth mental health and substance use needs. The cost of implementing IYS initiatives across Canada would vary between $4,349,126 (for less populous jurisdictions) and $248,950,524 (for more populous jurisdictions), for a total annual cost of $676,633,388 (excluding costs of infrastructure). It was estimated that the implementation of IYS hubs would lead to cost-savings of $2.1 billion annually and have the potential to be cost-effective.

Conclusion

The implementation of IYS hubs can provide good value for money, in the form of high client satisfaction, earlier supports with improved youth outcomes and decreased health care costs. Future work should address gaps in data availability on mental health and substance use-related needs of youth with neurodevelopmental disorders, youth experiencing homelessness, youth in congregate living and foster care, and Indigenous youth.
Comparing Cisgender and Trans-spectrum Postsecondary Student Alcohol and Substance Use: Results From the Arkansas Collegiate Substance Use Assessment
Authors: Williams Adam , Slagle Derek R. , Blankenberger Robert J. , Slagle Brittany M. , Wuerzer Thomas
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Examine self-reported substance use of cisgender and trans-spectrum students.

Design

Observational Study, cross-sectional design.

Setting

Arkansas post-secondary institutions.

Subjects

Active students enrolled in 2021, sample responses n = 3659.

Measures

9 Demographics, 13 recent substance use outcomes, 1 weekly alcohol use outcome, and 1 COVID-related substance use outcome.

Analysis

Demographic and geospatial descriptives; t test/Cohen’s d effect size; X2 Test for Independence/Cramer’s V effect size; OLS Regression/Standardized Beta coefficients/Adjusted R2 effect sizes; level of significance = .05.

Results

Trans-spectrum students are 1.8% of the sampled responses (n = 3315) with geographical variation. Weekly alcohol consumption is greater with trans-spectrum (MD = 0.74, d = .102), along with frequency of recent use of marijuana (V = .113), cocaine (V = .097), sedatives (V = .098), hallucinogens (V = .127), designer drugs (V = .087), and meth (V = .151). Suicidal thoughts (V = .112) and attempted suicide (V = .118) are greater and COVID increased use of substances (29.3% for trans-spectrum v 13.7% for cisgender, V = .073). Gender (B = .099), family history (B = .092), and campus policies (B = .084) impact weekly alcohol consumption ( P < .001, R2 = .024).

Discussion/Conclusions

Trans-spectrum students report higher usage rates, suicidal thoughts, and COVID impacts on usage. Family history and campus policies also show impact on weekly alcohol use. Future postsecondary substance use assessments should include trans-spectrum demographic categories.
Child psychology from Vienna to London: Charlotte Bühler, concepts of childhood, and parenting advice in interwar Britain
Authors: Rowold Katharina
Published: December 2024

This article investigates an overlooked aspect of the life and work of the Viennese child psychologist Charlotte Bühler. Known for directing a department of child psychology at the Vienna Psychological Institute, Bühler intermittently lived in London from 1934 until her emigration to the United States in 1940. There she established a wide network of connections in the fields of child psychology and progressive education, provided training to several child psychologists, opened a child guidance centre, and dispensed advice in the parenting magazine The Nursery World. The growing interest in and exploration of the psychology of children in interwar and wartime Britain was marked by significant theoretical divergences and conflicts, but investigation of Charlotte Bühler’s time in London elucidates how the field also developed through the interplay and interrelationship of different approaches, including those of the Vienna School of Child Psychology.
The figures, profiles, border figures (figures-limites), and ‘pure schema’ of Foucault’s later lectures on cosmopolitanism
Authors: Barker Chris
Published: December 2024

This article offers an affirmative reading of the Socratic and Cynical ‘figures’ in Foucault’s lecture series at the Collège de France, his last (if not final) word on the philosophical care of the self and cosmopolitanism. Foucault interprets ancient philosophy in a series of figures, all of whom are characterized by an affirmative care of self rather than by the hierarchical pastoral power relations he ascribes to Christian confessional politics. In an overlooked complication, Foucault introduces border figures ( figures-limites) that mark the limits of a classical figure (e.g. Diogenes the Cynic) and anticipates or recalls very different historical and philosophical configurations of truth, power, and self. This article describes Socrates and Cynics as figures and as border figures introducing new relations of subject, truth, and power. The article distinguishes the practices of the life-affirming figure of Socrates from ‘Platonism’ and uses the concept of the border figure to explore the practical range of commitments of Cynic cosmopolitans. The article then addresses recent and present-day radical cosmopolitans in terms of the figure of the cosmopolitan and the border figure of the defiant performance artist and militant political revolutionary. Not easily amenable to simple labels, Foucault’s cosmopolitanism could be described as zetetic, or searching and testing. As militant and radical, its radical commitment is to experimenting with different configurations of subject, truth, and power.
Investigation of surface roughness and burr formation in micromilling processes laser polishing on selective laser melted Ti6Al4V
Authors: Çevik Zihni Alp
Published: December 2024

This study aims to increase the microhardness of Ti-6Al-4 V produced by laser polishing (LP) with selective laser melting (SLM), to make micromachinability with optimum parameters and to minimize surface roughness. LP process has started to attract great industrial interest today due to the significant increase in surface quality. In addition, the processing of small geometry channels, requiring precision and high surface quality, further increases the importance of micromilling. In this experimental study, the surface morphology, microhardness and micromachinability of Ti-6Al-4 V material produced by SLM were investigated before and after LP. The aim is to investigate the increase in microhardness, surface roughness, and burr amount with 3 different spindle speeds (4000-6000-8000), 4 different feed rates (2-4-6-9), and 2 different depths of cut used as micromilling parameters. When the SLM material was compared to the LP material, the hardness value increased by approximately 27%. It was observed that there was a 400% improvement in surface roughness values (Sa). When viewed with three-dimensional surface topography, it is seen that the cutting marks are more prominent in the material made with LP. Surface roughness values are inversely proportional to cutting speed and directly proportional to feed rate. While materials with high hardness should have lower surface quality in machined areas, Sa values are lower in LP areas. In addition, the difference between the surface roughness values is maximum for both SLM and LP material at the same depths of cut. These findings are aimed to determine the machinability parameters during the manufacturing of materials used especially in the aviation, defense, medical, and automotive industries.
Conceptualizing and measuring state regulation of reproductive processes: The international reproduction policy database
Authors: Zagel Hannah , Khan Rohan , Kluge Anna E. , Tamakoshi Mio , Gädecke Martin
Published: December 2024

This article critically reviews existing concepts and measurements of how states regulate reproductive processes such as contraceptive use, abortion and pregnancy, and introduces a new conceptually-grounded international policy database on reproduction policies. With regulating reproduction, states get involved in whether, when and how people enter or avert, carry out or end pregnancy and procreation; and who is supported in their reproductive pathways in the first place. Building on comparative welfare state scholarship, we suggest that state regulation of reproduction is best understood multi-dimensionally, distinguishing regulatory levels, regulatory types, permissiveness, in-kind generosity, and in-cash generosity. Not least due to a lack of data, previous research has mostly been limited to case studies or to individual policy fields, such as abortion policy. This review summarizes the state of comparative perspectives in this policy domain, and presents the International Reproduction Policy Database (IRPD), which proposes a novel and comprehensive way to measure and compare reproduction policies. IRPD covers the regulative structure, permissiveness, and generosity of state-provided reproduction policies in 33 middle- and high-income countries from 1980 to 2020, across five policy fields: sex education, contraception, abortion, medically assisted reproduction and pregnancy care. The review closes with an empirical example from the new database and gives an outlook on its research potentials.
Changing human resource professionals from gatekeepers to enablers of disability employment: Lessons learned from disability-employment research
Authors: Bezyak Jill , Chan Fong , Tansey Timothy N. , Wu Jia-Rung , Iwanaga Kanako , Lee Deborah
Published: December 2024

Background

People with disabilities are one the most discriminated groups in the United States, and this discrimination negatively impacts the ability to find and maintain employment. While more companies are making it a priority to include people with disabilities in their workforces in order to diversify talent pools, many organizations still lack knowledge regarding the benefits of disability-employment and effective strategies for disability inclusion in the workplace.

Objective

There is a need to provide an integrative review of the disability inclusion literature for vocational rehabilitation professionals to expand employer engagement efforts by helping companies adopt strategies to hire and support people with disabilities in the workplace.

Method

A review of disability employment and disability inclusion publications was conducted. Findings from the research were compiled into a discussion of lessons learned for vocational rehabilitation professionals.

Results

The article shares the lessons learned from conducting disability-employment research with attention to the following domains: (1) stigmatizing attitudes of employers, (2) disability employment legislation, (3) characteristics of companies that promote disability-employment, (4) disability inclusion policies and practices, and (5) implicit bias and disability inclusion training for human resource (HR) professionals.

Conclusion

Providing employers and HR professionals with trainings on these domains will increase awareness of bias toward people with disabilities in the workplace and develop increasingly effective disability inclusion policies and practices for their organization.
Urban and Rural Disparities in COVID-19 Outcomes in the United States: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kang Jung A. , Quigley Denise D. , Chastain Ashley M. , Ma Hsin S. , Shang Jingjing , Stone Patricia W.
Published: December 2024

This systematic review investigates disparities in COVID-19 outcomes (infections, hospitalizations, and deaths) between urban and rural populations in the United States. Of the 3,091 articles screened, 55 were selected. Most studies ( n = 43) conducted national analyses, using 2020 data, with some extending into 2021. Findings show urban areas had higher COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in 2020, while rural areas saw increased cases in 2021 and mixed hospitalization results. Urban areas also had higher mortality rates in 2020, with rural rates rising in 2021 and 2022. Most studies did not explore reasons for urban/rural differences. The few that did found that vulnerable groups, including racially and ethnically minoritized populations, older adults, and those with comorbidities and lower socioeconomic status and vaccination rates, experienced exacerbated disparities in rural regions. COVID-19 outcomes varied over time and by area due to population density, healthcare infrastructure, and socioeconomic factors. Tailored interventions are essential for health equity and effective policies.
Limb Symmetry Index in Collegiate Dancers Using the Modified Star Excursion Balance Test and Single Leg Hops
Authors: Wiese Kelley R. , Ambegaonkar Jatin P. , Hansen-Honeycutt Jena
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Dance is physically demanding and often involves unilateral movements performed within a small base of support. Prior authors have reported that dancers use one leg preferentially over the other (ie, lower extremity asymmetry). Increased leg asymmetry—quantified using the Limb Symmetry Index (LSI), is associated with increased injury risk. Clinicians often use LSI to make return-to-performance decisions (eg, >85% performance on injured vs non-injured limb). However, limited research has examined leg symmetry in collegiate dancers. Purpose: To examine LSI in collegiate dancers using the modified star excursion balance test (mSEBT) and single-leg hop test (SLH). Methods: 120 healthy collegiate dancers (105 females, 15 males; 18.31 ± 0.80 years; 164.18 ± 7.12 cm; 61.18 ± 8.46 kg) performed the mSEBT (normalized to % leg-length: LL) in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions and the SLH test (normalized to % body height: BH) across both legs using previously published guidelines. mSEBT scores were averaged for all three directions per leg. SLH scores were averaged per leg. LSI was calculated as (lower value/higher value) × 100 to obtain a percentage. Results: Mean mSEBT scores were 95.7 ± 14.2%LL (lower score) and 96.6 ± 14.3%LL (higher score). Dancers LSI for mSEBT was 99.1 ± 0.9%. Mean SLH scores were 82.8 ± 13.3%BH (lower score) and 86.4 ± 13.5%BH (higher score). Dancers LSI for SLH was 95.9 ± 3.5%. Conclusions: Dancers’ LSI% was greater than 90% for mSEBT and SLH, concurrent with the normal values of LSI > 90% in healthy, physically active adults. Dancers displayed lower leg symmetry. Practitioners can thus use the contralateral leg as a reference for return-to-performance decisions following injury in dancers. LSI should be integrated into a comprehensive screening process to identify large (>85%) asymmetries and guide training programs post-injury to assist educators and practitioners’ evidence-based return-to-performance decisions. Future researchers should examine LSI in other dance genres and across levels.

Level of Evidence: 2C
Redefining grade retention: An analysis of Chile’s educational policy shift towards non-automatic retention mechanisms
Authors: Allende Claudio , López Verónica , Díaz Rocio , Vandecandelaere Machteld
Published: December 2024

Inclusive educational reforms have important policy shift implications. This paper examines an educational policy reform from Chile, which focuses on transforming grade retention practices. Before this policy, grade retention in Chile was a common practice, largely unchanged over decades. Effective in 2020, the reform marked a significant shift towards eliminating automatic grade retention, advocating for its use only as an extraordinary measure. This study explored stakeholder perceptions and opinions to comprehensively analyse the creation, negotiation, and initial implementation of Decree 67, the specific public policy initiative within the context of a policy-making agency in Chile that forbade automatic retention due to low grades and/or low attendance. We explored the process from the policy’s inception through its negotiation stages to its implementation and prospects. Employing a qualitative methodology, we conducted semi-structured interviews with key informants involved in the policy’s creation, negotiation, and implementation, complemented by a documentary analysis of documents used for its creation. Our findings revealed contrasting beliefs of policymakers and teachers regarding grade retention, the rationale and negotiation processes underpinning the policy shift, and the challenges encountered during its dissemination and implementation. By examining this policy shift, the paper sheds light on the complexities and challenges of public policy development within agency-policy makers and the potential problems in achieving effective educational change. The research underscores the need for supportive mechanisms and political consensus to ensure the effective integration of inclusive educational practices.