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Work-Life Blending refers to the permeability and dissolution of boundaries between work and personal life, bringing these domains closer together. However, a comprehensive, holistic definition or conceptualisation of Work-Life-Blending is currently lacking. This research aims to address this gap by conducting a systematic literature review to define and clarify the concept. The primary objective is to identify the key factors and dimensions of Work-Life-Blending by reviewing the current state of research, and by offering a clear and precise conceptual framework to guide further research in developing measurable and concrete concepts. We conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines to achieve this, drawing on keyword-based searches. We searched for English or German manuscripts in the electronic databases Business Source Premier and PsycARTICLES, using keywords such as “blending,” “blurring,” “fusion,” “Entgrenzung,” “Verschmelzung,” “Vermischung,” “boundary,” “border,” or “demarcation” in combination with “work” and “life.” From 1,400 screened references between 2000 and 2023, we identified 302 eligible articles. After applying exclusion criteria, 51 records were retained. Employing a holistic approach, we developed a coding scheme to analyse the articles focusing on antecedents, processes, and outcomes of Work-Life-Blending. Articles were prioritized based on their impact, relevance, and data content. Our analysis revealed a diverse field, and we adopted Clark’s central concepts (2000) to categorize Work-Life Blending into four key areas: Domains, Borders, Individual, and Interindividual. Structural analysis allowed us to gain deeper insights into the multifaceted nature of the research field. Diversification was evident in studies exploring various aspects, such as the combination of dimensions (e.g., organizational and individual factors), correlations between factors (e.g., working conditions), and the introduction of new constructs (e.g., motivational processes). Our research addresses a significant knowledge gap in the field of Work-Life-Blending, making valuable contributions to the existing body of knowledge. By examining key categories and proposing an extended definition, this study provides a robust foundation for further investigations. As a result, we established a classification of the determinants. Given the high degree of diversification, we offer a comprehensive framework for future research, contributing to a deeper understanding of Work-Life Blending.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the summer pruning time in ‘Fuji’ apple trees on the quality of fruit at harvest and after storage in controlled atmosphere with extremely low O2 (CA-ELO) (0.5 kPa O2). The treatments evaluated were summer pruning in December, January, and February, in addition to a control treatment (without summer pruning). The experiment was carried out in the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 growing seasons. The fruit were evaluated at harvest and after eight months of CA-ELO (0.5 kPa O2 +

ABSTRACTObjective The COVID-19 pandemic has affected how people go about their daily lives, often in various and substantial ways. This study aims to prospectively evaluate the changes in social participation during the COVID-19 pandemic in persons with a high risk for a severe COVID-19 course in Germany.Methods A paper-pencil-based survey was conducted starting at March 2021. Participants filled out questionnaires at four time points based on their COVID-19 vaccination status: before COVID-19 vaccination, one month, six months and twelve months after COVID-19 vaccination. Social participation measures included the Pandemic Social Participation Questionnaire (PSP-Q) and the Index for measuring participation restrictions (IMET). Repeated measures ANOVA and paired t-test were used to test for changes between time-points. Repeated measures correlation was used to assess the relationship between social participation and local COVID-19 incidences.Results Data from 245 participants was analyzed before and one month after COVID-19 vaccination. In addition, data from 156 participants was analyzed at time points one, six and twelve months after COVID-19. PSP-Q and IMET scores changed significantly after participants received a COVID-19 vaccination. Between one month and twelve months after vaccination, social participation improved significantly measured by PSP-Q. Social participation was negatively correlated with regional COVID-19 incidences before and after COVID-19 vaccination. Social participation was positively correlated with COVID-19 incidences between one month and twelve months after COVID-19 vaccination.Conclusions Social participation improved in persons with a high risk for a severe COVID-19 course during the pandemic. The local COVID-19 incidence showed a negative association with social participation only until the fall of 2021 when it was used as the sole metric to regulate COVID-19 protective measures. Although our data describes the trends in social participation, further studies are needed to identify the influencing factors for the observed increase in social participation.

AbstractBackground In the Netherlands, parents of children with daytime urinary incontinence (UI) first consult general practitioners (GPs). However, GPs need more specific guidelines for daytime UI management, resulting in care and referral decisions being made without clear guidance.Objectives We aimed to identify Dutch GP considerations when treating and referring a child with daytime UI.Methods We invited GPs who referred at least one child aged 4–18 years with daytime UI to secondary care. They were asked to complete a questionnaire about the referred child and the management of daytime UI in general.Results Of 244 distributed questionnaires, 118 (48.4%) were returned by 94 GPs. Most reported taking a history and performing basic diagnostic tests like urine tests (61.0%) and physical examinations (49.2%) before referral. Treatment mostly involved lifestyle advice, with only 17.8% starting medication. Referrals were usually at the explicit wish of the child/parent (44.9%) or because of symptom persistence despite treatment (39.0%). GPs usually referred children to a paediatrician (n = 99, 83.9%), only referring to a urologist in specific situations. Almost half (41.4%) of the GPs did not feel competent to treat children with daytime UI and more than half (55.7%) wanted a clinical practice guideline. In the discussion, we explore the generalisability of our findings to other countries.Conclusion GPs usually refer children with daytime UI to a paediatrician after a basic diagnostic assessment, usually without offering treatment. Parental or child demand is the primary stimulus for referral.

Background: The National Competence-Based Catalogue of Learning Objectives for Undergraduate Medical Education (NKLM) serves as the foundation for curricular development in undergraduate medical education in Germany. A new version of the NKLM was launched in 2021, and medical faculties are now evaluating the learning objectives (LOs). This paper describes the evaluation process used at Hannover Medical School.Methods: The evaluation process was structured in three steps. LOs were rated as “keep”, “modify” or “delete”. First, the 1133 LOs were compared with the mapping of the Hannover curriculum from 2017. Then, a small team from the Curricular Development Department conducted a pre-evaluation of the 1133 LOs. Finally, a group of clinical experts and students discussed and agreed on the ratings.Results: For 868 LOs, one or more counterparts were found in the mapping, but 265 new LOs were not found and thus, classified as new. In the first rating, 779 LOs were kept, 300 were modified (172 due to wording), 45 were deleted, and there was no rating for 9 LOs. The expert group changed 47 of the pre-evaluation decisions. The final rating was to keep 738 LOs, modify 356, and delete 39 LOs.Conclusion: This method effectively evaluated the LOs from NKLM 2.0 while balancing expert knowledge and an overview of the curriculum.

BackgroundAge and sex are prominent risk factors for heart failure and determinants of structural and functional changes of the heart. Cardiac fibroblasts (cFB) are beyond their task as extracellular matrix-producing cells further recognized as inflammation-supporting cells. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of sex and age on the inflammatory potential of cFB and its impact on the cardiosplenic axis and cardiac fibrosis.MaterialsLeft ventricles (LV) of 3- and 12-months old male and female C57BL/6J mice were harvested for immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and cFB outgrowth culture and the spleen for flow cytometry. LV-derived cFB and respective supernatants were characterized.ResultsLV-derived cFB from 3-months old male mice exhibited a higher inflammatory capacity, as indicated by a higher gene expression of CC-chemokine ligand (CCL) 2, and CCL7 compared to cFB derived from 3-months old female mice. The resulting higher CCL2/chemokine C-X3-C motif ligand (Cx3CL1) and CCL7/Cx3CL1 protein ratio in cell culture supernatants of 3-months old male vs. female cFB was reflected by a higher migration of Ly6Chigh monocytes towards supernatant from 3-months old male vs. female cFB. In vivo a lower ratio of splenic pro-inflammatory Ly6Chigh to anti-inflammatory Ly6Clow monocytes was found in 3-months old male vs. female mice, suggesting a higher attraction of Ly6Chigh compared to Ly6Clow monocytes towards the heart in male vs. female mice. In agreement, the percentage of pro-inflammatory CD68+ CD206− macrophages was higher in the LV of male vs. female mice at this age, whereas the percentage of anti-inflammatory CD68+ CD206+ macrophages was higher in the LV of 3-months old female mice compared to age-matched male animals. In parallel, the percentage of splenic TGF-β+ cells was higher in both 3- and 12-months old female vs. male mice, as further reflected by the higher pro-fibrotic potential of female vs. male splenocytes at both ages. In addition, female mice displayed a higher total LV collagen content compared to age-matched male mice, whereby collagen content of female cFB was higher compared to male cFB at the age of 12-months.ConclusionAge- and sex-dependent differences in cardiac fibrosis and inflammation are related to age- and sex-dependent variations in the inflammatory properties of cardiac fibroblasts.

The purpose of this study was to first characterize the prevalence of recall, recognition, and knowledge of colon cancer screening tests and guidelines (collectively, "awareness") among non-Hispanic black (NHB) and NH white (NHW) urban colon cancer patients. Second, we sought to examine whether awareness was associated with mode of cancer detection. Low awareness regarding colon cancer screening tests and guidelines may explain low screening rates and high prevalence of symptomatic detection. We examined recall, recognition, and knowledge of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening tests and guidelines and their associations with mode of cancer detection (symptomatic versus screen-detected) in 374 newly diagnosed NHB and NHW patients aged 45-79. Patients were asked to name or describe any test to screen for colon cancer (recall); next, they were given descriptions of stool testing and colonoscopy and asked if they recognized each test (recognition). Lastly, patients were asked if they knew the screening guidelines (knowledge). Overall, awareness of CRC screening guidelines was low; just 20% and 13% of patients knew colonoscopy and fecal test guidelines, respectively. Awareness of CRC screening tests and guidelines was especially low among NHB males, socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, and those diagnosed at public healthcare facilities. Inability to name or recall a single test was associated with reduced screen-detected cancer compared with recall of at least one test (36% vs. 22%, p = 0.01). Low awareness of CRC screening tests is a risk factor for symptomatic detection of colon cancer.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the association of total leisure noise exposure and hearing threshold shifts over 5 years among adolescents enrolled in the Ohrkan cohort study. Method: The Ohrkan cohort of 2,148 students aged 13-19 years was recruited from 2009 to 2011 and followed up 5 years later. Complete baseline and follow-up reports on exposure and outcome were available for 989 participants. Leisure noise exposure was assessed by questionnaires, and clinical audiometric examinations were performed. Two outcomes were defined: occurrence of the Niskar notch pattern and audiometry showing maximum hearing threshold values at 3, 4, and 6 kHz (both ears). Longitudinal analysis using generalized estimating equations was performed. Results: High total leisure noise exposure, defined as an energy equivalent of a 40-hr week of > 85 dBA, was estimated for 32.7% of students at baseline and 63.8% at follow-up. A noise notch was observed in 1.1% of adolescents at baseline and 3.3% at follow-up. At baseline, the maximum measured threshold shift was 55 dB, which increased to 85 dB at the follow-up. Longitudinal analysis did not reveal an association between leisure noise exposure and hearing thresholds. Hearing threshold shifts or noise notches were associated with sex, school type, and time point of measurement. Conclusions: No relationship was found between leisure noise and hearing thresholds. Male adolescents and those attending secondary general schools, with graduation following completion of ninth or 10th grade, had a greater likelihood of developing hearing threshold shifts. Prevention programs should focus on these risk groups.

This meta-analysis evaluated theoretical predictions from balanced identity theory (BIT) and evaluated the validity of zero points of Implicit Association Test (IAT) and self-report measures used to test these predictions. Twenty-one researchers contributed individual subject data from 36 experiments (total N = 12,773) that used both explicit and implicit measures of the social-cognitive constructs. The meta-analysis confirmed predictions of BIT's balance-congruity principle and simultaneously validated interpretation of the IAT's zero point as indicating absence of preference between two attitude objects. Statistical power afforded by the sample size enabled the first confirmations of balance-congruity predictions with self-report measures. Beyond these empirical results, the meta-analysis introduced a within-study statistical test of the balance-congruity principle, finding that it had greater efficiency than the previous best method. The meta-analysis's full data set has been publicly archived to enable further studies of interrelations among attitudes, stereotypes, and identities.

Background: Culture-based antibiotic prophylaxis is a plausible strategy to reduce infections after transrectal prostate biopsy (PB) related to fluoroquinolone-resistant pathogens. Objective: To assess the cost effectiveness of rectal culture-based prophylaxis compared with empirical ciprofloxacin prophylaxis. Design, setting, and participants: The study was performed alongside a trial in 11 Dutch hospitals investigating the effectiveness of culture-based prophylaxis in transrectal PB between April 2018 and July 2021 (trial registration number: NCT03228108). Intervention: Patients were 1:1 randomized for empirical ciprofloxacin prophylaxis (oral) or culture-based prophylaxis. Costs for both prophylactic strategies were determined for two scenarios: (1) all infectious complications within 7 d after biopsy and (2) culture-proven Gram-negative infections within 30 d after biopsy. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: Differences in costs and effects (quality-adjusted life-years [QALYs]) were analyzed from a healthcare and societal perspective (including productivity losses, and travel and parking costs) using a bootstrap procedure presenting uncertainty surrounding the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio in a cost-effectiveness plane and acceptability curve. Results and limitations: For the 7-d follow-up period, culture-based prophylaxis (n = 636) was €51.57 (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.52–96.63) more expensive from a healthcare perspective and €16.95 (95% CI –54.29 to 88.18) from a societal perspective than empirical ciprofloxacin prophylaxis (n = 652). Ciprofloxacin-resistant bacteria were detected in 15.4%. Extrapolating our data, from a healthcare perspective, 40% ciprofloxacin resistance would lead to equal cost for both strategies. Results were similar for the 30-d follow-up period. No significant differences in QALYs were observed. Conclusions: Our results should be interpreted in the context of local ciprofloxacin resistance rates. In our setting, from a healthcare perspective, culture-based prophylaxis was significantly more expensive than empirical ciprofloxacin prophylaxis. From a societal perspective, culture-based prophylaxis was somewhat more cost effective against the threshold value customary for the Netherlands (€80.000). Patient summary: Culture-based prophylaxis in transrectal prostate biopsy was not associated with reduced costs compared with empirical ciprofloxacin prophylaxis.

Abstract Remdesivir (GS-5734; VEKLURY) is a single diastereomer monophosphoramidate prodrug of an adenosine analog (GS-441524). Remdesivir is taken up by target cells and metabolized in multiple steps to form the active nucleoside triphosphate (GS-443902), which acts as a potent inhibitor of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerases. Remdesivir and GS-441524 have antiviral activity against multiple RNA viruses. Here, we expand the evaluation of remdesivir’s antiviral activity to members of the families Flaviviridae, Picornaviridae, Filoviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, and Hepadnaviridae. Using cell-based assays, we show that remdesivir can inhibit infection of flaviviruses (such as dengue 1–4, West Nile, yellow fever, Zika viruses), picornaviruses (such as enterovirus and rhinovirus), and filoviruses (such as various Ebola, Marburg, and Sudan virus isolates, including novel geographic isolates), but is ineffective or is significantly less effective against orthomyxoviruses (influenza A and B viruses), or hepadnaviruses B, D, and E. In addition, remdesivir shows no antagonistic effect when combined with favipiravir, another broadly acting antiviral nucleoside analog, and has minimal interaction with a panel of concomitant medications. Our data further support remdesivir as a broad-spectrum antiviral agent that has the potential to address multiple unmet medical needs, including those related to antiviral pandemic preparedness.

Abstract Introduction Contralateral axillary lymph node metastasis (CALNM) in breast cancer (BC) is considered a distant metastasis, marking stage 4cancer. Therefore, it is generally treated as an incurable disease. However, in clinical practice, staging and treatment remain controversial due to a paucity of data, and the St. Gallen 2021 consensus panel recommended a curative approach in patients with oligometastatic disease. Aberrant lymph node (LN) drainage following previous surgery or radiotherapy is common. Therefore, CALNM may be considered a regional event rather than systemic disease, and a re-sentinel procedure aided by lymphoscintigraphy permits adequate regional staging. Case report Here, we report a 37-year-old patient with Lynch syndrome who presented with CALNM in an ipsilateral relapse of a moderately differentiated invasive ductal BC (ER 90%, PR 30%, HER2 negative, Ki-67 25%, microsatellite stable), 3 years after the initial diagnosis. Lymphoscintigraphy detected a positive sentinel LN in the contralateral axilla despite no sign of LN involvement or distant metastases on FDG PET/CT or MRI. The patient underwent bilateral mastectomy with sentinel node dissection, surgical reconstruction with histological confirmation of the CALNM, left axillary dissection, adjuvant chemotherapy, and anti-hormone therapy. In addition to her regular BC follow-up visits, the patient will undergo annual colonoscopy, gastroscopy, abdominal, and vaginal ultrasound screening. In January 2023, the patient was free of progression for 23 months after initiation of treatment for recurrent BC and CALNM. Conclusion This case highlights the value of delayed lymphoscintigraphy and the contribution of sentinel procedure for local control in the setting of recurrent BC. Aberrant lymph node drainage following previous surgery may be the underlying cause of CALNM. We propose that CALNM without evidence of systemic metastasis should be considered a regional event in recurrent BC, and thus, a curative approach can be pursued. The next AJCC BC staging should clarify the role of CALNM in recurrent BC to allow for the development of specific treatment guidelines.

Through various efforts, the staff and faculty of San José State University's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library (King Library) are working towards creating more equitable and inclusive collections. Examining the library's collecting practices and collections by and about African Americans, this article presents the ongoing work of a working group that was formed in 2020 in response to an Anti-Racism Action Plan developed in the library. By using some of the tenets of the CRT framework such as intersectionality, counter-storytelling, and deconstructing colorblindness and white supremacy, the authors discuss the steps that are being taken to revise, review, and revisit the King Library's collecting practices in relation to the history of SJSU's African American Studies program, the Africana Center, and other relevant community history.

A protocol is proposed to acquire a tomographic ultrasound (US) scan of the musculoskeletal (MSK) anatomy in the rotator cuff region. Current clinical US imaging techniques are hindered by occlusions and a narrow field of view and require expert acquisition and interpretation. There is limited literature on 3D US image registration of the shoulder or volumetric reconstruction of the full shoulder complex. We believe that a clinically accurate US volume reconstruction of the entire shoulder can aid in pre-operative surgical planning and reduce the complexity of US interpretation. The protocol was used in generating data for deep learning model training to automatically register US mosaics in real-time. An in vivo 3D US tomographic reconstruction of the entire rotator cuff region was produced by registering 53 sequential 3D US volumes acquired by an MSK sonographer. Anatomical surface thicknesses and distances in the US mosaic were compared to their corresponding MRI measurements as the ground truth. The humeral head surface was marginally thicker in the reconstructed US mosaic than its original thickness observed in a single US volume by 0.65 mm. The humeral head diameter and acromiohumeral distance (ACHD) matched with their measured MRI distances with a reconstruction error of 0 mm and 1.2 mm, respectively. Furthermore, the demonstration of 20 relevant MSK structures was independently graded between 1 and 5 by two sonographers, with higher grades indicating poorer demonstration. The average demonstration grade for each anatomy was as follows: bones = 2, muscles = 3, tendons = 3, ligaments = 4–5 and labrum = 4–5. There was a substantial agreement between sonographers (Cohen’s Weighted kappa of 0.71) on the demonstration of the structures, and they both independently deemed the mosaic clinically acceptable for the visualisation of the bony anatomy. Ligaments and the labrum were poorly observed due to anatomy size, location and inaccessibility in a static scan, and artefact build-up from the registration and compounding approaches.

The present study aimed to apply sodium nitrite and nitrate encapsulated in dry-cured pork sausage and evaluate the product quality during storage. The capsules with sodium nitrite and nitrate showed low moisture (3.0%) and water activity (0.382), being within the acceptable index for application in food. The capsules presented spherical microparticles with an average size of 4.44 µm. The application of microcapsules in the dry-cured pork sausage formulation (F2) had a positive effect on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics, with an acceptability of 80% compared to the formulation without encapsulation (F1). The F2 with encapsulated sodium nitrite and nitrate maintained higher concentration of sodium nitrite (78%) than the F1 after 120 days' of storage. In this way, improved the conservation showing lipid oxidation (0.218 mg malondialdehyde/kg). As a result, microencapsulation is a new technology for preserving the preservative concentrations of these salts, ensuring oxidative stability, color, and sensory characteristics during dry-cured pork sausage storage.

Background and aims: The COVID-19 pandemic has a major impact on many areas of life, including many people's job situations. Not everyone is affected in the same way - people with chronic conditions may experience increased mental stress and social problems. In this study, we focus on immunocompromised people (ICP), who are at high risk for a severe course of COVID-19. Our aim was to investigate the level of social participation during the pandemic, focusing on how ICPs perceive changes in their working lives. Methods: We applied a mixed-methods concurrent triangulation design with qualitative interviews (N = 13) and a quantitative cross-sectional survey with N = 179 participants. This approach allowed us to gain deep insights into the experience of occupational-social participation. Results: Qualitative results show that working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic was seen as a relief by many, as medical necessities could be integrated more easily into everyday life. Understanding and consideration of their professional social network were essential for all respondents. Our interview data hint at an influence of the family situation (e.g., having children) and the relationship of the ICP to coworkers on the perception of changes to their work environment. The quantitative results indicate an interaction between mental health and employment status on social participation, with employment reducing the negative impact of poorer mental health on social participation after adjusting for sociodemographic variables. Conclusions: Our results indicate changes necessary to integrate people with chronic conditions into working life, even under pandemic conditions. This includes the possibility of flexible working hours and compliance with hygiene measures at the workplace.

Failure times (tf) and brittle creep strain rates (ἑ) for static fatigue of Hi-Nicalon™-S fiber tows were measured at 500 and 600 °C. These measurements added to those done previously at 700–1100 °C. Subcritical crack growth (SCG) based models developed to predict tf and ἑ from the 700–1100 °C data were modified to include the additional data. Parameters for two SCG laws were determined for air and Si(OH)4 saturated steam environments, and an additional parameter for effective room-temperature residual stress (σRo) along the crack path was introduced. Tow failure was modelled as sequential filament failure by SCG from weakest to strongest in a Weibull distribution. The increase in stress on intact filaments as they oxidized and as other filaments failed caused brittle creep strain. SCG-based models for both surface and interior cracks were considered. Orthogonal direction regression (ODR) was used to find the best parameter fits to data. Faster numerical methods to find the global parameter-space minima and avoid local minima were developed. New model parameters were determined using the entire 500–1100 °C tf and ἑ data set, done at initial applied stresses from 260 to 1526 MPa. In air, measured tf and ἑ at 500 and 600 °C follow the trends previously observed for higher temperatures. However, beneath 700 °C in steam, tf are longer and ἑ are much slower than expected. They are similar to values measured for air, suggesting an SCG mechanism change between 700° and 600 °C in steam. An atomistic SCG law-based model with activation energy (Q) of 310 kJ/mol and σRo of ∼200 MPa compression is suggested to be appropriate for static fatigue in air. An atomistic SCG law-based model with Q of 360 kJ/mol and σRo of ∼0 MPa best fit data measured in steam. However, differences in data fit quality between models were small, so firm conclusions about the correct model, residual stress effects, and associated crack paths could not be made. As stress approaches zero, the model converges to tow failure times that are the times for complete fiber oxidation. As failure times approach zero and temperatures decrease, the model converges to tow strengths predicted by fiber bundle theory at room temperature. The sources of error in data fit, the merit of different SCG models, and the possible roles of residual stress in SCG for Hi-Nicalon™-S fibers are discussed.