bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alternative Polyadenylation Regulatory Factors Signature for Survival Prediction in Kidney Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Lin Yao , Li Zheng , Li Yueqi , Chen Mingcong
Published: April 2024

Background:

Alternative polyadenylation (APA) plays a vital regulatory role in various diseases. It is widely accepted that APA is regulated by APA regulatory factors.

Objective:

Whether APA regulatory factors affect the prognosis of renal cell carcinoma remains unclear, and this is the main topic of this study.

Methods:

We downloaded the transcriptome and clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We used the Lasso regression system to construct an APA model for analyzing the relationship between common APA regulatory factors and renal cell carcinoma. We also validated our APA model using independent GEO datasets (GSE29609, GSE76207).

Results:

It was found that the expression levels of 5 APA regulatory factors (CPSF1, CPSF2, CSTF2, PABPC1, and PABPC4) were significantly associated with tumor gene mutation burden (TMB) score in renal clear cell carcinoma, and the risk score constructed using the expression level of 5 key APA regulatory factors could be used to predict the outcome of renal clear cell carcinoma. The TMB score is associated with the remodeling of the immune microenvironment.

Conclusions:

By identifying key APA regulatory factors in renal cell carcinoma and constructing risk scores for key APA regulatory factors, we showed that key APA regulators affect prognosis of renal clear cell carcinoma patients. In addition, the risk score level is associated with TMB, indicating that APA may affect the efficacy of immunotherapy through immune microenvironment-related genes. This helps us better understand the mRNA processing mechanism of renal clear cell carcinoma.
Voices from the village: A multi-voiced relational perspective of character development in leadership learning
Authors: Edwards Gareth , Antonacopoulou Elena P , Sklaveniti Chrysavgi , Moldjord Christian , Stokkeland Christina , Hawkins Beverley
Published: April 2024

This article builds on previous work that has investigated character development within leadership learning. We take up the analogy of developing character through ‘being in a village’. We do so by gaining unique access to leadership learning within a Norwegian military academy (the village). We take a Bakhtinian perspective in analysing the data, and by doing so, we uncover multiple and competing voices that situate themselves within and across character dimensions. We contribute to the learning and development literature by showing how character dimensions are narratively constructed from differing perspectives within context. Hence, they must be considered in relational terms in any attempt to develop character and/or leadership. We show that character development is not dependent on explicit character frameworks but perhaps the role of the social dynamics in a community (village). We also uncover some of the interrelated, intertwined and competing voices that make up character in this given context which points to the way these character dimensions are ‘lived’, ‘rehearsed’ and ‘re-rehearsed’ in any context or setting. We go on to make recommendations for further research and practice.
Leadership development and the politics of intentionality: A case study of organisational theatre
Authors: Woolsey Leny , Carroll Brigid , O’Connor Peter
Published: April 2024

In this article, we report an ethnographic, arts-based research inquiry into a leadership development initiative designed using principles of Organisational Theatre. We explore dynamics of relevance and intentionality that have been over-assumed and under-researched in leadership development to tease out implications for research and practice. Our empirical material is drawn from interviews, focus group workshops, an ethnodrama process, sustained observation and questionnaires. We offer two interconnected contributions: 1) the significance of ‘the politics of intentionality’ in a theoretical framing of leadership development and 2) the role of aesthetic reflexivity in navigating such politics. These contributions are accessed through a performance ontology anchored in the dramaturgical analysis of social life most famously applied by Goffman. Our overall framing of intentionality as a nuanced, fluid, plural and political alternative to purpose offers novel insight into the field of leadership development.
Towards a ‘vulnerable co-presence’ for hybrid ways of working: Recasting the nexus of co-presence and vulnerability with Merleau-Ponty and Butler
Authors: Bancou Leo
Published: April 2024

While hybrid working offers many benefits, its individualizing inclination creates ‘new vulnerabilities’ by making social ties and work collectives more precarious. A growing number of studies have referred to co-presence to examine how hybrid work arrangements reshape sociality and togetherness at work. However, most consider co-presence as fundamentally distinct from vulnerability, creating a common divide between the two phenomena. This conceptual article posits a normative argument that recasting how co-presence relates to vulnerability should help to address the ‘new vulnerabilities’ at stake in hybrid working. After briefly exploring how the literature examines the interplay of co-presence and vulnerability, I draw on existential phenomenology – in particular, the ontological arguments of Maurice Merleau-Ponty and Judith Butler – to develop the notion of ‘vulnerable co-presence’ before introducing three points of attention, namely how it is (1) ‘intercorporeal’, (2) ‘temporo-spatial’ and (3) ‘ethico-political’. I then outline the two main implications of this framework. First, it lays the groundwork for repoliticizing the hybrid workforce. Second, it offers practitioners a perceptual basis for imagining and learning new skills to ‘hold the collective together’ in hybrid organizational contexts. Finally, I present this article’s methodological contributions and suggest some avenues for future research.
Evaluation of the performance characteristics of aerostatic bearing with porous alumina (Al2O3) membrane using theoretical and experimental methods
Authors: Chakraborty Bivash , Bhattacharjee Biplab , Chakraborti Prasun , Biswas Nabarun
Published: April 2024

Instruments with high levels of precision commonly use aerostatic bearings. Moreover, the use of porous (Al2O3 membrane) material validates that the pressure is spread uniformly throughout the air film region. The impression of applied load on the thickness of the air film of the aerostatic bearings was evaluated using a certain experimental technique. As the applied load rises, the thickness of the air film expands, and as the compressive stress rises, it contracts. The theoretical model parameters were set using the experimental stipulations. It was discovered that the theoretical model and the experimental data were consistent. The pressure gradient induced in the air film and the air bearings’ capacity for carrying loads were calculated using a theoretical simulation. The results of theoretical modeling and experimental comparison of the different characteristics of porous (Al2O3 membrane) aerostatic bearings based on stiffness and load-carrying capacity are graphically illustrated in this study. Porous aerostatic bearings with Al2O3 membranes have a number of potential applications, including high-speed spindles, precision instruments, microelectromechanical systems, vacuum pumps, cryogenic applications, etc.
Swimming competence of 9–10-year-old Norwegian primary school children: A cross-sectional study of physical education
Authors: Sundan Jon , Haga Monika , Lorås Håvard
Published: April 2024

Swimming is a profound source of joy in life. The impact of swimming competence extends beyond leisure, encompassing aquatic skills crucial for the prevention of drowning incidents. The World Health Organization (WHO) strongly advocates for the proactive initiative of teaching basic swimming and water safety skills to school-aged children, which is recognized as a direct and effective measure in mitigating the risk of drowning. This article aims to investigate and quantify aquatic skills and swimming competence in 9–10-year-old primary school children. A study was conducted throughout the academic year of 2021–2022, as an integral component within the primary schools' physical education. The study design was tailored to facilitate large-group assessment, encompassing children from 69 primary schools ( n = 2421) situated across three Norwegian municipalities. The assessments were administered upon the culmination of the fourth-grade learn-to-swim programs and carried out using the Swimming Competence Assessment Scale, involving six consecutive aquatic skills: water entry, swimming on the front, surface diving, float/rest, swimming on the back, and water exit. The results indicated that 62.5% of the children successfully met the predetermined criteria for swimming competence according to the Norwegian standard. Among the six assessed aquatic skills, proficiency in swimming on the front emerged as the most influential factor contributing to the overall competence level. This study emphasizes the pivotal role of swimming education for school-aged children. It highlights the need to prioritize swimming and water safety education, initiating children's learning journey toward being water-competent.
‘If it's held dear, it’ll get pushed through’: Transmedia narratives, play cultures, and soft canon in tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs)
Authors: Wee Kellynn
Published: April 2024

Transmedia storytelling is a strategy adopted by media franchises and brands to create participatory story-worlds for their consumers; it incorporates a range of forms, actors, and texts, all of which have varying degrees of narrative authority in determining the events that occur. This article focuses on tabletop role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons to show how play cultures in Singapore are shaped by transmedia storytelling techniques. In doing so, it makes two contributions to existing research: first, it shifts scholarly focus from game texts to player practice, showing how communities of play are created through players’ emergent usage of transmedia storytelling techniques. Second, it describes a player practice of soft canon, which I theorise as an approach to shared world-making that prioritises the emotional resonance of narrative details over a positivist accounting of narrative events. The concept of soft canon reveals a new perspective on how communities create and sustain intersubjectively imagined worlds.
Beyond populism and into the state: The political economy of national-conservatism
Authors: Altinors Gorkem , Chryssogelos Angelos
Published: April 2024

This article argues that the crises of neoliberal globalisation since the 2000s have given rise to a new transnational political family that we call ‘national-conservatism’. Through a critical examination of the literature on the Global Right and the role of the state under globalisation, we contend that national-conservatism acts as an innovative model for acquiring and exerting power from the right today, characterised by an endorsement of the state’s economic role, an emphasis on traditional values and hierarchies such as religion, and a proactive, occasionally confrontational stance in foreign policy. Consequently, the paradigm of national-conservatism prompts the division of transnational neoliberalism into discrete national domains. These domains function as havens where the neoliberal elite is shielded both from foreign competitive pressures and radical demands of respective national societies. Crucially, national-conservatism garners legitimacy for this new order through its commitment to revitalising traditional, hierarchical models of national sovereignty.
Investigating the formability of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy sheets at elevated temperatures using experimental and numerical methods
Authors: Safdarian Rasoul , Parente Marco PL
Published: April 2024

The high weight-to-strength ratio of AA6061 aluminum alloys presents increased potential applications in industries such as automotive and aircraft. However, its limited formability at room temperature (RT) restricts its usage. Therefore, in the conducted study, the formability of AA6061-T6 sheets with a thickness of 2 mm was investigated at different temperatures in the range of RT up to 300°C. Both experimental and numerical methods were employed to investigate the forming limit diagram (FLD) of an AA6061-T6 sheet. The tests were conducted using a non-isothermal Nakajima standard die under dry contact conditions. Two damage criteria, the Johnson–Cook and the ductile fracture criterion (DFC), were used in a thermomechanically coupled finite element analysis in Abaqus/Explicit to predict fracture in the AA6061 sheet. To examine the impact of temperature on the friction coefficient in the punch and sheet contact, an atomic force microscope was used to measure the roughness of the sheet, after the FLD tests, were conducted at different temperatures. Results indicate an increase in FLD levels from RT up to 100°C, followed by a decrease, for temperatures surpassing 100°C. Experimental findings underscored the significance of the adhesive wear at elevated temperatures, acting as a decisive factor that hampers the material flow and the sheet deformation, in the contact between the sheet and punch.
A comparative study on the multidirectional piezo-resistive scenario of conventional and auxetic silicone-based sensors coated with graphite powder
Authors: Taherkhani Bahman , Tuncay Atalay Asli , Atalay Ozgur
Published: April 2024

The (comparative) study on the multidirectional piezo-resistive scenario of conventional and auxetic sensors is presented using silicone RTV2 as a base material coated with graphite powder as a sensing element. The key parameter of this comparison is the added area that appeared by applying the strain. The larger this parameter is, the larger the area for the sensing elements separation, and subsequently, the greater the sensitivity. To do the sensing performance test in a three-directional mode, a low-cost idea is to use a chuck lathe and an electric motor to open and close the chuck lath cyclically. The available commercial software ABAQUS2021 is used for numerical study. The sensitivity test on conventional and auxetic sensors in different loading modes shows that the performance of the auxetic sensor in unidirectional and bidirectional loading modes is 272% and 130% better than the conventional sensor, respectively. It means that if the added area for the two sensors is closer to each other, the sensory performance of the two sensors will be more similar. Although the sensing performance of the two sensors in the three-directional loading mode is almost equal, the consumed strain energy required to deform the conventional sensor is 30 times more than that of the auxetic one.
Canadian social workers’ attitudes toward immigrants with different legal statuses in Canada
Authors: Bhuyan Rupaleem , Osazuwa Sandra , Schmidt Catherine , Kwon Inwook , Rundle Andrew , Park Yoosun
Published: April 2024

This study contributes to the ongoing efforts to address systemic inequality within social work by examining Canadian social workers’ attitudes toward immigrants who are permanent residents (PR), refugees, temporary residents (TR), or undocumented immigrants. Using a cross-sectional design with a convenience sample (n = 653), we explore how social workers’ attitudes toward immigrants vary in relation to (a) respondents’ demographics, (b) contact with immigrants, (c) perceptions of equal opportunities among immigrants, (d) perceptions of deservingness for immigrants with different legal statuses, and (e) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these attitudes.

Findings

While Canadian social workers generally express positive attitudes toward immigrants, there is a slightly stronger endorsement for PR and refugees to access public services compared to nonstatus (NS) immigrants and TR. Social workers who identify as conservative or have limited contact with immigrants are more likely to perceive NS immigrants as potential criminal threats or burdens on the healthcare system. Significantly, a majority of respondents feel that their social work training inadequately prepares them to work effectively with immigrants.

Applications

Canadian social workers advocate for principles of diversity, inclusion, and commitment to social justice. However, perceptions regarding which immigrants deserve access to social services vary based on legal status, suggesting a limitation in social workers’ professional mandate. The study discusses implications for social work education and training, emphasizing the need to address and unsettle systemic racism within the profession.
Identification of Novel Cuproptosis-Related Genes Mediating the Prognosis and Immune Microenvironment in Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Qiang , Zhu Jianpeng , Huang Zhicheng , Zhang Xiaofeng , Yang Jianfeng
Published: April 2024

Background

Cuproptosis is a novel type of mediated cell death strongly associated with the progression of several cancers and has been implicated as a potential therapeutic target. However, the role of cuproptosis in cholangiocarcinoma for prognostic prediction, subgroup classification, and therapeutic strategies remains largely unknown.

Methods

A systematic analysis was conducted among 146 cuproptosis-related genes and clinical information based on independent mRNA and protein datasets to elucidate the potential mechanisms and prognostic prediction value of cuproptosis-related genes. A 10-cuproptosis-related gene prediction model was constructed, and its effects on cholangiocarcinoma prognosis were significantly connected to poor patient survival. Additionally, the expression patterns of our model included genes that were validated with several cholangiocarcinoma cancer cell lines and a normal biliary epithelial cell line.

Results

First, a 10-cuproptosis-related gene signature ( ADAM9, ADAM17, ALB, AQP1, CDK1, MT2A, PAM, SOD3, STEAP3, and TMPRSS6) displayed excellent predictive performance for the overall survival of cholangiocarcinoma. The low-cuproptosis group had a significantly better prognosis than the high-cuproptosis group with transcriptome and protein cohorts. Second, compared with the high-risk and low-risk groups, the 2 groups displayed distinct tumor microenvironments, reduced proportions of endothelial cells, and increased levels of cancer-associated fibroblasts based on CIBERSORTx and EPIC analyses. Third, patients’ sensitivities to chemotherapeutic drugs and immune checkpoints revealed distinctive differences between the 2 groups. Finally, in replicating the expression patterns of the 10 genes, these results were validated with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction results validating the abnormal expression pattern of the target genes in cholangiocarcinoma.

Conclusions

Collectively, we established and verified an effective prognostic model that could separate cholangiocarcinoma patients into 2 heterogeneous cuproptosis subtypes based on the molecular or protein characteristics of 10 cuproptosis-related genes. These findings may provide potential benefits for unveiling molecular characteristics and defining subgroups could improve the early diagnosis and individualized treatment of cholangiocarcinoma patients.
Predictive Value of NLR and PLR in Driver-Gene-Negative Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated with PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors: A Single Institutional Cohort Study
Authors: Yuan Qi , Xu Chunhua , Wang Wei , Zhang Qian
Published: April 2024

Objective

To investigate the predictive value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) for the efficacy and prognosis of programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors in driver-gene-negative advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 107 advanced NSCLC patients without gene mutations who received PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in our hospital from January 2020 to June 2022 was performed. NLR and PLR were collected before PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, the optimal cut-off values of NLR and PLR were determined according to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and the effects of NLR and PLR on the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in advanced NSCLC patients were analyzed.

Results

A total of 107 patients were included in this study. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the optimal cut-off values of NLR and PLR were 3.825, 179, respectively. Kaplan–Meier curve showed that low baseline levels NLR and PLR were associated with an improvement in both progression-free survival (PFS) ( P < .001, < .001, respectively) and overall survival (OS) ( P = .009, .006, respectively). In first-line treatment and non-first-line treatment, low baseline levels NLR and PLR were associated with an improvement in PFS. In multivariate analysis, low baseline NLR and PLR showed a strong association with both better PFS ( P = .011, .027, respectively) and longer OS ( P = .042, .039, respectively).

Conclusion

Low baseline NLR and PLR levels are significantly associated with better response in advanced NSCLC patients treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, which may be indicators to predict the efficacy of immunotherapy in advanced NSCLC with driver-gene-negative.
Status and Influencing Factors of Foot Care Behavior for Patients with Diabetic Foot Amputation: Across-Sectional Study
Authors: Shi Wenli , Zhou Qianya , Yang Dan , Yang Jie , Liu Chao , Pan Hongying
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to investigate the contemporary status and influencing factors of foot self-care behavior in diabetic foot amputation patients. A total of 250 patients with diabetic foot amputation were included. The general information questionnaire, Chinese Version of the Nottingham Assessment of Function Footcare (CNAFF), Knowledge of Diabetic Foot Questionnaire, and The Third Version of the Diabetes Attitude Scale were used to investigate the status and influencing factors of foot self-care behavior in patients with diabetic foot amputation. From our sample, the Chinese version of Nottingham foot care behavior score was 68.32 ± 10.35 points, which showed that the foot self-care behavior of patients with diabetic foot amputation is at a medium level. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that education level, the knowledge of how to choose shoes and socks, the knowledge of self-care for feet, the need for special training in education, and the patient's autonomy in diabetes care were the main factors influencing foot self-care behavior of patients with diabetic foot amputation ( P < 0.05). The total variation of CNAFF score was 49%. The results of this study show that the level of foot care of diabetic amputees must be improved, and medical staffs need to take targeted intervention measures to help patients improve their self-care behavior after amputation, thereby reducing the recurrence rate of diabetic feet and improving their quality of life.
Internet-Based Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Services Among Colombian Youth: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Brisson Julien , Volesky-Avellaneda Karena D
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is a sensitive subject, and young people may be unfamiliar with how to access SRH services. In this cross-sectional study, we examined young people's internet use to understand how they accessed SRH clinics in Colombia. This study also explored Colombian youth's interest in online material teaching how to access SRH services. Methods: During August 2019–February 2020, patients aged 10–24 years old presenting at two SRH clinics in Colombia were invited to answer a survey. Chi-square tests were performed to assess possible differences in how participants inquired how to access the clinic according to sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Among the 812 patients who participated, 91.4% were female and the median age was 19 years. To inquire how to access the SRH clinic, 30.7% of participants asked their parent(s) and 24.0% used the internet. Participants aged 20–24 years old were more likely to use the internet compared to younger participants ( p < .001). Most respondents (81.5%) were interested in the availability of online material explaining how to access SRH services. Conclusions: While Colombian youth learned about how to access SRH clinics from several different sources, the vast majority indicated their interest in having access to online materials explaining how to access SRH services.
Roe v. Wade Overturned: The Association of Acculturation with Interest in and Awareness of Hospital Services for Family Planning Among Hispanic Women
Authors: Lee Deborah , Fogel Joshua , Arce Linda , Idriss Mohab , Thomas Madilyn , Fatehi Mary
Published: April 2024

Introduction: The overturning of Roe v. Wade impacted family planning services in many areas of the United States (US). Our study investigates the association of acculturation with interest in and awareness of family planning hospital services of contraception and elective termination of pregnancy among Hispanic women. Methods: We surveyed 306 Hispanic women at a public hospital in a Long Island suburb of New York City. Predictor variables were acculturation (language, media, ethnic social relations) measured by the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics and years lived in the US. Outcome variables were interest in and awareness of hospital services of family planning for elective abortion and non-elective non-abortion family planning methods. Results: For interest in hospital services, both language and ethnic social relations acculturation were significantly positively associated with almost all family planning methods whether abortion or non-abortion. However, media acculturation and years lived in the US were significantly positively associated with abortion but not the non-abortion methods. For awareness of hospital services, only language acculturation was significantly positively associated with abortion and some nonelective non-abortion family planning methods. Conclusion: We recommend that healthcare providers and hospitals should be aware of acculturation levels when providing counseling and information about family planning methods to Hispanic women.
Influence of Medical Interpreters on the Healthcare Experiences of Hospitalized Spanish-Speaking Patients
Authors: Arce Guzman Christian , Morocho Catherin D. , Lentsch Kristen , Meagher Ashley D.
Published: April 2024

Introduction: The perspective of hospitalized patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) in US hospitals interacting with language-discordant healthcare providers remains understudied. Our goal is to examine the inpatient experiences of Spanish-speaking patients and offer suggestions to improve patient satisfaction. Methods: A survey was administered to Spanish-speaking patients using interpreters during their admission to medicine at an urban, academic hospital. Qualitative thematic analysis of responses was conducted. Results: Thirty-six patients completed the survey. Despite limited use of interpreters, the majority of patients rated interpretation services as excellent, reported high level of involvement in care and respect of their opinions, and preferred video remote interpreting and in-person interpreters. Language barrier and cost affected patients’ comfort level requesting health care services. The mean patient satisfaction score was 9.64. Patients suggested an increase in bilingual personnel, improved access to interpreters, specifically in-person. Conclusion: Although highly satisfied, patients reported inconsistent use of interpretation services in the inpatient setting and suboptimal access. Hospitals should strive to provide language-concordant care and patient-centered interpretation. Patients’ understanding of their health care rights needs better assessment to ease the inpatient experience. Further research is needed to estimate the regard for autonomy by Spanish-speaking patients in their own care.
Sensitive Identification of Asymmetries and Neuromuscular Deficits in Lower Limb Function in Early Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Geßner Anne , Hartmann Maximilian , Vágó Anikó , Trentzsch Katrin , Schriefer Dirk , Mehrholz Jan , Ziemssen Tjalf
Published: April 2024

Background

In the early stages of multiple sclerosis (MS), there are no objective sensitive functional assessments to identify and quantify early subclinical neuromuscular deficits and lower limb strength asymmetries during complex movements. Single-countermovement jumps (SLCMJ), a maximum single leg vertical jump, on a force plate allow functional evaluation of unilateral lower limb performance in performance diagnostics and could therefore provide early results on asymmetries in MS.

Objective

Objective evaluation of early lower limb neuromuscular deficits and asymmetries in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) using SLCMJ on a force plate.

Methods

A study was conducted with pwMS (N = 126) and healthy controls (N = 97). All participants performed 3 maximal SLCMJs on a force plate. Temporal, kinetic, and power jump parameters were collected. The Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was performed on all participants. A repeated measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with age, Body-Mass-Index, and gender as covariates was used.

Results

PwMS with normal muscle strength according to the manual muscle tests showed significantly reduced SLCMJ performance compared to HC. In both groups, jumping performance differed significantly between the dominant and non-dominant leg, with higher effect size for pwMS. A significant interaction effect between leg dominance and group was found for propulsive time, where the pwMS showed an even higher difference between the dominant and non-dominant leg compared to HC. Furthermore, there was a significant small correlation between leg asymmetries and EDSS in pwMS.

Conclusion

The study shows that the SLCMJ on a force plate is suitable for the early detection of subclinical lower limb neuromuscular deficits and strength asymmetries in MS.
Original Research: Clinical Significance of a Unique Pediatric EEG Configuration: Bi-Frontal Spikes With Simultaneous Bi-Occipital Positivity
Authors: Crawford Jacqueline , McFarlane Cassie , Datta Anita N
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Frontal-predominant epileptiform discharges (EDs) include generalized spike-wave (GSW) and frontal spikes (FS). However, negative bi-frontal ED with simultaneous occipital positivity (BFOD) are rare, leading to questions regarding physiological generators. Methods: To determine the clinical significance of BFOD, electroclinical features of children with BFOD (n = 40) were compared to control patients with GSW (n = 102) and FS (n = 100). Results: Results are presented in the following order: BFOD, GSW, and FS. Epilepsy was prevalent among the groups: 95.0%, 90.2%, and 77.0%, respectively. The median age of seizure-onset did not significantly differ between groups: 3.00, 4.00, and 2.25 years, respectively. Regarding EEG background features, the BFOD group had more disorganized sleep architecture than other groups, P < .005. There was a significant difference in the proportion of developmental delay (DD) between the groups ( P < .005). BFOD had much higher odds of DD compared to GSW and FS groups: odds ratio (OR) (confidence interval [CI]) 19.44 [5.64, 64.05] and 3.98 [1.16, 13.34]. Furthermore, BFOD had much higher odds of severe DD compared to GSW and FS groups: 9.60 [2.75, 33.45] and 2.73 [1.03, 7.27]. A Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) score of  ≥ 4 was more prevalent in BFOD (22.5%), than GSW (0%) and FS groups (9%). On neuroimaging, BFOD had more structural ( P < .005) and multilobar structural ( P < .05) abnormalities than control groups. Conclusion: Children with BFOD had particularly severe significant DD, considerable motor deficit (GMFCS ≥ 4), and brain structural abnormalities, often multilobar. This suggests BFOD is a marker of severe underlying brain dysfunction and not benign when encountered on routine EEG review.
Blurring the Lines Between Victimhood and Responsibilization? Sex as Behavioral Problems in Court Decisions on Compulsory Care of Young People
Authors: Vogel Maria A. , Pettersson Tove
Published: April 2024

Formal social control of girls has historically focused on disciplining their sexual behavior, and studies show this is still present. This article analyses how authorities describe and give meaning to young people’s sexual behavior when assessing their need of compulsory care. The results show that in the few cases when boys’ sexual behavior is highlighted, it concerns sexual delinquency. The assessments of girls’ sexual behavior largely regards situations where they are exposed to others’ sexual transgressions, risking to victim-blame girls. This is discussed in relation to gendered understandings of sexual behavior and supposed gaps in legislation.
Renal Metastasis Arising From a Pulmonary Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma: A Rare Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Ding Guixin , Wang Tianqi , Liu Hongquan , Zou Qingsong , Wu Jitao
Published: April 2024

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), a rare malignancy, typically originates in salivary glands and is rarely found in other locations. In this case report, we describe a 54-year-old male patient who was presented to the Urology Department of Yantai Yuhuangding hospital with right-sided waist pain. The patient underwent percutaneous ultrasound-guided biopsies of lesions in the kidney and lung, which were histologically confirmed as primary adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lung and metastatic renal adenoid cystic carcinoma, respectively. Given the presence of multiple metastases, the patient received systemic palliative chemotherapy, which was well-tolerated and effectively controlled the tumor. At the last follow-up, there was no evidence of tumor progression in the patient.
Using Focus Groups to Explore Older Black Men’s Perception of Dietary Interventions
Authors: Shaw Ashley R. , Vidoni Eric D. , Key Mickeal N. , Yates Brandon A. , Thorpe Roland
Published: April 2024

Older Black men are underrepresented in research despite being disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors related to AD compared with non-Hispanic Whites. Although dietary interventions have shown promise to reduce modifiable CV risk factors related to AD, Black Americans have lower adherence likely due to lack of cultural considerations. Using a noninterventional convergent parallel mixed-methods approach, this study examined the cultural contexts that inform perceptions of dietary interventions among older Midwestern Black men. All participants completed an online demographic and dietary habit survey prior to focus group discussions. Two focus group discussion sessions were conducted with a total of 10 cognitively normal Black men aged 55 years and older. Survey data were analyzed using a frequency analysis and qualitative data were analyzed using a six-step thematic analysis process. Most men indicated having hypertension ( N = 7, 77.8%) and currently not following a dietary eating pattern ( N = 8, 88.9%). Emerging themes identified included (1) knowledge of dementia, (2) perceptions of dietary interventions, (3) barriers impacting participation in dietary interventions, and (4) overcoming barriers to engage Black men in dietary interventions. Findings from this study should inform the design of future dietary interventions for AD prevention to enhance participation among older Black men.
Dose–Response Study of Caffeine on Postnatal Weight Gain in Premature Neonates—A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hussain Ijaz , Kumar Manoj , Ali Amin , Naz Fizzah , Khan Wasif Ahmed , Salat Muhammad Sohail , Rauf Shahzad , Ambreen Gul , Hussain Kashif
Published: April 2024

Background

Caffeine citrate (CC)-induced excessive energy expenditure, diuresis, natriuresis, and other CC-associated potential side effects (CC-APSEs) result in lower daily weight gain (WG) in premature neonates. This study aimed to assess higher CC-doses’ effect on the mean daily-WG (MD-WG) and CC-APSE development, considering 5 mg/kg/day as the standard regimen.

Method

This retrospective cohort study included neonates of ≤36 weeks gestational age and received CC-therapy. The same participants were followed for data analysis in two postnatal phases: 15–28 and 29–42 days of life (DOL). Based on daily CC-dose, formed group-I=(5 mg/kg/day), group-II=(>5–7 mg/kg/day), and group-III=(>7 mg/kg/day). Data was analyzed separately for group-II and group-III using group-I as the standard.

Results

The study included 284 neonates. During phase-I, the MD-WG was significantly higher in group-I than group-II (19.9 ± .88 g/kg/d vs 17.5 ± .49, P = .031) and group-III (19.9 ± .88 g/kg/d vs 16.7 ± .71, P < .001). During 29–42 DOL, the MD-WG of group-I was only significantly higher than group-III (21.5 ± .42 g/kg/d vs 18.1 ± .39 g/kg/d, P = .003) and comparable with group-II. During 15–28 DOL, CC-APSEs were significantly higher in group-II and group-III but during 29–42 DOL was significant only in group-III.

Conclusion

Exposure to higher caffeine doses in this study cohort is associated with lower postnatal WG in preterm neonates than standard daily doses may be due to its catabolic effects and CC-APSEs.
A large UK single-centre experience in the long-term safety and efficacy of Woven Endobridge in the treatment of wide-neck intracranial aneurysms and risk factors associated with re-bleeding and re-treatment
Authors: Moughal Saad , Islim Fathallah Ismail , Nejadhamzeeigilani Hamed , Saleem Nayyar , Goddard Tony , Patankar Tufail
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Endovascular treatment of wide neck aneurysms remains complicated with a determined and continuous technological effort towards treatment options that can offer safer and efficacious outcomes. The Woven Endobridge device was introduced in 2010 and has become a mainstay endovascular treatment for wide neck and large intracranial aneurysms. A recent review of the Woven Endobridge Clinical Assessment of Intrasaccular Aneurysm Therapy (WEBCAST) and WEBCAST2 trials and the five-year follow-up of patients was published. Our aim is to demonstrate real-life experience of aneurysms and patients treated with Woven Endobridge from a large high-volume specialist centre.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of patients treated with Woven Endobridge from March 2013 to March 2018. Primary efficacy outcomes were defined as per Raymond-Roy Occlusion Criteria (RROC) resulting in long-term complete occlusion (RROC1) and adequate occlusion (RROC1 and RROC2). Primary Safety outcomes were defined as procedure-related morbidity, rate of re-bleeding and rate of re-treatment.

Results

Seventy-nine aneurysms were treated during the five-year period. Adequate aneurysm occlusion (RROC1 and RROC2) achieved was 81%. Retreatment was required in 18% of patients (14/79). Greater retreatment rate was demonstrated in partially thrombosed aneurysms, aneurysms with larger neck and dome diameter and dome heights.

Conclusion

Woven Endobridge treatment of wide-neck intracranial aneurysms offers a safe and efficacious outcome. This large UK single-centre experience demonstrates congruity with recent five-year outcomes of WEBCAST and WEBCAST2 trials.
Multicenter US clinical experience with the Scepter Mini balloon catheter
Authors: Salem Mohamed M. , Kelmer Paz , Sioutas Georgios S. , Ostmeier Sophie , Hoang Alex , Cortez Gustavo , El Naamani Kareem , Abbas Rawad , Hanel Ricardo , Tanweer Omar , Srinivasan Visish M. , Jabbour Pascal , Kan Peter , Jankowitz Brian T. , Heit Jeremy J. , Burkhardt Jan-Karl
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Distal navigability and imprecise delivery of embolic agents are two limitations encountered during liquid embolization of cerebrospinal lesions. The dual-lumen Scepter Mini balloon (SMB) microcatheter was introduced to overcome these conventional microcatheters’ limitations with few small single-center reports suggesting favorable results.

Methods

A series of consecutive patients undergoing SMB-assisted endovascular embolization were extracted from prospectively maintained registries in seven North-American centers (November 2019 to September 2022).

Results

Fifty-four patients undergoing 55 embolization procedures utilizing SMB were included (median age 58.5; 48.1% females). Cranial dural arteriovenous fistula embolization was the most common indication (54.5%) followed by cranial arteriovenous malformation (27.3%). Staged/pre-operative embolization was done in 36.4% of cases; and 83.6% of procedures using Onyx-18. Most procedures utilized a transarterial approach (89.1%), and SMB-induced arterial-flow arrest concurrently with transvenous embolization was used in 10.9% of procedures. Femoral access/triaxial setups were utilized in the majority of procedures (65.5% and 60%, respectively). The median vessel diameter where the balloon was inflated of 1.8 mm, with a median of 1.5 cc of injected embolic material per procedure. Technical failures occurred in 5.5% of cases requiring aborting/replacement with other devices without clinical sequelae in any of the patients, with SMB-related procedural complications of 3.6% without clinical sequelae. Radiographic imaging follow-up was available in 76.9% of the patients (median follow-up 3.8 months), with complete occlusion (100%) or >50% occlusion in 92.5% of the cases, and unplanned retreatments in 1.8%.

Conclusion

The SMB microcatheter is a useful new adjunctive device for balloon-assisted embolization of cerebrospinal lesions with a high technical success rate, favorable outcomes, and a reasonable safety profile.
Cangrelor for neurointerventional procedures: A systematic review
Authors: Coulibaly Nangorgo J. , Elgouhari Mohammed H. , Arshad Muhammad H. , Waqas Muhammad , Shallwani Hussain , Shakir Hakeem J.
Published: April 2024

Thromboembolism is a complication of neurointerventional procedures that requires patients to be placed under antiplatelet therapy. Current options for antiplatelet therapies have a delayed onset of action that prevents a rapid door to puncture transition for patents presenting in acute settings. Cangrelor (Kengreal, Chiesi, USA) is an intravenous P2Y12 platelet inhibitor approved in percutaneous coronary interventions that has an immediate onset of action and half-life between 2 and 6 min. Thus, the goal of this study is to report on the safety, effectiveness, and indications for using Cangrelor in neurointerventional procedures. A systematic review of studies describing the use of Cangrelor in neurointervention was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The search was conducted on PubMed, Ovid Medline, and Embase databases through June 2023. Seventeen studies with 314 patients met inclusion criteria. The most common indication for Cangrelor use was acute ischemic strokes: 70% followed by aneurysms 27.4%. The Infusion protocol varied from 5 to 30 μg/kg bolus and 1 to 4 µg/kg/min infusion with 30 μg/kg bolus and 4 µg/kg/min infusion being reported in 64.7% of studies. Intra-operative platelet reacting unit levels were below 200 in all the studies that reported it, and the percentage of hemorrhagic, thromboembolic, and deaths occurrence in this patient cohort was respectively 11.1%, 4.8%, and 8.6%. Cangrelor appears to be a promising P2Y12 platelet inhibitor for neurointerventional procedures. However, large, randomized trials are needed to determine the full range of its effects in neurointerventional procedures.
Effects of train speed on dynamic performance of shoe-rail interaction system
Authors: Pan Like , Peng Peihuo , Xing Tong , Yang Caizhi , He Fan
Published: April 2024

The increase of the running speed of electric train has a certain influence on the dynamic performance of coupling of conductor rail and collector shoe. In this paper, the mechanical characteristics of coupling vibration between shoe and rail for high-speed trains are studied by using a numerical simulation method, and the effects of train speed on the vibration law of shoe-rail interaction system are analyzed. The results show that both the maximum displacement of the rail and the maximum contact force between the shoe and the rail increase with the increase of the train speed. The bending moment of the rail, the maximum displacement of the shoe, the elastic and viscous forces of the shoe all decrease first and then increase. In particular, when the train speed increases from 275 to 300 km/h, the displacement, bending moment, contact force, and other mechanical quantities increase significantly, which indicate that it will lead to a sharp increase in vibration degree when the train speed exceeds 275 km/h. Therefore, in the case of actual operating parameters in this paper, it is recommended that the train speed does not exceed 275 km/h.
Transient MHD Darcy-Forchheimer of Williamson-Casson flow with CCS: Application of wastewater treatment
Authors: Al-Arabi Taghreed H , Elgazery Nasser S , Elelamy Asmaa F
Published: April 2024

With regards to the Cattaneo-Christoph (CCS) speculation, the thermal and mass transfer of a MHD Williamson-Casson ferrofluid flow through a permeable medium obeying the Darcy-Forchmeier law through an extended chamber or slab is carefully considered. The chemical reaction and Buongiorno nanofluid model were modified in the model to describe the nanoscale properties of liquid particles. Heat sources can be divided into two categories: linear and exponential space-dependent convection heat sources. The entire governing equations are changed to common differential terms, using a reasonable similarity change. These equations and their associated boundary conditions are calculated numerically via the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method. Comparison was made with the analytical solution in a special case, and very good agreement was reached. Economic success with deeper water purification can be attained by developing models for wastewater treatment facilities, conducting experiments and calculations on them, and making predictions for their nature in order to improve their cleaning efficiency, Prevent issues from arising during construction, operation, and reconstruction. The structural parameters of the quencher were physically modeled using mathematical modeling; It is possible to establish a cost-effective and effective filter model for industry and small settlements using the calculations and vertical filter model created in the article. Furthermore, it will be feasible to produce. Our mathematical procedure assure that: the deposit’s mass will be diminished through treated water under attractive field impacts; The magnetic field openness with nanometer-sized particles modifies the physical and synthetic properties of water particles bringing about exceptional characteristics; the water concentration will be decreased with the increase in the bending modulus; This means that in wastewater treatment the sediment mass will decrease.