bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“I want kids to have the same feeling as I do towards physical activity”: Acculturation of British preservice physical education teachers
Authors: Curtner-Smith Matthew D , Theodoulides Andrew , Chappell Anne , Harris Elizabeth , Kinchin Gary D
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this study was to describe the acculturation of six British physical education (PE) preservice teachers (PSTs). The research questions we sought to answer were: (a) What were the PSTs’ values, beliefs, and perspectives regarding PE? and (b) What factors shaped the PSTs’ values, beliefs, and perspectives during their acculturation? We collected data with three types of formal interviewing and employed standard interpretive techniques to reduce the data to themes. Key findings were that the PSTs aspired to a career teaching secondary PE, possessed a balanced orientation to teaching curricular PE and coaching extracurricular sport, and espoused a mostly traditional multi-activity curriculum that was dominated by sport. The main attractors to a career in PE were the opportunity to maintain a connection with sport and working with youth. The key shaper of the PSTs’ perspectives was their apprenticeships of observation. These findings should aid sport pedagogy faculty in their efforts to produce stronger initial teacher education programs.
Doubly marginalized? Japanese gay men with interracial desires
Authors: Kaneko Hazuki , Khor Diana
Published: July 2024

Postwar Japan has built a new self-image as a peaceful, ethnically homogeneous island nation, obscuring the imperialist past. In this context, same-ethnic/racial partnering or so-called ethnic endogamy has been reinforced, whether gay or straight, as a normative sexual desire and practice. Japanese people who engage in intimate relationships with foreigners are potentially considered deviant and subject to social marginalization. Drawing on in-depth interview data, this research focuses on the experiences of Japanese gay men with such peripheral desires, examining how they negotiate their partner preferences when encountering social disapproval or stigma. Further, this research also discusses how their racialized desire intersects with their queer sexuality, simultaneously resisting and perpetuating same-ethnic/racial partnering normativity.
Black Marxism, Racial Capitalism, and Greek and Balkan Coloniality Studies: Toward an Abolitionist Perspective
Authors: Bjelić Dušan I.
Published: July 2024

The end of the Cold War marked the beginning of the Balkan and Greek postcolonial and de-colonial studies. The Yugoslav ethnic wars, the Greek “financial crisis,” and the European migration crisis generated a body of critical studies on regional nationalism, coloniality, and racialism and the Balkans and Greece's ambiguous relation to Europe. Cedric J. Robinson's Black Marxism: The Making of the Black Radical Tradition was missing from the large spectrum of postcolonial literature. This absence is surprising given that the book historicizes the simultaneous occurrence of colonialism, capitalism, racism, and modernity in the Balkan and the East Mediterranean during the late feudalism. The absence of this history from the Balkan's post and de-colonial studies deprives these studies of an abolitionist perspective; rather than opting for “provincializing Europe” empowered by this history of the native enslavements and colonization, these studies, much as Black radicalism should mobilize the region for the political culture for the abolition of “Europe.”
Reflexive anthropology: On the method-guided construction of premises in social theory
Authors: Lindemann Gesa
Published: July 2024

The notion of reflexive anthropology follows Bourdieu's concept of reflexive sociology. It argues that it is necessary to take a reflexive look at the “unconscious” of sociological research in order to overcome epistemological limitations. At the same time, however, Bourdieu fails to identify scientific research practice as part of a differentiated society that is structurally dependent on the cult of the individual (Durkheim). Therefore reflexive sociology needs to be complemented by a reflexive anthropology that analyzes the human person and its normative special status as an institution of a horizontally differentiated society. This leads to the question that I explore in this article: what follows from the fact that the anthropological premises of sociological research affirm the anthropological conception of modern sociation? The fact that sociology reproduces the anthropological certainties of modern society has been repeatedly criticized. Based on these arguments, I present a critical procedure that allows us to work out whether and to what extent the general conceptual presuppositions of research reproduce modern anthropocentrism. Finally, I outline a social theory that makes it possible to render the modern self-conception an object of study.
Research on the spatial quantity distribution of fibers in ultra high performance concrete slabs based on image recognition method
Authors: Fan Xueming , Zhao Kun , Wu Honglin , Sun Xiangdong , Ma Yuquan , Xu Jiabo , Chen Chunhua , Tian Yueqiang
Published: July 2024

In this paper, the detection of fiber distribution in six UHPC slabs with fiber content of 1%, 2%, 3%, and horizontal pouring and vertical pouring is studied by image recognition method. The results show that: firstly, the fiber distribution can be identified by a series of processing steps, such as grayscale and binarization of fiber source image, extraction of initial detection area, extraction of fiber contour and segmentation of fiber adhesion area. Furthermore, it is proposed that the scaling curve of n-e detection area per pixel of fiber number can anchor the effective recognition area range of fiber. Secondly, the statistical analysis of the identification results can visually draw the fiber distribution maps of different types of UHPC slabs in different directions, and quantitatively characterize the fiber distribution uniformity of UHPC slabs by quoting the evaluation index of fiber distribution coefficient. Finally, the cross-sectional fiber Scatter Density Plot can perceptually show the degree of fiber dispersion and its position distribution. The more uniform the color, the more uniform the fiber distribution in the cross-section of the specimen.
Effect of polypropylene fibers on the bond-slip performance of HSS bars in HPC and UHPC
Authors: Pour Arash K. , Noroozinejad Farsangi Ehsan
Published: July 2024

To control the structural performance of reinforced concrete (RC) members, enough bonding between rebars and concrete should be provided. Different parameters affect the bond interaction between rebars and concrete. This investigation tends to assess the bonding resistance behaviour of high-strength steel (HSS) bars in concrete considering the effect of two types of concrete: high-performance concrete (HPC) and ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC). In addition to the type of concrete, the effect of fibers incorporation is measured. For this aim, a total of thirty-six specimens were cast and evaluated. Two diameters (12 mm and 16 mm) and three embedded lengths (1, 2, and 3 times the diameter of rebars) were also used, and the impact of the rebar’s diameter and embedded length on the load-bearing capacity, stress and slip of rebars were examined. To boost the bonding characteristics of reinforcements, three various polypropylene fibres (PF) contents were added: 0%, 0.5% and 1%. A pull-out test was carried out on samples. In addition, the obtained results and previous models proposed by literature have been employed to generate new models to predict the bond-slip characteristics of HSS bars in HPC and UHPC when different PF contents are incorporated. The results showed that the maximum peak of slip between the HSS bars and concrete deteriorated with the utilisation of PF, and this peak declined more for UHPC. Additionally, the load capability of specimens was significantly enhanced when PF were added. Finally, the model suggested in this paper may be used to forecast the ultimate stress and bond-slip characteristics of HSS bars in conventional and PF-reinforced HPC and UHPC, with a good level of correctness with the experimental results.
Prevalence, clinical presentation, and treatment-management of cerebral venous thrombosis associated with spontaneous intracranial hypotension: A combined case-series and systematic literature review approach
Authors: Risi Gaetano , Ducros Anne , van Dokkum Liesjet , Lonjon Nicolas , Marchi Nicola , Villain Max , Costalat Vincent , Cagnazzo Federico
Published: July 2024

Background

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare complication of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH). Therefore, its correct diagnosis and the corresponding optimal treatment-management identification remains challenging.

Methods

Over the last 10 years, 300 patients received a definite SIH diagnosis at our stroke center. Through thorough review of the database, we identified all patients with SIH-related CVT. In addition, we performed a systematic literature review including all publications on SIH-related CVT.

Results

Five out of our 300 SIH patients showed CVT (F/M:2/3, mean age: 51.8 ± 15.7). Through the literature search, 72 additional cases were identified. Overall, the prevalence was 1.3% and main clinical presentations were orthostatic headache, nausea, and vomiting. The CVT was predominantly located at the superior sagittal sinus. Treatment strategies included anticoagulants (ACs) (43%), epidural blood patch (EBP) (19.4%), and combined AC + EBP (33.3%). In our cohort, all but one patient received combined EBP and AC. The mean clinical and radiological follow-up were 2 years and 1.5 years, respectively. Complete clinical recovery was reported in 96% of the cases, whereas 56% showed complete radiological CVT resolution. Among patients without radiological resolution (26.4%), 57% received AC-only, while 43% received combined AC + EBP. Of our five cases, all but one patient received combined AC + EBP.

Conclusion

The overall prevalence of SIH-related CVT was 1.3%. AC and combined AC + EBP were the most used treatment-management strategies. CVT resolution was more commonly achieved after the combined strategy. Overall, the rate of complete clinical recovery was 96%.
Chronic subdural hematoma: What precisely are we treating?
Authors: Qiao Yang , Alkarawi Sáfa , Provasek Vincent E , Zhang Yi Jonathan , Tsappidi Samuel , Hui Ferdinand
Published: July 2024

Subdural hematoma (SDH) refers to the collection of blood between the dura matter and the arachnoid membrane. Advancements in imaging technology have enabled the categorization of SDH based on specific imaging characteristics, causative factors, and the onset of symptoms. Given that the prognosis of SDHs varies significantly and is contingent upon the size and chronicity of the hemorrhage, a comprehensive understanding of its subtypes may carry crucial treatment implications. For example, an acute SDH classically results from severe traumatic brain injury and appears as a homogenous, crescent-shaped hyperdense extra-axial collection. If not treated, over the course of 1–3 weeks, this hematoma will evolve into a sub-acute phenotype as a consequence of subdural effusion and demonstrate mixed-density hemorrhage on imaging. Chronic SDH (cSDH) becomes the end result of an untreated SDH, with neo-membranization and neo-angiogenesis from branches of the middle meningeal artery driving a mass-like growth pattern. This review article aims to elucidate the complex anatomical features of the end-stage cSDH, with a particular focus on reconceptualization of this entity based on its mass-like growth patterns, and how this is driving a shift towards endovascular treatment.
“Standard” Appearance and “Accentless” Speech: How Performance Neutrality Limits Diversity in Broadcast News
Authors: Powers Elia
Published: July 2024

Scholars commonly reference journalistic neutrality, but not in the context of self-presentation. This study examines how journalists feel compelled to demonstrate neutrality through their performance of self. Through in-depth interviews ( n = 57) with broadcast journalists and those who shape their on-air presentation, I explore the construct of performance neutrality, identifying dimensions related to speech, appearance, and demeanor. Journalists negotiated expectations of performance neutrality by conforming to—and in some cases challenging—restrictive institutionalized norms. Drawing on social constructionism theory and the notion of White normativity, I argue that neutrality is a false ideal that upholds the status quo and limits diversity in broadcast journalism.
What is “Jewish” about the Jewish Left in Palestine/Israel?
Authors: Omer Atalia
Published: July 2024

The Jewish Left in Palestine/Israel has its own legacies of Palestinian-Jewish activism. I will examine those legacies with a particular focus on the thirty years from 1993 to 2023, when the Jewish anti-occupation independent Left shifted from prioritizing Left anti-colonial secular internationalist ideologies as grounds for regional and international visions of equality from the River Jordan and the Mediterranean Sea into a hermeneutical introspection of what “Jewish” might mean in Palestine/Israel through intersectional and decolonial prisms.
Lap-Shear Performance of Weld-Bonded Mg Alloy and Austenitic Stainless Steel in Three-Sheet Stack-Up
Authors: Manladan Sunusi Marwana , Hamza Mukhtar Fatihu , Ramesh Singh , Luo Zhen
Published: July 2024

With the growing interest in utilizing Mg and austenitic stainless steel (ASS) in the automotive sector, joining them together in three-sheet configuration is inevitable. However, achieving this task presents considerable challenges due to the large differences in their physical, metallurgical and mechanical properties. To overcome these challenges, the feasibility of using weld-bonding to join Mg alloy/ASS/ASS was investigated. The nugget formation, interface characteristics, microstructure and mechanical properties of the joints were investigated. The results show that the connection between the Mg alloy and upper ASS was achieved through the combined effect of the cured adhesive and weld-brazing in the weld zone. On the other hand, a metallurgical bond was formed at the ASS/ASS interface. The Mg nugget microstructure exhibited fine columar grains composed predominantly of primary α-Mg grains along with a eutectic mixture of α-Mg and β-Mg17Al12. The nugget formed at the ASS/ASS interface consisted largely of columnar grains of austenite, with some equiaxed dendritic grains formed at the centerline of the joint. The weld-bonded joints exhibited an average peak load and energy absorption of about 8.5 kN and 17 J, respectively (the conventional RSW joints failed with minimal or no load application). The failure mode of the joints changed with increasing welding current from interfacial failure via the Mg nugget/upper ASS interface to partial interfacial failure (part of the Mg nugget was pulled out of the Mg sheet). Both failure modes were accompanied by cohesive failure in the adhesive zone.
Dynamics Modeling and Parameter Identification for a Coupled-Drive Dual-Arm Nursing Robot
Authors: Lu Hao , Yang Zhiqiang , Zhu Deliang , Deng Fei , Guo Shijie
Published: July 2024

A dual-arm nursing robot can gently lift patients and transfer them between a bed and a wheelchair. With its lightweight design, high load-bearing capacity, and smooth surface, the coupled-drive joint is particularly well suited for these robots. However, the coupled nature of the joint disrupts the direct linear relationship between the input and output torques, posing challenges for dynamic modeling and practical applications. This study investigated the transmission mechanism of this joint and employed the Lagrangian method to construct a dynamic model of its internal dynamics. Building on this foundation, the Newton-Euler method was used to develop a dynamic model for the entire robotic arm. A continuously differentiable friction model was incorporated to reduce the vibrations caused by speed transitions to zero. An experimental method was designed to compensate for gravity, inertia, and modeling errors to identify the parameters of the friction model. This method establishes a mapping relationship between the friction force and motor current. In addition, a Fourier series-based excitation trajectory was developed to facilitate the identification of the dynamic model parameters of the robotic arm. Trajectory tracking experiments were conducted during the experimental validation phase, demonstrating the high accuracy of the dynamic model and the parameter identification method for the robotic arm. This study presents a dynamic modeling and parameter identification method for coupled-drive joint robotic arms, thereby establishing a foundation for motion control in humanoid nursing robots.
Studies on the thermal sensitivity of lung cancer cells exposed to an alternating magnetic field and magnesium-doped maghemite nanoparticles
Authors: Sikorska Malgorzata , Domanski Grzegorz , Bamburowicz-Klimkowska Magdalena , Kasprzak Artur , Nowicka Anna M. , Ruzycka-Ayoush Monika , Grudzinski Ireneusz P.
Published: July 2024

Background

Magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) represents a promising therapeutic strategy in cancer utilizing the heating capabilities of magnetic nanoparticles when exposed to an alternating magnetic field (AMF). Because the efficacy and safety of MFH treatments depends on numerous intrinsic and extrinsic factors, therefore, the proper MFH setups should focus on thermal energy dosed into the cancer cells.

Methods

In this study, we performed MFH experiments using human lung cancer A549 cells (in vitro) and NUDE Balb/c mice bearing human lung (A549) cancer (in vivo). In these two experimental models, the heat was induced by magnesium-doped iron(III) oxide nanoparticles coated with mPEG-silane (Mg0.1-γ-Fe2O3(mPEG-silane)0.5) when exposed to an AMF.

Results

We observed that the lung cancer cells treated with Mg0.1-γ-Fe2O3(mPEG-silane)0.5 (0.25 mg·mL−1) and magnetized for 30 min at 14.4 kA·m−1 yielded a satisfactory outcome in reducing the cell viability up to ca. 21% (in vitro). The activation energy calculated for this field strength was estimated for 349 kJ·mol−1. Both volumetric measurements and tumor mass assessments confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a superior thermal effect in mice bearing human lung cancer injected intratumorally with Mg0.1-γ-Fe2O3(mPEG-silane)0.5 nanoparticles (3 mg·mL−1) and subjected to an AMF (18.3 kA·m−1) for 30 min four times at weekly intervals. Research demonstrated that mice undergoing MFH exhibited a marked suppression of tumor growth (V = 169 ± 94 mm3; p < 0.05) in comparison to the control group of untreated mice. The CEM43 (cumulative number of equivalent minutes at 43 °C) value for these treatments were estimated for ca. 9.6 min with the specific absorption rate (SAR) level ranging from 100 to 150 W·g−1.

Conclusions

The as-obtained results, both cytotoxic and those related to energy calculations and SAR, may contribute to the advancement of thermal therapies, concurrently indicating that the proposed magnetic fluid hyperthermia holds a great potential for further testing in the context of medical applications.

Graphical Abstract
Putative new combination vaccine candidates identified by reverse vaccinology and genomic approaches to control enteric pathogens
Authors: Mikaeel Saeed , Doosti Abbas , Sharifzadeh Ali
Published: July 2024

Objectives

The pathogenic microorganisms that cause intestinal diseases can significantly jeopardize people's health. Currently, there are no authorized treatments or vaccinations available to combat the germs responsible for intestinal disease.

Methods

Using immunoinformatics, we developed a potent multi-epitope Combination (combo) vaccine versus Salmonella and enterohemorrhagic E. coli. The B and T cell epitopes were identified by performing a conservancy assessment, population coverage analysis, physicochemical attributes assessment, and secondary and tertiary structure assessment of the chosen antigenic polypeptide. The selection process for vaccine development included using several bioinformatics tools and approaches to finally choose two linear B-cell epitopes, five CTL epitopes, and two HTL epitopes.

Results

The vaccine had strong immunogenicity, cytokine production, immunological properties, non-toxicity, non-allergenicity, stability, and potential efficacy against infections. Disulfide bonding, codon modification, and computational cloning were also used to enhance the stability and efficacy of expression in the host E. coli. The vaccine's structure has a strong affinity for the TLR4 ligand and is very durable, as shown by molecular docking and molecular modeling. The results of the immunological simulation demonstrated that both B and T cells had a heightened response to the vaccination component.

Conclusions

The comprehensive in silico analysis reveals that the proposed vaccine will likely elicit a robust immune response against pathogenic bacteria that cause intestinal diseases. Therefore, it is a promising option for further experimental testing.
Prediction of suitable regions of wild tomato provides insights on domesticated tomato cultivation in China
Authors: Liu Ping , Xie Ruohan , Xin Guorong , Sun Yufei , Su Shihao
Published: July 2024

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges to the world at present. Tomato is also suffered from devastating yield loss due to climate change. The domesticated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is presumed to be originated from the wild tomato (S. pimpinellifolium). In this study, we compared the climate data of S. pimpinellifollium with the domesticated tomato, predicted the suitable regions of S. pimpinellifollium in China using MaxEnt model and assessed their tolerance to drought stress. We found that the predicted suitable regions of wild tomato are highly consistent with the current cultivated regions of domesticated tomato, suggesting that the habitat demand of domesticated tomato descended largely from its ancestor, hence the habitat information of wild tomato could provide a reference for tomato cultivation. We further predicted suitable regions of wild tomato in the future in China. Finally, we found that while average drought tolerance between wild and domesticated tomato accessions shows no difference, tolerance levels among wild tomato accessions exhibit higher variation, which could be used for future breeding to improve drought resistance. To summarize, our study shows that suitable regions of wild tomato provide insights into domesticated tomato cultivation in China.
DTG + 3TC dual therapy for the treatment Naïve patients with viral load exceeding 500,000 copies/mL: a retrospective study
Authors: Dou Yanyun , Liao Guangfu , Lu Ruichao , Su Lingsong , Lan Ke , Meng Zhihao , Qin Shanfang , Huang Wei , Xu Yuanlong , Lv Yu , Wen Yuhong , Lan Shuanglai , Zuo Yong , Zhang Yong
Published: July 2024

Background

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed HIV management, with various regimens available. Dolutegravir (DTG) plus lamivudine (3TC) dual therapy is now the one of the first line regimens.

Methods

A retrospective, observational study included treatment naïve people living with HIV (PLWH) with baseline HIV RNA viral load (VL) greater than 500,000 copies/mL from March 2020 to June 2022. PLWH on DTG + 3TC were included in the 2DR group, while others on INSTI-based three-drug regimens were divided in the 3DR group. Viral suppression, immunological recovery, and safety were assessed.

Results

The study included 52 PLWH, with no significant baseline differences. Virologic suppression rates at weeks 24 and 48 were similar in both groups, even with baseline HIV RNA VL greater than 1,000,000 copies/mL. CD4 + T cell counts improved rapidly. No serious adverse effects were reported.

Conclusions

DTG + 3TC dual therapy demonstrates effectiveness in treatment naïve PLWH with high baseline HIV RNA VL, suggesting its potential as a first line regimen for all treatment naïve PLWH.
Impact of ‘decision-to-delivery’ interval on maternal and perinatal outcomes: a retrospective study of emergency caesarean section from 2017 to 2021 at a secondary health facility in Nigeria
Authors: Abdulbaki Mariam , Aliyu Fullaila O , Ayinde Musa , Issa Amudalat , Adeniran Abiodun S , Ibrahim Olayinka R
Published: July 2024

Background

The decision-to-delivery interval (DDI) for a caesarean section is among the factors that reflect the quality of care a pregnant woman receives and the impact on maternal and foetal outcomes and should not exceed 30 min especially for Category 1 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. Herein, we evaluated the effect of decision-to-delivery interval on the maternal and perinatal outcomes among emergency caesarean deliveries at a secondary health facility in north-central Nigeria.

Methods

We conducted a four-year retrospective descriptive analysis of all emergency caesarean sections at a secondary health facility in north-central Nigeria. We included pregnant mothers who had emergency caesarean delivery at the study site from February 10, 2017, to February 9, 2021.

Results

Out of 582 who underwent an emergency caesarean section, 550 (94.5%) had a delayed decision-to-delivery interval. The factors associated with delayed decision-to-delivery interval included educational levels (both parents), maternal occupation, and booking status. The delayed decision-to-delivery interval was associated with an increase in perinatal deaths with an odds ratio (OR) of 6.9 (95% CI, 3.166 to 15.040), and increased odds of Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) admissions (OR 9.8, 95% CI 2.417 to 39.333). Among the maternal outcomes, delayed decision-to-delivery interval was associated with increased odds of sepsis (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.960 to 8.933), hypotension (OR 3.8, 95% 1.626 TO 9.035), and cardiac arrest (OR 19.5, 95% CI 4.634 to 82.059).

Conclusion

This study shows a very low optimum DDI, which was associated with educational levels, maternal occupation, and booking status. The delayed DDI increased the odds of perinatal deaths, SCBU admission, and maternal-related complications.
Prenatal phenotypes and pregnancy outcomes of fetuses with 16p11.2 microdeletion/microduplication
Authors: Yue Fagui , Hao Mengzhe , Jiang Dandan , Liu Ruizhi , Zhang Hongguo
Published: July 2024

Background

Chromosomal 16p11.2 deletions and duplications are genomic disorders which are characterized by neurobehavioral abnormalities, obesity, congenital abnormalities. However, the prenatal phenotypes associated with 16p11.2 copy number variations (CNVs) have not been well characterized. This study aimed to provide an elaborate summary of intrauterine phenotypic features for these genomic disorders.

Methods

Twenty prenatal amniotic fluid samples diagnosed with 16p11.2 microdeletions/microduplications were obtained from pregnant women who opted for invasive prenatal testing. Karyotypic analysis and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) were performed in parallel. The pregnancy outcomes and health conditions of all cases after birth were followed up. Meanwhile, we made a pooled analysis of the prenatal phenotypes in the published cases carrying 16p11.2 CNVs.

Results

20 fetuses (20/20,884, 0.10%) with 16p11.2 CNVs were identified: five had 16p11.2 BP2-BP3 deletions, 10 had 16p11.2 BP4-BP5 deletions and five had 16p11.2 BP4-BP5 duplications. Abnormal ultrasound findings were recorded in ten fetuses with 16p11.2 deletions, with various degrees of intrauterine phenotypic features observed. No ultrasound abnormalities were observed in any of the 16p11.2 duplications cases during the pregnancy period. Eleven cases with 16p11.2 deletions terminated their pregnancies. For 16p11.2 duplications, four cases gave birth to healthy neonates except for one case that was lost to follow-up.

Conclusions

Diverse prenatal phenotypes, ranging from normal to abnormal, were observed in cases with 16p11.2 CNVs. For 16p11.2 BP4-BP5 deletions, abnormalities of the vertebral column or ribs and thickened nuchal translucency were the most common structural and non-structural abnormalities, respectively. 16p11.2 BP2-BP3 deletions might be closely associated with fetal growth restriction and single umbilical artery. No characteristic ultrasound findings for 16p11.2 duplications have been observed to date. Given the variable expressivity and incomplete penetrance of 16p11.2 CNVs, long-term follow-up after birth should be conducted for these cases.
Neoadjuvant inetetamab and pertuzumab with taxanes and carboplatin (TCbIP) In locally advanced HER2-positive breast cancer: a prospective cohort study with propensity-matched analysis
Authors: Jiang Mingxia , Chai Yue , Liu Jiaxuan , He Maiyue , Wang Yipeng , Yang Xue , Xing Zeyu , Zhang Mengqi , Zhou Shihan , Ma Fei , Wang Jiayu , Yuan Peng , Xu Binghe , Li Qiao
Published: July 2024

Background

Inetetamab is the first domestically developed innovative anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody in China, proven effective and safe in HER2-positive advanced breast cancer. However, its efficacy and safety in neoadjuvant treatment of HER2-positive locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) remain to be validated.

Methods

This prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of inetetamab combined with pertuzumab, taxanes, and carboplatin (TCbIP) in neoadjuvant therapy for HER2-positive LABC, comparing it to data from patients treated with the TCbHP regimen (trastuzumab combined with pertuzumab, taxanes, and carboplatin) using propensity score matching (PSM). The primary endpoint was total pathological complete response (tpCR). Adverse events (AEs), objective response rate (ORR), and near-pCR were key secondary endpoints.

Results

Forty-four patients with clinical stage IIA-IIIC HER2-positive LABC were prospectively enrolled and treated with the TCbIP regimen. The tpCR rate among 28 patients who completed surgery was 60.7%, comparable to and slightly higher than the TCbHP group in PSM (60.7% vs. 53.6%, P = 0.510). The ORR was 96.4%, and the DCR reached 100.0%. The most common ≥ grade 3 AE was neutropenia (21.4% vs. 11.9%, P = 0.350). No significant reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction was observed, and no patient withdrew from treatment due to AEs.

Conclusion

Neoadjuvant therapy with TCbIP showed good efficacy and safety in patients with HER2-positive LABC and might be another promising option for neoadjuvant treatment.

Trial registration

NCT05749016 (registration date: Nov 01, 2021).
Comparison of rebubbling rate between preloaded endothelium-in and preloaded no-touch endothelium-out Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty transplantation
Authors: Kronschläger Martin , Ruzza Alessandro , Zeilinger Johannes , Schlatter Andreas , Ruiss Manuel , Findl Oliver
Published: July 2024

Background

To compare the difference in rebubbling rates between patients undergoing Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) with endothelium-in using a standard IOL cartridge and those with endothelium-out DMEK utilizing a no-touch technique with borosilicate glass cartridge transplantation.

Methods

This retrospective study included all eyes that underwent preloaded endothelium-in or endothelium-out DMEK transplantation from June 2019 to December 2023 at the Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria. All DMEKs were harvested, prepared and preloaded at the European Eye Bank of Venice, Italy. DMEK surgeries were done by one experienced surgeon and the procedure was completed by air tamponade of the anterior chamber.

Results

Overall, 32 eyes each of 31 endothelium-out patients and of 29 endothelium-in patients were included. 32 preloaded endothelium-in procedures were followed by 32 preloaded endothelium-out procedures. Rebubbling rate for endothelium-in was 15/32 (47%) and for endothelium-out was 7/25 (28%) (p = 0.035, Pearson’s chi-squared test). Donor age was the most important variable for rebubbling in a random forest algorithm model (ROC: 0.69).

Conclusions

Rebubbling rate in endothelium-out DMEK was less than two-thirds compared to endothelium-in DMEK favoring no-touch endothelium-out DMEK as the preferred technique of DMEK transplantation.
How and why does it work? A video-based qualitative analysis of case conferences to reduce BPSD through the lens of Habermas’s theory of communicative action
Authors: Myhre Janne , Lichtwarck Bjørn
Published: July 2024

Background

Case conferences are described as a goal-oriented, systematic method that team members can use to exchange professional opinions and develop treatment actions for a particular care problem. However, not all case conferences have proven to be effective. The Norwegian Targeted Interdisciplinary Model for the Evaluation and Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms (TIME) is an effective multicomponent model based on case conferences that informs approaches to behavioural and psychological symptoms in residents with dementia in nursing homes. Our aim was to explore how TIME case conferences structured based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) contributed to person-centred actions and how the specific inductive structure of the TIME may have contributed to the effectiveness of the model.

Methods

We used video observation of six case conferences and analysed these videos by performing a thematic cross-case analysis of the transcripts from the videos and by iteratively watching the videos. According to Habermas’s theory of communicative action, we emphasized the case conference content, i.e., what was talked about in the case conferences, and the display of communication between the participants in the case conferences.

Results

Our findings showed that the theoretical principles behind the TIME, including both person-centred care and the inductive structure of CBT, reflected many aspects of Habermas’s theory of communicative actions. In particular, the TIME case conferences emphasized the lifeworld perspective for both residents and staff and contributed to what Habermas labelled communicative rationality as a means to develop shared understanding among staff and create person-centred action.

Conclusions

One causal assumption of how and why the TIME case conferences contributed to the effectiveness of the TIME in reducing BPSD in nursing homes is that the specific inductive structure of the case conferences with the column technique based on the ABC method together with PCC, emphasized the importance of the lifeworld for both the resident and the staff. Even though case conferences have been highlighted as useful, it is not indifferent how these case conferences are structured and conducted.

Clinical trial registration

The trial TIME was registered January 6, 2016, with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02655003).
The association between ultra-processed food consumption and health-related quality of life differs across lifestyle and socioeconomic strata
Authors: Hosseinpour-Niazi Somayeh , Niknam Mahdieh , Amiri Parisa , Mirmiran Parvin , Ainy Elaheh , Izadi Neda , Gaeini Zahra , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: July 2024

Background

In this prospective study, we aimed to examine the association between ultra-processed foods and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and to evaluate the effect of lifestyle and socioeconomic factors on this association.

Methods

This study included 1766 adults (aged 18 to 78, 54.3% women), who took part in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose study. The Short-Form 12-Item Health Survey version 2 was used to determine HRQoL, which includes the physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores. Ultra-processed food consumption was assessed using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Lifestyle (physical activity and smoking status) and socioeconomic factors (education level and employment status) were also determined. General linear models (GLM) were applied to estimate the mean (95% confidence interval) for MCS and PCS scores across the ultra-processed foods tertiles. Additionally, the effect of lifestyle and socioeconomic factors on the relationship between ultra-processed foods and HRQoL was examined using GLM.

Results

The median consumption of ultra-processed foods was 11.9% (IQR: 8.2 to 16.8) of total energy intake. There was a significant inverse association between ultra-processed foods consumption and PCS, but not MCS, after adjustment for confounding factors. Significant interactions were observed between ultra-processed food consumption, sex, and occupation on PCS score (all P values < 0.001). The interaction test tended to be significant for smoking status, education levels, and physical activity levels. As ultra-processed food consumption increased, the PCS score significantly decreased in women (P = 0.043), low physical active subjects (P = 0.014), smokers (P = 0.015), and lower-educated individuals (P = 0.022). Non-employed individuals with higher ultra-processed food intake showed a decline in their PCS and MCS scores. While there was no significant difference in MCS score among different strata of lifestyle and socioeconomic status across tertiles of ultra-processed foods.

Conclusions

Higher intake of ultra-processed foods was associated with poorer physical health, particularly among women, those with unhealthy lifestyles, and low socioeconomic conditions.
Artificial intelligence in total and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty
Authors: Longo Umile Giuseppe , De Salvatore Sergio , Valente Federica , Villa Corta Mariajose , Violante Bruno , Samuelsson Kristian
Published: July 2024

The application of Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) tools in total (TKA) and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) emerges with the potential to improve patient-centered decision-making and outcome prediction in orthopedics, as ML algorithms can generate patient-specific risk models. This review aims to evaluate the potential of the application of AI/ML models in the prediction of TKA outcomes and the identification of populations at risk.

An extensive search in the following databases: MEDLINE, Scopus, Cinahl, Google Scholar, and EMBASE was conducted using the PIOS approach to formulate the research question. The PRISMA guideline was used for reporting the evidence of the data extracted. A modified eight-item MINORS checklist was employed for the quality assessment. The databases were screened from the inception to June 2022.

Forty-four out of the 542 initially selected articles were eligible for the data analysis; 5 further articles were identified and added to the review from the PUBMED database, for a total of 49 articles included. A total of 2,595,780 patients were identified, with an overall average age of the patients of 70.2 years ± 7.9 years old. The five most common AI/ML models identified in the selected articles were: RF, in 38.77% of studies; GBM, in 36.73% of studies; ANN in 34.7% of articles; LR, in 32.65%; SVM in 26.53% of articles.

This systematic review evaluated the possible uses of AI/ML models in TKA, highlighting their potential to lead to more accurate predictions, less time-consuming data processing, and improved decision-making, all while minimizing user input bias to provide risk-based patient-specific care.
DEL-Thyroid: deep ensemble learning framework for detection of thyroid cancer progression through genomic mutation
Authors: Shah Asghar Ali , Daud Ali , Bukhari Amal , Alshemaimri Bader , Ahsan Muhammad , Younis Rehmana
Published: July 2024

Genes, expressed as sequences of nucleotides, are susceptible to mutations, some of which can lead to cancer. Machine learning and deep learning methods have emerged as vital tools in identifying mutations associated with cancer. Thyroid cancer ranks as the 5th most prevalent cancer in the USA, with thousands diagnosed annually. This paper presents an ensemble learning model leveraging deep learning techniques such as Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Gated Recurrent Units (GRUs), and Bi-directional LSTM (Bi-LSTM) to detect thyroid cancer mutations early. The model is trained on a dataset sourced from asia.ensembl.org and IntOGen.org, consisting of 633 samples with 969 mutations across 41 genes, collected from individuals of various demographics. Feature extraction encompasses techniques including Hahn moments, central moments, raw moments, and various matrix-based methods. Evaluation employs three testing methods: self-consistency test (SCT), independent set test (IST), and 10-fold cross-validation test (10-FCVT). The proposed ensemble learning model demonstrates promising performance, achieving 96% accuracy in the independent set test (IST). Statistical measures such as training accuracy, testing accuracy, recall, sensitivity, specificity, Mathew's Correlation Coefficient (MCC), loss, training accuracy, F1 Score, and Cohen's kappa are utilized for comprehensive evaluation.
Characteristics and quality of reporting qualitative nursing research related to the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic search and critical review
Authors: Vong Ian-In , Rothan-Tondeur Monique , Nohra Rita Georges
Published: July 2024

Background

The COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease of 2019) pandemic caused major disruption to nursing research, especially qualitative research. Researchers had to overcome numerous challenges that potentially impacted the quality of the studies carried out.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to assess the characteristics and quality of reporting qualitative nursing articles on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A systematic search and critical review using content analysis was conducted on published nurse-led articles using a qualitative approach related to the COVID-19 pandemic. A combination of the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) and Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) checklists and additional items identified from the literature were used to assess the characteristics and overall quality of reporting of qualitative research.

Results

Out of 63,494 articles screened, 444 met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were published in high-impact, Quartile 1 journals, with the majority originating from the USA. Common themes included workforce experiences and the impact of pandemic restrictions. Methodological quality varied, with a notable underuse of standardized reporting checklists. Despite pandemic-induced challenges in data collection, interviews remained the predominant method. However, the adoption of remote research methods and analysis software was limited.

Discussion

The findings underscore the resilience and adaptability of nursing researchers during the pandemic. High-quality publications in top-tier journals indicate rigorous academic standards. However, the low utilization of reporting checklists suggests a need for greater emphasis on methodological transparency and adherence to established quality guidelines. This review highlights the importance of enhancing qualitative research practices to improve the rigor and reliability of studies, particularly in crisis contexts.
Equality of healthcare resource allocation between impoverished counties and non-impoverished counties in Northwest China: a longitudinal study
Authors: Zhu Liang , Gao Wei , Zhang Siyu , Yu Fei , Li Jiaxue , Feng Junqiang , Wang Rui
Published: July 2024

Background

The Health and Medical Assistance Program for Poverty Alleviation is part of China’s targeted poverty elimination strategy, which aims to protect poor people’s right to health and prevent them from becoming trapped in or returning to poverty because of illness. Many tasks have been defined in this program, including raising the medical insurance level, providing a triage system, improving medical and health services, and enhancing people’s health. One pivotal aspect of this initiative involves equitable health resource allocation, a key measure aimed at bolstering medical and health services. This study aimed to analyze and compare health resource allocations in different counties in Northwest China after the implementation of the program.

Methods

The Gini coefficient quantifies the level of distributional equality, the Theil index assesses the sources of inequality, and the Health Resource Agglomeration Degree gauges the accessibility of health resources.

Results

1) The health resource allocation distributed based on population(Gini Coefficient < 0.45) was more equitable than that distributed based on area(Gini Coefficient > 0.35) among counties in Northwest China. 2) The contribution rate within non-impoverished counties is higher than that of impoverished counties, which means the inequality within non-impoverished counties. 3) The allocation of beds in medical institutions by area in non-impoverished counties was better than that in impoverished counties, and accessibility to health services for residents in non-impoverished counties was better than that in impoverished counties.

Conclusion

The analysis of health resource allocation among the five provinces in Northwest China revealed significant differences in equality among the five provinces in Northwest China, and the differences were mainly derived from the non-impoverished counties. Although the equality is gradually improving, the number of health resources in impoverished counties remain lower than that in non-impoverished counties.Subsequently, it is essential to ensure equitable distribution of healthcare resources while also taking into account their utilization and quality.
A blend of chitosan-vitamin C and vitamin E nanoparticles robust the immunosuppressed- status in Nile tilapia treated with salt
Authors: Elnagar Mahmoud A. , Khalil Riad H. , Talaat Talaat S. , Sherif Ahmed H.
Published: July 2024

In aquaculture, fish are exposed to many stressors, such as climate changes and infectious diseases that affect their performance, immunity, and welfare. Freshwater fish subjected to salt bath become exhausted and stressed. In this experiment, Nile tilapia were exposed to a salt bath at a dose of 30 ppt for 30 min a day. Vitamin C and vitamin E are well-known antioxidants that are used in aquaculture. Fish received dietary nanoparticles of chitosan-vitamin C and chitosan-vitamin E (CCE-NPs) for different periods (7 and 14 days) pre- (G2) and post-salt treatment (G3). In the control fish (G1), cortisol 5.44 µg/dL and glucose 91.67 mg/dL were significantly up-regulated post-salt treatment by 1 h and 24 h, respectively, whereas those (G2) fed CCE-NPs diet had significantly lower values of 4.72 and 3.25 µg/dL; 86.3 and 84.3 mg/dL, respectively. A rapid decrease of glucose 68.3 and 66.3 mg/dL was noticed in those (G2) fed CCE-NPs diet compared to the control 84.67 mg/dL at 48 h post-stress. Regardless of the supplementation period, fish (G2) could partially restore normal food reflex at 48 h (post-salt bath) and fully restored at 72 h compared to 7 days in the control (G1). After 48 h, fish that received dietary CCE-NPs (G2 and G3) restored normal mucus lysozyme levels, whereas the control did not restore pre-treatment values till the seventh day. Mucus antibacterial activity, fish received rapid dietary CCE-NPs (G2) and partially restored average values (pre-salt bath) at 96 h. The salt treatment could provoke gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis (TNF)-α in the head kidney of fish at 24 h post-salt bath to 5.9–8.35 fold-change, respectively, with a rapid decline in fish (G2) the gene expression. Post-salt bath (24 h), the gene expression of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) was higher in fish (G2) than in the control group (G1) regardless of the supplementation period (7 and 14 days). Bacterial infection S. agalactiae (OL471408), a significantly lower MR was recorded in G2 at 40% and 33.3% compared to the control G1 MR (53.3%), with an RPL of 24.95% and 37.5%. In conclusion, Nile tilapia treated with a 30 ppt salt became more vulnerable to S. agalactiae. Adding CCE-NPs to the Nile tilapia diet for 7- and 14-day pre-salt bath could increase immune and antioxidant-related gene expression to counteract S. agalactiae infection.