bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On colonial bodies: Poetics and politics of blackness in Russian modernism
Authors: Frison Anita
Published: February 2025

This article analyses how the ‘colonial body’ (i.e. the body of the colonised), and especially the black African body, has been depicted in Russian modernism, from photography to painting and literature. Drawing on works by renowned artists, including Andrei Belyi, Nikolai Gumilev, Aleksandr Benua, Kuz’ma Petrov-Vodkin and Lev Bakst, I will show, on the one hand, their indebtedness to the Western colonial imagination and, on the other, their peculiar re-elaboration of the iconography of the ‘black body’ within the framework of modernist poetics. In doing so, I will address some topical questions, that is, the alleged ‘exceptionalism’ of Russia and its actual complicity in reproducing and reinventing Western colonial rhetoric.
Spatial Strategies of US-Mexico Border Control and the Situation of Central American Asylum Seekers Waiting in Mexico
Authors: Wiltberger Joseph
Published: February 2025

The US recently implemented novel spatial strategies of border control that repel asylum seekers to Mexico, forcing them to await the opportunity to request asylum or asylum proceedings. The turning back and expulsion of asylum seekers at the US-Mexico border transforms northern Mexican border cities into spaces of extraterritorial containment where asylum seekers form informal migrant camps and face exposure to violence, misinformation, and hindrances to due process. A spatial analytical lens and focus on Central American asylum seekers reveals how these strategies further endanger asylum seekers’ lives, stand in the way of humanitarian protection, and are met with resistance. By improving understanding of the threats to safety that asylum seekers face in and beyond their countries of origin, further research into the situation of repelled asylum seekers in Mexico should inform asylum proceedings and border policies.

Estados Unidos implementó recientemente novedosas estrategias espaciales de control fronterizo que repelen a los solicitantes de asilo a México, obligándolos a esperar la oportunidad de solicitar asilo o procedimientos de asilo. El regreso y la expulsión de solicitantes de asilo en la frontera entre Estados Unidos y México transforma las ciudades fronterizas del norte de México en espacios de contención extraterritorial donde los solicitantes de asilo forman campamentos informales de migrantes y enfrentan exposición a violencia, desinformación y obstáculos al debido proceso. Una lente analítica espacial y un enfoque en los solicitantes de asilo centroamericanos revela cómo estas estrategias ponen en peligro aún más las vidas de los solicitantes de asilo, obstaculizan la protección humanitaria y encuentran resistencia. Al mejorar la comprensión de las amenazas a la seguridad que enfrentan los solicitantes de asilo dentro y fuera de sus países de origen, una mayor investigación sobre la situación de los solicitantes de asilo rechazados en México serviría para mejor los procedimientos de asilo y las políticas fronterizas.
Skip Metastasis in a Pediatric Patient with Medullary Thyroid Cancer: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Gowrishankar Shravan , Ceremsak John , Belcher Ryan H.
Published: February 2025

Skip metastasis in thyroid cancer occurs when there is lateral neck lymph node involvement of tumor without central neck lymph node involvement. Here, cancer spreads to the lateral neck while “skipping” more proximal central neck nodes. While this unusual pattern of spread has been previously described in adults with thyroid cancer, to our knowledge it has never been described in children. Here, we report a case of an adolescent female with medullary thyroid cancer with isolated lateral neck metastatic disease. In summary, a 15-year-old female with no medical conditions presented with an asymptomatic neck mass. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the neck showed a heterogenous nodule in the right thyroid lobe with both cystic and solid components which were also illustrated on ultrasound. There was no CT evidence of metastatic disease, but a thyroid and cervical neck ultrasound showed a <1 cm calcified nodule in right neck level II concerning for metastasis. Fine needle aspiration highlighted medullary thyroid cancer. The patient underwent total thyroidectomy with both central and right lateral neck dissection. Central neck dissection revealed no metastatic lymph nodes, while metastatic nodes were found with right lateral neck dissection, highlighting skip metastasis. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was well at 1-month follow-up with a strong voice and no dysphagia.
Shakespearean playscripts as literary works: A performance edition of King Lear published by the Budapest National Theatre
Authors: Tabi Palkóné Katalin
Published: February 2025

Shakespeare's plays have been subject to editorial manipulation since their first appearance in print. Besides the quartos, folios, and critical editions, performance editions, although often neglected by critics, are also part of this editorial tradition. This article argues that published playscripts of Shakespeare's plays present an intriguing field within promptbook research for their literary and theatrical qualities and can be interpreted as literary works. After a brief theoretical background, this study gives a narrative analysis of a performance edition of King Lear produced by the renowned Transylvanian director, László Bocsárdi, and published by the Budapest National Theatre in 2008.
Does AssetPlus facilitate effective assessment of children within the youth justice system?: A critical evaluation
Authors: Smith Hannah , Paddock Elizabeth
Published: February 2025

AssetPlus is an assessment and planning framework developed by the Youth Justice Board (YJB) for use by all youth justice services across England and Wales. Since its development in 2014, scrutiny and evaluation of the framework has been limited, with very little published outside of reviews commissioned by the YJB. Therefore, this article aims to collate existing information about AssetPlus and its effectiveness. It aims to critically evaluate the framework and consider how it could be improved. Recommendations are provided for the development of AssetPlus and directions for further research are identified.
Teaching mandated learners to work with involuntary clients? Learner engagement and motivation on the PQiP academic programme
Authors: Keysell Ben , Slight Hayden , Thomas Megan
Published: February 2025

Motivation towards academic study typically includes a combination of intrinsic factors, for example personal development, interest/enjoyment of the subject and extrinsic reasons, for example employability or status. This article explores issues in supporting learners on the Professional Qualification in Probation (PQiP) who may lack intrinsic motivation towards the academic degree due to its ‘mandated’ nature. Drawing on Trotter’s concept of ‘involuntary clients’ and experience of working with PQiP learners, a tentative typology of engagement is proposed and reflection is encouraged on how Trotter's principles may be applied to maximise engagement in an educational setting.
Health information seeking and communication with a doctor via online: Implications for healthy behavior
Authors: Lee Joonghee , Munoz-Cornejo Gilbert
Published: February 2025

Although online health information seeking (OHIS) and online communication with a doctor (OCWD) have grown in popularity, their efficacy in assisting patients in enhancing their health remains debatable. The majority of research has focused on identifying the antecedents of OHIS. In addition, the imperfect nature of online health information may not always result in favorable outcomes when using the internet. This study aimed to explore the effects of OHIS and OCWD on healthy behaviors by comparing the use of the internet in three scenarios: (1) only OHIS, (2) only OCWD, and (3) both OHIS and OCWD. Data from the 2018 Health Information National Trends Survey were used to construct all measures in this study. We employed ordinary regression, a logit model, and propensity score matching methods to explore the effects of OHIS and OCWD on healthy behaviors. Individuals who used the internet for both OHIS and OCWD were more likely to sustain a healthy lifestyle. This study deepens our understanding of the benefits of OHIS and online communication with health care providers.
Quantitative methods to improve bivalirudin dosing in pediatric cardiac ICU patients
Authors: Brinkley Lindsey , Vazquez-Colon Zasha , Patel Aashay , Purlee Matthew S , Vasilopoulos Terry , Bleiweis Mark S , Jacobs Jeffrey P , Peek Giles J , Moore Helen
Published: February 2025

Background

A gap in knowledge exists related to optimal bivalirudin dosing in children. The purpose of our analysis is to use quantitative methods and baseline data to quickly predict the optimal therapeutic bivalirudin dose for children.

Methods

We developed an internal database of pediatric patients on ECMO or VAD, including baseline patient information, bivalirudin doses, and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) measurements throughout the treatment period. We fit an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model to the baseline data to determine the best predictors of therapeutic bivalirudin dose. We used five-fold cross-validation to ensure the model was not overfitting to any specific data subset.

Results

The most notable variables that were statistically significant ( p < .05) were: the primary use of bivalirudin for heart failure prophylaxis, no complications before bivalirudin administration, other reasons for bivalirudin use, other race (including Asian, pacific islander, and native American), Hispanic or Latinx ethnicity, primary diagnosis of heart failure, and primary diagnosis of myocarditis. To compare our model-predicted dose and the actual starting dose administered to the patients, we looked at how far off each of those was from the therapeutic dose. The mean of absolute differences was 0.28 mg/kg/hr for the administered starting dose and 0.23 mg/kg/hr for the model-predicted dose; therefore, the model results in an improvement of 18% in the difference from the therapeutic dose.

Conclusion

Our model provides an initial framework for determining a starting bivalirudin dose that takes into account patient demographic information and baseline admission data.
Acute subanesthetic ketamine-induced effects on the mismatch negativity and their relationship to early and sustained treatment response in major depressive disorder
Authors: de la Salle Sara , Phillips Jennifer L , Blier Pierre , Knott Verner
Published: February 2025

Background:

A sub-anesthetic dose of ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist, produces robust antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (MDD). The mismatch negativity (MMN) is reliant on glutamatergic neurotransmission and reduced by NMDAR antagonists. The MMN may characterise the neural mechanisms underlying ketamine’s effects.

Aims:

This study examined the acute effects of ketamine and midazolam on the MMN and its relationship to early and sustained decreases in depressive symptoms.

Methods:

Treatment-resistant MDD patients ( N = 24), enrolled in a multi-phase clinical ketamine trial, received two intravenous infusions within an initial double-blind crossover phase: ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) and midazolam (30 μg/kg). Three recordings were carried out per session (pre-, immediately post- and 2 h post-infusion). Peak MMN amplitude (μV), latency (ms), theta event-related oscillations (EROs), theta phase locking factor (PLF) and source-localised MMN generator activity were assessed. Relationships between changes in MMN indices and early (Phase 1: double-blind, cross-over phase) and sustained (Phases 2, 3: open-label repeated and maintenance phases, respectively) changes in depressive symptoms (Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale score) were examined.

Results:

Ketamine reduced frontal MMN amplitudes, theta ERO immediately post- and 2 h post-infusion and source-localised peak MMN frontal generator activity. Select baseline and ketamine-induced MMN decreases correlated and predicted greater early (left frontal MMN decreases in amplitude and theta ERO, baseline left PLF) and sustained (baseline left PLF, right inferior temporal activity) symptom reductions.

Conclusions:

Acute NMDARs blockade reduced frontal MMN, with larger MMN reductions predicting greater symptom improvement. The MMN may serve as a non-invasive biomarker predicting antidepressant response to glutamatergic agents.
Urban financialisation and grounded mutations: Income strip financing and local government-intermediated hotel development
Authors: Henderson Steven R
Published: February 2025

The contemporary co-occurrence of burgeoning financial capital and public sector funding constraints draws into consideration the interaction between financial institutions and local authorities. Financialisation-in-motion seeks to capture the dynamics involved. Within this conceptualisation, advocacy narratives designed to support new financial instruments materialise, whether rolled out during direct communication or manifesting in more indirect and diffuse ways. One outstanding uncertainty is the potential for financial instruments to mutate as they shift from a generalised advocacy-based form to a project-specific grounded form. By implication, advocated benefits, costs and risks may evolve during financialisation-in-motion. This paper investigates income strip financing and the promotion of ‘win-win’ solutions where financial institutions access long-term, contractually secure, indexed income streams and local authorities benefit from profit rent and long-term property ownership. To consider how generalised benefits translate to ground level realities, attention focuses on three income strip hotel developments in London. All three were promoted by third parties, incorporated local government as intermediary actors and involved out-of-area investments. The examples evidence how financialisation dynamics can manifest in instrument mutation and variability, plus the transfer of additional risks and potential costs to local government.
Poly-Victimization Patterns and Their Correlates Among International Asian and Latina Sex Trafficking Survivors in New York City
Authors: Cao Jiepin , Chin John J. , Cohen Lori , Lim Sahnah
Published: February 2025

International Asian and Latina women who are sex trafficking survivors experience a wide spectrum of gender-based violence throughout their life course and suffer from its adverse mental and physical health outcomes. However, there is limited research among this seldom heard population. This study aims to explore poly-victimization patterns of child abuse, intimate partner violence (IPV), client violence, and police violence; and to explore their associations with psychosocial factors. Using a Community-Based Participatory Research approach, survey data was collected from 95 women from 2019 to 2020. Latent class analysis was used to explore poly-victimization patterns, and chi-square tests were used to examine their bivariate associations with psychosocial factors. Mean age of the sample was 41.6 ± 9.8 years old. Most had limited English proficiency (94.6%). Majority were Asian (76.3%) and had been arrested (75.3%). The prevalence of violence was high: child abuse (62.8%), past-year IPV (10.5%), lifetime sex buyer client violence (71.3%), and lifetime police violence (17.9%). Two distinct classes of poly-victimization were observed: High violence burden class (high likelihood of child abuse, low likelihood of IPV, high likelihood of client violence, and low likelihood of police violence; 55.9%); Moderate violence burden class (low likelihood of child abuse, no likelihood of IPV, medium likelihood of client violence and lower likelihood of police violence; 44.1%). Latina women ( p < .001) and those with lower tangible ( p = .021) or emotional support ( p = .003) were more likely to be in the high violence burden class. Post-traumatic stress disorder was associated with high violence burden class ( p = .036). Our findings are among the first to highlight the heterogeneity in poly-victimization experiences within this multiply marginalized group, pointing to the importance of person-centered and trauma-informed approaches in addressing the needs of this population.
Comparative analysis of machine learning and deep learning algorithms for knee arthritis detection using YOLOv8 models
Authors: Cinar Ilkay
Published: February 2025

Knee arthritis is a prevalent joint condition that affects many people worldwide. Early detection and appropriate treatment are essential to slow the disease's progression and enhance patients’ quality of life. In this study, various machine learning and deep learning algorithms were used to detect knee arthritis. The machine learning models included k-NN, SVM, and GBM, while DenseNet, EfficientNet, and InceptionV3 were used as deep learning models. Additionally, YOLOv8 classification models (YOLOv8n-cls, YOLOv8s-cls, YOLOv8m-cls, YOLOv8l-cls, and YOLOv8x-cls) were employed. The “Annotated Dataset for Knee Arthritis Detection” with five classes (Normal, Doubtful, Mild, Moderate, Severe) and 1650 images were divided into 80% training, 10% validation, and 10% testing using the Hold-Out method. YOLOv8 models outperformed both machine learning and deep learning algorithms. k-NN, SVM, and GBM achieved success rates of 63.61%, 64.14%, and 67.36%, respectively. Among deep learning models, DenseNet, EfficientNet, and InceptionV3 achieved 62.35%, 70.59%, and 79.41%. The highest success was seen in the YOLOv8x-cls model at 86.96%, followed by YOLOv8l-cls at 86.79%, YOLOv8m-cls at 83.65%, YOLOv8s-cls at 80.37%, and YOLOv8n-cls at 77.91%.
Regional Inequality and the Knowledge Economy: North America and Europe
Authors: Gingrich Jane
Published: February 2025

This paper provides a descriptive examination of trends in spatial inequality within the US, Canada and the UK and twelve European countries. It first draws on recent literature in American political economy which suggests that the transition to the knowledge economy has promoted three forms of growing spatial inequality: in the productive capacities and incomes of regions and in local patterns of population sorting into dynamic urban areas. It then asks whether the transition to knowledge-intensive production implies more spatial inequality in Europe. It finds that regional inequality has fallen less – or grown more – in terms of both productive capacity and income in the Anglo economies, but that urban areas in high-knowledge regions are becoming more distinct in both Europe and North America. It further shows that labor and educational institution are associated with different forms of regional inequality but not urban sorting.
The environmental signal of lake sediments in Mesoamerica: Modern pollen and geochemical composition
Authors: León-Carreño Mauricio , Correa-Metrio Alex , Ramos-Fabiel Melbi Alejandro , Escobar Jaime , Curtis Jason H , Franco-Gaviria Felipe , Caballero-Rodríguez Dayenari , Pérez Liseth , Schwalb Antje , Meave Jorge A
Published: February 2025

Lake sediment composition depends on the environmental context where sediments are produced, transported, and deposited. Factors involved in sedimentary processes imprint specific signatures on sediments, thus providing evidence on the environmental context at the time of deposition. The interaction of the involved factors and processes, however, results in complex signals that in some instances are difficult to interpret. Here, we explore and quantify the relationships between commonly analyzed attributes of lake sediments and the geological, climatic, and ecological context of the corresponding catchment basins. For this purpose, we analyzed the geochemical composition and modern pollen spectra of 132 lakes, and characterized each locality in terms of climate, topography, vegetation cover, geology, and human activities in the catchment basin. The studied lakes included areas of Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador, thus encompassing Mesoamerica, a culturally defined region. Multivariate statistics and regression techniques were used to assess the quantitative relationships between environmental and sedimentary variability. According to our results, the inorganic sediment chemistry is strongly influenced by basin geology, reflecting the contrasting nature of karstic versus other sediments. Conversely, the organic components are likely controlled by local factors, such as lake trophic status. Pollen assemblages reflect the regional biogeographic gradient from temperate to tropical vegetation with a strong modulation by topographic and climatic gradients. Our study confirms that whereas pollen spectra reflect regional conditions, sediment geochemistry captures local variability, highlighting the importance of a multiproxy approach for conducting paleoenvironmental reconstructions.
Nocardiosis in systemic lupus erythematosus patients treated with rituximab: Report of two cases and systematic review of literature
Authors: Gil-Rodríguez Jaime , Fernández Javier de la Hera , Ruiz Michel Martos , Fernández Raquel Ríos , Morales Marta García , Callejas-Rubio José-Luis
Published: February 2025

Background

The relationship between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients treated with rituximab and nocardiosis remains unclear.

Cases Report

A 55-year-old female with lupus nephritis II and smoking history, was treated with high-dose steroids, immunoglobulins, rituximab, and azathioprine. She developed infectious loci in the lungs, hip, and brain. N. farcinica was detected in bronchoalveolar lavage and abscess culture. She was treated with linezolid, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), minocycline, and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, achieving complete cure at 12 months. The second patient, a 73-year-old male with lupus nephritis V, autoimmune thrombocytopenia, antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), and alveolar hemorrhage, was treated with high-dose steroids, azathioprine, mycophenolate, and rituximab. He developed infections in the lungs, prostate, and possibly colon. N. farcinica was detected in blood cultures. Despite treatment with imipenem, linezolid, TMP/SMX, and moxifloxacin, he died from bronchoaspiration.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus. The search terms were (systemic lupus erythematosus OR SLE) AND (rituximab) AND (nocardia), with a timeframe up to 15 March 2024. Inclusion criteria were confirmed cases of Nocardia infection in SLE patients treated with rituximab in the previous year. Non-original studies and secondary research were excluded.

Results

Only one article was included, describing a 34-year-old male with APS and lupus nephritis IV, treated with high-dose steroids, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab. He had infections in the lungs and brain, with N. farcinica detected in blood cultures. Despite treatment with TMP/SMX and fluoroquinolones, he died from thrombotic complications.

Conclusion

Nocardiosis is more likely in SLE patients due to T lymphocyte immune dysfunction caused by the disease itself, rituximab, and other immunosuppressants. Diagnosis requires a high level of clinical suspicion, supported by long-time blood cultures and 16S rRNA. Beta-lactams and quinolones are reasonable alternatives to TMP/SMX and linezolid, which can worsen the hematological situation, and amikacin, which may worsen lupus nephritis.
Health and Wellbeing of Older People in Mongolia: A Population-Based Survey
Authors: Cumming Robert G. , Dorj Gantuya , Yiengprugsawan Vasoontara Sbirakos , Dracakis Jocelyn G. , Lkhagvaa Undram , Naidoo Nirmala , Kowal Paul
Published: February 2025

The objectives were to describe the health of older Mongolians and compare those living in rural areas and apartment and ger districts in the capital, Ulaanbaatar. A population-based random sample survey of 975 people aged 60 years and older was conducted in 2017 to 2018. Data were collected using methods of the World Health Organization’s Study on global AGEing and adult health. The most common chronic self-reported health conditions were hypertension (65%), arthritis (40%), and angina (23%). Most (80%) reported they were satisfied with life and the mean World Health Organization Quality of Life score on a scale of 0 to 100 was 70.6, which is relatively high. There was a higher prevalence of activities of daily living (ADLs) disability in rural areas, with 17% reporting severe difficulty with at least one ADL. High levels of disability in rural areas suggest the need for improved health and social services, including housing, for older people living outside Ulaanbaatar.
Factors Related to Mental Health of 11- to 17-Year-Old Adolescent Low-Birth-Weight Survivors in the United States: Application of Multiple Disadvantage Model
Authors: Cheng Tyrone C. , Lo Celia C.
Published: February 2025

This study examined factors in adolescent low-birth-weight survivors’ mental health problems. This research applied data of 1,657 adolescent low-birth-weight survivors extracted from the 2021 National Survey of Children’s Health. Logistic regression results indicated that the likelihood of adolescent low-birth-weight survivors’ mental health problems was associated negatively with Hispanic adolescents and caregivers’ mental health. Such likelihood was associated positively with relative caregivers, nonrelative caregivers, the difficulty of parenting the adolescent, the adolescent’s difficulty with peers, the adolescent’s chronic health condition(s), family mental health problem, and professional support. The conclusion included that these adolescents’ mental health problems were mainly related to relationships with caregivers and peers, their own health problems, and family members’ mental health. Implications of the present findings included interventions promoting adolescents’ access to continuous health care, effective parenting, parents’ mental health, and adolescents’ social skills with peers.
Quality of Life of Family Caregivers of Adults With Autism: Role of Caregiver Burden, Health, and Social Support of Compound and Noncompound Caregivers
Authors: Samuel Preethy Sarah , Marsack-Topolewski Christina N. , Chan Keith T.
Published: February 2025

Factors influencing the quality of life (QOL) of parents living with at least one adult child with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) was examined in a sample of 249 caregivers categorized into three types: Compound-1: caring for an adult with ASD along with another adult with a disability; Compound-2: caring for an adult child with ASD and other typically developing child[ren]; and Noncompound: caring for an adult child with ASD. Quantitative analyses indicated that self-reported caregiver health was significantly associated with the QOL for all types of caregivers, while the perceptions of caregiving burden and availability of informal social support varied by type of caregiver. Findings provide insight into the need for professionals to augment support to address the needs of aging parents who have compound caregiving responsibilities that can affect their QOL.
The D-Dimer/Albumin Ratio as a Novel Biomarker for Predicting the Efficacy of Oral Tirofiban in Patients with Cerebral Infarction
Authors: Li Xiaohui , Guo Huimin , Guo Caixia , Wei Mingyang , Wang Chen , Zhang Jianbin
Published: February 2025

Objective: The efficacy of oral tirofiban in patients with cerebral infarction varies. This study aims to identify novel biomarkers that can predict the efficacy of oral tirofiban in these patients. Materials and methods: A total of 300 patients diagnosed with cerebral infarction via neurosurgery at our hospital from January 2021 to January 2023 were enrolled in this study. Detailed information on their medical history and clinical characteristics was collected, and all the patients were followed up for 90 days. The modified Rankin scale (mRS) and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) were used to evaluate the efficacy of tirofiban. The modified Heidelberg bleeding classification was applied to classify symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage within 48 h after treatment. Results: At 90-days of follow-up, patients with higher mRS scores (Group I) compared to those in lower mRS scores (Group II) exhibited significantly higher levels of platelet count (Group I: 118.55 ± 8.89 10*9/L, Group II: 253.11 ± 13.87 10*9/L, P < .001), neutrophil counts (Group I: 3.38 ± 1.21 10*9/L, Group II: 3.36 ± 1.55 10*9/L, P = .001), D-dimer (Group I: 0.26 ± 0.17 mg/L, Group II: 0.31 ± 0.15 mg/L, P = .007), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) (Group I: 199.87 ± 103.73, Group II: 258.82 ± 116.67, P < .001), and D-dimer/albumin ratio (DAR) (Group I: 118.55 ± 8.89 10*9 /L, Group II: 253.11 ± 13.87 10*9/L, P < .001). The levels of DAR (OR: 1.047, 95% CIs: 1.032-1.061, P < .001), SII (OR: 1.004, 95% CIs: 1.002-1.007, P < .001), and D-dimer (OR: 8.827, 95% CIs: 1.695-45.984, P = .010) were identified as independent factors affecting the efficacy of tirofiban, showing predictive and diagnostic value in assessing treatment response. Conclusion: Laboratory markers, including DAR, SII and D-dimer, are effective diagnostic indicators for predicting the efficacy of tirofiban in patients with cerebral infarction. These markers provide valuable insight for clinicians in selecting treatment plans, thereby reducing the economic burden for patients with cerebral infarction.
Free Dance Proves to be Effective in Depressive Symptoms, Anxiety and Stress in Women Undergoing Breast Cancer Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: da Silveira Juliana , Boing Leonessa , Moratelli Jéssica Amaro , Saraiva Patrícia Severo dos Santos , Bergmann Anke , Benetti Magnus , Guimarães Adriana Coutinho de Azevedo
Published: February 2025

Objective: To analyze the effects of 12 weeks of free dancing compared to the control group and the reference group without breast cancer, on depressive symptoms, anxiety and stress in women after breast cancer surgery and to verify the association between the variables. Methods: Randomized clinical trial, comprising women after breast cancer surgery (57.7 ± 9.0 years) and women without breast cancer (51.5 ± 10.8 years), divided into 3 groups; (a) received the free dance intervention (n = 11); (b) control group with breast cancer (n = 11) maintained their routine activities, and (c) control group without breast cancer (n = 12) who were matched by age and could not perform physical exercise during the study period. The dance intervention lasted 12 weeks, with 60-minute sessions, held twice a week. The evaluated outcomes were: depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory), anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory), and stress (Perceived Stress Scale). Results: There was statistically significant improvement in the intragroup for free dance in depressive symptoms ( P = .025), anxiety ( P = .009) and stress ( P = .050). No significant intragroup differences were found in the control group I and control group II, as well as intergroup differences. In the association of variables, the healthy reference group worsened in the simple analysis, for anxiety ( P ≤ .001) and stress ( P = .040), and worsened in the adjusted analysis, also for anxiety ( P ≤ .001) and stress ( P = .025). Conclusion: Free dancing had positive effects on depressive symptoms, anxiety and stress in women after breast cancer surgery. After verifying the association of the variables, it was noticed a worsening of the variables in the CGII. Clinical registry: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) (no. 0RBR-772ktp).
Prechoroidal cleft changes after intravitreal injections of Faricimab in treatment-naïve and nonresponders-to-aflibercept patients: A case series
Authors: Stradiotto Elisa , Feo Alessandro , Ottonelli Giovanni , Ferraro Vanessa , Del Turco Claudia , Panico Claudio , Romano Mario R , La Spina Carlo
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To describe the clinical and optical coherence tomography (OCT) changes of prechoroidal cleft in treatment-naïve and non-naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) treated with Faricimab intravitreal injections.

Methods

A case series (4 eyes from 4 patients).

Results

Cases 1 and 2 were diagnosed with treatment-naïve nAMD. Case 1 showed minimal prechoroidal cleft persistence after treatment with visual acuity stabilization. Case 2 showed prechoroidal cleft resolution, followed by its recurrence with neovascular reactivation. Cases 3 and 4 had a history of nAMD unresponsive to Aflibercept therapy. In Case 3, prechoroidal cleft reappearance occurred simultaneously to neovascular reactivation. In Case 4 prechoroidal cleft resolved rapidly after switching to Faricimab, but this was complicated by the development of a retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tear.

Conclusion

In this report, we highlight the importance of prechoroidal cleft as a negative prognostic OCT biomarker despite the increasingly proved efficacy of Faricimab. Pigment epithelium detachment height may correlate with the size of prechoroidal cleft and macular neovascularization (MNV) activity. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the prognostic significance of prechoroidal cleft after Faricimab therapy.
Staged surgical salvage of an abandoned hemodialysis graft due to small inflow artery variant
Authors: Fu Xinyi , Mi Lanhua , Shi Yaxue , Liu Sijie , Bao Xuedong , Yu Min , Wu Chang
Published: February 2025

Based on the patient’s life planning, arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and arteriovenous graft (AVG) is better than tunnel-cuffed catheter (TCC) due to catheter-related central venous disease. However, the successful establishment of AVF or AVG requires sufficient vascular conditions. This case report described the reconstruction of an abandoned AVG in a young patient with a small-caliber and high bifurcation artery that was initially unsuitable for AVG creation. We designed a procedure in which an AVF was first established to achieve arterial dilation, and after sufficient enlargement of the artery in a few days, the abandoned graft was reutilized by graft interposition in arterial and venous side separately. We salvaged an AVG by using a simple and inexpensive method to create sufficient arterial condition for AVG establishment making a young patient able to transition from a TCC to an AVG.
Ewing Sarcoma Presenting as Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) in Children: A Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature
Authors: Arafat Hasan , Zeer Zahraa MM , Zeer Almotazbellah MM , Noman Mahmoud , Abdul-Hafez Hamza A , Hammouri Ahmad G , Zughayyer Amer
Published: February 2025

Introduction:

Fever of unknown origin is one of the challenging medical conditions with a wide differential diagnosis.

Case presentation:

We present a case of 16-year-old patient with Ewing sarcoma diagnosed with neoplastic fever.

Discussion:

Neoplastic fever, which is caused by the tumor itself, is diagnosed when all other causes of fever have been ruled out. It occurs more frequently in hepatic, renal, and hematological cancers. After history and physical examination, a thorough individualized diagnostic approach is required. Removing the underlying cause of fever when feasible and symptomatic relief with NSAIDS are the primary therapeutic approaches.

Conclusion:

Fever is common in patients with cancer and it can be due to infectious and non-infectious causes. After excluding all potential causes, neoplastic fever is diagnosed.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis Caused by Acute Pancreatitis Results in Severe Hypertriglyceridemia: A Case Report
Authors: Mansour Amirpasha , Ghasemzade Shima
Published: February 2025

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute complication of diabetes that mainly occurs in type 1 diabetes. However, it can also occur in type 2 diabetes, although less commonly. One of the rare causes of this condition is acute pancreatitis. While hypertriglyceridemia is a known complication of DKA, triglyceride levels higher than 2000 are an unusual finding. We present a case of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus in a patient who came to the hospital with epigastric pain, nausea, and vomiting. Subsequent blood tests revealed hyperglycemia, ketonuria, metabolic acidosis, and increased levels of amylase and lipase, leading to a simultaneous diagnosis of DKA, acute pancreatitis, and very severe hypertriglyceridemia. In patients experiencing abdominal pain and severe diabetic complications, acute pancreatitis should always be considered as a possible diagnosis, and triglyceride levels should be tested to identify hypertriglyceridemia as a potential cause of pancreatitis or complications of DKA.
Toward full inclusion: Understanding individual experiences as epistemic resources in sameness-difference dilemmas
Authors: Johansson Janet Zhangyan , Risberg Annette , Kvitvær Malin
Published: February 2025

This study aims to highlight how individual experiences serve as epistemic resources in disability management by examining how differently-abled individuals respond to and resist exclusionary and essentializing mechanisms within organizational equality, diversity, and inclusion interventions, particularly in relation to the sameness-difference dilemma. Using empirical data from observations and interviews with deaf employees in a performing arts organization, we analyze how these individuals navigate a work environment shaped by hearing norms and initiate change. Our findings reveal that deaf employees resist framing their needs as economic burdens within ableist discourses, asserting their right to be different and adapting to dominant hearing structures by assuming influential roles and collaboratively effecting changes. Through these actions, they broaden the concept of able-bodiedness within organizational contexts, foster critical reflexivity, engage in learning, and enrich organizational knowledge. Building on this, we propose the concept of full inclusion, moving beyond mere critiques of ableist practices in diversity management. This approach provides an alternative epistemic pathway for reflexive organizational learning rooted in differently-abled individuals’ experiences, encouraging organizations to view “others” as essential knowledge resources to mitigate the sameness-difference dilemma within ableist norms.
What makes impulsive buying in tourism live streaming e-commerce?
Authors: Tang Tongxuan , Chung Namho
Published: February 2025

Live streaming e-commerce, which offers an interactive and reliable online transaction platform between potential buyers and sellers, swept the globe and has become a vital marketing means for the tourism industry. Although commonplace, the phenomenon of tourism live commerce has received limited scholarly attention. A solid understanding of the latent motivations facilitating consumers’ positive emotions and behavioral intentions is still needed. To address this gap, this study takes Ctrip live commerce as a case to determine tourists’ perceptions toward tourism live streaming e-commerce and their subsequent behavioral intention by applying Aristotle's rhetorical theory and the stimulus–organism–response theory. Data were collected from 476 participants, and structural equation modeling was conducted using SmartPLS 3.0. Results show that the three attributes of Ctrip live commerce, namely, information quality, celebrity effectiveness, and serendipity, have a positive persuasive effect on audiences’ trust in online travel agencies and their intention to buy impulsively. Additionally, impulsiveness is a crucial factor that stimulates audiences’ intention to buy in the context of tourism live commerce. Based on these results, this study offers theoretical and practical implications for understanding consumers’ perceptions toward tourism live streaming e-commerce.
Examining the dynamics of tobacco dependence and psychosocial influences: A random intercept-latent transition analysis
Authors: Chen Yanyi
Published: February 2025

Current literature on tobacco dependence often overlooks the nuanced interplay between individual and psychosocial factors over time. This study employed Random Intercept-Latent Transition Analysis to examine the progression of tobacco dependence among established smokers, focusing on how demographic variables and psychosocial influences impact transitions between dependence levels. Data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study across three waves ( n = 12,823; 45.3% female) were analyzed. Four latent classes were identified: Stable Low Dependence, Increasing Dependence, Worsening Dependence, and Stable High Dependence. Younger individuals and Hispanic populations were more likely to progress to higher dependence levels, with family and peer influences linked to worsening dependence. These findings highlight the need for personalized, culturally sensitive interventions that address specific stages of tobacco dependence, informing more effective tobacco control strategies that consider both individual and contextual factors.
Vulnerable research: Reflexivity, decolonisation, and climate politics
Authors: Weatherill Charlotte
Published: February 2025

This article is a proposal for embracing ‘vulnerable research’ as an approach that fully accepts and reckons with the harms that research reproduces in a context of climate change and ongoing colonialism. It engages three literatures: on embracing vulnerability in research, decolonising research, and decarbonising research. I argue for taking a vulnerable approach to research, accepting and embracing vulnerability as method in order to challenge the embedded binary of the invulnerable researcher and the vulnerable research subject. Vulnerable research is a particularly important approach in the context of climate change, as the hubristic need to be the person in the vulnerable places, doing the research, is itself vulnerabilising in its environmental harms. I therefore argue that vulnerable vulnerability research requires trust, delegation, and a decentring of the research expert. This would also enable a realignment of knowledge and expertise which is needed for decolonising climate research.
Bioactive compounds and dietary patterns in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Christimann Guilherme , Rocha Gabriela , Sattler José Augusto Gasparotto
Published: February 2025

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects the elderly, leading to severe cognitive decline and loss of autonomy. The accumulation of amyloid-β peptides and tau proteins in the brain is considered the central pathogenic mechanism, which results in neuronal dysfunction and cell death. Various metabolic disruptions, such as chronic oxidative stress and inflammatory processes, further exacerbate the progression of AD. This review, based on literature from PubMed, SciELO, MDPI, and ScienceDirect, evaluates the role of bioactive compounds and dietary patterns, specifically the Mediterranean and MIND diets, in mitigating the progression of AD. These diets, rich in vitamins, flavonoids, carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids, have shown potential in reducing oxidative damage and inflammation in the brain, offering neuroprotective benefits. The findings suggest that bioactive compounds such as vitamin E isomers and polyphenols may delay cognitive decline, presenting a promising avenue for future dietary interventions aimed at optimizing the consumption of these compounds to prevent or slow the onset of AD. Further research is needed to determine the optimal doses and combinations of these bioactive compounds to maximize their protective effects.
Dynamical motion of a spacecraft containing a slug and influenced by a gyrostatic moment and constant torques
Authors: Amer TS , Elneklawy AH , El-Kafly HF
Published: February 2025

This study examines how a spacecraft reacts to constant body-fixed torques and a gyrostatic moment (GM), as well as the impact of energy dissipation. The spacecraft model being studied includes a spherical slug near the center of mass covered by a viscid layer. The problem’s difficulty lies in solving its governing equations of motion (EOMs), which are derived through Euler nonlinear equations. Understanding the behavior of this model can offer insights into how spacecraft respond to external torques, aiding in the development of more efficient and stable systems for aerospace and robotics applications. The research delves into the relationship between energy dissipation and GM on the spacecraft motion in three different scenarios involving constant torques around three various axes. Detailed analysis, as well as novel solution and simulation results, are presented for different energy dissipation possibilities. The influence of manipulating the value of the GM and the viscosity of the layer has been approached. These findings are crucial for comprehending, maintaining, and controlling the motion of spacecraft influenced by external forces in space. The study promises to have a significant impact on the aerospace industry, particularly in the design and operation of spaceships and satellites, by enhancing our knowledge of rotational motion and celestial bodies’ behavior. A comprehensive report will be produced to elucidate the complexities of rotational and orbital motion discovered during this research.
The space-time game: Workers with disabilities in China’s AI data labeling industry
Authors: Xia Bingqing , Wu Tongyu
Published: February 2025

The rapid advancement of AI has led to increased reliance on data labeling workers, yet those with disabilities remain understudied in this context. This article applies critical disability studies and theory of accumulation by dispossession to analyze the dynamics within China’s data labeling industry. We examine the interplay among capital, central and local governments, Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs), and workers with disabilities in the AI data labeling value chain. Our findings highlight the pivotal role of DPOs in reallocating surplus labor and capital across spatial and temporal dimensions. By supplementing functions traditionally associated with government entities, these organizations significantly influence the industry’s landscape. Furthermore, we reveal how DPOs foster labor agency, creating spaces for work dignity among workers with disabilities. Through their efforts to navigate and mitigate algorithmic control, DPOs contribute to a more inclusive labor environment, challenging societal norms.
Crossing the river gap: How research and practice can build a better journalism together
Authors: Cherubini Federica , Peretti Mattia
Published: February 2025

This commentary examines the relationship between the journalism profession and academia, making the case for further bridging the gap between the two fields to foster better collaboration and mutual understanding. We begin by highlighting the similarities and differences between these domains and use the metaphor of two riverbanks in need of connection. We argue that some bridges already exist—each serving different purposes — but all aim to address the same divide. We then explore examples of these connections and argue that improving the circulation of ideas and knowledge between the two fields requires more than building bridges. It also involves strengthening the internal infrastructure on both sides to ensure smooth traffic once ideas have crossed the river. Based on our experience working at this intersection, we suggest that progress often depends less on creating entirely new initiatives and more on fostering reciprocal understanding, clarifying assumptions, and restating shared premises to avoid misunderstandings and misalignments.