bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk of Malignancy in Effusions according to the International System for Serous Fluid Cytopathology: A Review
Authors: Castilho da Silva Daniel José , dos Santos Caio Rodrigo , Xavier-Júnior José Cândido Caldeira
Published: July 2024

Introduction: The International Serous Fluid Cytopathology Reporting System (TIS) was developed to standardize communication among health professionals reporting analyses of serous fluid samples. The categories include non-diagnosis (ND), negative for malignancy (NFM), atypia of undetermined significance (AUS), suspected malignancy (SFM), and malignant (MAL). Each category was characterized by a risk of malignancy (ROM). Methods: We performed a literature review to analyze studies related to TIS using several sources, including PubMed, followed by a search of relevant cytopathology journal websites (American Cancer Society, Diagnostic Cytopathology, Journal of the American Society of Cytopathology, and Acta Cytologica and Cytopathology). The search included articles published between January 2020 and December 2023, using the terms “international AND serous fluid system.” Results: We identified 257 articles, of which 20 addressed the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The overall ROMs for each category were 23.55% for ND, 16.46% for NFM, 50.78% for AUS, 91.34% for SFM, and 98.21% for MAL. Conclusion: Considering the TIS-recommended ROM rates, the ND category was between the suggested intervals, while the SFM category rate was bigger than expected. The other categories (NFM, AUS, and MAL) were below expected values. SFM and MAL had a stronger association with MAL results. New studies are needed to determine each category’s ROM rate from TIS accurately.
Obesity Is Associated with Increased 11-Oxyandrogen Serum Concentrations during Puberty
Authors: Wagner Friederike , Zeidler Robert , Ceglarek Uta , Kiess Wieland , Kratzsch Jürgen , Gaudl Alexander , Biemann Ronald , Vogel Mandy
Published: July 2024

Introduction: While the influence of various factors on classical androgen synthesis in children and adolescents and its impact on puberty has been widely investigated, there appear to be gaps and contradictory findings regarding the association of overweight and obesity with the synthesis of adrenal-derived 11-oxygenated androgen (11-OA) serum levels. With this study, we aimed to examine how overweight and obesity affect 11-OA serum levels during puberty in a large cohort of children and adolescents. Methods: Our cohort comprised 1,054 healthy children aged 6–19 years providing serum samples at a total of 1,734 visits. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantify 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), 11-ketoandrostendione (11-KA4), 11-β-hydroxytestosterone (11-OHT), 11-β-hydroxyandrostendione (11-OHA4), testosterone, androstenedione, and DHEAS. In addition, we assessed BMI-SDSs, skinfold thicknesses, and Tanner stages. The significance level α was set to α = 0.05. Results: Increases in 11-KT, 11-KA4, 11-OHT, and 11-OHA4 levels were observed in boys and girls during puberty. 11-KT (β = 0.2, p < 0.001), 11-KA4 (β = 0.16, p < 0.001), and 11-OHA4 (β = 0.12, p = 0.003) were positively correlated with BMI in boys aged 13 years and under. 11-KT (β = 0.1, p = 0.047) was positively correlated with BMI in girls aged 11 years and under. 11-OHT was positively correlated with BMI independent of age (boys 13 years and under: β = 0.17, p < 0.001; over 13 years: β = 0.14, p = 0.001; girls 11 years and under: β = 0.17, p < 0.001; over 11 years: β = 0.18, p < 0.001). Conclusion: We found increasing 11-OA serum levels throughout all Tanner stages. 11-OAs were observed to be associated with BMI and skinfold thickness, suggesting that overweight and obesity may be associated with pubertal alterations in 11-OA serum levels.
Endobronchial Ultrasound-Based Support Vector Machine Model for Differentiating between Benign and Malignant Mediastinal and Hilar Lymph Nodes
Authors: Hu Wenjia , Wen Feifei , Zhao Mengyu , Li Xiangnan , Luo Peiyuan , Jiang Guancheng , Yang Huizhen , Herth Felix J.F. , Zhang Xiaoju , Zhang Quncheng
Published: July 2024

Introduction: The aim of the study was to establish an ultrasonographic radiomics machine learning model based on endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) to assist in diagnosing benign and malignant mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes (LNs). Methods: The clinical and ultrasonographic image data of 197 patients were retrospectively analyzed. The radiomics features extracted by EBUS-based radiomics were analyzed by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. Then, we used a support vector machine (SVM) algorithm to establish an EBUS-based radiomics model. A total of 205 lesions were randomly divided into training (n = 143) and validation (n = 62) groups. The diagnostic efficiency was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: A total of 13 stable radiomics features with non-zero coefficients were selected. The SVM model exhibited promising performance in both groups. In the training group, the SVM model achieved an ROC area under the curve (AUC) of 0.892 (95% CI: 0.885–0.899), with an accuracy of 85.3%, sensitivity of 93.2%, and specificity of 79.8%. In the validation group, the SVM model had an ROC AUC of 0.906 (95% CI: 0.890–0.923), an accuracy of 74.2%, a sensitivity of 70.3%, and a specificity of 74.1%. Conclusion: The EBUS-based radiomics model can be used to differentiate mediastinal and hilar benign and malignant LNs. The SVM model demonstrated excellent potential as a diagnostic tool in clinical practice.
Scientific Expertise is Needed to Identify Pseudoscience
Authors: Hansson Sven Ove ,   KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Published: July 2024

Etymologically, pseudoscience means false science. The term is often explained as referring to claims or teachings that are presented as scientific but are in fact not scientific. Any understanding of the notion of pseudoscience must therefore build on both an understanding of what science is and a clarification of what forms of errors or misrepresentations make a statement pseudoscientific instead of scientific.
Online Food Delivery Apps: Customer Perception towards Restaurant and Home-Made Food Delivery in Chennai
Authors: Srividua Iyengar Murali , Venkatesh Rajagopalan ,   Vellore Institute of Technology
Published: July 2024

This study delves into the landscape of online food delivery applications, examining their impact, trends, and potential avenues for growth. Through an empirical research method employing a questionnaire, data was collected from a diverse sample of 400 individuals in Chennai, exploring the preferences, habits, and satisfaction levels of users. Firstly, demographic factors such as age and gender exhibit a direct correlation with customer satisfaction or preferences, indicating individualised landscape of preferences. Swiggy emerges as the preferred platform among respondents, primarily attributed to its safe and quick delivery options. The study proposes the incorporation of home-made food deliveries, not only as a consumer benefit but also as a source of new employment opportunities, particularly for homemakers. This study provides understanding of the online food delivery landscape, offering actionable insights for companies to navigate the challenges, capitalise on emerging trends, and foster sustainable growth in this dynamic and competitive industry.
Protein Identification for Stroke Progression via Mendelian Randomization in Million Veteran Program and UK Biobank
Authors: Elmore Andrew R. , Adhikari Nimish , Hartley April E. , Aparicio Hugo Javier , Posner Daniel C. , Hemani Gibran , Tilling Kate , Gaunt Tom R. , Wilson Peter W.F. , Casas Juan P. , Gaziano John Michael , Davey Smith George , Paternoster Lavinia , Cho Kelly , Peloso Gina M.
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:

Individuals who have experienced a stroke, or transient ischemic attack, face a heightened risk of future cardiovascular events. Identification of genetic and molecular risk factors for subsequent cardiovascular outcomes may identify effective therapeutic targets to improve prognosis after an incident stroke.

METHODS:

We performed genome-wide association studies for subsequent major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; n
cases
=51 929; n
controls
=39 980) and subsequent arterial ischemic stroke (AIS; n
cases
=45 120; n
controls
=46 789) after the first incident stroke within the Million Veteran Program and UK Biobank. We then used genetic variants associated with proteins (protein quantitative trait loci) to determine the effect of 1463 plasma protein abundances on subsequent MACE using Mendelian randomization.

RESULTS:

Two variants were significantly associated with subsequent cardiovascular events: rs76472767 near gene
RNF220
(odds ratio, 0.75 [95% CI, 0.64–0.85];
P
=3.69×10
−8
) with subsequent AIS and rs13294166 near gene
LINC01492
(odds ratio, 1.52 [95% CI, 1.37–1.67];
P
=3.77×10
−8
) with subsequent MACE. Using Mendelian randomization, we identified 2 proteins with an effect on subsequent MACE after a stroke: CCL27 ([C-C motif chemokine 27], effect odds ratio, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.66–0.88]; adjusted
P
=0.05) and TNFRSF14 ([tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 14], effect odds ratio, 1.42 [95% CI, 1.24–1.60]; adjusted
P
=0.006). These proteins are not associated with incident AIS and are implicated to have a role in inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS:

We found evidence that 2 proteins with little effect on incident stroke appear to influence subsequent MACE after incident AIS. These associations suggest that inflammation is a contributing factor to subsequent MACE outcomes after incident AIS and highlights potential novel targets.
Nomenclature review on grasses (Poaceae) published in the Bombay Flora
Authors: BRAMHADANDE SNEHA , YADAV SHRIRANG , POTDAR GIRISH
Published: July 2024

The Scottish botanist and forest conservator N.A. Dalzell co-authored “The Bombay Flora” with Dr. Alexander Gibson, in which five grass species from Western India were described. This work discusses the nomenclature and typification of Arundinella gigantea, Arundinella spicata, and Isachne elegans.
Leading Elementary School Science: Taking a Multilevel Distributed Perspective to Explore Leadership Practice
Authors: Lyle Angela M. , Spillane James P. , Haverly Christa
Published: July 2024

Purpose: Most empirical work using a distributed perspective to frame research on leadership practice uses the school as the unit of analysis, focusing on how leadership is stretched over people and aspects of the situation within schools. This study investigates leadership practice for elementary science, using a multilevel distributed framework, to understand the interrelationships among educational leaders operating at various levels—from classrooms, to schools, to educational systems, and, beyond, to the educational sector. Research Methods/Approach: Using an embedded, comparative case study design, we analyzed leadership practice for elementary science reform in 13 school districts in the U.S. as leaders worked to bridge from the Next Generation Science Standards learning ideals to classroom instruction. Data collection included interviews, observations, and documents. Findings: Leading elementary science reform involved three core components of leadership practice: (1) garnering attention for science in a situation that prioritized the instruction of English Language Arts and mathematics; (2) cultivating and channeling essential relationships not only within the system but also in the broader education sector to access the resources needed to (re)build an educational infrastructure for elementary science instruction; and (3) supporting the use of educational infrastructure in everyday practice in schools. Implications: This study makes the case for using a multilevel distributed leadership perspective to frame studies of leadership practice to understand how efforts at different levels interact in shaping the practice of leadership.
What it Takes to Return: UN Peacekeeping and the Safe Return of Displaced People
Authors: Bove Vincenzo , Di Salvatore Jessica , Elia Leandro
Published: July 2024

We investigate the impact of UN peacekeeping on voluntary returns and negative attitudes towards displaced persons. We posit that peacekeeping missions can have beneficial effects by improving security and alleviating the socio-economic burden imposed by new arrivals on receiving communities. Focusing on the critical case of South Sudan, we combine information on peacekeepers' subnational deployment with high frequency survey data. Our findings suggest that the presence of peacekeepers is more likely to attract individuals seeking to return home, compared to those relocating for other reasons. In addition, peacekeepers positively influence the perceptions of receiving communities regarding the impact of IDPs and refugees on economic opportunities, security conditions, and social cohesion.
What do Professional Helpers Describe as Important Competence when Supporting Persons Bereaved by a Drug-Related Death
Authors: Totland Torill Hauge , Titlestad Kristine Berg , Lindeman Sari Kaarina
Published: July 2024

Bereaved persons following a drug-related death (DRD) experience significant stress, an increased risk of health-related problems, complicated grief reactions and a risk of higher mortality. Despite the support received from professional helpers being important, research has yet to examine their perspectives to understand and meet the bereaved’s needs and increase the helpers’ competence. Hence, this qualitative study explored professional helpers’ perspectives on essential skills and competencies when supporting bereaved following DRD. We conducted focus group interviews with 29 professional helpers from diverse health and welfare services across six Norwegian municipalities. Reflexive thematic analysis generated three main themes: Diversity of competence, Basic human competence and Balancing act between different considerations. It is crucial that municipal services explicitly define the needs of bereaved persons following a DRD and determine the necessary professional competencies and appropriate intervention levels required.
MOB-Net: Limb-modularized uncertainty torque learning of humanoids for sensorless external torque estimation
Authors: Lim Daegyu , Kim Myeong-Ju , Cha Junhyeok , Park Jaeheung
Published: July 2024

Momentum observer (MOB) can estimate external joint torque without requiring additional sensors, such as force/torque or joint torque sensors. However, the estimation performance of MOB deteriorates due to the model uncertainty which encompasses the modeling errors and the joint friction. Moreover, the estimation error is significant when MOB is applied to high-dimensional floating-base humanoids, which prevents the estimated external joint torque from being used for force control or collision detection in the real humanoid robot. In this paper, the pure external joint torque estimation method named MOB-Net, is proposed for humanoids. MOB-Net learns the model uncertainty torque and calibrates the estimated signal of MOB, substantially reducing the estimation errors of MOB. The external joint torque can be estimated in the generalized coordinate including whole-body and virtual joints of the floating-base robot with only internal sensors (an IMU on the pelvis and encoders in the joints). Furthermore, MOB-Net shows more robust performance for the unseen data compared to the end-to-end learning method, and the robustness of MOB-Net is validated through extensive simulations, real robot experiments, and ablation studies. Finally, various collision handling scenarios are presented to show the versatility of MOB-Net: contact wrench feedback control for locomotion, collision detection, and collision reaction for safety.
Effect of ladle slag composition on the cleanliness of Al-Ti deoxidized interstitial-free steel
Authors: Yuan Baohui , Liu Jianhua , He Yang , Zeng Jianhua , Yang Xiaodong , Pak Jong-Jin
Published: July 2024

The effect of slag composition on the cleanliness of Al-Ti deoxidized interstitial-free steel produced via basic oxygen furnace (BOF)-ladle furnace (LF)-Ruhrstahl-Heraeus (RH)-continuous casting (CC) process was investigated by the systematic samplings and analyses for four heats in a steel plant in China. Oxygen/nitrogen analyzer, automatic scanning electron microscope, field-emission scanning electron microscope, and energy spectroscopy analysis were used to analyze the variations of number, size, type, and morphology of inclusions in molten steel from RH to tundish, and X-ray fluorescence was used to analyze the slag composition. The relationship between slag composition and inclusion characteristics in molten steel was investigated. The effect of slag composition on the oxygen mass transfer from the slag–metal interface to liquid steel was also studied through a theoretical calculation. The results showed that the cleanliness of molten steel was greatly affected by the slag composition. The deterioration of steel cleanliness was mainly arisen from a serious reoxidation of molten steel by oxidizing components like (T.Fe + MnO) in top slag during RH refining process. A weak ability to absorb inclusions of top slag with high CaO/Al2O3 and CaO/SiO2 mass ratios was confirmed from the inclusions analyses. The size and number of Al2O3 inclusion clusters were larger, and Ti content in Al2O3-TiO x inclusions was higher from RH to tundish in the case of serious reoxidation. The reduction of FeO content and keeping the CaO/Al2O3 and CaO/SiO2 ratios at about 1.6 and 4–7, respectively, in top slag during RH refining process was beneficial to minimize the reoxidation of Al and Ti and increase the inclusion absorption ability of top slag.
Effect of small amounts of cerium on impact toughness and tensile properties of industrial Al-killed steel Q355D
Authors: Zhang Xiaofeng , Zhi Jianguo , Song Xiwen , Li Zhao , An Shengli
Published: July 2024

The influence of cerium (Ce) on the mechanical properties of industrial steel was meaningful. And inclusions, grains, impact toughness, and tensile properties of industrial aluminium-killed Q355D were investigated by adding varying amounts of Ce. It was found that (i) inclusion of the sample without Ce was mainly manganese sulphide (MnS) and Al2O3-Mn(Ca)S, inclusion of the sample with adding 0.0017% Ce was mainly MnS- and Ce-based inclusions of CeAlO3–Ce2O2S–CaS, and inclusion of the sample with adding 0.0025% Ce was mainly MnS- and Ce-based inclusions of CeAlO3–Ce2S3–Mn(Ca)S; (ii) the number of MnS inclusions had decreased and shortened by increasing Ce. Meanwhile, Ce-based inclusions moved in the direction of decreasing size by increasing Ce; (iii) the grains were refined by adding Ce. In particular, fine acicular ferrite was formed by adding 0.0017% Ce; and (iv) the low-temperature impact toughness was best, and yield strength was the highest for the sample with adding 0.0017% Ce, which was attributed to the contribution of fine acicular ferrite and Ce2O2S inclusion.
Organisational and technological factors affecting efficient service delivery in trustworthy digital repositories: A qualitative approach
Authors: Bamgbose Adeoye Augustine , Mohd Masnizah , Wook Tengku Siti Meriam Tengku , Mohamed Hazura
Published: July 2024

This study was undertaken to identify the organisational and technological factors that affect the efficiency of service delivery in trustworthy digital repositories of university libraries, where digital repositories have become increasingly common. The interpretive research paradigm, which relies on qualitative research, was adopted for the study. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with nine participants from selected universities in the South West region of Nigeria. The data was analysed thematically to explore the factors affecting service delivery in trustworthy digital repositories. The findings show that both organisational factors (such as standardised organisation policies, stakeholders’ participation and financial sustainability) and technological factors (digital repository certification, technological standards, etc.) have a significant effect on service delivery in a university-based trustworthy digital repository. It is concluded that by adopting these factors, institutions can establish digital repositories that are not merely data storage facilities, but also trusted and valuable sources of scholarly information and knowledge.
From collections to connections in libraries, archives and museums: Do theories meet practice?
Authors: Kisilowska-Szurmińska Małgorzata , Kann-Rasmussen Nanna , Paul Magdalena , Manista Gabriela , Pietrzkiewicz Dorota , Grabowska Dorota
Published: July 2024

Libraries, archives and museums are primarily seen as institutions that preserve and promote collections. However, ongoing social changes are causing them to increasingly focus on their social partners and the relationships that can be established with them. The evolving nature of these institutions’ priorities raises questions about how they are adapting to this shift and its impact on their operations. The objective of this research is to contribute to the conceptualization of the paradigm shift through verification of how selected social and cultural theories of social relations are reflected in the activities of libraries, archives and museums, as well as their connections with various partners. A content analysis of articles from three journals indicates that the relation-centric theories studied, and the concepts presented therein, are taken into account by their authors, albeit to varying degrees. The relationships of libraries, archives and museums primarily concern local communities and special user groups, but also involve other legal or individual entities, as well as the professional community.
Creating ownership: Strengths and tensions in co-production with children, young people, and adults across contexts
Authors: Paterson-Young Claire , Adhikari Juhi , Lee Laura , Maher Michael , Wright Laura H. V.
Published: July 2024

The inclusion of young people in conducting research leads to the creation of shared knowledge, honest communication, and increases the legitimacy of the research, allowing it to be an effective base for policy creation. This paper looks at the role of horizontal co-production with young people, as we reflect together on the process of collaboration in peace-building research.
Case-control study on challenges in loss of follow-up care and the limitations in the reach of HIV policies for women
Authors: Tizianel Aguilar Gabriela , Lamperti Thomazi Guilherme , Acosta Lisiane , Fernandes da Rocha Andrei , Rodrigues Ikeda Maria Leticia
Published: July 2024

Introduction

HIV has transitioned from a devastating 1980s epidemic to a manageable chronic condition with antiretroviral therapy. In Brazil, challenges persist, including high detection rates and loss of medical follow-up among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV). Adherence, engagement, and avoiding loss to follow-up are critical for effective HIV/AIDS prevention and care.

Objectives

This case-control study within longitudinal research on PLHIV linkage and retention in Porto Alegre aims to analyze factors associated with treatment abandonment.

Methods

The study, based on patients from the Therapeutic Care Service for HIV and AIDS at Sanatorio Partenon Hospital, involved 360 PLHIV in a retention and linkage outpatient clinic.

Results

Risk factors for loss to follow-up include cisgender women, diagnosis between 1991 and 2005, and non-adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART). Conversely, cisgender men, diagnosis between 2015 and 2023, and good ART adherence were protective factors.

Conclusion

Gender disparities and ART non-adherence pose significant challenges in comprehensive PLHIV care. Cisgender women diagnosed before 2005 face higher risk, while cisgender men diagnosed after 2015 with good ART adherence are more protected, influencing care and prevention strategies for PLHIV.
Growth-environment nexus in Canada: Revisiting EKC via demand and supply dynamics
Authors: Ali Md. Idris , Islam Md. Monirul , Ceh Brian
Published: July 2024

Previous research on the growth-environment nexus has predominantly focused on demand-side indicators, disregarding the supply-side dynamic and the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis. This study examines the role of economic growth on environmental quality in Canada, considering various macroeconomic factors such as energy consumption, technology innovation, foreign direct investment, and institutional quality. Using time series data for the period 1990 to 2022, this study employs the dynamic autoregressive distributive lag (DARDL) co-integration model to assess the co-integrating relationship among variables and conduct counterfactual shock analysis. The results demonstrate that economic growth significantly affects demand-side dynamics, leading to increased carbon emissions and ecological footprint, while concurrently reducing the supply-side factor, namely the load capacity factor, in both the short and long run. Notably, these findings include the confirmation of the EKC hypothesis as it relates to environmental safety, measured through energy consumption within the Canadian context. In addition, counterfactual analysis of the DARDL approach examines the effects of (±) 1% and (±) 5% shocks from the independent to dependent variables. For robustness, the kernel regularized least squares machine learning algorithm validates the results obtained from the DARDL estimation technique. The study's findings suggest implementing stringent environmental policies to enhance supply-side environmental parameters while carefully balancing energy consumption to support growth. It is crucial to ensure that economic growth is not achieved at the expense of environmental degradation in Canada.
Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: A descriptive and comparative study of clinical, laboratory, and treatment characteristics in two populations
Authors: Kavrul Kayaalp Gülşah , Esencan Deren , Guliyeva Vafa , Arık Selen Duygu , Türkmen Şeyma , Şahin Sezgin , Bilginer Yelda , Kasapçopur Özgür , Sözeri Betül , Özen Seza , Aktay Ayaz Nuray , Sawalha Amr H.
Published: July 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to characterize childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in two large cohorts from Turkey and the United States.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with childhood-onset SLE who fulfilled the 1997 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for SLE from four reference centers in Turkey and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in the United States were included in this study. A comparative analysis was conducted to evaluate the similarities and differences in clinical and laboratory features, damage accrual, and treatment experiences between the two populations.

Results

A total of 174 patients with childhood-onset SLE were included in this study (108 patients from Turkey and 66 patients from the United States). The female-to-male ratio was similar between the two cohorts (∼3:1, p = .73). The median age at diagnosis was 11.67 years (2.19-17.93) in the Turkish cohort and 13.68 years (2.74-17.93) in the U.S. cohort ( p < .001). Photosensitivity (45.4% and 21.2%; p = .007) and renal involvement (41.7% and 36.4%; p = .045) were higher in the Turkish cohort. Anti-Ro/SSA (34.8% and 15.7%; p < .001), anti-Sm (59.1% and 19.4%; p < .001), and anti-RNP (47.0% and 14.8%; p < .001) positivity was more frequent in the U.S. cohort. Current use of rituximab (37.9% and 1.9%; p < .001) and belimumab (19.7% and 0%; p < .001) was more prevalent in the U.S. cohort, while the use of cyclophosphamide (often according to the low dose Euro-Lupus protocol) throughout the disease course (24.1% and 4.5%; p < .001) was more frequent in the Turkish cohort. SLICC/ACR Damage Index scores were not different between the two cohorts.

Conclusion

This study provides detailed clinical and laboratory features of childhood-onset SLE in two independent and geographically divergent cohorts. Our findings suggest an earlier age of disease onset and a higher prevalence of kidney involvement in Turkish patients. Differences in treatment approaches were also noted. However, damage accrual related to SLE does not appear to be different between the two patient populations.
Psychological impact of life events in systemic lupus erythematosus patients – Differences between flares and remission
Authors: Faria Raquel , Guimarães de Oliveira Daniel , Alves Rute , Farinha Fátima , Pinho Costa Paulo , Vasconcelos Carlos , Figueiredo-Braga Margarida
Published: July 2024

Background

Stress has been linked to worsening symptoms and increased disease activity in patients with Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Life-events are individual stress points, and there is conflicting evidence regarding their role in SLE activity and disease perception.

Methods

Adult SLE patients were recruited for the study. Clinical and laboratory features of SLE were recorded, and previous diagnosis of anxiety or depression were retrieved from patients’ electronic charts. Flares were defined by the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity (SLEDAI) flare Index, and flares during the previous year were documented. During a routine visit, they completed validated Portuguese translations of the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Life Experience Survey (LES) for the previous year.

Results

A total of 47 female SLE patients were recruited. Ten patients (21.3%) had experienced recent flares. Patients with recent flares reported fewer life events, with lower positive, negative, and total weightings sums compared to those without recent flares. Although 42.2% of patients perceived pathological levels of stress in the previous month, 48.9% had anxiety symptoms, and 34% were at high risk for an anxiety disorder, these psychometric measures did not differ significantly between the recent flare and no-flare groups.

Conclusions

There is a high prevalence of pathological levels of stress among SLE patients. SLE patients with recent flares report less psychological impact from life events, both positive and negative, independent of other psychological or pharmacological factors.
(Re)Asserting organization as a lens in sport sociology: The meaning, workings, and consequences of rational design efforts
Authors: Stenling Cecilia , Fahlén Josef , Sam Michael , Tak Minhyeok
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this article is to (re)assert the importance of an organizational lens in the socio-cultural study of sport. Specifically, we aim to demonstrate the often self-perpetuating and always value-infused nature of rational design, and the organizational processes through which problems, objectives, structures, roles, identities, and knowledges are (re)constituted and privileged in the context of sport. Drawing on an institutional understanding of organizational life, we examine Swedish sports' adoption of a new integrity platform as a case of rational design. Analyzing documentary and interview data, we demonstrate how positing organization as the object of knowledge allows us to unpack how, why, and with what effects, social issues and domains become subsumed into processes of rationalization and rational organizational design.
#Sportsball anti-fandom as identity performance on X: The case of Australian Football League Women's (AFLW)
Authors: Boots Tim , Toffoletti Kim
Published: July 2024

This article identifies a novel form of sports anti-fan identity present amongst X (formerly Twitter) followers of The Australian Football League Women's (AFLW) competition – #sportsball fans – whose nascent attachment to women's Australian Rules football is publicly performed as an ironically detached becoming-a-fan-ness, often rooted in a self-identified, pre-existing aversion to both sport and sports fandom. The term #sportsball serves as a shorthand for these types of new fan identities, for whom ironic distancing and expressions of surprise at their sudden affective attachment to football serve as a bridging device for traversing different textualities, for protecting the curated online self, and for managing expectations within pre-existing online communities. Identified via a corpus-assisted discourse studies (CADS) analysis of 71,332 posts drawn from official match day hashtags for the AFLW's inaugural 2017 season, #sportsball fans represent a significant contribution to our understanding of mediated fan practices and online identity construction.
Genotype Phenotype Correlation of Renal Tumors in the Cancer Genome Atlas Database
Authors: Albertson Daniel , Barry Marc , Liu Ting , Mahlow Jonathan , Sirohi Deepika
Published: July 2024

Morphological features are critical in evaluation of renal tumors and directing molecular workup. The objective of this study was to review histomorphology of renal tumors with molecular alterations of known subtypes. Renal tumors in The Cancer Genome Atlas were reviewed to identify tumors with defining molecular alterations. Single representative digital slides and pathology reports were reviewed and morphologic features recorded. Sixty tumors were identified with molecular alterations in genes characteristic of defined renal cell carcinoma (RCC) subtypes. Findings included the presence of both low- and high-grade histology in TFE3 rearranged RCCs, TFEB amplified RCCs, succinate dehydrogenase ( SDH) mutated RCCs and RCCs with mutations in mismatch repair genes. Three ELOC mutated RCCs were identified, one of which demonstrated infiltrative features. Pseudostratification of nuclei in fumarate hydratase mutated RCCs and nuclear grooves in SDH mutated RCCs were intriguing findings not previously reported. Mucinous features were noted in NF2, KRAS, and SDH mutated and ALK rearranged tumors. Significant morphologic overlap was noted across most categories with limited clues for subclassification. Whereas the number of diagnostic entities for kidney tumors continues to increase, many of these have overlapping features, highlighting the significant role molecular characterization currently plays and will continue to play in the future.
Cholesterol Embolic Renal Disease: Experience of a Large Healthcare System
Authors: Jain Swachi , Nimkar Abhishek , Hong Susana , Uppal Nupur N. , Bijol Vanesa , Yang Yihe
Published: July 2024

Context. To determine the clinical-pathological features associated with cholesterol embolic renal disease, and review of literature. Design. This retrospective case series includes patients with cholesterol embolic renal disease (10 of 3087 kidney biopsies) who were diagnosed at Northwell Health, New York, between July 2017 and October 2022. Results. Cholesterol embolic renal disease is a rare disease with a prevalence of 0.32%. Four of 10 patients had intravascular interventional radiology procedures within 6 months prior to kidney biopsy. Four patients had remote interventional radiology history (6 months to 4 years). Seven patients presented with acute kidney injury; 3 patients underwent renal biopsy due to proteinuria. The average baseline creatinine was 2.0 ± 0.9 mg/dL; the creatinine at kidney biopsy and at follow-up was 4.3 ± 3.0 mg/dL and 2.8 ± 1.3 mg/dL, respectively. Eight patients had elevated serum eosinophil counts. Three patients died (mortality rate 30%) in an average follow-up of 4 months (range: 1-10 months). One patient progressed to end-stage kidney disease. The presence of cholesterol clefts is a hallmark of atherosclerotic emboli. Cholesterol clefts were present on the specimen for light microscopy (H&E and special stains) in 9 biopsies; 7 patients had cholesterol clefts in vascular lumens and/or walls. Cholesterol clefts were present on semi-thin sections for electron microscopy examination in 4 biopsies. One patient had cholesterol clefts present in semi-thin sections only. Conclusions. The clinical manifestation of cholesterol embolic renal disease in patients without recent intravascular interventional radiology history can be indolent but is associated with high mortality. Careful examination of all levels with light microscopy, including the perirenal tissue, and semi-thin sections can increase the detection rate of cholesterol embolic renal disease.
Utility of C4d Immunohistochemistry in the Diagnosis of Esophageal Pemphigus Vulgaris
Authors: Fang Jiayun M. , Choi Won-Tak , Wang Hanlin , Graham Rondell , Hissong Erika , Chan May P. , Westerhoff Maria
Published: July 2024

Aims. To assess the utility of C4d immunohistochemistry for esophageal pemphigus vulgaris. Methods and results. We searched for patients with a history of esophageal pemphigus vulgaris who had esophageal biopsies for routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. A total of 8 biopsies from 7 patients were available. We also identified 18 non-pemphigus esophageal biopsies for controls. C4d immunohistochemistry was performed on each biopsy. Five of 6 (83%) biopsies with classic pemphigus vulgaris histologic findings were positive for intercellular staining at the basal layer. The negative biopsy was in a patient that had recently received high-dose corticosteroid treatment for a flare. Two biopsies with atypical histologic features for pemphigus vulgaris had negative C4d staining but positive direct immunofluorescence (DIF) studies. Various nonspecific C4d staining patterns were observed in the controls, but none showed the intercellular staining pattern that was observed in pemphigus vulgaris. Conclusions. Suprabasal clefting with acantholysis and “tombstone effect” are described histologic features of pemphigus vulgaris on H&E. However, procedural artifact may mimic these findings. Currently, the gold standard for pemphigus vulgaris is DIF, which is not always available because it cannot routinely be performed on formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue. Our study shows that C4d immunohistochemistry may be a useful adjunct in evaluating esophageal pemphigus vulgaris.
Neuroendocrine Lesions Arising From Mediastinal Teratoma—A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Lam Pensi P. H. , Lum Ray T. W. , Chan Joyce W. Y. , Lau Rainbow W. H. , Ng Calvin S. H. , Li Joshua J. X.
Published: July 2024

Background. Neuroendocrine lesions arising from mediastinal teratomas are rare tumors with only small number of patients reported in literature. The behavior of these lesions appears to be different from traditional neuroendocrine neoplasms. A comprehensive review will be valuable for histologic assessment and treatment planning for similar cases. Case presentation. We present an example of a 57-year-old man who presented with cough. Subsequent work-up revealed an anterior mediastinal mass of 2.1 cm on computed tomography. The patient underwent robot-assisted thoracoscopic thymectomy. Histological examination revealed a mature cystic teratoma with a neuroendocrine component consisting of clusters of tumor cells with round to oval nuclei and a “salt-and-pepper” chromatin pattern. The tumor cells were immunoreactive to cytokeratin, synaptophysin, chromogranin, and INSM1, with a Ki-67 proliferative index of 4%. A histological diagnosis was mature teratoma with well-differentiated low-grade neuroendocrine tumor (carcinoid) was made. The patient was well and without disease after complete surgical excision at 10 months. Literature review. Literature reviewed yielded 13 examples of neuroendocrine lesions arising from mediastinal teratomas. No disease-related mortality was reported, even in lesions with high-grade neuroendocrine, carcinomatous, or immature teratomatous components. Conclusions. Surgical removal is the mainstay of treatment of these lesions, and the presence of a neuroendocrine component does not appear to negatively affect prognosis.
Evaluation of Turnaround Times of Diagnostic Biopsies: A Metric of Quality in Surgical Pathology
Authors: Sharma Anila , Nishadham Vikas , Gupta Prachi , Gupta Gurudutt , Sharma Deepak , Goel Sneha , Pasricha Sunil , Kamboj Meenakshi , Mehta Anurag
Published: July 2024

Introduction. Timely and accurate diagnosis of diseases is crucial for effective patient care. Turnaround time (TAT) in surgical pathology, defined as the time between accessioning the sample and reporting results, is a key performance indicator reflecting quality and efficiency. This study explores factors affecting TAT for diagnostic biopsies in a tertiary oncology hospital. Methods. A 1-month pilot study was conducted, focusing on 695 in-house diagnostic biopsies. Biopsies were categorized as routine (requiring only hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining) or complex cases (requiring additional tests). TAT was defined as the time between sample accessioning and report availability in the electronic medical record, with delays defined as exceeding 3 days for routine cases and 4 days for complex cases. Survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier plots was utilized to analyze TAT. Results. The overall mean TAT was 3.7 ± 2 days, with routine cases at 3.1 ± 2 days and complex cases at 4.8 ± 2 days ( P < 0.001). Survival analysis revealed prolonged TAT for complex cases. Organ-specific analysis highlighted variations in TAT, with brain biopsies presenting the highest complexity and longest TAT. Surprisingly, malignant cases demonstrated slightly shorter TATs compared to benign cases ( P = 0.026). Delays were observed in 34% of all cases. Conclusions. Laboratory TAT is crucial and is frequently used as a performance benchmark. We analyzed the various causes of delayed TAT in our hospital's histopathology department, with an emphasis on variables in the analytical phase. The results of this study demonstrate that cases involving ancillary techniques had significantly longer TATs compared to routine H&E cases.
Active vibration control of rotating carbon nanotube reinforced composite cylindrical shells via piezoelectric patches
Authors: Sun Shupeng , Zhao Xinqiu , Yang Yang , Cao Dengqing
Published: July 2024

This paper addresses the active vibration control of rotating carbon nanotube reinforced composite (CNTRC) cylindrical shells via piezoelectric actuator and sensor pairs. Considering circumferential initial stresses and Coriolis forces induced by rotation, an electromechanical coupling model of a simply supported CNTRC cylindrical shell, covered with surface-bonded piezoelectric sensors/actuators is established using the Lagrange equations and the model validation is carried out through a comparative analysis with existing literature. To suppress vibrations of rotating CNTRC cylindrical shells over a range of speeds, an LQR (Linear Quadratic Regulator) closed-loop controller is designed and its effectiveness is analyzed and evaluated through dynamic response analysis. Furthermore, the optimization of piezoelectric patch layout is performed by analyzing the performance of the controller for rotating CNTRC shells with typical piezoelectric sensors/actuators distributions. This paper presents and validates a strategy for vibration control of rotating CNTRC cylindrical shells using piezoelectric patches. The findings derived can offer guidance for vibration suppression of rotating thin-walled structures in practical engineering applications.
Adaptive backstepping control using a novel dual-differentiator for multi-degree-of-freedom manipulator uncertain systems with unknown multi-disturbances
Authors: Ma Ruizi , Zhang Yijie , Guo Xu , Wen Jun
Published: July 2024

In this article, the adaptive sliding mode backstepping controller (ASMBC) using a novel dual-differentiator is proposed for multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) manipulator systems with uncertain states and multi-disturbances. The dual-differentiator comprises a tracking differentiator (TD) and a disturbance observer (DOB) based on the proposed TD. A novel tracking differentiator based on the inverse hyperbolic sine function and terminal attractor function (IHSTD) is introduced to reconstruct unknown states like velocity responses of the manipulator systems. Furthermore, the other differentiator, DOB based on aforementioned IHSTD (IHSTD-DOB), is involved in estimating the uncertain and stochastic multi-disturbances affecting the manipulator systems. Then, an ASMBC scheme, combining proposed dual-differentiator, is developed for achieving accurate tracking control of manipulator. Additionally, to handle the “explosion of term” issue in backstepping control, the designed IHSTD is also utilized to estimate the derivative of the virtual control law. The stability of the controller is rigorously analyzed using the Lyapunov method. Finally, numerical simulation results are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme. Comparison experiments with the traditional DOB, the scheme except IHSTD, and the classical sliding mode control method are carried out by Simulink. The results illustrate that the present control method not only has an excellent tracking performance but also accurately estimates the unpredictable multi-disturbance and reconstructs the unknown states of the manipulator systems.
A novel iterative model updating for jointed structures using nonlinear FRFs
Authors: Du Yihan , Fan Xuanhua , Wang Dong
Published: July 2024

A novel iterative model updating method is developed to identify the local nonlinear joint properties using the frequency response functions (FRFs) of assembled structures. In this paper, the least-squares fitting method was used to transform the sensitivity matrix into a square iteration matrix to match the dimensions of the objective functions and nonlinear joint model parameters. Leveraging the Newton’s iteration, the adaptive successive over-relaxation (A-SOR) was used to ensure iteration convergence while the multi-scale parameter adjusting (MPA) strategy was developed to degrade the ill-condition of the iteration matrix. Two updating examples of phenomenological equivalence models were applied to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The nonlinear FRFs of a lap-type bolted joint beam system with Iwan model were simulated as the objective functions to identify the local nonlinear joint properties, as well as experimental investigations of a metal rubber isolation system with a high-order polynomial model. The proposed method was validated by the good agreement of the comparison results, and it indicated a better model updating performance with a much smaller condition number of the iteration matrix.
Preclinical Safety Evaluation of Etripamil Nasal Spray in Cynomolgus Macaques (Macaca fascicularis) to Assess for Safety in Patients With Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Pion Johanne , Lopez Mendez Carlos , Moreau Jean-Pierre , Boulanger Veronique , Wight Douglas
Published: July 2024

Etripamil is a calcium channel blocker currently in Phase 3 trials for the treatment of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT). Systemic and local toxicity following once-weekly intranasal administration of etripamil was evaluated in cynomolgus macaques to support clinical development. Groups of animals (N = 8, 4 males and 4 females) were administered etripamil into the left nostril weekly at dose levels of 0 (vehicle), 1.9, 3.8, or 5.7 mg/kg/dose for 26 doses. Persistence, reversibility, and progression of findings were examined following a 28-day recovery period. Clinical signs were transient and were related to the intranasal administration (e.g., nasal discharge, sneezing, etc.) of etripamil. There were no macroscopic or systemic microscopic findings at any dose. Etripamil-related adaptive and reactive local changes affecting the nasal cavity, larynx, and nasopharynx were observed at ≥1.9 mg/kg/dose. Minimal to severe dose-dependent nasal epithelial damage was observed, mainly affecting respiratory and transitional epithelium. Following the 28-day recovery period, microscopic changes were confined to the left nasal cavity and nasopharynx. These changes were significantly lower in incidence and severity, with noticeable reversal of the adaptive and reactive changes, indicating partial to complete recovery of the epithelial lining. Based on the lack of systemic toxicity and the minimal and transient nasal changes, the systemic, no observable adverse effect level (NOAEL) of etripamil in monkeys was the high dose, 5.7 mg/kg/dose. The NOAEL for local toxicity was 1.9 mg/kg/dose. Collectively, these data support further study of etripamil in human trials as a potential treatment for PSVT.