bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health Information Exchange Implications for School Nursing: An Integrative Review
Authors: Baker Christina , Bennett Sheryl
Published: February 2025

School nurses coordinate care for school-age children with various chronic diseases but rarely are included in access to electronic health records or health information exchanges. This integrative review aimed to obtain evidence-based information on health information exchange (HIE) and health information exchange organizations (HIOs) in the United States and the implications for school nurses. The review found no instances in the published literature of school nurses’ access to an HIE through a regional or non-vendor-based HIO. Information from the review was mapped to the four National Association of School Nursing School Nurse Practice FrameworkTM principles to provide knowledge on the importance of incorporating HIE in school-based healthcare. These results highlight a gap in identifying the school nurse as an essential use case for regional or national HIOs in care coordination for school-age children. School nurses can learn about HIE, advocate for their access to HIOs, and acknowledge their importance in the care coordination team.
Navigating School Meal Environments: Perspectives of Pupils Diagnosed With Autism Spectrum Disorder or ADHD
Authors: Sandberg Susanna G. , Nyroos Mikaela , Waling Maria , Olsson Cecilia
Published: February 2025

Busy and unstructured school environments can present challenges for pupils diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although school restaurants may be demanding, limited research has focused on these pupils. This study explores how pupils diagnosed with ASD or ADHD navigate the physical, social, and pedagogical environments of school meals. Based on ethnographic fieldwork in four Swedish schools, involving observations, conversations, and interviews with five 12-year-old boys and their mothers, findings show how pupils valued having a teacher or classmate nearby during lunchtime. Crowded and narrow spaces posed motor challenges, leading to spills and comments on table manners. Socially, pupils alternated between engaging with others and seeking solitude to escape noise and interactions. The study calls for reflection on how societal norms and environmental structures of school meals impact pupils diagnosed with ASD or ADHD, emphasizing the role of school nurses in identifying potential issues.
Design and implementation of an internet of things automatic solar shading system
Authors: Stamou Georgia , Angelopoulos Spyridon , Stefanakis Nikolaos , Hristoforou Evangelos
Published: February 2025

The implementation of energy-saving solutions becomes increasingly crucial as global energy reserves decline. The integration of automated solar shading systems not only improves living conditions, but also reduces energy costs. This work presents the design and implementation of an Internet of Things (IoT) automatic solar shading system. The developed solar shading includes custom-made louvers that are able to reflect the external light, while being transparent. Moreover, the system is equipped with a microcontroller and appropriate sensors that enable its automated operation based on measurements of the internal and external environmental conditions. A Raspberry Pi acts as a server, enabling the communication between the shading devices and the users, through an open-source home automation operating system (Home Assistant OS). The user-friendly interface, accessible via a web browser or a mobile application, provides essential data such as temperature, humidity, and device status. Alert notifications are sent when specific conditions are met. The overall system is enclosed in two 3D-printed units, ensuring its durability and easy integration into existing or new installations. In summary, this system combines the advantages of automatic solar shadings, including energy efficiency and improved occupant comfort, with smart features for remote control and monitoring through a user-friendly interface. The proposed system has been installed in a window of our laboratory, performing successfully in real-life conditions.
Critical velocities of a three-layer composite tube including the transverse shear, rotary inertia, and material anisotropy effects
Authors: Gao Xin-Lin
Published: February 2025

Critical velocities of a three-layer composite tube under a moving internal pressure are derived in the closed-form expressions. The formulation is based on a first-order shear deformation shell theory that accounts for the transverse shear, rotary inertia and material anisotropy. The composite tube consists of three perfectly bonded cylindrical layers of dissimilar materials, each of which can be orthotropic, transversely isotropic, cubic or isotropic. Closed-form formulas for four critical velocities are first obtained for the general case by considering the effects of transverse shear, rotary inertia, material orthotropy and radial stress. These general formulas are then reduced to specific ones for composite tubes without the transverse shear, rotary inertia or radial stress effect and for tubes with simpler anisotropy. In addition, it is shown that the current model for three-layer tubes can recover those for single- and two-layer tubes as special cases. To demonstrate the newly derived closed-form formulas, an example is given for a three-layer composite tube made of an isotropic inner layer, an orthotropic core and an isotropic outer layer. All four critical velocities of this three-layer composite tube are determined by directly applying the new model. Numerical results reveal that three values of the lowest critical velocity predicted by the current analytical model agree well with those computationally obtained in an existing study.
Where Is My Mind? The Daydreaming Characteristics Questionnaire, a New Tool to Differentiate Absorptive Daydreaming From Mind-Wandering
Authors: Theodor-Katz Nitzan , Soffer-Dudek Nirit
Published: February 2025

Objective:

Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is an impairing condition characterized by addiction to narrative, emotional fantasizing, involving dissociative absorption. By compulsively withdrawing toward vivid imaginative scenarios, MD hinders attentional functioning and replaces social interactions. Previous Interview-based research showed clinical importance in differentiating MD from ADHD and the associated construct of mind-wandering. We aimed to create a self-report tool asking directly about the content and structure of distracting thoughts.

Method:

Two samples, namely, 346 undergraduate students and 381 adults from the general community, completed a novel measure, the Daydreaming Characteristics Questionnaire (DCQ), along with validated measures for ADHD, mind-wandering, MD, dissociation, and general distress.

Results:

Exploratory Factor Analyses on the DCQ, replicated across both samples, yielded two distinct factors (immersive daydreaming and daydream functionality) uniquely associated with MD.

Conclusion:

The DCQ represents characteristics of immersive daydreaming much more than general attentional deficiency and is thus useful in differentiating MD from ADHD/mind-wandering distractions.
Qualitative research synthesis of project-based (language) learning and teaching in East and Southeast Asia: 2002–24
Authors: Beckett Gulbahar H. , Beck Jeanne , Lestari Febriana , Yang Junghun , Jean Lim Hwee
Published: February 2025

This article presents and discusses findings of project-based (language) learning and teaching (PBLT) research published in English between 2002 and 2024. The purpose of our qualitative research synthesis (QRS) is to identify the macro and micro contexts, research foci, theoretical and methodological orientations, technology use as well as benefits, challenges, and regional understanding of PBLT in East and Southeast Asia as reported in the studies analysed for this QRS. Our goals for conducting the QRS study are to offer generalizable findings of 21 years of PBLT research to guide future PBLT research and to inform PBLT pedagogy in East and Southeast Asia. The findings of our QRS contribute to the advancement of the emerging qualitative research synthesis in the TESOL field in general and of PBLT research and practice in particular.
Food selectivity and eating difficulties in adults with autism and/or ADHD
Authors: Bayoumi Sarah C. , Halkett Ashley , Miller Meghan , Hinshaw Stephen P.
Published: February 2025

Children with autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely than neurotypical children to experience eating difficulties, such as picky/selective eating, slow eating, and over/under-eating. Recent studies show that eating difficulties can persist into adulthood for autistic individuals. Yet little is known about the mechanisms involved and whether adults with ADHD also experience such challenges. We (1) compare eating difficulties among adults with autism, ADHD, autism/ADHD, and neither condition and (2) identify predictors of overall eating pathology and of food selectivity. The sample was 50% female and 78% White, consisting of 961 adults aged 19-57 who self-reported their diagnostic status: 184 with autism, 416 with ADHD, 292 with autism/ADHD, and 69 comparisons. Eating difficulties were assessed via self-report survey using the Swedish Eating Assessment for Autism (SWEAA) and Food Preferences Questionnaire. Autistic adults, with or without ADHD, reported significantly more eating difficulties than all other groups. Total eating difficulties were associated with increased insistence on sameness, other autistic features, food selectivity, and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Food selectivity was predicted by increased insistence on sameness, sensory sensitivity, and other core features of autism, and lower hyperactivity-impulsivity. The high degree of eating difficulties in autistic adults warrants clinical attention on this topic.

Lay Abstract

Some people do not like many foods, eat very quickly or slowly, or eat too much or too little. These problems are more common in children with autism or ADHD and may continue for a long time, but we do not know much about these problems in adults. Our goal was to understand how eating difficulties are similar and different in adults with autism, ADHD, both autism/ADHD, and neither condition. We also wanted to understand factors that relate to picky eating and overall eating difficulties. We found that autistic adults had the most problems with eating compared to all other groups. Adults with ADHD had more eating problems than adults with neither condition. Adults with autism and/or ADHD were more sensitive to taste and texture of foods, had difficulty with spilling food, and found it hard to tell whether they are hungry or full compared to people without these conditions. We also found that autism and ADHD traits were linked to picky eating and having more eating problems. The results show that many autistic adults and some with ADHD might need support with eating. Doctors should pay attention to eating problems to help people get the care they need. Results also show that wanting things to stay the same may be more related to eating problems than researchers previously thought. We need more research to understand how to support adults with eating difficulties.
Dance-like state detection, curiosity, and decentering: A pilot study on artful movement and mindfulness
Authors: McCullough Aston K. , Lawless Siobhan , Martins-Klein Bruna
Published: February 2025

Background

Curiosity and decentering are two constructs that represent momentary mindfulness. Dance is an art and complex physical activity mode, which may serve as a behavioral correlate of mindfulness.

Objective

To characterize momentary mindfulness in relation to a novel, accelerometer-derived measure for characterizing human movement quality (i.e. “dance-like state” DLS scores).

Methods

Adults ( N = 41), ages 18–83 years old, engaged in the following conditions in a lab and completed questionnaires on mindfulness after each: (1) clipping their fingernails; (2) sitting, standing, and walking on a treadmill; and (3) dancing at self-determined reference intensities with and without music. Conditions 2–3 were monitored with accelerometers. DLS score summary statistics (i.e. median and median amplitude deviation [MAD]) were used in linear mixed effects models.

Results

On average, curiosity [ 13.7(1.02)] was significantly associated with median DLS scores ( β = 1.79, p = 0.007) over time; adults with a lower median DLS score reported higher levels of curiosity [16.2; 95%C.I. 13.3–19.0], on average, when compared [12.6; 95%C.I., 10.3–14.9] to adults with a higher median DLS score. On average, decentering [ 14.9(1.01)] was significantly associated with the DLS score MAD ( β = 1.28, p = 0.035) over time; adults who had less variability in DLS scores across conditions reported greater experiences of decentering [15.9; 95%C.I. 13.7–18.1], on average, when compared [13.3; 95%C.I. 10.7–15.9] to adults with more variability in DLS scores across conditions.

Conclusions

Among ostensibly healthy adults, movement quality was correlated with momentary mindfulness. Additional research is needed to understand if DLS scores are differentially associated with momentary mindfulness among adults with Alzheimer's disease.
Effects of single-session repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to identify the optimal brain target in primary progressive aphasia
Authors: Moral-Rubio Carlos , Suárez-Coalla Paz , Fernandez-Romero Lucia , Pérez-Izquierdo Carlos , Delgado-Alvarez Alfonso , Delgado-Alonso Cristina , Gil-Moreno Maria Jose , Matias-Guiu Jorge , Pytel Vanesa , Ayala José L , Matias-Guiu Jordi A
Published: February 2025

Background

Non-invasive brain stimulation has shown positive results in maximizing the effects of language therapy in primary progressive aphasia (PPA). Due to the different patterns of brain damage in each aphasia variant, we hypothesized that patients with non-fluent and semantic variants would show a differential response to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).

Objective

We aimed to compare the clinical responses after a single session of repetitive TMS in the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPC).

Methodology

Twenty patients with PPA (14 with non-fluent and 6 with semantic variants) were assessed before and after repetitive TMS over the IFG, DLPC, and vertex with several language tasks, connected speech, and a subjective impression of change scale.

Results

IFG stimulation was associated with an improvement in words per minute and the subjective assessment in the non-fluent variant, but no effects were found in the semantic variant. DLPC stimulation was associated with an improvement in words per minute, repetition, and naming latency in the non-fluent variant, and in naming and subjective impression of change in the semantic variant.

Conclusions

Our study showed a differential effect of one session of brain stimulation over the IFG and DLPC in patients with non-fluent and semantic PPA variants. These findings suggest that the selection of the target of stimulation may be relevant for the success of brain stimulation and favor the use of DLPC over the IFG.
Alzheimer's disease in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Current perspectives and genetic insights
Authors: Alharbi Amnah A , Alatwi Hanan E , Albulaihe Hana , Algarzae Norah K
Published: February 2025

The prevalence of dementia and mild cognitive disorder has markedly risen in recent years. Alzheimer's disease (AD) stands out as the most common form of neurodegenerative dementia among the elderly, featuring progressive memory loss and cognitive decline. Although the exact biological causes of AD are complex and multifactorial, genetics is considered a prominent contributor. To date, around 80 genetic loci have been identified, primarily in European ancestry groups, though a considerable portion of AD’s genetic architecture remains elusive. Recognizing the impending rise in AD cases, both governmental and private sectors in Saudi Arabia are making efforts to enhance formal care and services for older adults. While few studies have investigated AD-susceptible genes within the Saudi population, further attention is needed to explore the genetic background and identify molecular biomarkers associated with AD. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of AD and recent genetic research in Saudi Arabia.
Identification of the enzymatic cleavage relationship between anti-aging protein α-Klotho and Alzheimer's disease biomarker BACE1
Authors: Gao Xiang , Sun Zuoli , Hu Jia , Li Yuhong , Deng Qi , Li Rena
Published: February 2025

Background

The α-Klotho is known to be involved in longevity and various age-related diseases, including cognitive impairment. BACE1, an important enzyme associated with the pathological process of Alzheimer's disease (AD), serves as a biomarker for predicting changes in cognitive function. Although both proteins are closely linked to age-related cognitive function, the mechanism of their interaction remains unclear.

Objective

To identify the enzymatic digestion relation between α-Klotho and BACE1 and the specific cleavage site.

Methods

Thirty elderly and forty-five young individuals were recruited. The cleavage product was identified by Coomassie blue staining, western blot, and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The concentrations of plasma proteins were measured by ELISA.

Results

A new protein product was identified after the digestion reaction. BACE1 cleaved the α-Klotho peptide 951–981 at the F-T residues. When the F-T residues were replaced with K-K, BACE1 was unable to cleave the mutant peptide. The plasma levels of α-Klotho were significantly lower in elderly participants than in young participants (p < 0.0001). However, there was no significant difference in plasma BACE1 levels between elderly and young participants (p = 0.164). In elderly adults, there was a significant positive correlation between plasma BACE1 and α-Klotho protein levels (p = 0.009, r = 0.469), while this correlation was not observed in young adults (p = 0.170, r = −0.208).

Conclusions

The anti-aging protein α-Klotho is a substrate of BACE1 with a specific cleavage site at F-T. The BACE1/α-Klotho pathway may serve as a common axis for age-related cognitive decline.
Institutionalization of persons with Alzheimer's disease in the Czech and Slovak Republics
Authors: Randlová Kristina , Pažitný Peter , Kandilaki Daniela
Published: February 2025

Background

The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasing, and with it comes the demand for specialized services. Current information on the institutionalization of patients with AD is limited.

Objective

To determine the level of institutionalization among AD patients in the facilities of the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic.

Methods

A survey of the rate of institutionalization in facilities in the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic. The survey collects data on the institutionalization of patients suffering from AD in relation to the capacity of the facilities and the prevalence of the disease. Data were collected by representative quantitative survey, during years 2019–2021.

Results

Patients with AD occupy approximately 25% of the total capacities of institutions in the Czech and Slovak Republics. The rate of institutionalization of patients with AD is estimated at 20.5% in the Czech Republic and 24% in the Slovak Republic. This is more than the estimated worldwide rate of institutionalization of people with AD (16%) but less than the estimated rate of institutionalization of these patients in high-income countries (31%).

Conclusions

As the prevalence of AD increases, so do the demands for care. If there is no increase in institutional capacity, this growth will put more pressure on home care. In order to provide specialized care to as many patients as possible, emphasis must be placed on increasing the capacity of institutions.
Dielectric barrier discharge plasma treatment for sustainable leather dyeing
Authors: Bozaci Ebru , Gülümser Tülay , Aslan Ahmet , Demir Aslı , Özdoğan Esen , Gülümser Gürbüz , Adıgüzel Zengin A Candaş
Published: February 2025

Adapting green technologies to the leather industry plays a crucial role in environmental protection by reducing wastewater load, using fewer chemicals, minimizing waste, saving energy and water, reducing costs, and increasing productivity. Plasma treatment, accepted as a clean technology, is mostly used in textiles compared to limited studies in leather. Thus, this study will be the first in this respect. Crust leathers, treated with air and argon atmospheric plasma under the conditions of 130 W, 100 s, were dyed with acid and metal complex dyestuffs for 45 minutes at 20°C in different concentrations (1%–4%), and investigated in terms of dyeing properties, wastewater load, and the characterization of the leathers in terms of surface, mechanical and antimicrobial properties. The K/S results of 2% dyeing obtained after air and argon plasma treatment gave similar values with the untreated leathers dyed with a concentration of 4%. This result revealed that half amount of dyestuff is sufficient for the dyeing process to obtain the same dyeing characteristics with the maximum concentration of dyestuff (4%). In addition to improved dyeing efficacy, a reduction up to 35% in chemical oxygen demand value was achieved in addition to 2 and 3 mm inhibition zones without any negative effect to tensile and tear strength of leathers. Consequently, atmospheric plasma treatment is found to be effective and comprising as environment-friendly, and sustainable technique for the leather industry in terms of reduced dyestuff amount and wastewater load without altering the characteristics of the leathers.
A Retrospective Cohort Study on the Preliminary Efficacy of Massage Therapy for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Among Cancer Patients
Authors: Yang Mingxiao , Shao Cassie , Shao Carrie , Saint Kirin , Gupta Mira , Caputo Rocco , Galantino Mary Lou , Harte Steven , Bao Ting
Published: February 2025

Purpose:

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) worsens the quality of life for people with cancer. Massage therapy involves neuromuscular modulations and can potentially reduce CIPN symptoms. We examined the immediate improvements in CIPN-related pain and neuropathy following massage therapy among patients with CIPN.

Methods:

In a retrospective cohort, we assessed patients who received 1 massage therapy session for CIPN symptom relief during or after chemotherapy at a National Cancer Institute-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center from October 2017 to September 2022. We measured the severity of pain and neuropathy before and after massage therapy with a 4-item verbal rating scale (VRS) or a 0 to 10 numerical rating scale (NRS). We converted NRS to VRS scores and examined the pre-post differences in symptom severity using the Wilcoxon rank test.

Results:

Among 23 patients (median [range] age 64 [4-85] years, female 74%, White 70%), one session of massage therapy decreased the percentage of patients reporting moderate-to-severe pain from 81% at baseline to 0% (none) post-massage; percentage of patients reporting neuropathy also reduced from 77% at baseline to 12% following treatment. The pre-post differences were statistically significant for both pain (mean: −1.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] −1.9 to −1.2; P = .001) and neuropathy scores (mean: −1.2, 95%CI −1.4 to −0.9; P < .0001).

Conclusion:

Among cancer patients with CIPN, one session of massage therapy was associated with immediate neuropathy and CIPN pain relief reported by patients following treatment. However, this preliminary finding requires further rigorous verifications in future randomized controlled clinical trials.
Management of Compression Neuropathies Associated With Vascular Malformations
Authors: Slovacek Cedar , Hwang Lyahn , Shmuylovich Leonid , Ushinsky Alexander , Sisk Bryan A. , Pet Mitchell A.
Published: February 2025

Background:

Vascular malformations (VMs) are a collection of rare diseases that result from abnormal overgrowth of vascular tissue and can lead to pain, infection, disfigurement, and decreased mobility. Vascular malformations can invade or impinge on nearby structures, including nerves, causing pain, numbness, and/or functional impairment. If nonsurgical therapy fails, surgical resection is considered. However, VMs’ thin walls and tendency to infiltrate and/or recur makes resection difficult or impossible. Rather than resecting, we have found that patients can still benefit from surgery in the form of nerve decompression. Here, we present a series of patients with VMs causing symptomatic nerve compression that were successfully treated with nerve decompression, with or without VM resection. It is the purpose of this study to demonstrate that VM patients with nerve pain and/or sensorimotor dysfunction should be referred for evaluation by a peripheral nerve surgeon, regardless of whether the VM is considered “resectable.”

Methods:

Retrospective chart review of patient undergoing nerve decompression surgery for symptoms of peripheral nerve compression (pain and/or motor/sensory dysfunction) attributable to a nearby VM (confirmed on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging), with or without VM resection.

Results:

Six patients with peripheral nerve compression attributable to VM were treated with nerve decompression. One also underwent VM resection. Five of the 6 patients had undergone previous surgical intervention (resection or sclerotherapy) without clinical improvement in radiculopathy. Following intervention, all patients demonstrated improvement of their pain and motor/sensory dysfunction.

Conclusions:

Patients with VM nerve pain and/or sensorimotor dysfunction should be referred for evaluation by a peripheral nerve surgeon, regardless of whether the VM is deemed resectable. Even when unresectable, patients may still benefit from surgery in the form of nerve decompression.
Risk of second primary cancer in young breast cancer survivors: an important yet overlooked issue
Authors: Liang Xinyi , Qin Yiwei , Li Pengwei , Mo You , Chen Dawei
Published: February 2025

Currently, female breast cancer (BC) represents the highest incidence of cancer globally. This trend has raised significant attention regarding breast cancer young women (BCYW). With advancements in treatment technology, BCYW survivors are living longer; however, the risk of developing or succumbing to a second primary cancer (SPC) has greatly increased. In addition, several factors, including age, menstrual cycle, hormonal changes, obesity, pregnancy, and breastfeeding, interact to influence the development of SPC in BCYW and make its treatment more difficult. This study investigates the relationship between BCYW and SPC, focusing on morbidity trends, pathological genomics, recurrence rates, survival times, treatment modalities, and physiological fertility. Most BCYW involve BRCA pathogenic variants or fall under triple-negative and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-overexpressing subtypes, increasing the risk of SPC. While there are regional variations in survival time following the diagnosis of an SPC, the long-term survival outcomes remain unfavorable. In addition, the choice of treatment for BCYW survivors has a prolonged cumulative toxic effect. The combination of endocrine therapy and chemotherapy is effective in treating BC, but it simultaneously increases the risk of developing an SPC, specifically endometrial cancer. Furthermore, radiotherapy is associated with a heightened risk of contralateral BC and lung cancer. We aim to address existing gaps in the literature and to enhance awareness of the risks associated with SPC in BCYW, thereby offering valuable insights for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
A Korean field trial of ICD-11 classification under practical clinical coding rules to clarify the reasons for inconsistencies
Authors: Lee Hyunkyung , Lee Yeojin
Published: February 2025

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) announced the release of the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) in May 2019. Although Statistics Korea has been involved in the ongoing research on ICD-11 since 2017, we have been unable to achieve agreement on the gold standards for case scenario clinical coding in previous studies due to high levels of variance in the coding results of participants. Objective: The purpose of this study was to enhance clinical coding accuracy and consistency in ICD-11 by identifying and clarifying the reasons for these inconsistencies through the use of clear clinical coding rules. Method: A pre-experimental design was applied. Two clinical coding field trials (FTs) were conducted in ‘ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics (2022 Mar)’ targeting diagnostic terms and case scenarios. In the first FT, clinical coding rules were derived by analysing the results, while the second FT was performed under the clinical coding rules set by the first FT. Results: Across the two FTs, accuracy rates for diagnostic terms (75.8% and 71.8%, respectively) were higher than for case scenarios (62.5% and 71.9%). The main reason for the low accuracy levels was post-coordination. Conclusion: For case scenario clinical coding, low accuracy could be explained by variance in clustering methods between participants. This suggests that the accuracy of ICD-11 clinical coding could be increased if the variance between clustering methods can be reduced through the use of a clear coding guide. A guide for various ambiguous cases in each institution and the provision of a proper post-coordination list in the stem code could also be effective.
Iatrogenic and traumatic Dural arteriovenous fistulas: Illustrative cases and literature review
Authors: Karandish Alireza , Essibayi Muhammed Amir , Farkas Nathan , Haranhalli Neil , Agarwal Vijay , Altschul David J.
Published: February 2025

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) are a type of vascular malformation that form within the dura mater. Though historically considered rare, their detection is expected to increase with the broader use of advanced cerebral angiography techniques. We describe two 80-year-old men presented for neurovascular procedures. The first, following an emergency craniotomy for subdural hematoma (SDH) evacuation, underwent middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE). During the procedure, an incidental, asymptomatic middle meningeal artery and superficial temporal artery to superior sagittal sinus (MMA/STA-SSS) dAVF was identified ipsilateral to the original surgical site. Given the fistula’s low-risk nature, a conservative, watchful waiting approach was chosen. The second patient, undergoing digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), was found to have an MMA-fed dAVF. Due to the unclear causality of this fistula with the concurrent SAH and subdural hematoma (SDH), MMAE was performed to treat the dAVF. With the increasing use of cerebral angiography techniques such as MMAE and DSA for a broader range of indications, the incidence of incidentally and unexpectedly discovered dAVFs is expected to increase. Clinicians should become well-versed in recognizing this condition, treatment indications, and the various management options available, including endovascular embolization, radiosurgery, microsurgery, and serial monitoring.
Next-generation sequencing of circulating tumor DNA in cerebrospinal fluid for detecting gene mutations in central nervous system lymphoma patients
Authors: Fu Haiying , Wang Taiqin , Yang Yong , Qiu Chenxi , Wang He , Qiu Yanyan , Liu Jianzhi , Liu Tingbo
Published: February 2025

Background:

To evaluate the potential clinical value of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the diagnosis and monitors the central nervous system (CNS) lymphomas.

Methods:

This was a prospective study of 17 consecutive patients with B-cell lymphoma: 10 patients with CNS lymphomas and 7 patients with B-cell lymphomas at high clinical risk of CNS relapse. Genomic profiles were performed on the CSF and plasma samples of patients by next-generation sequencing.

Results:

In patients with CNS lymphomas, ctDNA was detected in 70.0% of CSF and 60.0% of plasma. The detection rate and gene mutation abundance of CSF were higher than plasma ( p = 0.016). CSF had a unique genetic profile. Furthermore, we newly found that gene mutations consistent with plasma or lymphoma-related were also detected in the CSF of the high-risk group without CNS involvement. Analysis of paired plasma and CSF samples from three patients at different time points, changes of CSF ctDNA abundance occurred at the same time or earlier than clinical disease changes, which could timely monitor the therapeutic response and relapse trend.

Conclusion:

The detection rate of ctDNA in CSF is higher than that in plasma. The dynamic monitoring of ctDNA in CSF has hint significance for therapeutic response of CNS lymphoma patients.
Leveraging of digital triage to enhance access in obstetric emergencies in the maternity units: A scoping review of digital triage interventions in healthcare
Authors: Ngwenya Mxolisi Welcome , Muthelo Livhuwani , Rasweswe Mellitah Molatelo , Mothiba Tebogo Maria
Published: February 2025

Background

Pregnancy and childbirth are supposed to give a new beautiful meaning to life and it is a time of enormous delight and anticipation for both the women and their families. In these times, not only a baby is born, but a mother is born. However, inaccessibility and delays in obstetric care remain a common concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Digital health technologies are being implemented to improve healthcare access worldwide, but there is a lack of documented data on available digital triage interventions. This article sought to examine and critique existing digital triage interventions in the healthcare system with reference to obstetrics.

Methods

Adopting a scoping review approach, using the five iterative steps proposed by Arksey and O'Malley, approximately 17 studies retrieved from databases like PubMed, Elsevier, EBSCohost, and google scholar were reviewed. Only the literature from 2014–2024 was included.

Results

The review revealed that there are various types of digital triage interventions. However, they are flooded with weaknesses and threats among of which are diagnosis inaccuracy, insufficient information, and shortage of resources.

Conclusions

The study recommends that strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats should not be overlooked, particularly when aiming to leverage digital health to improve access to emergency care in maternity units through digital triage. However, they should serve as a reference for the development of optimal digital triage systems for maternity and emergency units. Furthermore, the findings should also be a benchmark for digital triaging improvement strategies in the healthcare context.
An Empirical Study on Carbon Emission Efficiency of Animal Husbandry in China
Authors: Wang Weixin , Lee Hyukku
Published: February 2025

Since the Chinese government proposed the “dual carbon” target, the study of carbon emission efficiency has become a research focus in the academic community in China. However, experts and scholars have not focused on the animal husbandry industry, and there is a lack of literature on the research of carbon emission efficiency in animal husbandry. Based on national panel data from 2002 to 2020, this study uses a three-stage super-efficiency SBM-DEA model and the Malmquist index to examine the carbon emission efficiency of animal husbandry at the national level, four major economic zones, and 31 provinces, and analyze their evolution processes and trends. Empirical results show that: (1) There are significant differences in carbon emission efficiency among provinces. (2) The improvement of carbon emission efficiency in animal husbandry largely depends on the industrial scale rather than pure technological progress. (3) There is no absolute β-convergence phenomenon in the level of carbon emission efficiency in animal husbandry, and efficiency gaps will continue to exist over time. Finally, based on the empirical findings, this study puts forward important policy recommendations.
State Ownership and the Sustainable Development of Private Enterprises: Exploring the Role of State Ownership Participation
Authors: Li Fengzuo , Na Pengjie , Mahmood Salman , Wang Xiaolan , Ahmed Tanveer
Published: February 2025

The sustainability of private enterprises is foundational to the high-quality development of the national economy. This paper investigates the role of state ownership in enhancing the sustainable development of private enterprises, utilizing data of A-share private enterprises in China from 2009 to 2022. The findings indicate that state ownership significantly enhances sustainable development of private enterprises, with government agencies yielding a more pronounced effect compared to state-owned enterprise. Mechanism analyses show that state ownership enhances sustainable development by increasing research and development (R&D) investments and efficiency, as well as by enhancing environmental information quality. Furthermore, results show that the influence is more pronounced in private firms with greater financing constraints, severe principal-agent problems, and higher competitive pressures. This study contributes to the understanding of the guiding role of state ownership in the sustainable development of private firms, particularly in the context of weak external institutions.
Mobile applications for the assessment of paediatric burn injuries in the Pacific Islands: A Samoan perspective for global research engagement
Authors: Pifeleti Sione , Fuimaono Papaofo , Kaspar Annette
Published: February 2025

Burn injuries are a major public health issue, and the rate of childhood mortality from burn injuries is over seven times higher in low and middle-income countries than in high-income nations. Mobile technologies should prove useful in resource-limited clinical settings, as well as improve the quality of data available for monitoring and evaluation activities and health service research studies. This report advocates for the Polynesian nation of Samoa to engage with global research efforts on the use of mobile technologies for burn injury assessments. This includes registration with the WHO Global Burn Registry, and membership to the International Society for Burn Injuries. Our advocacy is timely as (1) the Ministry of Health of Samoa has appointed an inaugural Research Lead position to support national health research efforts in 2024 and (2) the on-going implementation of the national Health Information System ‘Tamanu’ supports the inclusion of mobile technology health applications.
Experimental Investigation into the Effect of Variable Inflation Intervals on Capsule Thickness in Tissue Expander
Authors: Dursun Coban Buket , Demir Can Ilker , Yaşar Emrah Kagan , Tekfiliz Ismail , Alagoz Murat Sahin , Yaprak Bayrak Busra
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Increasing the thickness of the capsule around the tissue expander, as in breast reconstruction complicates the expansion process and increases the time to achieve the required flap size. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of changes in inflation intervals and amounts on the capsule thickness around the tissue expander. Methods: Fifteen adult rats were divided into 3 groups, and 25 cc elliptical tissue expanders were placed on the back of each, and inflated with 5 cc saline. Expanders were inflated daily in Group 1, every 3 days in Group 2, and every 10 days in Group 3. Inflation was stopped, then expanders were removed and skin flaps were harvested after the results of the expansion were measured. Biopsies containing skin and capsule tissue were evaluated by histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry. Results: Skin flaps were measured as 81 cm2 in Group 1 and 89.3 cm2 in both Groups 2 and 3. When capsule thickness and number of vessels were examined; the thickest capsule was found in Group 2 while Group 3 had the densest vascularization. On histopathological examination of the biopsies, no significant difference was found between groups, except for the histiocyte density, which was the lowest in Group 1 and the highest in Group 3. Conclusions: This experiment showed that inflating tissue expander in small amounts at frequent intervals decreased the thickness of the capsule but it resulted in smaller skin flaps. Thus, it may be beneficial to adopt this protocol in some patients, for example in patients who are predicted to have increased capsule thickness due to the effect of radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, or who are prone to fibrosis. Additionally, in patients whose flap size is important, it may be reasonable to inflate the tissue expander at less frequent intervals and in relatively large volumes for preventing flap loss and avoiding an increase in capsule thickness.
Repairing Misperceptions of Words Early in a Sentence is More Effortful Than Repairing Later Words, Especially for Listeners With Cochlear Implants
Authors: Smith Michael L. , Winn Matthew B.
Published: February 2025

The process of repairing misperceptions has been identified as a contributor to effortful listening in people who use cochlear implants (CIs). The current study was designed to examine the relative cost of repairing misperceptions at earlier or later parts of a sentence that contained contextual information that could be used to infer words both predictively and retroactively. Misperceptions were enforced at specific times by replacing single words with noise. Changes in pupil dilation were analyzed to track differences in the timing and duration of effort, comparing listeners with typical hearing (TH) or with CIs. Increases in pupil dilation were time-locked to the moment of the missing word, with longer-lasting increases when the missing word was earlier in the sentence. Compared to listeners with TH, CI listeners showed elevated pupil dilation for longer periods of time after listening, suggesting a lingering effect of effort after sentence offset. When needing to mentally repair missing words, CI listeners also made more mistakes on words elsewhere in the sentence, even though these words were not masked. Changes in effort based on the position of the missing word were not evident in basic measures like peak pupil dilation and only emerged when the full-time course was analyzed, suggesting the timing analysis adds new information to our understanding of listening effort. These results demonstrate that some mistakes are more costly than others and incur different levels of mental effort to resolve the mistake, underscoring the information lost when characterizing speech perception with simple measures like percent-correct scores.
Summary from the NCI clinical trials planning meeting on next generation of clinical trials in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Apolo Andrea , Baumann Brian C , Al-Ahmadie Hikmat , Ballas Leslie , Bangs Rick , Brothers Kenneth , Greenberg Stephanie Cooper , Delacroix Scott , Dignam James J , Efstathiou Jason A , Feldman Adam S , Foster Jared C , Hahn Noah M , Hall Emma , Hansel Donna E , Hoffman-Censits Jean , Kamat Ashish M , Kamran Sophia C , Khani Francesca , Lerner Seth P , Lipman Robert , Mann Bhupinder , McConkey David , McKiernan James , Rose Tracy L , Smith Angela B , Tangen Catherine , Amiri Abdul Tawab , Weinstock Chana , West Pamela J. , Milowsky Matthew I , Black Peter C
Published: February 2025

The National Cancer Institute organized a virtual Clinical Trials Planning Meeting (CTPM) on ‘Defining the next generation of clinical trials with combination therapies in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC)’ led by the Bladder Cancer Task Force of the NCI Genitourinary Cancers Steering Committee. The purpose of this meeting was to accelerate advances in clinical trials for patients with high-risk NMIBC. The meeting delivered a multidisciplinary expert consensus on optimal strategies for next-generation clinical trial designs in NMIBC with prioritization of combination therapies. Two clinical trial concepts were developed for potential implementation within the National Clinical Trials Network.
Management of bladder cancer in kidney transplant recipients: A narrative review
Authors: Fong Khi Yung , Lim Ee Jean , So Wei Zheng , Aslim Edwin Jonathan , Tiong Ho Yee , Gan Valerie Huei Li
Published: February 2025

Background

Bladder cancer in the setting of previous a kidney transplant (KT) is challenging to manage due to complex medical and surgical considerations.

Objective

To provide a comprehensive evaluation of the scope of management of bladder cancer in KT patients, and describe the controversies surrounding these management options.

Methods

A systematic review of studies reporting management of KT patients with bladder cancer and involving ≥3 patients was performed. A narrative review was also performed for various aspects of management such as pathophysiology, surgical considerations, intravesical therapy, immunosuppression and oncological surveillance.

Results

Bladder cancer incidence in KT recipients is 2.8–4.1 times higher than the general population, and there is a notable association with aristolochic acid nephropathy as well as BK virus oncogenesis. Regarding surgical treatment, transurethral resection is preferred for non-muscle invasive tumors, and intravesical BCG for intermediate- and high-risk patients appears to be underutilized despite its safety and associated reduction in recurrence. Radical cystectomy with limited pelvic lymph node dissection, urinary diversion, and consideration of bilateral nephroureterectomy appears to be the safest method of oncological control in muscle-invasive tumors. A switch in immunosuppressive regimens to mTOR inhibitors may be considered in lieu of its antitumor effects. Routine surveillance in KT patients with risk factors for bladder cancer is challenging and may be warranted especially in the Asian population which has a higher rate of urothelial malignancy.

Conclusions

This review provides a thorough summary of management strategies for bladder cancer in the setting of previous KT.
Patients With Experience of Hospitalization for Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis Prefer Inpatient to Home-Based Care
Authors: Mohamedrashed Mustafa , Yogakanthi Saiumaeswar , Chauhan Ayushi , Lucas Sarah , Garg Mayur
Published: February 2025

Acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) comprises a severe manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease that requires close monitoring and aggressive treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the experience of patients admitted to a single tertiary service with ASUC, focusing on perception of the received therapy and preferences regarding location of care. Patients admitted with ASUC were invited to complete a short online survey. Data regarding disease characteristics, management, and outcomes were obtained through retrospective chart review. Of the 24 patients meeting Truelove and Witt's criteria for ASUC, 20 (74.07%, median age 34 [interquartile range 29–48] years, 13 [65%] female) responded. The majority of study participants reported receiving excellent overall inpatient care (15 out of 20, 75%), a strong agreement that they felt safe as an inpatient (17 out of 20, 85%) and felt their individual needs were met and questions were answered during hospitalization (15 out of 20, 75%). A preference toward inpatient management rather than an ambulatory setting was noted (14 out of 20, 70%). In conclusion, patients admitted with ASUC experienced a high degree of satisfaction with their care, with a preference toward inpatient care.