bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A useful tool for representing the impact of landing on lander legs: Application to a legged mobile lander with a novel topological design
Authors: Mahmood Azhar , Guo Weizhong , Han Youcheng
Published: January 2025

This article focuses on new tool to visualize the performance variation in post landing diseased legs of legged mobile lander (LML). A cubic representation method is developed for clearer representation of performance indices. The impact of landing permanently changes the lengths of dampers. These alterations can substantially influence the overall roving workspace of leg, subsequently impacting key performances such as transmission efficiency, velocity, and joint stiffness for roving. Unlike previous studies that often overlooked the eternally effects of post-landing diseased legs, this research delves into repercussions of permanent limb deformation on LML performance. Then this tool is applied on a novel topological design of LML through visualizing its workspace volume, transmission, stiffness and global velocity indices for roving workspace. This LML design combines both landing and walking augmenting exploration capabilities. This research provides opportunity to understand possible post landing scenarios at design stage.
A review of techniques for measurement of forces and neutral temperatures in railway track
Authors: Nicholas Gary , Gray William , Poulter Michael , Dwyer-Joyce Rob S , Lewis Roger
Published: January 2025

Track failures in the form of thermally induced buckling events or rail breakages on continuously welded rails (CWRs) have long posed challenges for the rail industry. These issues arise because CWRs cannot freely expand or contract as rail temperatures fluctuate during operation, resulting in compressive or tensile stresses. As temperature variations increase, these stresses can lead to rail buckling under compression or separation under tension. Buckling, in particular, poses a serious threat, as it is often associated with derailments, carrying substantial social (rail safety, public perception) and economic (track downtime, damage to freight, rolling stock, and infrastructure) consequences. For this reason, understanding the thermal stress state or neutral rail temperature (NRT) of installed track is critical for rail network owners and operators. This knowledge enables more precise planning of maintenance, targeted rail replacement, and monitoring of high-risk areas. Consequently, there is growing demand for in-situ, non-destructive methods to measure NRT. This paper reviews existing methods for measuring NRT, encompassing approaches developed from the 1960s to the present. Each method is critically evaluated, with the findings summarized in a table that outlines their operational principles, limitations, reported accuracy, and current technology readiness level.
Neuro-queering feminism: Creating space within feminism to address autistic experiences of gender oppression
Authors: Fox Jessica
Published: January 2025

The emerging recognition of autistic women and gender-diverse people has highlighted the need for an intersectional approach to understanding their experiences of oppression. However, the axis of neurodivergence has so far been underaddressed within existing intersectional frameworks as the experiences of oppression of autistic women and gender-diverse people have historically been marginalised within both autism research and feminist theory. Addressing this marginalisation within these respective fields is important as autistic women and gender-diverse people experience unique forms of oppression that are underpinned by both patriarchal and neuro-normative structures. This theoretical paper uses neuro-queer feminism as an intersectional framework to examine the experiences of gender and neuro-minority-based oppression of autistic women and gender-diverse people. Neuro-queer feminism is outlined in terms of its usefulness as an intersectional framework for expanding the existing boundaries of feminist scholarship to include neuro-minority experiences of gender oppression, particularly in relation to autistic women and gender-diverse people. The applications of neuro-queer feminism are also discussed in relation to how feminist theory and practice can draw on the neurodiversity paradigm in addressing autistic experiences of gender oppression, such as gender-essentialist constructions of autism and gendered violence.
Exparel and Outpatient Alveolar Bone Grafting: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Muller John N. , Perez Rivera Lucas R. , Staffenberg David A. , Flores Roberto L.
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To examine the feasibility of outpatient alveolar bone grafting (ABG) using Exparel (bupivacaine liposome injectable suspension) for donor site analgesia.

Design

Retrospective, observational study.

Setting

Single institution, 39-month retrospective review.

Patients/Participants

In total, 21 patients with cleft alveolus were included in this study.

Intervention

In autologous outpatient ABG procedures using a mixed open harvest and Acumed trephine method to retrieve corticocancellous bone from the iliac crest, Exparel was injected in the donor site fascia.

Main Outcome Measurements

Postoperative data including length of stay, post anesthesia care unit narcotics delivered, and maximum pain scores were recorded. Successful outcomes were assessed by exploring 30-day complications, 30-day emergency department visits, 30-day readmissions, and ambulation at follow-up.

Results

The average hospital length of stay was 360.8 min. Four patients required overnight stay secondary to pain. The average doses of pain medications administered postoperatively were 198.4 mg acetaminophen, 9.3 mg ketorolac, 3.0 µg fentanyl, and 1.5 mg oxycodone. No patient reported 30-day complications secondary to donor site pain, 30-day emergency department visits, or 30-day readmissions, and there was only one case of wound dehiscence. All patients exhibited proper ambulation at follow-up and healed well from ABG.

Conclusions

The use of Exparel for donor site analgesia in outpatient ABG procedures using corticocancellous grafts can result in adequate pain management and ambulation without an increased risk of complications and readmissions.
KRT20-/SATB2+/MCPyV+ Sinonasal Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Detailed Immunohistochemical and In Situ Hybridization Study
Authors: Rocha Gabriela Fonseca , Silveira Heitor Albergoni , Silva Herberth Campos , Chahud Fernando , Brunaldi Mariângela Ottoboni , Marques Mesquita Ana Terezinha , León Jorge Esquiche
Published: January 2025

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon aggressive neoplasm, usually arising in sun-exposed skin of the head and neck. By immunohistochemistry, KRT20 and MCPyV positivity are found in about 90% and 80% of MCCs, respectively. Noteworthy, viral status in lip/oral cavity MCCs is poorly known. A 78-year-old male was referred presenting a tumor mass on the right maxilla four months ago. Computed tomography revealed an extensive osteolytic lesion in the right maxillary sinus extending into the orbit and nasal cavity and crossing the midline. Microscopy revealed large necrotic areas admixed by sheets of small, round cells with hyperchromatic nuclei exhibiting a '“salt and pepper” chromatin pattern, which showed immunopositivity for pan-KRT AE1/AE3, EMA, CD56, CD99 (weak), CD138, S100 (focal), vimentin (focal), synaptophysin, FLI1, INSM1, MCPyV, SATB2, and Ki-67 (MKI67 [40%]). Moreover, intact RB1 and wild-type p53 expression were observed. Relevantly, KRT20, KRT5/6, chromogranin A, p40, p63, HMB45, NF, TTF1, TDT (DNTT), PAX5, p16, KIT, as well as high-risk HPV and EBER1/2 (both by ISH), were negative. This report illustrates that a detailed immunohistochemical study, including STAB2 and MCPyV markers, as well as a careful clinical workup, are essential to adequately classify high-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas, especially KRT20-negative MCC.
Managing Masculinity When Growing up With a Violent Father: A Qualitative Study of Boys’ Experiences
Authors: Callaghan Jane E. M. , Fellin Lisa C. , Mavrou Stavroula , Alexander Joanne H. , Deliyianni-Kouimtzis Vasiliki , Sixsmith Judith
Published: January 2025

A limited qualitative literature explores children's lived experiences of violence; boys’ relationships with perpetrator fathers remain largely unexplored. Drawing on interviews with 31 boys, this paper explores the accounts of their relationships with their perpetrator fathers, focusing particularly on the implications of boys’ understanding of these relationships for their sense of burgeoning masculinity. Three themes are considered: in (a) relational ambiguity; (b) performing masculinities, managing violence; and (c) envisioning alternative futures and re-visioning the past. Our findings highlight the importance of interventions for boys that facilitate the expression of their often complex and ambivalent feelings and fears about their father's violence, and what it means for them and their future.
Paramagnetic rim lesion formation is predicted by the initial gadolinium-enhancing lesion diameter
Authors: Al Gburi Mustafa , Mazzola Maria , Absinta Martina , Gaitán María I , Reich Daniel S , Dundamadappa Sathish K , Hemond Christopher C
Published: January 2025

Background:

Paramagnetic rim lesions (PRLs) are a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) marker of compartmentalized intraparenchymal inflammation.

Objectives:

The primary objective was to investigate clinical, demographic, and MRI factors that may be predictive of the future formation of PRL.

Methods:

This is a retrospective analysis of longitudinal data. Patients were included if they had ⩾1 gadolinium-enhancing lesion on any historical MRI and follow-up scan(s) ⩾6 months afterward on a standardized 3T MRI using the filtered phase component of a susceptibility-sensitive sequence (“SWAN”). Regression and machine-learning models were used to identify the predictive ability of demographic, clinical, immunological, treatment-related, and MRI predictors of PRL formation.

Results:

A total of 64 patients having 229 contrast-enhancing lesions (CELs) were included. Among all predictors, the diameter of the initial enhancing lesion was the most influential for determining subsequent PRL formation; every millimeter increase in diameter increased the risk of PRL formation by 44%. Other factors did not contribute additional information; the administration of steroids was not associated with any effect.

Conclusions:

The long-axis diameter of a CEL is the best translational predictor of subsequent PRL formation at follow-up. This measure holds promise as a method to identify patients at high risk of chronic active lesion formation during the acute inflammatory window.
Weight stigma in pediatric type 1 diabetes: An associated risk for disordered eating?
Authors: Trojanowski Paige J , Warnick Jennifer , Darling Katherine E , Tanner Bailey , Shomaker Lauren B , O’Donnell Holly K
Published: January 2025

Adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have elevated eating disorder risk. No studies have examined weight stigma as a potential factor associated with disordered eating. This study investigated cross-sectional associations among weight-based victimization, weight bias internalization, and disordered eating in adolescents with T1D. Adolescents (12–17 years; N = 166) self-reported experiences of weight-based victimization from peers, family members, and healthcare professionals. The Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS) and Diabetes Eating Problems Survey (DEPS-R) assessed internalized weight bias and disordered eating, respectively. In a series of multiple hierarchical linear regression analyses (controlling for zBMI, diabetes duration, HbA1c, sex), weight bias internalization, weight-based victimization, and frequency of weight-based victimization by peers, family, and healthcare professionals were all positively associated with disordered eating. Weight stigma is an understudied but potentially important factor to address in adolescents with T1D. Reducing weight stigma may be a promising, novel target for eating disorder prevention in this population.
The incorporation of languaging tasks into pragmatics training for L2 teachers: The case of a Spanish graduate teaching assistant
Authors: Yang Li
Published: January 2025

To enhance the visibility of pragmatics in second language (L2) teacher education, this study observed the development of a Spanish-speaking graduate teaching assistant (GTA) regarding his pragmatic knowledge and reflections on potential application during a 12-week pragmatics seminar at a US public university. The Spanish GTA taught the language as the teacher of record while participating in the training. From a sociocultural perspective, the training provided the GTA with exposure to and explanations of academic concepts across three modules: pragmatics, cross-cultural pragmatics, and instructional pragmatics. The participant also had the opportunity to engage in two languaging tasks, either privately (via written reflection reports) or inter-psychologically (through dialogic verbalized reflections). The results suggest that the Spanish GTA developed an improved conceptual understanding of pragmatics, enhanced awareness of cross-cultural pragmatics, and increased readiness to apply these concepts in teaching over time. The participant perceived his engagement in the two languaging tasks as a rewarding experience, as indicated by his verbalized reflections. Lastly, suggestions for modifying the languaging tasks and effectively incorporating them into pragmatics training were discussed.
The cyclicity of reborrowing and the ping-pong effect: The case of Arabic–Hebrew–Arabic ṣabāba/sababa ‘ok’
Authors: Bardenstein Ruti , Ben-Barry Faten
Published: January 2025

Aims and objectives:

The nature of the effect of language contact has been a source for extensive investigation in the linguistic field. More specifically, the case of reborrowing, that is, the shift from language A to language B and then cyclically back to language A, often involving a change in meaning and/or form, has been a source for extensive interest. In this paper, we examined the word ṣabāba/sababa ‘o.k’ as a case study of reborrowing from Classical Arabic into Israeli Hebrew and then back to Spoken Palestinian Arabic. We show that while language contact does motivate and affect change, it does not necessarily take part in internal changes exhibited in the target language itself, but can, in turn, later be exhibited back in the original language or one of its dialects. In addition, as language-contact change operates according to more general principles of linguistic change, such as grammaticalization, we shall demonstrate both intra- and inter-language changes.

Methodology and data:

We used the Lisān al-ʿArab (لسان العرب, ‘Tongue of Arabs’) dictionary for the etymological investigation in Arabic,1 the corpus of the Quran for historical Arabic data, scripts and poems from the Mamluk Arabic period for the Middle Ages’ Arabic data,2 and for contemporary spoken Arabic, we used a corpus of 100 random WhatsApp messages of Israeli Arab Bedouin students (such usage exists in all Palestinian Arabic dialects). For the Hebrew data, we used the Israeli Historical Jpress Corpus3 and the Hebrew Historical Maagarim corpus;4 and finally, for contemporary Hebrew data, we used 100 random examples from the hetenten corpus.5

Analysis:

We found a reborrowing ‘ping pong effect’, from classical Arabic to 20th-century Hebrew, and in the contemporary 21st century back to Spoken Palestinian Arabic. We also found a phonetic change from Classical Arabic ṣabāba صَباَبة to Contemporary Arabic sababa صبابا. A similar phonetic change occurred in Hebrew, from sabaaba סבאבה to sababa סבבה. Thus, this was not a diachronic shift from Classical Arabic to Spoken Arabic, but rather the classical Arabic word was borrowed into Hebrew and then, in a ‘ping-pong’ reborrowing shift, went back to spoken Arabic. This process involved mechanisms of metonymy, bridging contexts, and lexicalization.

Conclusions:

While language contact does motivate and affect change, it does not necessarily occur through internal changes exhibited in the target language itself but rather can be transferred back, in a cyclical fashion, to the original language. These results focused on a bilingual community, shedding additional light on the nature of linguistic processes of reborrowing and language contact.
Possession, performance, and the rhetoric of belonging: Urban cemeteries as spaces of cultural citizenship
Authors: Zaremba Cheyenne
Published: January 2025

This study utilizes performance and cultural citizenship as rhetorical frameworks for examining the power of spaces of death in shaping civic identity in urban spaces. Utilizing invisible rituals as a point of entry, I examine the urban cemetery as a space for reinforcing, challenging, and reshaping the identity of citizenship through performance, ritual, and possession. Through a combination of on-site observational research and digital ethnographic interviews, this study explores urban cemeteries as community spaces that reify hegemonies of cultural citizenship in life and death. Utilizing literature from the study of space, performance, possession, cultural citizenship, and ritual practice, I argue that performances of ritual in cemeteries are more than just acts of mourning or remembrance. Rather, resting on the dynamics of visibility, performances of ritual are also claims of possession of the space that assert belonging and shape the frame of reference for acts of meaningmaking in cemeteries.
Problem presentations in workplace meeting interactions
Authors: Park Innhwa
Published: January 2025

Using video-recordings of faculty meetings in a U.S. school district as data, this conversation analysis (CA) study examined problem presentations in multi-party workplace interactions. In particular, the focus was on how the participants demonstrated self-efficacy and justified their requests for help in problem solving. Taking control over the trajectory of their talk through a narrative format, the participants provided a granular description of the background information, illustrated the problem with reported speech, and made troubles-resistant claims (e.g. prior attempts to solve the problem on their own). The study’s findings contribute to the understanding of accounts that accompany initiating actions in institutional talk. Furthermore, they reveal how the participants actively engage in problem solving processes and display self-efficacy in the workplace.
Ethical challenges confronted in non-clinical, public health research with young people in England
Authors: Barker Rhiannon , Plackett Ruth , Price Anna , Canvin Krysia , Hartwell Greg , Bonell Chris
Published: January 2025

This opinion piece emerged from a collaboration of mental health researchers working on the National Institute of Health Research 3-schools mental health programme in underserved communities. The aim is to encourage debate and reflection on the challenges encountered with university research ethics committees when undertaking qualitative research with vulnerable young people. We explore the tension between principles of safeguarding and protection of research participants, on the one hand, and the potential for this oversight to become obstructive and thus to effectively stifle the voices and experiences of an already marginalised population, on the other hand.
Clinical Outcomes and Financial Impact of a POEM Program at a Rural Tertiary Medical Center: Our First five Years
Authors: Bethea Joseph , Peine Brandon , Fleming Tyler , Mendes Jesse , Olatidoye Olajide , Allman Robert , Oliver Aundrea , Iannettoni Mark , Speicher James , Anciano Carlos
Published: January 2025

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to assess the 5-year impact of a per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) program on both clinical and financial outcomes for our hospital system and the rural community we serve.

Methods:

We evaluated the clinical and financial outcomes of all patients who underwent POEM for achalasia. Patients were also contacted by phone to complete the Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) questionnaire postoperatively. Financial data for all robot-assisted laparoscopic Heller myotomy patients from our institution during the same period were also obtained for cost comparison.

Results:

A total of 107 patients underwent POEM in the first 5 years following program implementation, with a mean age of 61.4 ± 17.9 years. There were 75 patients (70%) who participated in the GERD-HRQL survey at a mean follow-up of 84 weeks (range, 6 to 244 weeks). There were 88.2% of respondents who reported no or minimal dysphagia symptoms, and 93.4% of respondents reported no or minimal reflux symptoms. On postoperative upper endoscopy, 19.1% of patients had esophagitis. Implementation of the POEM program resulted in a substantial increase in case volume, growing from 5 myotomy cases per year to 24 myotomy cases per year after 2017. Cost analysis demonstrated a significantly lower index encounter cost for POEM compared with robot-assisted laparoscopic Heller myotomy of approximately $6,000.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates the effectiveness and positive financial impact for both our community and hospital system following implementation of a POEM program at a tertiary medical center serving a large, rural population.
The “CUPCAKE” technique (coiled underlying pseudoaneurysm contained by a woven endobridge device) for treating intracranial aneurysms with atypical morphology
Authors: Vainauskaite Viktorija , Ren Yifan , Nasra Mohamed , Pavlin-Premrl Davor , Protto Sara , Siasat Paul , Khabaza Ali , Jhamb Ashu , Barras Christen , Gan Calvin , Motyer Ronan , Smith Paul , Moore Justin , Russell Jeremy , Slater Lee-Anne , Chandra Ronil , Brooks Mark , Chong Winston , Maingard Julian , Asadi Hamed
Published: January 2025

Background

Intrasaccular flow diversion using the woven endobridge device (WEB; MicroVention, Aliso Viejo, CA, USA) for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms has demonstrated large scale safety and efficacy. However, limitations arise from its structural configuration, restricting its application to specific aneurysm sizes and shapes.

Technique Overview

We introduce the CUPCAKE technique, a combination of conventional coiling followed by WEB intrasaccular flow disruption in select cases of atypical aneurysms with technically challenging morphology not typically treatable by WEB alone.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis of a prospectively-maintained dataset from three Australian neurovascular tertiary referral centers, identifying patients treated with the CUPCAKE technique between April 2018 and September 2023. Evaluation of patient and aneurysm characteristics, procedure parameters, complications, radiological and clinical outcomes at follow-up was performed.

Results

The CUPCAKE technique was used for the treatment of 22 intracranial aneurysms of total 169 treated with WEB. Overall successful immediate flow stagnation was observed in 95.5% ( n = 21) of aneurysms with no cases of perforation or intraoperative hemorrhage. Imaging confirmed thromboembolic complications occurred in two patients, one patient had persistent flow requiring re-treatment during initial admission. Follow-up imaging demonstrated 88.2% complete aneurysm conclusion with no delayed aneurysm expansion or rupture.

Conclusion

Synergistic use of conventional coiling with WEB intrasaccular flow disruption presents a viable solution for technically difficult aneurysm treatment. In our series, 13% of all patients treated with WEB received CUPCAKE treatment, resulting in high technical success and no increase in thromboembolic complications with the union of two methods.
Development of complex generics: Insights into trends, challenges, and market opportunities
Authors: Shaikh Rukshar , Yadav Kajol , Thummar Kashyap , Maheriya Bhumika , Chauhan Sanjay
Published: January 2025

Complex generics are generic versions of pharmaceutical products containing formulations, routes of delivery, dosage forms, drug-device combination products, active ingredients in complex form or features that may make it difficult for products to prove bio-equivalency. NBCD (Non-Biological Complex Drugs) offers workable options for approving complicated generics through optimal utilization of USFDA’s current shortened approval processes, 505(j) and 505(b) (2). The FDA awarded funding on August 2020 to establish the Centre for Research on Complex Generics (CRCG) to address issues related to complex generic development. Complex Generics Face Key Challenges such as bioequivalence standards, substitutability, patent/exclusivity issues, and lifecycle quality assurance. PLGA (poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)) is a preferred inactive ingredient for long-acting injectable medications with complex formulations. Challenges in creating long-acting injectable/implantable (LAI) drug products are drug loading and release issue, physicochemical properties of PLGA etc. To achieve critical “time-to-market” strategic and operational goals, biopharma businesses should implement Good Regulatory Practices by specifying the where, what, when, and how. Biopharma businesses should select industry partners with clinical experience, worldwide regulatory knowledge, and quality/compliance competence to quickly deliver verified results to avoid problems in the shift to complex generics. The complex generics market is poised for significant growth, increasing from $84 billion in 2024 to $170 billion by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8%. In future the complex generics market will evolve through innovative drug delivery methods, personalized treatment approaches, advanced manufacturing techniques, increased biosimilar products, strategic partnerships to address shifting healthcare needs.
The impact of competition mode and verbal encouragement on physiological, physical, and technical performances in youth football
Authors: Akdag Murat , Seibert Johannes , Rumpf Michael C. , Lochmann Matthias
Published: January 2025

The present study compared the physiological, physical, and technical performances during “FUNino” (3 vs. 3) to that of the standard competition mode (7 vs. 7) under the influence of two coaching feedback situations (verbal encouragement vs. no verbal encouragement). “FUNino” features a 3-a-side game on a small pitch size (20 × 27-meter) with specific scoring rules (scoring within a 6 m goal zone) utilizing four small goals played without goalkeeper. There are also no offsides or throw-ins, however a kick- or dribble in. Sixteen U11 male youth footballers performed eight 10-min games, four in the “FUNino” and four in the standard competition game (7 vs. 7) in accordance to the German national government soccer association (DFB). All games were videotaped and physiological, physical, and technical parameters quantified for each game. A two-factors linear model with repeated measurement (ANOVA) were used to analyze the parameters. There were significant (p < 0.05) higher physiological (+7.10%), physical (+17.3%), and technical (+219%) parameters in the “FUNino” format. There were also significant higher physical (average (+8.88%) and relative (+5.47%) running distance) as well as technical (relative number of ball touches, + 9.69%) parameters in the feedback mode. “FUNino” provided a significant higher number of physiological, physical, and technical demands than the 7 vs. 7 used by the national soccer government association. Additionally, verbal encouragement positively influenced running distance. Competition format had greater influence on physiological, physical, and technical outcome compared to verbal encouragement.
Gender and narrative in digital political communication during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine
Authors: Pavliuc Alexandra
Published: January 2025

This article analyses the gendered differences in digital political communication of Ukrainian politicians and international figures on Twitter/X during Russia’s 2022 full-scale invasion. Narratives are captured using a structural topic model of 130,000 tweets by 74 Ukrainian politicians and the 223 international figures they targeted most to understand how men and women use different narratives during war. Men’s communications concentrated on military and diplomatic narratives while those of women focused on civilian trauma and Russian war crimes but contained no calls for compromise, disproving Western theories that women are more pacifist than men. A gender affinity effect was evident between men Ukrainian politicians and international figures, possibly due to men’s higher positions of power. These findings contribute knowledge to how gender impacts narrative use during armed conflict.
Efficacy of the Optilume paclitaxel drug-coated balloon after urethroplasty: short-term results from a multicenter study
Authors: VanDyke Maia , Joshi Eshan , Ceballos Brian , Baumgarten Adam , Matz Ethan , Graham Kayla S. , McKibben Maxim J. , Imam Ahmad , Wiegand Lucas , Franzen Bryce , Hudak Steven
Published: January 2025

Background:

The Optilume® paclitaxel drug-coated balloon (DCB) is a relatively new-to-market alternative in the management of male anterior urethral stricture disease. The pivotal trial excluded patients with a history of urethroplasty, although these strictures may be amenable to endoscopic management. Therefore, we sought to assess the efficacy of the DCB in the management of recurrent strictures following urethroplasty.

Methods:

A retrospective, multi-institutional review of male patients undergoing DCB dilation from 1/1/2022 to 11/1/2023 by five surgeons at four institutions was performed. Patients were stratified by history of urethroplasty; demographics, stricture characteristics, and outcomes (surgical success, time to recurrence). Success was defined as freedom from re-intervention in patients with at least 3 months of follow-up.

Results:

Among the 122 cases assessed, 33 (27.0%) had previously undergone urethroplasty. Patients in the urethroplasty group were younger than those in the control group (51.6 vs 58.8 years, p = 0.022). The two groups were otherwise similar with regard to background characteristics and comorbidities. Patients in both groups had similar stricture characteristics with short bulbar strictures being the most common. When compared to the control group, those with a history of prior urethroplasty had a greater median number of interventions prior to DCB treatment (3 vs 1, p < 0.001). Postoperative cystoscopy was performed in 37 cases, with similar patency rates between groups ( p > 0.999). Early success rates were similarly high in both groups (80.0% post-urethroplasty vs 88.9% control, p = 0.338), although follow-up was limited to a median of 3.5 months in the urethroplasty group and 2.9 months in the control group ( p = 0.069).

Conclusion:

Despite a greater number of prior surgical interventions, patients with a history of urethroplasty achieve similarly high success rates after treatment with DCB compared to those without a history of urethroplasty.
The effect of polygenic risk score on PD risk and phenotype in LRRK2 G2019S and GBA1 carriers
Authors: Goldstein Orly , Shani Shachar , Gana-Weisz Mali , Elkoshi Nadav , Casey Fergal , Sun Yu H , Chandratre Khyati , Cedarbaum Jesse M , Blauwendraat Cornelis , Bar-Shira Anat , Thaler Avner , Gurevich Tanya , Mirelman Anat , Giladi Nir , Orr-Urtreger Avi , Alcalay Roy N
Published: January 2025

Background

While LRRK2 and GBA1 variants are associated with Parkinson's disease (PD), most carriers will not develop the disease.

Objective

To test if polygenic risk score (PRS) modifies disease risk and phenotypes in LRRK2 G2019S carriers, GBA1 carriers, and non-carriers (NC).

Methods

We genotyped 786 participants using Illumina's NeuroBooster-array (NBA) and sequenced the genome of 244, all of Ashkenazi ancestry (AJ), and calculated PRS to test its effects on clinically- and biologically-defined disease risk and phenotypes (n = 715). Among LRRK2 G2019S PD, we tested PRS association with α-synuclein seed-amplification-assay (n = 11). We used the PPMI and AMP-PD databases as validation cohorts.

Results

In clinically-defined PD, PRS significantly modified disease risk in GBA1 carriers and in NC ( p = 0.033 and p < 0.0001, respectively), and demonstrated a trend in LRRK2 G2019S carriers ( p = 0.054), with similar effect sizes (OR = 1.55, 1.62, and 1.49, respectively). PRS association with PD risk in LRRK2 was primarily driven by the rs7938782-A risk allele, replicated in AMP-PD (268 AJs LRRK2 G2019S carriers). PRS and age-at-onset were negatively correlated in NC ( p < 0.0001). NBA GBA1 genotype calls failed at GBA1 L483P and c.115 + 1G > A mutations. False negative call rate of 10.2% was observed for the imputed GBA1 N409S carriers.

Conclusions

PRS contributes to PD risk across different genotypes. The genetic and epigenetic role of rs7938782 in LRRK2 PD risk should be further explored. Future PRS models should be tailored to specific genotypes to better understand penetrance and phenotypes. Furthermore, models predicting PD defined biologically rather than clinically may further identify genetic risk factors for synucleinopathies.
Assessing static balance control improvement following cataract surgery using a smartphone
Authors: Azevedo Lorrana de Souza , Feitosa Newton Quintino , Santos Enzo Gabriel Rocha , Alvarez Márcio Augusto Moraes , Norat Lucciano Augusto Ximenes , Botelho Gabriel Izan Santos , Belgamo Anderson , Pinto Gustavo Henrique Lima , Santana Castro Ketlin Jaqueline , Callegari Bianca , Costa e Silva Anselmo de Athayde , Salomão Raílson Cruz , Cabral André dos Santos , Rosa Alexandre Antônio Marques , Souza Givago Silva
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Cataract remains a prevalent cause of visual impairment among the elderly, significantly increasing the risk of falls due to compromised visual function. Cataract removal surgery has been established as a means to enhance visual acuity and balance control. The advent of novel technologies, such as accelerometers integrated into smartphones, provides an opportunity to assess static balance control. We compared static balance measurements obtained from accelerometer built-in smartphones before and after cataract removal surgery.

Methods

Our sample comprised 29 individuals diagnosed with bilateral cataracts scheduled for cataract removal surgery. We evaluated participants’ visual acuity and recorded their body oscillations using the smartphone's embedded accelerometer during static balance maintenance, both with eyes open and closed, before and after surgery. We compared quantitative parameters of static balance evaluation at both time points.

Results

A significant improvement in visual acuity following cataract removal surgery was observed. Moreover, under open-eye conditions, all quantitative parameters of static balance evaluation exhibited significant improvement, with only one parameter showing improvement under closed-eye conditions.

Conclusion

Inertial sensors integrated into smartphones serve as practical tools for monitoring changes in static balance control resulting from cataracts, as well as for evaluating balance recovery after lens extraction surgery.
Perceptions and practices of young people regarding COVID-19 health misinformation and the underlying interdependencies
Authors: Uzuegbunam Chikezie E
Published: January 2025

Health misinformation has long impacted public health, influencing behaviours and adherence to guidelines. Young people are one of the social groups at the centre of health communication in the digital age; they are digital ‘informavores’, meaning they actively seek out, gather, consume and share information to meet various needs. This study examines how young adults (aged 18–30) in urban locations in Nigeria navigated COVID-19 misinformation and the underlying interdependencies this implicates. Drawing on social cognitive theory, the study takes a qualitative approach, collecting data using focus groups and individual semi-structured interviews. Findings from the critical thematic analysis confirm the severity, virality and velocity with which false information about the novel coronavirus spread in parts of the country. Besides, the results reveal that the drivers of misinformation included the government, politicians, bloggers, social media influencers and citizen journalists. Young adults utilized unique verification and correction strategies, such as deliberate scepticism and curiosity, social listening and eavesdropping, personal experience and peer or citizen fact-checking. A chain of ‘interdependencies’ were fundamental to these experiences, including (inter)personal and cultural intermediaries, religion, politics, socioeconomic status, affect and emotions, among others. Young adults advocated for a proactive government, media collaboration, ethics of care and media and information literacy interventions to combat health misinformation. The findings align with the World Health Organization's public health research agenda for managing health misinformation from a sociological point of view, with the aim to foster evidence-based intervention.
Use of Cervical Approach for Insertion of the Impella 5.5 Ventricular Assist Device (Abiomed) in Pediatric Patients: Cohort Study
Authors: Absi Mohammed , Gienapp Andrew J. , Buyukgoz Cihangir , Sathanandam Shyam , Boston Umar
Published: January 2025

Background

Impella 5.5 ventricular assist device (VAD) insertion is typically done via the axillary artery or directly through the aorta; however, an axillary artery must be ≥6 mm in diameter, which excludes many pediatric patients who do not meet this criterion. The innominate artery is a larger vessel that can better accommodate the Impella VAD in pediatric patients. Outcomes of this technique were compared with other pediatric patients undergoing the standard axillary artery cannulation.

Methods

The Heart Center at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital recently adopted the trans-innominate cervical approach for insertion of the Impella 5.5 VAD. We performed a retrospective cohort study comparing these cases to data collected from cases using an axillary approach found in the Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network database. Comparisons between preoperative characteristics, postoperative course, adverse events, anticoagulation, and clinical outcomes for these two groups were analyzed.

Results

Thirty-nine patients were implanted via the axillary approach; seven patients were implanted via the transinnominate cervical approach at our institution. Patients inserted via the trans-innominate approach had fewer days on the device (median, 8 [range, 3-24]), postimplant intensive care unit days (16 [3-24]), and hospital length of stay (14 [3-28]) compared with axillary insertion patients (12.5 [6.75-29.2], 58.5 [12.5-43.5], and 32 [19.7-83.5], respectively). Trans-innominate patients had fewer adverse events than axillary patients.

Conclusions

Trans-innominate cervical approach for insertion of the Impella 5.5 VAD is safe with low rates of adverse events in pediatric patients. As miniaturization of VAD therapy continues to evolve, this technique may provide greater application of these devices for even smaller children.
Indigenous Identity and Struggles for State Recognition in Ecuador
Authors: Martínez Caroline
Published: January 2025

This article examines how the community of Río Blanco in Ecuador asserted its Indigenous identity in court to defend itself against a mining company in 2017. As other countries in Latin America, Ecuador recently ratified international conventions that provide greater protections for Indigenous peoples and has incorporated key Indigenous rights into its constitution, such as the right of Indigenous communities to be consulted before a mining company can exploit their territory. However, most of the country’s population identifies as mestizo or mixed race and mestizos are ineligible for Indigenous rights. This article asks, what were the legible definitions of indigeneity that Río Blanco members and Indigenous leaders deployed in Ecuador’s courts for recognition? How do communities redefine the meaning of indigeneity in legal cases involving state recognition as Indigenous rather than mestizo? Through an analysis of court documents, I argue Río Blanco legitimated its Indigenous identity in court by presenting itself as closely tied to the land its members lived on and as nature and water protectors. Ultimately, Ecuador’s courts upheld Río Blanco’s Indigenous identity and this community’s right to a consultation, leading to the expulsion of the mining company that was exploiting their territory. The Río Blanco case shows that while Indigenous communities are at a disadvantage in court cases where the state determines racial categories and beneficiary status, Indigenous communities play an active role in redefining what it means to be Indigenous, expanding the Indigenous- mestizo boundary, and furthering Indigenous rights.
“No God, no master, no SACEM.” What are the French punks doing with DIY?
Authors: Roux Manuel
Published: January 2025

This article critically examines the scientific use of do it yourself (DIY) within the French punk scene, based on field observations of a specific sub-segment known as the “DIY scene.” It highlights a tendency in academia to replicate the punks' authenticity discourse and to essentialize their DIY practices as inherently political. Drawing from the sociology of artistic work and the history of punk in France, the article views these discourses as conditions to achieve a historically situated autonomy within the cultural field. In response to material constraints, punks collectively engage in an ambiguous process of distancing themselves from their roles as musicians in the name of DIY. DIY thus acts as a regulatory mechanism for punk behaviors and as a mean of valuing cultural products created within the scene.
Structural reversal of disc cupping measured in Bruch’s membrane opening-based OCT morphometry after PRESERFLO microshunt implantation for open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Lüke Jan Niklas , Popp Constantin , Gietzelt Caroline , Steinberg Florian , Lüke Vincent , Lappa Alexandra , Dietlein Thomas , Enders Philip
Published: January 2025

Background/ Aims

To analyze the longitudinal change in Bruch’s membrane opening minimal rim width (BMO-MRW) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thickness using optical coherence tomography (OCT) after implantation of a PRESERFLO® microshunt for surgical glaucoma management in adult glaucoma patients.

Methods

Retrospective data analysis of 59 eyes of 59 participants undergoing implantation of a PRESERFLO microshunt between 2019 and 2022 at a tertiary center for glaucoma management. Surgical management included primary temporary occlusion of the glaucoma shunt to prevent early hypotony. Pre- and post-operative OCT examinations of the optic nerve head (ONH) and intraocular pressure (IOP) were assessed. Longitudinal change in morphometric spectral domain OCT parameters of the ONH was correlated to change in IOP.

Results

BMO-MRW increased significantly between baseline (BL) and follow-up (FU) within the first three months after surgery (BL = 171.15 ± 66.80 μm; FU = 180.78 ± 70.394 μm; p = 0.034). For the same postoperative period, the mean preoperative IOP of 24.97 ± 7.22mmHg was lowered after surgery to 13.70 ± 5.09 mmHg. Eighteen months after surgery, there was no significant change in BMO-MRW compared to baseline (BL = 169.83 ± 52.69 μm; FU = 164.98 ± 55.85 μm; p = 0.271), while mean IOP was 13.08 ± 4.48 mmHg. A decrease in IOP correlated significantly with a change in BMO-MRW (r = 0.453, p < 0.05) three months after surgery. Peripapillary RNFL thickness was unchanged in follow-up after three months (p > 0.16) and significantly decreased in later follow-up (p = 0.009).

Conclusion

PRESERFLO® microshunt implantation with primary temporary occlusion leads to a significant transient increase in BMO-MRW. This phenomenon is also known as structural reversal of disc cupping (SRDC). The effect seems to be less pronounced and of shorter duration when compared to previous data after trabeculectomy with comparable pre- and postoperative IOP levels.
Whole lung radiomic features are associated with overall survival in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with definitive radiotherapy
Authors: Yan Meng , Zhang Zhen , Tian Jia , Yu Jiaqi , Dekker Andre , Ruysscher Dirk de , Wee Leonard , Zhao Lujun
Published: January 2025

Background

Several studies have suggested that lung tissue heterogeneity is associated with overall survival (OS) in lung cancer. However, the quantitative relationship between the two remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate the prognostic value of whole lung-based and tumor-based radiomics for OS in LA-NSCLC treated with definitive radiotherapy.

Methods

A total of 661 patients with LA-NSCLC treated with definitive radiotherapy in combination with chemotherapy were enrolled in this study, with 292 patients in the training set, 57 patients from the same hospital from January to December 2017 as an independent test set (test-set-1), 83 patients from a multi-institutional prospective clinical trial data set (RTOG0617) as test-set-2, and 229 patients from a Dutch radiotherapy center as test-set-3. Tumor-based radiomic features and whole lung-based radiomic features were extracted from primary tumor and whole lungs (excluding the primary tumor) delineations in planning CT images. Feature selection of radiomic features was done by the least absolute shrinkage (LASSO) method embedded with a Cox proportional hazards (CPH) model with 5-fold cross-internal validation, with 1000 bootstrap samples. Radiomics prognostic scores (RS) were calculated by CPH regression based on selected features. Three models based on a tumor RS, and a lung RS separately and their combinations were constructed. The Harrell concordance index (C-index) and calibration curves were used to evaluate the discrimination and calibration performance. Patients were stratified into high and low risk groups based on median RS, and a log-rank test was performed.

Results

The discrimination ability of lung- and tumor-based radiomics model was similar in terms of C-index, 0.69 vs. 0.68 in training set, 0.68 vs. 0.66 in test-set-1, 0.61 vs. 0.62 in test-set-2, 0.65 vs. 0.64 in test-set-3. The combination of tumor- and lung-based radiomics model performed best, with C-index of 0.71 in training set, 0.70 in test-set-1, 0.69 in test-set-2, and 0.68 in test-set-3. The calibration curve showed good agreement between predicted values and actual values. Patients were well stratified in training set, test-set-1 and test-set-3. In test-set-2, it was only whole lung-based RS that could stratify patients well and tumor-based RS performed bad.

Conclusion

Lung- and tumor-based radiomic features have the power to predict OS in LA-NSCLC. The combination of tumor- and lung-based radiomic features can achieve optimal performance.