bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on the Assessment of Election Procedure and the Role of Election Commission in Maintaining Electoral Integrity in Contemporary Indian Context
Authors: - SK NOOR MAHAMMAD
Published: February 2025

India, the world's largest democracy, conducts elections that are both multifaceted and huge in scale, involving millions of voters and thousands of polling stations. Ensuring the integrity and fairness of these elections is crucial for sustaining democratic governance and public trust. The research examines the multifaceted electoral procedures, including voter registration, candidate nomination, campaigning, voting, and counting processes. It highlights the technological progressions, such as the introduction of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs), and assesses their impact on the transparency and accuracy of elections. A significant focus is placed on the role of the Election Commission of India as the guardian of electoral democracy. The study analyzes the ECI's regulatory framework, its powers, and the mechanisms it employs to enforce electoral laws and standards. It evaluates the effectiveness of measures taken by the ECI to address challenges such as voter fraud, booth capturing, and the influence of money and muscle power in elections. The research also investigates into recent controversies and allegations of EVM tampering and manipulation, examining the ECI's responses and the resultant public perception. Through a review of case studies and analysis of secondary data, the study aims to provide an inclusive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the current electoral system. Eventually, the study seeks to propose recommendations for enhancing electoral integrity in India. These recommendations include technological innovations, policy reforms, and strategies for increasing public awareness and participation in the electoral process. By development a deeper understanding of election procedures and the role of the Election Commission, this research aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on solidification democratic institutions in India.
Explore the Self-Care and Lifestyle Modification of People Living with HIV Infection - Descriptive Analysis
Authors: - Padmavathy Murugan , - Shankar Shanmugam Rajendran , - Kannan Kasinathan , - Duraikannu Anandhi , - Malathi Dhakhnamoorthy , - Athya Farheen Mohammed Sulthan
Published: February 2025

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection remains a global health challenge, affecting millions of individuals across diverse communities. As medical advancements continue to improve the prognosis for those living with HIV, the significance of self-care and lifestyle modification in managing the condition has become increasingly apparent. This qualitative study seeks to delve into the intricacies of the self-care practices and lifestyle modifications adopted by people living with HIV infection, aiming to contribute valuable insights to the existing body of knowledge.
Methods: Data collected using a non-probability purposive sampling technique, the researcher adopted a qualitative research design from 10 patients attending ART Center, RGGH, Chennai-03.The tools include the background variables, self care practices of patients with HIV also analyzed here. The data were entered into SPSS (version – 20.0) for windows and descriptive statistics were performed.
Results: Majority of them were males, married and completed some technical education , not insured for health , diagnosed for HIV within 1 to 5 years ago and not on ART. Half of them belonged to the age group of 35-44 years, unemployed and not aware of any support groups or counselling groups related to HIV. Self-care practices were identified subsumed under four (3) main themes.
Conclusion: Self-care practices undermine efforts to effectively abate the spread and burden of HIV and reduce AIDS-related mortality. Therefore, there is need for sensitization campaigns on the benefits of ART and the risks associated with widespread self-prescription of antibiotics and use of scientifically unproven herbal remedies.
Prévention des risques liés à la consommation de substances en contextes festifs universitaires
Authors: Gougeon Mathieu , Laventure Myriam , Goyette Mathieu , Bertrand Karine
Published: February 2025

Contexte. Les événements festifs universitaires (EFU) sont des occasions associées à des épisodes de consommation pouvant comporter des risques pour les étudiants universitaires. Peu de programmes de prévention se sont intéressés aux stratégies préventives mises en place par les étudiants lors de ces événements. Or, l’intégration de la perspective des étudiants pourrait permettre d’améliorer les pratiques préventives qui leur sont offertes. Par conséquent, il devient important d’identifier les stratégies préventives qu’utilisent les étudiants ainsi que les facteurs qui font en sorte qu’elles sont mises en place lors d’EFU.

Objectif. L’objectif de cette étude est d’identifier les stratégies préventives planifiées et mises en place par les étudiants universitaires lors d’EFU pour limiter la consommation excessive d’alcool, la consommation à risque de cannabis et les conduites à risque associées ainsi que les facteurs qui influencent leur mise en place.

Méthodologie. Basée sur un devis descriptif-interprétatif, cette étude qualitative repose sur des entrevues menées auprès de 15 étudiants (10 femmes et 5 hommes) âgés de 21 à 26 ans, provenant de plusieurs universités du Québec et ayant eu un épisode de consommation excessive d’alcool ou à risque de cannabis lors d’un EFU.

Résultats. Les étudiants ont identifié des stratégies préventives pour limiter la consommation d’alcool pouvant être réparties en quatre catégories (sociale, temporelle, économique et liée à la substance). En lien avec la consommation de cannabis, seulement des stratégies liées à la substance consommée ont été identifiées. Les étudiants planifient également des stratégies pour limiter la conduite automobile avec les facultés affaiblies et les comportements sexuels à risque. Ils rapportent aussi des facteurs (pression sociale, responsabilités) qui peuvent affecter positivement ou négativement la mise en place de leurs stratégies.

Retombées. Considérer la perspective des étudiants quant aux stratégies préventives qu’ils utilisent permet de mieux orienter et adapter la prévention en complémentarité lors d’EFU.
Se donner des outils pour réduire les inégalités d’exposition aux jeux de hasard et d’argent
Authors: Papineau Elisabeth , Robitaille Éric , Prisca Samba Charles , Lemétayer Fanny , Kestens Yan , Raynault Marie-France
Published: February 2025

Objectifs : La présente recherche vise à dresser un portrait des environnements de jeu et de la vulnérabilité au jeu au Québec, ainsi qu’à identifier les aires de diffusion où l’exposition et la vulnérabilité aux jeux de hasard et d’argent (JHA) sont élevées. Les données probantes générées sont destinées à guider la prise de décision en matière de prévention, d’intervention, de répartition territoriale des jeux et de création d’environnements équitables et favorables à la santé.

Méthodologie : Des études ont établi qu’à Montréal, Laval, Québec ou dans les régions des Laurentides et de l’Outaouais, les appareils de loterie vidéo étaient répartis de façon inégale, les populations défavorisées ou plus vulnérables y ayant un accès plus élevé. Pour identifier les secteurs au Québec où l’exposition et la vulnérabilité à l’ensemble des jeux sont élevées, deux indices ont été développés : l’indice d’exposition au jeu (IEJ), qui combine la densité, l’accessibilité et le risque théorique des jeux, et l’indice de vulnérabilité au jeu (IVJ), qui repose sur six indicateurs socio-économiques pondérés associés au jeu problématique. Des analyses ont été réalisées pour identifier les zones présentant une convergence de vulnérabilité et d’exposition au jeu élevées. Les données ont finalement été transposées sur une carte interactive en ligne.

Résultats : Les travaux effectués révèlent que 2 599 des 13 420 aires de diffusion du Québec affichent des valeurs élevées de vulnérabilité et d’exposition au jeu. Au total, 1 394 042 personnes (17 % de la population) vivent dans ces zones, désignées prioritaires en matière d’intervention. Les régions de la Mauricie–Centre-du-Québec, de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue, de l’Outaouais, de la Côte-Nord et de Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine ont des valeurs plus élevées que la moyenne du Québec.

Conclusion : Les présents résultats appellent à une reconfiguration territoriale non préjudiciable des jeux, basée sur des indicateurs robustes et sur une vision nationale de la prévention des inégalités liées aux JHA.
Consommation de substances chez les personnes douées intellectuellement : revue de la portée
Authors: Cotton Julie-Christine , Gendron-Fontaine Sabrina , Bertrand Karine , Boisvert Amélie
Published: February 2025

Encore à ce jour, la douance intellectuelle est sujette à débat parmi le personnel clinique et de recherche d’une diversité de champs d’expertise. Sa conceptualisation et sa mesure ne font pas l’unanimité, engendrant des limites importantes dans la production de connaissances scientifiques entourant les populations douées. Si nous savons que des aptitudes cognitives faibles constituent un facteur de risque pour le développement d’un trouble de l’usage de substances (TUS), les liens entre la douance intellectuelle et la consommation de substances psychoactives (SPA) demeurent méconnus. Représentant jusqu’à 2 % de la population générale, les personnes douées intellectuellement présentent typiquement de grandes capacités métacognitives ainsi que des niveaux de créativité et d’engagement hors du commun. Certaines personnes douées présentent une condition combinée communément appelée « double exceptionnalité » (2e) (ex. : difficultés d’apprentissage, difficultés attentionnelles, autisme, problèmes de santé mentale). Ce profil neurocognitif confronte davantage les personnes douées à la possibilité de subir des expériences de stress minoritaire découlant de la neuronormativité présente au sein de la société. Cet article présente les résultats d’une revue de la portée ayant été menée en fonction des lignes directrices du PRISMA 2020 afin de connaître l’état des connaissances entourant la consommation de SPA chez les personnes douées et 2e. Parmi les 25 études retenues, bien qu’il s’avère impossible de statuer si la consommation de SPA diffère chez les personnes douées intellectuellement par rapport à la population générale, le développement d’un TUS apparaît possiblement moins fréquent et plus tardif chez ces dernières. D’importantes limites doivent toutefois être considérées entourant la conceptualisation et l’évaluation de la douance, de même que la consommation de SPA. Devant le stress minoritaire que les populations neurodivergentes peuvent rencontrer, une posture critique et neuroaffirmative pour intervenir en dépendances auprès des personnes douées et 2e apparaît nécessaire.
Consommation de substances psychoactives chez les élèves de 15-25 ans à Gao
Authors: Traoré Adama A , Coulibaly Souleymane dit Papa , Maïga Alassane Mahamar , Sagara Issaka
Published: February 2025

Les jeunes constituent un groupe particulièrement vulnérable à l’usage de substances psychoactives. Il n’existe aucun rapport sur les facteurs associés à la consommation de substances psychoactives dans cette population spécifique au Mali. L’objectif de cette étude était de déterminer la prévalence de la consommation de substances psychoactives légales ou illégales et d’identifier ses facteurs associés chez les jeunes scolaires de Gao au Mali. Nous avons émis l’hypothèse que des conditions familiales et scolaires défavorables et la présence d’amis consommateurs de drogues étaient associées à la consommation de substances chez les jeunes scolaires de Gao. Nous avons utilisé des données secondaires issues d’une enquête transversale menée entre octobre et décembre 2022 auprès de 365 élèves de cinq écoles secondaires sélectionnés par un échantillonnage aléatoire à deux degrés. L’analyse a porté sur les enregistrements des élèves âgés de 15 à 25 ans. Des analyses uni et multivariées ont été effectuées à l’aide d’un modèle de régression logistique. Nous avons retenu 336 enregistrements répondant aux critères d’inclusion, dont 58,6 % de garçons. L’âge moyen était de 19,1 ans avec un écart type de 2,3 ans. La prévalence de la consommation de substances psychoactives au cours de la vie était de 47 %. La cigarette était la substance la plus consommée (22,3 %), suivi de la chicha (19,1 %) et de l’alcool (17,9 %). Les facteurs associés à la consommation de substances psychoactives étaient le sexe masculin (ORa=2,2 ; IC95 %=1,3-3,8), la présence d’amis consommateurs de drogues (ORa=3,9 ; IC95 %=1,7-8,8) et l’absentéisme scolaire (ORa=2,9 ; IC95 %=1,4-5,9). Les résultats ont en partie soutenu nos hypothèses et suggèrent la nécessité d’effectuer des recherches à l’échelle nationale en employant des schémas d’études longitudinales.
Point de vue des joueurs problématiques concernant la commission de délits
Authors: Bertrand-Danjou Audréane , Ferland Francine , Giroux Isabelle
Published: February 2025

La commission de délits est un facteur de risque bien établi du trouble lié aux
jeux de hasard et d’argent (TJHA). Parmi les délits retrouvés, ce sont davantage les délits
de nature financière que les autres types de délits qui sont associés au TJHA; ceux-ci
survenant bien souvent dans l’optique de financer les habitudes de JHA. Toutefois, il
ressort des études récentes que différents types de délits peuvent être commis par les
joueurs et joueuses, sans que ceux-ci soient décrits comme étant en lien avec les habitudes
de jeu problématiques. Afin de dresser un meilleur portrait du lien délit/JHA, onze
personnes ayant suivi un traitement pour leurs habitudes de JHA problématiques et ayant
commis au moins un délit judiciarisé à l’âge adulte ont été questionnées sur leur parcours
de jeu et la place occupée par les délits commis. Les analyses déductive et inductive
révèlent que la gamme de délits commis par les joueurs et joueuses problématiques est plus
variée que seulement des délits financiers. Les personnes participant·à l’étude révèlent des
liens entre les habitudes JHA et des délits liés aux drogues et aux stupéfiants alors que
d’autres ont commis des délits financiers qui n’étaient pas liés à leurs habitudes de JHA.
Incidemment, la nature du délit commis ne serait pas garante du lien avec les habitudes de
JHA. Il semble donc important de poursuivre la recherche afin de mieux comprendre les
différents liens existants entre les délits commis et les JHA en portant une attention plus
grande aux délits autres que financiers.
« J’ai compris la détresse que ça amenait » : le témoignage comme amorce à l’empathie envers les joueuses et joueurs
Authors: Morvannou Adèle
Published: February 2025

La formation des professionnels revêt une importance cruciale pour offrir des services empreints d’empathie aux personnes stigmatisées, telles que celles vivant des problèmes de jeux de hasard et d’argent (JHA). Parmi les stratégies pédagogiques existantes, le témoignage est une pratique pertinente et courante. Toutefois, la manière dont les étudiants perçoivent les témoignages des personnes ayant des problèmes de JHA reste peu documentée. L’objectif est de documenter l’empathie des étudiants exposés au témoignage d’une personne qui a vécu des problèmes de JHA, selon leurs perceptions. Des entrevues qualitatives semi-structurées auprès de huit étudiants ayant suivi un cours qui comprend un ensemble d’activités pédagogiques visant à développer l’empathie chez les étudiants ont été réalisées. Quatre thèmes majeurs ont émergé : les conditions propices à l’empathie, la résonance émotionnelle avec la personne qui a témoigné, une nouvelle compréhension de son vécu, ainsi que l’influence du témoignage sur la pratique professionnelle. Cette étude encourage l’intégration des témoignages dans la formation des professionnels, en tenant compte du profil expérientiel des étudiants et avec un ensemble d’activités pédagogiques présentant l’information de manière visuelle et auditive.
Représentation de joueurs de poker dans les médias de masse au Québec
Authors: Robert Berger Evelyne , Cantinotti Michael
Published: February 2025

La population du Québec est exposée à une grande diversité d’informations présentées par les médias de masse. Les messages véhiculés à propos des jeux de hasard et d’argent (JHA), et plus spécifiquement l’exposition à ces messages, contribuent aux changements sur les attitudes, croyances et comportements des individus concernant ce sujet. Les joueurs de poker percevant leur jeu de prédilection comme étant distinct des autres JHA de par l’aspect stratégique qu’ils y décèlent, il semble pertinent de s’intéresser à la présentation que les médias font de ces derniers. Une meilleure connaissance du discours médiatique diffusé dans les médias en ce qui les concerne permettrait d’acquérir une meilleure compréhension d’un des éléments macrosociaux susceptibles d’influencer la construction identitaire des joueurs de poker. Ce projet vise à analyser le discours médiatique portant sur les joueurs de poker. Une stratégie de recherche documentaire dans la banque Eureka a permis de retracer 566 contenus médiatiques provenant de médias canadiens francophones locaux, régionaux, provinciaux et nationaux. Après le retrait des doublons (n = 116) et de références ne faisant pas mention de caractéristiques des joueurs de poker, 369 contenus médiatiques ont été retenus pour l’analyse thématique. Celle-ci a permis de révéler cinq principaux thèmes : la promotion de la réussite, les caractéristiques des joueurs de poker, les compétences de ces derniers, la prise de risques et les conséquences du poker. Cette connaissance des contenus médiatiques sur les joueurs de poker permettra de mieux cibler les messages préventifs à leur égard.
Ecosystemic Approaches to Extractive Business and Human Rights Issues*
Authors: Roy Grégoire Étienne , Anzueto Marc-André , Campbell Bonnie , Séguin Mélisande , Tapias Torrado Nancy R
Published: February 2025

The article by Étienne Roy Grégoire, Marc-André Anzueto, Bonnie Campbell, Mélisande Séguin and Nancy R Tapias Torrado uses the concept of an ‘extractive normative ecosystem’ to account for the interactions between the various norms, discourses and policies governing the relationship between extractive industries and local communities. It argues that the exploitation of natural resources significantly alters social relations and exacerbates the risks of human rights violations, particularly in the context of globalisation. The article critiques traditional approaches to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Business and Human Rights (BHR), and highlights the need for an ecosystem approach to understand the complex relationships between different regulatory regimes, including state laws, indigenous legal systems and international law. The text is divided into four sections: the theoretical implications of the ecosystem paradigm, recent legal developments in business and human rights due diligence legislation in Europe and Canada, the potential of applying an ecosystemic approach to the extractive sector, and a conclusion highlighting the challenges faced by communities affected by extractivism.
Neither Here Nor There: Borrowed Bodies, Third Space, and the Museum
Authors: DiGiovanna Rebecca
Published: February 2025

The contemporary art world is in a state of great influx and change. In part due to globalization, the arts are producing works that no longer adhere to a dichotomy of male vs. female, black vs. white, Asian vs. American, and so forth. Instead, artists are intermingling these seemingly separate identities into new forms of categorization and selfhood. Using expat artist Zhang Huan’s My America as a vehicle for discussion, this essay examines Chinese post-colonial philosopher Homi Bhabha’s Third Space of Enunciation and its relationship to the rising multiplicity of identity seen in contemporary artists. An argument is made for the need to transform and reinvent the way modern museums deal with cultural ancestry, geography, and the increasing diversity of both artists and the museum audience.
Research on Photonic Nanojets of Patchy Microspheres
Authors: Jia Rui  , Yang Zhi-Kun  , Pan Xiao-Yan  , Peng Qi  ,   1 National Key Laboratory of Optical Field Manipulation Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610209, Sichuan, China;,   2 Key Laboratory of Optical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610209, Sichuan, China;,   3 Institute of Optics and Electronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610209, Sichuan, China;,   4 University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Published: February 2025

Photonic nanojet (PNJ) has gradually attracted the attention of researchers in the recent years. PNJ has unique properties, such as high intensity, high localization and subwavelength scale focusing ability. PNJ is a narrow beam within the wavelength scale. The Full-width at Half Maximum (FWHM) of PNJ at the focus can go beyond the diffraction limit while maintaining high intensity with a long distance , which could significantly enhance the imaging resolution. This study explores the characteristics of PNJ through numerical simulation methods, focusing on patchy microspheres under various conditions including coverage area, incident angle, and the refractive index of the immersion medium. The findings reveal that when the microsphere size remains constant, the PNJ performs optimally when the coverage area reaches 69%. Under this condition, adjusting the incident angle to -5.74° precisely positions the PNJ focal point on the microsphere surface. Furthermore, at this specific angle, the FWHM is reduced to 180 nm, significantly surpassing the conventional diffraction limit. This optimization strategy not only facilitates super-resolution focusing but also substantially enhances both the intensity and efficiency of the PNJ. Additionally, the study demonstrates that the PNJ performance improves when the refractive index ratio between the microsphere coating and the immersion medium approaches 1.4. Notably, a resonance effect occurs when the refractive index ratio reaches 1.48, resulting in enhanced PNJ performance. Under this condition, the PNJ focal point remains on the microsphere surface, the FWHM remains at 180 nm, while the light intensity is further amplified, reaching approximately three times the intensity of the PNJ generated by microspheres without the resonance effect. This research provides theoretical support for the application of patchy microspheres in fields such as super-resolution imaging.
The Influence of Source Intensity Errors in Unidimensional Gaussian Modulation Continuous-Variable Quantum Key Distribution
Authors: Wang Pu  , Bai Zeng-Liang  , Chang Li-Wei  ,   School of Information, Shanxi University of Finance and Economics, Taiyuan 030006, China
Published: February 2025

Unidimensional Gaussian modulation continuous-variable quantum key distribution (UD CV-QKD) uses only one modulator to encode information, which has the advantages of low implementation cost and low random number consumption, and is attractive for the future construction of miniaturized and low-cost large-scale quantum communication networks. However, in the actual application of the protocol, the intensity fluctuation of the source pulsed light, device defects, and external environmental interference maybe lead to the generation of source intensity errors, which affect the realistic security and performance of the protocol. To address this problem, this paper deeply studies the security and performance of UD CV-QKD under source intensity errors. The influence mechanism of source intensity errors on the protocol parameter estimation process is analyzed. To enable the protocol to operate stably under various realistic conditions and ensure communication security, this paper makes three practical assumptions about the sender’s abilities, and proposes corresponding data optimization processing schemes for these assumptions to reduce the negative impact of source intensity errors. Additionally, both source errors and finite-size effect are comprehensively considered to ensure the realistic security of the system. The simulation results indicate that source intensity errors cannot be neglected and the maximum transmission distance of the system will be reduced by approximately 20 kilometers for significant intensity fluctuations. Therefore, in the practical implementation of the protocol, the impact of source intensity errors must be fully considered, and the corresponding countermeasures should be taken to reduce or eliminate these errors. This study provides theoretical guidance for the secure implementation of UD CV-QKD in real-world environments.
Impact of grit, empathy, and communication competence on the clinical competence of nursing students in the post-COVID-19 era in Korea: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Nam Soo-Hyun , Park Seurk
Published: February 2025

Purpose: This study investigated the relationships among grit, empathy, communication competence, and clinical competence in nursing students and aimed to determine the factors influencing their clinical competence during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: The participants were 157 third- and fourth-year nursing students from Andong National University in Andong and Choonhae College of Health Sciences in Ulsan, both in South Korea. Data were collected using a self-report questionnaire and analyzed using the SPSS version 23.0 program. Results: Clinical competence was positively correlated with grit (r = .26, p = .001), empathy (r = .29, p < .001) and communication competence (r = .53, p < .001). Female sex (β = −.20, p = .009) and communication competence (β = .31, p = .004) were found to predict nursing students’ clinical competence, explaining 39.1% of the variance in clinical competence (F = 7.07, p < .001). Conclusion: The results imply that nursing students’ communication competence must be increased to improve their clinical competence. Additionally, it is important to develop training programs that consider changes in the educational environment in the post-COVID-19 era.
Epidemiological characteristics of hospital-onset bloodstream infections and risk factors for peripheral venous catheter-associated bloodstream infections at a general hospital in South Korea: a retrospective case-control study
Authors: Kim Chae Eun , Lee Soo Min
Published: February 2025

Purpose: This study investigated the incidence of hospital-onset bloodstream infections (HOBSI) and risk factors for HOBSI among patients with peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) at a general hospital.Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted on patients hospitalized between August 1, 2021, and July 31, 2023. The case group included 31 patients diagnosed with bloodstream infections, while the control group included 93 patients without bloodstream infections. The control group were matched to the case group at a 1:3 ratio using propensity score matching. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, t-test, and logistic regression analysis.Results: The incidence density per 1,000 patient-days was 0.61 for HOBSI-1, 0.40 for HOBSI-2, and 0.25 for central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). Approximately 70%-80% of bloodstream infections were found to occur in general wards. Multivariate analysis revealed that prolonged hospital stays (odds ratio [OR] =1.03) and liver cirrhosis (OR = 14.76) were significant risk factors for PVC-associated bloodstream infection (PVC-BSI). The mortality rate in the case group was significantly higher, with a 22.08-fold increased risk compared to the control group.Conclusion: This study revealed that HOBSI had a higher incidence rate than CLABSI, with the majority of cases occurring in general wards. HOBSI surveillance demonstrated relatively higher sensitivity, which can be beneficial for identifying bloodstream infections in hospitals with low catheter usage. Given the high mortality risk, PVC-BSI require increased attention. This study provides valuable data for improving bloodstream infection prevention strategies.
Relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms and disease activity among women with systemic lupus erythematosus in Korea: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Song Hyo Jeong , Kim Young-Joo , Kim Jinseok
Published: February 2025

Purpose: Bladder involvement in the disease course of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is uncommon; in fact, it has been shown that patients with SLE have lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) than the general population. This study aimed to identify LUTS and the relationship between LUTS and disease activity among women with SLE.Methods: This cross-sectional study used structured self-administered questionnaires. We recruited 110 women with SLE from the outpatient clinic of a university hospital between January and August of 2020. LUTS was assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score, and disease activity was assessed using the Systemic Lupus Activity Questionnaire.Results: Fifty-seven women (51.8%) reported urinary incontinence (UI), while 53 (48.2%) reported no UI. The mean LUTS score was 7.75 ± 5.74 (range 0-35). The scores for the seven LUTS components (range 0-5) were as follows: frequency (1.51 ± 1.48), nocturia (1.46 ± 1.07), urgency (1.27 ± 1.35), incomplete emptying (1.09 ± 1.15), intermittency (0.97 ± 1.27), weak stream (0.94 ± 1.04), and straining (0.51 ± 0.91). LUTS were positively correlated with the disease activity of SLE (r = .48, p < .001), indicating that higher LUTS scores were associated with severe disease activity.Conclusion: The prevalence of UI was high, and LUTS (frequency, nocturia, and urgency) were common. Therefore, regular assessment and appropriate management of UI and LUTS among women with SLE are necessary, and it is also essential to keep the disease activity of SLE at a low level due to the positive relationship between disease activity and LUTS.
Exploring students’ study time, sleep duration, and perceptions of course difficulty on final examination results: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Niu , He Xiaohua
Published: February 2025

Objective

To evaluate the possible association between student final exam scores and student-reported measures of study time, sleep duration, perception of course difficulty, and grade satisfaction.

Methods

A 4-item questionnaire was administered to 354 3rd-quarter students during finals week. Students were asked to report their study time, sleep duration the night prior to the exam, and perception of course difficulty as well as grade satisfaction using a 5-point Likert scale response prior to taking the exam. The relationship between exam scores from the immunology and endocrinology courses and those 4 items were analyzed.

Results

We found the grade satisfaction and total scores before the final exam and sleep duration had a positive relationship with final exam scores (immunology: r = .29, r = .56, and r = .22, p < .01; endocrinology: r = .41, r = .42, and r = .26, p < .01). In contrast, a negative relationship between the perceptions of course difficulty and the final exam score was found (immunology: p < .01, r = −.15; endocrinology: p < .01, r = −.32). Surprisingly, study time did have a significant correlation with final exam scores (p > .05).

Conclusion

Adequate sleep the night prior to an examination was positively associated with the exam scores. Study time for the final exam did not correlate with final exam scores. There may be a need for schools to consider the potential impact student sleep habits have on academic performance and to distribute this information to students.
Quality of life in chiropractic students pre- and post-COVID-19 lockdowns utilizing the Short-Form Health Survey-36
Authors: Cade Alice E. , Niazi Imran Khan , Whittaker Elly , Midanik Reid , Stevens Kirk
Published: February 2025

Objective

To compare previously recorded quality of life scores of students at the New Zealand College of Chiropractic using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) to those after New Zealand (NZ) COVID lockdowns.

Methods

Previously recorded students’ SF-36 questionnaires were collected before (2019) and after (2022) the lockdowns. Student populations were independent at each time point (pre- and post-lockdown) and were compared between 2019 and 2022 using unpaired Wilcoxon tests and to similarly aged and NZ normative data.

Results

Two hundred seventy-six pre-COVID (51.1% female) and 120 post-COVID (60.8% female) data sets were returned. All pre-COVID years and scores were significantly higher or comparable with reference data (p ≤ .050). Post-COVID scores dropped below pre-COVID and reference data—with the largest drops seen in emotional wellbeing, emotional role limitations, social, and fatigue domains (p < .05 - p < .001). Only post-COVID physical functioning was comparable with pre-COVID or reference data (p > .050).

Conclusion

This study suggests that before COVID New Zealand College of Chiropractic perceived their quality of life as the same or better than the average New Zealander or similarly aged person. After COVID, most quality of life scores dropped substantially with emotional, social, and fatigue-related domains showing the greatest decline.
Influence of Different Species of Fish on Physicochemical Properties of Surimi
Authors: Picardo Joaquim J. , Cid Marlon V. C. , Díaz Gisel C. , Vendramini Ana Lúcia A. , Aranda Donato A. G. , James Nina K. da Silva , Gamela Raimundo R.
Published: February 2025

Surimi is a concentrate of myofibrillar proteins obtained from solid residues from fish processing, which is minced, washed, drained and final by the use of stabilizing agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of using different fish species: whitemouth croaker (Argyrosomus regius), snapper (Lutjanus purpureus), sandperch (Pseudopercis Numida) and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The surimi preparation method included immersion in an alkaline solution, followed by two immersions in saline solutions, water separation by centrifugation, mass crushing with the addition of cryoprotectants, and storage in ultra-freezer. Physicochemical properties were determined in terms of pH by potentiometric analysis, moisture by desiccation at 105 oC for 24 h, total fat content by the Soxhlet method, crude protein by Kjeldhal method, color by colorimeter, fatty acid profile using gas chromatography, and the texture profile by the texture analyzer. The obtained results ranged from: pH 7.29±0.19 to 7.55±0.43; moisture (%) 77.19±0.55 to 81.27±0.85; the protein (%) content ranged from 15.04±0.32 to 17.10±0.12 and the lipid content ranged from 0.08±0.06 to 1.13±0.10. In addition, sandperch surimi showed the highest whiteness value and intermediate texture, and the color presented adequate whiteness values, with high brightness in sandperch surimi and low brightness for snapper surimi. Therefore, the production of surimi showed to be a rich source of protein and present acceptable texture characteristics.
Age, Sex, and Anatomical Location Patterns in Cutaneous Pyogenic Granuloma Cases
Authors: Dube Umber , Corliss Meagan , Bowling Kevin M. , Heusel Jonathan W. , Coughlin Carrie C.
Published: January 2025

Importance

Cutaneous pyogenic granulomas (PGs) are commonly encountered, benign, vascular tumors, in which epidemiologic factors have been variably reported, in part, due to sample size limitations and a focus on either adult or pediatric patients.

Objective

To assemble a large dataset of pathologically diagnosed PGs across the continuum of age and investigate patterns of PGs by demographic factors, including age, sex, and anatomical location.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective case series included case reports of patients with pathologically confirmed PGs of cutaneous origin reported between April 1, 2010, to March 31, 2020. The pathology database at a large tertiary academic center in the Midwestern US was queried for case reports that included the term pyogenic granuloma or lobular capillary hemangioma. Individuals were included in the analytic sample if they had a pathologically confirmed diagnosis of a PG. PG cases were excluded if they included PG only as a part of the pathological differential diagnoses; were recurrent; or were of noncutaneous origin. These data were analyzed between March 2022 and March 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were sex biases in frequency overall, by anatomical region, and by left-right laterality using exact binomial tests. Additional outcomes included differences in age-by-sex distribution overall and by anatomical region using Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests.

Results

Of 1009 unique pathologically confirmed PG records from 987 individuals, 376 individuals (38.1%) were younger than 18 years, of whom 122 (32.4%) were female. A total of 611 individuals were 18 years and older, of whom 364 (59.6%) were female. Overall, PGs between male and female individuals were equally distributed for all anatomical locations except lower extremities, in which females were more frequently affected. The distribution of PGs by age was significantly different between male and female individuals, with this difference primarily associated with the head/neck and trunk but not with upper extremity or lower extremity anatomical locations. Neither left-right laterality bias among upper extremity PGs nor anterior-posterior bias among truncal PGs was observed.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this retrospective case series, an age-by-sex interaction was found in the incidence of PGs, with PGs on the head/neck and trunk being more common in males younger than 20 years and in females 20 to 50 years of age. These findings suggest that trauma may not be a major etiologic factor for PGs. Future studies are necessary to confirm this and to understand the causes of the age-by-sex interaction.
Peritraumatic Context and Long-Term Outcomes of Concussion
Authors: Van Etten Emily J. , Knight Arielle R. , Colaizzi Tristan A. , Carbaugh Jack , Kenna Alexandra , Fortier Catherine B. , Milberg William P.
Published: January 2025

Importance

There has been a great deal of interest in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and their association with one another, yet their interaction and subsequent associations with long-term outcomes remain poorly understood.

Objective

To compare the long-term outcomes of mTBI that occurred in the context of psychological trauma (peritraumatic context) with mTBI that did not (nonperitraumatic context).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study of post-9/11 US veterans used data from the Translational Research Center for Traumatic Brain Injury and Stress Disorders (TRACTS) study at the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, which began in 2009; the current study utilized data from baseline TRACTS visits conducted between 2009 and 2024. Data analysis occurred from January to October 2024.

Exposures

Peritraumatic mTBI, nonperitraumatic mTBI, or no TBI.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcomes were PTSD severity (measured by the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale–4th edition), postconcussive symptoms (measured by the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory), and self-reported disability status (measured by the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II). Differences between groups were compared using analyses of covariance with least significant difference comparisons.

Results

This sample of 567 post-9/11 veterans (mean [SD] age, 33.72 [9.29] years; 507 men [89.4%]; mean [SD] years of education, 14.19 [2.16]) included 183 individuals with no TBI, 189 individuals with nonperitraumatic mTBI, and 195 individuals with peritraumatic mTBI. Veterans with a history of peritraumatic mTBI had greater PTSD severity (F2,552 = 8.45; P < .001), postconcussive symptoms (F2,533 = 11.09; P < .001), and disability (F2,527 = 11.13; P < .001) than the nonperitraumatic mTBI and no TBI groups. Importantly, no significant differences in any outcome measure between nonperitraumatic mTBI and no TBI groups were observed.

Conclusions and Relevance

This cohort study found that mTBI was only associated with long-term consequences when it co-occurred with a traumatic event exposure. This finding raises a novel hypothesis of the association of mTBI with PTSD, in which the acute biological and physiological outcomes of mTBI may be associated with temporarily scaffolding the formation of PTSD symptoms, which could enhance the production of long-term postconcussive symptoms and disability.
Addressing Pregnancy Loss in Surgical Residency—A Call for Policy Protection
Authors: Siderides Cleo , Cain-Trivette Caitlin J. , Garrett Kelly A.
Published: January 2025

This Viewpoint argues for the implementation of pregnancy loss policies to address the mental and physical health of residents who experience pregnancy loss and prevent the attrition of women from surgical residency.
Facility Medicaid Payer Burden and Nonelective Admission for Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia
Authors: Medvedovsky Steven , Sharath Sherene E. , Kougias Panos
Published: January 2025

Importance

Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) is a major public health issue that requires considerable human and physical resources to provide optimal patient care. It is essential to characterize the disease severity and resource needs of patients with CLTI presenting to facilities of varying resource capacities.

Objective

To investigate the association between facility-level Medicaid payer proportions and the incidence of nonelective admissions among patients admitted for CLTI.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this retrospective multicenter cohort study, 876 026 CLTI-related inpatient admissions at 8769 US facilities from January 1, 1998, through October 31, 2020, were identified in the National Inpatient Sample. Facilities were ranked into quintiles according to increasing Medicaid burden, defined as the annualized proportion of Medicaid patient discharges for all hospitalizations. Inpatient admissions for CLTI were identified using International Classification of Diseases codes for rest pain, foot ulcers, and gangrene. Patients younger than 18 years or older than 100 years were excluded, as were those with missing admission type. Statistical analysis was conducted from January to August 2024.

Exposure

Facility-level Medicaid burden quintiles.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Emergency and urgent admissions defined as nonelective admissions.

Results

The study included 876 026 CLTI-related admissions (mean [SD] patient age, 68.6 [14.5] years; 54.3% men). Increasing nonelective admission rates were associated with increasing facility Medicaid burden (low Medicaid burden, 59.7%; low-moderate Medicaid burden, 62.2%; moderate Medicaid burden, 63.6%; moderate-high Medicaid burden, 63.6%; and high Medicaid burden, 66.8%; P < .001). This trend persisted across all CLTI-related diagnoses (patients with rest pain: low Medicaid burden, 29.8%; high Medicaid burden, 36.1%; patients with lower-limb ulceration: low Medicaid burden, 63.5%; high Medicaid burden, 71.5%; and patients with gangrene: low Medicaid burden, 61.2%; high Medicaid burden, 67.4%; P < .001). In the adjusted model, odds of nonelective admission for CLTI indications increased progressively among facilities as Medicaid burden increased from low to high (adjusted odds ratio for low-moderate Medicaid burden, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.00-1.11]; P = .06; adjusted odds ratio for high Medicaid burden, 1.44 [95% CI, 1.36-1.52]; P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

High Medicaid burden facilities were associated with increased nonelective admissions for CLTI. This highlights an important mismatch: that resource-constrained facilities are at greater odds of seeing more resource-intensive admissions. Facility-level patient cohort characteristics should be considered when planning for resource allocation to achieve equitable patient care.
Oncogenic mutant KRAS inhibition through oxidation at cysteine 118
Authors: Kramer‐Drauberg Maximilian , Petrini Ettore , Mira Alessia , Patrucco Enrico , Scardaci Rossella , Savinelli Ilenia , Wang Haiyun , Qiao Keying , Carrà Giovanna , Nokin Marie‐Julie , Zhou Zhiwei , Westover Kenneth D. , Santamaria David , Porporato Paolo E. , Ambrogio Chiara
Published: January 2025

Specific reactive oxygen species activate the GTPase Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS) by reacting with cysteine 118 (C118), leading to an electron transfer between C118 and nucleoside guanosine diphosphate (GDP), which causes the release of GDP. Here, we have mimicked permanent oxidation of human KRAS at C118 by replacing C118 with aspartic acid (C118D) in KRAS to show that oncogenic mutant KRAS is selectively inhibited via oxidation at C118, both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the combined treatment of hydrogen‐peroxide‐producing pro‐oxidant paraquat and nitric‐oxide‐producing inhibitor N(ω)‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester selectively inhibits human mutant KRAS activity by inducing oxidization at C118. Our study shows for the first time the vulnerability of human mutant KRAS to oxidation, thereby paving the way to explore oxidation‐based anti‐KRAS treatments in humans.
Evaluation of AI‐based auto‐contouring tools in radiotherapy: A single‐institution study
Authors: Wang Tingyu , Tam James , Chum Thomas , Tai Cyril , Marshall Deborah C. , Buckstein Michael , Liu Jerry , Green Sheryl , Stewart Robert D. , Liu Tian , Chao Ming
Published: January 2025

Background

Accurate delineation of organs at risk (OARs) is crucial yet time‐consuming in the radiotherapy treatment planning workflow. Modern artificial intelligence (AI) technologies had made automation of OAR contouring feasible. This report details a single institution's experience in evaluating two commercial auto‐contouring software tools and making well‐informed decisions about their clinical adoption.

Methods

A cohort of 36 patients previously treated at our institution were selected for the software performance assessment. Fifty‐eight OAR structures from seven disease sites were automatically segmented with each tool. Five radiation oncologists with different specialties qualitatively scored the automatic OAR contours’ clinical usability by a 4‐level scale (0–3), termed as quality score (QS), representing from “0: not usable” to “3: directly usable for a clinic.” Additionally, quantitative comparison with clinically approved contours using Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and the 95% Hausdorff distance (HD95) was performed in complement to QS from physicians.

Result

Software A achieved an average QS of 2.17 ± 0.69, comparable to Software B's average QS of 2.17 ± 0.72. Software B performed better with more OARs (42 vs. 37) that required minor or no modification than Software A. Major modifications were needed for 13 out of 58 automated contours from both tools. Both DSC and HD95 scores for the two tools were comparable to each other, with DSC: 0.67 ± 0.23 versus 0.66 ± 0.21 and HD95: 13.07 ± 15.84 versus 15.55 ± 18.45 for Software A and Software B, respectively. Correlation coefficients between the physician score and the quantitative metrics suggested that the contouring results from Software A aligned more closely with the physician's evaluations.

Conclusion

Based on our study, either software tool could produce clinically acceptable contours for about 65% of the OAR structures. However, further refinement is necessary for several challenging OARs to improve model performance.