bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Philosophy in the severe style: Method and value in Rose's Hegel and Marx
Authors: Zambrana Rocío
Published: February 2025

In Hegel Contra Sociology, Gillian Rose argues that Hegel's political theory is written in the “severe style,” marking speculative thinking as the appropriate mode of exposition of capitalist modernity. By taking distance from Hegel, she maintains, Marx and Marxism retain a distinction between thought and actuality that forecloses a proper account of capital. I argue that Marx pursues speculative thinking when accounting for capital's logic of self-valorization. Speculative thinking in Rose's sense allows us to move beyond production, linking self-valorization to the historical coming to be of capital. Stephanie Smallwood's work is decisive, moving beyond the commodification of labor power for the extraction of surplus value in free labor, tracing the genesis of the capital relation and the money-form itself to the circulation of African people as commodities in the trade. This is not the prehistory of capital, a primitive accumulation, but the totality of conditions that articulate capital's movement.
Capacity Building of Music Care for Older Adults and Caregivers: Qualitative Exploration of Enablers and Barriers
Authors: Lee Wan Ling , Silahudin Shafa’atussara , Che Azmi Anna , Loh Jiayi
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to understand integration of music into caregiving by exploring factors influencing adoption. In this descriptive qualitative study, an online platform was used to conduct six homogeneous focus groups ( n = 23) of care service operators for older adults, formal and informal caregivers across five regional states. Thematic findings revealed three themes (i.e., deployment and adoption of music, enablers of music care implementation, and barriers in implementing music care) that provided insights on current adoption of music care and its enablers and barriers in Malaysia. Although the use of music care among caregivers and care service operators is suboptimal and less structured, positive perception towards music allows more initiatives to improve its adoption. Recommendations made to address the major barriers of limited support, resources scarcity, and factors of caregivers include harnessing intelligent technology to develop personalized music care and fostering more interdisciplinary collaboration for a more sustainable adoption of music care.
‘People Like Us’: Discourse on Class Identity in Residential Compounds
Authors: Baldán Henar , Fuster Nayla , Susino Joaquín
Published: February 2025

Residential compounds have become a widespread and popular way of life. Today, we find a great structural and social diversity of compounds. While evidence suggests that living in the most closed settings, such as gated communities, is often linked to the desire of the upper-middle class’s desire to associate with people of similar status, research on what kind of elective belonging can be found among working classes remains limited. This qualitative study analyses how class identity is constructed through interviews with residents and non-residents of upper-middle and working-class compounds in the metropolitan area of Granada. The results indicate that residents of compounds value the development of a sense of belonging more highly, and reproduce it more noticeably in their discourses, than non-residents. Residential compounds appear to function as status drivers, both materially and symbolically, but operate differently depending on the social composition of the compounds themselves.
The ideational bases of public value co-creation and the philosophy of personalism: Why a relational conception of person matters for solving public problems
Authors: Ongaro Edoardo , Rubalcaba Luis , Solano Ernesto
Published: February 2025

Public value co-creation has become one of the most relevant topics in the economic and social sciences in recent years. However, literature on the theme seems quite fragmented; we deem part of the explanation for why there seems not to be consensus on the definition of the nature of the processes of co-creation of value could and should be sought by querying what underlying ontology of the human being, philosophical anthropology and political philosophy underpin the entire value co-creation intellectual endeavour. We argue the strand of philosophy known as Personalism – developed by intellectuals such as Jacques Maritain, Emmanuel Mounier and Luigi Giussani – may contribute to outlining the ideational bases of public value co-creation and root them in a relational conception of the individual as person, an approach which compounds a ‘negative’ conception of freedom (whereby someone’s liberty ends where somebody else’s begins) with a ‘positive’ one (whereby someone’s liberty has a transformative influence on somebody else’s liberty), a conception which underpins a notion of freedom hinging around the core idea that persons develop and flourish through their mutual relationships, and a conception of the human being as socially dependent. The paper then analytically revisits key ideas in value co-creation - namely the notions of public value, value co-creation, collaboration, and participatory public policy - through the notions in philosophical personalism of common good, active citizenship, relational freedom for collaboration, and intermediate communities, in order to highlight parallels and conceptual affinities between the two bodies of thought.
Machine learning insights into the strain-stress behavior of nitinol alloys at low temperatures: Utilizing the orange data mining tool
Authors: Mekky Abdel-baset H.
Published: February 2025

This study entails a new technique, based on machine learning algorithms, for predicting the strain-stress behavior of Nitinol alloys. The study utilizes Orange data mining software to determine if algorithms like Linear Regression, Random Forest, k-nearest neighbors, and decision tree are related to the effectiveness. The nitinol-based alloy, which has both shape memory and superelasticity, is used in a wide range of biomedical devices, aerospace constructions, and automated apparatus. Temperature variation is a main factor affecting the Nitinol behavior. It is therefore required to carry out an in-depth analysis of strain-stress patterns. Employing machine learning algorithms along with data mining tools allows the exact prediction of the Nitinol alloy performance under any given condition. The research is purposed to establish the relationship between temperature and mechanical strength of Nitinol by analyzing strain-stress curves that were obtained from tensile tests carried out at different temperatures. Looking at overall results, kNN has the highest accuracy of the models upon comparing MSE and RMSE, and has higher R² and, therefore stands as the model of high reliability. Results show that machine learning algorithms successfully forecast the mechanical responses of Nitinol under temperature variations, which assists in determining their formability properties and hence, advancing Nitinol applications in various fields. This research demonstrates machine learning uses in developing materials science and engineering knowledge by showing the ability to predict Nitinol alloy behavior, which includes strain-stress characteristics at low temperatures. Furthermore, the research's significance lies in addressing ethical considerations and practical issues, such as the necessity of implementing an organized approach to achieve environmental benefits.
Calibration of parameters and predictive control strategy of a wind turbine for improvement of energy harvesting
Authors: Aljundi Abdulghani , Mohamed Omar , Abu Elhaija Wejdan
Published: February 2025

Applied mathematical modeling of the various energy resources has contributed widely in their design and operation improvements. Among renewable energy sources, wind energy systems have gained a significant attention for their rapid and continuous growth, which resulted from their cost effectiveness and clean power generation. However, research effort on the industry and university levels is still needed to enhance the characteristics of existing wind turbines and allow larger amounts of their share. This thesis presents an accurate model of a wind turbine (TWT-1.65) system for time-based dynamic simulations. The parameters of the power coefficient have been identified, calibrated and verified using different meta-heuristic optimization techniques, which are the Wild Horse Optimizer (WHO), Whale Optimizer (WO), and Genetic Algorithm (GA) to enhance the model accuracy over the previously related studies. The new version of the parameters has resulted in a higher accuracy while being practically meaningful, with the best achieved MSE of 0.006. The system model has been then integrated with two predictive controllers which are the linear Model Predictive Control (MPC) and Neural Network Predictive Control (NNPC) to regulate the pitch angle trends for the target of maximum energy harvesting. With proper selection of the controllers’ parameters, off-line simulation studies have shown improved production trends of the power output with constrained and safe trajectory of the pitch angle, which can be translated to be an improve in the total average harvested power of 34% and 44.5% over the complete time window of 5760 min using NNPC and Linear MPC respectively.
Structural Predictors of Future Decent Work Perception Among College Students From Rural China
Authors: Wan Wei , Xiong Qing , Yang Can
Published: February 2025

Using prepositions of the Psychology of Working Theory (PWT), the current study surveyed a sample of college students ( N = 456) from rural China to understand their vocational trajectories. Specifically, we examined a structural model linking lifetime experiences of economic constraints and marginalization to future decent work perception, as mediated by work volition and moderated by instructor support. Results showed that marginalization was directly, negatively associated with future decent work perception, but the mediating effect of work volition between the two was not found. Additionally, work volition mediated the relation between economic constraints and future decent work perception, but economic constraints did not directly predict future decent work perception. Finally, instructor support moderated the relation between economic constraints and work volition, as well as the indirect relation between economic constraints and future decent work perception via work volition. These findings add new evidence to the utility of PWT in understanding future decent work perception of rural college students—a unique and understudied population—in a non-Western, collectivist cultural context. Implications for follow-up studies and vocational interventions are discussed.
Ultrasound and fluoroscopy co-guided removal of extravascular stripped central line guidewire fragments
Authors: Chandola Stuti , Naranje Priyanka
Published: February 2025

Inadvertent retention of guidewire is an infrequent but well recognized complication with central line insertion and other interventional procedures. The fragment can either embolize within the vascular system or get retained in soft tissues adjacent to the vein. Occasionally, the guidewire may be stripped owing to forceful pulling over the puncture needle during the procedure. Retention of such stripped guidewire fragments in soft tissues may remain undetected unless the wire is carefully inspected. While removal of the intravascular guidewire fragments via snare devices is well documented in literature, surgical removal of the fragments lodged in soft tissues may not always be feasible owing to the close proximity to vascular structures or may require extensive exploration for deep-seated fragments, which necessitates using general anesthesia in the pediatric population. Image guided removal may be utilized as a useful alternative for overcoming such issues. We report a case of image guided removal of stripped femoral central line fragments embedded in the soft tissue in a pediatric patient.
Uncovering alternative diagnoses in patients with clinical syndromes suggestive of multiple sclerosis: A transversal study from the prospective Barcelona CIS cohort
Authors: Vilaseca Andreu , Tintoré Mar , Carbonell-Mirabent Pere , Rodríguez-Barranco Marta , Arévalo Mª Jesús , Ariño Helena , Auger Cristina , Bollo Luca , Carvajal René , Castilló Joaquín , Cobo-Calvo Alvaro , Comabella Manuel , Fernández Victoria , Galan Ingrid , Midaglia Luciana , Mongay-Ochoa Neus , Nos Carlos , Otero-Romero Susana , Pappolla Agustín , Rio Jordi , Rodriguez-Acevedo Breogan , Sastre-Garriga Jaume , Sceppacuercia Sofía , Tagliani Paula , Tur Carmen , Vidal-Jordana Angela , Villacieros-Álvarez Javier , Zabalza Ana , Rovira Àlex , Montalban Xavier , Arrambide Georgina
Published: February 2025

Background:

It is essential to exclude alternative diagnoses to diagnose multiple sclerosis (MS). However, detailed descriptions of alternative diagnoses in patients with suspected MS presenting with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) are limited.

Objectives:

To describe alternative diagnoses in patients presenting with CIS suggestive of MS.

Methods:

We conducted a descriptive analysis of patients from the Barcelona CIS cohort including subjects under 50 years of age with a CIS suggestive of MS but later diagnosed with conditions other than MS. We collected clinical, biological, and radiological data, and described the alternative etiologies identified.

Results:

Among 1468 patients in the Barcelona CIS cohort, 100 (6.8%) were diagnosed with an alternative condition. The most common neurological syndrome was optic neuritis (43.0%). Four patients (4.0%) had inflammatory-demyelinating lesions in at least two typical MS topographies on baseline magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and 2 (2.0%) met the 2017 McDonald MS criteria. The most common etiologies were immune-mediated diseases (42.0%), especially MOGAD, followed by functional neurological disorders (15.0%) and vascular disease (10.0%).

Conclusion:

The range of alternative diagnoses encountered during the MS diagnostic process highlights the need to rule out better explanations than MS. However, current MS diagnostic criteria effectively identify patients without MS in this context.
Making mistakes in ethnography
Authors: Feddersen Niels Boysen
Published: February 2025

Starting from the question: “How do mistakes arise in ethnography and how do they influence research trajectories?” this article makes a methodological and practical contribution to the literature on ethnography. I draw on three ethnographic studies spanning 2014 to 2020 carried out in sport organisations. Here, I consider mistakes as charged revelatory moments to unpack three interwoven aspects of mistakes: (a) wishful thinking, (b) the influence of social relationships, and (c) reflexivity. I make the case that mistakes will likely arise from extended participant observation periods. These mistakes can activate attention for similar mistakes in the future and thus limit attention to other unforeseen challenges. Further, I argue that no amount of planning, reading, preparation, and reflexivity can make researchers immune to mistakes when venturing into complex real-world settings and researching with people. Instead, they can lead to a deeper appreciation of the research context.
Learning to Listen to Non-spoken Voices. Including Young People With Intellectual Disabilities Who are Non-speaking as Primary Participants in Qualitative Research
Authors: Samways Beverley , Heslop Pauline
Published: February 2025

Despite the common expectation that social research should strive to include people with relevant expertise by experience, people with intellectual disabilities who are non-speaking are rarely included as participants. Social research seeking to understand self-harm has sought the direct experiences of people who self-harm for decades; this has contributed significantly to understanding the connection between emotional distress and self-harm. However, very few studies have asked people with intellectual disabilities about their own self-harm, and none have sought the views of individuals who are non-speaking. In 2020-22, an ethnographic research study was conducted which inquired about the emotional experiences of young people with intellectual disabilities who self-injured. Three teenagers with intellectual disabilities, all of whom were non-speaking, were recruited as the primary participants. This paper presents the range of methodologies and theoretical lenses that were adopted to facilitate three young people with no spoken communication to be the primary participants in a research study inquiring about their emotional experiences. Ethnography, which has historically been utilised as a method for including non-speaking participants in research, was the overarching methodology. The application of psychoanalytic principles and physiology concepts which were incorporated for capturing data about the participants’ emotional experiences are discussed, alongside the evidence-based assumptions that were adopted as principles guiding interaction and interpretation of the data. The paper concludes with some brief learnings and reflections on the research journey. Through this adapted methodology, the participants were able to contribute significant insights into the research inquiry, resulting in a dataset which reflected the rich, nuanced and overlaid emotional experiences, including significant emotional overwhelm and distress which could be understood as a factor for their self-injury. It is hoped that the explication of this approach prompts further consideration as to how non-speaking participants might be included in future social research.
The surprising spectacle of splashing soup: Critical reflections on climate protests targeting art
Authors: Tourangeau Wesley , Kisby Ben , Formby Adam
Published: February 2025

Numerous news media outlets across the world have reported on climate protestors splashing food and paint across some of the world’s most recognisable paintings from van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’ to the ‘Mona Lisa’. These events are a type of climate protest that has been gaining popularity in recent years – stunts targeting cultural artefacts and famous artwork to garner media attention. These forms of protest warrant closer analysis for several reasons. In most cases there was no discernable damage to these works of art due to protective glass coverings, yet these (often young) protestors are still depicted, treated and charged as criminals. In this paper, we utilise Guy Debord’s ideas on ‘the spectacle’, ‘détournement’ and ‘recuperation’ to imagine these acts as complex performative and discursive events. Our initial premise emphasises both the unique transformative potential of art activism, and inherent limitations in mobilising change. We present a call for further research and critical reflection on this phenomenon of counter-conduct that uses newsworthy (although nearly harmless) law-breaking to protest inaction on climate change.
Upregulation of the neuropeptide receptor calcitonin receptor-like in the spinal cord via MLL2 in a mouse model of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Sierra Salvador , Herz Sara M , On Doan , Dozmorov Mikhail G , Damaj M Imad , Gonzalez-Maeso Javier
Published: February 2025

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a prevalent and severe side effect affecting cancer patients undergoing paclitaxel treatment. Growing evidence underscores the pivotal role of calcitonin-related peptide (CGRP) in the development of CIPN. Repeated administration of paclitaxel induces alterations in CGRP release from sensory neurons within the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). The density of the CGRP receptor is most prominent in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, where it overlaps with the distribution of CGRP. However, the impact of chemotherapy treatment on expression of the CGRP receptor in the spinal cord remains unclear, as well as the potential therapeutic benefits of a CGRP receptor antagonist in an animal model of CIPN. Using a mouse model of paclitaxel-induced mechanical hypersensitivity, we show upregulation of Calcitonin receptor-like receptor ( Calcrl) mRNA expression in the spinal cord, an event that occurred in association with upregulation of the H3K4 methyltransferase MLL2. This effect of repeated paclitaxel administration was also linked to an increase in the recruitment of MLL2, thereby enhancing levels of the active mark H3K4me2 at the Calcrl promoter. Furthermore, administration of the CGRP receptor antagonist BIBN4096 mitigated mechanical and cold hypersensitivity in paclitaxel-treated mice. Together, these observations suggest the CGRP receptor in the spinal cord as a potential target for reducing paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain in animal models.
Pragmatic and ethical challenges in navigating inauthentic participation in remote qualitative research
Authors: Hoskins Katelin , Sebetka Kelly , Thomas Arielle , Simonetti Joseph , Williams Johnny , Khazanov Gabriela Kattan
Published: February 2025

Restrictions put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid shift toward remote qualitative recruitment and data collection. This shift generated considerable opportunities to conduct qualitative research, but also introduced novel challenges to data integrity in the form of inauthentic participants. While newer literature describes potential strategies that may be deployed to target concerns related to inauthentic participation, an explicit focus on equity and ethical considerations has been largely absent from current discourse. Here we describe our experiences and challenges conducting a study aimed at exploring reasons for recent firearm acquisition among Black Americans. We describe the mitigation strategies we implemented, as well as the ethical challenges and potential consequences that emerged. Our team identified three specific ethical considerations: identity and processes of categorization, trust and mistrust in research engagement, and privacy and honoring sensitive context. These considerations are critical to consider in conducting qualitative research, especially among marginalized groups, and expand the current literature on qualitative research ethics.
Improved intensive care lighting and staff wellbeing: A pilot feasibility service evaluation
Authors: Weerakkody Sampath , Teji Jemima Unwin , Barrett Edward , Kousteni Margarita , Flores-Villa Lorna , Jenkins Emma , Montgomery Hugh
Published: February 2025

Background:

The lighting environment in intensive care units (ICUs) is markedly different from natural light, potentially disrupting patients’ circadian rhythms and impacting staff wellbeing. New lighting technologies may mitigate these effects.

Methods:

A mixed methods service evaluation was conducted in a London ICU using Dyson Lightcycle™ luminaires (DLs) to evaluate staff wellbeing. Wellbeing assessments and user perceptions of the built environment were conducted using validated questionnaires before, during, and after DL deployment. Existing ambient light usage was measured using HOBO devices installed on the ceiling. Additionally, data on DL usage (including spectral data) were collected continuously using Raspberry Pi™ sensors.

Results:

DL usage was high (>70% per 24 h), primarily as supplementary lighting. Users found DLs easy to control and beneficial for clinical and administrative tasks. Participants assigned a 12.5% higher satisfaction score rated from 0 to 8 of lighting overall during deployment compared to pre-deployment (6.06 ± 0.29 and 5.06 ± 0.60, respectively; p = 0.20). Control variables for the built environment (noise, temperature and air quality) remained unchanged. Staff reported improvements in mood (38%, p < 0.001), fatigue (17.7%, p < 0.001), and sleep quality (21.2%, p = 0.01) during DL use.

Discussion:

In the first pilot feasibility service evaluation of its kind, the relationship between ICU lighting quality and staff wellbeing was investigated using DLs. We show that it is feasible to equip an ICU with a novel mode of lighting to evaluate both illuminance and user-centred outcomes. The study suggests a positive association between DL use and staff wellbeing, with notable improvements in mood, fatigue and sleep quality. The nature of the emitted light may enhance the space rather than simply illuminate, thus further adding to a feeling of wellbeing. These findings support data from studies which report effects of light brightness and colour on mood. Additionally, there appears to be a signal towards benefit to the user when additional lighting is provided, compared to the current overhead fluorescent luminaires prevalent in most ICUs. In this service evaluation these benefits were demonstrated in ICU staff operating the device. However, it is conceivable that effects such as improved mood and reduced sleep disturbance may have patient benefits too.

Conclusion:

Local lighting systems like DLs show promise in enhancing ICU staff wellbeing. Their impact on patient outcomes and the potential for broader implementation deserve further investigation in appropriately designed and powered larger-scale trials.
NHS policy on HPV vaccines is failing females ages 26–45 years
Authors: Richie C
Published: February 2025

This opinion piece looks at while HPV vaccines have been approved for females over 26, they are not currently granted access to this through the NHS. Richie argues that we must close this vaccination gap.
A Glycolysis and gluconeogenesis-related model for breast cancer prognosis
Authors: Yang Penglu , Jiao Xiong
Published: February 2025

Background

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality, which seriously endangers the health of women around the world. Biomarker-based exploration will be effective for better diagnosis, prediction and targeted therapy.

Objective

To construct biomarker models related to glycolysis and gluconeogenesis in breast cancer.

Methods

The gene expression of 932 breast cancer patients in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was analyzed by Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) using glycolysis and gluconeogenesis-related pathways. Differential expression genes were searched for by the T-test. Univariate Cox proportional hazards model (COX) regression, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression, and Multivariate COX regression were used to find clinically significant genes for prognostic survival. After that, the constructed gene signature was externally validated through the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Finally, a nomogram was constructed to predict the survival of patients. In addition, analyzing the role of biomarkers in pan-cancer.

Results

A risk scoring model associated with glycolysis and gluconeogenesis was developed and validated. A nomogram was created to predict 2-, 3-, and 5- survival.

Conclusions

The predictive model accurately predicted the prognosis of breast cancer patients.
Festination-like steps during forward and backward gait while playing tennis
Authors: Bergmans Bruno , Ginis Pieter , Bloem Bastiaan R , Nieuwboer Alice
Published: February 2025

Festination is an episodic gait disorder which is often a precursor of freezing of gait episodes in Parkinson's disease patients. We discuss what lessons can be learned from a patient who had to quit playing tennis as he repeatedly fell due to backward festination-like steps.
Physiological Characteristics of Young (9-12 Years) and Adolescent (≥13 Years) Rhythmic, Acrobatic, and Artistic Female Gymnasts
Authors: Steinberg Nili , Elbaz Liav , Dar Gali , Nemet Dan , Eliakim Alon
Published: February 2025

Background:

Elite gymnasts are exposed to high levels of physical stress, during both childhood and adolescence, with significantly late maturation and high injury prevalence. Here, we compare the physiological characteristics of female gymnasts in 2 age groups: young (9-12 years) and adolescent (≥13 years) in 3 disciplines of competitive gymnastics.

Hypothesis:

Participants’ physiological characteristics will differ by age group and by gymnastic discipline.

Study Design:

Cohort study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 2.

Methods:

The study included 274 gymnasts, aged 11.8 ± 1.9 years. Data collection included anthropometric measures, Tanner stage, and menarche age; ultrasound assessments were used to assess bone properties, including bone strength, skeletal age, and final-height prediction.

Results:

Univariate analysis of variance showed age × discipline interactions for body mass index (BMI) percentiles ( F(2, 266) = 4.379; P = 0.01), skeletal age ( F(2, 241) = 3.808; P = 0.02), and final-height prediction ( F(2, 240) = 3.377, P = 0.04). Moreover, in both age groups, artistic gymnasts exhibited significantly higher BMI percentiles than rhythmic gymnasts ( P < 0.05). In the adolescent group, final-height prediction for rhythmic gymnasts was significantly greater than that of artistic gymnasts ( P < 0.05). Finally, in adolescent gymnasts, regression lines showed that skeletal age was lower than chronological age ( P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Artistic gymnasts were shorter than rhythmic and acrobatic gymnasts. Despite similar BMI and body fat, maturity patterns, and training-volume history, artistic gymnasts had lower bone-strength than rhythmic and acrobatic gymnasts. Combined with their high-impact and intensive training, this could increase their risk of musculoskeletal injuries.

Clinical Relevance:

The current study may help athletic trainers and medical teams define “norms” for different age groups and gymnastic disciplines, based on what may be expected during the athletes’ early and late maturation. This knowledge can be used to modify, individualize, and optimize training programs.
Predictors of prognosis in stroke patients with tandem lesions who undergo emergent stenting
Authors: Ramazanoglu Leyla , Kalyoncu Aslan Isil , Onal Yilmaz , Velioglu Murat , Topcuoglu Osman Melih , Gozke Eren
Published: February 2025

Background

The optimal endovascular approach for tandem lesions (extracranial internal carotid artery and intracranial large vessel occlusion) is not clear. Aims: The aim was to evaluate the follow-up results of stroke patients with tandem lesions who underwent emergent stenting of extracranial lesions with antithrombotic therapy combined with intracranial MT

Methods

Outcomes and predictors of poor prognosis and mortality compared with those of good prognosis at 90 days, 1 year, and 2 years were assessed. A modified Rankin scale (mRS) score was used. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores at admission and at 24 h, successful recanalization, asymptomatic ICH, embolization, malignant infarction, decompression, in-stent restenosis and extracranial complications were also evaluated. The best age cutoff for predicting mortality was analyzed

Results

A total of 71 subjects were included. Using patients with a good prognosis as a reference, the independent variables predicting a poor prognosis were a high 24-h NIHSS score and extracranial complications at all timepoints (3-month, 1-year, and 2-year follow-up). The most appropriate age cutoff for predicting 1-year mortality was 67 years [AUC = 0.802 (95% CI = 0.684–0.920); p < .001]. The age cutoff determined for the first year was correlated with the prediction of mortality in the third month and the second year. No significant association was observed between sICH and the groups

Conclusion

In this study, the 24-h NIHSS score after reperfusion and age were predictors of poor prognosis and mortality in stroke patients with tandem lesions who underwent emergent stenting during thrombectomy.
Judges’ free speech on social media: Theory versus practice? A theoretical and empirical study of judges’ freedom of expression on social media platforms
Authors: Timbermont Evelien , Knops Louize Hannah
Published: February 2025

This article analyses the multifaceted issue of judges’ freedom of expression on social media within the framework of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The engagement by judges in public discourse has resulted in the potential for conflicts to arise between their right to freedom of expression and their duty of discretion. This article examines the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) case law concerning Article 10 of the ECHR, which protects freedom of expression, and the distinctive constraints applicable to judges in light of their role. By means of a comprehensive analysis of recent ECtHR cases, including Danilet v Romania, the article demonstrates how the exercise of judicial freedom of expression is moderated by the context and subject matter of the expression, particularly when conveyed via social media. Furthermore, the article assesses the impact of these constraints on the judicial conduct of Belgian judges, with a particular focus on their use of social media and adherence to professional standards, particularly within labour courts and labour tribunals. The research findings indicate that, while existing guidelines provide a foundation, the application of these standards by judges is influenced more by personal and professional ethical considerations than by ECtHR jurisprudence. Furthermore, many judges are reluctant to accept a hierarchy-based approach to the protection enshrined in the right to freedom of expression. This article advocates for further research across a range of legal jurisdictions to refine guidelines on judges’ freedom of expression on social media. Ultimately, this should ensure a balance between democratic freedoms and judicial responsibilities in an evolving digital landscape.
Digital health technologies and innovation patterns in diabetes ecosystems
Authors: Giger Odile-Florence , Pfitzer Estelle , Mekniran Wasu , Gebhardt Hannes , Fleisch Elgar , Jovanova Mia , Kowatsch Tobias
Published: February 2025

Background

The global rise in type-2 diabetes (T2D) has prompted the development of new digital technologies for diabetes management. However, despite the proliferation of digital health companies for T2D care, scaling their solutions remains a critical challenge. This study investigates the digital transformation of T2D ecosystems and seeks to identify key innovation patterns. We examine: (1) What are emerging organizations in digital diabetes ecosystems? (2) What are the value streams in digital T2D ecosystems? (3) Which innovation patterns are present in digital T2D ecosystems?

Methods

We conducted a literature review and market analysis to characterize organizations and value streams in T2D ecosystems, pre- and post-digital transformation. We used the e3-value methodology to visualize T2D ecosystems (RQ1 and RQ2) and conducted expert interviews to identify emerging innovation patterns in digital diabetes ecosystems (RQ3).

Results

Our analyses revealed the emergence of eight organization segments in digital diabetes ecosystems: real-world evidence analytics, healthcare management platforms, clinical decision support, diagnostic and monitoring, digital therapeutics, wellness, online community, and online pharmacy (RQ1). Visualizing the value streams among these organizations highlights the crucial importance of individual health data (RQ2). Furthermore, our analysis revealed four major innovation patterns within the digital diabetes ecosystem: open ecosystem strategies, outcome-based payment models, platformization, and user-centric software (RQ3).

Conclusions

Our findings illustrate the transition from traditional value chains in T2D care to platform-based and outcome-oriented models. These innovation patterns can inform strategic decisions for companies and healthcare providers, potentially helping anticipate new digital trends in diabetes care and across other chronic disease ecosystems.
Design and evaluation of a unilateral brace for preventing clubfoot relapse: A prospective study
Authors: Zapparoli Fabricio Y , Volpon José B
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The Ponseti technique is highly effective for correcting congenital clubfoot; however, recurrence must be prevented using orthoses. The double abduction brace (D- A) is recommended by Ponseti and is widely used. However, more user-friendly orthoses have been developed because treatment abandonment with the traditional orthosis is frequent. We report the results obtained using a newly designed unilateral orthosis.

Methods

A unilateral orthosis (UNIC-Brace) was developed and tested in a prospective non-randomized study conducted between 2017 and 2020. The Pirani score was used to monitor the progression of the deformity during plaster correction. The D-A brace (Denis Browne model) served as the control group. The primary outcomes were recurrence rate, treatment adherence, and caregiver satisfaction.

Results

The study included 58 patients (87 feet) in the test group and 51 patients (75 feet) in the control group, with a minimum follow-up period of 3 years. No significant differences in epidemiological data or follow-up duration were observed between the two groups. The failure feet rates in D-A brace and UNIC-Brace groups were 41.3% and 17.2%, respectively ( p < .001). Non-adherence patients to treatment were 23.5% in the D-A brace and 13.8% in the UNIC-Brace group ( p < .001). Overall, 13.7% of families were not satisfied with the D-A orthosis, whereas 5.2% were not satisfied with the UNIC- Brace ( p < .001).

Conclusions

The UNIC-Brace yielded better outcomes than the traditional orthosis at a minimum follow-up period of 3 years.
No Better Than Soup? Comparing Null Experimental Effects of Political Facebook Ads Across Persuasive and Instrumental Measures of Effectiveness
Authors: Barrett Bridget , McGregor Shannon C.
Published: February 2025

Studies on digital advertising effects claim that the primary purposes of online ads are persuasive: They seek to change vote choice or voters’ attitudes toward candidates. But recent scholarship has noted that social media’s unique affordances encourage electoral campaigns to use them in specific ways, such as using Facebook’s ads for email list-building. We conceptualize such strategic campaign goals as instrumental purposes of advertisements. We develop novel measures to test these instrumental effects. In an online survey experiment using Facebook ads from the 2020 Biden and Trump campaigns, we test our theory with list-building, fundraising, and persuasion ads. In a factor analysis, we find that instrumental and persuasive effects are related, but distinct, aspects of candidate support. We also test the effects of these ads on persuasive and instrumental outcomes. Our control treatment was an ad for a can of Progresso soup. We found no main persuasive or instrumental effects of any advertisement type. These ads performed no better than soup.
Disordered Eating in Emerging Adults: A Narrative Review and Recommendations for Prevention
Authors: El-Jor Claire , Hallez Quentin , Filippone Lisa , Flaudias Valentin , Shankland Rebecca
Published: February 2025

Emerging adulthood is a critical developmental period during which individual, social, and professional changes occur. Among the psychopathological disorders that can appear during this period, disordered eating is a major risk. This narrative review provides an overview of the risk and protective factors of disordered eating. Recommendations intended to promote an appeased relationship with food and a positive body image within young adults are then proposed. The originality of this prevention approach is the promotion of protective factors, not only risk reduction. This paradigm shift allows young adults to learn positive skills, allowing for awareness of internal needs and external demands in a non-judgmental manner. Coupled with the implementation of self-care behaviors, this permits a balance between their internal system and the environment, gradually reaching flourishing. This is promising for the future implementation of prevention programs targeting the development of protective factors of disordered eating in young adults.
Complications and Clinical Outcomes of Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Patients With Primary Hypercoagulable Disorders
Authors: Avetisian Henry , Karakash Will , Abu-Zahra Maya , Ezuma Chimere , Athari Mirbahador , Abdou Marc A. , Patel Dil , Wang Jeffrey C. , Hah Raymond J. , Alluri Ram K.
Published: February 2025

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Objectives

To evaluate the complications of anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) in patients with primary hypercoagulable disorders and to compare outcomes between anterior and posterior spine fusions in this patient population.

Methods

The PearlDiver national patient database was queried for patients with primary hypercoagulable disorders who underwent ALIF. Primary endpoints included the prevalence of hypercoagulable disorders in patients who underwent ALIF, incidence of perioperative anticoagulation utilization, as well as the 30-day risks of postoperative complications, readmissions, and revision surgeries. Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to compare outcomes between hypercoagulable patients and non-hypercoagulable patients undergoing ALIF and between hypercoagulable patients undergoing anterior vs posterior lumbar fusion.

Results

Of the 211,390 patients who underwent ALIF, 3380 (1.60%) had a hypercoagulable disorder, with only 6.72% receiving perioperative anticoagulation. Within 30 days of ALIF, hypercoagulable disorders were identified as independent risk factors for hospital readmissions and both medical and surgical complications. Compared to posterior spine fusions, the anterior approach poses a greater risk for complications in this patient population.

Conclusions

Patients with hypercoagulable disorders undergoing ALIF are at increased risk for readmissions and postoperative complications compared to those with normal coagulation profiles. While the posterior approach may be a safer option in this patient population, further research is needed to clarify the safest surgical approach for this high-risk population.
European Stroke Organisation (ESO) standard operating procedure for white papers (expert consensus based clinical guidance)
Authors: Aguiar de Sousa Diana , Zietz Annaelle , Zedde Marialuisa , Katsanos Aristeidis H , Li Linxin , Marti-Fabregas Joan , Nolte Christian H , Podlasek Anna , Poli Sven , Purrucker Jan , Roaldsen Melinda B , Schellinger Peter D , Strbian Daniel , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Tsokani Sofia , Veroniki Areti Angeliki , Quinn Terence J
Published: February 2025

Promoting the highest quality, evidence-based research across Europe is a priority of the European Stroke Organisation (ESO). The ESO Guideline Board communicate and promote evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice through their Guidelines. However, there are many aspects of stroke care where robust scientific evidence may be unavailable or difficult to obtain. Thus, there is a need for practical, consensus guidance, produced following robust, consistent, and transparent methods, that is suitable for high-priority clinical scenarios where evidence is currently lacking. The ESO Guideline Board developed methods for producing practical clinical guidance based on expert consensus in response to this need. These ESO’ White Papers’ are intended to complement standard ESO Guidelines. Here, we outline the ESO White Papers’ standard operating procedure (SOP). We will describe the motivation for creating White Papers, the preferred composition of writing groups and expert consensus panellists, the methods for achieving consensus, and how results will be communicated. To ensure that all voting members have an equal voice, our methods are based upon the Delphi process of repeated rounds of anonymous voting, feedback and review. We hope that the White Papers will add further value to the clinical practice guidance that is offered by ESO. We look forward to receiving suggestions for White Paper topics from the stroke community.
A multi-scale network-based topological analysis of urban road networks in highly populated cities
Authors: Kozhabek Assemgul , Chai Wei Koong
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we study urban road infrastructure in densely populated cities. As the subject of our study, we choose road networks from 35 populous cities worldwide, including China, India, Pakistan, Colombia, Brazil, Bangladesh, and Cote d’Ivoire. We abstract road networks as complex systems, represented by graphs consisting of nodes and links, and employ tools from network science to study their topological properties. Our multi-scale analysis includes macro-, meso-, and micro-scale perspectives, deriving insights into both common and unexpected patterns in these networks. At the macro-scale, we examine the global properties of these networks, summarizing the results in radar diagrams. This analysis reveals significant correlations among key metrics, indicating that more robust networks tend to be more efficient, while diameter and average path length show negative correlations with other properties. At the meso-scale, we explore the existence of sub-structures embedded within the road networks using two main concepts, namely, community and core-periphery structures. We find that while these densely populated city road networks show particularly strong community structures (high modularity values, close to 1.0) that are not typical to other networks, they exhibit a low level of presence of core-periphery structures, with an average coreness of 6.3%. This points to the cities being polycentric. At the micro-scale, we find nodal-level properties of the network. Specifically, we compute the various centrality measures and examine their distributions to capture the prevalent characteristics of these networks. We observe that the centrality measures present different distribution patterns. While the degree distribution demonstrates a limited range of degree values, the betweenness centrality distribution follows a power law, and the closeness centrality exhibits a binomial distribution—yet these patterns remain consistent across the studied cities. Overall, our multi-scale analysis provides valuable insights into the topological properties of urban road networks, informing city planning, traffic management, and infrastructure development in similar urban environments.