bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 vaccines while pregnant or breastfeeding
Authors: ABDULLAH SAEED ALGHAMD  , EKRAM SAEED ALGHAMD  , AMAL SAEED ALGHAMDI  , JAMLAH SALEM ALATAWI  , ADEEB ATALLAH ALJHANI  , IBRAHIM SAEED ALGHAMDI  , MANAR SAEED ALGHAMDI
Published: November 2024

The health of both mothers and their children depends on vaccinations, so (ACIP) formulates guidelines for the use of vaccines in the USA. Age at which the vaccine should be administered, dose, time between dose, precautions, and contraindications are all included in the ACIP Vaccine Recommendations and Guidelines, so Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is highly recommended for anyone over the age of six months, Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, or who have the potential for pregnancy are included in this category, Infants aged 6 months and older who were born to mothers who were vaccinated against COVID-19 or who had a COVID-19 infection before or during pregnancy are also included, so It is strongly recommended that pregnant women get vaccinated, because pregnant women is classified as a 'clinical risk' group within programme, emphasizing the importance of them receiving their COVID-19 vaccination and booster doses as soon as possible, this is because pregnant and breastfeeding women are already routinely and safely offered vaccines. A significant number of these vaccines also protect their children from infection. It is generally accepted that these vaccines, in addition to the COVID-19 vaccines, are safe to use during pregnancy because they are not "live" vaccines.
Pharmacotherapy of systemic lupus erythematosus: A comparison of lupus disease activity with rituximab and sifalimumab
Authors: Sultan Akbar
Published: November 2024

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is a disease that affects millions worldwide. Research indicates that people suffering from lupus respond well to monoclonal antibody treatment aimed at characteristic immune cell markers. By targeting immune cell markers, the immune system is subsequently suppressed in a way such that lupus disease activity is decreased. Monoclonal antibody treatments targeted towards a variety of immune cell markers have historically been shown to result in decreases in lupus disease activity. Many studies have assessed lupus disease activity with monoclonal antibody treatments, but few have compared different treatments. A systematic review of a study that assessed the lupus disease activity for those taking rituximab was then compared to the findings of another study which assessed the lupus disease activity with those taking sifalimumab. The patients treated with sifalimumab had significantly decreased lupus disease activity when compared with other matched controls. Those who were treated with rituximab had significantly decreased lupus disease activity when compared with other matched controls. However, those who were treated with rituximab had a greater reduction of lupus disease activity as compared to control groups than did those who were treated with sifalimumab. Monoclonal antibody treatments for systemic lupus erythematosus are widespread. It is critical that these treatments are compared in order to find those with the greatest efficacy. For this review, rituximab seemed to have a greater reduction of disease activity than did sifalimumab. Further studies with greater sample sizes assessing multiple other side effects of monoclonal antibody immunosuppression are needed.
Investigation of Employee Performance Determinants Reviewing Competence and Organizational Culture with Performance Satisfaction as Intervening Variable
Authors: Hasugian Sustih , Absah Yeni , Sembiring Maximus Gorky
Published: November 2024

This research intends to collect empirical data, facts, and information that are valid, accurate, and trustworthy regarding the Influence of Organizational Culture, Competence, and Learning on Employee Performance, causal studies at the Sibolga Navigation District Office Class III. This study was conducted from January to March 2022 utilizing a quantitative research strategy and survey methodology. This study's sample consists of 109 state civil servants and 86 state civil servants from the Class Navigation District Office. III Sibolga. Using a Likert Scale, the researchers determined the value of each question item across all variables, as well as the amount of the value provided in each statement. Path Analysis is used to assess data gathered via questionnaire distribution. Competence has a good and considerable impact on job satisfaction, organizational culture has a big impact on job satisfaction, and job satisfaction has a significant impact on performance, according to the findings of this study.
Analysis of the Effect of Price and Quality on Repurchase Intention through Customer Satisfaction on Imported Vegetables in Batam
Authors: Alicia Angelina , Laulita Nasar Buntu
Published: November 2024

This study examines the repurchase intention of imported vegetables in Batam City by analyzing consumer satisfaction, price, and quality as factors influencing repurchase intentions. Path analysis with SmartPLS was used to test the hypothesis. The sample used in this study was 199 respondents. The results showed a positive relationship between customer satisfaction and repurchase intention, there was no relationship between price and repurchase intention and showed that quality was positively related to repurchase intention. The results also show that there is a significant influence between quality on repurchase intentions through customer satisfaction. However, customer satisfaction failed to mediate the relationship between price and repurchase intention.
INVENTARISASI VEGETASI KUNCI YANG MENDUKUNG KEBERADAAN SATWA DI BLOK PEMANFAATAN TAMAN BURU MASIGIT KAREUMBI
Authors: Wahyuni Dwi , Srimulyaningsih Reni , Nadila Nelsi
Published: November 2024

Taman Buru Masigit Kareumbi is a conservation forest area serving as a habitat for various wildlife species in West Java. This area is dedicated to regulated hunting to manage the populations of Timor deer, muntjac, wild dogs, leopards, jungle cats, wild chickens, slow lorises, binturongs, monkeys, langurs, and hornbills. The presence of these species indicates the need for conservation efforts in TB Masigit Kareumbi to maintain the biodiversity of its flora and fauna and preserve the ecological functions of the forest. Research methods included a vegetation survey conducted from May to August 2023 across seven trails within the Utilization Block of TB Masigit Kareumbi. The study identified various vegetation types along these seven different trails, which play a crucial role as habitat and food sources for other game species. These include: rasamala trees, saint trees, puspa trees, are trees, kendang trees, and grassland vegetation such as alang-alang. The potential game species supported by these types of vegetation are: primates and birds that inhabit and forage on rasamala, puspa, and saninten trees; civets that feed on aren trees; porcupines that forage on kondang trees; and alang-alang grass which provides food for deer and habitat for reptiles. This study demonstrates that the Utilization Block of TB Masigit Kareumbi is a forest area with a plant species composition that continues supporting wildlife's survival and presence. Thus, the updated information from this research will assist the managers of TB Masigit Kareumbi in maintaining the balance and preservation of the existing vegetation species.
ANALISIS KESEDIAAN MEMBAYAR (WILLINGNESS TO PAY) SUMBERDAYA AIR DAERAH ALIRAN SUNGAI WANGGU BAGIAN TENGAH
Authors: Ahmaliun La De , Arafah Nur , Bana Sahindomi , Alwi La Ode , Laksananny Satya Agustina , Arniawati Arniawati , Sakti Abdul , Fitriani Dewi , Gandri La , Qadri Muhammad Saleh , Putri Sarwinda Intan
Published: November 2024

The Wanggu Watershed is one of the water resources providers in the Southeast Sulawesi region and is part of the Wanggu Watershed community life. This research aims to identify. This study aims to determine the Willingness To Pay value (WTP) of the Wanggu Sub Watershed as the cost of maintaining water sources. The location of this study is within the central Wanggu watershed area. The sampling method is carried out by Purposive Sampling and Convenience Sampling methods at the same time. The respondents were 54 people, including farmers, fishermen, traders, and entrepreneurs using water sources around the Wanggu watershed. Respondents' backgrounds include characteristics of gender, age, education level, and type of work. This study result showed that the willingness to pay (WTP) value obtained from using the water resources of Wanggu Sub Watershed from the Lepo-Lepo Village community is Rp. / year from the Watubangga Village community.
KERAGAMAN JENIS BURUNG DI KAWASAN PENGAMATAN BURUNG BIDADARI KALI BATU PUTIH, HALMAHERA BARAT, MALUKU UTARA
Authors: Ashari Reyna , Kurniawan Andy , Nurjannah Siti , Yahya Firman
Published: November 2024

Kali Batu Putih ‘Standardwing Bird of Paradise Observation Area’ is located in West Halmahera, North Maluku. The forest in this area is a habitat for various species of birds, such as the Standardwing Bird of Paradise which is the icon of this location. This research was conducted with the aim of analyzing the diversity of bird species in the Kali Batu Putih ‘Standardwing Bird of Paradise Observation Area’. Bird species observations were carried out using a combination of line transect and point count methods. Bird species data collection was also carried out using the MacKinnon species list method. The forest conditions at the research location are secondary lowland forests at an altitude of 100-200 m asl. A total of 32 species of birds from 22 families were found in the research location. The Psittacidae family, the parrot group, has the largest number of species. Based on the feeding guild, insectivorous and frugivorous species are more dominant. There are three bird species categorized as near threatened on the IUCN red list and 11 species are protected by law in Indonesia. The number of endemic bird species is quite abundant, as many as 14 species or 44% of all species found. The large number of endangered, protected, and endemic bird species needs to be a concern by area managers in increasing bird conservation efforts in the Kali Batu Putih area. Conservation steps can be taken through habitat management activities, periodic monitoring, increasing biodiversity research, and developing ecotourism governance by involving communities around the forest.
ALLO – Alcântara Lisbon Offices Cobertura de ligação de edifícios
Authors:   Seveme, S.A., Hipólito Armelim
Published: November 2024

O Allo - Alcântara Lisbon Offices, uma promoção da Bedrock Capital Partners, consiste num complexo de escritórios localizado em Alcântara – Lisboa sendo composto por dois edifícios gémeos interligados no piso térreo por uma praça central e a nível da cobertura por uma estrutura metálica revestida na sua zona central a compósito de alumínio. É sobre esta estrutura metálica que nos vamos aqui debruçar neste artigo. Trata-se de uma estrutura metálica revestida na sua zona central em painéis compósitos de alumínio que serve de cobertura de conforto à praça central entre edifícios, para além de ser um elemento distintivo e deveras influenciar na arquitetura global do conjunto edificado.
A Systematic Review of Brake Pad
Authors: Ünaldı Mahmut , Uyaroğlu Ayhan
Published: November 2024

The brake system is a mechanism that allows the vehicle to slow down and remain stationary. Most automobiles uses either one or both disk brake and drum brake system. These brake system components include the brake pedal, brake lines, brake master cylinder, brake booster, brake calipers, brake rotors/drum, and brake pads. The greatest load in the braking of a vehicle falls both on the discs and pads. The friction caused by braking on these parts results in a large amount of heat transfer and particulate emission. Therefore, studies on the brake system have focused on human health, the environment and the economy, in addition to investigating the operation, performance and wear mechanisms of the system. In this study, researchers, citations, keywords, and trending topics of 1,118 studies on brake pad between 1982 and 2023 were investigated by systematic analysis method using R and VosViewer analysis programs. A brief summary of the most cited papers and their topics is given to help researchers who will conduct studies on brakes. These studies focused on wear and emission issues. Non-exhaust emissions have adverse effects on air, aqueous media, roadways and human health. Therefore, it has become mandatory to limit these small particles, which is why they are included in the Euro 7 emission standard. Due to the limitations on braking, future researchers have been informed about the status of non-exhaust emissions.
Russia and the Left-bank Hetmanate in the late 60th – early 70th of the Seventeenth Century
Authors:   Institute of Slavic Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences, Floria Boris
Published: November 2024

The monograph explores in copious details the relations between Russia and the Left-bank Hetmanate of Ukraine in the years 1669–1674 and gives a broad and complex account of their history. The author uses a wealth of source materials of the Russian State Archive of Ancient Acts. The first part of the book deals with the relations between Moscow and the Left-Bank Hetmanate during the reign of the hetman Demian Mnogogreshnyi (1669–1672). The second part studies the initial years of the reign of Ivan Samoylovich (1672–1674). The book demonstrates and explains how and why the central government in Moscow endorsed wide internal autonomy of the Hetmanate and guarantied defense of the Ukrainian society against the military threat of the Ottoman Empire and the restoration politics of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
An Examination of Factors Influencing Physicians' Acceptance and Use of the e-Nabız System
Authors: Bektaş Mukadder , Karakaya Abdullah
Published: November 2024

Aim: This study aims to identify the factors influencing physicians' acceptance and use of the e-Nabız system by comparing two models.
Methods: Conducted with 388 physicians from university hospitals across Turkey, the study utilized an online survey based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) scale. Descriptive analyses, frequency and percentage distributions, reliability analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modelling were applied to the collected data.
Results: In Model 1, the behavioral intention was influenced by performance expectancy and social influence, while usage behavior was shaped by social influence, facilitating conditions, and behavioral intention. Model 1 accounted for 75% of the variance in behavioral intention and 69% in usage behavior. In contrast, Model 2 identified performance expectancy, anxiety, habit, personal technology innovativeness, and workflow as significant predictors of behavioral intention. Usage behavior in Model 2 was influenced by habit, facilitating conditions, anxiety, personal technology innovativeness, workflow, and behavioral intention, explaining 84% of the variance in behavioral intention and 85% in usage behavior.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that Model 2 provides a more comprehensive explanation of the factors affecting the acceptance and use of the system. To enhance acceptance and usage, the study suggests focusing on anxiety management, emphasizing performance benefits, aligning the system with workflow, educating users about new technologies, and implementing incentives to foster habitual use. Future research should explore other technology acceptance models in various healthcare information systems to deepen understanding.
Enhancing Project Management Through a Generative AI-Driven Natural Language Interface (November 2024)
Authors: Lohalekar Prayas
Published: November 2024

The paper proposes a new, empirically validated approach to democratizing complex project data for IT executives and senior business stakeholders using a Generative AI-driven natural language interface. The proposed system empowers users to leverage conversational language in querying project data, closing gaps in the accessibility of relevant data, accuracy of decisions, and operational efficiency. It combines advanced handling of natural language processing and understanding, data integration, query mapping, response generation, and visualization with context awareness and adaptiveness. It also opens potential benefits and future research directions for scalability, contextual personalization, and integration with emerging technologies.
How Artists Use AI as a Responsive Material for Art Creation
Authors: Rozental Sonja , van Dartel Michel , de Rooij Alwin
Published: November 2024

This paper investigates how artists integrate artificial intelligence into their creative practices, using Material Engagement Theory (MET) as an analytical framework. MET provides a lens through which AI can be understood as a responsive material that actively contributes to the artistic processes. Through an analysis of 18 eminent artists’ practices in which AI is structurally used, we explore four key MET concepts: radical continuity, creative thinging, enactive discovery, and attentive unity. This approach allows us to examine AI as an active material within a co-creative process, where artists and AI discover and use each other’s affordances, thus reaching a state of unity and co-agency. AI's capacity for unexpected outputs emerges as a central feature of the co-creative process, with artists leveraging serendipity to reveal novel artistic directions. This research contributes to understanding AI’s evolving role in art, positioning MET as a valuable framework for examining the intersection between serendipity, co-agency, and materiality within the co-creative process. By acknowledging AI as a responsive material, this study reveals new directions for exploring the co-creative processes underlying AI use in art.
LOVE- A New Psychological Model of Bliss
Authors: Maturlu Noel Danford
Published: November 2024

Bliss, akin to flourishing, represents a holistic state of optimal well-being that transcends fleeting happiness, encompassing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions. It goes beyond mere survival, integrating physical, economic, social, mental, and spiritual well-being, extending into eternity. At its core is a divine essence rooted in a secure, personal relationship with a benevolent God. This connection forms the foundation for four core virtues: Linkedness, Opulence, Valory, and Equanimity—acronymised as LOVE.Linkedness emphasizes secure relationships founded on acceptance and belonging, fostering connections with God, others, and the cosmatos—the universal interdependent world. Opulence highlights a secure sense of provision and achievement, ensuring access to essential resources and affirming one’s capacity to achieve personal and collective goals. Valory focuses on meaning and engagement, encouraging participation in purposeful activities that benefit oneself and others. Equanimity embodies tranquillity and resilience, promoting contentment through gratitude and growth through adversity, sustained by faith and hope.The LOVE Model is the first relational psychological framework of bliss, integrating the transformative roles of attachment, spirituality (attachment to the divine), and adversity. It underscores agape—selfless, unconditional divine love—as the primary source of the LOVE virtues and the essential foundation for bliss (Thayer & Smith, 2016). Unlike models that rely on ethical principles or human effort, the LOVE Model highlights the transformative power of a secure spiritual attachment to God, fostering virtues that enable holistic well-being.Innovatively, the model introduces Differential Bliss Receptibility (DBR), which suggests that adversity heightens spiritual sensitivity, enabling individuals to transform adversity into growth, ultimately, bliss. By framing adversity as a catalyst for flourishing and emphasising secure divine attachment, the LOVE Model bridges psychology and spirituality, offering a transcendent, adaptable framework for well-being across diverse contexts.
Pavlovian Bias is Associated with Symptom Severity in Individuals with Anxious Depression
Authors: Goldman Carter Matthew , Hakimi Navid , Mehta Marishka , Ironside Maria , Paulus Martin P , Smith Ryan
Published: November 2024

Human decision-making favors approach behavior to gain rewards and avoidance behavior to prevent punishment. While adaptive in some cases, this Pavlovian bias can also interfere with instrumental motivation, leading to suboptimal decisions. As maladaptive avoidance is a known maintenance factor in anxiety and depression, this could be especially relevant to individuals with these disorders. To assess whether Pavlovian bias is altered in this population, we examined 106 healthy comparisons (HCs), 88 individuals with depression (Dep), and 184 with comorbid anxiety and depression (AnxDep) using an Orthogonalized Go/No-Go Task. Participants’ choices and reaction times were modeled using a reinforcement learning and drift diffusion model (RL-DDM). As expected, results showed that accuracy was highest when Pavlovian and instrumental biases aligned and lowest when they conflicted. Linear models revealed no group differences in accuracy, reaction times, or any of the computational parameters. However, within the AnxDep group, Pavlovian bias was positively associated with depression severity and other affective symptoms, such as rumination and anxiety sensitivity. Consistent with this, levels of depression, rumination, and anxiety sensitivity in this group were each also negatively associated with accuracy on the task when approach actions were required to avoid punishment. These results suggest that Pavlovian bias may contribute to symptom severity within affective disorders by suppressing approach behaviors when they would be adaptive – potentially amplifying the avoidance behaviors known to maintain these disorders.
Same Song, Different Verse: The Climate Change Anxiety Scale Functions Differently in Adolescents than Adults
Authors: McKone Kirsten M.P. , Joshi Anvi A. , Petryczenko Alexandra F. , Tierney Anna O'Brien , Sequeira Stefanie L.
Published: November 2024

Anxiety about climate change is increasing for adolescents, yet there is a dearth of measures validated to assess climate-related distress in youth. We tested a downward extension of the Climate Change Anxiety Scale (CCAS) in U.S. adolescents (n = 138) ages 13-17. Pre-registered four-, two-, and one-factor confirmatory analyses models were conducted, none of which met pre-registered fit criteria. Exploratory factor analyses revealed that items reliant on metacognition loaded poorly, and items that mixed emotional and cognitive/behavioral content cross-loaded. Dropping these items resulted in a three-factor model that fit the data adequately. Identified factors included impairment, experience with climate change, and behavioral engagement. The modified CCAS positively correlated with depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and heightened negative emotions about climate change. Findings suggest adolescents’ climate change anxiety differs from adults', and the CCAS may provide a foundation that could be adapted to create a developmental extension of the adult measure.
Positive Role of Adversity and Suffering in The Relationship Between Spirituality and Flourishing
Authors: Maturlu Noel Danford
Published: November 2024

This study explores the role of adversity and suffering, specifically operationalised as stress, in the relationship between spirituality and flourishing. The investigation focuses on both the mediating and moderating effects of stress in this context. The sample comprises 468 participants aged 17 to 34 years (mean age = 21.55, SD = 1.99), predominantly Christian (n = 314) and Muslim (n = 152). Gender distribution includes 213 females and 271 males. Most participants (n = 409) reported similarity to their religious group, with varied educational backgrounds for their parents and themselves. Descriptive statistics provided an overview of central tendencies and dispersions of the key variables. A correlation matrix assessed the relationships between spirituality, stress, and flourishing, revealing a weak but significant negative correlation between spirituality and stress, a weak but significant positive correlation between spirituality and flourishing, and a moderate, highly significant negative correlation between stress and flourishing.The mediation analysis demonstrated that stress partially mediates the relationship between spirituality and flourishing. Higher levels of spirituality were associated with lower stress, which in turn was linked to higher flourishing. Moderation analysis indicated that stress does not significantly moderate the overall relationship between spirituality and flourishing. However, subgroup analysis showed a significant and positive interaction between spirituality and stress on flourishing in the high-spirituality, high-stress subgroup. This finding implies that for individuals with high spirituality, increased stress levels may enhance their sense of flourishing. These nuanced effects were further substantiated by 3D visualisation and robust bootstrapping estimates.The results suggest that while spirituality generally reduces suffering and promotes flourishing, highly spiritual individuals might derive additional flourishing benefits under intense suffering. These insights have practical implications for integrating spiritual practices into stress management and therapeutic interventions, and they underscore the need for future research to explore these dynamics in diverse populations and longitudinal studies.
Fundamental problems affecting mental image vividness comparisons
Authors: Sulfaro Alexander A
Published: November 2024

Subjective ratings of a mental image’s vividness are frequently used to index the similarity between mental and real image phenomenology. However, what it means for a mental image to change in vividness, or to even be perceived at all, is not commonly understood in any concrete terms. Here, the impact of this uncertainty on the validity of vividness comparisons is assessed. Arguments are presented suggesting that vividness ratings cannot distinguish differences in mental image experience from differences in an individual’s self-defined criteria for what constitutes vivid mental imagery, undermining their validity as a tool for comparing the mental image experiences of different individuals. Further, this confound can similarly affect self-identified judgements about whether one experiences a mental image at all (i.e., aphantasia/phantasia). While confounds may affect between-individual comparisons, within-individual comparisons may still have some valid use cases, although they may be largely superseded by other metrics given their limited interpretability. Arguments are also discussed which suggest that vividness ratings and judgements cannot gain construct validity by being correlated with physiological processes until the quasi-sensory nature of mental images is defined. Overall, commonly used vividness ratings seem to be affected by foundational logical flaws which diminish their utility, sometimes entirely. Validly indexing a change in the quasi-visibility of a mental image may require a concerted effort to first define what it means to see a mental image at all, with self-report in general still playing an essential role in mental imagery research, provided it is cautiously interpreted.
Is overconfidence an individual difference?
Authors: Li Sophia , Hale Randall , Moore Don A
Published: November 2024

Some scholars have treated overconfidence as an individual difference—that is, assuming the tendency to be overconfident is stable within an individual person and differs meaningfully from person to person. We question this assumption. We investigate consistency within individuals between its three forms—overestimation, overplacement, and overprecision— in multiple domains (Study 1a and 1b), at multiple times (Study 1b and 2), and with multiple measures (Study 3a and 3b). We find mixed evidence that overconfidence qualifies as a trait. On the one hand, we do find some evidence of within-individual stability across domains and time points; on the other hand, we find little consistency across different measures of the same form of overconfidence. Instead, we find more consistent evidence that overconfidence varies situationally and contextually.
Exploring the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Teachers' Competencies: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Tanvir Asim , Bashir Samra , Shahzadi Sidra
Published: November 2024

This study was conducted to explore the role of Artificial Intelligence in enhancing the teachers' competencies. This was a theoretical study in nature conducted while using the secondary data collected from the available books, journals, and dissertations. The results revealed that AI has great potential to enhance teachers' competencies while helping them design relevant educational content aligned with learning objectives and providing feedback on their instructional strategies and practices. It also allowed to automate the student attendance and grading on the teacher's side. It will also assist the teachers in selecting suitable strategies and teaching aids for aiding a wide variety of students including those with special needs. Yet, it is also important to underscore that AI ought to act in support of and not replace with machine algorithms infallible virtues inherent to human education: sympathy; a creative spark; and the ability to individually adapt for each student.
Variations in the management of pediatric cerebral vasospasm
Authors: Szuflita Nicholas S. , Chotai Silky , Feldman Michael J. , Dornoff Eric , Grimaudo Heather C. , Vance E. Haley , Jordan Lori C. , Froehler Michael T. , Wellons John C. , Wolf Michael S. , Dewan Michael C.
Published: November 2024

OBJECTIVE

Pediatric cerebral vasospasm (PCV) is associated with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), but aSAH is uncommon in children. No universal guidelines exist for PCV management. The authors sought to assess variations in practice patterns in pediatric aSAH and PCV management.

METHODS

A REDCap survey was circulated by the AANS/CNS Pediatric Section and the Pediatric Neurocritical Care Research Group assessing PCV management practices.

RESULTS

A total of 58 responses were received. The proportion of responses received from each region ranged from 19% in the Northeast to 28% in the Midwest. Of all respondents, 88% reported practicing at academic institutions. Neurosurgeons constituted 79% of respondents, and intensivists 17%; 85% primarily managed children. Most providers treated 1–3 aSAHs annually and a minority (21%) reported protocolized aSAH management at their centers. PCV prevention used permissive hypertension (90%), chemoprophylaxis (86%), and strict fluid-volume management (83%). PCV was typically assessed using serial neurological examination (60%) and transcranial Doppler (TCD) studies (72%). Treatment of PCV included permissive hypertension (50%) and endovascular interventions (81% intraarterial verapamil, 35% nitroprusside, and 67% angioplasty). Balloon angioplasty was more common than stent retriever–plasty.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric PCV is rare and primarily treated by specialists at academic institutions. Although some elements of management are commonly used, wide variability exists in the strategies used for PCV prevention, detection, and treatment. Management strategies for pediatric PCV may be extrapolations from adult paradigms, but standardized guidelines are lacking. Prioritization should be given to the development of such guidance to enable the development of more robust evidence-based practices in the future.
Minimum cochlear dose impacts hearing after radiosurgery for sporadic vestibular schwannoma
Authors: Morshed Ramin A. , Khandalavala Karl R. , Dornhoffer James R. , Babajanian Eric E. , Daher Ghazal S. , Marinelli John P. , Brown Paul D. , Lohse Christine M. , Carlson Matthew L. , Link Michael J.
Published: November 2024

OBJECTIVE

It is uncertain which cochlear dose parameters significantly impact hearing after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for sporadic vestibular schwannoma (VS). The objective of this study was to determine the impact of cochlear dose parameters on hearing outcomes for patients with serviceable hearing (SH).

METHODS

This was a historical cohort study performed at a single tertiary center that included patients with sporadic VS and SH who underwent single-session Gamma Knife radiosurgery treatment from 2007 to 2022. Associations of cochlear dose parameters with time to non-SH and rates of change in pure-tone average (PTA) and word recognition score (WRS) following SRS were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 205 patients with SH underwent SRS for a sporadic VS. At SRS, 54 (26%) tumors were confined to the internal auditory canal and 151 (74%) extended into the cerebellopontine angle. At 2, 5, and 10 years following SRS, 62%, 37%, and 15% of patients maintained SH, respectively. The median time to non-SH was 1.8 years. The median rates of change in PTA and WRS were 6.0 dB of hearing loss per year and −6.5% per year, respectively. In a multivariable analysis, each 1-Gy increase in minimum cochlear dose was significantly associated with time to non-SH (HR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2–1.9), rate of change in PTA decibel hearing loss per year (parameter estimate [PE] 3.4, 95% CI 0.6–6.2), and rate of change in WRS percentage per year (PE −6.4, 95% CI −11.2 to −1.5). The associations of each 1-Gy increase in mean cochlear dose with hearing outcomes were only significant among patients with class B hearing (time to non-SH HR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.6; rate of change in PTA PE 3.6, 95% CI 1.2–5.9; and rate of change in WRS PE −5.7, 95% CI −9.7 to −1.7).

CONCLUSIONS

The minimum cochlear dose impacts hearing outcomes after SRS for VS and should be considered in radiosurgical treatment planning. In this cohort, the mean cochlear dose was only associated with hearing outcomes in the subgroup of patients with class B hearing at SRS.
Hair-sparing approach versus traditional hair clipping for cerebral spinal fluid shunt procedures: a retrospective comparative study
Authors: Arfaie Saman , Sarabi Ali , Solgi Arad , Michaud Eve , Rohr Eliana , Giampa Luca , Ieropoli Elyssia , Lasry Oliver , Dudley Roy W. R.
Published: November 2024

OBJECTIVE

Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) diversion methods, including ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts, are the standard treatment for hydrocephalus. Hair clipping (HC) has been a routine neurosurgical practice of the great majority of neurosurgeons, due to the perception that this will either decrease the risk of shunt infection or allow for a faster, unimpeded opening and closing of the skin. The benefits of not cutting or clipping hair in terms of normalizing appearance and self-esteem are obvious. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the rate of shunt infection would differ between pediatric patients receiving operation via the hair-sparing (HS) approach versus HC.

METHODS

A retrospective single-institution study comparing HS versus HC was conducted on pediatric patients undergoing long-term CSF shunt procedures at the Montreal Children’s Hospital between August 2014 and April 2021. The primary outcome measure was shunt infection at 90 days and at long-term follow-up. Inclusion criteria were having at least 18 months of follow-up after long-term CSF shunt procedures, including insertions or revisions of VP shunts, ventriculoatrial shunts, cystoperitoneal shunts, subdural-peritoneal shunts, ventriculosubgaleal shunts, and ventriculosubgaleal reservoirs. Excluded procedures were those involving external ventricular drains, externalized shunts, Omaya reservoirs, endoscopic third ventriculostomies, and lumbar shunts.

RESULTS

There were 434 CSF shunt procedures performed in 226 unique patients; 155 (35.71%) procedures were done using the HS approach versus 279 (64.29%) procedures via HC. At 90 days postoperatively, the infection rate was 1.29% in the HS group and 2.87% in the HC group, with an absolute risk difference of 1.58% (95% CI −1.07% to 4.23%, p = 0.24). At long-term follow-up (mean follow-up: 752 days and 716 days for the HS and HC groups, respectively), the rate of shunt infection remained at 1.29% for the HS group (no new infections) but rose to 4.66% for the HC group, with an absolute risk difference of 3.37% (95% CI 0.33%–6.41%, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Performing CSF shunt procedures without cutting or clipping any hair has a very low risk of shunt infection, and certainly does not appear to increase the risk of infection (or malfunction) versus the hair removal approach. It is a safe alternative and should be considered due to its esthetic and psychological benefits regarding normalization of appearance and ease of resuming a normal life following shunt surgery.
Comparative Analysis of Content, Organization, and Presentation of Mathematical Concepts in Canadian and Japanese Grade Fifth Textbooks
Authors: Golafshani Nahid
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine how Canadian and Japanese fifth-grade mathematics textbooks addressed the topics, rote learning by memorization and conceptual understanding facets of teaching. Based on the comparison, it appears that both textbooks cover the required content for a grade 5 student based on the curriculum in the intended subject area. Regarding topics covered and content presentation, the Japanese textbook provides a more engaging and, overall, more successful approach to teaching student’s mathematical content. With student-driven differentiated instruction and open-ended questions, students can better engage with learning through an easy-to-follow textbook filled. With extras, students have the information they require to solve questions and understand examples. Elements of visual design once again predominate within the Japanese math textbook through the various characters, visual aids, and overall colour choice for the visual aspect of the textbook promote student engagement and help create positive emotions in mathematical content, which helps students create better learning relationships with the content being taught. Overall, the research finds that regarding the impact of students learning through the textbooks, the Japanese textbook has the advantage for student learning. However, from a teaching perspective, the Japanese open-ended student lead approach is more complex, which means if not properly taught, it could limit the success of the textbook and student learning. The Ontario textbook is still a comparable book, but making the textbook more engaging visually could improve students' overall performance when being taught with this book in the classroom.
Motivations of women entrepreneurs in the food and beverage sector: The case of Türkiye
Authors: Yiğit Serkan
Published: November 2024

This study aims to reveal the factors that motivate women entrepreneurs to become entrepreneurs in the food and beverage sector in Türkiye. Qualitative research approach was adopted to examine these motivations of the women entrepreneurs in depth. Within the scope of the study, interviews were held with 18 participants between December 10, 2023 and January 25, 2024. The research used a semi-structured interview form as a technique for collecting data. As a result of analyzing the data obtained within the scope of the interviews, five dimensions were revealed that motivate women entrepreneurs to become entrepreneurs in the food and beverage sector in Türkiye. These dimensions; to own their own business, financial independence, skills' adjustment to the sector, family, friend recommendations and encouragement, and the attraction of the food and beverage sector. In the conclusion phase of the research, assessments were conducted based on the results, and recommendations were developed.
Leptin fragment modulates the stimulatory effects of chorionic gonadotropin on testicular steroidogenesis in a model of diet-induced obesity in rats
Authors: Bakhtyukov A. A. , Lebedev I. A. , Morina I. Yu. , Kuznetsova V. S. , Shpakov A. O.
Published: November 2024

Leptin, secreted by adipose tissue, indirectly stimulates the activity of GnRH-producing neurons of the hypothalamus and thus regulates the functional activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis. As is known, the obesity is accompanied by systemic hyperleptinemia and impaired leptin transport in the central nervous system, which limits the use of full-length leptin as a drug. It was previously shown that intranasally administered leptin fragment MA-[D-Leu4]-OB3 (LF) enhances the steroidogenic effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in rats fed a standard diet. An even more urgent task is to assess its effect on testicular steroidogenesis in conditions of obesity, which reduces reproductive functions in men. The aim of the work was to study the ability of LF (200 μg/kg, intranasally, 3 days) to modulate the effect of hCG (10 IU/rat, subcutaneously, once) on testicular steroidogenesis in rats with obesity induced by a high-fat/high-carbohydrate diet (HFHCD), and also to evaluate influence of the GnRH receptor antagonist cetrorelix (ANT, 75 µg/kg, subcutaneously, 3 days) on the effects of LF. Male Wistar rats were used for the study and received HFHCD for 20 weeks. In obese rats, the level of the luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor in the testes was reduced and the expression of the Cyp11a1 gene, encoding the steroidogenic enzyme cytochrome P450scc, was compensatory increased. LF administration enhanced the effect of hCG on the testosterone level in the blood and the expression of the Star gene, encoding the cholesterol transport protein StAR, which indicates the ability of LF to positively modulate the activity of the HPT axis in obesity. Co-administration of ANT and LF, on the contrary, reduced the stimulating effect of hCG on testosterone levels and Star gene expression, which may be due to the testicular effects of LF. Our data indicate the ability of LF to influence various components of the male gonadal axis under conditions of diet-induced obesity.
Female BALB/c mice prefer the odor of mates producing fewer progeny
Authors: Khotskina A. S. , Patrushev Y. V. , Yusupova D. I. , Gerlinskaya L. A. , Maslennikova S. O. , Petrovskii D. V. , Moshkin M. P. , Zavjalov E. L.
Published: November 2024

Mate choice is the very important part of sexual selection. It is known that free mate choice is to provide the most viable offspring are born. Researches on different animal species found that viability from introduction to sexual maturity is significantly higher in individuals born in crossbreeding in accordance with free behavioral mate choice, compared to that in crossbreeding against the mate choice. Making the choice, the female may rely on visual, vocal or olfactory signals of male. Most of experiments evaluating sexual choice allowing interactions with the animal, making it impossible to determine the specific contribution of each separate signal. Odor play a crucial role in intraspecific communication in rodents. Individuals are able to recognize sex, reproductive status, genotype, and diet and health condition conspecifics by odor. However, very few articles unite olfactory signals from the male to information about his paternal effects. In our research, we mated a male with two females. The number of live embryos, their weight and the weight of fetal placentas evaluated reproductive success of males. Naive females in olfactory tests then evaluated the volatile urine fraction of the males. Male urine samples were also analyzed using chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. In result, the naive BALB/c females prefer males with low number of fetus in the litter compared to males with high number of fetus in the litter. Instrumental method of analysis approved the opportunity to differentiate between the groups of males. Other pregnancy parameters did not affect naive females’ preference for male urine samples.
Pathology of doxorubicin-induced organopathies under different intravenous nicotinamide riboside administration modes
Authors: Podyacheva E. Yu. , Semenova N. Yu. , Artyukhina Z. E. , Zinserling V. A. , Toropova Ya. G.
Published: November 2024

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent chemotherapeutic drug, but its clinical use is hindered by significant side effects on vital organs like the heart, kidneys, lungs, liver, and intestines. Currently, there is a lack of effective drugs that can provide simultaneous cardioprotection and organ protection during chemotherapy. Nicotinamide riboside (NR) holds promise as a pharmacological agent capable of offering comprehensive protection against the systemic toxicity caused by DOX. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the morphological characteristics of vital organs (heart, lungs, liver, kidneys) in Wistar rats with chronic doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy using various intravenous administration modes of NR as a protective agent. Sixty male SPF Wistar rats weighing 283 ± 22 g were divided into four groups: intact, control (DOX administered intraperitoneally), combined mode (the simultaneous use of DOX and NR) and preventive mode (the preliminary use of NR to realize the cumulative effect in cells, and its further joint use together with DOX) intravenous NR administration. Animal observation spanned two months after drug administration, followed by the collection of hearts, lungs, liver, and kidneys for morphological analysis. Echocardiographic assessment confirmed DOX cardiotoxicity. The study revealed that the hearts, kidneys and lungs exhibited more pronounced toxic effects of DOX compared to the liver. Both NR administration modes demonstrated protective effects, with the preventive regime showing the greatest efficacy in safeguarding vital organs.
Central responses to peripheral inflammation may include decreased expression of key apoptotic protease caspase-3 in brainstem
Authors: Bannova A. V. , Shishkina G. T. , Dygalo N. N.
Published: November 2024

Microglia activation by proinflammatory stimuli, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS), is considered among the risk factors for neurodegeneration, but the LPS treatment may also have a neuroprotective effect, which leads to further analysis of the relationship between microglial activation and regulators of cell death. In the present work, a comparative study was carried out on proteins expression of marker for activated microglia Iba-1 and the apoptotic executor protease caspase-3 in the brainstem and prefrontal cortex of rats injected intraperitoneally with endotoxin at different doses and schedules. One day after LPS at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg, single, the Iba-1 and caspase-3 expression in both structures did not differ from control values. Endotoxin administration fourfold at the same dose over 7 days (once every 2 days) led one day after the last injection to a significant increase in the Iba-1 level in the brainstem, which was accompanied by a significant decrease in the expression of caspase-3. The same effects in this structure were observed 7 days after a single injection of LPS at a higher dose of 5 mg/kg. In a 7-day experiment, in contrast to the brainstem, no changes in caspase-3 expression were found in the frontal cortex, and an increase in Iba-1 expression was observed only after a single injection of LPS at a high dose. The detected decrease of caspase-3 level in the brain stem under neuroinflammatory conditions may reflect the development of neuroprotective processes, especially important for the structure responsible for such key body functions as respiration, blood pressure and heartbeat.