bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Egyptian Supreme Constitutional Court on the Abolition of Public Interest Litigation, Decision of 14 January 2023 in the Constitutional Challenge 120/36
Authors: Bälz Kilian
Published: December 2023

In a decision of 14 January 2023, the Egyptian Supreme Constitutional Court confirmed the constitutionality of Decree-Law 32/2014 abolishing public interest litigation. Public interest litigation in the past was an important political means permitting NGOs to submit the privatization of public enterprises and the allocation of state land to judicial scrutiny. The long-awaited decision conforms to a tendency of limiting judicial control in the interest of economic stability, hereby giving state-lead economic development the priority over citizens’ rights and participation.
SEA PENS (CNIDARIA: OCTOCORALLIA: PENNATULOIDEA) FROM THE MAR DEL PLATA SUBMARINE CANYON AND OUTSKIRTS
Authors: RISARO JESSICA , LAURETTA DANIEL
Published: December 2023

During this work, over 200 specimens of sea pens (Anthozoa: Octocorallia: Pennatuloidea), collected in the Mar del Plata submarine canyon and outskirts (38ºS, up to 3500 m depth) during 2012 and 2013 were analyzed. Of the total, about 160 were identified in seven species of Anthoptilum, Distichoptilum, Kophobelemnon, Pseudumbellula, Solumbellula and Umbellula. Three of those represent new records for the southwestern Atlantic Ocean off Argentina.
The type series of Poromitra crassiceps (Pisces, Melamphaidae) with lectotype designation
Authors: GON OFER , MACLAINE JAMES , COLLINS MARTIN A. , MATCHER GWYNNETH , POGONOSKI JOHN J.
Published: December 2023

The type series of Poromitra crassiceps (Günther, 1878) was thought to include specimens from four localities in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern oceans. Comparison of the extant syntypes with the original description revealed that the specimen from the Pacific Ocean was not included in the original type series; one syntype from the Atlantic Ocean was never incorporated into the collection of the Natural History Museum, London, and is considered lost, and another cannot be identified due to its bad condition. The fourth syntype, from the Southern Ocean and in the best condition, is designated lectotype of this species. Molecular analysis of tissue samples collected by us as well as publically available COI sequences showed that only one species, P. crassiceps, is currently known from the Southern Ocean. Specimens from this ocean named P. atlantica (Norman, 1929) in the literature and in collections are probably misidentifications of P. crassiceps. The validity of P. atlantica needs confirmation from fresh material from the type locality.
Aircraft Particle Inlets: State-of-the-Art and Future Needs
Authors: Wendisch M. , Coe H. , Baumgardner D. , Brenguier J.-L. , Dreiling V. , Fiebig M. , Formenti P. , Hermann M. , Krämer M. , Levin Z. , Maser R. , Mathieu E. , Nacass P. , Noone K. , Osborne S. , Schneider J. , Schütz L. , Schwarzenböck A. , Stratmann F. , Wilson J. C.
Published: December 2023

Aircraft inlets connect airborne instruments for particle microphysical and chemical measurements with the ambient atmosphere. These inlets may bias the measurements due to their potential to enhance or remove certain particle size fractions in the sample. The aircraft body itself may disturb the ambient air streamlines and, hence, the particle sampling. Also, anisokinetic sampling and transmission losses within the sampling lines may cause the sampled aerosol to differ from the ambient aerosol. In addition, inlets may change the particle composition and size through the evaporation of water and other volatile materials due to compressibility effects or heat transfer. These problems have been discussed at an international workshop that was held at the Leibniz-Institute for Tropospheric Research (IfT) in Leipzig, Germany, on 12–13 April 2002. The discussions, conclusions, and recommendations from this workshop are summarized here.
Why Does Japan’s South Foehn, “Jintsu-Oroshi,” Tend to Onset during the Night?: An Investigation Based on Two Case Studies
Authors: Kusaka Hiroyuki , Nishiba Satoshi , Asano Yuki
Published: December 2023

The Jintsu-oroshi refers to Japan’s south foehn, which blows over the Toyama Plain in the Hokuriku region. This region faces the Sea of Japan to the north and the central mountain range to the south. The Jintsu-oroshi occurs more frequently at night than during the day. In this study, we determined the primary factors causing this feature using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. We selected a typical Jintsu-oroshi case in May 2016 for analysis. An extratropical cyclone traversed the Sea of Japan during the event, leading to a temporal change in the synoptic-scale pressure pattern. The observations and numerical simulation results showed that the collapse of the mixed layer over the mountains and the end of the sea breeze are key factors for the nighttime onset of the Jintsu-oroshi. Indeed, mountain waves and their resulting downslope winds did not occur under near-neutral atmospheric stability conditions over the mountains during the daytime. After sunset, the atmospheric stability changed to stable conditions, which caused the downslope winds to blow. However, the downslope winds did not reach the plains because of the sea breeze. After several hours, the sea breeze disappeared, and the downslope winds reached the leeward plains and increased the temperature there. Similar features were confirmed in August 2013 for another typical Jintsu-oroshi case under atmospheric conditions, without temporal changes in the synoptic-scale pressure pattern. We expect the results obtained in this study to advance our understanding of foehn occurrence in regions where mountains adjoin seas, similar to the coastal areas adjacent to the Sea of Japan.

Significance Statement

The Jintsu-oroshi refers to Japan’s south foehn, which blows over the Toyama Plain in the Hokuriku region. This foehn occurs more frequently at night than during the day. Strong foehns enhance the risk of fire. Nocturnal high temperatures due to foehns can cause sleeplessness in people. Nighttime foehns cause damage to paddy rice. Analyses of observations and numerical simulations for the two typical cases showed that Jintsu-oroshi did not tend to occur during the daytime because the development of a convective boundary layer over the mountains and sea breezes in the leeward plain inhibited the occurrence of the downslope winds. We expect the results obtained in this study to advance our understanding of foehn occurrence in regions where mountains adjoin seas, similar to the coastal areas adjacent to the Sea of Japan.
Late-Winter and Springtime Temperature Variations throughout New Jersey in a Warming Climate
Authors: Garner Andra J. , Duran Daniel P.
Published: December 2023

Large temperature variations in a temperate climate, particularly in late winter and early spring, can be disruptive for native ecosystems and agricultural crops. As warmer temperatures occur earlier in the year in midlatitude regions as a result of anthropogenic climate change, springtime temperatures may become less consistent, leading to potential damage to species and crops that are vulnerable to the return of historically cooler temperatures, including late-spring frosts, after an initial warm-up. In this work, we quantify shifting patterns in late-winter and springtime temperature variations at eight sites across New Jersey from 1950 to 2019. Many sites located along the coast or in the coastal plain experience increases in the number of times the temperature climbs above 15.5°C (60°F) and then falls below freezing (i.e.,0°C, or 32°F). Sites in southern New Jersey (where much of the state’s agriculture is located) experience the most significant (P < 0.05) increases in large springtime temperature variations. Across all sites, there is a general increase in both the percentage and magnitude of temperature variations that occur as early as February. At 75% of sites, day-to-day variation in daily maximum temperature has increased from the 1950s through 2019; day-to-day variation in daily minimum temperatures has increased over the same time at more than half of sites considered. These amplifications in extreme temperature variations indicate the need for both mitigation and adaptation strategies to protect vulnerable crops and ecosystems in the region during this critical time of the year.

Significance Statement

Human-caused climate change has made it more likely for warmer temperatures to occur earlier in the year, causing many locations to experience late-winter and early-springtime temperatures that are less consistent than they may have been in the past. These variations can be highly problematic for both vital agricultural crops and critical ecosystems. Here, we evaluate how late-winter and early-springtime temperatures have changed throughout New Jersey (home to a variety of agriculture and unique ecosystems) from the mid-twentieth century until 2019. We find critical changes to temperature patterns during late winter and early spring, including larger and more frequent temperature swings (particularly in February) and increased day-to-day variation in high and low temperatures.
Enforcing Water Balance in Multitask Deep Learning Models for Hydrological Forecasting
Authors: Li Lu , Dai Yongjiu , Wei Zhongwang , Shangguan Wei , Zhang Yonggen , Wei Nan , Li Qingliang
Published: December 2023

Accurate prediction of hydrological variables (HVs) is critical for understanding hydrological processes. Deep learning (DL) models have shown excellent forecasting abilities for different HVs. However, most DL models typically predicted HVs independently, without satisfying the principle of water balance. This missed the interactions between different HVs in the hydrological system and the underlying physical rules. In this study, we developed a DL model based on multitask learning and hybrid physically constrained schemes to simultaneously forecast soil moisture, evapotranspiration, and runoff. The models were trained using ERA5-Land data, which have water budget closure. We thoroughly assessed the advantages of the multitask framework and the proposed constrained schemes. Results showed that multitask models with different loss-weighted strategies produced comparable or better performance compared to the single-task model. The multitask model with a scaling factor of 5 achieved the best among all multitask models and performed better than the single-task model over 70.5% of grids. In addition, the hybrid constrained scheme took advantage of both soft and hard constrained models, providing physically consistent predictions with better model performance. The hybrid constrained models performed the best among different constrained models in terms of both general and extreme performance. Moreover, the hybrid model was affected the least as the training data were artificially reduced, and provided better spatiotemporal extrapolation ability under different artificial prediction challenges. These findings suggest that the hybrid model provides better performance compared to previously reported constrained models when facing limited training data and extrapolation challenges.
Analysis of Drought Characteristics and Causes in Yunnan Province in the Last 60 Years (1961–2020)
Authors: Lan Tianqing , Yan Xiaodong
Published: December 2023

Droughts are becoming more frequent and severe in southwest China, with Yunnan being the most affected region. Most of the current studies on droughts in Yunnan are limited to individual cases and lack a common determination of the causes of historical drought events. In this study, we analyzed drought characteristics and causes over the last 60 years (1961–2020) in Yunnan Province in two seasons: dry and rainy. There was a clear trend of aridity in Yunnan Province in terms of both temporal and spatial changes, and there was a long-term drought period in approximately 2010; in particular, the frequency of drought in the dry season significantly increased. Due to its unique geographical location, precipitation in Yunnan Province is influenced by various factors, and the main influencing factors differed in different periods. SST variation is the most important factor affecting Yunnan drought. Precipitation in Yunnan Province is affected by the warm pool of the Indian Ocean throughout the year, and thermal anomalies in different locations of the Pacific Ocean have different effects on Yunnan Province and often overlap with the effects of SST anomalies in the Indian Ocean.

Significance Statement

In this study, we analyzed drought characteristics and causes over the last 60 years (1961–2020) in Yunnan Province in two seasons: dry and rainy. The causes of historical drought events in Yunnan Province in terms of common characteristics were determined, and SST variation was the most influential factor, with the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean having the greatest influence. Increased temperature may be a more important cause of dry season drought in Yunnan Province, while drought in the rainy season is mainly due to reduced water vapor transport. These results point the way toward better understanding of the occurrence of drought in Yunnan Province.
Development Policies and Subjective Economic Wellbeing: Evidence From India
Authors: Kumar Shubham , Sengupta Keya , Gogoi Bidyut Jyoti
Published: December 2023

In recent years, there has been a significant expansion in India’s development policy discourse accompanied by rights-based approach, grassroots transformation and socio-economic change. Consequently, impact evaluation has become central to development interventions. However, the evaluation of subjective measures within development policy discourse remains under-studied. The purpose of this article is to examine the impact of development policies on subjective economic wellbeing (SEWB) in India. Utilising household data from India human development survey and applying ordered probit regression, we test medium-term impact of development policies on SEWB. The findings show that while development policy does have significant impact in driving SEWB, interaction among development policies also curates interesting perspectives. Moreover, evidence suggests that relative social and economic considerations are significant in driving SEWB. The article attempts to combine insights from the development discourse and an empirical approach to go beyond a critique and draw emphasis on SEWB in an emerging economy context.

JEL Codes: O11, O53, R28
Developmental social work training programmes in the Global South: A scoping review
Authors: Erasmus Leandi , Bloem Cornelia Hester Margaretha
Published: December 2023

In moving away from South Africa’s colonial past, social work training needs to embrace indigenised content and empower social workers to move towards practising from a developmental social work perspective. This requires a paradigm shift towards developmental social work training in South Africa. This study was conducted to look at the characteristics and challenges of developmental social work training in the Global South in order for South African social work training institutions to learn from the data and implement more an effective developmental social work training programme. The study was conducted through a scoping review. The five-step scoping review methodology was used to investigate and select recent literature on developmental social work training in the Global South. A thematic analysis was then used to scrutinise selected articles to extract core conclusions and recommendations made by authors to answer research questions. In addition to answering the research question about the characteristics and challenges to teaching developmental social work in the Global South, six main themes that should be highlighted when teaching developmental social work in the Global South were identified and are discussed in the article. These themes are critical thinking and reflective practice; political social work; field placement programmes; indigenisation; de-colonisation and historical context; economic development and empowerment and theoretical course content. For social work to stay relevant in the Global South, it is important for governments to provide universities with resources to enable them to implement effective developmental social work training.
Whose equity? What equity? The role of Pacific staff networks in progressing gender and intersectional equity at work
Authors: Parker Jane , Loga Patricia , Paea Selu , Young-Hauser Amanda
Published: December 2023

As in many nations, New Zealand's (NZ) government has sought to implement workplace policies in public service agencies, including equity initiatives to accelerate diversity and inclusion. However, these processes have been disrupted by the labour market and wider effects of Covid-19 and austerity policies. This is significant for NZ-based Pacific women workers, who often face pronounced workplace inequities though scant knowledge exists about the role of Pacific employee networks in progressing equity. This study examined such networks in three NZ public service agencies, focussing on the ‘ambition’ of, and influences on progress with, their equity pursuits. Seventy-two semi-structured interviews with sector experts, agency managers and staff, including Pacific women and men whose voices are often muted in the formulation of workplace responses ( Maiava-Zajkowski, 2021 ) were conducted throughout 2020 and early 2021. Thematic content analysis revealed that agency networks vary in size, whom they support, their activities, and environmental dynamics. Using an equity approach typology, less ambitious equity goals were found to prevail, reflecting the networks’ fledgling status. Yet, despite facing austerity policies and pandemic challenges, the networks mitigated curbs on workplace equity activity by harnessing the agency of members, with the potential to push for intersectional and culturally informed equity initiatives.
Distinct MRI characteristics of spinal cord diffuse midline glioma, H3 K27-altered in comparison to spinal cord glioma without H3 K27-alteration and demyelination disorder
Authors: Ying Yinwei , Liu Xiujuan , Li Xuanxuan , Mei Nan , Ruan Zhuoying , Lu Yiping , Yin Bo
Published: December 2023

Background

An applicable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) biomarker for diffuse midline glioma (DMG), H3 K27-altered of the spinal cord is important for non-invasive diagnosis.

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of conventional MRI (cMRI) in distinguishing between DMGs, H3 K27-altered, gliomas without H3 K27-alteration, and demyelinating lesions in the spinal cord.

Material and Methods

Between January 2017 and February 2023, patients with pathology-confirmed spinal cord gliomas (including ependymomas) with definite H3 K27 status and demyelinating diseases diagnosed by recognized criteria were recruited as the training set for this retrospective study. Morphologic parameter assessment was performed by two neuroradiologists on T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging. Variables with high inter- and intra-observer agreement were included in univariable correlation analysis and multivariable logistic regression. The performance of the final model was verified by internal and external testing sets.

Results

The training cohort included 21 patients with DMGs (13 men; mean age = 34.57 ± 13.489 years), 21 with wild-type gliomas (10 men; mean age = 46.76 ± 17.017 years), and 20 with demyelinating diseases (5 men; mean age = 49.50 ± 18.872 years). A significant difference was observed in MRI features, including cyst(s), hemorrhage, pial thickening with enhancement, and the maximum anteroposterior diameter of the spinal cord. The prediction model, integrating age, age2, and morphological characteristics, demonstrated good performance in the internal and external testing cohort (accuracy: 0.810 and 0.800, specificity: 0.810 and 0.720, sensitivity: 0.872 and 0.849, respectively).

Conclusion

Based on cMRI, we developed a model with good performance for differentiating among DMGs, H3 K27-altered, wild-type glioma, and demyelinating lesions in the spinal cord.
Comparison of Simplified Palliative Prognostic Index and Palliative Performance Scale in Patients with Advanced Cancer in a Home Palliative Care Setting
Authors: Hiratsuka Yusuke , Suh Sang-Yeon , Yoon Seok Joon
Published: December 2023

Objective: The Palliative Performance Scale (PPS) has been reported to be as accurate as Palliative Prognostic Index (PPI). PPS is a component of the simplified PPI (sPPI). It is unknown whether PPS is as accurate as sPPI. This study aimed to compare the prognostic performance of the PPS and sPPI in patients with advanced cancer in a home palliative care setting in South Korea. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study that included Korean patients with advanced cancer who received home-based palliative care. We used the medical records maintained by specialized palliative care nurses. We computed the prognostic performance of PPS and sPPI using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and calibration plots for the 3- and 6-week survival. Results: A total of 80 patients were included, with a median overall survival of 47.0 days. The AUROCs of PPS were 0.71 and 0.69 at the 3- and 6-week survival predictions, respectively. The AUROCs of sPPI were 0.87 and 0.73 at the 3- and 6-week survival predictions, respectively. The calibration plot demonstrated satisfactory agreement across all score ranges for both the PPS and sPPI. Conclusions: This study showed that the sPPI assessed by nurses was more accurate than the PPS in a home palliative care setting in predicting the 3-week survival in patients with advanced cancer. The PPS can be used for a quick assessment.
Relationship between number of daily exchanges at CAPD start with clinical outcomes
Authors: Nardelli Luca , Scalamogna Antonio , Cicero Elisa , Tripodi Federica , Vettoretti Simone , Alfieri Carlo , Castellano Giuseppe
Published: December 2023

Background:

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) continues to be demanding for patients affected by kidney failure. In kidney failure patients with residual kidney function, the employment of incremental PD, a less onerous dialytic prescription, could translate into a decrease burden on both health systems and patients.

Methods:

Between 1st January 2009 and 31st December 2021, 182 patients who started continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) at our institution were included in the study. The CAPD population was divided into three groups according to the initial number of daily CAPD exchanges prescribed: one or two (50 patients, CAPD-1/2 group), three (97 patients, CAPD-3 group) and four (35 patients, CAPD-4 group), respectively.

Results:

Multivariate analysis showed a difference in term of peritonitis free survival in CAPD-1/2 in comparison to CAPD-3 (hazard ratio (HR): 2.20, p = 0.014) and CAPD-4 (HR: 2.98, p < 0.01). A tendency towards a lower hospitalisation rate (CAPD-3 and CAPD-4 vs. CAPD-1/2, p = 0.11 and 0.13, respectively) and decreased mortality (CAPD-3 and CAPD-4 vs. CAPD-1/2, p = 0.13 and 0.22, respectively) in patients who started PD with less than three daily exchanges was detected. No discrepancy of the difference of the mean values between baseline and 24 months residual kidney function was observed among the three groups ( p = 0.33).

Conclusions:

One- or two-exchange CAPD start was associated with a lower risk of peritonitis in comparison to three- or four-exchange start. Furthermore, an initial PD prescription with less than three exchanges may be associated with an advantage in term of hospitalisation rate and patient survival.
100 Years of Advertising Studies in JMCQ
Authors: Thorson Esther
Published: December 2023

This article overviews 100 years of advertising studies in JMCQ. Four distinct eras are identified, each with different distinctive features. The advertising studies in JMCQ are compared with other recent journal overviews, Journal of Advertising (the and should not be in italics) International Journal of Advertising.
Evaluation of Scorpion Stings in Children
Authors: Parlak Mehmet Emin , Öz Erdoğan , Küçükkelepçe Osman
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Scorpion stings are a significant public health problem in many parts of the world. Children are at a higher risk of developing severe complications from scorpion envenoming, including cardiac, respiratory, and neurologic complications. In Turkey, members of the Buthidae family are the most common culprits in severe envenoming events.

Methods

This retrospective-descriptive study was conducted in Turkey. Children aged 0 to 18 y admitted to the emergency department of Kahta State Hospital between December 2017 and December 2020 were included in the study. Patient information was reviewed, and 78 patients with complete demographic, laboratory, and clinical data were included in the study.

Results

Out of the 78 patients, 24.4% were six years old or younger while the 75.6% were older than six years. Alpha blocker was given to 12.8% of the patients, and antivenom was given to 43.6% of the patients. Of the 78 patients, 71.8% were followed up in the emergency department, 21.8% were followed up in the inpatient unit, and 6.4% were followed up in the intensive care unit. Two patients (2.6%) died within 1 month. There was a significant difference regarding lactate dehydrogenase value according to the sting site ( P=0.014). Lactate dehydrogenase values of patients stung on the head and neck and upper extremity were higher than those of patients bitten on lower extremities.

Conclusions

Elevated levels of specific laboratory parameters, such as leukocytes, aspartate transaminase, and lactate dehydrogenase, are linked to worse outcomes. Additionally, stings on the head, neck, and upper extremities are more strongly associated with severity. These findings guide tailored treatment strategies for scorpion stings, with the potential for further refinement through broader studies across diverse regions and populations.
Creative and cultural work post-Covid-19: Interruptions as space of political re-futuring
Authors: Dent Tamsyn , Tanghetti Jessica , Comunian Roberta
Published: December 2023

What sparks collective acts of resistance to workplace inequality? This article considers the Covid-19 (C-19) pandemic as an interruption to established practices of creative work, one that creates the opportunity for politicised subjectivities to develop. It is based on a qualitative investigation of cultural and creative workers located in the Italian city Milan conducted in the aftermath of the first C-19 lockdown. Observations of an emerging sense of consciousness, a recognition of precarious working conditions associated with creative labour by those who operate within the sector, combined with the necessary resource of time created the conditions for collective action. Building on previous literature that considers the disruptive effects of interruptions, from either large-scale physical disaster or significant change to an individual's personal identity, the article explores the generative outcomes that can emerge from an interruption, one which creates opportunities for re-imagination and political re-futuring.
The Pulsating Stent Sign in May-Thurner Syndrome
Authors: Attaran Robert R. , Jamil Yasser
Published: December 2023

Purpose:

To report a case of a patient with May-Thurner syndrome who underwent endovenous stenting and was found to have pulsating arterial compression on the venous stent.

Report:

A 74-year-old man presented with 18 months of progressive right thigh and calf edema. After an extensive work-up, the patient underwent a venogram with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), revealing compression of the right iliac vein by the external iliac artery and psoas muscle. Following stent deployment, fluoroscopy revealed extrinsic compression by an artery, but IVUS confirmed sufficient stent expansion. On follow-up, there was a significant resolution of right limb edema, and adjacent arterial pulsation/compression was deemed non-significant.

Conclusion:

The choice of venous stents is essential to prevent collapse from extrinsic compression, such as that from an adjacent artery.

Clinical Impact

Carefully choosing venous stents is essential to ensure stent patency in the face of external compression.
Measuring and Validating a Transformation Learning Survey Through Social Work Education Research
Authors: Corchado Castillo Ana Isabel , Wallengren-Lynch Michael , Archer-Kuhn Beth , Earls Larrison Tara
Published: December 2023

This paper presents a reliable tool for measuring transformative learning in undergraduate social work education, the Social Work Transformation Survey (SWTS). The SWTS was developed from a qualitative theoretical model and translated into quantitative scales. The study collected data from 248 undergraduate students from eight countries who participated in a transnational project using creative journaling to facilitate transformative learning. Structural equation modelling was used to validate the internal structure of the SWTS. We then confirmed the measures’ reliability, and subsequently the effectiveness of creative journaling practices as a pedagogy for facilitating transformative learning in social work students. This paper highlights the potential of combining qualitative and quantitative research approaches to develop educational evaluation tools for higher education settings and presents one specific measure for transformative learning.
Predicting outcome in acute stroke with large vessel occlusion—application and validation of MR PREDICTS in the ESCAPE-NA1 population
Authors: Marko Martha , Goyal Mayank , Ospel Johanna M , Singh Nishita , Venema Esmee , Nogueira Raul G , Demchuk Andrew M , McTaggart Ryan A , Poppe Alexandre Y , Menon Bijoy K , Zerna Charlotte , Mulder Maxim , Dippel Diederik WJ , Lingsma Hester F , Roozenbeek Bob , Tymianski Michael , Hill Michael D
Published: December 2023

Background

Predicting outcome after endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke is challenging. We aim to investigate differences between predicted and observed outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with endovascular treatment and to evaluate the performance of a validated outcome prediction score.

Patients and methods

MR PREDICTS is an outcome prediction tool based on a logistic regression model designed to predict the treatment benefit of endovascular treatment based on the MR CLEAN and HERMES populations. ESCAPE-NA1 is a randomized trial of nerinetide vs. placebo in patients with acute stroke and large vessel occlusion. We applied MR PREDICTS to patients in the control arm of ESCAPE-NA1. Model performance was assessed by calculating its discriminative ability and calibration.

Results

Overall, 556/1105 patients (50.3%) in the ESCAPE-NA1-trial were randomized to the control arm, 435/556 (78.2%) were treated within 6 h of symptom onset. Good outcome (modified Rankin scale 0–2) at 3 months was achieved in 275/435 patients (63.2%), the predicted probability of good outcome was 52.5%. Baseline characteristics were similar in the study and model derivation cohort except for age (ESCAPE-NA1: mean: 70 y vs. HERMES: 66 y), hypertension (72% vs. 57%), and collaterals (good collaterals, 15% vs. 44%). Compared to HERMES we observed higher rates of successful reperfusion (TICI 2b-3, ESCAPE-NA1: 87% vs. HERMES: 71%) and faster times from symptom onset to reperfusion (median: 201 min vs. 286 min). Model performance was good, indicated by a c-statistic of 0.76 (95%confidence interval: 0.71–0.81).

Conclusion

Outcome-prediction using models created from HERMES data, based on information available in the emergency department underestimated the actual outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke and large vessel occlusion receiving endovascular treatment despite overall good model performance, which might be explained by differences in quality of and time to reperfusion. These findings underline the importance of timely and successful reperfusion for functional outcomes in acute stroke patients.
A Systematic Approach to Improving the Transparency of Interview Refinements and Data Sufficiency in Semi-Structured Interviews: An Illustration Using the Mass Atrial Fibrillation Screening Study
Authors: Wong Kam Cheong , Trankle Steven A , Quintans Desi , Nguyen Tu N , Usherwood Tim , Chow Clara K
Published: December 2023

Background

Semi-structured interviews allow progressive interview refinements to gain an in-depth understanding of a research question, but interview refinements affect the stopping point. This paper aims to describe a method that provides transparency in interview refinements and helps researchers decide on a stopping point.

Methods

We established systematic and practical methods to document interview refinements and visualize novel and duplicate interview codes. We illustrated the methods using a case study called the Mass Atrial Fibrillation Screening Study, a real-world clinical trial. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed progressively. Two researchers established the initial coding into a predefined framework with reference to the Medical Research Council Guidance of Process Evaluation. Final codes were reached by discussion and consensus. NVivo v12 software was utilized to manage the qualitative data.

Results

We developed an open-access software package for the ‘R’ statistical programming language called ‘novelqualcodes’ and a video demonstrating the application. Our package converts NVivo coding matrices into graphs of the trends of novel and duplicate codes. Our package also enables users to document interview refinements as fieldnotes, providing a visual guide to help researchers decide on a stopping point. In the case study, one researcher (KCW) conducted 48 one-to-one in-depth semi-structured interviews with participants from September 2021 to July 2022. Interview refinements were identified and reported to provide transparency to the readers. The novel code graphs and examination of the code sufficiency in the predefined framework demonstrated the stopping point at which we were satisfied with the richness and insights of the interviews in answering our research question.

Conclusions

We illustrated a new paradigm of systematic and practical methods and shared an open-access software package and a video to describe, document and visualize the path to the stopping point. This approach can be applied in other qualitative research using different predefined frameworks.
Scaffolding for learning and establishing a professional identity: A qualitative descriptive study of nursing students’ experiences of learning with a student-centered supervision model based on patient-oriented care during clinical placement
Authors: Johnsson Anette , Månsson Johanna Selin , Pennbrant Sandra
Published: December 2023

The nursing profession is close to clinical practice and vital to the student's professional development. Innovative learning activities and models are sought to improve clinical placements. A student-centered supervision model based on patient-oriented care was introduced in a medical ward. The aim of this study was to describe nursing students’ experiences of learning with a student-centered supervision model based on patient-oriented care during their clinical placement. A qualitative descriptive study involving interviews with 12 nursing students analyzed through inductive qualitative content analysis was conducted in accordance with COREQ. The findings revealed that the nursing students viewed learning as personal, knowledge, and professional development. Their learning experiences can be seen as a process in which the scaffolding is gradually reduced in line with each student's ability to act independently and establish a professional identity. The model can enhance structure and support in the practice setting to maximize learning.
May student-centered principles affect active learning and its counterpart? An empirical study of Indonesian curriculum implementation
Authors: Amiruddin  , Baharuddin Fiskia Rera , Takbir  , Setialaksana Wirawan
Published: December 2023

Education 4.0 emphasizes the use of hybrid approaches in the learning process. The use of peeragogy, heutagogy, and cybergogy may engage students in the learning processes in which active learning plays a key role. This study aimed to examine the effect of the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum on active learning practices and their relationships with hybrid activities based on hybrid learning approaches, and active learning counterparts of (1) self-regulated learning: (2) self-directed learning, and (3) self-determined learning. These relationships will be examined in Indonesian curriculum implementation in which student-centered principles are emphasized. A cross-sectional survey was conducted by collecting responses of vocational high school students on survey. The digital questionnaire was sent to 600 Indonesian students, of whom 555 completed it. The relationships among the constructs were examined using a structural equation modeling. The results showed that a curriculum emphasizing student-centered principles was fully mediated by active learning and hybrid activities to promote student self-regulated learning (SRL), self-determined learning (SDET), and self-directed learning (SDL). Active learning and hybrid activities directly affect students’ SRL, SDET, and SDL, Three counterparts of active learning that form important parts of long-life learning. This model indicates that Indonesian curriculum implementation may encourage active learning and indirectly increase learner engagement, autonomy, and metacognitive development.
An Econometric Study on Volatility Clusters, Dynamic Risk Return Relationship, and Asymmetry in Bitcoin Returns
Authors: Dangi Vandana
Published: December 2023

The most sought-after cryptocurrency sector is facing dicey environment in India due to stringent ideology of its government that put Indian investors in dilemma in envisaging this sector as a virtuous investment avenue. The investors are very curious for this sector and their curiosity aroused the need for its evaluation in terms of risk-return dynamics in contemporary scenario. The present study is an endeavor to econometrically explore volatility clusters, dynamic risk return relationship, and asymmetry in Bitcoin return series covering the period from August 2010 to February 2022. The results of Augmented Dickey–Fuller test, Ng–Perron tests, Ljung Box Q test, Engle’s ARCH, and White test asserted that the Bitcoin return series is stationary and has apparent volatility clusters in it. The estimates from GARCH-M model confirmed the absence of risk return relationship and the estimates from ARMA-EGARCH model confirmed the presence of asymmetry (leverage effect) in Bitcoin return series. However, the results of ARMA-TARCH model confirmed the absence of asymmetry in the series and further diagnostic checking asserted that ARMA- TARCH model is the best fitted model. These estimations may help the investors in comprehending risk-return dynamics of investment in Bitcoins for framing better hedging strategy in contemporary scenario.
Successful Dilation and Stenting of Severe Tracheal Stenosis Following Brief Intubation
Authors: Kataria Riya , Balasubramaniyan Jayanty Venkata , Murthy J. S. Satyanarayana
Published: December 2023

Tracheal stenosis following brief intubation is a relatively rare but serious problem. However, some degree of airway injury is common following intubation, regardless of the duration. We herein report a rare case of a female patient in her late sixties, who developed severe tracheal stenosis following just a weeklong intubation. The tracheal stenosis was successfully treated via dilation and stenting using a self-expanding metal stent.
Recent developments in the use of pyruvate kinase activators as a new approach for treating sickle cell disease
Authors: Parekh Dina S. , Eaton William A. , Thein Swee Lay
Published: December 2023

Pyruvate kinase (PK) is a key enzyme in glycolysis, the sole source of adenosine triphosphate, which is essential for all energy-dependent activities of red blood cells. Activating PK shows great potential for treating a broad range of hemolytic anemias beyond PK deficiency, because they also enhance activity of wild-type PK. Motivated by observations of sickle-cell complications in sickle-trait individuals with concomitant PK deficiency, activating endogenous PK offers a novel and promising approach for treating patients with sickle-cell disease.
Transcriptome analysis of hypothalamus and pituitary tissues reveals genetic mechanisms associated with high egg production rates in Changshun green-shell laying hens
Authors: Xu Wenbin , Mu Ren , Gegen Tuya , Ran Tiantian , Wu Qi , Wen Di , Wang Fen , Chen Zhi
Published: December 2023

Background

Changshun green-shell laying hens are unique to the Guizhou Province, China, and have high egg quality but relatively low yield. Egg production traits are regulated by the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Thus, we conducted RNA sequencing of hypothalamic and pituitary tissues from low- and high-yielding Changshun green-shell laying hens to identify critical pathways and candidate genes involved in controlling the egg production rate.

Results

More than 39 million clean reads per sample were obtained, and more than 82% were mapped to the Gallus gallus genome. Further analysis identified 1,817 and 1,171 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the hypothalamus and pituitary, respectively. Nineteen DEGs were upregulated in both the hypothalamus and pituitary of high-yielding chickens. The functions of these DEGs were mainly associated with ion transport or signal transduction. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that the pathways enriched in the hypothalamus were mainly associated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion, neurotransmitter release, and circadian rhythms. The pathways enriched in the pituitary were mainly associated with GnRH secretion, energy metabolism, and signal transduction. Five and four DEGs in the hypothalamus and pituitary, respectively, were selected randomly for qRT-PCR analysis. The expression trends determined via qRT-PCR were consistent with the RNA-seq results.

Conclusions

The current study identified 19 DEGs upregulated in both the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which could provide an important reference for further studies on the molecular mechanisms underlying egg production in Changshun green-shell laying hens. In addition, enrichment analysis showed that GnRH secretion and signal transduction, especially neurotransmitter release, play crucial roles in the regulation of egg production.
Establishment and validation of a callus tissue transformation system for German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.)
Authors: Tai Yuling , Zhang Jie , Chen Youhui , Yuan Yi , Wang Honggang , Yu Luyao , Li Shuangshuang , Yang Lu , Jin Yifan
Published: December 2023

Background

German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is an important medicinal plant, and the essential oils in the flowers have various biological activities. Genetic transformation systems are important for plant quality improvement and molecular research. To the best of our knowledge, a genetic transformation system has not yet been reported for German chamomile.

Results

In this study, we developed Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocols for German chamomile callus tissues. This involved optimizing key parameters, such as hygromycin and cefotaxime concentrations, bacterial density, and infection and co-culture durations. We also performed gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis to identify volatile compounds in non-transgenic and transgenic callus and hairy root tissues. Furthermore, to compare and verify the callus transformation system of German chamomile, we transferred McFPS to the hairy roots of German chamomile. The results showed that the optimal conditions for Agrobacterium-mediated callus tissue transformation were as follows: explant, petiole; cefotaxime concentration, 300 mg/L; hygromycin concentration, 10 mg/L; and bacterial solution concentration, OD600 = 0.6; callus transformation efficiency was the highest when the co-culture time was 3 days.

Conclusions

Establishment of a high-efficiency callus transformation system will lay the foundation for gene function identification in German chamomile.
Community-based group rehabilitation program for stroke patients with dysphagia on quality of life, depression symptoms, and swallowing function: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yang Chen , Zhao Fei , Xie Chunqing , Zhang Yaowen , Dou Zulin , Wei Xiaomei
Published: December 2023

Background

Community-based exercise programs have demonstrated potential for implementation in older adults; however, it remains imperative to ascertain whether this strategy will yield comparable benefit in stroke patients with dysphagia.

Methods

This was a single blinded, randomized, matched pairs clinical trial. Sixty-four stroke patients with dysphagia were recruited from patients who had been discharged the Rehabilitation Department of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. A single blinded, randomized and controlled trial was conducted. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 32) or the control group (n = 32). Patients in the intervention group received health education followed by swallowing function training in community public spaces for 5 days every week over an eight-week period (60 minutes per day). Patients in the control group received swallowing rehabilitation training, and booster educational information about dysphagia, as well as instructions on how to improve quality of life. Swallowing function (Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) and Standardized Swallowing Assessment (SSA)), depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale-15), and quality of life (Swallowing-Quality of Life, SWAL-QOL) were assessed before and after all the treatment.

Results

Before treatment, the two groups did not differ statistically. After the intervention, the swallowing function (SSA and FOIS) showed a significant improvement in both groups (All p < 0.001). But there was no significant difference in Functional Oral Intake Scale change between groups (P = 0.479). Compared with the control group, the intervention group had a significant improvement in depressive symptoms (P = 0.002), with a greater reduction in the number of depressed patients (13 to 6).The control group showed no significant improvements in depressive symptoms or a reduction in the number of depressed patients before and after treatment (P = 0.265, 14 to 12). The Swallowing-Quality of Life scores showed significant improvement in both the intervention and control group (P < 0.001). Specifically within Swallowing-Quality of Life sub-domains, greater changes were observed in symptoms and frequency (P < 0.001), communication (P = 0.012), and sleep (P = 0.006) for participants in the intervention group. And the cost-effectiveness of group rehabilitation surpasses that of rehabilitation training.

Conclusion

Community-based group rehabilitation program is more effective than traditional treatment in improving patients’ depressive symptoms and quality of life, as well as being more cost-effective.