bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geplante Pneumektomie bei zerstörter Lunge: Leitliniengerechte präoperative Evaluierung durchführen
Authors: Hekmat Khosro
Published: March 2024

Background: Clinical guidelines recommend a preoperative forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) of > 2 L as an indication for left or right pneumonectomy. This study compares the safety and long-term prognosis of pneumonectomy for destroyed lung (DL) patients with FEV1 ≤ 2 L or > 2 L. Methods: A total of 123 DL patients who underwent pneumonectomy between November 2002 and February 2023 at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Chest Hospital were included. Patients were sorted into two groups: the FEV1 > 2 L group (n = 30) or the FEV1 ≤ 2 L group (n = 96). Clinical characteristics and rates of mortality, complications within 30 days after surgery, long-term mortality, occurrence of residual lung infection/tuberculosis (TB), bronchopleural fistula/empyema, readmission by last follow-up visit, and modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scores were compared between groups. Results: A total of 96.7% (119/123) of patients were successfully discharged, with 75.6% (93/123) in the FEV1 ≤ 2 L group. As compared to the FEV1 > 2 L group, the FEV1 ≤ 2 L group exhibited significantly lower proportions of males, patients with smoking histories, patients with lung cavities as revealed by chest imaging findings, and patients with lower forced vital capacity as a percentage of predicted values (FVC%pred) (P values of 0.001, 0.027, and 0.023, 0.003, respectively). No significant intergroup differences were observed in rates of mortality within 30 days after surgery, incidence of postoperative complications, long-term mortality, occurrence of residual lung infection/TB, bronchopleural fistula/empyema, mMRC ≥ 1 at the last follow-up visit, and postoperative readmission (P > 0.05).
Infants Infer Social Relationships Between Individuals Who Engage in Imitative Social Interactions
Authors: Kudrnova Vanessa , Spelke Elizabeth S. , Thomas Ashley J.
Published: March 2024

Infants are born into rich social networks and are faced with the challenge of learning about them. When infants observe social interactions, they make predictions about future behavior, but it is not clear whether these predictions are based on social dispositions, social relationships, or both. The current studies (N = 188, N = 90 males) address this question in 12-month-old infants and 16- to 18-month-old toddlers who observe social interactions involving imitation. In Studies 1 and 3, infants and toddlers expected that imitators, compared to non-imitators, would respond to their social partners’ distress. Likewise, they expected the targets of imitation, compared to non-targets, to respond to their partner’s distress. In Study 2, these expectations did not generalize to interactions with a new partner, providing evidence that infants learned about the relationships between individuals as opposed to their dispositions. In Study 3, infants did not make predictions about responses to laughter, suggesting that infants see imitation as indicative of a specific kind of social relationship. Together, these results provide evidence that imitative interactions support infants’ and toddlers’ learning about the social relationships connecting unknown individuals.
Generative Ensemble Deep Learning Severe Weather Prediction from a Deterministic Convection-Allowing Model
Authors: Sha Yingkai , Sobash Ryan A. , Gagne David John
Published: March 2024

An ensemble postprocessing method is developed for the probabilistic prediction of severe weather (tornadoes, hail, and wind gusts) over the conterminous United States (CONUS). The method combines conditional generative adversarial networks (CGANs), a type of deep generative model, with a convolutional neural network (CNN) to postprocess convection-allowing model (CAM) forecasts. The CGANs are designed to create synthetic ensemble members from deterministic CAM forecasts, and their outputs are processed by the CNN to estimate the probability of severe weather. The method is tested using High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) 1–24-h forecasts as inputs and Storm Prediction Center (SPC) severe weather reports as targets. The method produced skillful predictions with up to 20% Brier skill score (BSS) increases compared to other neural-network-based reference methods using a testing dataset of HRRR forecasts in 2021. For the evaluation of uncertainty quantification, the method is overconfident but produces meaningful ensemble spreads that can distinguish good and bad forecasts. The quality of CGAN outputs is also evaluated. Results show that the CGAN outputs behave similarly to a numerical ensemble; they preserved the intervariable correlations and the contribution of influential predictors as in the original HRRR forecasts. This work provides a novel approach to postprocess CAM output using neural networks that can be applied to severe weather prediction.

Significance Statement

We use a new machine learning (ML) technique to generate probabilistic forecasts of convective weather hazards, such as tornadoes and hailstorms, with the output from high-resolution numerical weather model forecasts. The new ML system generates an ensemble of synthetic forecast fields from a single forecast, which are then used to train ML models for convective hazard prediction. Using this ML-generated ensemble for training leads to improvements of 10%–20% in severe weather forecast skills compared to using other ML algorithms that use only output from the single forecast. This work is unique in that it explores the use of ML methods for producing synthetic forecasts of convective storm events and using these to train ML systems for high-impact convective weather prediction.
Deep Winter Mixed Layer Anchored by the Meandering Antarctic Circumpolar Current: Cross-Basin Variations
Authors: Song Zihan , Xie Shang-Ping , Xu Lixiao , Zheng Xiao-Tong , Lin Xiaopei , Geng Yu-Fan
Published: March 2024

A deep winter mixed layer forms north of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) in the Indo-Pacific sectors, while the mixed layer depth (MLD) is shallow in the Atlantic. Using observations and a global atmospheric model, this study investigates the contribution of surface buoyancy flux and background stratification to interbasin MLD variations. The surface heat flux is decomposed into broad-scale and frontal-scale variations. At the broad scale, the meandering ACC path is accompanied by a zonal wavenumber-1 structure of sea surface temperature (SST) with a warmer Pacific than the Atlantic; under the prevailing westerly winds, this temperature contrast results in larger surface heat loss facilitating deeper MLD in the Indo-Pacific sectors than in the Atlantic. In the Indian sector, the intense ACC fronts strengthen surface heat loss compared to the Pacific. The surface freshwater flux pattern largely follows that of evaporation and reinforces the heat flux pattern, especially in the southeast Pacific. A diagnostic relationship is introduced to highlight the role of ACC’s sloping isopycnals in setting a weak submixed layer stratification north of ACC. This weak stratification varies in magnitude across basins. In the Atlantic and western Indian Oceans where the ACC is at a low latitude (∼45°S), solar heating, intrusions of subtropical gyres, and energetic mesoscale eddies together maintain relatively strong stratification. In the southeast Pacific, in comparison, the ACC reaches the southernmost latitude (56°S), far away from the subtropical front. This creates weaker stratification, allowing deep mixed layers to form, aided by surface buoyancy loss.
Eddy–Internal Wave Interactions: Stimulated Cascades in Cross-Scale Kinetic Energy and Enstrophy Fluxes
Authors: Barkan Roy , Srinivasan Kaushik , McWilliams James C.
Published: March 2024

The interactions between oceanic mesoscale eddies, submesoscale currents, and internal gravity waves (IWs) are investigated in submesoscale-resolving realistic simulations in the North Atlantic Ocean. Using a novel analysis framework that couples the coarse-graining method in space with temporal filtering and a Helmholtz decomposition, we quantify the effects of the interactions on the cross-scale kinetic energy (KE) and enstrophy fluxes. By systematically comparing solutions with and without IW forcing, we show that externally forced IWs stimulate a reduction in the KE inverse cascade associated with mesoscale rotational motions and an enhancement in the KE forward cascade associated with divergent submesoscale currents, i.e., a “stimulated cascade” process. The corresponding IW effects on the enstrophy fluxes are seasonally dependent, with a stimulated reduction (enhancement) in the forward enstrophy cascade during summer (winter). Direct KE and enstrophy transfers from currents to IWs are also found, albeit with weaker magnitudes compared with the stimulated cascades. We further find that the forward KE and enstrophy fluxes associated with IW motions are almost entirely driven by the scattering of the waves by the rotational eddy field, rather than by wave–wave interactions. This process is investigated in detail in a companion manuscript. Finally, we demonstrate that the stimulated cascades are spatially localized in coherent structures. Specifically, the magnitude and direction of the bidirectional KE fluxes at submesoscales are highly correlated with, and inversely proportional to, divergence-dominated circulations, and the inverse KE fluxes at mesoscales are highly correlated with strain-dominated circulations. The predominantly forward enstrophy fluxes in both seasons are also correlated with strain-dominated flow structures.
Explaining Medical Cannabis Diversion Among Medical Cannabis License Holders: A Moderation Model
Authors: Ne’eman-Haviv Vered , Paz Ron
Published: March 2024

This study explores cannabis diversion and its associated factors through the lens of procedural justice theory and deterrence concepts. A quantitative research survey was conducted among 202 medical cannabis license holders in Israel to assess the prevalence, frequency, attitudes, trust in the healthcare system, and fear of punishment related to medical cannabis diversion. Our findings revealed that 60% of license holders engage in medical cannabis diversion, primarily driven by altruistic motives. Attitudes toward diversion were found to act as mediators between trust in the healthcare system, fear of punishment, and the act of diversion. The widespread occurrence of medical cannabis diversion underscores its significance and warrants focused attention. The disparity between criminal law and practical realities necessitates policy revisions concerning medical cannabis.
The past, present, and future of research on religious and spiritual development in adolescence, young adulthood, and beyond
Authors: Hardy Sam A , Taylor Emily M
Published: March 2024

This article serves as an introduction to the special issue on Contemporary Issues in Religious and Spiritual Development in Adolescence, Young Adulthood, and Beyond. First, we give an account of the history of research on religious and spiritual development in adolescence and beyond. Although religion and spirituality have a long history in psychology, it is still an emerging area of research. Second, we summarize the current body of work on religious and spiritual development in adolescence and beyond. Most research in this area has focused on outcomes, particularly religion and spirituality as a protective factor against negative youth outcomes. Some work has also looked at individual and contextual predictors of religion and spirituality. Less is known about processes and trajectories of religious development, particularly in terms of changes in religious identification. Third, we recommend directions for future research in this area. We focus on the need for research to look at the role of religion and spirituality in positive youth development, the religious and spiritual experiences of religious minority youth, religious and spiritual challenges faced by sexual minority youth, and processes and predictors of religious deconversion. Fourth, we outline the four review papers on contemporary issues in religious and spiritual development featured in the special issue. These papers provide literature reviews on four important directions for future research.
Populism, Economic Distress, Cultural Backlash, and Identity Threat: Integrating Patterns and Testing Cross-National Validity
Authors: Manunta Efisio , Becker Maja , Vignoles Vivian L. , Bertin Paul , Crapolicchio Eleonora , Contreras Camila , Gavreliuc Alin , González Roberto , Manzi Claudia , Salanova Thomas , Easterbrook Matthew J.
Published: March 2024

Populism is on the rise across liberal democracies. The sociopsychological underpinnings of this increasing endorsement of populist ideology should be uncovered. In an online cross-sectional survey study among adult samples from five countries (Chile, France, Italy, Romania, and the United Kingdom; N = 9,105), we aimed to replicate an economic distress pattern in which relative deprivation and identity threat are associated with populism. We further tested a cultural backlash pattern—including perceived anomie, collective narcissism, and identity threat as predictors of populism. Multigroup structural equation models supported both economic distress and cultural backlash paths as predictors of populist thin ideology endorsement. In both paths, identity threat to belonging played a significant role as partial mediator. Furthermore, an integrative model showed that the two patterns were not mutually exclusive. These findings emphasize the implication of identity threat to belonging as an explanatory mediator and demonstrate the cross-national generalizability of these patterns.
Finite element analysis of different pedicle screw internal fixations for first lumbar vertebral fracture in different sports conditions
Authors: Ma Pengpeng , Li Zhenyu , Miao Jun , Zhang Xin , Zong Zhiguo , Li Tian
Published: March 2024

Objective

Lumbar fractures are the most common spinal injuries, and surgery is required for severe fracture. This study aimed to investigate the variations in motion and stress in varying states of activity after minimally invasive and traditional open pedicle screw placement for L1 vertebral fracture stabilization.

Methods

We studied a male volunteer (26 years old) with no history of chronic back pain or lumbar spine trauma. We used the finite element method for this investigation. Using finite element software, we created a three-dimensional model of L1 vertebral compression fracture. We also constructed models for four percutaneous pedicle screws spanning the fractured vertebra and four screws traversing the damaged vertebra with transverse fixation.

Results

In all three-dimensional movement directions, the open pedicle fixation system experienced maximum stress higher than its percutaneous counterpart. With axial spinal rotation, von Mises stress on the traditional open pedicle screw was considerably lower than that with percutaneous pedicle fixation, but peak stress was elevated at the transverse connection. Traditional open pedicle fixation displayed less maximum displacement than percutaneous pedicle internal fixation.

Conclusions

During axial spinal movements, high peak stress is observed at the transverse connection. Patients should avoid excessive axial rotation of the spine during recovery.
Combined Efficacy of Advanced Oral Hygiene Aids and Active Reminders in Maintaining the Oral Hygiene of Patients with Fixed Orthodontic Appliances: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Rathore Shalini , Bali Zarina , Sehgal Vikas , Gupta Rajiv
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of water irrigating devices, powered toothbrushes, and active repeated oral hygiene reminders on oral hygiene of fixed orthodontic patients.

Materials and Methods

This was a randomized, examiner-blind clinical trial involving fixed orthodontic appliance patients. Patients were recruited within six months of bonding on both the arches. Eighty patients were randomly assigned to four groups; groups 1 and 3 subjects received standard oral hygiene procedures and used manual orthodontic toothbrushes, and subjects in groups 2 and 4 used powered toothbrushes and water irrigators for oral hygiene maintenance during the study period. In addition, repeated oral hygiene reminders via SMS were sent to subjects in groups 1 and 2, whereas groups 3 and 4 subjects received only oral motivation. The principal investigator assessed the plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) at baseline (T0) and after 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks, that is, T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively.

Results

Group 2 and group 4 subjects showed statistically significant reduction in PI ( p < .001) and GI ( p < .001) scores at the end of study interval; however, the magnitude of decrease was less in group 4 in comparison to group 2. Intergroup comparisons between group 1 versus group 3 and group 2 versus group 4 were made to evaluate the efficacy of reminders. Statistically significant reduction was observed in group 2 as compared to group 4 at T4 ( p < .001) when compared to T1 ( p < .87).

Conclusion

Using powered toothbrushes and oral irrigators resulted in a statistically more significant reduction in plaque and gingivitis scores than conventional procedures. Active reminders had a catalytic effect in improving the oral hygiene.
Political theology, discovery and the roots of the ‘great replacement’
Authors: Bossen Colin
Published: March 2024

In recent years, fears of the ‘great replacement’, popularised by Renaud Camus, warning against a supposed Islamist take-over of France, have motivated White supremacist violence and resulted in mass shootings in Europe, New Zealand and the US. The author shows how this conspiracy theory can be traced back to medieval theological doctrines used to justify the conquest of Muslim lands in Al-Andalus and later refined to warrant the European subjugation of the Indigenous nations of the Americas, Australia and New Zealand. Through papal authority, the ‘Doctrine of Discovery’ bestowed a God-given right on Christian nations to take and control lands, wiping out or confining Indigenous people, to then repopulate countries at will − itself the real racial reversal of settler colonialism. The theological argument is now thoroughly secularised in law in the US. ‘A great replacement’, incorporating the Doctrine of Discovery coupled with eugenicist ideas, can be found in the works of Lothrop Stoddard, and echoes are found even today in utterances from US politicians and on Fox News.
New approaches to second-degree burn healing: Polyvinyl alcohol membrane loaded to arnica combined to laser therapy
Authors: Cardoso Carolina Silva , de Carvalho Filipe Feitosa , Gomes Rodrigo César , Gianini Reinaldo José , Fanelli Camilla , Noronha Irene de Lourdes , dos Santos Nelson Brancaccio , Komatsu Daniel , Randazzo-Moura Priscila
Published: March 2024

Second-degree burns require greater care, as the damage is more extensive and worrisome and the use of a biomaterial can help in the cell repair process, with better planning, low cost, and better accessibility. Arnica has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in skin lesions treatments and laser therapy is another therapeutic alternative for burns. Evaluate the effects of arnica incorporated into PVA associated or not with low intensity laser on burns in rats. PVA and PVA with arnica (PVA+A) were obtained and characterized physicochemically. Through in vivo studies, the effects of PVA and PVA+A with or without the application of laser on the lesions allowed histological and immunohistochemical analyzes. PVA+A was biocompatible and with sustained release of the active, being a promising pharmacological tool and confirmed that laser therapy was effective in accelerating the healing process, due to its potential biomodulator, improving inflammatory aspects, promoting rapid healing in skin lesions.
Analysis of the isolation performance of two operator’s seat suspension systems
Authors: Zhai Zhijin , Gao Guanghui , Mei Yundong
Published: March 2024

From the good isolation results of Negative-Stiffness (NS) suspension and Three-Parallel (TP) suspension, the new isolation models designed by NSTP suspension (combination of NS and TP) and TPNS suspension (combination of TP and NS) to improve the operator’s shaking and riding quality have been investigated based on a 3-D dynamic model of car. Sensitivity of initial parameters in NSTP and TPNS suspension are analyzed and optimised via root mean square of the vertical acceleration ( a wzs), pitching acceleration ( a wϕs), and rolling acceleration ( a wθs) of operator’s seat. Research shows that (1) the vertical-riding quality in operator’s seat designed by NSTP and TPNS suspension is enhanced by 54.9% and 55.5% compared to the traditional suspension of operator’s seat; (2) the isolation efficiency in the vertical direction of both NSTP and TPNS suspension is similar. However, the a wϕs and a wθs with TPNS suspension are greatly deteriorated by 48.9% and 54.5% in comparison with NSTP suspension; (3) design parameters of NSTP suspension greatly affect the a wzs, a wϕs, and a wθs; whereas design parameters of TPNS suspension insignificantly affect the a wzs, a wϕs, and a wθs; and (4) the a wzs, a wϕs, and a wθs with optimised TPNS suspension are smaller than designed TPNS suspension by 42.8%, 71.3%, and 78.1%, respectively. Therefore, optimised TPNS suspension should be applied to further ameliorate operator’s shaking and riding quality.
Do regulatory affairs, political stability, and renewable energy demand improve environmental quality? Perceptive from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation region
Authors: Nazir Musrat , Khan Shiraz , Nassani Abdelmohsen A , Naseem Imran , Zaman Khalid , Haffar Mohamed
Published: March 2024

The contemporary era confronts formidable obstacles, including environmental deterioration and energy consumption, which jeopardize the rapid advancement of the worldwide financial system. The hazards mentioned above encompass depletion of natural resources, eutrophication, and climatic catastrophes. Within this framework, the discourse surrounding strategic planning centers on institutional positioning and economic prospects, with the incorporation of alternative energy resources serving as a significant metric of economic advancement, as underscored by the COP26 objectives. This research examines the correlation between the quality of institutions and environmental quality, as measured by carbon emissions. A fixed effect regression methodology was utilized to estimate the relationship, utilizing panel data from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation economies covering the period from 1990 to 2021. The results show that if there is a 1% increase in the government regulatory quality and renewable energy, carbon emissions decrease by −0.102% and −1.125%, respectively, underscores institutions’ significance in advancing sustainable growth policies within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation region. Moreover, if there is a 1% increase in political instability, inbound foreign direct investment, and economic growth, carbon emissions increase by 0.199%, 0.042%, and 0.129%, respectively, suggesting the presence of rent-seeking conduct and pollution haven hypothesis, adversely affecting the ecological system. The study offers significant perspectives for policymakers who aim to foster sustainable regional development.
Glucocorticoid-free remission in patients with SLE in the era of biologics: Immune complex disease is likely to benefit from current medications
Authors: Oiwa Hiroshi , Suga Takeshi , Hosokawa Yohei , Araki Kei
Published: March 2024

Objectives

In addition to various immunosuppressive agents, belimumab and anifrolumab became available in Japan. We aimed to investigate glucocorticoid-free clinical remission in a single-centre retrospective cohort in October 2023.

Methods

Our cohort included patients with SLE who needed to start or increase glucocorticoids for disease activity and were followed up for more than 1 year. We investigated the rate of achievement of clinical remission off corticosteroids (CR off C), defined as no clinical score on the SLEDAI-2K without glucocorticoids, baseline predictors of CR off C, medications used when CR off C was achieved, and flare rates following CR off C.

Results

Out of the 60 patients followed for an average of 5.4 (±2.6) years, 17 (28.3%) achieved CR off C in 3.6 (±1.2) years after enrolment. Use of belimumab and anifrolumab accounted for eight (47.1%) of the achievers. Among the baseline data, male sex, recent enrolment, high glucocorticoid dose, and detection of immune complex (IC) significantly predicted CR off C, while lupus nephritis (LN) and a low C3 level tended to predict it. In the multivariate analysis, IC detection was the only predictor of CR off C. Clinical flares were observed in 5.9% of the achievers during a median 1.2 years after achievement of CR off C.

Conclusion

In the era of biologics, CR off C was achieved in 28.3% of the patient cohort requiring the start or increase of glucocorticoids for disease activity, with a relatively low rate of flares, suggesting that glucocorticoid-free clinical remission is an achievable target in SLE. IC disease, represented by male sex or nephritis, is likely to benefit from currently available medications.
Symbiotic Justice: Hate Crimes, Police Humiliation, and Layered Legal Consciousness in Dalit Human Rights
Authors: Fuchs Sandhya Irina
Published: March 2024

This article responds to scholarly critiques, which highlight the failures of hate crime legislation in delivering justice to historically oppressed groups. Drawing on ethnographic data on the mobilisation of India's only hate crime law – the Prevention of Atrocities (PoA) Act– among Dalit (untouchable) communities, the article proposes that the potential of hate crime law to create a restitution must be analysed in conversation with other social justice frameworks. In India, Dalit legal aid advocates interweave hate crime cases with a culturally specific discourse of Dalit human rights. By strategically bringing “failed” PoA investigations before India's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dalit advocates hold the police accountable for negligent investigations, while also creating collective affects of hope for survivors of casteist crimes. This process, which I call symbiotic justice, engenders a form of legal consciousness, which regards hate crime law as a creative tool that can offer new avenues of agency.
Food Choice Determinants and Changes in Hong Kong During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ludovice Nicolo Paolo , Delina Laurence L. , Perez Olivia Anne
Published: March 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted food behavior choices, including in procurement, preparation, and waste management. Although some of these behavior changes have resulted in positive economic outcomes, such as the growth of employment opportunities for food delivery personnel, others have been deemed environmentally unsustainable, such as the increase in materials used for food packaging. This study examined how the pandemic intensified the negotiations between sustainability and health in food choice behaviors in Hong Kong and demonstrated how contextual and social determinants influenced these behaviors. Public health trumped sustainability drivers during these intense disruptions.
Intraocular pressure profile following selective laser trabeculoplasty in pigmentary and primary open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Hallaj Shahin , Sinha Sapna , Mehran Nikki A , Morrill Amber M , Pro Michael J , Dale Elizabeth , Schmidt Courtland , Kolomeyer Natasha Nayak , Shukla Aakriti G , Lee Daniel , Moster Marlene R , Myers Jonathan S , Jay Katz L , Razeghinejad Reza
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) profile and the incidence of IOP spikes following selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) between pigmentary glaucoma (PG) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Materials and Methods

Retrospective comparative study of 65 PG eyes of 51 patients matched with 65 POAG eyes of 65 patients who received SLT. Matching was done based on age, gender, glaucoma severity, pre-laser IOP, and number of medications. Post-SLT IOP spike was defined as IOP elevation ≥5mmHg, 30-45 min after the laser.

Results

In PG and POAG groups, the average age was 62.33 ± 9.18 and 62.58 ± 9.19 years (p = 0.95). The glaucoma severity (p = 0.708), baseline IOP (PG = 21.61 ± 1.34mmHg vs. POAG = 21.13 ± 5.09mmHg, p = 0.943), and number of topical glaucoma medications(PG = 2.34 ± 1.34 vs. POAG = 2.1 ± 1.41, p = 0.342) were comparable. More PG patients were on oral acetazolamide (PG = 26.15% vs. POAG = 1.5%, p < 0.001). Average logMAR visual acuity was significantly higher in the POAG group (0.207 ± 0.3 vs. 0.192 ± 0.37, p = 0.012). Eyes with PG received lower laser energy (POAG = 63.65 ± 22.03 mJ vs. PG = 43.71 ± 25.68 mJ, p < 0.001). IOP spikes were recorded in 5 PG eyes (7.6%) and none in the POAG group (p = 0.058). Failure rates were similar (PG = 50.7% and POAG = 43.1%, p = 0.205). In multivariable analysis, only pre-laser IOP (coefficient = 2.154 [CI: 0.765–3.543], p = 0.003) was a significant predictor of IOP change percentage after 12 months.

Conclusions

SLT was comparably effective in both PG and POAG. IOP spikes were observed only in the PG group, though the total laser energy was lower in this group compared with POAG.
A Wolfram-like syndrome family: Case report
Authors: Li Siying , Li Xiaoxin , Qu Jinfeng
Published: March 2024

Background

Wolfram-like syndrome (WFLS) is an autosomal dominant inherited disease characterized by a single heterozygous pathogenic variant in the WFS1 gene. Its clinical presentation is similar to autosomal recessive Wolfram syndrome.

Case presentation

We reported a case of a 10-year-old boy and his family members who initially experienced hearing impairment (HI), followed by optic atrophy. Genetic testing revealed the presence of a WFS1 variant (chr4-6302385 exon8 NM_006005.3: c.2590G > A, p. Glu864Lys).

Conclusion

Wolfram-like syndrome, a rare neurodegenerative genetic disorder, manifested as deafness, optic atrophy, and diabetes mellitus. There hasn’t been a definite treatment yet. Early identification of the variant in the WFS1 gene is beneficial for genetic counseling.
Natalizumab reduces loss of gray matter and thalamic volume in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: A post hoc analysis from the randomized, placebo-controlled AFFIRM trial
Authors: Nakamura Kunio , Sun Zhaonan , Hara-Cleaver Claire , Bodhinathan Karthik , Avila Robin L
Published: March 2024

Background:

Loss of brain gray matter fractional volume predicts multiple sclerosis (MS) progression and is associated with worsening physical and cognitive symptoms. Within deep gray matter, thalamic damage is evident in early stages of MS and correlates with physical and cognitive impairment. Natalizumab is a highly effective treatment that reduces disease progression and the number of inflammatory lesions in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS).

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of natalizumab on gray matter and thalamic atrophy.

Methods:

A combination of deep learning–based image segmentation and data augmentation was applied to MRI data from the AFFIRM trial.

Results:

This post hoc analysis identified a reduction of 64.3% ( p = 0.0044) and 64.3% ( p = 0.0030) in mean percentage gray matter volume loss from baseline at treatment years 1 and 2, respectively, in patients treated with natalizumab versus placebo. The reduction in thalamic fraction volume loss from baseline with natalizumab versus placebo was 57.0% at year 2 ( p < 0.0001) and 41.2% at year 1 ( p = 0.0147). Similar findings resulted from analyses of absolute gray matter and thalamic fraction volume loss.

Conclusion:

These analyses represent the first placebo-controlled evidence supporting a role for natalizumab treatment in mitigating gray matter and thalamic fraction atrophy among patients with RRMS.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:

NCT00027300 URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00027300
Long-term outcome of percutaneous endovascular stenting in external iliac artery endofibrosis
Authors: Sharifi Mohsen , Snyder Robert , Sharifi Iman , White Emily
Published: March 2024

Background:

External iliac artery endofibrosis (EIAE) is a rare vascular disease which has been traditionally seen in avid cyclists. The conventional approach has been surgery, although no high-quality evidence suggests superiority of surgery over percutaneous endovascular intervention. There are limited data on the efficacy of stenting in EIAE.

Methods:

Over a 14-year period, we treated 10 patients (13 limbs) with EIAE with stents. These patients had declined surgery. The mean follow up was 8.4 ± 3.3 years. There were eight women. Five patients were competitive runners, three were cyclists, and two were triathletes. The mean age was 40.7 ± 2.9 years and body mass index was 19.46 ± 1.6. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) was used in eight limbs.

Results:

Procedural success was achieved in all. The recurrence of symptoms occurred in three patients at a mean of 9.3 ± 2.1 months postindex intervention. The other seven patients remained symptom free. IVUS revealed a pathognomonic finding which we termed ‘perfect circle appearance’. It results from symmetric or asymmetric hypertrophy of one or more layers of the arterial wall leading to negative remodeling, which creates a distinct echo dense structure contrasting itself from the luminal blood’s echoluscent appearance. It is identical to IVUS images of diffuse venous stenosis with important implications in the treatment technique.

Conclusions:

We conclude that stenting in EIAE is safe and effective with a good long-term outcome. It can be an alternative to surgery, particularly in those patients who refuse a surgical approach. The IVUS image is pathognomonic and ‘sine qua non’ of EIAE.
Cardiovascular manifestations of Erdheim–Chester disease: A narrative review with two cases
Authors: Wong Alan , Sharma Aditya , Ramcharitar Randy
Published: March 2024

Erdheim–Chester disease (ECD) is a rare ‘L’ (Langerhans) group histiocytic neoplasm that affects a multitude of organ systems, causing osteosclerotic bone lesions, periaortic encasement (‘coated’ aorta), retroperitoneal fibrosis involving kidneys and ureters (‘hairy kidney’), and infiltration of the central nervous system. Cardiovascular involvement can occur in up to 70% of patients and is usually found during computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging evaluation. When present, cardiovascular symptoms can have wide variability in presentation from asymptomatic to pericarditis, fatal cardiac tamponade, myocardial infarction, conduction abnormalities, heart failure, renal artery stenosis, and claudication. Cardiac involvement found on imaging includes right atrial pseudotumor, right atrioventricular groove infiltration, and pericardial effusions. ECD can involve the large- and medium-sized arteries, often seen as periarterial thickening (commonly coating the aorta) with stenosis/occlusion. Although more cardiovascular ECD cases have begun to be published in the literature, more data are needed on the outcomes of these patients, as well as how cardiovascular manifestations respond to treatment of ECD.
Additive manufacturing of refractory metals and carbides for extreme environments: an overview
Authors: Mukherjee Poulomi , Gabourel Ashlee , Firdosy Samad A. , Hofmann Douglas C. , Moridi Atieh
Published: March 2024

Refractory metals and their carbides possess extraordinary properties when subjected to high temperatures and extreme environments. Consequently, they can act as key material systems for advancing many sectors, including space, energy and defence. However, it has been difficult to process these materials using the conventional routes of manufacturing. Additive manufacturing (AM) has shown a lot of potential to overcome the challenges and develop new material systems with tailored properties. This review provides a fundamental understanding of the challenges in the processing of refractory metals and their carbides, including microcracking, formation of brittle oxide phases and high ductile to brittle transition temperature (DBTT). We also highlight some of the novel approaches that have been taken to improve the processability of these challenging material systems using AM. These include in-situ reactive printing, ultrasonic vibration, laser beam shaping, multi-laser deposition and substrate pre-heating with a focus on microstructural changes to improve the properties of printed parts.
The neurodiversity concept was developed collectively: An overdue correction on the origins of neurodiversity theory
Authors: Botha Monique , Chapman Robert , Giwa Onaiwu Morénike , Kapp Steven K , Stannard Ashley Abs , Walker Nick
Published: March 2024

We, an international group of autistic scholars of autism and neurodiversity, discuss recent findings on the origins of the concept and theorising of neurodiversity. For some time, the coinage and theorising of the concept of ‘neurodiversity’ has been attributed to Judy Singer. Singer wrote an Honours thesis on the subject in 1998, focused on autistic activists and allies in the autistic community email list Independent Living (InLv). This was revised into a briefer book chapter, published in 1999. Despite the widespread attribution to Singer, the terms ‘neurological diversity’ and ‘neurodiversity’ were first printed in 1997 and 1998, respectively, in the work of the journalist Harvey Blume, who himself attributed them not to Singer but rather to the online community of autistic people, such as the ‘Institute for the Study of the Neurologically Typical’. Recently, Martijn Dekker reported a 1996 discussion in which one InLv poster, Tony Langdon, writes of the ‘neurological diversity of people. i.e. the atypical among a society provide the different perspectives needed to generate new ideas and advances, whether they be technological, cultural, artistic or otherwise’. Going forward, we should recognise the multiple, collective origins of the neurodiversity concept rather than attributing it to any single author.

Lay abstract

This letter discusses the origins of the concept and theory of neurodiversity. It is important to correctly attribute concept and theories to the people who developed them. For some time, the concept of neurodiversity has primarily been attributed to one person, Judy Singer. We consider the available evidence and show that the concept and theory in fact has multiple origins. We draw particular attention to recent archival findings that show the concept of ‘neurological diversity’ was being used years earlier than previously thought. ‘Neurodiversity’ means the same thing as ‘neurological diversity’ and does not change the theory in any way. We conclude that both the concept of neurological diversity or neurodiversity, and the body of theory surrounding it, should be understood as having been collectively developed by neurodivergent people.
Cultural pathways to psychosis care: Patient and caregiver narratives from Puebla, Mexico
Authors: Vargas Sylvanna M. , Rivas Wilmer A. , Ryder Andrew , Lara Muñoz María del Carmen Elizabeth , López Steven R.
Published: March 2024

The current study used the McGill Illness Narrative Interview (MINI) to explore patients’ ( n = 6) and caregivers’ ( n = 3) narratives about how they identified and sought care for psychosis. Participants were recruited from an outpatient clinic at the Hospital Psiquiátrico Dr. Rafael Serrano, a public psychiatric hospital in Puebla, Mexico. All participants consented to complete semi-structured interviews in Spanish. Thematic analyses were used to inductively identify common themes in participants’ narratives. The results indicated that during the initial symptom onset, most participants noticed the presence of hallucinations but did not seek help for this hallmark symptom. Participants described seeking care only when they or their ill relative exhibited escalating aggressive behaviors or physical symptoms that were interpreted as common medical problems. As participants became connected to specialty mental health services, they began to develop a conceptualization of psychosis as a disorder of aggression. For some participants, this conceptualization of psychosis as an illness of aggression contributed to their ambivalence about the diagnosis. These results can be understood using a cultural scripts framework, which suggests that cultural norms are influenced by collective understandings of normalcy and valorization of behaviors. Implications for community campaigns are discussed.
How journalism adapted the Internet in Germany: Results of six newsroom surveys (1997–2014)
Authors: Neuberger Christoph
Published: March 2024

Based on six newsroom surveys, this article analyzes the history of digital German journalism. The surveys cover a period of 17 years (1997–2014). Periodizing the history of digital journalism into three phases, this article considers the interplay between journalism and journalism research. The results show how journalistic digital media define their role in the relationships between old media and the Internet, digital media and other outlets, and digital media and their audiences. Furthermore, the results substantiate how digital editorial staff define their journalistic identities regarding tasks, rules, and skills. During the first period (surveys conducted in 1997 and 2000), the view from old mass media to the Internet dominated, also in scholarship where the mass media paradigm was extended to the Internet. The second period (surveys conducted in 2006 and 2007) was characterized by clarifying the relationships between journalism and newly emerged outlets. These studies focused on how participative formats (such as Wikipedia and blogs) and search engines could be used for journalistic purposes without compromising quality. These new outlets were not regarded then as much of a threat. This attitude did not change during the third period (surveys conducted in 2010 and 2014). In this phase, too, the studies focused on how editorial staff utilized the ever-increasing number of social media. The six surveys’ different research interests reveal that the reviewed journalism research primarily addressed changing demands in journalistic practice. Therefore, exogenous factors (“the sector”) had a greater impact than endogenous factors (the “scholarship”) on research interests.
Multi-objective SHM sensor path optimisation for damage detection in large composite stiffened panels
Authors: Morse Llewellyn , Giannakeas Ilias N , Mallardo Vincenzo , Sharif-Khodaei Zahra , Aliabadi MH
Published: March 2024

This work proposes a novel methodology for the automatic multi-objective optimisation of sensor paths in structural health monitoring (SHM) sensor networks using archived multi-objective simulated annealing. Using all of the sensor paths within a sensor network may not always be beneficial during damage detection. Many sensor paths may experience significant signal noise, attenuation, and wave mode conversion due to the presence of features, such as stiffeners, and hence impair the detection accuracy of the overall system. Many paths will also contribute little to the overall coverage level or damage detection accuracy of the network and can be ignored, reducing complexity. Knowing which paths to include, and which to exclude, can require significant prior expert knowledge, which may not always be available. Furthermore, even when expert knowledge is considered, the optimum path selection might not be achieved. Therefore, this work proposes a novel automatic procedure for optimising the sensor paths of an SHM sensor network to maximise coverage level, maximise damage detection accuracy and minimise the overall signal noise in the network due to geometric features. This procedure was tested on a real-world large composite stiffened panel with many geometric features in the form of frames and stiffeners. Compared to using all of the available sensor pairs, the optimised network exhibits superior performance in terms of detection accuracy and overall noise. It was also found to provide very similar performance, in terms of coverage level and overall signal noise, to a sensor path network designed based on prior expert knowledge but provided up to 35% higher damage detection accuracy. As a result, the novel procedure proposed in this work has the capability to design high-performing SHM sensor path networks for structures with complex geometries but without the need for prior expert knowledge, making SHM more accessible to the engineering community.
From a Spark to a Flame: The Evolution of Diabetic Foot Disease in the Last Two Decades
Authors: Meloni Marco , Piaggesi Alberto , Uccioli Luigi
Published: March 2024

Despite many improvements have been achieved, diabetic foot disease (DFD) remains a clinical, social, and economic burden. In the last years, DFD showed an evolution of its characteristics with an increase of the ischaemic/neuro-ischaemic foot in comparison to the pure neuropathic foot. Simultaneously, there was and increased incidence of concomitant cardiovascular co-morbidities, which influences the higher fragility of patients with DFS. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in subjects with diabetic foot seems to show a more aggressive pattern, being more distal and difficult to treat. Untreatable PAD remains the unmet need for clinicians and the main risk factor of major amputation in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Authors aimed to describe the evolution of diabetic foot patients in the last two decades, describing also the current and future treatment which may improve outcomes in the next generations.
Refinement of nBCA embolization technique in treatment of metastatic spinal tumors: Case series and technical report
Authors: McGuire Laura Stone , Nico Elsa , Hossa Jessica , Tshibangu Mpuekela , Mehta Ankit , Alaraj Ali
Published: March 2024

Background and Objectives

Preoperative embolization of metastatic spinal tumors (MSTs) has proven advantageous in limiting intraoperative blood loss (IBL) during resection. N-butyl cyanoacrylate (nBCA) is a liquid embolic agent known for its rapid hemostatic effects. However, nBCA is associated with a higher risk of distal nontarget embolization. This study highlights the refinement of the embolization technique and assesses its efficacy in performing an initial distal segmental artery plug with concentrated nBCA followed by proximal diluted nBCA for MSTs.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients with MST (2018–2023) was performed. Patients who underwent preoperative nBCA endovascular embolization prior to tumor resection and spinal instrumentation were included. Baseline standard spinal angiography was performed.

Results

Sixteen patients (13 men, 3 women; 56.0 ± 12.4 years) met inclusion criteria. And 43.75% (7 of 16) had thoracic levels, 37.5% (6 of 16) lumbar, and 18.75% (3 of 16) sacral. The most common primary tumor was renal cell carcinoma (43.75%, 7 of 16). A total of 43 pedicles were embolized (median 3), resulting in complete/near complete obliteration of the tumor blush. Most pedicles (83.7%, 36 of 43) received a single dilute concentration of nBCA; however, 16.3% (7 of 43) received two separate concentrations of nBCA, a denser concentration distally into the segmental artery and a diluted concentration proximally into the tumor bed. Mean IBL was 1150 ± 1201 mL in 3 distal plug patients distal plug patients versus 1625 ± 681 mL in 12 other patients. There were no complications related to embolization.

Conclusion

Performing a distal, concentrated nBCA plug during preoperative nBCA embolization of MSTs may increase tumor penetration and reduce IBL.