bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined DNA Analysis from Stool and Blood Samples Improves Tumor Tracking and Assessment of Clonal Heterogeneity in Localized Rectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Parigger Thomas , Gassner Franz Josef , Drothler Stephan , Scherhäufl Christian , Hödlmoser Alexandra , Schultheis Lena , Bakar Aryunni Abu , Huemer Florian , Greil Richard , Geisberger Roland , Weiss Lukas , Zaborsky Nadja
Published: May 2024

Objectives: In this study, stool samples were evaluated for tumor mutation analysis via a targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) approach in a small patient cohort suffering from localized rectal cancer. Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) causes the second highest cancer-related death rate worldwide. Thus, improvements in disease assessment and monitoring that may facilitate treatment allocation and allow organ-sparing “watch-and-wait” treatment strategies are highly relevant for a significant number of CRC patients. Methods: Stool-based results were compared with mutation profiles derived from liquid biopsies and the gold standard procedure of tumor biopsy from the same patients. A workflow was established that enables the detection of de-novo tumor mutations in stool samples of CRC patients via ultra-sensitive cell-free tumor DNA target enrichment. Results: Notably, only a 19% overall concordance was found in mutational profiles across the compared sample specimens of stool, tumor, and liquid biopsies. Conclusion: Based on these results, the analysis of stool and liquid biopsy samples can provide important additional information on tumor heterogeneity and potentially on the assessment of minimal residual disease and clonal tumor evolution.
Relationship Between Diameter and Pelvic Vein Reflux
Authors: Barros Fanilda Souto , Storino Joana
Published: May 2024

Introduction:

Diameter has been a complementary measurement in the evaluation of venous valvular insufficiency of superficial veins of the lower extremity. Small veins with reflux or large veins without reflux may indicate alternative treatments. Awareness of pelvic vein reflux is increasing. The pelvic vein diameter-reflux relationship was investigated.

Methods:

Findings of lower extremity ultrasound (US) and/or clinical conditions—pelvic pain, dyspareunia and dysmenorrhoea—were indications for pelvic/abdominal venous US. Complete US examination included renal, internal iliac and gonadal/ovarian veins. Diameters of the largest right or left pelvic veins were compared with presence of reflux. Intravaginal US was completed in 104 women, age 46 ± 11 (standard deviation) (range 25-76) years old. Pelvic symptoms were reported by 30 (29%) patients. The other patients had pelvic-related recurrent varicose veins or suspected pelvic source of lower extremity venous reflux. Positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) and other statistics at the 90-95% level were calculated relating diameter to pelvic vein reflux.

Results:

Pelvic vein reflux was detected in 54 (52%) women. Pelvic vein diameters were larger in refluxing, 8.4 ± 1.9 (5.1-14.0) mm, than in nonrefluxing veins, 5.2 ± 1.0 (3.4-8.3) mm ( P < .001 by t test). Diameters ≥6.3 mm had 91% (49/54) sensitivity and 92% (49/53) PPV. Diameters ≤6.3 mm had 94% specificity (47/50) and 89% (47/53) NPV. All veins with diameter ≥8.4 mm ( n = 21) had reflux. All veins with diameter ≤5.0 mm ( n = 27) did not have reflux.

Conclusions:

Probabilities of pelvic vein reflux were estimated based on diameters. Diameter-reflux agreement solidifies diagnosis. An explanation for contradiction between small diameter and reflux or large diameter and no reflux is recommended.
The Development of Video Game Representations of the Middle East
Authors: Al-Rawi Ahmed
Published: May 2024

This article critically explores the historical representation of the Middle East in video games until 2002 and following the 9/11 event. Using thematic analysis, we identify four main themes and discuss how this representation shifts with time, offering a brief overview of the broader context. I argue that there is a clear association between political developments and this western representation, for we can clearly observe changes from the romantic, exotic, and orientalist views of the region and Arab and Muslim figure shown within the realms of the Arabian Nights theme to a more militant figure and dangerous place due to featuring armed conflict in the Middle East such as the first Gulf War. Though not included in the discussion, 9/11 introduced a more negative and Islamophobic representation that is associated with Islamist terrorism, and it marks the latest development in these themes.
Support for the Supporter: Paternal Postpartum Loneliness and Social Support During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Murray Cunningham Sarah , McHugh Power Joanna , Hyland Philip , Casey Anne-Marie
Published: May 2024

During the postpartum period, fathers may be at risk of increased stress and loneliness, which may be offset or buffered by the provision of social support. This study aimed to explore fathers’ postpartum experiences of loneliness, perceived stress, and social support. A constructivist grounded theory approach was used to inform study design and analysis. Semistructured interviews were conducted to collect data from 12 fathers, living in the Republic of Ireland, who had an infant aged 6 months or younger. A grounded theory entitled “support for the supporter,” describing fathers’ experiences with social support, and loneliness during the postpartum period, was derived. Participants described experiencing increased financial pressure and having difficulty balancing the role of “breadwinner” with fatherhood. Participants described feeling excluded from maternity care and lacked avenues for information within the Irish health care system. Participants linked their experiences of loneliness to the lack of social support in the postpartum period. This study offers a novel insight into Irish fathers’ experiences with maternity care during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study is the first to qualitatively explore paternal postpartum loneliness and provides a good foundation for future research and intervention in this area. Findings suggest that it would be wise to promote social support from other experienced fathers, friends, family, and from partners to reduce paternal postpartum loneliness.
What Happens When Payments End? Fostering Long-Term Behavior Change With Financial Incentives
Authors: Winkler-Schor Sophia , Brauer Markus
Published: May 2024

Financial incentives are widely used to get people to adopt desirable behaviors. Many small landholders in developing countries, for example, receive multiyear payments to engage in conservation behaviors, and the hope is that they will continue to engage in these behaviors after the program ends. Although effective in the short term, financial incentives rarely lead to long-term behavior change because program participants tend to revert to their initial behaviors soon after the payments stop. In this article, we propose that four psychological constructs can be leveraged to increase the long-term effectiveness of financial-incentive programs: motivation, habit formation, social norms, and recursive processes. We review successful and unsuccessful behavior-change initiatives involving financial incentives in several domains: public health, education, sustainability, and conservation. We make concrete recommendations on how to implement the four above-mentioned constructs in field settings. Finally, we identify unresolved issues that future research might want to address to advance knowledge, promote theory development, and understand the psychological mechanisms that can be used to improve the effectiveness of incentive programs in the real world.
Is Thomas Tuchel wrong? Evaluation of hexagonal shaped drills based on machine learning and position data
Authors: Paul Yannik , Mathes Justus , Brinkjans David , Maurus Esther , Memmert Daniel
Published: May 2024

As a variation of small-sided games (SSGs), Thomas Tuchel's hexagonal shaped possession drills attracted a lot of attention in coaches’ soccer education. Changing certain variables (e.g. pitch size) is one traditional approach to provide an optimal stimulus for a specific training goal. Therefore, the presented field study investigated whether hexagonal shaped drills show changes in tactical key performance indicators (KPIs) using positional data in a controlled experimental setting. Data were collected using player tracking systems (1 Hz) in 5 versus 5 SSGs in both the full-size pitch and pitch with cut-off corners condition. At match-related level, trial duration and outcome were examined. At player-related level, the tactical KPIs effective playing space (EPS), length-per-width ratio, space control and overplayed defenders were analyzed. The results show significant differences in length-per-width ratio (attacking team), the EPS and space control (30m-zone). However, it could not be confirmed that hexagonal shaped drills are played more vertically and faster toward the goal than on a normal pitch, as there were no changes in trial duration, outcome or overplayed defenders. Nevertheless, an experimental positional data analysis paradigm is a useful approach to investigate tactical principles in high-level professional soccer.
Calcium channel blockers and Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lin Junyu , Pang Dejiang , Li Chunyu , Ou Ruwei , Yu Yujiao , Cui Yiyuan , Huang Jingxuan , Shang Huifang
Published: May 2024

Background:

The calcium channel has been considered to have great potential as a drug target for neuroprotective therapy in Parkinson’s disease (PD), but previous studies yielded inconsistent results.

Objectives:

This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the relationship between using calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and the risk and progression of PD.

Data sources and methods:

The terms such as ‘Parkinson’s disease’, ‘PD’, ‘calcium channel blockers’, and ‘CCB’ were used to search the literature published before 1 May 2023 in English databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library, for studies on CCB and PD. Data analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3 software.

Results:

A total of 190 works of literature were preliminarily retrieved, and 177 works of literature were excluded by eliminating duplicates, reading abstracts, and reading full texts. A total of nine studies were finally included in the meta-analysis of the CCB and the risk of PD, and five studies were included in the systematic review of the CCB and the progression of PD. A total of 2,961,695 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The random-effects model was used for analysis due to significant heterogeneity. The main results of the meta-analysis showed that the use of CCB could reduce the risk of PD (relative risk 0.78, 95% confidence interval 0.62–0.99).

Conclusion:

CCB use was associated with a significantly reduced risk of PD. Whether CCB use has a disease-modifying effect on PD needs further study.

Registration:

PROSPERO: CRD42024508242.
Head-to-neck screw fixation and radial head arthroplasty result in similar postoperative outcomes for low-comminuted radial head fractures with neck involvement
Authors: Gonzalez-Morgado Diego , Mendoza-Aguilo Carlos , Gallardo-Calero Irene , Martinez-Collado Pablo , Bustos-Mardones Andres , Bargallo-Granero Julia , Lluch-Bergada Alex , Esteban-Feliu Ignacio
Published: May 2024

Background

Fixation of radial head fractures with neck involvement presents challenges. It remains unclear whether the outcomes of head-to-neck screw fixation are similar to those of arthroplasty in this scenario. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate the clinical outcomes of these two methods for treating such fractures.

Methods

Demographic data, fracture type, number of fragments, and concomitant injuries were recorded. Range of motion, Visual Analogue Scale for pain, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, and Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand at three-year follow-up, complications, and reintervention were compared.

Results

A total of 14 patients underwent fixation with head-to-neck screws, and 15 an arthroplasty. Baseline characteristics between groups were similar ( P > .05). Satisfactory range of motion (arc > 100°) was achieved in nine patients (64%) in the fixation group, and eight patients (53%) in the arthroplasty group ( P = .55). The mean Visual Analogue Scale, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, and Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand were 1.2 ± 1.2, 91.7 ± 10.7, and 9.1 ± 1, respectively, ( P = .651, P = .651, and P = .155). Three patients (21%) in the fixation group underwent a reintervention and three (20%) in the arthroplasty group ( P = .639).

Discussion

Head-to-neck screw fixation and radial head arthroplasty result in similar postoperative outcomes for low-comminuted radial head fractures with neck involvement.
Management of osteonecrosis of the humeral head in the pediatric population: A systematic review
Authors: Desai Vineet M , Syed Akbar N , Batley Morgan , Wells Lawrence , Williams Brendan A
Published: May 2024

Purpose:

Humeral head osteonecrosis in the pediatric patients most often occurs in patients with underlying hemoglobinopathies, exposure to chronic corticosteroids, or after trauma. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review evaluating the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and management of humeral head osteonecrosis in the pediatric population.

Methods:

PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Scopus were screened with the terms “osteonecrosis,” “avascular necrosis,” “pediatric,” and “proximal humerus” on January 10, 2024. A total of 218 studies were screened, and 74 studies were evaluated for eligibility. Studies that reported on the prevalence and/or management of pediatric humeral head osteonecrosis were included. The systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Results:

Twelve studies met inclusion criteria: four retrospective case series, three prospective case series, one retrospective cohort study, one retrospective case-control study, and three case reports. A majority of the studies (67%) discussed chemotherapy-induced osteonecrosis of the humeral head. A total of 77 patients (106 shoulders) with humeral head osteonecrosis were identified. The overall prevalence of osteonecrosis of the humeral head across eight studies examining at-risk populations (underlying hemoglobinopathies or undergoing chemotherapy) was 2%. Intra-articular steroid injections, physical therapy, and activity modification are effective conservative management strategies. Additionally, core decompression and hemiarthroplasty are surgical treatment options.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of osteonecrosis of the humeral head is low even among at-risk populations with associated medical conditions. A variety of conservative and surgical treatment options have been described, but no comparative evaluations of these modalities has been conducted.

Level of evidence:

IV.
Qualitative Analysis Using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS and a Systematic Network Pharmacology-Based Strategy to Investigate the Active Constituents and Potential Mechanisms Against Breast Cancer in the Fruit Body of Sanghuangporus vaninii
Authors: Zan Li-feng , Xin Jun-cai , Zhi Jia-hui , Guo Hai-yan , Bao Hai-ying
Published: May 2024

Objective: To predict the pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of Chinese medicinal mushroom Sanghuangporus vaninii (Ljub.) L.W. Zhou & Y.C. Dai ( SV) against breast cancer based on ultraperformance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) and network pharmacology. Methods: We explored the compositional basis of SV using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, then the potential targets and key pathways involved in the anti-breast cancer effect were predicted using a network pharmacology approach. Molecular docking was performed with the key compounds and the hub targets to confirm the results of the network pharmacology screening. Results: A total of 53 chemical components were identified, including 4 organic acids, 6 catechins, 13 pyranones, 13 flavonoids, and 17 fatty acids. 33 polyphenols and 144 corresponding targets were found to be significantly associated with its anti-breast cancer activity. Molecular docking results showed that the core compound could significantly bind to the core target. Conclusion: The anti-proliferative effect of SV against breast cancer could be attributed to a combination of multi-component, multi-target, and multi-channel mechanisms. The key active compound of SV in the treatment of breast cancer may be phellibaumin B, naringenin, hesperetin, sterubin, phelligrin A and phelligrin C, and the molecular mechanism may be related to the key targets MMP9, EGF, and EGFR, and that signaling pathways such as MAPK and PI3K-Akt may be responsible for SV-induced growth inhibition in breast cancer cells.
Prevalence of advanced HIV disease and associated factors among antiretroviral therapy naïve adults enrolling in care at public health facilities in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Ainembabazi Bridget , Katana Elizabeth , Bongomin Felix , Wanduru Phillip , Mayega Roy William , Mukose Aggrey David
Published: May 2024

Background:

Despite adoption of the ‘test-and-treat’ strategy, a high proportion of antiretroviral therapy (ART) naïve people living with HIV (PLHIV) enrol in care with, and die of advanced HIV disease (AHD) in Uganda. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of AHD among ART naïve adults enrolling in care and associated factors at selected public health facilities in Kampala, Uganda.

Methods:

From April to July 2022, we conducted a mixed-methods study at Kiswa Health Centre III, Kitebi Health Centre III, and Kawaala Health Centre IV. The study involved cross-sectional enrolment and evaluation of 581 participants, utilizing an interviewer-administered questionnaire and chart reviews. Modified Poisson regression was employed to identify factors associated with AHD, complemented by a qualitative component comprising fifteen in-depth interviews, with data analysed through thematic analysis.

Results:

Overall, 35.1% (204/581) of the study participants had AHD. Being male [adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR): 1.4, 95% CI: 1.04–1.88] and aged 35–50 years (aPR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.14–2.88) were associated with AHD. Participants with no personal health perception barriers had 37% lower odds of presenting to care with AHD (aPR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.46–0.85). Qualitative findings indicated that individual factors, such as waiting until physical health deteriorated and initially opting for alternative therapies, took precedence in contributing to enrolment in care with AHD.

Conclusion:

Over one in every three ART naïve adults presents to public health facilities in Uganda with AHD. Male gender, age 35–50 years, and personal health perception barriers emerged as significant factors associated with AHD; emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities and enhance early detection and engagement in care. Routine HIV testing should be emphasized and incentivized especially for men and persons aged 35–50 years.
Association of vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine with COVID-19 severity and mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ulloque-Badaracco Juan R , Al-Kassab-Córdova Ali , Alarcon-Braga Esteban A , Hernandez-Bustamante Enrique A , Huayta-Cortez Miguel A , Cabrera-Guzmán Juan C , Robles-Valcarcel Pamela , Benites-Zapata Vicente A
Published: May 2024

Objective:

We aimed to review the available evidence on the association between vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine levels with worse outcomes among COVID-19 patients.

Methods:

The search was carried out in ten databases simultaneously run on 10 May 2023, without language restrictions. We included cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies. The random-effects meta-analysis was performed using the Sidik-Jonkman method and corrected 95% confidence intervals using the truncated Knapp-Hartung standard errors. Standardized mean difference and 95% CI was used as the measure effect size.

Results:

Thirteen articles were included in this review ( n = 2134). Patients with COVID-19 who did not survive had the highest serum vitamin B12 values (SMD: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.31–1.78; p = 0.01, I2 = 91.22%). In contrast, low serum folate values were associated with patients with severe COVID-19 (SMD: −0.77; 95% CI: −1.35 to −0.19; p = 0.02, I2 = 59.09%). The remaining tested differences did not yield significant results.

Conclusion:

Elevated serum levels of vitamin B12 were associated with higher mortality in patients with COVID-19. Severe cases of COVID-19 were associated with low serum folate levels. Future studies should incorporate a larger sample size.
Greenfluencing Through the Power of Emotions? Impact of Message Frames and Emotionally Matching Background Music on the Effectiveness of Influencers’ Environmental Communication
Authors: Olbermann Zoe , Mayer Fabian , Schramm Holger
Published: May 2024

Social media influencers have become increasingly important in persuading people to become environmentally sensitive. As “greenfluencers” have been studied primarily in the context of advertising, it is crucial to investigate the mechanisms and effects of their non-product–related environmental messages. In two studies, we tested different message frames, a well-known persuasion strategy, in the context of Instagram reels (short audiovisual videos), where user-added background music is a prominent feature. In a 2 × 2 between-subjects online experiment ( N = 240), we manipulated the message frame (gain vs. loss) and the background music (positive vs. negative emotional valence) and found that loss frames reduced behavioral intention via negative emotions. A second 2 × 2 between-subjects online experiment ( N = 207) replicated these findings with an older sample and provided additional evidence that gain frames should be used in environmental communication. Contrary to our assumptions, we found no effect of the emotional valence of music in either study.
The Role of Facebook in Shaping Voting Behavior of Youth: Perspective of a Developing Country
Authors: Sajid Muhammad , Javed Janat , Warraich Nosheen Fatima
Published: May 2024

This paper explores Facebook’s role in shaping the political perception of youth during the 2018 general elections in Pakistan. It also gauges the ideological standpoint of youth in Pakistan that influences their voting decisions. An online campaign has become an indispensable source for politicians to influence the masses without the constraints of distance and time. It is a quantitative study based on a questionnaire survey of young Pakistani voters. Findings show that Facebook has presumed the role of an instigator in shaping the voting behavior of educated youth. Respondents perceived Facebook as biased while expressing views and assisted political entities in manipulating the data to increase their vote bank. Though the majority of them haven’t experienced fake news so either they are not conscious or they trust blindly the information. Furthermore, respondents’ cognitive abilities are not obstructed by politicians using Facebook, instead, friends and family network seems more persuasive in determining voters’ choice. Results manifest that ideological standpoint impacts voters’ decisions substantially. There is no statistical difference in the voting behavior of respondents based on gender and/or age. The individuality of this study is that it focuses on the medium of communication between politicians and youth instead of emphasizing the social cleavages and their impact on voters’ decisions, which Pakistani scholars largely study. This study will prompt the field of psephology in Pakistan, which is largely ignored, and help scholars to move out of the domain of identity politics.
Role of Emergent Technologies in Entrepreneurial Firms
Authors: Bhatt Bhavya , Matharu Sukhjeet Kaur , Sharma Prateek
Published: May 2024

New technologies are one of the most obvious parts of the emotional change of culture in developing or developed countries. These emergent technologies offer enormous opportunities for the entrepreneurial firms interested in searching for a competing lead in business as well as pose challenges to the firms. The emergent technologies can go a long way in helping the organisations to tap the newly emerging markets with high potential. The present study aims at identifying the role of emergent technologies in influencing the survival and expansion of the business. The study has compiled the reviews of various scholars on the usage of the latest technologies by the firms to achieve a competitive edge. This is a descriptive study and makes use of the secondary data. The findings of the study suggest that technologies, such as AI, robotics and drones, 3D Printing, serverless computing, block chain and so forth have been most important technologies for the firms, as they have completely changed their traditional way of organisation functioning. These technologies enable effective and efficient decision-making and promote the growth and development of the firms. The study makes a value addition to the existing literature on the role of emergent and futuristic technologies in enabling the entrepreneurial firms to pave their way towards sustainable growth in the competitive business environment through ingenious business solutions.
Donor Site Outcomes Following Autologous Breast Reconstruction with DIEP Flap: A Retrospective and Prospective Study in a Single Institution
Authors: Fan Stacy , Kim Stephanie , Farrokhi Kaveh , Deng Dianna , Laurignano Laryssa , Box Devin , Grant Aaron , Appleton Sarah , DeLyzer Tanya
Published: May 2024

Background: The deep inferior epigastric perforator artery (DIEP) free flap is the most commonly performed autologous breast reconstruction. Despite the relative reduction in donor site complications compared to nonmuscle-sparing options, there is still high morbidity associated with this surgery. The purpose of this study is to compare outcomes and complications at our institution and to discuss potential quality improvement initiatives. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed looking at patients who underwent delayed or immediate autologous breast reconstruction with a DIEP flap over a 6-year period (2015-2021) at our institution. Complication rates for abdominal infection, seroma, hematoma, wound dehiscence, delayed wound healing, umbilical necrosis, subjective abdominal weakness, abdominal bulge, and hernia were calculated. Additionally, a prospective cohort study was conducted using a portable ultrasound device to detect postoperative changes in the abdominal donor site, including fluid collections and postoperative edema. Results: One hundred seventeen patients underwent autologous breast reconstruction with a DIEP-free flap. Forty-one percent of patients experienced 1 or more donor site complications. Complication rates were 16.2%, 12.8%, 1.7%, 15.4%, 8.5%, 4.3%, 0%, 10.3%, and 2.6%, respectively, for the list above. There was a higher proportion of complications in patients who smoked within the past 3 months and those who had a body mass index (BMI) between 35 and 39.9, although this was not statistically significant. Bilateral reconstructions had higher rates of umbilical necrosis (24.5% vs 7.8%) and wound dehiscence (9.4% vs 0%) compared to unilateral. Twenty-one patients were included in the prospective analysis. No significant changes in abdominal wall edema were found. Twenty-four percent of the patients had detectible collections on ultrasound, and these were associated with wound dehiscence and the need for debridement. Discussion: Our institutional abdominal donor site complication rates in DIEP reconstruction patients are higher than those published in the literature. Similar complication rates were identified regardless of smoking status, BMI, and unilateral/bilateral surgery. Quality improvement initiatives could be considered and implemented to reduce future complications.
Concomitantly Diagnosed Disseminated M kansasii Infection and Hairy Cell Leukemia With Review of Pathophysiology
Authors: Stanton Daniel J. , Quadri Nadia Z. , Tanabe Melinda B.
Published: May 2024

The association between Hairy Cell Leukemia (HCL) and non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections (NTMs) is well described, most notably Mycobacterium kansasii. The exact pathophysiology is not known. We report a case of a 31-year-old male with concomitantly diagnosed HCL and disseminated M kansasii infection who presented with rash, pancytopenia, and bulky axillary lymphadenopathy. The M kansasii was initially diagnosed through use of cell-free DNA detection and confirmed by bone marrow and lymph node cultures. Hairy Cell Leukemia was diagnosed with peripheral flow cytometry and confirmed via the same bone marrow sample. His HCL was put into remission with a single course of cladribine and rituximab chemotherapy; however, his M kansasii infection persisted for 6 months despite aggressive antimicrobial and surgical therapy. It was finally controlled using high-dose rifampin in combination with azithromycin and ethambutol. This case highlights the known link between HCL and M kansasii. Furthermore, it hints at potential causes beyond chemotherapy-induced immunocompromise. Notable possibilities include HCL cells acting as sanctuary sites for M kansasii to evade the immune system, and subclinical M kansasii infections causing NLRP3 inflammasome overactivation to trigger the oncogenic transformation to HCL. More research into the pathophysiologic link between HCL and M kansasii infections would allow for more effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these severe atypical infections which are the major cause of morbidity in the cladribine era of HCL treatment.
An Unusual Case of Delayed-Onset Rituximab-Induced Ventricular Tachycardia: A Case Report
Authors: Arabyan Gevorg , Hambartzhumian Raphi , Lim Anthony Martin , Quizon Marrey , Oberndorf Julia , Ghazaleh Jonathan Abaya , Sharma Dinesh
Published: May 2024

Cardiac disease associated with cancer treatment is a common adverse effect that is well-treated with appropriate monitoring. However, some cardiac adverse effects with cancer treatment are not well-understood, in particular rituximab-associated ventricular tachycardia. We present the fourth case of rituximab-associated ventricular tachycardia in a patient who is rituximab-naive and who does not have known cardiac disease history. This patient developed non-sustained polymorphic ventricular tachycardia 14 hours after rituximab was started and 6 hours after it was stopped, and after extensive monitoring including a 30-day event monitor, did not develop further significant runs of ventricular tachycardia.
Student Nurses’ Perceptions of the Role of High-Fidelity Simulation in Developing Decision-Making Skills for Clinical Practice: A Qualitative Research Study
Authors: Abdulmohdi Naim , McVicar Andrew
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The integration of high-fidelity simulation (HFS) in nursing education has increased, but its effect on students’ clinical decision-making skills and their ability to transfer these skills to clinical practice remains unclear.

Aim

This qualitative study aimed to explore nursing students’ perceptions of simulation's role in developing decision-making skills for clinical practice.

Methods

Twenty-three self-selected final-year nursing students participated in an HFS exercise in 2016. They engaged in “think-aloud” activities during the simulation, reviewed videos of their performance, and attended a structured debriefing session. Four to six weeks later, face-to-face semistructured interviews were conducted to gather their views on the application of learning from simulation into practice. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview data.

Results

Four themes emerged from the analysis: “enhancing clinical decision-making skills,” “recognition of the types of clinical decision-making,” “recognition of cognitive biases,” and “transferability and integrating theory into practice.” Simulation improved student self-awareness, decision-making skills, and recognition of cognitive biases applied in practice. Overall, students found that the simulation improved their ability to apply theoretical knowledge gained through simulation to practice. The students’ perception of the authenticity of activities in relation to real-world scenarios played a crucial role in enhancing the transferability and application of acquired knowledge from simulation to clinical practice.

Conclusion

The findings provide valuable insights into how simulation optimizes learning and decision-making skills, ultimately promoting effective care in clinical settings.
The destructive work of restoration: Fishing communities facing territorialization in Turag river
Authors: Huq Efadul , Azaz Mohammad
Published: May 2024

Urban river restoration efforts are growing worldwide. Along with restoring and conserving rivers, riverside land is slated for public recreation, property development, and infrastructure for adaptation to climate change. Riverine landscapes, embedded in larger watershed ecosystems and claimed by multiple communities, are sites of contested planning in contemporary cities. In this paper, we advance the scholarship on contestation over control and access of urban rivers and floodplains by analyzing the role of river restorative legislation and water-centered planning in managing Turag, an urban river in Bangladesh. While river degradation in urbanizing regions is often ascribed to lack of regulatory controls and enforcement, we argue that restorative legislation and interventions facilitate Turag River's ecocide by processes of territorialization. Territorialization refers to the co-constitutive dynamics of river restorative legislations and interventions as well as planned infrastructure and land use changes, which erase and displace river-based communities with reciprocal relations to the river. Riverine livelihoods and lifemaking, among fishing and farming communities in the case of Turag, are erased from planning and restoration practices, and are consequently expelled from the expanding city. Drawing on qualitative and counter-cartographic investigation of one severely polluted urban river in Dhaka, Bangladesh, we show how territorialization materializes through five co-constitutive dynamics involving environmental legislation, encroachment reporting, river demarcation, encroachment evictions, and wetland to land conversions. We draw out critical implications of how river restoration can be just and advance a riverine urbanism.
Effect of grinding media shape on the particle size distribution of UG2 ore using the response surface methodology central composite design
Authors: Matsanga Nyasha , Nheta Willie , Chimwani Ngonidzashe
Published: May 2024

In this study, the effects of truncated ellipsoids and cubes on the particle size distribution of a UG2 ore were compared to the spheres using the response surface methodology for experimental design, modeling, and optimization. The response surface methodology demonstrated that it can be useful in optimizing grinding operations. It provides lenses to see and analyze the behavior of the ball filling, interstitial filling, and % solids parameters which are complex and interactive, and their effects on the production of the desired product (−75 µm) for different grinding media. Spherical grinding media outperformed truncated ellipsoids and cubes, producing the highest amount of the desired size class (82.58%), followed by 80.41% for truncated ellipsoids and 77.07% for cubes. Spheres also consumed the least power followed by cubes and lastly truncated ellipsoids. The differences in optimal grinding conditions were attributed to different contact mechanisms, surface area, and load behavior of the grinding media.
The historical Corrente gold deposit, Minas Gerais, Brazil: Geological characteristics and a reconnaissance study of nugget effect
Authors: Cabral Alexandre R. , da Costa Marco A. , Oliveira Leandro , Hector Simon , Zeh Armin , Martins Maximiliano de Souza , Moura Pablo , Silva Marco , Nazareth Liliani P.T. , Silva Luiz C. da , Amorim Lucas E.D. , Kwitko-Ribeiro Rogerio , Araújo Glorimar D.S. , Baeta Victor A.D. , Lemos Tales de C. , Porto João V.E. , Ribeiro Jr Nelson F. , Soares Maria L.F. , Waughan Gustavo D.
Published: May 2024

Corrente is a historical underground working in Minas Gerais, Brazil, mined for gold in the nineteenth century, for which little geological information is available. Retrieval of unpublished exploration reports from the 1980s has enabled the recognition of a 7-km-long linear cluster of historical underground and open-cast workings, here referred to as the Cata Branca–Corrente goldfield. Gold production ceased at Cata Branca, the most economically relevant deposit of the goldfield, in 1844. Both Corrente and Cata Branca are auriferous quartz-lode deposits. Geological characteristics of the Corrente deposit are presented, as well as reconnaissance whole-rock analyses for Au using a variety of analytical methods, including conventional fire assay, atomic absorption spectrometry, instrumental neutron activation analysis and laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS) on pressed-powder pellets (PPPs). Corrente is characterised as a gold-only deposit. The Corrente auriferous quartz lode, hosted in the Archaean greenstone belt sequence of the Rio das Velhas Supergroup, is extensively oxidised and has conspicuous wall-rock alteration to fine-grained muscovite. The resulting sericite phyllite shows overprint by low-temperature kaolinitisation, likely the product of wall-rock hydration mediated by acidic water derived from sulfide oxidation at depth, below the modern weathering zone. The Corrente gold deposit has a high nugget effect. Time-resolved results of LA–ICP–MS on PPPs indicate the presence of particulate gold even in barren kaolinitised wall-rock phyllite.
Exploring undergraduate paramedic students’ understanding and experiences of person-centred care while on practice placement
Authors: McAteer Lorraine , Brown Donna
Published: May 2024

Objective

To explore paramedic students’ understanding and experience of the perceived facilitators and barriers to implementing person-centred care in urgent and emergency practice-based placement situations.

Aim

To explore paramedic students’ understanding of this concept and how it may be applied to clinical practice.

Methods

A non-probability convenience sample of participants was drawn from a second-year undergraduate Bachelor of Science (Hons) programme in Paramedic Science, at a United Kingdom university. The programme was underpinned by the Person-centred Practice Framework. Undergraduate paramedic students participated in face-to-face, audio-recorded, semi-structured interviews. A qualitative reflexive thematic analysis was then conducted to identify themes arising from the data.

Results

Ten participants were interviewed. Four key themes emerged from the data: (1) realising person-centred prerequisites which have two sub-themes – curriculum and reality of practice, (2) challenge of high-acuity calls, (3) developing a rapport with vulnerable people and, (4) factors in the macro environment.

Conclusion

Paramedic students witnessed moments of person-centred practice and were enabled to reflect on their learning experiences in positive ways, by working with paramedics/practice educators. However, their person-centred ideals were constantly challenged as students negotiated to work in complex, dynamic situations and in a health system under pressure.
Sperlingite, (H2O)K(Mn2+Fe3+)(Al2Ti)(PO4)4[O(OH)][(H2O)9(OH)]⋅4H2O, a new paulkerrite-group mineral, from the Hagendorf-Süd pegmatite, Oberpfalz, Bavaria, Germany
Authors: Rewitzer Christian , Hochleitner Rupert , Grey Ian E. , Kampf Anthony R. , Boer Stephanie , MacRae Colin M. , Mumme William G. , Wilson Nicholas C. , Davidson Cameron J.
Published: May 2024

Sperlingite, (H2O)K(Mn2+Fe3+)(Al2Ti)(PO4)4[O(OH)][(H2O)9(OH)]⋅4H2O, is a new monoclinic member of the paulkerrite group, from the Hagendorf-Süd pegmatite, Oberpfalz, Bavaria, Germany. It was found in corrosion pits of altered zwieselite, in association with columbite, hopeite, leucophosphite, mitridatite, scholzite, orange–brown zincoberaunite sprays and tiny green crystals of zincolibethenite. Sperlingite forms colourless prisms with pyramidal terminations, which are predominantly only 5 to 20 μm in size, rarely to 60 μm and frequently are multiply intergrown and are overgrown with smaller crystals. The crystals are flattened on {010} and slightly elongated along [100] with forms {010}, {001} and {111}. Twinning occurs by rotation about c. The calculated density is 2.40 g⋅cm–3. Optically, sperlingite crystals are biaxial (+), α = 1.600(est), β = 1.615(5), γ = 1.635(5) (white light) and 2V (calc.) = 82.7°. The optical orientation is X = b, Y = c and Z = a. Neither dispersion nor pleochroism were observed. The empirical formula from electron microprobe analyses and structure refinement is A1[(H2O)0.96K0.04]Σ1.00A2(K0.52□0.48)Σ1.00M1(Mn2+0.60Mg0.33Zn0.29Fe3+0.77)Σ1.99M2+M3(Al1.05Ti4+1.33Fe3+0.62)Σ3.00(PO4)4X[F0.19(OH)0.94O0.87]Σ2.00[(H2O)9.23(OH)0.77]Σ10.00⋅3.96H2O. Sperlingite has monoclinic symmetry with space group P21/c and unit-cell parameters a = 10.428(2) Å, b = 20.281(4) Å, c = 12.223(2) Å, β = 90.10(3)°, V = 2585.0(8) Å3 and Z = 4. The crystal structure was refined using synchrotron single-crystal data to wRobs = 0.058 for 5608 reflections with I > 3σ(I). Sperlingite is the first paulkerrite-group mineral to have co-dominant divalent and trivalent cations at the M1 sites; All other reported members have Mn2+ or Mg dominant at M1. Local charge balance for Fe3+ at M1 is achieved by H2O → OH– at H2O coordinated to M1.
Increased risk of venous thromboembolism in young and middle-aged individuals with hereditary angioedema: a family study
Authors: Sundler Björkman Linda , Pirouzifard MirNabi , Grover Steven P. , Egesten Arne , Sundquist Jan , Sundquist Kristina , Zöller Bengt
Published: May 2024

Hereditary angioedema (HAE), caused by C1 inhibitor protein deficiency, was recently shown to be associated with an increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). To our knowledge, this is the first national family study of HAE, which aimed to determine the familial risk of VTE. The Swedish Multi-Generation Register was linked to the Swedish National Patient Register for the period of 1964 to 2018. Only patients with HAE with a validated diagnosis were included in the study and were linked to their family members. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for VTE were calculated for patients with HAE in comparison with relatives without HAE. Among 2006 individuals (from 276 pedigrees of 365 patients with HAE), 103 individuals were affected by VTE. In total, 35 (9.6%) patients with HAE were affected by VTE, whereas 68 (4.1%) non-HAE relatives were affected (P < .001). The adjusted HR for VTE among patients with HAE was 2.51 (95% CI, 1.67-3.77). Patients with HAE were younger at the first VTE than their non-HAE relatives (mean age, 51 years vs 63 years; P < .001). Before the age of 70 years, the HR for VTE among patients with HAE was 3.62 (95% CI, 2.26-5.80). The HR for VTE for patients with HAE born after 1964 was 8.29 (95% CI, 2.90-23.71). The HR for VTE for patients with HAE who were born in 1964 or earlier was 1.82 (95% CI, 1.14-2.91). HAE is associated with VTE among young and middle-aged individuals in Swedish families with HAE. The effect size of the association is in the order of other thrombophilias. We suggest that HAE may be considered a new rare thrombophilia.
EVIDENCE meta-analysis: evaluating minimal residual disease as an intermediate clinical end point for multiple myeloma
Authors: Landgren Ola , Prior Thomas J. , Masterson Tara , Heuck Christoph , Bueno Orlando F. , Dash Ajeeta B. , Einsele Hermann , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Knop Stefan , Li Cong , Mellqvist Ulf-Henrik , McFadden Ian , Oprea Corina , Ross Jeremy A. , Talpes Mihaela , Hydren Jay R. , Ahlstrom Jennifer M. , Kazandjian Dickran , Weinhold Niels , Zhang Rick , Stetler-Stevenson Maryalice , Marti Gerald , Devlin Sean M.
Published: May 2024

Estimating progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival superiority during clinical trials of multiple myeloma (MM) has become increasingly challenging as novel therapeutics have improved patient outcomes. Thus, it is imperative to identify earlier end point surrogates that are predictive of long-term clinical benefit. Minimal residual disease (MRD)-negativity is a common intermediate end point that has shown prognostic value for clinical benefit in MM. This meta-analysis was based on the US Food and Drug Administration guidance for considerations for a meta-analysis of MRD as a clinical end point and evaluates MRD-negativity as an early end point reasonably likely to predict long-term clinical benefit. Eligible studies were phase 2 or 3 randomized controlled clinical trials measuring MRD-negativity as an end point in patients with MM, with follow-up of ≥6 months following an a priori–defined time point of 12 ± 3 months after randomization. Eight newly diagnosed MM studies evaluating 4907 patients were included. Trial-level associations between MRD-negativity and PFS were R2WLSiv, 0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43-0.91) and R2copula 0.84 (0.64 to >0.99) at the 12-month time point. The individual-level association between 12-month MRD-negativity and PFS resulted in a global odds ratio (OR) of 4.02 (95% CI, 2.57-5.46). For relapse/refractory MM, there were 4 studies included, and the individual-level association between 12-month MRD-negativity and PFS resulted in a global OR of 7.67 (4.24-11.10). A clinical trial demonstrating a treatment effect on MRD is reasonably likely to eventually demonstrate a treatment effect on PFS, suggesting that MRD may be an early clinical end point reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit in MM, that may be used to support accelerated approval and thereby, expedite the availability of new drugs to patients with MM.
Electro-oxidation of synthetic lignin with different mediators for the laccase mediator system (3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, phenol red)
Authors: Tanahashi Shin , Xie Bing , Teramoto Yoshikuni , Takano Toshiyuki
Published: May 2024

Three mediators for the laccase mediator system, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3-HAA), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA), and phenol red (PR) were investigated as mediators in an electrolytic mediator system (EMS) for the degradation of guaiacyl synthetic lignin (G-DHP). All the electron-oxidations of G-DHP with 3-HAA, HBA and PR in the absence of 2,6-lutidine proceeded to give the electrolysis residues in moderate yields. The significant β-β and β-5 linkage loss was found in all the electrolysis residues, especially the residue in the electro-oxidation with PR was significant. The addition of 2,6-lutidine as a base increased the yields of the electrolysis residues and influenced the relative ratio of β-O-4, β-5 and β-β linkages to some extent, that is, increase of β-O-4 linkage loss and decrease of β-β linkages loss (in the electro-oxidation with 3-HAA), increase of β-O-4 linkage loss (in that with 3-HBA), increase of β-5 linkages loss (in that with PR at 0.35 V) and decrease of β-O-4 and β-β linkages loss (in that with PR at 0.70 V). Thus, the base such as 2,6-lutidine was also one of the critical factors for reaction efficiency and reaction selectivity in the EMS. Consequently,3-HAA, HBA, and PR could be used as mediators in EMS for lignin degradation, especially 3-HAA is the most preferable because of the low applied potential.