bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Predictors of Adverse Events and Mortality Risk Associated With IL‐6 Inhibitors: A Pharmacovigilance Study Using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System Database
Authors: Fang Meilin , Li Jinglin , Zhuang Boyang , Liang Weijie , Wang Ling , Wang Cunze , Chen Wujin , Cai Fangqing , Ruan Junshan , Huang Zhuiliang , Jin Yishun
Published: January 2025

Aim: This study aimed to investigate post‐marketing adverse events (AEs) of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) inhibitors, and to explore risk factors for death.

Method: Disproportionality analyses were conducted on adverse event cases of IL‐6 inhibitors reported to the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) from the time of drug launch until the fourth quarter of 2023. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out utilizing patient‐related clinical information, and prediction models for IL‐6 inhibitor‐related mortality risk were developed by incorporating patient age and weight factors.

Results: A total of 63,445 reports were retrieved, with the majority of known age groups falling between 18 and 64 years. Most reports were submitted by consumers and physicians, predominantly from the United States. Tocilizumab was associated with AEs such as drug intolerance and infection, while sarilumab showed symptoms of pain and condition aggravated. Siltuximab was linked to disease progression and thrombocytopenia. The median time to AEs with IL‐6 inhibitors was 74 days (interquartile range [IQR] 10‐311), mostly occurring within 1 month. Factors such as age, propionic acid derivative, infections and infestations, nervous system disorders, and immune system disorders were independent risk factors for deaths related to IL‐6 inhibitor use (p < 0.05). The mortality risk prediction model demonstrated good discriminatory power and clinical applicability in both the training set (AUC 0.6968) and the validation set (AUC 0.7502).

Conclusion: Our postmarketing pharmacovigilance analysis revealed the types and incidence of AEs related to IL‐6 inhibitors. Column line diagrams may be useful for clinical assessment of the occurrence of death and have high clinical utility.
Identification and Characterization of Phytochemicals in Avocado (Persea americana Mill, var. Hass) Fruit at Different Maturation and Ripening Stages
Authors: Yahia Elhadi M. , González-Aguilar Gustavo Adolfo , Ornelas-Paz José de Jesús , Luzardo-Ocampo Ivan
Published: January 2025

Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is currently among the most demanded fruit crops worldwide due to its nutritional and health benefits. Despite the abundance of reports that have chemically and nutritionally characterized the fruit, information about the characterization of the fruit’s phytochemicals at specific maturation and ripening stages is still scarce. This research was aimed to identify and quantify several phytochemicals in ‘Hass’ avocado fruit at different maturation and ripening stages considering their dry matter values (∼20% to over 38%), corresponding to 10.99% and 26.23% oil content, as objective and quantitative parameters of avocado maturation and ripening. Palmitic (1.54–4.46 g/100 g), palmitoleic (0.88–2.60 g/10 0g), and linoleic (0.39–0.93 g/100 g) acids were the dominant fatty acids, showing a decreasing trend during ripening compared to the initiation of maturation (20% DM). β‐sitosterol did not change during maturation and ripening, but ergosterol and brassicasterol disappeared at the end of ripening (38.8% DM). β‐carotene was maintained at low concentrations (0.04–0.12 mg/100 g) during maturation and ripening, and lutein reached the highest concentration (6.89 mg/100 g) of all the carotenoids at 32.56% DM. α‐Tocopherol increased during ripening (up to 0.35 mg/100 g), particularly at 35% DM. Among the phenolic compounds, gallic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid, and vanillic acid reached their peak concentration (0.32–2.01 mg/100 g) between 33.84% and 36.99% DM. ‘Hass’ avocados contain significant quantities of bioactive compounds that are of great benefit to human nutrition and health, but their presence and evolution should be well correlated with properly established maturation and ripening stages.
Occupational Performance in the Discipline of Occupational Therapy During COVID‐19 at a Public University in KwaZulu‐Natal
Authors: Ndaba N. , Govender P. , Naidoo D.
Published: January 2025

Introduction: The application of the person–environment–occupation–performance (PEOP) model in occupational therapy education offers valuable insights into the interaction between person, environment, and occupational factors and how these elements influenced the strategies used to adapt and navigate the transformation of health professions education during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This study explored how individual characteristics, contextual demands, and the nature of educational occupations shaped the adaptation and performance of educators and students.

Materials and Methods: The study used a qualitative, exploratory research design at a public higher education institution (HEI) in South Africa, focusing on the occupational therapy program. Purposive sampling was used to recruit key participants (n = 44), including management, academic educators, clinical supervisors (academics), academic support educators, and occupational therapy students. Data collection occurred via the Zoom platform for 45–60‐min semistructured interviews. Thematic analysis, guided by the PEOP model, was employed to analyze qualitative data, which was recorded, transcribed, and coded using NVivo (Version 12 Pro). The study ensured trustworthiness and adherence to ethical principles.

Results: The PEOP model was used as a framework to formulate the themes, namely, (1) person, (2) environment, (3) occupation, (4) occupational performance, and (5) occupational performance and participation. In the context of occupational therapy education, particular emphasis was placed on the adaptations and responses of educators and students as they navigated the demands of their educational occupations during the pandemic.

Discussion: The curriculum underwent rapid adjustments, requiring theoretical instruction and clinical practice modifications. These changes posed significant challenges and highlighted pre‐existing gaps within HEIs, as experienced by educators and students.

Conclusions: This study highlighted the importance of supporting optimal occupational performance among educators and students, emphasizing the necessity of providing adequate resources and support. This ensures the well‐being of educators and students, enabling effective engagement and participation as they navigate the evolving educational landscape.
Pretargeted Trop-2 ImmunoPET for Rapid, Selective Detection of Pancreatic Tumors
Authors: Pratt Edwin C. , Mandleywala Komal , Bauer David , Bolaender Alexander , Chao Grace , Castanares Mark A. , Collins Emily C. , Lewis Jason S.
Published: January 2025

Purpose:

Recent clinical advances with the approval of antibody–drug conjugates targeting trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (Trop-2), such as sacituzumab govitecan and datopotamab deruxtecan, have garnered tremendous interest for their therapeutic efficacy in numerous tumor types, including breast and lung cancers. ImmunoPET can stratify tumor avidity, clarifying patient eligibility for antibody–drug conjugate therapy as well as a diagnostic companion during therapy. Slow antibody circulation requires days to reach optimal imaging timepoints. To overcome this shortfall, bioorthogonal click chemistry for pretargeting can be employed, decoupling antibody circulation time and the delivery of the radionuclide.

Experimental Design:

Here, we report the characterization of a new full-length Trop-2.2 antibody showing high affinity for Trop-2–positive cancers and leverage different site-selective labeling and pretargeting radionuclide combinations to yield rapid imaging with minimal radionuclide footprint after imaging. Three pretargeting strategies for fluorine-18, copper-64, and zirconium-89 were explored in addition to site-specific bioconjugation.

Results:

We found that pretargeting with [64Cu]Cu-sarcophagine-tetrazine yielded the best images, identifying Trop-2–positive tumors with optimal tumor-to-background ratios. Intriguingly, we found that the full-length antibody, when directly conjugated, yielded rapid accumulation, starting at 3 hours after injection, and led to more than 50% injected activity per gram in the tumor before 24 hours.

Conclusions:

[89Zr]Zr-deferoxamine-Trop-2 and pretargeting with [64Cu]Cu-sarcophagine-tetrazine are viable imaging strategies to quickly identify Trop-2–positive tumors for subsequent Trop-2 therapies.
Supplementary Table S5 from Molecular Differences in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinomas from Black versus White Patients
Authors: Mandal Saurabh , Teslow Emily A. , Huang Minxuan , Yu Yingying , Sridhar Swathi , Crawford Howard C. , Hockenberry Adam J. , Stoppler Melissa C. , Levin Albert M. , Huang Ling
Published: January 2025

Tumor mutational burdens and PD-L1 expression in White and BAA patients.
Supplementary Table S4 from Molecular Differences in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinomas from Black versus White Patients
Authors: Mandal Saurabh , Teslow Emily A. , Huang Minxuan , Yu Yingying , Sridhar Swathi , Crawford Howard C. , Hockenberry Adam J. , Stoppler Melissa C. , Levin Albert M. , Huang Ling
Published: January 2025

Prevalences of specific mutant alleles in TP53 and GNAS genes in White and BAA patients with PDAC.
Demarcation Laser Photocoagulation for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: Outcomes in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Patients
Authors: Brown Jeffrey A. , Cai Louis Z. , Sengillo Jesse D. , Lin James , Flynn Jr. Harry W.
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Demarcation laser photocoagulation (DLP) is an infrequently utilized modality for limited retinal detachments. The current study, a retrospective consecutive case series, reviewed anatomic and visual outcomes in these patients at a single academic center. Case Presentations: A search of the electronic medical record identified 10 eyes of 10 patients. Five of the 10 patients were asymptomatic at the time of initial treatment. Five patients had symptoms corresponding to retinal detachment. The asymptomatic patients remained stable without progression at the last follow-up (range 1–8 years). In 2 of 5 symptomatic patients, the retinal detachment progressed through the laser demarcation and, subsequently, underwent vitreoretinal surgery. At the last follow-up, the retina was attached in all five symptomatic patients. Conclusion: In this small series of patients undergoing DLP, the retina remained stable in asymptomatic patients but the retinal detachment progressed through the laser demarcation in the majority of symptomatic patients.
Paediatric Paraganglioma with Variant of Unknown Significance on Genetic Testing
Authors: Ong Jia Ling , Pinto Diluka , Rajeev Reshma , Parameswaran Rajeev
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Sympathetic paragangliomas (PGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumours originating from chromaffin cells, primarily in the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis. Paediatric PGLs are particularly uncommon, but they represent a notable cause of secondary hypertension in children. These tumours frequently have a genetic basis, with up to 40% of patients carrying germline mutations, including variants of unknown significance (VUS), which present diagnostic and management challenges. Case Presentation: In this case report, we describe a 10-year-old male who presented with seizures and hypertensive crisis, later diagnosed with a functional PGL. Biochemical tests confirmed elevated catecholamines, and imaging revealed a 3 cm para-aortic tumour. Genetic testing identified a heterozygous mutation in the FH gene classified as VUS. Surgical resection of the tumour was curative, with no recurrence after 2 years of follow-up. Conclusion: This case underscores the complexities of interpreting VUS in paediatric PGL and highlights the need for long-term follow-up and further research into the clinical significance of these genetic findings.
Probing for intentions: The early readiness potential does not reflect awareness of motor preparation
Authors: Gavenas Jake , Schurger Aaron , Maoz Uri
Published: January 2025

Voluntary actions are typically preceded by the readiness potential (RP), a negative midfrontal electroencephalography (EEG) deflection that begins ~2 s before movement. What cognitive and neural process the RP reflects and how it relates to conscious intention remain unclear due to conflicting findings. We investigated the neural basis and cognitive significance of the RP in a novel probe-based paradigm. Contrary to prior reports, we found that pre-probe RP buildups were not related to reported awareness of motor preparation. Computational modeling suggested that the best explanation for these results is via metacognitive access to stochastic accumulation. Reported preparation was also related to beta desynchronization over contralateral motor cortex shortly before probe onset. We conclude that the RP may be metacognitively accessible in response to external task demands but does not reflect the onset of a conscious intention. We discuss implications of these findings for voluntary action initiation and intention awareness.
The effect of public funding on long-term relocation of experienced researchers: An analysis of the Marie Curie Career Integration Grant
Authors: Seeber Marco , Cattaneo Mattia , Debernardi Carlo , Pina David G.
Published: January 2025

Scientific mobility often benefits researchers’ productivity and networks but may lead to unbalanced flows from less to more attractive countries. This is the first quantitative study to examine a mobility program aimed at tackling this problem by favoring relocation within a geographical domain, by supporting the long-term relocation of experienced researchers: the Career Integration Grant (CIG), a funding scheme of the Marie Curie Actions under the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme. The CIG aimed to reinforce the European Research Area and counter the European brain drain to third countries by supporting the long-term relocation of experienced researchers in EU member states or associated countries. We consider three yearly calls between 2011 and 2013 and explore the effect on the chances of long-term relocation at country and institutional level. We find that obtaining the grant related to greater chances of long-term relocation in the host institution (+9.4%) and country (+8.2%). The grant was particularly effective for applicants’ subcategories that typically have less access to alternative funding sources: (1) nontenured, (2) scientists from soft sciences, (3) non “returnees,” and (4) moving to nonhigh-ranked institutions. We do not find a relationship with the probability of obtaining a tenured position or on scientific productivity.
Highly Cited Researchers: Anatomy of a list
Authors: Chaignon Lauranne
Published: January 2025

The list of Highly Cited Researchers (HCR) published each year by Clarivate occupies a special place in the academic landscape, due to its use in the Shanghai rankings. This article looks at the evolution of this list, based on material communicated between 2001 and 2023 by its various producers (the Institute for Scientific Information, Thomson Reuters, and Clarivate) on their respective websites. Three main phases in its trajectory have then been identified. The first is characterized by the creation of a database (2001–2011), the second by the affirmation of an indicator (2012–2018), and the third by the weakening of a strategy (2019–2023). An analysis of this trajectory provides a better understanding of the importance of this list and the challenges it faces today, in a context where some of the key issues of research evaluation and scientific integrity are being called into question.
To See the Kingdom Through a New Lens
Authors: Foley Sean
Published: January 2025

Despite the recent boom in Saudi Arabia’s film industry, scholarly literature addressing the topic remains limited. This article fills the gap by drawing on my extensive research of the Saudi film industry, which has made innovative contributions to rethinking how we approach Saudi film and the Kingdom’s culture more broadly. Here I include interviews conducted in Saudi Arabia and Japan between October 2023 and May 2024. Among the individuals interviewed were leading film professionals, key figures in Film AlUla and other new Saudi film institutions, and a Saudi partner in Japan’s anime industry—many of whose perspectives have not been included in previous scholarly works. In addition, I discuss Mandoob and other recent Saudi films. Ultimately, I aim to provide a fresh vision of the industry’s history, its recent achievements and the factors shaping its future.
Describing Seasonal Mixtures of Cloud Regimes via “Regimes of Regimes”
Authors: Cho Nayeong , Oreopoulos Lazaros , Lee Dongmin , Tan Jackson , Jin Daeho
Published: January 2025

We propose a new type of cloud classification, relevant to monthly or longer time scales, but which inherently still encompasses cloud subgrid variability information at ∼100-km scales. Our proposed classification partitions the frequencies of occurrence over these scales of previously defined cloud regimes (CRs). We call the resulting distinct cloud entities regimes of regimes (RORs). While the CRs have been previously shown to successfully classify daily mesoscale subgrid variability via distributions of cloud fraction within distinct combinations of cloud-top pressure and cloud optical thickness, the RORs essentially represent the prevalent seasonal mixtures of these CRs. RORs thus embody the seasonal cloudiness of a mesoscale region. We show that each ROR can still be associated with more traditional cloud classifications via composites of coincident active (lidar and cloud radar) cloud views. In a first application that gauges the potential utility of RORs, we pair them with Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System Energy Balanced and Filled (CERES EBAF) radiative fluxes to gain insight into recent trends of the cloud radiative effect. The ROR corresponding to an environment of shallow convection stands out in this analysis largely because of its declining population. Our study demonstrates the potential of RORs to categorize globally mesoscale cloudiness at monthly/seasonal scales and to serve as proxies of different atmospheric states at these scales.
Meteorologically Related Factors Leading to the 2008, 2018, and 2019 Major Spring Floods in the Transboundary Saint John River (Wolastoq) Basin
Authors: Rickard Lisa J. , Déry Stephen J. , Stewart Ronald E. , Thériault Julie M.
Published: January 2025

The flood-prone Saint John River (SJR, Wolastoq), which lies within a drainage basin of 55 110 km2, flows a length of 673 km from its source in northern Maine, United States, to its mouth in southern New Brunswick, Canada. Major industries in the basin include forestry, agriculture, and hydroelectric power. During the 1991–2020 reference period, the SJR basin (SJRB) experienced major spring flood events in 2008, 2018, and 2019. As part of the Saint John River Experiment on Cold Season Storms, the objective of this research is to characterize and contrast these three major spring flood events. Given that the floods all occurred during spring, the hypothesis being tested is that rapid snowmelt alone is the dominant driver of flooding in the SJRB. There were commonalities and differences regarding the contributing factors of the three flood years. When averaged across the upper basin, they showed consistency in terms of positive winter and spring total precipitation anomalies, positive snow water equivalent anomalies, and steep increases in April cumulative runoff. Rain-on-snow events were a prominent feature of all three flood years. However, differences between flood years were also evident, including inconsistencies with respect to ice jams and high tides. Certain factors were present in only one or two of the three flood years, including positive total precipitation anomalies in spring, positive heavy liquid precipitation anomalies in spring, positive heavy solid precipitation anomalies in winter, and positive temperature anomalies in spring. The dominant factor contributing to peak water levels was rapid snowmelt.
“E la tua voce ha il timbro di allora”: Il ricordo di Salvatore Fancello attraverso la poesia di Umberto Bellintani
Authors: Marrone Giuseppe
Published: January 2025

L'articolo esamina il legame tra Umberto Bellintani e il ceramista Salvatore Fancello, amico conosciuto durante il periodo dei comuni studi artistici presso l'Istituto superiore per le industrie artistiche di Monza e precocemente scomparso sul fronte albanese nel corso della Seconda guerra mondiale, soffermandosi in particolare sull'analisi di tre poesie dedicate al ceramista, pubblicate nelle tre principali raccolte che scandiscono il percorso di Bellintani: dall'esordio di Forse un viso tra mille (1953) al mondadoriano E tu che m'ascolti (1963) a Nella grande pianura (1998), attraverso le quali è possibile seguire in parallelo sia il processo di elaborazione del lutto da parte del poeta, quanto l'evoluzione del suo complesso rapporto con la poesia stessa, che com'è noto lo avrebbe condotto a un più che trentennale silenzio.
Functioning, disability, and health of individuals with Hikikomori (prolonged social withdrawal) and their families: A systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies
Authors: Nonaka Shunsuke , Kubo Hiroaki , Takeda Tomoya , Sakai Motohiro
Published: January 2025

Background:

Currently, paradoxical findings exist regarding the level of functioning in individuals with Hikikomori (prolonged social withdrawal).

Aims:

This systematic review aimed to clarify the functioning, disability, and health of individuals with Hikikomori and their families in comparison to those without Hikikomori.

Method:

Relevant studies were searched from April 22 to 25, 2022, using MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, and two Japanese databases. Functions were categorized into ‘body functions”; “structure”; and “activity and participation’, which were further classified into subcategories.

Results:

Of the 8,181 studies screened, 24 studies with 1,769 individuals with Hikikomori were included. Twelve, three, and four indicators from six studies on depression and anxiety, three on addiction, and two on thought problem symptoms, respectively, were higher in the Hikikomori group than in the comparison group, with at least moderate effect sizes. Three indicators from three studies on interpersonal relationships were worse in the Hikikomori group, with at least moderate effect sizes. The meta-analyses showed that internalizing symptoms, externalizing symptoms, and thought disorders were significantly higher in the Hikikomori group than those in the comparison group with moderate-to-high effect sizes. Contrastingly, communication/interpersonal interactions were significantly lower in the Hikikomori group than those in the comparison group. No significant differences were observed in daily life/social life and the families’ communication/interpersonal interactions and relationship.

Conclusions:

The study limitations include a high risk of bias and heterogeneity. Overall, individuals with Hikikomori often have impaired mental and interpersonal interaction functions; thus, comorbidities of this condition should be carefully assessed. PROSPERO: CRD42022320592.
Essentials of Social Sector Expenditure in States of India
Authors: Deb Surajit
Published: January 2025

This contribution makes the 23rd part of the Social Change Indicators series in which we explore the levels of social sector expenditures across states in India.
Digital Nomadism and the Emergence of Digital Nomad Visas: What Policy Objectives Do States Aim to Achieve?
Authors: KC Hari , Triandafyllidou Anna
Published: January 2025

Digital nomads who travel internationally while working remotely with digital technologies constitute a small but increasing migrant population that has attracted significant research attention lately. Since 2020, there is also a corresponding rise of “digital nomad” visas adopted by several countries around the world to cater for this type of global mobility and even to attract digital nomads. This paper reviews the resurgence of digital nomadism and a concomitant emergence of digital nomad visas to analyze how and why they emerged. The findings allow for categorizations of such policies in terms of their heterogeneity of designs, objectives, and implications. Our findings reveal that the states offering digital nomad visas have designed their visas either through creating a brand new or an adaptive policy approach — the choice of the policy design approach explains the states’ policy priorities. Our analysis shows that digital nomad visas are motivated by three broader socioeconomic interests of the visa issuing countries which include the promotion of tourism, attraction of foreign investments and entrepreneurship, and talent acquisition through a migration policy model. Furthermore, the digital nomad visas invoke the notion of “hypermobility” and permeability of state borders in light of widespread adoptions of digital technologies in work and employment; however, there are paradoxes and contradictions embedded within these policies which manifest through restrictive and exclusionary criteria based on wealth, skills, and nationality. The paper concludes with some critical observations on the novelty of digital nomad visas as a novel migration regime.
Peritoneal dialysis in patients with severe obesity: A successful single center experience
Authors: Nyabera Akwe , Ayah Omar A , Dande Gabriela , Mehta Aadit , Lorio Alexis , Bansal Shweta
Published: January 2025

There is growing emphasis on increasing utilization of peritoneal dialysis (PD) in patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD); however, use in patients with severe obesity has still been fraught for various reasons. We aim to assess the viability of PD in patients with severe obesity (BMI > 40 Kg/m2). We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients admitted at the home dialysis center of an academic center between 2014 and 2020 (n = 99). Patients with a BMI>40 kg/m2 at the time of PD initiation (n = 9) were selected. We extracted and examined the data for these nine patients till March 2023. The mean age at baseline was 47.8 ± 12.6 year, 56% were males, 67% were Hispanic, 33% were white, and mean BMI was 43.3 ± 3.4 kg/m2. By the end of the follow-up of this report, five (56%) patients were still active on PD (mean duration 27.8 ± 4.5 months). PD therapy was terminated in 3 (33%) patients (17.7 ± 6.8 months) due to refractory peritonitis, burnout, transfer to rehabilitation facility, respectively. One patient transferred out to another facility after 10.6 months. Rates of access and mechanical complications as well as peritonitis in these nine patients were similar to center's overall rates. All the patients had elimination of uremic symptoms using incremental prescription and met weekly Kt/V targets of >1.7 using adjusted weight. Overall, patients’ weight and glycemic control remained stable. In conclusion, PD can be an effective long-term high-quality dialysis option for patients with ESKD and severe obesity. Further studies in a larger population are required to confirm our findings.
2024 British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) UK national guideline on the management of vulval conditions
Authors: Edwards Sarah K , Lewis Fiona , Fernando Imali , Haddon Lisa , Grover Deepa
Published: January 2025

Background

The management of vulval disorders in Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) clinics requires targeted approaches due to the wide range of conditions affecting the vulva. Vulval diseases encompass various aetiologies, including dermatoses, pain syndromes, and pre-malignant conditions, necessitating specialized care often involving multidisciplinary collaboration.

Purpose

This guideline aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of specific vulval conditions that may present in GUM clinics. The focus is on conditions commonly managed by Genitourinary Physicians, either independently or in partnership with other specialists, depending on available local expertise. Additionally, guidance on onward referral is included to ensure optimal patient care.

Study Sample

The guideline primarily addresses the management of individuals aged 16 years and older presenting to GUM clinics with non-infective vulval conditions.

Data Collection

Recommendations within this guideline are derived from a review of existing literature, clinical expertise, and consensus among specialists. Emphasis is placed on diagnostic tests and treatment regimens tailored to the following conditions: Lichen sclerosus, Lichen planus, Eczema, Lichen simplex, Psoriasis, Vulval high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (previously vulval intraepithelial neoplasia), Vulval pain syndromes, and Non-sexually acquired acute genital ulceration (Ulcer of Lipschütz).

Conclusions

This guideline offers practical recommendations for the effective management of specific vulval disorders in GUM settings. It is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all vulval diseases but rather a focused resource to assist clinicians in providing high-quality, patient-centred care. Onward referral pathways are also outlined to support collaborative and multidisciplinary management of complex cases.
Housing tenure and subjective poverty among young European adults: The role of rent regulation
Authors: Filandri Marianna , Pasqua Silvia , Tucci Violetta
Published: January 2025

Poverty has spread in Europe over the last decade, becoming a central issue in the political debate. Alongside objective measures of poverty, assessing the level of subjective poverty, especially among young adults, is important because of the consequences that feeling poor can have on household fertility decisions, consumption, and investment in human capital. Objective and subjective poverty do not fully overlap, and the sense of insecurity can lead to a feeling of not being able to make ends meet. For renters and mortgaged homeowners, housing costs can be a significant burden, and the risk of not being able to pay the rent or mortgage installments can affect young adults’ wellbeing and feeling of poverty. Our study investigates the relationship between tenure status and subjective poverty for households of young independent adults aged 18-34 living in 24 European countries, assessing whether rent regulation plays a role in influencing this association. Using micro-level data from EU-SILC and macro-level data on rent regulation, we estimate multilevel linear regression models with a three-level random effects specification: young household respondents (Level 1) are nested in country waves (Level 2), which in turn are nested within countries (Level 3). Controlling for income level and housing costs, we found that being a tenant or a mortgaged homeowner increases the probability of economic hardship compared to being an outright homeowner. By offering affordable options, rental housing policies can also reduce subjective poverty among young people who are not direct beneficiaries of these policies.
Canadian Men’s Intimate Partner Relationship Break-Ups During COVID-19: Implications for Mental Health Promotion
Authors: Oliffe John L. , Gao Nina , Sha Matthew , Niebuhr Lannea , Chou Raymond , Mootz Jennifer , McKenzie Sarah
Published: January 2025

COVID-19 impacted many men’s intimate partner relationships, with distressed and disrupted partnerships consistently featured in commentaries with linkages to mental health challenges. The current study draws from interviews with 23 Canadian-based men, 19–50 years old, who experienced a break-up during COVID-19. Addressing the research question, “What are the connections between masculinities, men’s mental health, and intimate partner relationship break-ups during COVID-19?”, three thematic findings were derived: (1) Virtually Together and Growing Apart, (2) Mentally Trapped, and Failing Fast and Slow, and (3) Introspections and Moving On. Virtually Together and Growing Apart describes two contexts wherein men were either challenged by being physically apart from their partner or increasingly estranged while cohabitating with their partner during COVID-19. Mentally Trapped, and Failing Fast and Slow speaks to the stresses of being socially isolated and anxieties about the future with those tensions flowing to and from men’s relationships. Featured were fast-tracked endings in terms of many participants knowing early-on the partnership was over, amid drawn out finishes wherein men’s relationships gradually ended with the easement of COVID-19 restrictions. Introspections and Moving On varied in that many men were intent on processing and deconstructing all that happened in (and to end) their relationship. Men’s learnings were leveraged through accessing professional and peer supports to promote self-growth and purposefully build healthier intimate partnerships. The study findings affirm the need for gender-responsive mental health promotion programs to equip men with relationship skills, while also underscoring the necessity for services dedicated to addressing post-COVID-19 injuries.
Bridging Gaps: Creating a Digital Toolkit to Support Pregnant and Parenting Youth
Authors: Banks Tristan , Bejster Mallory , Ramirez-Mercado Kathryn , Britten Justine , Chicojay Thalia , Bier Esther , DeClemente Tarrah , Cygan Heide
Published: January 2025

Despite declines in teen pregnancy, pregnant teens remain at risk for poor health and educational outcomes due to a lack of care coordination and access to resources. The purpose of this project was to develop and launch a care coordination toolkit to provide resources to pregnant and parenting youth (PPY) at a large urban school district. School personnel were trained on the use of the toolkit and completed pre- and posttraining surveys to evaluate changes in knowledge and confidence. Youth were given immediate access to resources via posters with a trackable, yet anonymous, Quick Response (QR) code piloted in 10 schools. Thirty-three staff participated. Knowledge increased by 66.1% posttraining. Confidence improved by 46.9%. In one month, the trackable QR code was scanned 37 times. This evidence-based practice project is in alignment with NASN's School Nursing Practice Framework and harnesses the expertise of nurses to protect the health of PPY.
Benefit Finding and Growth Among Family Caregivers of Individuals With Mental Illness: A Scoping Review
Authors: Chiba Rie , Miyamoto Yuki , Funakoshi Akiko , Hirota Misato , Hayashi Yuta , Yamanouchi Tomoko , Mitsui Masako , Inagaki Akiko , Cheng Sheung-Tak
Published: January 2025

Benefit finding is a concept that represents finding positive changes or benefits through difficult experiences. To map the currently available studies on benefit finding and growth among family caregivers of individuals with mental illness, we conducted a scoping review based on methodological frameworks. A systematic search for studies published in English was conducted using MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, CINAHL, and PTSDpubs from inception to August 2023. After screening, 21 articles were included in the review. Of these, 11 studies were cross-sectional studies, 7 were qualitative studies, 2 were mixed-methods studies, and a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Family caregivers experienced various positive psychological changes, such as becoming compassionate/tolerant and resilient, stronger family bonds, change in perspective on life and hope, acquisition of knowledge and coping strategies, and leveraging their experiences and appreciation by others, following various struggles and negative changes. Some indicators of benefit finding and growth, such as positive personal traits, positive reappraisal, good relationships with patients, and social support, were also revealed. The quality assessment demonstrated an acceptable level of quality in most studies, with a few outliers. Future longitudinal studies would reveal the mechanism of benefit finding and growth among family caregivers of individuals with mental illness.
The Impact of Hematologic Disorders on the Severity of Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis: A Comparative Study
Authors: Wang Mengqi , Huang Xiangqian , Ding Yuchuan , Ji Xunming , Meng Ran
Published: January 2025

Hematologic diseases are considered important contributors to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) cases. This retrospective study aims to compare the difference of the clinical and radiological characters between CVST patients with and without hematologic diseases. Consecutive hospitalized CVST patients with hematologic disorders constituted the hematologic disorder group, while that without identifiable risk factors comprised the control group in this study. We systematically documented the various types of hematologic diseases associated with CVST, along with laboratory tests. Clinical manifestations, imaging findings, as well as treatment and prognosis, were recorded. A comparative analysis was conducted between the hematologic disorder group and the control group based on the aforementioned parameters. The final analysis included 97 CVST cases associated with hematologic diseases and 65 cases without any identified risk factors. The spectrum of hematologic diseases in our study ranged from iron-deficiency anemia to acute leukemia. Patients with hematologic disorder showed higher admission mRS, greater thrombotic burden, and higher incidence of stroke and cerebral hemorrhage (p < 0.05). The use of batroxobin significantly improved the prognosis of CVST caused by hematologic diseases, without causing major bleeding or death during the follow-up period. Patients with hematologic disorders who develop CVST tend to present with more severe conditions compared to those without identifiable risk factors. It is essential to conduct timely screening for CVST in patients with hematologic diseases who present with risk factors of thrombosis.
Missing a Beat? Exploring U.S. State Legislative Coverage Beyond the Politics Desk
Authors: Doll Meagan E. , Hansen Russell , Moy Patricia , Powers Matthew
Published: January 2025

Existing research documents a loss in full-time statehouse reporters, inferring negative impacts on legislative coverage. However, little empirical work actually examines statehouse news content. Using Washington State as a case study, we analyze content produced by eight news organizations to examine what audiences receive as part of the current legislative reporting landscape. We find that nearly half of legislative reporting is produced by reporters working outside the statehouse beat. Moreover, story topic and sourcing patterns vary depending on the type of reporter conducting this work. Additional implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Achieving net zero carbon through construction procurement and contracting
Authors: Mosey David , Vornicu Roxana
Published: January 2025

This opinion considers how ‘net zero carbon’ can be achieved through construction procurement and contracting and in doing so (i) discusses what prevents construction from achieving net zero, (ii) considers what procurement and contracting systems can deliver net zero, (iii) explores how the UK government supports net zero procurement and contracting and finally (iv) describes how a net zero alliance (which is a collaborative way of working) operates in practice. The authors argue that (i) innovative approaches to achieving net zero carbon through solutions can be applied holistically to construction strategy, procurement, contracting and management, and also stress the point that (ii) new strategic relationships and processes play a crucial role in ensuring that clients, advisors and the construction industry can deliver net zero carbon targets in practice on a variety of different projects and programmes of work.
Creating an entrepreneurial community of practice: The Centre for Enterprise case
Authors: Jones Oswald
Published: January 2025

New universities faced difficulties in establishing a research culture following the ending of the binary divide in 1992. Teaching staff were reluctant to develop their research profiles. We draw on the case of the Centre for Enterprise (CfE) based in Manchester Metropolitan University Business School to illustrate a unique approach to increasing research output. The CfE was established to deliver practical support for entrepreneurs and owner-managers. The recruits to these projects were encouraged to use this practical engagement as a basis for conventional research outputs. Drawing on data related to publications in the period 2000–2010, we illustrate the effectiveness of creating an entrepreneurial community of practice to create a strong research orientation. Success is illustrated in a number of ways, particularly a substantial contribution to the Business School's 2008 Research Assessment Exercise submission. All staff employed in the CfE have established successful academic and administrative careers. In addition, all seven PhD students attached to the Centre during this period have successful careers in academia or private sector educational organisations. Theoretically, we add to the concepts of communities of practice and legitimate peripheral participation by identifying several factors that support the development of a highly productive research culture.
Affective encounters with waste: The role of affects in trash activism
Authors: Lepistö Ella , Pyyhtinen Olli
Published: January 2025

Previous scholarship on waste has identified lack of public knowledge as one of the greatest barriers to the success of any recycling initiative. However, informational influencing has proven insufficient, as it tends to ignore the messy, ambiguous, bodily relations that people have with waste. Waste is prone to evoke visceral affective responses, and those affects matter for how we relate to waste. In this article, we examine the role of affects in the practices of Finnish trash activists followed by means of ethnographic fieldwork both on trash walks and on social media. We show that while negative emotions like disgust were for trash activists a key impetus to take action, the encounters and entanglements with waste also sparked such positive affects as joy, pleasure and inspiration. Our analysis also shows affects to be crucial in and for the formation of ethical ways of relating to waste.
Is videoconference pulmonary rehabilitation associated with improvements in knowledge in people living with COPD? A propensity-matched service-evaluation
Authors: Cheung Ching Yee , Yam Wing Shing , Palmer Melanie D , Clarke Stuart , DC Man William , J Roberts Nicola , M Nolan Claire
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) services are increasingly using alternative programme delivery modes, for example telerehabilitation strategies including videoconferencing, to improve patient choice and accessibility. Although telerehabilitation results in improvements in core outcomes, the effect on knowledge attainment is not known. Aim: To observe the real-world responses of patients choosing to undergo videoconference PR to a matched control group choosing to undergo in-person PR, in terms of knowledge attainment. Methods: Using propensity score matching, 25 people with COPD who completed videoconference PR were matched 1:1 with a control group of 25 people with COPD who completed in-person PR. Knowledge attainment was measured using the Lung Information Needs Questionnaire (LINQ). Results: There was a statistically and clinically significant improvement in LINQ score in both groups (mean (95%CI): videoconference −3.2 (−4.7 to −1.6); in-person −3.0 (−4.5 to −1.4)), with no significant between-group difference (mean (95%CI): 0.2 (−2.0 to −2.4)). 76% and 80% of participants achieved the minimal important difference of the LINQ in the videoconference and in-person PR groups respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion, this real-world service evaluation indicates that videoconference PR may be associated with similar improvements in knowledge attainment as in-person PR, but this requires corroboration due to the small sample size.
The prevalence of hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome at a gender-affirming primary care clinic
Authors: Stein Theo , Collins Shannon , St. Louis Joshua
Published: January 2025

Objective:

This study utilized a sample of trangender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse (TGD) patients to build on emerging literature that suggests that hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome may be overrepresented in TGD populations. The objective of this retrospective chart review was to determine the prevalence of hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome syndrome at a gender-affirming primary care clinic.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of medical records was conducted with records between May 2021 and June 2024. Eligible participants were active patients at the gender-affirming primary care clinic, who were over the age of 16, were TGD, and had a diagnosis of hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome. Of 2180 patients over the age of 16, 59 patients met the criteria. The primary outcome was the prevalence of hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome in the sample, summarized by frequency and percentage. Secondary outcomes were the prevalence of associated clinical features within the sample of TGD patients with hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome.

Results:

The prevalence of hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome syndrome was 2.7%. Within the sample of patients with hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, 81.4% were found to have diagnoses of anxiety, depression, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, 50.8% had a history of migraines or dysautonomia, 39.0% had a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, diarrhea, or gastroparesis, 16.9% had history of mast cell activation disorder, 32.2% had postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, 30.5% had dysmenorrhea, 83.1% reported chronic pain, and 44.1% reported chronic fatigue.

Conclusions:

We found that 2.7% of the 2180 patients had a diagnosis of hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome syndrome. The sample had notably high rates of medical comorbidities as well as anxiety, depression, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, consistent with emerging research. The results support the intersecting psychological and healthcare vulnerabilities of TGD patients with hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome. Further research in this intersection could support mitigation of health care disparities that affect TGD patients with hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome syndrome.
Classification and Detection of Rumors Related to COVID-19 Using Machine Learning-Based Smart Techniques
Authors: Yang Yancheng , Zhai Junqiao , Nazir Shah
Published: January 2025

The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, a serious health risk, has affected information-related behavior and led to an upsurge in rumor-sharing on social media. Thus, combating COVID-19 necessitates combating rumors as well, which serves as a compelling incentive to examine rumor-related behavior during this unusual period. The analysis of the prior literature was summarized in the current study. For this, a number of well-known libraries were searched, including ScienceDirect, Springer, ACM, and IEEE Explore. The proposed research is based on a detailed overview of the detection and recognition of different deceptive news about the COVID-19 pandemic using various ML algorithms. It was found that with the implementation of the proposed approach, it is efficient to perform the classification of information into real and fake news on social media platforms. After studying different information detection techniques, various features have been identified from the literature. Then, important features extracted from the literature were used in the process of ranking. For the effective categorization of the available alternatives, the Graph Theory Matrix Approach is used. The alternatives are ranked based on their permanent function values. The current study has considered providing a comprehensive overview of the data that is currently available. The study demonstrates many methods for analyzing literature, enabling students to create fresh perspectives on the topic.