bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bone Mineral Density and Fracture Risk Assessment in Patients of Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Jain Piyush , Parihari Satyajt , Taneja Anil
Published: November 2024

Background:

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic disease presenting in the age group of 20-50yrs and females are more affected than males. Osteoporosis is common in many rheumatological diseases and an association has been well established in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. However, there is no such robust data in patients affected with SSc. Our study aimed to measure Bone Mineral Density and assess the risk of fracture in patients of systemic sclerosis using the Fracture Risk Assessment using (FRAX) algorithm.

Methodology:

The case control study conducted in a tertiary care hospital included 24 patients of age 18-45years with systemic sclerosis and 24 age and sex matched healthy controls. 62.5% cases were antiScl-70 antibody positive, 62.5% had interstitial lung disease and 37.5% had pulmonary arterial hypertension. The BMD of Scl-70 antibody positive patients was 0.64± 0.08 gm/sq.cm at neck of femur, 0.70± 0.08 gm/sq cm at lumbar spine and 0.37± 0.06 gm/sq. cm at forearm. A significant lower T score at neck of femur was noted in cases as compared to controls (-1.91± 10 vs -0.32± 1.06, p=0.001). The mean FRAX score value for major osteoporotic fracture in cases, was 1.46± 0.61% with maximum value of 3% and minimum value of 0.9%. Whereas, for the hip fracture mean FRAX was 0.83± 0.07% with range of 0.7% to 1.9%. A significant difference was noted in risk of major osteoporotic fractures between cases and controls (p=0.017). On multivariate regression models computed to analyse the covariates of BMD for neck of femur, lumbar spine and forearm, it was observed that serum vitamin D levels, presence of pulmonary hypertension and/or ILD were significant covariates of BMD neck of femur.

Conclusion:

Systemic sclerosis is associated with significantly low bone mineral density compared to controls. The bone mass was negatively correlated with involvement of internal organs and serum iPTH levels. SSc may be considered as an independent risk factor for osteoporosis and patients of SSc should be evaluated for BMD with DEXA scan to prevent osteoporotic fractures.
Immunodeficiency 70 (IMD 70)
Authors: Gopal Manikandan , Mathew John
Published: November 2024

Background:

Immunodeficiency 70 is a rare disease and there are only very few cases in the literature.

Case History:

Young boy in his early 20’s from Indian subcontinent presented with recurrent episodes of fever, oral ulcers, loss of weight for past 3 years. Four episodes (july 2019, april 2020, APRIL 2021, Jan 2022) of fever, each high grade associated with chills, rigor, nausea, myalgia, throat pain, holo-cranial headache, painful oral ulcers over the tongue and painless over lips. Initial episode of fever was associated with leucopenia (3200) and thrombocytopenia (122000), acute kidney injury (creatinie-3.0) and pyelonephritis, transaminitis. He received 2 weeks of parenteral antibiotics and improved. Subsequent episodes of fever is not associated with any localizing symptoms or signs. No history Suggestive of connective tissue disease. Family history was non contributory.

Physical examination:

He was febrile (101 degree F), pulse rate 100/minute, respiratory rate 18/minute, tongue ulceration in lateral border, no lymphadenopathy, no organomegaly, normal sytemic examination.

Evaluation:

The patient was evaluated for chronic infections, hematalogical malignancy, Behcet’s disease, auto inflammatory syndromes like Haplo insufficiency of A20.

His complete blood count, electrolytes, renal function test, liver function test urine microscopy, blood culture were normal. CRP was elevated (58 mg/l). Tzanck smear from buccal mucosa was negative. CT thorax and abdomen showed no significant lymphadenopathy, organomegaly, evidence of infections or malignancy.

In view of oral ulcers & fever Behcet’s disease was considered and HLA b51 was sent and came negative. Exome genome sequencing was done to diagnose immunodeficiency or autoinflammatory syndromes which came positive for immunodeficiency 70.

Treatment:

He was treated with colchicine and fever subsided and leucopenia improved

Discussion:

Immunodeficiency-70 (IMD70) is an autosomal dominant immunologic disorder characterized by severe cutaneous warts on the hands, feet, and face, suggesting increased susceptibility to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Affected individuals may also have recurrent bacterial infections like pneumonia, boils, sinusitis, as well as feature of autoinflammation, such as colitis, celiac disease, and retinal vasculitis. Laboratory studies show decreased CD4+ T cells and decreased CD19+ B cells; hypogammaglobulinemia, combined T cell and B cell immunodeficiency characterized by decreased CD4+ T cells, decreased CD19+ B cells, recurrent bacterial infections, and severe cutaneous warts on the hands, feet, and face that has material basis in heterozygous mutation in IVNS1ABP on chromosome 1q25.3.
Tafro Syndrome - Mimicker of SLE
Authors: Gopal Manikandan , Mathew John
Published: November 2024

Background:

TAFRO SYNDROME mimics SLE. Differentiating both is essential for correct manangement.

Case report:

40 year old lady came with complaints of fever, insidious onset of painless abdominal distension which was gradually progressive to form tense ascities in a span of 2 months. On examination she was pallor, having pedal edema, tense ascities and cervical and axillary lymph node enlargement (mazimum 1* 1 cm). Lymph nodes were firm, non matted, not fixed. On evaluation found to have pancytopenia. (Hb: 5.3 gm%, platelet count, Wbc-3600/cu mm, 90,000/cu mm), Her LFT -alkaline phosphate -639 U/L, Hyperbilirubinemia with total Bil of 1.73 mg/dl and direct fraction of 1 mg/dl and LDH of 139 U/L. Renal - 24 hour urine protien = 301 mg.

She had malena at presentation and her Hb dropped to 3.2 gm% platelets count of 10,000. Ct abdomen showed -Mild to moderate ascites, mild hepatomegaly. Ascitic Tap of 3 litre was done which showed high SAAG and High protein. Ugi endoscopy was done which showed Antral gastritis and no feature of porat hypertension. Infective workup including tuberculosis came negative.

Autoimmune work

ANA - 2+ speckled. (1:100 dilution)

Coombs test direct - 3+

C3 = 115 (90 to 180)

C4 = 39.8 (10 to 40)

Ds DNA = 121 (< 100 IU/ ml)

Urine UP/UC = 0.48

24 hour urine protien = 301 mg

Anti SSA ELISA test - 63 (< 20 RU/ml)

Anti SM ELISA test 1 (< 20 Ru/ml)

ELISA Anti RNP - 2 Ru/ml (< 20)

APLA work up was within normal limit and lupus anticoagulant was mildy positve.

She was satifying the ACR EULAR 2019 classification criteria for SLE and SLE can have lymphadenopathy features suggestive of castle man disease. She was intially diagnosed as SLE and treated with Sle protocol and was not reposnding. Lymphnode biopsy later was done suggestive of Hypervascular type of castle man disease and intiated on R - CEP (Rituximab, Cyclophosphamide, etosposide, prednsiolone)

LEARNING POINT

1) SLE is a great mimicker of variety of other diseases and rheumatologist should be aware of the disease that mimics SLE.

2) TAFRO syndrome is variety of castleman disease.

 T-Thrombocytopenia

 A-Ascities

 F-Fever

 R-renal dysfunction

 O-Organomegaly

3) TAFRO syndrome has autoimmune manifestations that mimics SLE and it an aggressive variety of castleman disease
Managing Azathioprine-Induced Myelosuppression and Alopecia Totalis: Lessons from a SLE Patient
Authors: Rupasinghe Saumya Dinithi , Abeysinghe Duminda
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Azathioprine (AZA), an immunosuppressant and mercaptopurine analog, is used to manage rheumatological and immunological conditions. Although effective, AZA can cause myelosuppression, sometimes necessitating dose adjustments or discontinuation. While severe pancytopenia or alopecia is rare, these issues can arise. This report describes a case of severe myelosuppression and alopecia totalis following AZA treatment in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Case Report

A 27-year-old healthy female presented with an 8-month history of fever, cough with pleuritic chest pain, and hemoptysis. Clinical and biochemical evaluations diagnosed her with SLE and secondary pulmonary vasculitis. She was initially treated with systemic steroids, followed by AZA. AZA was started at 25 mg daily (0.8 mg/kg) and increased to 75 mg daily (2 mg/kg) over three months. After dose escalation, she developed increased hair loss, feverishness, and lethargy, prompting her admission to a medical facility. Examination revealed significant non-scarring alopecia, (Figure 1) but no clinical signs of an SLE flare.

Laboratory tests showed pancytopenia: hemoglobin 8.4 g/dL, white blood cells 880/[Formula: see text]L, platelets 130K/[Formula: see text]L, and absolute neutrophil count 38/[Formula: see text]L. Inflammatory markers, complement levels, and septic screening were normal. AZA was discontinued, and she was treated for neutropenic sepsis with high-dose steroids and GM-CSF. Despite these measures, blood parameters did not improve as expected. After 25 days of treatment, hair loss ceased, and cytopenias began to recover. Bone marrow analysis was not performed during the acute phase. Upon discharge, her blood counts were WBC 6,130/[Formula: see text]L, hemoglobin 10.9 g/dL, and platelets 85K/[Formula: see text]L.

Given her SLE and lung pathology, she continued immunosuppressive therapy but was switched from AZA to IV Rituximab. Six weeks later, her blood counts had improved (WBC 10K/[Formula: see text]L, hemoglobin 10.9 g/dL, platelets 289K/[Formula: see text]L), and hair regrowth was observed. (Figure 2)

Conclusion

This case underscores the need for clinicians to be vigilant for early signs of severe myelosuppression, such as alopecia, in patients receiving azathioprine. Awareness of these uncommon side effects is crucial for effective management.
Health-Related Quality of Life in the Patients of Gout, A Multi-center, Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Towiwat Patapong , Louthrenoo Worawit , Chevaisrakul Parawee , Siripaitoon Boonjing , Jatuworaprek Kanon , Upakdee Nilawan , Buttham Bodin , Dilokthornsakul Piyameth
Published: November 2024

Background:

Although EuroQol 5-domain (EQ-5D) of the 5-level version (5L) instrument has been used to determine quality of life and health utility in gout, the health utility among patients with gout flare (GF) and non-gout flare (non-GF) is still limited. This study aimed to measure the utility values among GF and non-GF patients in Thailand.

Methods:

A multi-center cross-sectional survey study was performed. Patients with GF and non-GF were face-to-face interviewed by trained research staffs using the EQ-5D-5L (Thai version) and EQ-Visual Analog Scale (VAS) instrument. Those with GF were subdivided into those who received no treatment and those who received treatment less than 48 hours after GF.

Results:

Two hundred and sixteen patients (108 GF and 108 non-GF patients), male in 90.28%, were included. The disease duration was significantly longer in the non-GF than in the GF groups (median: 10 vs 5 years, p = 0.004). There was no difference in the tophi present between the two groups. When compared with non-GF group, the GF patients significantly had low health utility (0.34 ± 0.36 vs. 0.89 ± 0.15, p [Formula: see text] 0.001), and EQ-VAS score (54.73 ± 24.14 vs. 84.06 ± 13.38, p [Formula: see text] 0.001). In a subgroup analysis of the non-GF group, there was not significant health utility and EQ-VAS score between those with tophi and those without tophi (0.87 ± 0.14 vs. 0.90 ± 0.15, p = 0.351 and 83.37 ± 14.92 vs. 84.33 ± 12.84, p = 0.738, respectively).

Conclusion:

This study highlights the importance of assessing quality of life in managing gouty patients. Patients with GF had lower health utility and EQ-VAS status than the non-GF patients.
Willingness to Pay for Human Leukocyte Antigen Type-B* 58:01 Genetic Test to Prevent Allopurinol Hypersensitivity Syndrome in Gouty Patients: A Cross-sectional Survey in Thailand
Authors: Towiwat Patapong , Buttham Bodin , Banrungsawad Naruemon , Nakham Athagran , Upakdee Nilawan
Published: November 2024

Background:

Since Thailand have high prevalence of Human Leukocyte Antigen Type-B* 58:01 (HLA-B*58:01) genotype. This genetic has strongly associated with allopurinol hypersensitivity syndrome (AHS). The national health security guideline of Thailand has accepted the association of HLA-B*58:01 genotype with prevention of AHS. The present study aims to investigate willingness to pay (WTP) of gouty patients for HLA-B*58:01 testing prior to starting allopurinol and factors influencing their decision for the testing.

Methods:

This study is a cross-sectional survey. The contingent valuation by open-ended questionnaire interview on WTP of gouty patients for HLA-B*58:01. The descriptive statistics are used. Participants who are age [Formula: see text] 20 years, diagnosed based on the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism 2015 gout classification criteria at Naresuan university hospital (NUH), and three sub-district health promoting hospitals of NUH, Phitsanulok, Thailand are included.

Results:

Two hundred and fifty gouty patients are included. The majority of them are male, 214 patients (85.60%). The average age of the participants is 64.5 (± 12.8) years. Male patients are more WTP than female patients. The gouty patients with a monthly income between 10,001-30,000 Thai Baht (THB) (288.43-865.30 United states dollar (USD)) are the WTP patient group. The results show the majority of patients (64.2%) have WTP between 101-500 THB (2.88-14.42 USD) or average of median (IQR) is 500 (300, 800) THB or 14.37 8.62, 22.99) USD for the testing. The reason for decline the testing are the cost of the testing is too expensive. Other urate lowering agents, gouty patients have WTP for febuxostat, sulfinpyrazone and benzbromarone in 68%, 67.60% and 71.60%, respectively. Average WTP for febuxostat, sulfinpyrazone and benzbromarone 1,000 THB (28.74 USD), 1,000 THB (28.74 USD) and 285 THB (8.19 USD), respectively.

Conclusion:

The majority of gouty patients are willing to pay for the genetic testing even they have to pay for the testing cost themselves which is 1,000 THB (28.74 USD). They are willing to pay if they have to bear the cost of the testing themselves. For those un-WTP, the main reason is the cost of the genetic testing too expensive, followed by lack of income/low income. The maximum amount most participants are willing to pay for the testing is average of median (IQR) is 500 (300, 800) THB or 14.37 (8.62, 22.99) USD. This study may has affected to change a health policy for the genetic testing price or to switch from allopurinol to other urate lowering agents.
An adversarially robust data-market for spatial, crowd-sourced data
Authors: Kharman Aida Manzano , Jursitzky Christian , Zhou Quan , Ferraro Pietro , Marecek Jakub , Pinson Pierre , Shorten Robert
Published: November 2024

We describe an architecture for a decentralised data market for applications in which agents are incentivised to collaborate to crowd-source their data. The architecture is designed to reward data that furthers the market's collective goal, and distributes reward fairly to all those that contribute with their data. We show that the architecture is resilient to
Sybil
,
wormhole
, and
data poisoning
attacks. In order to evaluate the resilience of the architecture, we characterise its breakdown points for various adversarial threat models in an automotive use case.
Excess Mortality Estimation
Authors: Wakefield Jon , Knutson Victoria
Published: November 2024

Estimating the mortality associated with a specific mortality crisis event (for example, a pandemic, natural disaster, or conflict) is clearly an important public health undertaking. In many situations, deaths may be directly or indirectly attributable to the mortality crisis event, and both contributions may be of interest. The totality of the mortality impact on the population (direct and indirect deaths) includes the knock-on effects of the event, such as a breakdown of the health care system, or increased mortality due to shortages of resources. Unfortunately, estimating the deaths directly attributable to the event is frequently problematic. Hence, the excess mortality, defined as the difference between the observed mortality and that which would have occurred in the absence of the crisis event, is an estimation target. If the region of interest contains a functioning vital registration system, so that the mortality is fully observed and reliable, then the only modeling required is to produce the expected deaths counts, but this is a nontrivial exercise. In low- and middle-income countries it is common for there to be incomplete (or nonexistent) mortality data, and one must then use additional data and/or modeling, including predicting mortality using auxiliary variables. We describe and review each of these aspects, give examples of excess mortality studies, and provide a case study on excess mortality across states of the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unraveling the Complex Temperature-Dependent Performance and Degradation of Li-Ion Batteries with Silicon-Graphite Composite Anodes
Authors: Feinauer Max , Wohlfahrt-Mehrens Margret , Hölzle Markus , Waldmann Thomas
Published: November 2024

Competing effects of graphite and Si result in a complex temperature dependent performance and degradation of Li-ion batteries with Si-graphite composite anodes. This study examines the influence of varying the Si content (0 to 20.8 wt%) in Si-graphite composite anodes with consistent areal capacity and N/P ratio in full cells containing NMC622 cathodes. One hundred pilot-scale double-layer pouch cells were built and cycle aged in the temperature range from −10 to 55 °C. Electrochemical characterization demonstrated that increasing Si contents enhance capacity and mitigate internal resistance at low temperatures. On the other hand, high Si contents decrease charge-discharge energy efficiency and cycle life, particularly at elevated temperatures. Post-mortem analysis of aged electrodes, including physico-chemical characterization (scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, thickness measurements) and cell reconstruction revealed significant solid electrolyte interphase growth and increased loss of active material in anodes with high Si content. The optimum temperature for longest cycle life as derived from Arrhenius plots decreased from 30 °C for graphite anodes to 10 °C for cells with moderate Si content up to 5.8 wt%. These findings allow the design of optimized cells by balancing the Si content versus operating temperature in order to achieve lowest cell aging.
Temperature and Preparation Time Intervals on Survival of Opisthorchis viverrini Metacercariae in Pickled Fish (Pla‐som)
Authors: Senasri Naiyana , Chumnanka Nattiya , Talkul Wiboonsuk
Published: November 2024

This study involved two series of independent trials that investigated the storage temperature and time of raw fish to eliminate Opisthorchis viverrini metacercarial infection in Thai pickled fish. A total of 330 healthy silver barb fishes (30‐day posthatch) were infected with O. viverrini cercariae at an inoculation ratio of 50 cercariae/fish. After infection, the fish was reared for 3 months. The first trial was to evaluate the effect of fish storage temperature in the recovery from O. viverrini metacercariae. The infected fishes were randomly divided into five groups and stored at −20°C, 2°C, 4°C, and 8°C or room temperature (as a control) for 24 h. The results showed that at a storage temperature of −20°C, the fish initially had a reduced recovery rate from O. viverrini metacercariae. The second trial investigated the storage time for the recovery of infected fish stored at −20°C for 18, 24, 36, 48, or 60 h and used room temperature as a control group. The results revealed that storing infected fish at −20°C for 48 and 60 h had the lowest recovery rate from O. viverrini metacercariae at 0.00%. In conclusion, storing infected fish at a temperature of −20°C for a period of 48 h or longer could restrict the O. viverrini metacercaria recovery rate. These results were recommended as suitable conditions for the preparation of Pla‐som to avoid O. viverrini metacercaria contamination.
Advancements in B‐Cell Non‐Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: From Signaling Pathways to Targeted Therapies
Authors: Alfaifi Abdullah , Bahashwan Salem , Alsaadi Mohammed , Ageel Ali H. , Ahmed Hamzah H. , Fatima Kaneez , Malhan Hafiz , Qadri Ishtiaq , Almehdar Hussein
Published: November 2024

Lymphoma is the sixth most prevalent cancer globally. Non‐Hodgkin’s lymphomas are the majority group of lymphomas, with B cells accounting for approximately 95% of these lymphomas. A key feature of B‐cell lymphoma is the functional perturbations of essential biological pathways caused by genetic aberrations. These lead to atypical gene expression, providing cells with a selective growth advantage. Molecular analysis reveals that each lymphoma subtype has unique molecular mutations, which pose challenges in disease management and treatment. Substantial efforts over the last decade have led to the integration of this information into clinical applications, resulting in crucial insights into clinical diagnosis and targeted therapies. However, with the growing need for more effective medication development, we anticipate a deeper understanding of signaling pathways and their interactions to emerge. This review aims to demonstrate how the BCR, specific signaling pathways like PI3K/AKT/mTOR, NF‐kB, and JAK/STAT are diverse in common types of B‐cell lymphoma. Furthermore, it offers a detailed examination of each pathway and a synopsis of the approved or in‐development targeted therapies. In conclusion, finding the activated signaling pathways is crucial for developing effective treatment plans to improve the prognosis of patients with relapsed or refractory lymphoma.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02180724, NCT02029443, NCT02477696, NCT03836261, NCT02343120, NCT04440059, NCT01882803, NCT01258998, NCT01742988, NCT02055820, NCT02285062, NCT01855750, NCT03422679, NCT01897571
Geotechnical Properties of Residual Diyarbakir Basaltic Clay in Turkey
Authors: Akyıldız Mehmet Hayrullah , Yar İlknur
Published: November 2024

Diyarbakir province mean rock formation is basaltic due to its location. Basaltic parent rocks release much silt or clay when imposed to chemical or physical weathering. The soils are residual in origin. In other words, they formed in situ where the basaltic parent rocks exist. They were not transported by means of wind or water. In this research, firstly, the properties of Diyarbakir basaltic clays were investigated from literature. After that, one soil sample from Kayapinar vicinity has been taken to laboratory to find index properties. The values from two different locations which are obtained from literature and values which are obtained from laboratory were compared. The results indicated that the three samples from different locations showed roughly the same index properties. As per the results, the clay is high plastic (CH), and it has swelling potential. In this thesis, design parameters of posttensioned slabs on ground under different climatic scenarios were found. The widely used method for slabs on ground under swelling soils is the Post‐Tensioning Institute (PTI) method. In order to use this method, Thornthwaite moisture index is required. This index is used in geotechnical engineering to identify moisture flux boundary conditions for unsaturated soils and depth of active zone for expansive soils. This index has been found using water balance sheet tables for Diyarbakir. So as to find the future moisture index, water balance sheet tables have been formed finding the climate projection data for Turkey in literature. In this way, five moisture index values of Diyarbakir have been found for the current situation and with regard to representative concentration pathway (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) scenarios for 2050. The parameters for the maximum differential swell (em) and the angular moisture change index (ym) for design procedure according to the PTI method were found for each moisture index. Results showed that the ym and em values increased when the Thornthwaite moisture index is reduced. Also results showed that the slab thickness is increased when moisture index is reduced. Considering the moisture index parameters for future values, Diyarbakir is likely to face arid climates in the future.
Stability and Adaptability of Triticale (Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus) Varieties Across Environmental Conditions in the Highlands of Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Simion Dojamo Tariku , Markos Takiso Selamawit , Lema Tessema Melese
Published: November 2024

Triticale combines the yield and quality of wheat with the disease resistance of rye. To choose stable and reasonably high‐yielding varieties and to estimate the degree of variation and environmental interactions, five triticale varieties and one local check were assessed at Dita, Chencha, Bonke, and Kamba localities during 2020 and 2021 in Gamo, South Ethiopia. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), the additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model, and interaction principal component analysis (IPCA1 and IPCA2) indicated significant (p ≤ 0.01) differences between habitats, varieties, and their interactions. The contributions of IPCAs 1 and 2 to the overall variety by environment interaction were substantial (p ≤ 0.01) and accounted for 67.3% and 18.1%, respectively. The average grain yield of the varieties Sinan (4085 kg·ha−1) and Dersolign (4081 kg·ha−1) performed better than those of the other varieties without significantly varying, and Minet (3614 kg·ha−1) was next. The Models demonstrated that Dersolign and Minet were stable and recommended for production in a variety of environments with IPCA values close to zero, low (GSI), low AMMI stability value, and high mean grain yield throughout the environments. Dersolign and Minet are hence for broad production due to their high inflexibility.
What Is the Cost: Financial Toxicity and Screening Fatigue in Li–Fraumeni Syndrome
Authors: Underkofler Kaylee A. , Thomas Martha H. , Erickson Sarah H. , Panzer Alayna A. , Fitzgibbon Kara S. , Ring Kari L.
Published: November 2024

Patients with Li–Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) are recommended to follow a comprehensive surveillance protocol, but the demanding nature may limit adherence. We sought to identify barriers to adherence and to determine whether screening fatigue and financial hardship are contributors. A 39-item online survey was developed and distributed to patients presenting to a LFS clinic between 2017 and 2022. Of the 39 patients eligible, 20 responded to the survey (51%). Of the respondents, 75% reported they do not skip surveillance tests; however, this was not consistent when asked about specific tests, with only 65% and 40% up to date with colonoscopy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy, respectively. Hundred percent of those diagnosed within the last 5 years said they never skip tests, whereas only 50% of those diagnosed more than 5 years ago reported the same (P = 0.01). Barriers to adherence were reported by 85% and most commonly included finances (40%), time (25%), and difficulty scheduling (25%). Only 21% felt no financial stress, and 63% worried at least somewhat about their future financial situation because of LFS. Even with insurance, 65% felt their share of healthcare costs was too high. Adherence to rigorous cancer surveillance is imperfect and decreases over time among patients with LFS. Whereas number of tests was not a commonly cited barrier, time and difficulty scheduling were common and may contribute to screening fatigue. The degree of financial stress in the affluent population studied should raise even greater concern about financial strain in the LFS population in general.

Prevention Relevance: Li–Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) essentially guarantees a cancer diagnosis in an affected individual’s lifetime. Findings of this study reveal a difficulty for patients with LFS to adhere to recommended rigorous surveillance protocols and question how identified barriers can be broken down to reduce the morbidity and mortality of LFS.
Figure 2 from Region-Based Analyses of Existing Genome-Wide Association Studies Identifies Novel Potential Genetic Susceptibility Regions for Glioma
Authors: Alpen Karen , Maclnnis Robert J. , Vajdic Claire M. , Lai John , Dowty James G. , Koh Eng-Siew , Hovey Elizabeth , Harrup Rosemary , Nguyen Tuong L. , Li Shuai , Joseph David , Benke Geza , Dugué Pierre-Antoine , Southey Melissa C. , Giles Graham G. , Nowak Anna K. , Drummond Katharine J. , Schmidt Daniel F. , Hopper John L. , Kapuscinski Miroslaw K. , Makalic Enes
Published: November 2024

DEPTH results for chromosome 1. Visualization of the DEPTH posterior log-odds in favor of association (PLO) score on the UCSC genome browser (https://genome.ucsc.edu/) for chromosome 1 for GICC (blue), AGOG (orange), and GliomaScan (green). The arrows mark the 1p36.21 PRDM2 gene region, which reported PLO > 2.0 for all-glioma male data for all three studies.
Gender-Specific Differences in Urethral Swabs: A Retrospective Single-Centre Analysis
Authors: Raude Katharina , Röbel Claudia , Schmidt Stefan , Stolzenburg Jens-Uwe , Beverungen Henrike
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the rise globally, yet accurate data regarding infection rates remain scarce. There is the assumption that STIs among women with chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs) have been underestimated. This may arise from the reliance on specialised cultivation or nucleic acid amplification techniques for detection, which are more costly than standard urine culture and are typically only conducted by specialists like urologists. Methods: A retrospective, observational, single-centre study using medical records of patients who received a urethral swab in a German urological practice in the past 5 years has been conducted. Results: 55% of patients had a STI requiring treatment. People with recurrent UTIs had a STI in 35% of the cases. Younger age is associated with the detection of STIs. The female gender is significantly associated with a positive swab result. Conclusion: Distinguishing between cystitis and urethritis, particularly in women with recurrent UTIs experiencing dysuria, presents a clinical challenge. The prevalence of asymptomatic infections suggests that the true burden of urethritis, particularly STIs, may be substantially higher in the general population than currently reported. This underscores the urgency of establishing guidelines for referral and diagnostic evaluation as delayed or inadequate treatment may contribute to escalating infection rates and antibiotic resistance.
O estabelecimento da Tipografia Hennies Irmãos em São Paulo: um estudo de caso pela perspectiva historiográfica
Authors: Piaia Jade Samara
Published: November 2024

This article reviews historiographical methods applied to typography in Brazil, as well as more recent literature on graphic memory and microhistory as part of historiography. Intending to elucidate the history of the Hennies Brothers Letterpress Printing Shop in São Paulo this research, whose methodology cross-references different data sources and reduces the scale of observation, focused on the shop’s foundational years and the social relations through which it became part of the São Paulo letterpress printing sphere. These relations reveal, through printed materials and documents, an intense contact with immigrant communities that settled in São Paulo, distinct corporate compositions, typographers skilled in several languages, international contacts with graphic material suppliers and type foundries. The resulting narrative, which addresses the early trajectory of the Hennies Brothers—between 1891 and 1899—, was used as a case study to demonstrate methodological procedures as possibilities for revealingdeeper aspects in historical research, contributing to a reflection on historiographical work in typography.
Abstração, expropriação, antecipação: nota genealógica sobre as visões maquínicas da gestualidade
Authors: Lissovsky Mauricio , Bruno Fernanda , Vidal Junior Icaro Ferraz
Published: November 2024

Este artigo propõe uma genealogia das visões maquínicas da gestualidade. O texto está estruturado em três partes. A primeira descreve como a reprodutibilidade técnica da imagem é posta a serviço da reduplicação do gesto, de sua abstração e de sua apropriação em diversos domínios. A segunda parte demonstra que a matriz do modelo técnico contemporâneo, voltada para a predição dos comportamentos, já estava parcialmente definida pela cibernética. Finalmente, a última parte analisa os dispositivos de visão computacional baseados na detecção automática de gestos e movimentos voltados para a predição e o controle da conduta. Esse percurso genealógico evidencia dois vetores de transformação: uma progressiva abstração e expropriação dos gestos pela imagem técnica e um relativo apagamento da identidade e da subjetividade à medida que o viés preditivo da imagem técnica é reforçado.
Description of a new species of the genus Archaeoglenes Broun, 1893 (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae, Phrenapatinae) from the Ryukyus, Japan, with ecological insights
Authors: YANAGI TAKEHARU , AKITA KATSUMI
Published: November 2024

A new species, Archaeoglenes fujikawai sp. nov. (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae, Phrenapatinae), is described and illustrated from Okinawa-jima and Amami-ôshima Islands in the Ryukyu Archipelago. The present paper consistutes the first contribution to the Japanese members of the genus Archaeoglenes Broun, 1893 in about 40 years. Field surveys indicate that species within this genus have a strong ecological association with brown rot fungi.
On the taxonomy of the genus Lethe Hübner (Lepidoptera, Papilionoidea, Nymphalidae, Satyrinae) with description of a new species
Authors: HUANG SI-YAO , LANG SONG-YUN , MÜLLER GÜNTER C.
Published: November 2024

New information on the genus Lethe is presented. A new species of the Lethe tristigmata-complex, L. sunglam sp. nov. is described from Mt. Fansipan, northern Vietnam. The individual variation of Lethe jianqingi Lang, 2016 is discussed and its female is reported for the first time and compared with the related taxa. Lethe lyncus de Nicéville, 1897 is found to be a good species different from the related congeners, and L. wui H. Huang, 1999 was synonymized with it (syn. nov.). Adults and male genitalia of the aforementioned taxa and related ones as well are illustrated.
Clinicopathologic Features of Oral Verrucous Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Duncan Steven , Finegersh Andrey , Orosco Ryan K. , Wu Nathaniel , Brumund Kevin T. , Califano Joseph A. , Coffey Charles S. , Moss William J.
Published: November 2024

Objective:

To further characterize the clinicopathologic features of oral verrucous carcinoma.

Methods:

In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review of the Medline, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane databases was performed in search of articles evaluating clinicopathologic features of oral verrucous carcinoma. Primary outcomes of interest included tumor subsites, T-staging, rates of cervical lymph node metastases, rates of distant metastases, 5-year survival (overall, disease-free, or disease-specific), and recurrence rates. Meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model.

Results:

Nineteen articles with a total of 1458 subjects were ultimately included in the analysis. There were 17 studies with a total of 1353 patients reporting verrucous carcinoma subsites and the buccal mucosa (59.2%, 55.1%-63.3%) ( I2 = 98.1%) had the highest incidence of involvement. There were 10 papers with 277 patients reporting on rates of cervical lymph node metastases from surgical pathology yielding a pooled rate of 0% (0%-2.3%) ( I2 = 1%). There were 14 studies with a collective 712 patients commenting on rates of distant metastases and collectively, none were reported, yielding a pooled rate of 0% (0%-0%) ( I2 = 0%). Five year survival data was generally favorable relative to oral squamous cell carcinoma but was insufficient for meta-analysis.

Conclusion:

An international collection of evidence supports that pure oral verrucous carcinoma is a relatively indolent, non-metastasizing malignancy associated with areca nut consumption. A reliance on traditional squamous cell carcinoma staging and treatment algorithms for verrucous carcinoma patients can predispose to overtreatment.
Using Label-Free Raman Spectroscopy Integrated with Microfluidic Chips to Probe Ferroptosis Networks in Cells
Authors: Muhammad Muhammad , Shao Chang-Sheng , Nawaz Raziq , Aligayev Amil , Hassan Muhammad , Bashir Mona Alrasheed , Iqbal Jamshed , Zhan Jie , Huang Qing
Published: November 2024

Ferroptosis, a regulated form of cell death driven by oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, has emerged as a pivotal research focus with implications across various cellular contexts. In this study, we employed a multifaceted approach, integrating label-free Raman spectroscopy and microfluidics to study the mechanisms underpinning ferroptosis. Our investigations included the ferroptosis initiation based on the changes in the lipid Raman band at 1436 cm−1 under different cellular states, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, DNA damage/repair, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Importantly, our work highlighted the dynamic role of vital cellular components, such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen (NADPH), ferredoxin clusters, and other key factors such as glutathione peroxidase 4 and nuclear factor erythroid 2, which collectively influenced cellular responses to redox imbalance and oxidative stress. Quantum mechanical (QM) and molecular docking simulations (MD) provided further evidence of interactions between the ferredoxin (containing 4Fe–4S clusters), NADPH, and ROS, which led to the production of reactive Fe species in the cells. As such, our approach not only offered a real-time, multidimensional perspective on ferroptosis but also provided valuable methods and insights for therapeutic interventions in diverse biomedical contexts.
Early-life exposure to political violence and domestic violence
Authors: Hussain Akseer , Mazumdar Sumit
Published: November 2024

Globally, one in three women experiences domestic violence over their lifetimes. Yet, the factors that shape adult behavior toward domestic violence remain poorly understood. We examine the effect of exposure to political violence in early stages of life on likelihood of domestic violence in marital life. Combining household level survey with political violence datasets from 1988 to 2018, our findings show that it is the exposure of men to political violence that matters, but not the exposure of their wives. Furthermore, we show that the critical age bracket is between 4 and 6 years of age in which exposure to political violence seems to shape adult behavior toward domestic violence. This is true for physical and emotional violence. Moreover, exposure to political violence at almost any point in male individuals’ life increases their likelihood to perpetrate sexual violence on their wives.

JEL classification: J12, J15, J16, O12
Spatial governmentality and the rhetoric of scarce resources: ‘Scientific and reasonable’ points systems in Shenzhen (China)
Authors: Trémon Anne-Christine
Published: November 2024

Since the early 2010s, all Chinese megacities have adopted points systems that allow ordinary people to apply for urban citizenship (hukou) in the city where they live. Although intended for applicants other than ‘talents’, points systems are highly selective. They are used to adjust urban population growth to economic development and to available resources. Based on research in Shenzhen, and combining Foucault and Gramsci, this article makes three arguments: first, points systems intensify the hukou system’s spatial governmentality, in that they set up a competition for scarce resources that shapes self-governing urban citizens; second, they are justified in ways that seek to produce consent, by giving them uncontestable grounding in science; and third, the gap between their proclaimed benefits and their actual, complex workings gives rise to critique, and even class-based critique.
The Never Given 2022 Pittendrigh/Aschoff Lecture: The Clock Network in the Brain—Insights From Insects
Authors: Helfrich-Förster Charlotte
Published: November 2024

My journey into chronobiology began in 1977 with lectures and internships with Wolfgang Engelmann and Hans Erkert at the University of Tübingen in Germany. At that time, the only known animal clock gene was Period, and the location and organization of the master circadian clock in the brain was completely unknown for the model insect Drosophila melanogaster. I was thus privileged to witness and participate in the research that led us from discovering the first clock gene to identifying the clock network in the fly brain and the putative pathways linking it to behavior and physiology. This article highlights my role in these developments and also shows how the successful use of D. melanogaster for studies of circadian rhythms has contributed to the understanding of clock networks in other animals. I also report on my experiences in the German scientific system and hope that my story will be of interest to some of you.
From a free horizon to autonomous ships: The School of Navigation in Svendborg and imagined maritime futures, 1865–2023
Authors: Jensen Nils Valdersdorf
Published: November 2024

As navigation developed from the nineteenth century onwards so did the education of navigators in Svendborg, the heartland of maritime Denmark. Svendborg’s School of Navigation has occupied three different buildings, each of which was built for the purpose of navigational education. The buildings from 1865, 1952 and 2023 were all designed according to the technological needs of the current time but also reflected visions of the maritime future. The aim of this article is to use the schools, their architecture and their educational practices to decipher the imagined maritime futures in Svendborg from 1865 to 2023. It is found that the sense of future change has grown stronger as the schools have changed, from valuing a free horizon and sextants to preparing students for autonomous ships.
Call to Action: Integrating Anti-racist Philosophies in Dismantling Racism and Anti-Black Racism in Nursing Education in Canada
Authors: Montague Janet , Caxaj C. Susana , Webster Fiona
Published: November 2024

Despite nursing's stated mandate of health equity and social justice, concrete steps to address racism and anti-Black racism in the profession and nursing education remain mainly non-significant and are often seen as performative. It is crucial to implement tangible measures to dismantle racism and anti-Black racism in nursing education to address racial health disparities. Throughout history, nursing education has been shaped by colonial and Eurocentric ideologies, leading to the silencing and erasure of the knowledge, culture, perspectives, and ways of knowing of Black and other racialized communities. Consequently, urgent action is required to dismantle embedded racism and anti-Black racism in the nursing profession. Drawing on anti-racist philosophies, we argue that dismantling racism in nursing education goes beyond superficial discussions of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Instead, it demands a proactive approach to tackle the underlying causes of racial inequities. In this article, we propose several recommendations and implications for nursing educators, researchers, policymakers, and educational institutions to eliminate racism and anti-Black racism in both nursing education and practice. These recommendations include acknowledging the historical and contemporary impacts of racism and anti-Black racism on the health and well-being of Black individuals, engaging in critical self-reflexivity, integrating and prioritizing Black knowledge and perspectives in nursing education, practice, and research, and intentionally adopting anti-racist pedagogy.
Financial subsidy optimization to promote renewable energy development for sustainable development goal
Authors: Nguyen Thi-Anh-Tuyet , Chou Shuo-Yan , Pham Thi-Hong-Diep , Yu Tiffany Hui-Kuang
Published: November 2024

Enhancing the efficacy of financial subsidies holds paramount significance in fostering sustainable development due to their influence on energy utilization, installation scalability, and the crucial pursuit of decarbonization. Despite a surge in scholarly interest surrounding financial subsidies for renewable energy, the literature studies fall short in comprehensively addressing the factors that impact on the accuracy and reliability of the model for identifying optimal financial subsidies. This paper introduces a robust approach to optimize financial subsidies to achieve the predefined target for renewable energy installation, considering the equilibrium between investor remuneration and government subsidy outlay. Center to this approach is the integration of a forward-looking price forecasting model and the establishment of an economic evaluation approach based on empirical data encompassing weather patterns, technical factors, investor expectations, subsidy disbursements, market risk assessments, and other pertinent parameters. The case study of Taiwan is conducted, and the results indicate that, in the baseline scenario, the financial subsidy is only effective in the risk-neutral market with a small solar system; in the mix scenario, the benefit of energy system increased at least 4.5%, however, the mix scenario is still ineffective to encourage the renewable energy development; and in the optimal scenario, by providing accurate recommendations for optimal financial subsidies, government can achieve the predefined target, even with reduced subsidies due to declining installation costs.
Revesting the spatial spillover effects of renewable energy in curbing carbon emissions: Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Yongpei , Li Keyun , Peng Liang
Published: November 2024

Renewable energy is fundamental to achieving China's peak carbon and carbon neutrality targets. Despite the extremely rapid growth in the share of renewable energy generation in terms of provincial-level regions, the impact of renewable energy generation on carbon emission reduction and whether this association is spatially correlated have not been fully recognized. To address this issue, this paper explores the spatial impact effect of renewable energy applications on carbon emissions using Chinese provincial panel data from 1990 to 2020 and a multi-panel spatial econometric model. The results show that the contribution of emission reduction mainly comes from the provincial clean energy mix, while the exclusion of out-of-province power plants also helps to curb their carbon emissions. In addition, in the context of large-scale penetration of renewable energy, grid infrastructure for cross-provincial power trading will contribute to cross-provincial emission reduction. Regulators should take measures to promote coordination of emission reduction policies among provinces in a unified national carbon market, rather than simplifying the allocation of responsibilities in provincial markets. Based on the findings of this paper, there is a need to rationalize and optimize the geospatial distribution of renewable energy projects in the future, so as to maximize the potential of renewable energy to contribute to carbon emission reduction.