bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psilocybin for clinical indications: A scoping review
Authors: Madden Kim , Flood Breanne , Young Shing Darren , Ade-Conde Michael , Kashir Imad , Mark Melanie , MacKillop James , Bhandari Mohit , Adili Anthony
Published: August 2024

Background:

Psychedelic drugs have been of interest in medicine since the early 1950s. There has recently been a resurgence of interest in psychedelics.

Aims:

The objective of this study is to determine the extent of the available literature on psilocybin for medical indications including the designs used, study characteristics, indications studied, doses, and authors’ conclusions. We identify areas for further study where there are research gaps.

Methods:

We conducted a systematic scoping review of clinical indications for psilocybin, encompassing psychiatric and medical conditions. We systematically searched Medline and Embase using keywords related to psilocybin. We reviewed titles and texts in duplicate using Covidence software. We extracted data individually in duplicate using Covidence software and a senior reviewer resolved all author conflicts. We analyzed data descriptively.

Results:

We included 193 published and 80 ongoing studies. Thirty-seven percent of included studies were systematic reviews. Only 12% of included studies were randomized controlled trials. The median number of participants was 22 with a median of 18 participants who had taken psilocybin. Thirty-eight percent of studies reported at least one potential conflict of interest. The most common indication was depression (28%). Also commonly studied were substance use (14%), mental health in life-threatening illness (9%), headaches (6%), depression and anxiety (6%), obsessive-compulsive disorder (3%), and anxiety disorders (3%).

Conclusions:

Most studies involving the administration of psilocybin have small sample sizes and the most common focus has been psychiatric disorders. There is a need for high-quality randomized trials on psilocybin and to expand consideration to other promising indications, such as chronic pain.
A direct-drive five-bar manipulator with tuned directional first-order kinematics for low energy consumption in vertical loading
Authors: Ramesh Shashank , Plecnik Mark
Published: August 2024

The kinematic configuration space of a manipulator determines the set of all possible motions that may occur, and its differential properties have a strong, albeit indirect, influence on both static and dynamic performance. By viewing first-order kinematics as a field of Jacobian-defined ellipses across a workspace, a novel two degree-of-freedom manipulator was designed, and is tested in this paper for its benefits. The manipulator exhibits a field of ellipses that biases transmission characteristics in Cartesian directions of the end-effector. The horizontal direction is biased toward speed in order to move across the width of the workspace quickly, while the vertical direction is biased toward force production in order to resist gravitational loads. The latter bias endows the manipulator with load capacity in the absence of gears. Such an exclusion can forego the extra weight, complexity, backlash, transmission losses, and fragility of gearboxes. Additionally, a direct drive set-up improves backdrivability and transparency. The latter is relevant to applications that involve interacting with the environment or people. Our novel design is set through an array of theoretical and experimental performance studies in comparison to a conventional direct drive manipulator. The experimental results showed a 3.75× increase in payload capacity, a 2× increase in dynamic tracking accuracy, a 2.07× increase in dynamic cycling frequency, and at least a 3.70× reduction in power consumption, considering both static and dynamic experiments.
Occupational therapy students’ and educators’ perspectives and understanding of the role of occupational therapy within social prescribing: A qualitative interview study
Authors: Elliott Siobhan , Haighton Catherine
Published: August 2024

Introduction:

Social prescribing is building traction internationally and within the United Kingdom healthcare system, highlighted as the biggest investment in the National Health Service. The Royal College of Occupational Therapists has highlighted the contribution that occupational therapy can make to social prescribing. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and Degree Apprenticeship Occupational Therapy students’ and educators’ perspectives and understanding of occupational therapists’ role within social prescribing.

Method:

Qualitative one-to-one, in depth, semi-structured interviews were carried out with occupational therapy students ( n = 5) and educators ( n = 4). Data were subject to framework analysis.

Results:

Three main themes were constructed: Knowledge of social prescribing and occupational therapy involvement, social prescribing context and education provided on social prescribing. Students had a basic knowledge of social prescribing, but there was no shared definition of social prescribing between students or educators. Students were unsure of the occupational therapist’s role within social prescribing, as they had not been exposed to this area during their practice placements.

Conclusion:

Universal use of the international consensus definition of social prescribing is needed to ensure consistent teaching of the approach. Including social prescribing within practice placements for occupational therapy students would aid understanding of the approach.
The effect of Polyolefin elastomer on the 3D printing properties of Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, Polyethylene, and Polypropylene
Authors: Xia Lingqin , Yu Xiang , Wang Ruiquan , Chen Guang , Fang Yihang
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the influence of incorporating 30 wt.% polyolefin elastomer (POE) on the physical, mechanical, and microstructural properties of 3D printed three widely used thermoplastic: acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), low density polyethylene (LDPE), and polypropylene (PP). Three ABS-POE, LDPE-POE, and PP-POE blends were prepared by melt mixing method and printed by direct granule-based material extrusion, and finally the printability, microstructure, thermal, and mechanical properties aiming for potential usage in various applications were investigated. Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA) results revealed a notable shift in the glass to rubber phase to a higher temperature range and an increase in the glass transition temperature due to the presence of POE elastomers. Mechanical properties of the 3D printed samples were meticulously examined and compared with prior research. All blend samples containing 30 wt.% POE exhibited significantly enhanced ductility, attributed to aligned polymer chain reactions. ABS-POE samples demonstrated superior mechanical properties compared to PP-POE and LDPE-POE samples, likely attributed to fewer potential failure points, as evidenced by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis of fractured cross-sections of 3D-printed samples immersed in liquid nitrogen. Additionally, 3D-printed samples with combined infill orientations (0° and 90°) were generated and subjected to tensile strength testing. Furthermore, samples 3D-printed specimens by honeycomb filling pattern for compression tests were included in the study. Microstructure analyses identified common 3D printing defects responsible for failure modes in the printed samples.
Cefepime Induced Neurotoxicity in Patients With or Without a History of Seizures: A Retrospective Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Baalbaki Nadeem , Hogge Christopher , Mohsen Mahinaz , Dar Aleena , Sackey Joachim , Salim Tanzila
Published: August 2024

Background: Cefepime is used for the treatment of nosocomial infections and serves as a carbapenem-sparing agent for treating AmpC inducible bacteria. Cefepime induced neurotoxicity (CIN) is a well-documented adverse effect, although data describing the risk of CIN in patients with a history of seizures (HOS) remains limited. Objectives: The primary and secondary objectives were to compare the rates of CIN in patients with and without HOS and identify risk factors associated with CIN, respectively. Methods: This was a retrospective matched cohort study of patients admitted to University Hospital from January 2019 to December 2022 that were initiated on cefepime with and without a baseline HOS. Patients were matched at a rate of 1:1 by age (+/− 5 years), sex, and month of admission (+/− 1 month). Results: A total of 150 patients were included, 75 in each group. There was no statistically significant difference in CIN between the two groups (9 vs 7, P = 0.7923). The only risk factors associated with CIN were age >65 (OR, 5.8 [95% CI, 1.194-27.996]), acute kidney injury (AKI) during cefepime administration (OR, 13.8 [95% CI, 2.528-75.206]), and an intensive care unit (ICU) stay (OR, 8.6 [95% CI, 1.735-42.624]). Conclusion: There was no increased risk of CIN observed in patients with HOS. Patients age >65, AKI while receiving cefepime and those admitted to the ICU were 5.8, 13.8, and 8.6 times more likely to experience CIN. These results suggest that it may be safe to administer cefepime to patients with HOS in the appropriate clinical setting.
Therapeutic potential of Nelumbo nucifera Linn. in systemic lupus erythematosus: Network pharmacology and molecular modeling insights
Authors: Jaiswal Sugandha , Kumar Satish , Sarkar Biswatrish , Sinha Rakesh Kumar
Published: August 2024

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by multiple symptoms. The phenolic acids and other flavonoids in Nelumbo nucifera have anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities that are essential for managing SLE through natural sources. This study employs network pharmacology to unveil the multi-target and multi-pathway mechanisms of Nelumbo nucifera as a complementary therapy. The findings are validated through molecular modeling, which includes molecular docking followed by a molecular dynamics study.

Methods

Active compounds and targets of SLE were obtained from IMPPAT, KNApAcKFamily and SwissTargetPrediction databases. SLE-related targets were retrieved from GeneCards and OMIM databases. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was built to screen out the core targets using Cytoscape software. ShinyGO was used for GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. Interactions between potential targets and active compounds were assessed by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation study.

Results

In total, 12 active compounds and 1190 targets of N. nucifera’s were identified. A network analysis of the PPI network revealed 10 core targets. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses indicated that the effects of N. nucifera are mediated mainly by AGE-RAGE and other associated signalling pathways. Molecular docking indicated favourable binding affinities, particularly leucocianidol exhibiting less than −4.5 kcal/mol for all 10 targets. Subsequent molecular dynamics simulations of the leucocianidol-ESR1 complex aimed to elucidate the optimal binding complex’s stability and flexibility.

Conclusions

Our study unveiled the potential therapeutic mechanism of N. nucifera in managing SLE. These findings provide insights for subsequent experimental validation and open up new avenues for further research in this field.
Discrimination Based on Gender and How It Affects Employee Performance
Authors: Banumathi R. C. , Vennila D.
Published: August 2024

Gender discrimination in the workplace remains a persistent issue with significant implications for employee well-being and organizational effectiveness. This study investigates the multifaceted impact of gender discrimination on employee performance in the transportation sector, focusing on the experiences of female commercial drivers in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates qualitative thematic analysis with quantitative survey findings to provide a comprehensive understanding of discrimination dynamics and their implications for organizational productivity. To determine the effects of discrimination on employee performance, data were gathered from 243 front-line female commercial drivers employed in Coimbatore’s road transportation industry. Analysis of the data is done statistically using correlation and regression techniques, and mixed-method analysis was used as comparative analysis using cross-tabulation and chi-square and moderation analysis using AMOS. This study considers three types of gender discrimination: hiring, promotion, and facility discrimination. The level of employee performance is more a result of discrimination against women in hiring and amenities. The paper offers principles for human resource managers to follow to prevent discriminatory behavior that negatively impacts employee performance. Guidelines for human resource management and empirical information from the Coimbatore road transport sector relate to employee performance and how it affects organizational productivity.
Isolation and Pharmacochemistry of α-Mangostin as a Chemotherapeutic Agent
Authors: Meah Mohammed Sohel , Panichayupakaranant Pharkphoom , Sayeed Mohammed Abu , Kim Min Gab
Published: August 2024

A naturally occurring xanthone, mangostanin (1,3,6-trihydroxy-7-methoxy-2,8-bis(3-methylbut-2-en-1-yl)-9 H-xanthen-9-one), was isolated from Garcinia mangostana L. It demonstrates a range of pharmacological effects, such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activity. The α-mangostin’s isoprenyl and benzopyrone skeleton side chains are crucial to its antibacterial activity. In this review, we review the current approach for the isolation of α-mangostin from plant sources and the recent report on its biological activity. The structure–activity relationship is discussed to demonstrate the pharmacophore of α-mangostin responsible for its anti-infective properties, including antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities. The potential approaches for developing α-mangostin for the treatment of infectious diseases are proposed as future perspectives.
A matching and localization study of iliac bone graft for repair of talar cartilage injury secondary to lateral ankle instability
Authors: Zhao Qiang , Zhang Zhouhu , Gu Xiaohui
Published: August 2024

Background: To investigate the search for an Iliac-Talar Grafts on the iliac bone that is morphologically matched to a multiplanar injury lesion of the talus; while utilizing a bone-harvesting guide to ensure precise positioning of the Iliac-Talar Grafts. Methods: A total of twenty-two cases with both talar CT data and iliac CT data were collected from January 2019 to June 2023. One case each of talar deformity injury and bone disease were excluded, resulting in a selection of 20 cases. The medial and lateral target repair areas of the talus were formulated, and virtual surgery was performed by using digital orthopedic technology to locate an iliac-talar restoration on the iliac bone that matched the morphology of the multiplanar injury lesion of the talus. 3D chromatographic deviation analysis was used to assess the accuracy of Iliac-Talar Grafts in terms of morphometric matching and positioning, while personalized iliac bone extraction guides were designed to ensure accurate positioning of the Iliac-Talar Grafts. Results: The best fitting point for repairing the medial talar lesion is determined to be medial to the anterior iliac crest, specifically 2.935 ± 0.365 cm posterior to the anterior superior iliac spine, and 2.550 ± 0.559 cm anterior to the valgus-iliac crest point (VICP). Similarly, for the repair of the lateral talar lesion, the ideal position is found to be lateral to the posterior iliac crest, approximately 2.695 ± 0.640 cm posterior to the valgus-iliac crest point (VICP). Utilizing bone extraction guides enables precise positioning for iliac bone extraction. Conclusion: This study utilizes virtual surgery, 3D chromatographic deviation analysis, and guide plate techniques in digital orthopedics to precisely locate the Iliac-Talar Graft on the iliac bone, matching the morphology of the talar lesion; it provides a new solution for cutting the iliac bone implant that matches the the multifaceted talar lesion to be repaired.
Diverse counter accounts for biodiversity conservation: The case of the High Ross Dam controversy
Authors: Khan Tehmina , Jones Michael
Published: August 2024

The key aim of this article is to reflect on the potential impacts of various types of historical counter accounts, used by civil society to promote resistance and conservation. For this purpose, the High Ross Dam controversy (in the 1970s) represents an important and unique historical case of social–political biodiversity conservation action, by civil society. A detailed case study is presented that includes an analysis of civil society opposition through counter accounts. Technical and non-technical counter accounts of resistance by civil society are investigated, using Escobar's theoretical framework. Examples of historical counter accounts serve as outstanding precedents of civil society activism for biodiversity against business and political agendas.
Osseous Outcomes of Cleft Alveolar Bone Grafting with Allograft and Platelet-Rich Fibrin: Preliminary Study with Radiological Outcome
Authors: Chauvel-Picard Julie , Lambert Camille , Gaget Dominique , Asselborn Marc , Lange Edouard , Gleizal Arnaud
Published: August 2024

Objective

Cleft lip and palate are the most common craniofacial malformations worldwide. The alveolar cleft is treated with a bone graft, between 4 and 7 years of age in mixed dentition. This is an important step because it provides good quality jawbone and a better support of the lip and the alar cartilage on the side of the cleft. Bone autografting with iliac harvesting remains the most commonly used technique, but it is not without risks. Allograft techniques have therefore been described to reduce this morbidity (pain, infectious risk, hemorrhagic risk, fracture risk). The aim of this study was to evaluate, one year after allografting, the efficiency and consolidation of the bone allograft in the alveolar cleft.

Setting

A retrospective study was conducted in the department of pediatric craniomaxillofacial surgery in the Woman-Mother-Child Hospital in Lyon, France.

Patients

This series includes 22 patients or 25 alveolar cleft bone grafts, including 16 boys and 6 girls, with an average age of 6.1 years.

Main Outcome Measures

Quantify the residual bone allograft by evaluating the ratio between the volume of the bone graft and the volume of the initial space on pre- and post-operative cone beam computed tomography.

Results

The residual bone allograft percentage at 1 year was 58.5% (± 22.3).

Conclusions

Alveolar cleft bone graft with bone allograft is an alternative to iliac autografting to reduce donor site morbidity.
Online Self-Confidence Calibration for Improving Learning Outcomes Via Intelligent Tutoring Systems
Authors: Yuh Madeleine S. , Jain Neera
Published: August 2024

Intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) are designed to imitate human tutors by closing-the-loop between learners and tutoring agents. It is well-established that the cognitive factors of self-confidence and workload impact learners’ self-awareness of achievements and self-efficacy, which in turn enhances learning outcomes. However, little work has been done to operationalize these concepts in ITSs for psychomotor learning. In this work, the authors consider learners’ skill progression while repeatedly landing a quadrotor in a simulator. The landing simulator is enabled with automation assistance that can turn on or off; when on, the automation assistance augments the learner’s input to mimic an expert’s landing trajectory. The authors design an algorithm to calibrate learners’ self-confidence to their performance and compare it against learners’ who do not receive any assistance. Statistical analyses revealed that participants who received assistance according to the calibration algorithm demonstrated more self-efficacy and less fatigue than those who did not.
Examination of Driver Interpretation and Response to Snowplow Rear-End Lighting Configurations
Authors: Drahos Bradley A. , Schwieters Katelyn R. , Craig Curtis M. , Morris Nichole L.
Published: August 2024

Pursuing clear and safe roadways during the winter weather season is a key priority; however, the process of plowing roads has inherent risks given icy road conditions, risky driver behavior, high speed differentials, and low visibility. This work examined differences in driver interpretation and response to existing and proposed snowplow rear-end lighting configurations. Ninety-seven participants completed an online survey where they rated the likelihood of signal interpretations and driving maneuvers they would take as an approaching driver. An orthogonal factor analysis was conducted resulting in five interpretation-response factors across signal states. The proposed designs were more accurately perceived as running when presenting a running signal and braking when presenting a braking signal. Existing configurations were more likely to be incorrectly interpreted as turning when the signal was not indicating turning. Findings suggest that the existing rear-end snowplow lighting configurations may be ambiguous and the proposed designs reduce this ambiguity.
Detail Matters: Drivers’ Responses to Flood Warnings in Simulated Driving
Authors: Garcia Katherine R. , Chen Jing
Published: August 2024

Flood risk communication is imperative to aiding people’s decision making in flood situations. These warnings can be communicated through navigation applications on mobile devices. The current study investigated how flood-depth information affected drivers’ actions given flood warnings from a mobile navigation application in a driving simulator. This study manipulated the type of flood warning presented to the participants in the driving scenarios and measured their actions given a potentially flooded roadway. Participants experienced six drives with different flood warning conditions. Results indicated that providing flood depth information helped drivers accurately estimate the depth of the flood and their perceived risks; including more detailed information was helpful for drivers to make informed decisions regarding a flooded roadway. We suggest that designers include flood depth information to help drivers accurately perceive the depth and risk regarding a flooded roadway.
Development of a Survey Instrument to Measure Educators’ Preparedness for Creating Extended Reality Learning Modules
Authors: Kim Jiwon , Dorneich Michael C. , Winer Eliot , Wang Kexin
Published: August 2024

To facilitate the adoption of extended reality (XR) technologies in education, various interventions, such as XR technical skills training and user-friendly authoring toolkits, have been designed for educators. However, traditional assessment tools often fall short, primarily focusing on interventions’ outcomes, such as usability, rather than on educators’ acceptance and readiness. This study aimed to bridge this gap by developing a new metric that assesses educators’ preparedness for integrating XR technologies into their teaching practices. Forty-one participants completed the developed survey before and after creating XR lessons. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed two key factors: perceived XR authoring proficiency and perceived XR’s educational values. The developed survey can be utilized to capture educators’ perceptions of barriers and needs, providing practitioners with targeted feedback to enhance XR applications in educational settings.
Patients’ Perception of Quality of Outpatient and Inpatient Care in General and Specialized Hospitals
Authors: Lin Qian , Or Calvin Kalun , Zhang Dan
Published: August 2024

There has been little research comparing patients’ perceptions of the quality of care in outpatient and inpatient settings between general and specialized hospitals. This study aimed to address this gap by examining 1,337 outpatients and 1,833 inpatients across all general ( n = 5) and specialized ( n = 7) tertiary public hospitals in a major city in China. Patients’ perceptions of the quality of care were assessed across six dimensions: safety, tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. Dimension gap scores were used to compare perceptions of each dimension between the two hospital types, and statistical differences were determined using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Negative dimension gap scores were identified in the safety, tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy of outpatient and inpatient care in general and specialized hospitals, except for the tangibility of inpatient care in general hospitals. The negative dimension gap scores for specialized hospitals were significantly larger than those for general hospitals across all six dimensions of both inpatient and outpatient quality of care, except for assurance of inpatient care. Overall, outpatients and inpatients in both general and specialized hospitals did not experience the care they expected, and outpatient and inpatient care in specialized hospitals were perceived as lower quality than in general hospitals. Patient perceptions indicated that both outpatient and inpatient care in both general and specialized hospitals need further enhancements.
Analysis of Risk Factors for Postoperative Deep Vein Thrombosis in Traumatic Spinal Fracture Complicated with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Yang Diao , Chen Shiwen , Zhuo Can , Chen Haidan
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the risk factors for postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients with traumatic spinal fractures complicated with Spinal Cord Injury(SCI). We conducted a retrospective analysis of 110 patients with traumatic spinal fractures and SCI admitted to our hospital from March 2021 to April 2024. DVT was diagnosed using ultrasound. Patient history, general data, surgical data, laboratory tests, and thromboelastogram (TEG) results were collected. The patients were divided into a DVT group and a non-DVT group according to the results of ultrasound one week after surgery. The risk factors and diagnostic value were analyzed using binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Multivariate and ROC analysis results showed that D-dimer, lower extremity, duration of bedrest, and MA values of TEG were independent risk factors for DVT in SCI, with D-dimer having the highest diagnostic value (AUC = 0.883). The AUC values for lower extremity, duration of bedrest, and MA were 0.731, 0.750, and 0.625. In conclusion, Postoperative D-dimer > 5.065 mg/l, lower extremity < 3, duration of bedrest, and MA value of TEG are independent risk factors for postoperative DVT in SCI patients, D-dimer having the highest diagnostic value. When the above risk factors occur, clinicians need to be vigilant and take appropriate prevention and treatment measures.
Capturing Bhutan's Cultural Uniqueness: A Culturally Responsive Critique of a Bhutanese Evaluation Report
Authors: Choden Phuntsho , Cram Fiona
Published: August 2024

Bhutan's overarching development paradigm of Gross National Happiness (GNH) promotes a harmonious balance between material and non-material dimensions. But Bhutan's evaluation practice has not yet adopted the principles of GNH, preventing evaluation findings and recommendations from aligning with the priorities of GNH. This article makes the case that Culturally Responsive Evaluation (CRE) is a potential way that Bhutan can ensure evaluation is aligned with GNH. Authors analyze a recent, critical evaluation of the Direct Employment Scheme (DES), initiated by the Bhutanese government to increase youth employment. Authors developed a CRE assessment tool to understand whether and how the DES evaluation conformed to CRE. Findings of the review focused on five themes: (1) understanding context, (2) seeking advice, (3) forming an evaluation team, (4) methodology, and (5) understanding evaluation findings. Authors conclude with a discussion about how a CRE approach would have better ensured evaluation responsiveness to Bhutan's interests. This article contributes to discussions about criticisms that evaluation in the Global South does not serve in-country needs. It also holds the promise of providing evidence about how evaluation can support achieving Bhutan's goal of Gross National Happiness.
Associations Between Preoperative Shortness of Breath and Potassium Channels Gene Variations in Women With Breast Cancer
Authors: Shin Joosun , Hammer Marilyn J. , Paul Steven M. , Conley Yvette P. , Harris Carolyn , Oppegaard Kate , Morse Lisa , Cooper Bruce A. , Levine Jon D. , Miaskowski Christine
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Shortness of breath is a common symptom in patients with cancer. However, the mechanisms that underlie this troublesome symptom are poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of and associated risk factors for shortness of breath in women prior to breast cancer surgery and identify associations between shortness of breath and polymorphisms for potassium channel genes.

Methods

Patients were recruited prior to breast cancer surgery and completed a self-report questionnaire on the occurrence of shortness of breath. Genotyping of single nucleotides polymorphism (SNPs) in potassium channel genes was performed using a custom array. Multiple logistic regression analyses were done to identify associations between the occurrence of shortness of breath and SNPs in ten candidate genes.

Results

Of the 398 patients, 11.1% reported shortness of breath. These patients had a lower annual household income, a higher comorbidity burden, and a lower functional status. After controlling for functional status, comorbidity burden, genomic estimates of ancestry and self-reported race and ethnicity, the genetic associations that remained significant in the multiple regression analyses were for potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily D ( KCND2) rs12673992, potassium voltage-gated channel modifier subfamily S ( KCNS1) rs4499491, and potassium two pore channel subfamily K ( KCNK2) rs4411107.

Conclusions

While these findings warrant replication, they suggest that alterations in potassium channel function may contribute to the occurrence of shortness of breath in women prior to breast cancer surgery.
Identification of Copper Homeostasis-Related Gene Signature for Predicting Prognosis in Patients with Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Yan Ping , Tian Yueqin , Li Xiaojing , Li Shuangmei , Wu Haidong , Wang Tong
Published: August 2024

Objectives:

This research aims to establish a copper homeostasis-related gene signature for predicting the prognosis of epithelial ovarian cancer and to investigate its underlying mechanisms.

Methods:

We mainly constructed the copper homeostasis-related gene signature by LASSO regression analysis. Then multiple methods were used to evaluate the independent predictive ability of the model and explored the mechanisms.

Results:

The 15-copper homeostasis-related gene (15-CHRG) signature was successfully established. Utilizing an optimal cut-off value of 0.35, we divided the training dataset into high-risk and low-risk subgroups. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that survival times for the high-risk subgroup were significantly shorter than those in the low-risk group (P < .05). Additionally, the Area Under the Curve (AUC) of the 15-CHRG signature achieved 0.822 at 1 year, 0.762 at 3 years, and 0.696 at 5 years in the training set. COX regression analysis confirmed the 15-CHRG signature as both accurate and independent. Gene set enrichment (GSEA), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that there were significant differences in apoptosis, p53 pathway, protein synthesis, hydrolase and transport-related pathways between high-risk group and low-risk group. In tumor immune cell (TIC) analysis, the increased expression of resting mast cells was positively correlated with the risk score.

Conclusion:

Consequently, the 15-CHRG signature shows significant potential as a method for accurately predicting clinical outcomes and treatment responses in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer.
A comparative analysis of reporting on Islam between 2018–2020: Characteristics of institutionally and event-driven debates
Authors: Hänggli Fricker Regula , Beck Daniel
Published: August 2024

This paper analyses reporting on the topic of Islam in Switzerland from 2018 until the end of 2020. A quantitative content analysis of 715 articles from 10 newspapers in German and French was conducted. Research into framing, agenda building, and attention theory serve as a theoretical basis. We show that “event-driven” and “institutionally driven” debates differ. They can be characterised on two dimensions: range of views (in terms of speakers, issues, issues in different language regions), and communication style (presentation of the position of Muslims and adopted journalistic role performance). In other words, this article shows that the arena is a key driving factor in the shape of a debate. This distinction of debate types provides a deeper understanding of Muslim actors as speakers, and of the role of market pressures in forms of infotainment journalism, and enriches theoretical understanding while providing empirical evidence. Islam as a topic is well suited for analysing public debates because the topic has been present in media coverage for many years, both in connection with political decision making processes (e.g. status of the religious community, integration of migrants, discussion about the ban on veiling) and in connection with current events in which contrasts between the Islamic and Western worlds are thematised (e.g. Islamic fundamentalism, religiously motivated acts of terrorism).
Similarity assessment of structures for population-based structural health monitoring via graph kernels
Authors: Wickramarachchi Chandula T , Gosliga Julian , Bunce Andrew , Brennan Daniel S , Hester David , Cross Elizabeth J , Worden Keith
Published: August 2024

In population-based structural health monitoring, the aim is to make inferences about the health of structures using information from a population of other structures. It is possible to use transfer learning here, as long as the structures that are used for transfer behave similarly to each other. As a result, assessing the similarity of structures and the data collected from those structures is necessary for successful transfer. In this paper, ideas from kernel and graph theories are used to assess whether the constructional makeup of two engineering structures – a bridge and a wind turbine, for example – are similar or not. To the human brain, this notion may seem trivial because the intended use, construction and behaviours of these structures are vastly different. However, for a computer, automatically measuring these dissimilarities requires a whole host of information. In this paper, the aim is to use irreducible-element models and attributed graphs to represent engineering structures, and to use graph kernels to measure the similarity of these models. The proposed methods are able to compare discrete and continuous attributes of structures in polynomial time. Similarity assessments are provided for a group of toy structures as well as a case study of seven real operational bridges. The latter population is important in dealing with a class of highly complex real-world examples of civil infrastructure; the analysis also allows a discussion on which aspects of bridge construction might be responsible for structural similarity or dissimilarity.
Metastasis to the skull base involving the sphenoid and cavernous sinus in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Dutta Sukanta , Chandra Atanu , Ganai Saikot , Chakraborty Uddalak , PM Sumesh
Published: August 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignancy of the liver, among which around 18–64% metastasize, most frequently to lungs, regional lymph nodes and adrenal glands. Metastasis of HCC to the central nervous system represents a rare yet clinically significant phenomenon, often presenting diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. In this case report, we document a 35-year-old male who presented with a secondary headache and right ophthalmoplegia attributable to metastatic deposits secondary to HCC infiltrating the cavernous sinus and superior orbital fissure. Despite therapeutic interventions including local palliative radiotherapy and sorafenib, the patient succumbed to acute liver failure after 9 months. This case highlights the aggressive potential of HCC to involve the central nervous system and the importance of heightened clinical suspicion for early diagnosis and intervention in such rare but clinically impactful scenarios.
Landscape of Distrust: Political Trust Across America’s Urban-Rural Divide
Authors: Kirk James R. G.
Published: August 2024

Do rural Americans trust the government less than non-rural Americans? In an era of declining trust in government and mounting geographic polarization, this research examines the relationship between geography, identity, and attitudes of political trust in the United States. Using national survey data from the 2016 and 2020 American National Election Studies time series surveys, this quantitative analysis tests hypotheses that rurality in the context of place and place-based identity is associated with lower trust in the federal government. Overall, the results show that both living in and identifying with more rural areas corresponds with decreased government trust, regardless of the political party of the incumbent president. These findings contribute to the understanding of America’s urban-rural political divide and suggest significant implications for both partisan leaders and policymakers.
Recruiting Persons With Dementia: A Systematic Review of Facilitators, Barriers, and Strategies
Authors: Hirt Julian , Beer Thomas , Cavalli Stefano , Cereghetti Stefano , Pusterla Elia R. G. , Zeller Adelheid
Published: August 2024

Study recruitment of persons with dementia is challenging. We aimed to assess facilitators, barriers, and strategies to identify and approach persons with dementia for recruitment to dementia care studies. We systematically searched MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and other sources (ORRCA [Online Resource for Research in Clinical triAls]; pertinent evidence syntheses; citation searching) and narratively summarised the results (PROSPERO CRD42022342600). Facilitators and barriers consisted of “characteristics of participants, researchers, clinical contact persons”, “study characteristics”, and “communication with participants”. The highest number of participants were recruited by study information in electronic and print formats, as well as by networking and collaboration. Advertisements proved to be the most expensive way of recruitment. There is limited evidence on the impact of recruitment strategies to identify persons with dementia for recruitment to dementia care studies. Our analysis of facilitators and barriers may inform research teams in designing strategies to identify persons with dementia for recruitment purposes.
A Call to Action: Extending the Research on Trauma Assessment and Treatment for Children With Intellectual Disabilities and Extensive Support Needs
Authors: Liffley Elizabeth , Fisher Marisa H.
Published: August 2024

Children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and extensive support needs (ESN) face a high risk of experiencing traumatic events, which may lead to a myriad of negative mental and physical health and educational outcomes. Identifying symptoms and treating trauma, however, are challenging due to communication difficulties, vague or atypical symptom presentation, and limited assessment and treatment options. Using a community-engaged approach, educators would be beneficial partners for researchers as they are uniquely capable of overcoming these barriers. Due to their prolonged and daily interactions with children with ESN, educators are likely to recognize physical symptoms and changes in behavior that may quickly lead to the identification of trauma. Furthermore, their vast knowledge of children with ESN would help researchers develop and implement feasible school-based trauma treatments. Their capability makes them important partners in future research to address these problems. This Exchange explores the available literature on the identification and treatment of trauma among children with ESN as well as the role of educators in these processes and future research.
Ethical research in the German social sciences: Exploring the significance and challenges of institutionalized research ethics practices
Authors: Crawford Andrew , Fichtner Laura , Guntrum Laura Gianna , Jänsch Stephanie , Krösche Niklas , Soulier Eloïse , Süß Clara-Auguste
Published: August 2024

This article explores two key facets of institutionalized ethical review processes in Germany: (1) their importance in shaping ethical research and (2) their associated challenges, with a specific focus on their implications within the social sciences. Ethical considerations play a pivotal role in (social science) research, safeguarding, amongst others, the rights and well-being of participants and ensuring research integrity. Despite notable progress in promoting research ethics, German research institutions still need to significantly improve their ethics review processes. To address these challenges, this article emphasizes the need for expanding the current management of research ethics and implementing what we call “Institutionalized Research Ethics Practices’’ (IREPs), which include but go beyond the scope of common Institutional Review Boards (IRBs). Drawing on two workshops with researchers and IRB members, and a systematic review of existing IRBs in the German social sciences, we propose concrete recommendations for developing and enhancing IREPs, including a conducive environment, accessibility, fairness, and fostering expertise (CAFE). These enhancements aim to strengthen Germany’s research ethics infrastructure and promote responsible and ethical research practices in the social sciences.
Mental toughness and psychological performance skills in the operating room: Staff perceptions and implications for function and training
Authors: Forney Rachel , Asken Michael J , Fan Christopher
Published: August 2024

The importance of psychological performance skills (mental toughness) is recognised in many mission-critical professions. Similar importance has been suggested for nursing. Survey data demonstrate that surgical staff believe that such skills exert significant influence on surgical excellence, surgical errors and on managing surgical emergencies. However, few surgical staff receive such training. It is suggested that models exist to easily meet this training need and opportunity.
The role and mechanism of AMPK in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Hou Jing , Nie Yu , Wen Yiqiong , Hua Shu , Hou Yunjiao , He Huilin , Sun Shibo
Published: August 2024

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a chronic progressive disease with high mortality. There has been more and more research focusing on the role of AMPK in PH. AMPK consists of three subunits—α, β, and γ. The crosstalk among these subunits ultimately leads to a delicate balance to affect PH, which results in conflicting conclusions about the role of AMPK in PH. It is still unclear how these subunits interfere with each other and achieve balance to improve or deteriorate PH. Several signaling pathways are related to AMPK in the treatment of PH, including AMPK/eNOS/NO pathway, Nox4/mTORC2/AMPK pathway, AMPK/BMP/Smad pathway, and SIRT3-AMPK pathway. Among these pathways, the role and mechanism of AMPK/eNOS/NO and Nox4/mTORC2/AMPK pathways are clearer than others, while the SIRT3-AMPK pathway remains still unclear in the treatment of PH. There are drugs targeting AMPK to improve PH, such as metformin (MET), MET combination, and rhodiola extract. In addition, several novel factors target AMPK for improving PH, such as ADAMTS8, TUFM, and Salt-inducible kinases. However, more researches are needed to explore the specific AMPK signaling pathways involved in these novel factors in the future. In conclusion, AMPK plays an important role in PH.
Pulseless Electrical Activity Arrest Presenting as Tonic Arm Stiffening and a Flat Electroencephalogram
Authors: Mahmood Nausheen , Gonzalez-Giraldo Ernesto , Sullivan Joseph E.
Published: August 2024

This report highlights a case of PEA arrest which mimicked a tonic seizure and was discovered using electroencephalogram recordings.
Clinical Problem-Solving: A 19-Year-Old Woman With Progressive Neurological Decline and Multiple Intracranial Lesions
Authors: Ardakani Rumyar , Hatanpaa Kimmo , De Los Sanotos Yanel , Hardeman Paula , Tardo Lauren
Published: August 2024

The differential diagnosis for multiple intracranial lesions in a young adult is broad and includes demyelinating, neoplastic, and infectious etiologies. In this report, we describe the case of a 19-year-old immunocompetent woman presenting with progressive headaches and aphasia. MRI of the brain revealed multiple, large supratentorial lesions with concentric bands of alternating T2 signal intensities and peripheral contrast enhancement. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis was overall bland with negative oligoclonal bands. Serum antibody testing for neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and myelin-oligodendrocyte associated disease (MOGAD) were negative. A broad infectious work-up was also unrevealing. A definitive diagnosis was ultimately obtained after brain biopsy and the patient was started on appropriate therapy. This case highlights a diagnostic framework in evaluating immunocompetent patients presenting with multiple intracranial lesions and progressive neurological decline. The main differential diagnoses for this constellation of radiological and clinical findings are discussed and a literature review is performed on the revealed diagnosis. Lastly, both acute and long-term therapeutic approaches are reviewed.
Individual factors and vection in younger and older adults: How sex, field dependence, personality, and visual attention do (or do not) affect illusory self-motion
Authors: Murovec Brandy , Spaniol Julia , Keshavarz Behrang
Published: August 2024

An important aspect to an immersive experience in Virtual Reality is vection, defined as the illusion of self-motion. Much of the literature to date has explored strategies to maximize vection through manipulations of the visual stimulus (e.g., increasing speed) or the experimental context (e.g., framing of the study instructions). However, the role of individual differences (e.g., age, biological sex) in vection susceptibility has received little attention. The objective of the current study was to investigate the influence of individual-difference factors on vection perception in younger and older adults. Forty-six younger adults ( Mage = 25.1) and 39 older adults ( Mage = 72.4) completed assessments of personality traits, field dependence, and visual attention prior to observing a moving visual stimulus aimed at inducing circular vection. Vection was measured using self-reports of onset latency, duration, and intensity. Results indicated that, in both age groups, females experienced longer-lasting vection compared to males. Additionally, the level of field dependence was related to vection intensity and duration in males but not in females. Variability in vection intensity was best explained by a mixture of biological, perceptual, cognitive, and personality variables. Taken together, these findings suggest that individual factors are important for understanding differences in vection susceptibility.