bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a culturally safe social and emotional well-being programme: a protocol
Authors: Chong Derek , Duthie Debbie , Perry Maree , Wason Gail , Pringle Graham , Voisey Joanne
Published: December 2024

Transgenerational trauma continues to have detrimental impacts on Indigenous Australians. However, Indigenous Australians have always recognised that the healing from colonisation’s traumatic policies lies within culture. As such, there is an urgent need for community-driven culturally safe, well-being support, particularly for Indigenous young people. The development of an adventure-based Indigenous therapy programme aims to support and improve emotional and social well-being for Indigenous young people in North Queensland. We aim to evaluate this novel programme using validated and modified mental health tools and yarning. Analysis of the data will measure the direct impact of the programme; how past traumas influence the healing process and assess the use of modified culturally appropriate mental health tools. An evaluation with culturally appropriate recommendations will be produced from the analysis. Importantly, a strengths-based approach will be followed to identify levels of resilience and positive cultural experiences existent in communities.
A head-to-head comparison of the effects of aerobic versus resistance training on physical capacity and physical function in people with multiple sclerosis: Results from the MSBOOST trial
Authors: Taul-Madsen Laurits , Hvid Lars G , Riis Hjalte , Broløs Magnus K , Lundbye-Jensen Jesper , Dalgas Ulrik
Published: December 2024

Background:

Exercise is a safe and effective way to improve physical function in people with multiple sclerosis (PWMS).

Objectives:

This study aimed to perform a head-to-head study of the effects of aerobic and resistance training on physical capacity and physical function.

Methods:

A multicentre randomized controlled trial with 150 participants was conducted. Participants were randomized into 12 weeks of either aerobic training (AT; n = 62), resistance training (RT; n = 57), or usual care (UC; n = 31). The primary outcome was physical function (measured as a composite score of the 6-minute walk test and five-time sit-to-stand). Secondary outcomes were aerobic capacity (VO2peak), maximal muscle strength (MVC), and self-reported walking ability.

Results:

Participants had a mean age of 45.5 (8.8), an expanded disability status scale (EDSS) of 2.8 (1.5), and 75% were female. Physical function did not increase in AT versus UC 0.08 [−0.16; 0.33] (mean (95% CI)) nor in RT versus UC 0.09 [−0.15; 0.34].VO2peak increased in AT versus UC by 4.1 [2.0; 6.3] mL O2/min/kg and in AT versus RT by 2.7 [1.1; 4.3], but not in RT versus UC 1.4 [−0.6; 3.5]. MVC increased in RT versus UC by 0.25 [0.01; 0.48] Nm/kg, but not in RT versus AT 0.17 [−0.02; 0.36] or AT versus UC 0.08 [−0.16; 0.31]).

Conclusion:

AT and RT elicited improvements in physical capacity in PWMS. However, these improvements only moderately translated into improvements in physical function. Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04913012) https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04913012
Gender and race differences in weight discrimination’s relationship to psychological distress and eating behavior
Authors: Richmond Brianna S , Vieira Zaidan Ana C , Araiza Ashley M , Beam Adam J , Lee Aaron A , Wellman Joseph D
Published: December 2024

Stigma and discrimination against people higher in weight is common in the U.S. and understanding weight stigma’s consequences for different individuals is important. In this study, Black ( N = 290) and White ( N = 449) men and women who perceived themselves to be “overweight” completed self-report measures of perceived weight discrimination, emotion regulation, psychological distress, and eating behavior. Results showed gender differences among White but not Black participants, weight discrimination and the outcomes of interest were stronger for White men, compared to White women. Furthermore, difficulties in emotion regulation significantly mediated the associations of perceived weight discrimination with anxiety, depression, and emotional eating, with this association stronger for White men relative to White women. These results illuminate difficulties with emotion regulation as an important variable to consider in how perceived weight discrimination impacts psychological distress and eating behavior. These findings point to the possibility that White men may be differentially affected by weight discrimination.
Exploratory practice puzzling as praxis-oriented pronunciation teacher learning in Australian adult migrant EAL education
Authors: Playsted Skye , Thomas Damon P. , Wilkinson Jane
Published: December 2024

In Australia, the teaching of pronunciation is embedded in the curriculum of a national adult migrant English program offering English as an additional language (EAL) tuition to newly arrived migrants. Students in the program who have had limited opportunities to develop print literacy in English or their first languages are offered tuition in pre-level EAL classes. Teachers of these students lack access to relevant training or research on oral skills pedagogies but are expected to integrate pronunciation teaching into their lessons. This article examines pre-level teachers’ pronunciation teaching practices in the Australian adult EAL context. The study introduced teachers to a practitioner research approach of professional learning through a series of exploratory practice (EP) focus group sessions. Using the lens of the theory of practice architectures, this article describes how teachers engaged in the EP process of puzzling to foster a praxis orientation towards the teaching of EAL pronunciation with preliterate adults. Findings revealed that the practices of puzzling facilitated the development of teachers’ understandings and enabled practices of pronunciation teaching to be tailored to their local teaching context. The puzzling process, initiated by the researcher in the first session, was taken up by teachers in subsequent sessions and fostered a praxis-oriented approach to learning viewed as important by teachers. The study has implications for pronunciation teaching research as it puts forward an innovative, practice architectures theoretical framing of EP and offers new insights into pronunciation teacher learning in the adult migrant EAL context.
Onboard biofuel monitoring: Carbon inventory according to the type of energy consumed
Authors: de Salvo Junior Orlando , Forcetto André Luiz Silva , Laganá Armando Antonio Maria , Almeida Filho Flávio Guilherme Vaz de
Published: December 2024

Fossil fuel combustion contributes to climate change through carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Renewable fuels are an option for mitigating greenhouse gases (GHG) while using the same engine technology. Because ethanol as a biofuel is a feasible renewable source of energy, this study aims to develop a method for onboard monitoring of ethanol and gasoline fuel consumption and recording CO2 emissions inventory of each fuel. The fuel injector pulse was used as the reference for the calculation. The cumulative CO2 emissions recorded on real driving emissions routes showed emissions of 80.5 g CO2/km for fossil fuel and 105.6 g CO2/km for biofuel. This method allows the creation of onboard records according to the sources of CO2, fossil fuels, and biofuel to create an inventory using components available in the engine. Blending biofuels into gasoline is a way to reduce the environmental impact of current propulsion technologies during the transition to zero-emission vehicles.
The early warning method of Dagangshan high-arch dam risk based on the time series prediction of the multivariate monitoring data
Authors: Ma Ke , Yuan Zhaohu , Gao Zhiliang , Ren Fuqiang , Ke Hu
Published: December 2024

In areas with high seismic activity, stability analysis of high-arch dams becomes essential for the safe functioning of the structure. Measured displacement is a common approach used in risk assessment techniques to evaluate the state of the dam; however, there are very limited studies on forecasting and early warning methods involving future unknown data. In light of this, this study proposes a novel early warning framework for high-arch dams based on displacement and stress prediction. First, the radial displacements, along with bolt stress measured from the field were processed to remove any abnormal data before being normalized. Second, the future displacement and stress at different measurement points were predicted using three time-series prediction models (bidirectional long short-term memory network, echo state network, and Transformer) to obtain the data closest to the true value. The overload (by numerical simulation) and extreme conditions (Luding earthquake, Ms = 6.8) methods were then combined to determine the warning threshold at each measurement point. Finally, based on the principle of Bayesian probability, the Dam Risk Index was calculated based on the displacement and stress at all measurement points. This framework considers the interdependence between multiple monitoring factors, avoids the subjective complexity of the weight determination of each factor, prevents the influence of experience and subjective judgment, and makes the decision-making process more objective. This study provides a more reasonable solution for monitoring and controlling dam engineering safety.
Hiring With a Bias: How Government Ideology Shapes Professional Bureaucratic Composition
Authors: Brieba Daniel , Herrera-Marín Mauricio-René
Published: December 2024

An understudied aspect of patronage practices worldwide is how the ideological leaning of governments shapes the professional composition of the bureaucracy. This article explores this question, aiming to determine whether left-wing and right-wing administrations differ in their preferences for hiring from various academic or professional disciplines. Using Chile as a case study, we leverage a rich individual-level dataset of bureaucrats’ careers, covering nearly 15,000 upper- and upper-middle-level bureaucratic hires from 2010 to 2020 across nearly all central government ministries. Utilizing mixed-effects logistic regression models, we find that left-wing governments substantially increase the hiring of social scientists, while right-wing governments favor economists and elite management professionals. These distinct hiring patterns affect top and upper-middle-ranking positions and are not confined to specific agencies or ministries. These results underscore the significant impact of government ideology on the professional composition of bureaucracies, with potentially substantive impacts on policy design and implementation.
Midterm Outcome of Aortic Dissection Associated With Aberrant Subclavian Artery: A Single-Center Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Sun Yangxue , Gu Yuanrui , Dong Shuo , Huang Lingchen , Shao Zehua , Xu Haitao , Du Chuhao , Dong Jie , Guo Hongwei
Published: December 2024

Purpose:

The aberrant subclavian artery (aSA) is a rare anomaly of the aortic branches. Approximately 20–60% of patients with an aSA are associated with Kommerell’s diverticulum (KD). These vascular anomalies have been reported to increase the risk of aortic rupture (4–19%) and aortic dissection. However, limited studies have investigated the treatment of aortic dissection in patients with aSA and KD. This study aims to investigate clinical characteristics and midterm follow-up outcomes of patients with aortic dissection associated with aSA.

Materials and methods:

Between 2011 and 2021, a total of 48 patients with aSA anomalies underwent aortic dissection surgical intervention. Surgical interventions include open surgery, hybrid surgery, and endovascular therapy. Among them, 20 (41.7%) had Stanford type A dissection, 9 (18.8%) had Stanford type B dissection, and 19 (39.6%) had non-A non-B dissection. We report the early and midterm clinical outcomes including mortality, central nervous system complication and respiratory complication, and other operative outcomes including reintervention rates and endoleak. A subgroup analysis of the surgical and postoperative conditions was performed on Stanford type B and non-A non-B aortic dissection patients.

Results:

The mean age of the patient population was 48.81±9.65 years. The 30-day mortality rate was 12.5%. The overall mortality rate was 20.8%, with a median follow-up time of 4.5 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 2–8.75 years). Central nervous system complications occurred in 8 patients (16.7%), subclavian steal syndrome in 6 patients (12.5%), and respiratory complications in 3 patients (6.2%). The estimated Kaplan–Meier survival rates at 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, and 7 years after surgery were, respectively, 87.0%, 82.5%, 79.7%, and 75.1%. For Stanford type B and non-A non-B aortic dissection patients, the 30-day mortality rate between the open surgery group and the minimally invasive group had no statistically significant differences (18.3% vs 8.3%, p=0.815).

Conclusions:

Surgical intervention for aSA patients with aortic dissection has poor outcomes. Early intervention might be considered for patients with aSA and KD to prevent the occurrence of aortic dissection.

Clinical Impact

Aberrant subclavian artery (aSA) and Kommerell’s diverticulum (KD) have been reported to increase the risk of aortic rupture and aortic dissection. This study is currently the largest single-center retrospective study on aSA combined with aortic dissection, providing standardized data reporting and midterm follow-up of patients with this rare vascular anomaly.
A Historical Accounting of the Founding of Latina Sisterhood During a Time of Racial Tension in the Midwest
Authors: Hernández Ebelia , Rodriguez Merylou
Published: December 2024

This historical accounting focuses on the founding of Gamma Phi Omega, the first Latina sorority founded at Indiana University during a time of racial tensions on campus. This work contributes to historical scholarship about the Latina college experience by describing how a small group of Latinas navigated predominantly white spaces and were able to create an all-women organization that produced community leaders and advocates tasked with creating culturally affirming spaces for Latinxs on campus.
The Sociology of Mental Health and the Twenty-First-Century Mental Health Crisis
Authors: Schnittker Jason
Published: December 2024

In this article, I address the current mental health crisis in the United States, consisting of a rapid rise in anxiety and depression among millennials and growing deaths of despair among non-college middle-aged adults. I argue that the twin crises have much in common, as different as they might appear. Both are crises of subjective interpretation and meaning as much as objective circumstance and opportunity. Yet to date they have been interpreted narrowly, as reflecting environmental and technological change and growing impingements on the individual, whether with respect to a rise in social media or a decline in manufacturing jobs. In research on rising mortality, despair has slowly assumed secondary status to deaths. Here, I argue that there is more to the overall mental health crisis, and for this reason, the crisis is worse than it appears. Generations are exposed to more stressful environments, but the cultural environment has also failed to provide them with the tools to cope and manage the consequences of their suffering. Furthermore, even as social conditions have conspired to increase emotional suffering, the social environment has demanded even greater mental fitness, creating an increasingly mental health-biased socioeconomic environment. A sociological approach to the crisis would incorporate a more expansive view of the person and the situation, allowing for more consideration of meaning-making, adaptation, self-conception, and how mental health problems are received. Among other things, this would recenter mental health among the tangle of problems adumbrated in the literature on rising anxiety and mortality.
Factors Associated With Not Returning to Work Among Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Merdawati Leni , Lin Hui-Chen , Pan Chieh-Hsin , Huang Hui-Chuan
Published: December 2024

Background:

Returning to work (RTW) is a crucial aspect of recovery for patients with breast cancer (BC), which indicates restored normalcy, financial stability, functional abilities, and an improved quality of life. However, associated factors related to not RTW among patients with BC remain unclear. In this study, we examined associated factors of not RTW among patients with BC.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study and convenience sampling were conducted in two hospitals in Indonesia to recruit eligible participants. Factors related to not RTW were collected and included symptoms of distress, loneliness, anxiety/depression, perceived social support, and frailty. A logistic regression model was performed to explore associated factors of not RTW.

Findings:

In total, 250 patients with BC were included in this study, and 148 of them experienced not RTW. Anxiety, loneliness, frailty, and social support emerged as significant factors associated with not RTW. BC patients who had a higher anxiety level (odds ratio [ OR]: 5.30; 95% confidence interval [CI] [2.16, 12.98]), had high loneliness ( OR: 3.15, 95% CI [1.29, 7.67]), or were frail ( OR: 2.53; 95% CI [1.07, 5.98]) had a higher risk of not RTW. BC patients with lower social support ( OR: 5.65; 95% CI [1.81, 17.63]) had a higher risk of not RTW.

Conclusion/Applications to Practice:

Occupational health professionals can offer early counseling, health education, and support strategies to patients with BC, assisting their preparations in terms of both physical and psychological functions for successfully RTW.
Preliminary exploration of metagenomic sequencing for pathogenic identification in infectious uveitis
Authors: Yu Jinxia , Gao Yane , Bi Hongsheng , Zhang Youhua , Tang Kai , Guo Dadong , Xie Xiaofeng
Published: December 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the advantages and clinical utility of metagenomic sequencing (MGS) in diagnosing infectious uveitis pathogens.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 20 infectious uveitis patients (20 eyes) who received treatments at the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from May 2020 to February 2021. Anterior aqueous humor of the patients was collected and analyzed using MGS. Then, pathogenic microorganisms that cause uveitis were identified through bioinformatic analyses based on the sequencing data of MGS. Finally, the pathogens identified by MGS were verified using both enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) and quantitative PCR (qPCR).

Results

MGS was used to detect viral pathogens in four patients, bacterial pathogens in two patients, and viral and bacterial pathogens in one patient. Among these seven subjects, five were verified by either ELISA or qPCR.

Conclusions

MGS holds significant value and promising potential in diagnosing infectious uveitis pathogens. However, it cannot completely replace the traditional diagnostic techniques and still needs to be integrated with conventional methods to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of pathogen detection. As a pioneering technology, MGS will advance the field of pathogen diagnosis in infectious uveitis.
Nanopore sequencing as a novel method of characterising anorexia nervosa risk loci
Authors: Berthold Natasha , Gaudieri Silvana , Hood Sean , Tschochner Monika , Miller Allison L. , Jordan Jennifer , Thornton Laura M. , Bulik Cynthia M. , Akkari Patrick Anthony , Kennedy Martin A.
Published: December 2024

Background

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a polygenic, severe metabopsychiatric disorder with poorly understood aetiology. Eight significant loci have been identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based heritability was estimated to be ~ 11–17, yet causal variants remain elusive. It is therefore important to define the full spectrum of genetic variants in the wider regions surrounding these significantly associated loci. The hypothesis we evaluate here is that unrecognised or relatively unexplored variants in these regions exist and are promising targets for future functional analyses. To test this hypothesis, we implemented a novel approach with targeted nanopore sequencing (Oxford Nanopore Technologies) for 200 kb regions centred on each of the eight AN-associated loci in 10 AN case samples. Our bioinformatics pipeline entailed base-calling and alignment with Dorado and minimap2 software, followed by variant calling with four separate tools, Sniffles2, Clair3, Straglr, and NanoVar. We then leveraged publicly available databases to characterise these loci in putative functional context and prioritise a subset of potentially relevant variants.

Results

Targeted nanopore sequencing effectively enriched the target regions (average coverage 14.64x). To test our hypothesis, we curated a list of 20 prioritised variants in non-coding regions, poorly represented in the current human reference genome but that may have functional consequences in AN pathology. Notably, we identified a polymorphic SINE-VNTR-Alu like sub-family D element (SVA-D), intergenic with IP6K2 and PRKAR2A, and a poly-T short tandem repeat (STR) in the 3ʹUTR of FOXP1.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the potential of targeted nanopore sequencing for characterising poorly resolved or complex variation, which may be initially obscured in risk-associated regions detected by GWAS. Some of the variants identified in this way, such as the polymorphic SVA-D and poly-T STR, could contribute to mechanisms of phenotypic risk, through regulation of several neighbouring genes implicated in AN biology, and affect post-transcriptional processing of FOXP1, respectively. This exploratory investigation was not powered to detect functional effects, however, the variants we observed using this method are poorly represented in the current human reference genome and accompanying databases, and further examination of these may provide new opportunities for improved understanding of genetic risk mechanisms of AN.
Research on health information avoidance behavior and influencing factors of cancer patients—an empirical analysis based on structural equation modeling
Authors: Zhu Rui , Zhao Hui , Yun Yun , Zhao Yue , Wang Weixian , Wang Lingmeng , Hou Wenjie , Wang Fuzhi
Published: December 2024

Objective

To explore the health information avoidance behaviors and influencing factors of cancer patients, and to construct a structural equation model to analyze the mediating roles of self-efficacy and negative emotions in the process of generating health information avoidance behaviors of cancer patients.

Methods

A face-to-face electronic questionnaire was used to collect data. Applying a chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression model to analyze the role of different socio-demographic factors in influencing health information avoidance behavior of cancer patients; applying structural equation modeling to analyze the role mechanism of health information avoidance behavior of cancer patients.

Results

The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that socio-demographic factors of per capita monthly household income, marital status, occupation, treatment modality, years of use of smart devices, and weekly hours of reading health information had an impact on health information avoidance behavior of cancer patients. All fit indices of the structural equation model were within acceptable limits,(CMIN/DF = 2.285,RMSEA = 0.045,CFI = 0.949,IFI = 0.949,RFI = 0.902,TLI = 0,942).The results of the mediating effect found that self-efficacy mediated the paths of information overload and privacy concern to health information avoidance behavior, respectively; negative emotions mediated the paths of information overload and privacy concern to health information avoidance behavior, respectively; and self-efficacy mediated the path from social support to health information avoidance behavior.

Conclusion

Sociodemographic factors influencing cancer patients' health information avoidance behaviors include per capita monthly household income, occupation, treatment modality, number of years of smart device use, and number of hours per week reading health information. Self-efficacy and negative emotions mediated the analytic model of health information avoidance behavior in cancer patients, respectively.
Tackling the primary healthcare workforce crisis: time to talk about health systems and governance—a comparative assessment of nine countries in the WHO European region
Authors: Kuhlmann Ellen , Falkenbach Michelle , Brînzac Monica Georgina , Correia Tiago , Panagioti Maria , Rechel Bernd , Sagan Anna , Santric-Milicevic Milena , Ungureanu Marius-Ionuț , Wallenburg Iris , Burau Viola
Published: December 2024

Background

Primary healthcare has emerged as a powerful global concept, but little attention has been directed towards the pivotal role of the healthcare workforce and the diverse institutional setting in which they work. This study aims to bridge the gap between the primary healthcare policy and the ongoing healthcare workforce crisis debate by introducing a health system and governance approach to identify capacities that may help respond effectively to the HCWF crisis in health system contexts.

Methods

A qualitative comparative methodology was employed, and a rapid assessment of the primary healthcare workforce was conducted across nine countries: Denmark, Germany, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom/ England.

Results

Our findings reveal both convergence and pronounced diversity across the healthcare systems, with none fully aligning with the ideal attributes of primary healthcare suggested by WHO. However, across all categories, Denmark, the Netherlands, and to a lesser extent Kazakhstan, depict closer alignment to this model than the other countries. Workforce composition and skill-mix vary strongly, while disparities persist in education and data availability, particularly within Social Health Insurance systems. Policy responses and interventions span governance, organisational, and professional realms, although with weaknesses in the implementation of policies and a systematic lack of data and evaluation.

Conclusions

Aligning primary healthcare and workforce considerations within the broader health system context may help move the debate forward and build governance capacities to improve resilience in both areas.
Windsock mitral valve after prior aortic valve endocarditis
Authors: Kang Augustine W. , Wang Hanjay , Libert Diane M. , Berry Gerald J. , Boyd Jack H.
Published: December 2024

Background

Windsock deformities, though rare, represent a severe form of valvular aneurysm distinguished by localized balloon-like protrusions of the leaflet body. Here, we present a compelling case of windsock mitral valve (MV) formation subsequent to incompletely managed aortic valve (AV) endocarditis. The case is illustrated through radiographic, intraoperative, and histopathologic images.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 44 year old male patient who presented with symptoms suggestive of infective endocarditis. Despite initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy and surgical intervention for AV involvement, the patient developed progressive valvular dysfunction. Subsequent imaging studies revealed the emergence of windsock deformity in the mitral valve apparatus. Intraoperative assessment confirmed the presence of this rare valvular anomaly, which was further corroborated by histopathologic examination.

Conclusions

We provide, for the first time in the literature, a clear intraoperative view and example of windsock mitral valve (MV) developing after incompletely treated aortic valve (AV) endocarditis.
Altered chromatin landscape and 3D interactions associated with primary constitutional MLH1 epimutations
Authors: Climent-Cantó Paula , Subirana-Granés Marc , Ramos-Rodríguez Mireia , Dámaso Estela , Marín Fátima , Vara Covadonga , Pérez-González Beatriz , Raurell Helena , Munté Elisabet , Soto José Luis , Alonso Ángel , Shin GiWon , Ji Hanlee , Hitchins Megan , Capellá Gabriel , Pasquali Lorenzo , Pineda Marta
Published: December 2024

Background

Lynch syndrome (LS), characterised by an increased risk for cancer, is mainly caused by germline pathogenic variants affecting a mismatch repair gene (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2). Occasionally, LS may be caused by constitutional MLH1 epimutation (CME) characterised by soma-wide methylation of one allele of the MLH1 promoter. Most of these are “primary” epimutations, arising de novo without any apparent underlying cis-genetic cause, and are reversible between generations. We aimed to characterise genetic and gene regulatory changes associated with primary CME to elucidate possible underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods

Four carriers of a primary CME and three non-methylated relatives carrying the same genetic haplotype were included. Genetic alterations were sought using linked-read WGS in blood DNA. Transcriptome (RNA-seq), chromatin landscape (ATAC-seq, H3K27ac CUT&Tag) and 3D chromatin interactions (UMI-4C) were studied in lymphoblastoid cell lines. The MLH1 promoter SNP (c.-93G > A, rs1800734) was used as a reporter in heterozygotes to assess allele-specific chromatin conformation states.

Results

MLH1 epimutant alleles presented a closed chromatin conformation and decreased levels of H3K27ac, as compared to the unmethylated allele. Moreover, the epimutant MLH1 promoter exhibited differential 3D chromatin contacts, including lost and gained interactions with distal regulatory elements. Of note, rare genetic alterations potentially affecting transcription factor binding sites were found in the promoter-contacting region of CME carriers.

Conclusions

Primary CMEs present allele-specific differential interaction patterns with neighbouring genes and regulatory elements. The role of the identified cis-regulatory regions in the molecular mechanism underlying the origin and maintenance of CME requires further investigation.
Platelet signaling in immune landscape: comprehensive mechanism and clinical therapy
Authors: Yan Mengyao , Wang Zhe , Qiu Zhiwei , Cui Yimin , Xiang Qian
Published: December 2024

Platelets are essential for blood clotting and maintaining normal hemostasis. In pathological conditions, platelets are increasingly recognized as crucial regulatory factors in various immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Resting platelets are induced by various factors such as immune complexes through Fc receptors, platelet-targeting autoantibodies and other platelet-activating stimuli. Platelet activation in immunological processes involves the release of immune activation stimuli, antigen presentation and interaction with immune cells. Platelets participate in both the innate immune system (neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs) and Natural Killer (NK) cells and the adaptive immune system (T and B cells). Clinical therapeutic strategies include targeting platelet activation, platelet-immune cell interaction and platelet-endothelial cell interaction, which display positive development prospects. Understanding the mechanisms of platelets in immunity is important, and developing targeted modulations of these mechanisms will pave the way for promising therapeutic strategies.
Assessment of cardio-oncology knowledge and practice among healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia: a comprehensive nationwide survey
Authors: Badreldin Hisham A. , Alsuhebany Nada , Alfehaid Lama , Alzahrani Mohammed , Aldoughaim Maha , Alrajhi Abdullah M. , Alsufyani Jumanah , Elsherif Dania , Alshammari Kanan
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The evolving field of oncology necessitates effective management of cancer-related cardiovascular diseases. In Saudi Arabia, the incidence of cancer is rising, and there is a critical need for cardio-oncology services to address cancer treatment-related cardiovascular toxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and practices of healthcare providers (HCPs) in Saudi Arabia regarding cardio-oncology.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2024 to April 2024 using an online survey targeting cardiologists, oncologists, and clinical pharmacists. The survey assessed demographics, perceptions of cardio-oncology, availability of services, and current practices. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and bivariate analyses.

Results

The survey received responses from 116 HCPs, including cardiologists (63.79%), oncologists (23.28%), and clinical pharmacists (12.93%). Most participants had over six years of experience, and only one had formal cardio-oncology training. While 84.48% recognized the importance of managing cardiac complications in cancer patients, only 42.24% were familiar with existing guidelines. Limited training programs and institutional resources were significant barriers to implementing cardio-oncology services. Despite agreement on the need for cardiotoxicity management, only one-third recommended cardioprotective agents as standard care.

Conclusion

There is a notable deficiency in formal training and resources for cardio-oncology in Saudi Arabia. To bridge this gap, integrating cardio-oncology into training programs, establishing institutional guidelines, and adopting multidisciplinary care models are crucial. These measures will enhance the quality of care for cancer patients and improve their cardiovascular outcomes.
Sonographic assessment of hand and wrist tendons abnormalities
Authors: Habib Asmaa Hussein , El-Azizi Hatem Mohamed , Hefny Salma Hesham , Nouh Omar Mohammed
Published: December 2024

Background

Tendons of the hand and wrist are the seat of different types of pathologies that might be attributed to degenerative changes, inflammation, or even rupture. All of which can significantly impair hand functions and hence, the quality of life. Ultrasound can help diagnose a wide spectrum of tendon abnormalities and direct the surgical management in operable cases saving time and effort. The aim of this work was to evaluate the role of ultrasound in the assessment of different tendon pathologies in the hand and wrist and correlate imaging findings with clinical and operative data (in operable cases).

Methods

The study was conducted on 33 patients who presented with different tendon pathologies. After thorough history taking and clinical examination, US examinations were performed to both the affected and healthy hands. Continuity of the tendon, possible cause of restricted mobility, swellings as well as presence or absence of adhesions, tears, or associated vascular injury or retained foreign bodies were assessed. In operable cases, the surgery team provided feedback regarding the operative findings to correlate them with the US findings.

Results

The study included 33 patients; 20 males and 13 females, the majority of hand or wrist tendon abnormalities were encountered due to trauma, In this study flexor tendons were the most affected at 84.8% and 15.2% for extensors. US was used to diagnose trigger finger in 20.7%, adhesions at 6.9% of cases, tendon tears in 63.6% of study population. In flexor tendon tears, ultrasound and surgery findings were consistent with regard to the gap distance regarding in both the Flexor digitorum profundus and Flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS and FDP); with strong positive correlation between them (r = 0.995, and 0.959 respectively).

Conclusion

Ultrasound serves as an excellent diagnostic modality for assessment and management of various hand and wrist tendon abnormalities. It can pinpoint the exact site and nature of tendinopathy. This can guide clinicians in the management plan.
Calpain 2 promotes Lenvatinib resistance and cancer stem cell traits via both proteolysis-dependent and independent approach in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ma Xiaolu , Zhou Kaixia , Yan Tianqing , Hu Ling , Xie Suhong , Zheng Hui , Tong Ying , Zhang Heng , Wang Yanchun , Gong Zhiyun , Chen Cuncun , Tian Yanan , Guo Lin , Lu Renquan
Published: December 2024

Lenvatinib, an approved first-line regimen, has been widely applied in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, clinical response towards Lenvatinib was limited, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying mechanism of its resistance. Herein, we employed integrated bioinformatic analysis to identify calpain-2 (CAPN2) as a novel key regulator for Lenvatinib resistance in HCC, and its expression greatly increased in both Lenvatinib-resistant HCC cell lines and clinical samples. Further in vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that knocking down CAPN2 greatly sensitized HCC cells to Lenvatinib treatment, while overexpression of CAPN2 achieved opposite effects in a Lenvatinib-sensitive HCC cell line. Interestingly, we observed a close relationship between CAPN2 expression and cancer stem cell (CSC) traits in HCC cells, evidenced by impaired sphere-forming and CSC-related marker expressions after CAPN2 knockdown, and verse vice. Mechanistically, we strikingly discovered that CAPN2 exerted its function by both enzyme-dependent and enzyme-independent manner simultaneously: activating β-Catenin signaling through its enzyme activity, and preventing GLI1/GLI2 degradation through direct binding to YWHAE in an enzyme-independent manner, which disrupting the association between YWHAE and GLI1/GLI2 to inhibit YWHAE-induced degradation of GLIs. Notably, further co-immunoprecipitation assays revealed that YWHAE could promote the protein stability of CAPN2 via recruiting a deubiquitinase COPS5 to prevent ubiquitination-induced degradation of CAPN2. In summary, our data demonstrated that CAPN2 promoted Lenvatinib resistance via both catalytic activity-dependent and -independent approaches. Reducing CAPN2 protein rather than inhibiting its activity might be a promising strategy to improve Lenvatinib treatment efficiency in HCC.
Congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism With Novel Pathogenic Variants in FGFR1 and GNRHR
Authors: Yamamoto Shinta , Nakajima Hanako , Okada Hiroshi , Nakanishi Naoko , Hamaguchi Masahide , Fukui Michiaki
Published: December 2024

Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) can cause delayed secondary sexual characteristics and contribute to juvenile osteoporosis, with multiple causative genes having been reported. We treated a 27-year-old man diagnosed with central hypogonadism, presenting with delayed secondary sexual characteristics and juvenile osteoporosis, using bone resorption inhibitors and testosterone therapy. Genetic testing revealed missense variants both in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GNRHR) genes, a combination that has not been previously reported. This case represents a CHH caused by a novel combination of gene variants not registered in the human genome mutation database.
The Willingness to Pay for a Cooler Day: Evidence from 50 Years of Major League Baseball Games
Authors: Kuruc Kevin , LoPalo Melissa , O'Connor Sean
Published: December 2024

The climate economy literature has documented adverse effects of extreme temperatures on well-being through mechanisms such as mortality, productivity, and conflict. Impacts due simply to discomfort are less well understood. This paper investigates individuals' valuations of weather using a revealed preference approach. We first quantify the decline in attendance at Major League Baseball games on hot and cold days. Leveraging this finding coupled with the historically informed assumption of a horizontal supply curve, we infer a monetized estimate of the disutility of extreme temperatures. We estimate a $1.53 utility loss per hour of exposure to high temperatures, implying nontrivial aggregate welfare effects. (JEL D12, I31, L83, Q54, Z21)
From Blue- to Steel-Collar Jobs: The Decline in Employment Gaps?
Authors: Lerch Benjamin
Published: December 2024

I investigate how the introduction of industrial robots is shaping the demographic composition of the US labor force between 1993 and 2014. I find that robots decreased employment of men and women by 3.7 and 1.6 percentage points, contributing to the secular decline in the gender employment gap, and that they decreased employment among Whites and non-Whites by 1.8 and 4.5 percentage points, widening the race/ethnicity employment gap. These effects follow from the persistent occupational segregation in the labor market. Although robots are primarily used in manufacturing, their adverse effects spill over to local service industries, in particular for Blacks and Hispanics. (JEL E24, J15, J16, L60, O33, R23)
Permanent Income Shocks, Target Wealth, and the Wealth Gap
Authors: Jappelli Tullio , Pistaferri Luigi
Published: December 2024

We test the key implication of the buffer-stock model, namely that any revision in permanent income leads to a proportionate revision in target wealth. We use panel data on the amount of wealth that people think they must hold for precautionary purposes. Using the covariance restrictions that the model imposes on the joint behavior of income and target wealth, we find that households indeed revise, approximately one for one, their target wealth in response to permanent income shocks. The speed of adjustment of actual wealth to target wealth is similar to that obtained in simulations of a buffer-stock model. (JEL D15, E21, G51)
Estimating Hysteresis Effects
Authors: Furlanetto Francesco , Lepetit Antoine , Robstad Ørjan , Rubio-Ramírez Juan , Ulvedal Pål
Published: December 2024

In this paper we identify demand shocks that can have a permanent effect on output through hysteresis effects. We call these shocks permanent demand shocks. They are found to be quantitatively important in the United States, in particular in samples starting in the 1980s. Recessions driven by permanent demand shocks lead to a permanent decline in employment and investment, while output per worker is largely unaffected. We find strong evidence that hysteresis transmits through a rise in long-term unemployment and a decline in labor force participation and disproportionately affects the least productive workers. (JEL C51, E22, E23, E24, E32, J22, J24)
The Concurrence Between Expressions and Logic in the History of Legal Theory: Are ‘Amm Expressions Universal?
Authors: Evdüzen Osman Said
Published: December 2024

ʿĀmm [general] expressions are discussed in the linguistic sections of legal theory. In early periods, discussions on ʿāmm expressions involved their definition, presence, and signification (madlūl). After al-Ghazālī, however universals as one of the subjects of classical logic also began occurring in these discussions. This article discusses whether or not ʿāmm expressions denote universal meanings and also analyzes the theoretical explanations of usulists [legal theorists] in the post-classical era regarding the relation between universals and ʿāmm expressions. The article argued that al-Ghazālī (d. 505/1111) as the first scholar to argue ʿāmm expressions to denote universals and to attribute them to the language being assigned (*wad***ʿ) to mental images (al-ṣūra al-dhiniyya). al-Rāzī (d. 606/1210) and the later period usulists argued ʿāmm expressions to not denote universal but to instead only have universal meanings among their individuals. al-Qarāfī (d. 684/1285), al-Iṣfahānī (d. 688/1289), and al-Subkī (d. 771/1370) continued the same idea and considered ʿāmm expressions as universal propositions under the influence of Avicenna (d. 428/1037), whereas al-Taftāzānī (d. 792/1390) had considered them to be both whole (kull) and universal through the concept of signification (ṣulūh). The usulists are shown to have written commentaries and glosses on Jam‘ al-jawāmi‘, synthesized the teachings of both different understandings, and argued ʿāmm expressions to have three different denotations: whole, universal, and universal proposition.
Analyzing a Text Within its Period: Why Did We Misunderstand Masdariyecizade Hüseyin Efendi’s Treatise on Teslis-i Zaviye and Kavs?
Authors: Bilgin Zehra
Published: December 2024

Masdariyecizāde Hüseyin Efendi, one of the lecturers at Mühendishāne-i Berrī-i Hümāyūn (The Imperial School of Military Engineering), wrote a treatise in h.1238/c.1822 on the ancient problem of trisecting an angle smaller than ninety degrees using Euclidean geometry. This famous problem has its roots in the ancient Greek. The treatise contains an assumed solution to the problem by using tools of Euclidean geometry, a straightedge (an unmarked ruler) and a compass. The proof is recorded under the signatures indicating the approval of the engineering faculty. The available academic literature on this treatise generally contains comments denigrating the work, the author and the scholarly environment of the period based on the claim that it had already been proven at the time Hüseyin Efendi published his treatise, that a positive result could not be reached with the limited tools used in the solution. All this contemporary research is originated from a sole source, Salih Zeki Bey’s articles on the subject written a century ago, the accuracy of which is debatable in terms of its contents. This study focuses on the claims based on this common source as well as the history of the solution to the problem, and thus provides a correction to the erroneous information on the subject.
Modernidades em O desafio (1965)
Authors: Esteves Leonardo
Published: December 2024

O desafio (1965) é o primeiro longa-metragem brasileiro que buscou retratar os efeitos do golpe civil-militar de 1964. Dirigido por Paulo César Saraceni, mobilizou um extenso debate quando de seu lançamento. No presente trabalho será investigada a questão da modernidade na obra a partir de um número de citações presentes ao longo do enredo e englobando segmentos como o teatro, a literatura e o cinema. A ênfase da análise recai sobre a qualidade e a eficácia desses elementos no discurso do filme. A conclusão aponta para uma eventual assimetria entre arte e política em duas instâncias, a do autor e a do personagem protagonista, responsável por privilegiar uma expressão poética.
Presídios femininos, mulheres monstruosas e assassinos seriais
Authors: Oliveira Furutani Guilherme
Published: December 2024

Este artigo discute uma série de filmes realizados no Brasil entre os anos 1970 e 1980 dentro da Boca do Lixo, mais especificamente as pornochanchadas, focando em três subgêneros que foram encontrados na pesquisa: filmes de “mulheres monstruosas”, filmes de assassinos seriais de mulheres e filmes de presídio feminino (women in prison, subgênero do exploitation). O objetivo é demonstrar que, para além de um estigma de que “pornochanchada” é apenas um tipo de filme pornográfico, o cinema da Boca também se vinculava a gêneros cinematográficos - aqui, o horror -, e refletia os debates de sua época (em meio a ditadura civil-militar), debates esses que nem sempre são considerados pela historiografia.
olhar da arte para a experiência negra no pós-64
Authors: Sampaio Costa Souza Lucas
Published: December 2024

Juliane Cruz (1996), nasceu e reside no Rio de Janeiro. Mulher negra, é artista multilinguagem formada pela Escola de Teatro Martins Penna, pela Escola Sesc de Artes Dramáticas, tendo participado ainda do Programa de Deformação e Formação da EAV do Parque Lage. Sua formação e atuação como artista se destaca pela relação com as reflexões contemporâneas sobre arte, cultura e resistência a partir de teorias críticas, como é o caso de “Como Coreografar o Impossível?”, oficina idealizada e ministrada por ela na Mostra de Itinerância da 35ª Bienal de Artes de São Paulo, no MAM Rio, e dos cursos que realizou sobre “Crítica e Curadoria Anticolonial” (2023) e “Crítica e Curadoria: Anticolonial e Desobediência de Gênero” (2024), promovidos pelo Galpão Bela Maré. Barbárie, esperança e revolta ainda estão entre os temas interpretados por Juliane no teatro.