bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compatibility study of high density polyethylene grade 80 gas pipe with synthetic polyglycol-based brake oil
Authors: Alimi Latifa , Chaoui Kamel
Published: March 2024

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is one attractive technical option for the transportation and distribution of natural gas and hydrocarbons given the advantages in long-term mechanical strength, lifespan, maintenance costs and resistance to chemical aging. This study investigates the compatibility of extruded pipe material from copolymerized HDPE-80 with DOT 3 brake fluid. Machined standard specimens from inner (IL) and outer (OL) pipe layers are aged in commercial synthetic polyglycol-based oil for 7 days at laboratory conditions. The percent mass changes are +2.2% and +1.9% respectively for IL and OL pipe surfaces. These results are in the same range of published sorption data for other oils and fuels. Stress-strain parameters (E, σ y, σ CD, σ f, ε y, Δ ε CD, ε f) and fracture work are established and thoroughly discussed for both pipe sides. For IL, the reduction of E, σ y and ε f are respectively 28.0%, 13.9% and 22.7%, while for OL they are 22.6%, 7.7% and 25.1%. Globally, it is concluded that strength properties degradation in DOT 3 oil is more important for IL compared to OL. There is an important loss of ductility for both pipe sides. Ageing caused IL crystallinity ( Xc) to increase while OL showed inverse results probably because of frozen anti-oxidants in the outer surface layers following water quenching during extrusion. Before and after ageing, the as-received OL is found to be more resilient to oxidation than corresponding IL, as higher OIT parameters are also shown in the case of crude oil compatibility investigations. DOT 3 brake oil seem to accelerate the degradation of HDPE-80 thermal stability with a higher intensity for IL.
Technology has Agency too! Disentangling Technology's Causal and Structural Agency in a Service System
Authors: Anderson Kelley Cours , Hansen Hans , Laverie Debra
Published: March 2024

This study explores how technology attains agency in a service system. By applying a systems view through the lenses of service-dominant logic and actor-network theory (ANT), we clarify and conceptualize resource and agency forms for a technology as it connects with other actors in a network as part of the value cocreation process. We conduct a qualitative study to explore a technology's role (i.e., VR-tours) in the residential real estate market. We find that VR-tour technology gains causal agency through others’ connection to and reliance on the technology. As value is determined, there is potential for structural agency, where it cocreates and transforms valuations, influencing actors to renegotiate their roles and practices and enabling value destabilization in the marketing system. Theoretical and macromarketing implications are discussed.
Music Preferences and Their Associations With Uses of Music and Personality Factors and Facets
Authors: Butković Ana , Žauhar Valnea
Published: March 2024

In this study, we examined the associations between music preferences, uses of music and personality factors and facets. The sample included 449 participants (50% female, M  =  23.59, SD  =  2.14) who indicated preferences for international and regional music styles that were classified into Reflective and Complex, Intense and Rebellious, Upbeat and Conventional, Energetic and Rhythmic, and Regional preferences, and filled in the Uses of Music Inventory and IPIP-300 questionnaire. After controlling for age, gender and uses of music, personality significantly added to the prediction of all music preferences, except Energetic and Rhythmic. Personality factors explained additionally from 9% to 21%, and facets from 18% to 34% of the music preference variance, respectively. Openness, as well as some openness facets, emerged as significant predictors for different music preferences. Our results indicate that when trying to explain preferences with personality traits, the personality traits should be measured at the facet level.
Primary adrenal epithelioid sarcoma (proximal type): a case report and literature review
Authors: Fang Daocheng , Li Hui , Hu Yuanyuan
Published: March 2024

Primary adrenal epithelioid sarcoma is a rare lesion of the adrenal gland, and only seven cases have been reported in the domestic and international literature to date. We herein report a case involving a 65-year-old man with primary adrenal epithelioid sarcoma. After being admitted to the hospital with an adrenal mass found on physical examination, the patient underwent laparoscopic right adrenalectomy. Postoperative pathological findings indicated an epithelioid sarcoma (proximal type). Primary adrenal epithelioid sarcoma is a rare malignancy. Diagnosis is challenging and relies on histopathology and immunohistochemical staining.
Identifying characteristics of stroke patients benefiting from interprofessional collaboration
Authors: Ikeda Kohei , Sasada Satoshi
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

This study identifies the patient population that may benefit from interprofessional collaboration in the support of patients with cerebrovascular diseases.

Method:

This study involved 170 patients who received treatment in Japan’s recovery rehabilitation wards in December 2019–June 2020. Participants were categorized into three groups based on their functional independence measure (FIM) scores at admission, distinguishing between complete dependence, modified dependence, and independence groups. They were classified into the group with higher collaborative practice (HCP) and the group with lower collaborative practice (LCP) based on the median value of the therapist collaborative practice scale (TCPS). The primary outcomes measured were FIM efficiency and FIM effectiveness. The main effects and interactions of the level of independence with activities of daily living (ADL) and collaboration were examined using a two-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni multiple comparison tests.

Results:

The level of independence with ADL and collaboration had an interaction effect related to FIM effectiveness ( F(2, 164) = 3.191, p = 0.044). Within the independence group, HCP and LCP differed significantly ( F(1, 164) = 15.562, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Interprofessional collaboration may improve ADL in patients with high ADL independence at admission. Furthermore, the interprofessional collaboration quality impacted patients’ ADL improvement.
Experimental and numerical analysis of residual stresses induced by the manufacturing process of longitudinal welded tubes
Authors: Egger Christian , Simon Nicola , Lüchinger Marco , Kern Kerstin , Schreiner Michael , Tillmann Wolfgang , Gibmeier Jens
Published: March 2024

In the present work, the process chain in tube production by roll forming of the steel 34MnB5 was examined in more detail. The process chain consisting of the steps (i) roll forming, (ii) HFI welding, and then (iii) straightening and final calibration was mapped using the finite element method. In addition to the pipe geometry, the residual stress distribution was considered as an essential target value for the assessment of the performance of the tubes under service conditions. The objective of the project is to describe the manufacturing process and thus the processing induced residual stress distributions as realistically as possible. For a more detailed characterization of the process and above all for the validation of the numerical simulations, experimental residual stress analyses were carried out for the final state of the tubes using complementary analysis methods. The contour method was used to determine the 2D-distribution of residual stresses across the transverse and longitudinal sections of the manufactured pipes. These measurements were supplemented by local residual stress analyses using the incremental hole drilling method and X-ray residual stress analyses. The work thus pursues both a methodical approach to the analysis of the internal stresses induced by the process using complementary methods and also a manufacturing approach to the analysis and evaluation of the production chain. In particular for the axial components of the residual stresses, it can be shown that experimentally determined residual stresses correlate well with the numerically calculated values. The contour method is excellently suited to monitor the uneven distribution of the internal stresses over the pipe cross-section. The results of the simulation show that the overall residual stress distribution that is determined using the contour method mainly results from the plastic strains introduced by the roll forming process. X-ray and hole drilling analyses are shown to be more suitable for measuring locally present residual stresses at defined positions on the outer tube surface. In this way it can be shown that the simulation approach described provides an accurate model of the process.
Genitourinary Fistula: epidemiology, changing trends in etiology and management: A tertiary care institute’s perspective
Authors: Vikram Singh , Om Kumar Yadav , Arjun Singh Sandhu , Mahendra Singh , Deepak Prakash Bhirud , Shashank Tripathi , Priyank Bhargava , Rahul Jena , Shivcharan Navriya , Gautam Ram Choudhary
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

Urogenital fistula is a physically, socially and psychologically devastating condition for the patient. In developed countries, these fistulae are typically related to gynecological surgery, pelvic pathology like malignancy or post radiation therapy. In contrast, classical teaching is that urogenital fistulae in the developing countries like India are usually associated with prolonged labor and obstetric complications. This retrospective study conducted at a tertiary care health Institute shows a paradigm shift in epidemiology, etiology and management of genitourinary fistulae in India in recent times.

Methods:

This retrospective study included patients undergoing surgical repair for various genitourinary fistulae at our institute from 2016 to 2022. Epidemiology, etiology, site, size and number of fistulae, clinical presentation, and management records of these patients were recorded and reviewed retrospectively.

Results:

In our study, the mean age of the patients was 38.4 ± 10.2 years. Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) was found to be most common fistula in the study population (87.5%) followed by vesicouterine (7.1%) and urethrovaginal fistula (5.4%). The causes of genitourinary fistula were iatrogenic (73.2%), carcinoma of cervix (16.1%), obstructed prolonged labor (7.1%), and genitourinary tuberculosis (3.57%). Among the 48 vesicovaginal fistulas that underwent surgery, 45.8% were treated using a transvaginal approach, 29.2% were managed through a laparoscopic transabdominal repair, and 25% were addressed using a robotic approach. Recurrence occurred in 7.1% of the operated patients.

Conclusion:

Enhanced healthcare services in the country have contributed to a decrease in the incidence of obstructed labor, subsequently reducing related injuries. Iatrogenic injuries resulting from gynecological surgeries and carcinoma cervix have given rise to more complex fistulas, necessitating the implementation of advanced treatment strategies.
Removal of heavy metals in water-extracted solution through adsorption by palygorskite and stabilization by comilling
Authors: Sun Chang-Jung , Gau Sue-Huai , Huang Yu-Kai , Li Ming-Guo , Wang Jing
Published: March 2024

Removing water-soluble chlorides (WSCs) through water extraction is a common pretreatment technology for recycling municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash (FA). However, the extracted solution often contains heavy metals, the concentrations of which exceed standards for effluent. This study aims to investigate the adsorption of heavy metals by palygorskite in water-extracted solution and explore the feasibility of stabilizing heavy metals through comilling palygorskite-adsorbed heavy metals (PAHMs) with water-extracted fly ash (WFA). The experimental parameters include: two-stage water extraction with a liquid-to-solid ratio of 5, adding 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 or 3 g of palygorskite to 100 mL of water-extracted solution, and comilling the mixture of PAHMs and WFA for 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 or 96 hours. The experimental results revealed that 3 g of palygorskite in 100 mL of extracted solution could absorb Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu and Zn, meeting the effluent standards. The total amount of Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu and Zn removal rate reached 99.7%. Moreover, 98.44% of the WSCs were not adsorbed, the water extraction process for removing WSCs was not compromised. After the comilling of PAHMs and WFA, the distribution of the heavy metals in the milled blended powder was greater than 99.44%; moreover, toxicity characteristic leaching procedure concentrations were determined to conform to regulatory standards, and the sequential extraction procedure revealed that the heavy metals tended to be in stable fractions. This achieves the goal of preventing secondary pollution from heavy metals during the MSWI FA recycling process.
Fabrication and evaluation of cross-linked nanogels of Dexibuprofen
Authors: Ikram Azka , Khalid Ikrima , Khan Ikram Ullah , Barkat Kashif , Ahmad Waqas , Syed Haroon Khaild , Jamshed Ayesha
Published: March 2024

The objective of this study was to design and develop an Agarose-based polymeric nanogel network system for solubility enhancement of a lipophilic drug, Dexibuprofen. Polymeric nanogels were synthesized through free radical polymerization where Agarose was cross-linked with 2-Acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) in the presence of ammonium persulfate (APS) as an initiator and N, N’-Methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as crosslinking agent. The resulting polymeric nanogels underwent a comprehensive characterization process including Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), particle size analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and swelling studies to confirm the preparation of a stable polymeric nanogel system. FTIR spectral findings revealed that Agarose was chemically cross-linked with AMPS and confirmed the successful insertion of AMPS chains on the Agarose backbone. Particle size analysis revealed a diameter of 168 nm with a zeta potential of −9.91 mV, providing assurance of a stable polymeric nanogel system. SEM images depicted a highly porous surface. DSC and TGA results showed a more thermally stable network system than individual ingredients. Swelling studies revealed an increased swelling ratio of polymeric nanogels at phosphate buffer of pH 6.8 than acidic buffer of pH 1.2. Dexibuprofen was efficiently loaded into a polymeric nanogel system with a high entrapment efficiency of up to 80%. The solubility of the drug was enhanced when introduced to a polymeric nanogel formulation when compared to pure drug. The system reproducibility was evaluated through in vitro drug release and kinetic modeling of drug release. Toxicity studies confirmed the formulation’s effectiveness, showcasing the developed polymeric nanogels as a promising option for delivering lipophilic drugs, with outstanding physicochemical properties, improved solubility, and minimal oral toxicity.
“Pretty Women” and “Lucky Blokes”: Unpacking Australian Social Media Responses to Female-Perpetrated Sexual Assault Against Men
Authors: Murphy April , Groves Andrew
Published: March 2024

Female-perpetrated sexual violence research in Australia and elsewhere has been limited, part of a less common and arguably contentious field of criminology. Because of gendered social and cultural stereotypes, female sexual offending is often perceived as harmless or too rare to warrant attention. Utilizing Schippers’ pariah femininities, this paper presents a critical criminological exploration of social media users’ constructions of female sex offenders and their male victim-survivors. Examining 28 Facebook posts from 13 popular Australian newspapers, our findings identified social media users’ tendency to question offence severity and sexualize offenders based on appearance, revealing how offender legitimacy and conceptions of harm are shaped by gendered expectations of “pretty women” and “lucky blokes.” Conclusions suggest online discourse remains influenced by gendered stereotypes, though awareness of pariah femininities is growing, with further research needed worldwide to explore the impact of such social media attitudes and commentary on the incidence of and reactions to female sexual offending against men, including victim-survivors’ help-seeking behavior.
A pioneer Turkish urologist-medical historian (Saim Erkun 1901–1949) and his one-century-old review about prostate
Authors: Verit Ayhan , Karaman Muhammet I
Published: March 2024

Saim Erkun (1901–1949) was born in Manisa at Aegean region of Anatolia as an Ottoman citizen. While his early life was spent in late Ottoman times at military actions including military prison camp in British colony; India, his active professional productive period was in early Turkish republic period (Est. 1923, centenary). He had a good education period for medicine with the help of his good level of all main World scientific languages such as French, German, and English. Besides his main profession, he was also interested in Ottoman urological medicine around the conquer of Istanbul and allocated them a space in his books in 1930s. He was one of the earliest urology resident (1929–1933, Istanbul) of modern medicine in Turkey. He performed many urological procedures and published the outcomes following modern scientific algorithms, furthermore, there have been urological books including “history” partly referring to antique Ottoman literature among his publications. In this manuscript we focused on the magic word of Urology forever; “Prostate,” among his essays. Turkish medicine, particularly urology, renewed itself by some intelligent hard working young clinicians such as Saim Erkun, immediately after the short struggling by means of establishment process of modern Turkiye after World War I by the collapsing of old Ottoman Empire. Furthermore, we think that the stunning special word of urology, “prostate,” should especially be mentioned to emphasize the importance of this beginning.
Municipal Acute Bed Units as a Health Service Innovation—A Qualitative Study
Authors: Landstad Bodil J. , Kvangarsnes Marit , Hole Torstein , Walderhaug Nancy , Strand Aasta Marie Sveino
Published: March 2024

The growing number of older individuals with complex needs and chronic illnesses is a major challenge to the health sector. This has led to a transfer of responsibilities from specialist to the primary healthcare sector. The aim of the study was to explore how healthcare professionals experience setting up and operating a municipal acute bed unit (MAU) in primary healthcare. Three focus groups of health professionals were recruited through purposeful sampling in 2019, and the 10 participants came from different professions. The study has a qualitative design with a hermeneutic approach. The findings identified three themes: (a) Strategic planning and coordinated services, (b) collaborative practice and learning and (c) flexible and family-centred care. The healthcare personnel experienced strengthened quality in the health services, improved work processes and increased safety for patients with relevant diagnoses. The interplay between internal and external factors seems to have been a successful innovation in planning and implementing an MAU in a medical facility in Mid-Norway. We assessed that being prepared for challenges is an important part of innovation in health services. The presence of an ‘inherent capital’ to meet unforeseen challenges in the future should be a prerequisite for innovation.
The Analgesic Mechanism of Radix Wikstroemia indica “Sweat Soaking Method” Processed Product Based on Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology
Authors: Han Caiyao , Feng Guo , Ren Chenchen , Li Wei , Liu Wen , Liu Gang , Song Xueli , Zhang Ju , Lei Yan , He Zhengyan , Liu Tingting , Ma Kexin , Hou Jinxin
Published: March 2024

Background

Miao medicine Radix Wikstroemia indica (RWI) is derived from the root of W. indica (L.) C. A. Mey. which has an analgesic effect, but its mechanism is not clear. Because of the toxicity of RWI, the research group used the “Sweat soaking method” to process RWI in the early stage to reduce its toxicity. Therefore, this study explored the analgesic effect and mechanism of processed RWI through network pharmacology and metabolomics.

Purpose

To explore the analgesic effect and therapeutic mechanism of RWI processed by “Sweat soaking method”.

Materials and Methods

The torsion experiment was carried out with acetic acid. The metabolomic analysis of serum samples was carried out based on 1H-NMR technology, and the intersection targets of RWI and pain diseases were screened by network pharmacology for gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis.

Results

RWI has an analgesic effect and is related to metabolites such as 4-pyridoxic acid, l-glutamic acid, and agmatine. It is involved in arginine and proline metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, and alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism. In network pharmacology, there were 404 common targets between RWI and pain diseases, and eight core targets were screened, including SRC, STAT3, and HSP90AA1. GO functional enrichment analysis found that RWI had effects on molecular processes such as protein phosphorylation and response to xenobiotic stimulus, cell composition such as receptor complex and membrane raft, and molecular functions such as enzyme binding. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis obtained 193 pathways. Arginine proline metabolism and nitrogen metabolism are involved in the same pathway as metabolomic analysis.

Conclusion

RWI has an analgesic effect, and its therapeutic mechanism mainly involves arginine and proline metabolism.
Putting wage growth back on the table: Labour incorporation, political exchange, and wage-boosting policies in advanced peripheral economies
Authors: Bondy Assaf Shlomo , Maggor Erez , Tassinari Arianna
Published: March 2024

Growth model scholarship posits that wage-led growth has become increasingly difficult to achieve in advanced capitalist economies since the demise of Fordism. The constraints to the pursuit of policies compatible with wage-led growth strategies could be expected to be particularly stringent in peripheral economies, which often rely on price-sensitive exports, suppression of domestic demand, and labour disempowerment to compete in global markets. Yet, empirical experience shows that even advanced peripheral economies that adopted export-led growth strategies have successfully implemented policies intended to raise wages and expand social transfers. How to explain the emergence of such wage-boosting policies in the context of advanced peripheral, export-oriented economies? Drawing on the cases of Israel, Poland, and Spain since the Great Recession, we identify one common mechanism accounting for this unexpected outcome: the contingent political incorporation of organized labour through a cross-class political exchange in the coalition supporting a country’s growth strategy. We identify two scope conditions that enable the implementation of such policies in unlikely contexts. Domestic political instability, coupled with a contingent relaxation of prior economic constraints, leads governing parties of both left and right orientation to activate political exchange with unions, resulting in the implementation of diverse policies boosting household income. These policies also increase the role of domestic consumption as a key growth driver. Nonetheless, the depth and durability of such changes remain conditioned. The findings develop our understanding of the role of, and structural limits to, organized labour’s agency to promote wage growth in advanced peripheral economies.
Concomitant Tuberculous and Lepromatous Lymphadenitis: Clues and Pitfalls of Leprosy Concealed by Tuberculosis in Lymph Nodes
Authors: Farhan Rabiah , AbdullGaffar Badr , Al-Dabal Laila
Published: March 2024

Comorbidities between tuberculosis and leprosy are expected in endemic regions. Pulmonary tuberculosis and cutaneous leprosy are the most prevalent coinfections. One of the common manifestations of tuberculosis is generalized lymphadenopathy. In contrast, leprosy is clinically less suspected to manifest as a generalized lymphadenopathy, and it is pathologically unusual to diagnose leprosy primarily in lymph nodes. Concomitant tuberculous and lepromatous lymphadenitis are unprecedented and clinically unexpected, particularly in nonendemic countries. This imposes diagnostic challenges. We report concurrent tuberculosis and leprosy that were diagnosed in a lymph node in 45-year-old man with generalized lymphadenopathy. The effaced lymph node was predominantly replaced by caseating epithelioid granulomas alternating with foamy histiocytes. Ziehl-Neelsen stain showed positive acid-fast bacilli in the necrotizing granulomas only. The initial differential diagnosis of the nodal foamy macrophages included fungal infections, leishmaniasis, and Whipple disease, for which the special stains were negative. The vacuolated macrophages were disregarded as nonspecific lipogranuloma. A modified acid-fast stain was not considered. The histopathologic clues to nodal lepromatous leprosy included the presence of intracytoplasmic globi, intermixed microabscesses, and lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate and involved pericapsular nerves. Wade-Fite stain was subsequently performed. It revealed numerous lepra bacilli within the foamy histiocytes. The final diagnosis was concurrent disseminated tuberculosis and leprosy. Nodal lepromatous leprosy could be missed when compounded by concurrent nodal tuberculosis, particularly in developed countries. The clinicians and pathologists should have a high index of suspicion, particularly in patients from or with history of travel from endemic regions. Certain histopathologic features are helpful clues to avoid pitfalls.
How perceived coercion polarizes unvaccinated people: The mediating role of conspiracy beliefs
Authors: Wang Haiyan , van Prooijen Jan-Willem , van Lange Paul AM
Published: March 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, different policies were implemented to increase vaccination uptake. Meanwhile, conspiracy theories spread widely, and vaccinated versus unvaccinated people increasingly polarized against each other. This study examined the associations between perceived vaccination coercion, conspiracy beliefs and polarization. We tested the relationship of vaccination status with perceived vaccination coercion, conspiracy beliefs, and polarization, with a total sample size of N = 1202 ( n = 400 in China, n = 401 in the US, and n = 401 in the UK), among them n = 603 were vaccinated and n = 599 were unvaccinated. As pre-registered, unvaccinated people perceived more vaccination coercion and endorsed more conspiracy theories. Conspiracy mentality was positively related to perceived coercion. Contrary to our hypotheses, vaccinated people were more polarized toward unvaccinated people than vice versa. Finally, conspiracy beliefs mediated the link between perceived coercion and polarization among unvaccinated people.
Experimental study on the aerodynamic characteristics of combined angle transmission tower subject to skew wind
Authors: Shen Guohui , Que Linghui , Wan Hua-Ping
Published: March 2024

The transmission towers served as crucial carriers in the process of power transmission. The combined angle transmission tower of dual-angle steel with cruciform section are relatively a novel type of angle tower, which is being more widely used in transmission lines. The studies on aerodynamic characteristics of combined angle tower in skewed wind are limited. In this paper, the wind tunnel tests are conducted to investigate the aerodynamic characteristics of the combined angle tower, and the high frequency force balance (HFFB) test is introduced to obtain the transverse and longitudinal forces on the tower using the direct force measurement (DFM) method. The drag coefficients and wind load-distribution factors of the combined angle tower are obtained from the wind tunnel tests, and the effects of interference and tower leg spacing on the wind loads of the tower legs are fully explored. It can be found that the aerodynamic coefficients and drag coefficients of the combined angle steel tower leg tend to decrease with the increase of interference members and it also decreases with the decrease of the tower leg spacing. The test wind load-distribution factors of the isolated leg are generally larger than those defined by seven typical codes (e.g., US, EU, Japanese, and Chinese codes) and significantly exceed the code-specified values under partial wind angles. The observations obtained from this study may provide helpful guidance on the wind-resistant design of this relatively novel type of combined angle tower.
(Re)sharing feminisms: Re-sharing Instagram Stories as everyday feminist practices
Authors: Caldeira Sofia P.
Published: March 2024

Contemporary experiences of everyday feminisms often include the use of social media platforms like Instagram. The introduction of Instagram Stories created a space for emerging feminist engagements, allowing for practices of re-sharing content that serve as small acts of political engagement, accommodating the participation of otherwise reluctant users. This article explores the feminist potential of these re-sharing practices, grounding it on the analysis of 2282 Instagram Stories, produced by 52 Instagram users in Portugal. This analysis combines qualitative textual analysis, close readings, and the use of digital methods to explore overarching patterns. The article foregrounds the multiple meanings of re-sharing, its social character, its ability to engage in intertextual conversations with the original context, while simultaneously recognising some of the limitations of the Stories’ format for feminist action. In this way, this article reflects on the tensions and possibilities of these small acts of political engagement.
A reality check on the digitalisation of prisons: Assessing the opportunities and risks of providing digital technologies for prisoners
Authors: Hofinger Veronika , Pflegerl Philipp
Published: March 2024

While our societies are developing into digital information societies, most prisoners do not have access to modern information and communications technologies. Smart prisons that provide digital devices for prisoners aim to grant prisoners more autonomy, provide access to education and information, strengthen contact with relatives and friends and reduce the effects of deprivation. The concept of ‘digital rehabilitation’ suggests that digital devices have a positive effect on rehabilitation in various areas. Nonetheless, technological developments also entail risks that go beyond security concerns such as misuse of the devices by prisoners. Based on qualitative interviews with Austrian prisoners and theoretical reflections on the opportunities and risks of digital technologies in prison, we point out ambivalences and possible negative effects for prisoners that have received little attention so far. We outline the importance of a needs-oriented implementation in order to avoid negative outcomes such as a mere expansion of surveillance, an outsourcing of institutional responsibility, a loss of important social interactions and a deepening of the digital divide within the institution. In this paper, we further contend that the selective digital transformation of prisons can function as a ‘Potemkin façade’ enabling prisons to present themselves as modern without structurally improving the conditions of the majority of the prison population. These risks, which might be less obvious than security concerns, must be taken into account when evaluating and implementing digitalisation strategies.
CRYL1 is a Potential Prognostic Biomarker of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Correlated with Immune Infiltration and Cuproptosis
Authors: Li Peng , Xu Qiangqiang , Liu Ken , Ye Junjie
Published: March 2024

Background

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a widespread urogenital neoplasm. However, the therapeutic efficacy of these methods is unsatisfactory. In-depth screening of biomarkers could aid early diagnosis and therapy and predict patient prognosis.

Methods

The GEO datasets were selected with specific criteria. Differentially expressed gene (DEG), weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA), protein–protein interaction, LASSO, random forest, and Cox regression analyses were applied to identify the independent prognostic biomarkers. Survival analysis, correlation with clinical features, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), GO enrichment, immune infiltration analysis, and correlation with cuproptosis-related genes were carried out to determine the prognostic value and possible molecular mechanisms of the TSVR. Wound healing assays, transwell assays, cell colony formation experiments, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis were used to validate the functional attributes of CRYL1.

Results

Four GEO datasets were included to screen for hub genes. DEG combined with WGCNA showed a key module with 300 genes having the strongest correlation with “survival state” (R2 = -0.24 and P = 7e−8); six genes were identified by LASSO, random forest, and Cytoscape. Finally, CRYL1 (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.01, P < 0.001) was selected as an independent prognostic biomarker. The higher CRYL1 expression group had better DFS and overall survival (OS). GSEA demonstrated that the CRYL1-related DEGs were enriched mainly in the metabolism of sugar, fat, and amino acids. CRYL1 is positively correlated with FDX1 and the LIAS pathway, which are important molecule involved in cuproptosis. CRYL1 affects the infiltration abundance of four immune cells and can predict a positive OS. Wound healing, transwell, cell colony formation, and flow cytometry assays demonstrated that CRYL1 silencing enhances migration and proliferation and leads to a decreased apoptotic ratio. IHC analysis suggested that CRYL1 was highly expressed in adjacent tissues.

Conclusions

CRYL1 is a robust predictive marker for clinicopathological characteristics and survival status in ccRCC patients.
Mental Health Mediators for Subjective, Not Objective, Cognition, and Community Participation Poststroke
Authors: Lee Yejin , Nicholas Marjorie L. , Connor Lisa Tabor
Published: March 2024

Previous studies have stated that both objective and subjective cognitive abilities and mental health symptoms are associated with community participation poststroke. However, there is a need to understand the direct and indirect associations among these variables in persons with stroke. The objective of this study was to investigate whether mental health symptoms mediate the associations of subjective and objective cognitive abilities with community participation poststroke. We built regression-based mediation models with 74 participants with mild to moderate stroke. Independent variables were objective and subjective cognitive abilities. The dependent variable was community participation. Mediators were mental health symptoms including depression, apathy, and anxiety. The results indicated that depression ( b = .093), apathy ( b = .134), and anxiety ( b = .116) fully mediated the association between subjective cognitive ability ( p < .05), but not objective cognitive ability ( p > .05), and community participation poststroke. Our findings suggest that poor subjective cognitive ability combined with mental health symptoms should be addressed together to promote community participation poststroke.
Promoting Exhibit Access and Safety (PEAS): Listening and Learning Sessions
Authors:   PEAS Resources Team:, Elston Sarah , Eng Ronald , Falquero Kelsey , Herrmann Jennifer , Kim Dong Eun , Miller Melissa , Snell Samantha , Snider Julianne , Stritzinger Allaire , Whiteman Gina
Published: March 2024

In 2021, the Promoting Exhibit Access and Safety (PEAS) Working Group surveyed attendees at four cultural heritage conferences to get a broader perspective on institutional processes and procedures at the intersection of access and safety. Nearly three-quarters of survey respondents said their institution had experienced challenges with detrimental visitor interactions (DVI). Respondents also shared an assortment of strategies used to prevent such interactions, such as signage, display cases, physical barriers, and gallery attendants. In 2023, PEAS conducted a series of discussion sessions with museum professionals from across North America to better understand these strategies and their effectiveness. The sessions followed a structured list of questions that were designed to build upon the results of the survey and elicit open and transparent conversations. The following article is a summary and analysis of those discussions.
Evaluation of a Training Program on Gender Mainstreaming in Health Research Evaluation at the Senegalese National Research Ethics Committee
Authors: Martínez-Pérez Guillermo Z. , Guerrero Carme Campoy , Bagnol Brigitte , Sarr Samba Cor , Mbaye El Hadji Mamadou , Diouf Ousmane , Touré El Hadji Ibrahima , Mbengue Viviane , Ndiaye Oumy , Nabil Farah
Published: March 2024

Health research must be of high ethical and scientific quality and consider the needs and experiences of women, men, and nonbinary individuals. National Research Ethics Committees (RECs) are in a strategic position to impede sex- and gender-blind research. In 2020 and 2021, training programs on gender mainstreaming and sex and gender approaches in research evaluation were launched in Senegal. They were evaluated through a mixture of qualitative and quantitative methods. Knowledge acquisition was 16.67%, 8.54%, and 28.42% for the trainees of 2021, 2020, and those who attended the training in both years, respectively. Gender mainstreaming was reported as pertinent in research ethics by 74% of participants. This training is expected to catalyze gender-transformative research ethics in West Africa.
Comparison influence of bilateral fluid pressure on fluid-solid coupling model of hydraulic torque converter structure
Authors: Wang Kaifeng , Xue Maohan , Geng Xiaohu , Sun Shaohua , Zhao Weiwei , Xu Xiangyang
Published: March 2024

The main purpose of this paper is to explore the importance of external flow field circulation of hydraulic torque converter assembly in analysis. Compared with simply considering the internal flow field characteristics, it has influence on the internal flow field analysis, external characteristics and structural stress of hydraulic torque converter assembly. This paper models the flow path of the torque converter with different Schemes, the flow field pressures distribution on the impeller are analysed using computational fluid dynamics method (CFD). Scheme A adopts the traditional idea, which simply considering the influence of internal flow field on the performance. Scheme B contacts the external flow field especially including the auxiliary cavity, and comprehensively studies the influence of it on the performance. The results show that with the addition of an auxiliary chamber, the overall flow field pressure of the torque converter is lower than that without the auxiliary chamber. The external characteristics of the torque converter assembly were tested on experiment equipment, which has been verified that the CFD simulation results with the addition of the auxiliary chamber are closer to the experiment data, proving the accuracy of the method for the pressure simulation of flow field. On this basis, the stresses and deformations of the torque converter considering the auxiliary fluid chamber are compared and analysed in relation to the displacement limitations of the impellers. The results show that the maximum stress in the turbine is reduced by 57%–12% compared to the scheme A without considering the auxiliary fluid. In the case of special operating condition, the maximum stress was 137.06 MPa before considering the auxiliary fluid, while the maximum stress was 60.625 MPa after considering the auxiliary fluid, and the reduction is 57%. The effects of input speed, speed ratio and impeller structure on the stress and deformation were also analysed, and the results show that the impeller structure and input speed have a great influence on the stress and deformation.
The validity of learning potential for predicting educational adjustment in preschoolers with Down syndrome: A longitudinal study
Authors: Robles-Bello Maria Auxiliadora , Barba-Colmenero Francisca , Valencia-Naranjo Nieves , Sánchez-Teruel David
Published: March 2024

Learning Potential tests aim to assess cognitive functioning using mediation strategies by observing subsequent changes in learning patterns. In this study, this methodology was applied with the Preschool Learning Potential and Abilities Scale and two additional tests, the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test and the Battery of Aptitudes for School Learning I, to a total of 58 children with Down Syndrome, at four and six years of age. The results demonstrate improvements in general intelligence, learning potential, and school aptitudes between the two timepoints. There was a significant, positive relationship between the variables measured in the different tests, as well as on the predictive variables of school aptitudes, in these children at six years of age. There is evidence that supports the use of this dynamic evaluation methodology, opening new fields of action in child evaluation processes.
Post-mortems: An overview
Authors: Stevens Dr Benjamin Robert
Published: March 2024

A post-mortem is an examination of the body of someone who has recently died, with the aim of determining the cause of death. It is a process with which most members of the public are not familiar. Doctors often have not witnessed a post-mortem in their training and are unaware of the practicalities involved. It can, therefore, generate difficult and uncomfortable conversations if the clinician is unprepared. This article aims to demystify the process to allow an informed conversation between the clinician and patient and a more positive outcome for all.
Management of periprosthetic humerus fractures after shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Cox Ryan M , Mandava Nikhil , Vaughan Alayna , Ramsey Matthew L , Getz Charles L , Namdari Surena
Published: March 2024

Background

The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyze time to fracture union, complications, and outcomes of postoperative periprosthetic humerus fractures after primary shoulder arthroplasty.

Methods

Retrospective review of patients who sustained a postoperative periprosthetic humerus fracture after primary shoulder arthroplasty at a single institution. Fractures were classified according to the Worland Classification system. Both non-operatively and operatively treated patients were included. The primary study outcomes were time to union and complications.

Results

There were 46 patients who sustained a postoperative periprosthetic humerus fracture after primary shoulder arthroplasty, 18 were treated non-operatively and 28 were treated operatively. There were seven (25%) patients who underwent surgery after failed non-operative management. There was only one (2.2%) patient who had a nonunion at final follow-up. The average American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score, Single Assessment Numeral Evaluation, and visual analog scale pain scores were 73.5 ± 22.7, 66.5 ± 23.1, and 2.2 ± 2.4, respectively.

Conclusion

There was a high rate of union for both non-operatively and operatively treated periprosthetic fractures. However, there was a high rate of cross-over from non-operative to operative treatment and a high complication rate for both cohorts. For properly indicated patients, non-operative and operative treatment can result in satisfactory patient outcomes.
Listeria monocytogenes brain abscesses presenting as contiguous, tubular rim-enhancing lesions on Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Case series and literature review
Authors: Kim Daniel D , Sadic Mohammad , Yarabe Boniface , Loftus James R , Lieberman Evan , Young Matthew G , Jain Rajan , Dogra Siddhant
Published: March 2024

Listeriosis has more than a 50% mortality when the central nervous system is involved, necessitating rapid diagnosis and treatment. We present four patients with brain abscesses in the setting of diagnosed neurolisteriosis, all of which demonstrated an odd presentation of multiple small, contiguous tubular lesions with rim enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging. Our review of published cases of neurolisteriosis suggests that this may be a useful pattern to identify neurolisteriosis abscesses, allowing earlier detection and therapy.
Just the gastrointestinal stromal tumor: A case report of medical modeling of a rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor
Authors: Keller-Biehl Lucas , Otoya Diana , Khader Adam , Timmerman William , Fernandez Leopoldo , Amendola Michael
Published: March 2024

A 54-year-old African-American male presented to the colorectal surgery clinic with the chief complaint of a painful anal swelling that had been ongoing for several weeks. An adequate rectal examination was not possible due to severe pain. Therefore, he was taken to the operating room for an exam under anesthesia where a presacral mass was identified. A transgluteal core needle biopsy was performed which was consistent with gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Computed tomography imaging identified a 16 cm ×10 cm ×9 cmrectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Given the size and location, the patient began treatment with neoadjuvant Imatinib. His progress was followed with serial computed tomography scans and clinic visits. A 3D model was created the tumor and surrounding structures to aide in pre- and intraoperative planning. The model was utilized during patient education and found to valuable in describing the potential for levator invasion and framing potential post-operative outcomes. The patient was able to undergo rectal preservation via a robotic low anterior resection with a transanal total mesorectal excision, coloanal anastomosis, and diverting ileostomy.
Rural/Urban differences in uptake of preventive healthcare services: Variability in observed relationships across measures of rurality
Authors: Calatayud Brittney M , Moss Jennifer L
Published: March 2024

Rural residents are generally less likely to receive preventive healthcare than are urban residents, but variable measurement of rurality introduces inconsistency to these findings. We assessed the relationships between perceived and objective measures of rurality and uptake of preventive healthcare. In our sample, rural participants generally had equal or higher uptake of healthcare (i.e. private health insurance, check-up in the past year, being up-to-date on colorectal and cervical cancer screening) than urban participants. Importantly, the perceived measure of rurality performed similarly to the objective measures, suggesting that participant report could be a valid way to assess rurality in health studies.

Significance for Public Health

The ability to access routine preventive healthcare is a key component of public health. Comparing uptake of cancer screening in rural versus urban areas is one way to assess equity of healthcare access. Generally, rural areas have a higher burden of cancer than urban areas. The built environment, socioeconomic status, and patient perceptions can impact an individual’s access to routine cancer screening. Preventive healthcare is of great importance to public health as a whole because screening can facilitate earlier diagnosis and more successful treatment for many preventable cancers, which may ultimately increase the quality and quantity of life.