bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study on the association between anxiety level and family parenting styles of university students in the eastern coastal region of China
Authors: Qiu Duanyue
Published: December 2023

In today’s society, psychological problems are frequent among university students, especially anxiety. Family of origin is inextricably linked to a person’s mental health. Parents often have different parenting styles in the process of educating their children, and different parenting styles have different impacts on children’s psychological development. This research explores the correlation between college students’ anxiety and their family parenting styles by taking college students in the eastern coastal region as an example. This paper investigates how to prevent and alleviate college students’ anxiety by improving family parenting styles. The Chinese version of the Short-form Parenting Style Scale (S-EMBU-C) and the Sel Assessment Scale for Anxiety (SAS) were used to survey university students in Jiangsu.Family parenting style and anxiety level of university students in Jiangsu were analysed by the statistical software SPSS. The following conclusions were obtained in this study: The anxiety level of male students is higher than that of female students. Boys’ families are more likely to develop a parental rejection type of family parenting, and girls’ families are more likely to develop a parental emotional warmth type of family upbringing. The College student anxiety was positively correlated with the following factors: the rejection factor and the overprotection factor on the father and mother scales. The effect of paternal and maternal rejection on college students is actually the most important of all parenting styles. In the case of only children and non-only children, parental rejection is more likely to develop in families with only children.
Effects of CPTSD and PTSD in Early Childhood on Personality Formation in Adulthood
Authors: Xiao Xinyan
Published: December 2023

In the 21st century, more and more adults have psychological problems of varying degrees, which bother them and make their quality of life decline a lot. But going back to their childhood, they all experienced some “abnormal” stimuli. This article explores the effects of these childhood anomalies on individuals as adults. A lot of previous research has shown that some stressful events really do have an impact on personality. Those impact cannot be eliminated without any intervention by professional psychologist. The author hopes that this paper can give some guidance to individuals who are experiencing or have experienced these “abnormal” events, and hope that everyone can have a healthy mind. Future research should be more focus on People’s mental health under the epidemic. Many people have lost relatives or experienced serious psychological trauma because of the unequal distribution of medical treatment in the epidemic, and these injuries are lingering in their hearts, and even every time they get sick and cold, they will think of these wounds. It is hoped that future research will focus more on trauma interventions and treatments in these epidemics.
A cultural studies analysis of the over-sexualization of Asian women in Hollywood
Authors: Wei Yuanze
Published: December 2023

Stereotypes of Asian women have long persisted, portraying them as submissive, docile and over-sexualized individuals. These traits often remain overlooked, despite the fact that as human beings they are rich in unique personalities. Passive racism perpetuates these harmful generalizations, leading to the devaluation of the Asian race as a whole. This study aims to draw attention to this critical issue and to explore alternative perspectives that challenge traditional images of Asian women. To achieve this goal, ten films were analysed in depth to determine whether contemporary media representations continue to reinforce passive, docile images of Asian women. The results of the study show that despite some progress, the worrying trend of over-objectification and societal neglect of Asian women persists. This study delves into the psychology of society’s overemphasis on perpetuating stereotypes and the resulting impact on Asian women’s self-perceptions and social roles. In addition, this study emphasizes the historical roots of prejudice and misogyny that continue to influence Western society’s perception of Asian women.
The impact factors for first impression
Authors: Huang Jiayi
Published: December 2023

Research on first impressions is crucial because of the widespread use of temperament judgments because of a lack of knowledge and their societal consequences. Until recently, however, first impressions were of dubious value, and factors affecting the formation of first impressions are being meticulously studied. This review discusses the aspects that affect first impressions and how first impressions could be subsequently altered. People have a tendency to evaluate others’ personalities merely based on their facial appearance. Subsequent experiences with an individual could only be used to support initial, rashly formed first impressions of that individual. Overgeneralization theories may explain this natural tendency. Further, stereotypes affect people’s first impressions by leading to preconceptions: people may directly refer to qualities that fit the stereotype even though the judged person does not fit the stereotype. First impressions can be revised with extra information that is highly diagnostic, reliable, or experience-reframing, and this revision can last for weeks or even months. This review also offers realistic future directions for research, including testing the generalizability of recent findings and examining how updating can reverse the impact of first impressions.
The Effects of Facial Trustworthiness and Facial Attractiveness on Children’s Preference Choices
Authors: Wu Yixuan
Published: December 2023

Humans have evolved to acquire the ability to read facial information in order to access information resources more quickly. People can quickly make initial judgments and establish an impression of a person from facial-related information alone. In the social life of adults, facial trustworthiness and facial attractiveness have an important role as important components of facial information. The effects of these two on social interaction are also seen in children, thus influencing their judgment on some decisions. Discuss the impact of facial information received by children on their choices through separate accounts of children’s facial trustworthiness and facial attractiveness on children’s preference judgments, mainly in terms of peer choice preferences and choices in gaming choices. The results of this paper are that both facial credibility and facial attractiveness affect children’s choice preferences, with high trustworthiness and high attractiveness being more likely to be preferred; and that facial trustworthiness and facial attractiveness share similar patterns and can influence each other.
Effects of racial and ethnic stereotypes on school experience of racial minorities
Authors: Xiao Ruiqi
Published: December 2023

As schools in the United States are becoming more diverse, there is an increasing awareness of student’s mental health. Stereotypes and biases are big factors that influence school life for minority student groups. While some biases might seem harmless, they may increase the risk for students to experience anxiety, stress, or depression. With regard to school experience and mental health, much research focused on bullying, verbal violence, teacher expectations, and peer expectations towards racial and ethnic minorities. This review examines different aspects of interpersonal interactions for racial minorities to understand the effects of stereotypes in the learning environment. Teachers and student peers are found to hold stereotypical beliefs intentionally and unintentionally, which imposes outside stress on the students, potentially leading to mental health problems and shaping students’ lives. The negative effects of racial and ethnic stereotypes on minorities put forth a need for stronger awareness to prevent prejudiced judgments. Schools and teachers should pay close attention to their behaviors and how they affect minority students, as well as regulate verbal and physical victimizations regarding race and ethnicity.
Characteristics of different personality traits using emotion regulation strategies
Authors: Tang Minghan
Published: December 2023

The Big Five personality theory is one of the classic theories in psychological research. The Big Five personality model can cover all aspects of personality description, and different personality traits affect the individual’s emotional regulation strategies, which leads to different reactions of different personalities in the face of events. Among these five personality traits, a neurotic personality tends to have a higher likelihood of suffering from mental illnesses such as social anxiety, and depression, which do not match with the requirements of today’s social development and the space for survival has been squeezed continuously. The selectivity of emotion regulation strategies (adaptive vs. non-adaptive) across different personalities further impacts how individuals tend to perceive emotional events and can influence the results of coping. In today’s fast-paced society, individuals with different personality types require different emotional problems to sustain a stable and high level of well-being. Therefore, it is necessary to propose solutions by analyzing the characteristics of neurotic personality, the characteristics of emotional regulation, and the dilemmas faced.
Influence of Cultural and Contextual Factors on the Presentation, Risk Factors, and Treatment of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Authors: Zhong Yiran
Published: December 2023

Background: In spite of personality disorder is a common topic in the field of psychology and psychiatry, there are still very few studies few studies focusing on cultural and contextual factors of Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).Method: By reviewing the literature about three countries UK, US and China, the precent study sort out the sociocultural and contextual differences of prevalence, presentation, risk factors and treatment of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).Result: Contextual and cultural factors have great impact on wide range of NPD’s different aspects. For the prevalence rate of three countries, comparing the highest percentage of three data, UK’s NPD prevalence rate is greater than US, and China has the less NPD prevalence rate. Concerning the presentation of NPD, female and male patients present variously. There is no data responding three countries’ patients’ NPD presentation. With regard of different risk factors, biology, psychotherapy and sociocultural are three of the most essential ones. Eventually, the NPD treatments of three different countries shows significant variety, including Chinese treatments related to traditional medicine, British mentalisation-based treatment and most widely used treatment in America--dialectical behavior therapy.
The role of self-construal in decision making
Authors: Liu Xinyan , Wang Qingyang , Zhou Yue
Published: December 2023

This paper aims to explore the connection between self-construal and making choices. The existing research mainly used the research method of questionnaire survey, questionnaire data analysis form self-construction scale, self-construal scale for researchers to understand the relationship between individual perception and others. The concept and theory of self-construal are widely applied in various research fields, such as decision-making and pro-society. Self-decision theory was first proposed from the study of individual motivation. Through empirical analyses, self-control and moral decision-making factors, self-control and pro-social decision, personal needs and environmental needs were discussed. People’s self-construal of different categories for self-decision is one of the important factors. By applying the concept and theory of self-construal to decision, self-construal is an important factor. Self-decision theory is a continuous interpretation theory. Self-decision of individual self-realization is a dynamic process, involving internal motivation, internalized external motivation and emotional integration of three parts. The different classifications will have different psychological impulses and psychological demands, thus affect the motivation of individual tendency, ultimately affecting people’s decision making.
The relationship between parenting style and depressive symptoms during adolescence
Authors: Wang Ziqian
Published: December 2023

This review explores the effects of parenting styles and attachment on adolescent mental health. Parents are key to shaping the lives of adolescents, and different parenting styles can affect different outcomes. Psychologist Baumrind’s typology of parenting, which includes authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved parenting styles, is the focus of the research. Adolescence is a pivotal phase, marked by major transitions such as the onset of puberty, and is both vulnerable and potentially amenable to interventions. Negative parenting styles, excessive parental expectations, and maladaptive attributional styles are associated with depressive symptoms. Positive parenting styles, including attentive parenting and self-compassion, are protective of adolescent development. The role of parental expectations and self-esteem in adolescent mental health is emphasised. It recognised the influence of culture on these dynamics and the need for targeted interventions. Furthermore, the way parents and adolescents perceive parenting styles, as well as the disparities between these perceptions, may have an impact on the mental health outcomes of adolescents. The influence of attachment styles, notably towards parents, significantly impacts depressive symptoms during adolescence and emerging adulthood. This review can contribute to future intervention efforts and prevention strategies in adolescent mental health with this review paper.
Social comparison: Causes and effects
Authors: Bai Wenhan
Published: December 2023

Social comparison is a vague concept that is controversial from its basic definition to its further application as the original language from Festinger 1954 is too vague and unscientific. There are few articles responsible for clarifying the basic role of social comparison. Therefore, this article aims to clarify the effects and reasons for social comparison on the base of a socially acceptable definition of social comparison. The article will review several scientific research in specific aspects, and then try to string them together and form a general solution. The study demonstrates that the desire for self-realization or self-improvement will motivate social comparison, and these two motivations will function differently according to different directions of social comparison. In addition, motivations will contribute to the various effects of social comparison, and there is a negative correlation between social comparison orientation or upward social comparison and self-realization in the SNSs field. Both systematical reviewing and further suggestions are discussed in this article.
The Influence of English Teachers’ Cultivation on High School Students’ Development of Self-Efficacy in English Learning
Authors: Liu Yuan , Wang Yuxin , Xiong Xinlu
Published: December 2023

In modern China, there exists a notable emphasis on English language acquisition by both governmental bodies and stakeholders such as parents and educators, acknowledging its critical significance within an increasingly interconnected global milieu. Consequently, extensive research efforts have been directed towards identifying advantageous components within English language learning, with a particular focus on self-efficacy. This study undertakes an investigation into the interplay between high school English educators’ instructional approaches and students’ self-efficacy in English learning. Data pertaining to teaching materials, methodologies, plans, effectiveness, and recognition, alongside students’ learning interests, strategies, outcomes, and confidence levels, were gathered through dual questionnaires. After analysis, it is found that although most teachers are satisfied with the class results, there are still some problems such as limited incentive methods, low attractiveness of homework and monotonous teaching design. These problems may be caused by the inadequate teaching level of teachers, and teachers need to improve by participating in more professional development activities and strengthening the stimulation of students’ English use skills and interest in English learning. In the statistical analysis of students’ questionnaires, it is found that most students’ English learning information is low, and there is a significant correlation between students’ English learning confidence and English learning effect. In order to improve the learning effect, teachers should attract students’ attention through pre-class preparation and classroom activities to improve the efficiency of English learning.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Liver Injury
Authors: Gudd Cathrin L.C. , Sheth Roosey , Thursz Mark R. , Triantafyllou Evangelos , Possamai Lucia A.
Published: December 2023

In recent years cancer treatment has been revolutionized by the development and wide application of checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) drugs, which are a form of immunotherapy. CPI treatment is associated with immune-related adverse events, off-target tissue destructive inflammatory complications, which may affect a range of organs, with liver inflammation (hepatitis) being one of the more commonly noted events. This is a novel form of drug-induced liver injury and a rapidly evolving field, as our understanding of both the basic immunopathology of CPI hepatitis (CPI-H) and optimal clinical management, races to catch up with the increasing application of this form of immunotherapy in clinical practice. In this review, we summarize current evidence and understanding of CPI-H, from fundamental immunology to practical patient management.
Connecting the two Easts: Central Asian cultural diplomats and Soviet Internationalism of the late Stalinist era, 1947–1950
Authors: Shin Boram
Published: December 2023

Central Asia’s interactions with regions outside the Soviet borders during the Cold War have been largely ignored, despite evidence of the vital role it played in Soviet engagement with decolonising nations in Asia, as a model for a developed, decolonized, socialist nation. Central Asia was essential to Soviet cultural diplomacy, as Moscow sought to establish an anti-imperialist alliance with decolonizing countries in Asia and Africa. This paper begins its discussion with the Soviet participation in the 1947 Asian Relations Conference held in Delhi, which marked the first post-WWII occasion in which the socialist republics in Central Asia and the Caucasus represented the Soviet Union abroad. The paper explores the implications of this encounter on the Soviet interpretation of post-WWII Asia and the role of Central Asia in promoting anti-imperialist solidarity domestically and internationally. It also focuses on travel accounts of Tursun-zade and Oybek (Musa Toshmuhammad oʻgʻli), two prominent Central Asian writers who visited India and Pakistan as a part of the Soviet cultural delegates abroad. The writers utilized historical, cultural, and religious symbolism that resonated with the Central Asian population to foster connections between Moscow and Asia, localizing Soviet internationalism and creating a unique identity for Central Asia as the mediator between the Soviet centre (Moscow) and (South) Asia beyond the Soviet borders. By examining how Asia beyond the borders were depicted and how post-WWII Soviet internationalism discourse were integrated into the late-Stalinist republican literature, this paper offers a deeper understanding of the roles Central Asian cultural and intellectual figures played in shaping post-war cultural and international relations.
Structure and vibrational spectroscopy of 2-methylallyl alcohol
Authors: Xiao Pengfei , Liu Siyue , Zhou Xiaohu , Huang Ende , Zhong Licheng , Zhang Weiqing , Fan Hongjun , Yang Xueming , Dong Wenrui
Published: December 2023

The intramolecular O−H … π hydrogen bond has garnered significant research interest in recent decades. In this work, we utilized the infrared (IR)-vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) nonresonant ionization detected IR spectroscopy (NRID-IR) method to study the molecular structure of neutral and cationic 2-methylallyl alcohol (MAA, CH2=C(CH3)−CH2−OH). Density functional theory calculations revealed five stable neutral and three stable cationic MAA conformers, respectively. Two neutral MAA conformers are expected to have an O−H … π intramolecular hydrogen bond interaction, based on the structural characterization that the OH group is directed toward the C=C double bond. The IR spectra of both neutral (2700−3700 cm−1) and cationic MAA (2500−7200 cm−1) were measured, and the anharmonic IR spectra were calculated at the B3LYP-D3(BJ)/def2-TZVPP level. The OH stretching vibration frequency of neutral MAA was observed at 3656 cm−1, slightly lower than those of methanol and ethanol. In contrast, the OH stretching vibration of cationic MAA was red-shifted by about 140 cm−1 compared to neutral MAA. The interaction region indicator and natural bond orbital analysis suggest that the O−H … π interaction in neutral MAA is weak, and may not play a major role in stabilizing the neutral MAA.
Ultraviolet photodissociation of 2-methylallyl radical
Authors: Lucas Michael , Qin Yuan , Chen Min , Sun Ge , Zhang Jingsong
Published: December 2023

Ultraviolet photodissociation dynamics of 2-methylallyl radical from the 3p Rydberg state were investigated in the wavelength region of 226–244 nm using the high-n Rydberg atom time-of-flight (HRTOF) technique. The 2-methylallyl radicals were generated by 193 nm photolysis of 3-chloro-2-methyl-1-propene precursors. The photofragment yield spectrum of H-atom products increases in intensity with decreasing wavelengths in 226–244 nm. The TOF spectra of H-atom products show a bimodal structure. The predominant product channel (with ∼98% branching ratio) has a kinetic energy release peaking at ∼7 kcal/mol, with an average ratio of ET in the total available energy, (fT), of ∼0.18 in 226–244 nm and an isotropic product angular distribution. At the low ET, isotropic component is from statistical unimolecular decomposition of highly vibrationally excited hot 2-methylallyl to the methylenecyclopropane+H products, following internal conversion from the excited electronic state. The minor product channel (with ∼2% branching ratio) has a large kinetic energy peaking at ∼50 kcal/mol, with (fT)≈0.63 and an anisotropic angular distribution (β≈−0.2). At the high ET, anisotropic component is non-statistical and is postulated to be from direct loss of H atom via the 3p Rydberg state or repulsive part of the ground state to the 1,3-butadiene+H products.
Photodissociation dynamics of H2S+ via A2A1(1, 8, 0) excited state
Authors: Li Jie , Wang Yaling , Tan Yuxin , Zhang Ning , Wang Wenxin , Hu Liru , Yuan Daofu , Wang Xingan , Yang Xueming
Published: December 2023

Excitation of vibration plays an important role in the photodissociation dynamics of molecules and ions. Experiments on the photodissociation dynamics of molecular ions via well-defined excited vibrational states present a formidable challenge, particularly when it comes to the selective preparation of ions at the vibrational combination level. Here, using time-sliced velocity map ion imaging, the photodissociation of H2S+ via A2A1(v1=1, v2=8, v3=0, K=1) state leading to S+(4S) and H2 products was investigated. The excited H2S+ cations were prepared by multiphoton ionization of H2S, followed by resonant excitation. Images of S+ ions were captured at six wavelengths ranging from 357.02 nm to 358.38 nm. From the ion images, the total kinetic energy release distributions and rotational state-specific anisotropy parameters were derived. Notably, repeatedly reversed branching ratios of the H2 (J=1) and H2 (J=3) rotational states were observed in a narrow photolysis energy region. This behavior was totally different from the results in recent studies on the photodissociation of HS+ where only a single vibrational mode v2 was excited for parent ions in A2A1(v1, v2, v3) states. The present study indicates that potential vibrational synergy effect was observed in the photodissociation dynamics of H2S+ when the parent ions were excited in a combinational vibrational mode.
Tau filaments from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/parkinsonism-dementia complex adopt the CTE fold
Authors: Qi Chao , Verheijen Bert M. , Kokubo Yasumasa , Shi Yang , Tetter Stephan , Murzin Alexey G. , Nakahara Asa , Morimoto Satoru , Vermulst Marc , Sasaki Ryogen , Aronica Eleonora , Hirokawa Yoshifumi , Oyanagi Kiyomitsu , Kakita Akiyoshi , Ryskeldi-Falcon Benjamin , Yoshida Mari , Hasegawa Masato , Scheres Sjors H. W. , Goedert Michel
Published: December 2023

The amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/parkinsonism-dementia complex (ALS/PDC) of the island of Guam and the Kii peninsula of Japan is a fatal neurodegenerative disease of unknown cause that is characterized by the presence of abundant filamentous tau inclusions in brains and spinal cords. Here, we used electron cryo-microscopy to determine the structures of tau filaments from the cerebral cortex of three cases of ALS/PDC from Guam and eight cases from Kii, as well as from the spinal cord of two of the Guam cases. Tau filaments had the chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) fold, with variable amounts of Type I and Type II filaments. Paired helical tau filaments were also found in three Kii cases and tau filaments with the corticobasal degeneration fold in one Kii case. We identified a new Type III CTE tau filament, where protofilaments pack against each other in an antiparallel fashion. ALS/PDC is the third known tauopathy with CTE-type filaments and abundant tau inclusions in cortical layers II/III, the others being CTE and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. Because these tauopathies are believed to have environmental causes, our findings support the hypothesis that ALS/PDC is caused by exogenous factors.
Towards a corpus-based approach to graphic elements in creative subtitling
Authors: Wu Zhiwei
Published: December 2023

This article explores how a corpus-based approach allows us to describe and analyze the multimodal complexity of
graphic elements in creative subtitling. To this end, the article focuses on a YouTube channel, Apenjie with
Dawang, featuring a dog and its owner. This channel’s subtitling strategies were experimental with multiple graphic
elements (colors, positions, font sizes, and emojis). Informed by a social semiotic approach to multimodality, a corpus of 1,155
coupled pairs of Chinese-English subtitles was annotated for modal shifts and metafunctional shifts. Some major findings include:
(a) emojis were much more likely to be added to the target subtitles for the animals than for the humans;
(b) speaker-identifying graphic elements (color and position) were lost in the target subtitles, but emojis were
systematically added to mark animals as the speakers; (c) the addition of emojis evoked complementary-interpersonal meanings,
suggesting that the subtitlers might have prioritized audience engagement over textual fidelity; (d) although the target
subtitles used fewer graphic elements, the semiotic meanings could be similar or complementary to those of the source subtitles.
Based on these findings, the article also discusses the opportunities and challenges of a corpus-based approach to graphic
elements in creative subtitling.
Tweeting fallacies
Authors: Gascón José Ángel
Published: December 2023

The fallacy approach to argument pedagogy has been criticized as being overtly critical, theoretically defective and encouraging an adversarial attitude. In order to solve some of those issues, the effects of fallacy teaching on the arguer’s behavior should be studied empirically. Here I present an exploratory study in which I take a look at how accusations of fallacies are made on Twitter. 865 accusations were analyzed according to seven criteria: (1) whether the fallacy is identified, (2) whether it is misidentified, (3) whether the accusation was substantiated, (4) whether the substantiation makes reference to the context, (5) whether the accuser relies on the “taxonomic technique”, (6) whether the accuser relies on a problematic theory, and (7) whether the accuser is willing to discuss the accusation. Both the findings of the study and the reliability of the criteria are discussed.
Management and outcomes in a consecutive series of patients with aero-digestive fistula at a tertiary gastro-esophageal surgery center
Authors: Murad Fahad , Klevebro Fredrik , Henriksson Gert , Rouvelas Ioannis , Lindblad Mats , Nilsson Magnus
Published: December 2023

Aerodigestive fistula (ADF) is defined as a pathological connection between the upper digestive tract and the airway. ADF is associated with high morbidity and mortality and management is often complex. A cohort study including all patients admitted with ADF 2004–2022 at a single tertiary esophageal surgery center was performed based on prospectively collected administrative data and retrospectively collected electronic patient chart data,. Patient demographics, performance status, comorbidity, fistula characteristics, management, and outcomes in terms of morbidity and mortality were assessed in patients with ADF of three distinct types: (i) tumor overgrowth-related, (ii) various benign etiologies, and (iii) post-esophagectomy. Sixty-one patients with ADF were included in the study, 33 (54.1%) tumor overgrowth-related, six (9.8%) benign and 22 (36.1%) post-esophagectomy. In the post-esophagectomy group 15 out of 22 (68.2%) patients were diagnosed with anastomotic leakage prior to ADF diagnosis. Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) were used for temporary fistula sealing in 59 out of 61 (96.7%) patients, of which most received stents in both the digestive tract and airway. Temporary fistula sealing with stents was successful enabling discharge from hospital in 47 out of 59 (79.7%) patients. Definitive ADF repair was performed in 16 (26.2%) patients, of which one (6.3%) died within 90-days and 15 could be discharged home with permanently sealed fistulas. ADF is a complex condition associated with high mortality, which often requires multiple advanced interventions. SEMS can be applied in the airway and simultaneously in the digestive tract to temporarily seal the ADF as bridge to definitive surgical repair.
Left ventricular fibrosis as a main determinant of filling pressures and left atrial function in advanced heart failure
Authors: Mandoli Giulia Elena , Cameli Matteo , Pastore Maria Concetta , Loiacono Ferdinando , Righini Francesca Maria , D’Ascenzi Flavio , Focardi Marta , Cavigli Luna , Lisi Matteo , Bisleri Gianluigi , Dokollari Aleksander , Bernazzali Sonia , Maccherini Massimo , Valente Serafina , Henein Michael Y
Published: December 2023

Aims

Advanced heart failure (AdHF) is characterized by variable degrees of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, myocardial fibrosis, and raised filling pressures which lead to left atrial (LA) dilatation and cavity dysfunction. This study investigated the relationship between LA peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS), assessed by speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE), and invasive measures of LV filling pressures and fibrosis in a group of AdHF patients undergoing heart transplantation (HTX).

Methods and results

We consecutively enrolled patients with AdHF who underwent HTX at our Department. Demographic and basic echocardiographic data were registered, then invasive intracardiac pressures were obtained from right heart catheterization, and STE was also performed. After HTX, biopsy specimens from explanted hearts were collected to quantify the degree of LV myocardial fibrosis. Sixty-four patients were included in the study (mean age 62.5 ± 11 years, 42% female). The mean LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was 26.7 ± 6.1%, global PALS was 9.65 ± 4.5%, and mean pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) was 18.8 ± 4.8 mmHg. Seventy-three % of patients proved to have severe LV fibrosis. Global PALS was inversely correlated with PCWP (R = −0.83; P < 0.0001) and with LV fibrosis severity (R = −0.78; P < 0.0001) but did not correlate with LVEF (R = 0.15; P = 0.2). Among echocardiographic indices of LV filling pressures, global PALS proved the strongest [area under the curve 0.955 (95% confidence interval 0.87–0.99)] predictor of raised (>18 mmHg) PCWP.

Conclusion

In patients with AdHF, reduced global PALS strongly correlated with the invasively assessed LV filling pressure and degree of LV fibrosis. Such relationship could be used as non-invasive indicator for optimum patient stratification for therapeutic strategies.
A Drosophila screen identifies a role for histone methylation in ER stress preconditioning
Authors: Owings Katie G , Chow Clement Y
Published: December 2023

Stress preconditioning occurs when transient, sublethal stress events impact an organism's ability to counter future stresses. Although preconditioning effects are often noted in the literature, very little is known about the underlying mechanisms. To model preconditioning, we exposed a panel of genetically diverse Drosophila melanogaster to a sublethal heat shock and measured how well the flies survived subsequent exposure to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The impact of preconditioning varied with genetic background, ranging from dying half as fast to 4 and a half times faster with preconditioning compared to no preconditioning. Subsequent association and transcriptional analyses revealed that histone methylation, and transcriptional regulation are both candidate preconditioning modifier pathways. Strikingly, almost all subunits (7/8) in the Set1/COMPASS complex were identified as candidate modifiers of preconditioning. Functional analysis of Set1 knockdown flies demonstrated that loss of Set1 led to the transcriptional dysregulation of canonical ER stress genes during preconditioning. Based on these analyses, we propose a preconditioning model in which Set1 helps to establish an interim transcriptional “memory” of previous stress events, resulting in a preconditioned response to subsequent stress.
Chronic urban trauma, postsecular spaces and living with difference in a city neighbourhood
Authors: Vine Jeni
Published: December 2023

This article contributes to debates that articulate the complexity of living with difference. It brings together the literatures on chronic urban trauma and postsecularity to argue for the need to consider the impact on neighbourhoods where the withdrawal of the state is leading to more services being provided by faith-based volunteers. The empirical material applies these concepts to three neighbourhoods in Sheffield within the 10 per cent most socio-economically deprived in the UK where White residents now form around 79 per cent of the population, rather than 90 per cent 20 years previously. It focuses on the neglected micro-scale of neighbourhood activists. At the same time, as the neighbourhoods have been changing demographically, they have also been impacted by austerity and the struggles of daily existence, leaving many at survival level. The proliferation of foodbanks and other services designed to plug gaps in the safety net of the welfare state involve complicated judgements for those who, often on a voluntary basis, come forward to meet the need. As public buildings run by local councils continue to be closed in cost-saving measures, many services run by faith groups have stepped up to fill the gaps. However, with evidence that people do not apply their equality values equally, the article raises concerns about postsecular solutions to ongoing austerity. Where faith-based provision has become an important part of the landscape of the poor, absences of people from diverse faiths in a neighbourhood may be building divisions for the future.
Head-to-Head Comparison Between Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Human Metapneumovirus Bronchiolitis in the Setting of Increased Viral Testing
Authors: Ramanathan Ashwin , Lee Weihao , Peplinski Joseph , Mace Ariel O. , Foley David A.
Published: December 2023

We compared the epidemiology, severity and management of hospitalized respiratory syncytial virus (n = 305) and human metapneumovirus (n = 39) bronchiolitis in a setting with high respiratory virus testing (95% of admissions tested). Respiratory syncytial virus-positive infants were younger and tended to require more hydration support and longer hospital stays compared to human metapneumovirus-positive infants. Respiratory support requirements were similar between groups despite significant age differences.
Scrotum Apocrine Adenocarcinoma Mimicking Testicular Cancer with Infiltration to the Scrotum: A Case Report with Literature Review
Authors: Gandakusuma Evan Prakoso , Pramod Sawkar Vijay , Agustina Hasrayati
Published: December 2023

Apocrine carcinoma is a rare tumor of the skin that typically arises in areas rich in apocrine glands. In our report, a 64-year-old man came to the emergency department with a complaint of an enlarging, tender mass in the scrotum growing over the previous 3 months associated with discomfort. Tumor markers were checked, and elevation of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) was found. The patient was initially diagnosed with testicular cancer with infiltration to the scrotum. Wide mass excision with bilateral orchidectomy was performed. Results from histopathological examination revealed an apocrine adenocarcinoma of the scrotum. We report a case of primary apocrine adenocarcinoma of the scrotum initially suspected as testicular cancer.
Liver transplantation for advanced-stage primary hepatic yolk sac tumor: A case report and literature review
Authors: Liu Guang-Hua , Qiu Ming-Ke , Wang Yang , Zhang Ting-Ting , Wang Li-Jun , Guan Wen-Bin , Ou Jing-Min , Chen Li-Tian
Published: December 2023

Rationale:

Primary hepatic yolk sac tumors (YSTs) are rare in adults. Liver resection is an acknowledged treatment modality for primary hepatic YST. Liver transplantation may offer a possible cure for unresectable cases.

Patient concerns:

We present a case of a 31-year-old woman with an abdominal mass who had abnormally elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels (31,132 ng/mL; normal: 0–7 ng/mL). Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed large tumors located in both lobes of the liver, with arterial enhancement and venous washout. Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT indicated increased 18F-FDG uptake (maximum standardized uptake value, 24.4) in the liver tumors and left middle intra-abdominal nodule.

Diagnoses:

The diagnosis was primary hepatic YST with metastasis to the greater omentum.

Interventions:

The patient underwent orthotopic liver transplantation and intra-abdominal nodule resection after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) as a bridge. Intraoperatively, an intra-abdominal nodule was confirmed in the greater omentum. Histopathological examination of the liver tumors revealed Schiller-Duval bodies. The tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) inhibitor larotrectinib was administered, followed by four cycles of chemotherapy with bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin based on the next-generation sequencing results.

Outcomes:

The AFP level decreased to within the normal range. No evidence of tumor collapse was observed during the 34-month follow-up period.

Lessons:

This case suggests that multimodal therapy dominated by liver transplantation, including preoperative TACE, postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, and TRK inhibitors, is an effective treatment modality for unresectable primary hepatic YST.
The diagnosis of acute intermittent porphyria combined with seizures: Case report
Authors: Wang Zhen , Cheng Liniu , Liang Xianyang , Jiang Han , Shen Ruile
Published: December 2023

Rationale:

Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is a rare metabolic disorder affecting heme production due to enzyme porphobilinogen deaminase deficiency. Diagnosing acute intermittent porphyria is difficult because its symptoms interrelate with those of other common diseases. When AIP is combined with seizures, the diagnosis process is more complicated. This case report shows all tests and criteria used to arrive at the final stage of diagnosis.

Patient concerns:

The patient complained of severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and intermittent convulsions. Her medical history shows she had abdominal pain, mainly dull pain in the left upper abdomen.

Diagnoses:

Different symptomatic tests were done, and the cause of her symptoms was uncertain. A urine sun drying test was then done and confirmed the presence of porphyrin used to diagnose AIP. A genetic test was done after the patient was discharged, and AIP diagnosis was confirmed.

Interventions:

Acute intermittent porphyria treatment was administered.

Outcomes:

The patent recovered fully.

Lessons:

It is essential to consider acute intermittent porphyria diagnosis in patients having unexplained severe abdominal pain associated with neurological and psychiatric symptoms. Since AIP is a rare disease with a high mortality rate when not treated early, Clinical practices should include AIP as one of the tests done on patients showing these symptoms at an early stage. The fastest way to identify this is to conduct a urine test. The change of color from brown to reddish color is a diagnostic indicator of AIP. This strategy helps reduce misdiagnoses and delayed treatment of the right disease.
Serum glutathione peroxidase 4 as a novel biomarker for nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head: A retrospective case-control study
Authors: Zhao Qiang , Dong Jianhong , Wang Shiying , Wei Biaofang
Published: December 2023

There are no serum biomarkers available in nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head in clinical practice. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical value of serum glutathione peroxidase 4 in nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head. This retrospective study analyzed serum glutathione peroxidase 4 levels and clinical data of 80 patients with nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head and 80 healthy controls between August 2021 and May 2022. Serum glutathione peroxidase 4 levels were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The Association Research Circulation Osseous classification system determined disease progression. Clinical severity was assessed by Harris hip score and visual analogue scale. Correlations between serum glutathione peroxidase 4 and disease progression as well as clinical severity were evaluated statistically. The diagnostic accuracy of serum glutathione peroxidase 4 in nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head was determined using receiver operating characteristic analysis. The baseline characteristics of participants between 2 groups were comparable. Patients with nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head displayed a decreased glutathione peroxidase 4 level compared with healthy controls (11.87 ± 2.76 μU/mL vs 16.54 ± 4.89 μU/mL, P < .01). The levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 were inversely correlated with Association Research Circulation Osseous stage (P < .01) and visual analogue scale scores (P < .01), and positively correlated with Harris score (P < .01). Receiver operating characteristic analyses showed that area under curves of glutathione peroxidase 4 was 0.808 (95% CI 0.721–0.858) and 0.847 (95% CI 0.743–0.951) with regard to diagnosis and collapse prediction in nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head, respectively. Serum glutathione peroxidase 4 could serve as a novel biomarker for diagnosing nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head and predicting collapse of the femoral head.
A case report of dermatomyositis mimicking myasthenia gravis
Authors: Jin Zhang-Si , Tao Xiao-Ran , Wang Zai-Xing
Published: December 2023

Rationale:

Patients who have myasthenia gravis or dermatomyositis show clinical signs of muscular weakening. Ocular muscle involvement is uncommon, and symmetrical proximal limb weakness is the typical presentation of dermatomyositis. However, the earliest and most noticeable sign in those with myasthenia gravis is extraocular muscular paralysis. Dermatomyositis is frequently complicated by malignancy, and the common malignancies associated with dermatomyositis vary by region and ethnicity, while thymoma is relatively rare. About 10% to 15% of people with myasthenia gravis have thymoma, which is involved in the etiology of the disease.

Patient concerns:

A 68-year-old female presented with ocular muscle weakness for 10 days that manifested as bilateral blepharoptosis with the phenomenon of “light in the morning and heavy in the evening.” Imaging examination showed anterior mediastinal thymic tumor with metastasis.

Diagnoses:

After a thorough physical examination, we discovered bilateral upper limbs with grade IV muscle strength and the typical rash of dermatomyositis. In combination with elevated serum kinase levels and electromyography suggesting myogenic damage, the patient was finally diagnosed as dermatomyositis with multiple metastases of thymoma.

Interventions:

The patient received oral hydroxychloroquine sulfate, topical corticosteroids, and tacrolimus ointment, but these did not work very well. Subsequently, the patient underwent surgery combined with radiotherapy for the thymoma.

Outcomes:

Muscle weakness in the patient improved after effective treatment of tumor, and the rash mostly disappeared.

Conclusion:

Ocular muscle weakness and thymoma are more common in myasthenia gravis, but we cannot ignore the possibility of dermatomyositis. To further establish the diagnosis, a thorough physical examination and laboratory findings are required. Further tumor screening should be performed for patients with dermatomyositis. Early detection and management of possible tumors are essential to the treatment of dermatomyositis linked to malignancies.
Career selection trends among recent gastroenterology fellowship graduates
Authors: Numan Laith , Jaber Fouad , Husainat Nedaa M. , Ahmed Zarir , Baliss Michelle , Ghosh Soumojit , Bazarbashi Ahmad Najdat , Palagiri Jennifer
Published: December 2023

Various career paths exist for gastroenterology (GI) fellowship graduates across the country. These include further training, clinical or nonclinical job opportunities. Clinical career paths for those seeking jobs include academic positions or nonacademic positions (nonacademic hospital employed and private practice jobs). Data regarding career placement trends are limited. This study aims to explore temporal trends in career selection among new GI graduates. This is an observational cohort study. A list of GI fellowship programs was obtained from the FREIDA American Medical Association database. Programs with sufficient information on past graduate or alumni career placement after fellowship between 2017 and 2022 were included. Baseline characteristics and relevant information were collected. A Chi-square test was performed to assess the relationship between the categorical variables. A total of 203 GI fellowship programs were reviewed, among which only 21% (43/203) reported sufficient graduate career information. Across the 43 programs, 636 graduates were included. Thirty-three percent (210/636) of graduates were female. Forty-eight percent (308/636) of the graduates pursued nonacademic positions (nonacademic hospital employed and private practice jobs), 34% (216/636) into academic positions, and 17% (112/636) elected to do additional fellowship training. Both males and females were more likely to be employed in private practice (X
2 = 12.8, df = 2, P = .002). Navigating through the decision-making process of selecting the first job after fellowship can be challenging. Our study reveals higher preference for nonacademic roles among graduates, consistent over 5 years, suggesting need to explore obstacles for academic positions or further training.