bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Examination of the Mortality Rate Associated With Teenage Pregnancy in South Africa
Authors: Sithole Tronic , Appunni Sathiya Susuman
Published: May 2024

This study investigates factors contributing to teenage pregnancy in South Africa and their impact on maternal mortality. Twenty participants were purposively sampled for one-on-one interviews using a mixed-methods and descriptive study design. SPSS software analysed the data, revealing reduced risk factors through educational policies. Teenage mortality rates from pregnancy and maternal health issues are lower than the rates in adults, with high blood pressure, abortion and injuries being the leading causes of adolescent death. The study emphasises a significant public health concern in South Africa, influencing women’s life expectancy due to socioeconomic barriers and insufficient awareness of danger signs, urging prioritised policies and programmes.
Matrilineal Succession in Cameroon: Seed of Social Ills and Underdevelopment
Authors: Besin-Mengla Mendong Margaret
Published: May 2024

This research on matrilineal succession in Cameroon aims at showing how matrilineal succession in Cameroon causes socio-economic backwardness. The mixed method of research was used to collect qualitative and quantitative data. Results from the study shows that the rationale for practising matrilineal succession by some tribes in Cameroon was to promote consanguineous succession. However, this type of succession brought untold sufferings to the people who practised it. Most widows were abandoned by the successors who mostly deprived them of the wealth left behind by their husbands. This has brought great sufferings to widows and their children. In addition, matrilineal succession discourages many men from saving, investing in businesses and acquiring real estate as they know that upon their death, their wives and children will not benefit from their wealth.
Effects of core geometry, silica nanoparticles, and polyurethane foam on the mechanical properties of a novel circular-shaped core sandwich panels under compression test: Experimental study
Authors: Shaki Mohammad Hassan , Rostamiyan Yasser , Seyedi Seyed Masuod
Published: May 2024

For the first time in this paper, a composite sandwich panel with a novel circular-shaped core reinforced with silica nanoparticles (SNPs) is designed and fabricated using the vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) method. Carbon fibers and epoxy resin are utilized to construct the composite sandwich panels, followed by polyurethane foam injection. After fabrication, the sandwich panels undergo uniform compression testing to examine their mechanical behavior and properties. In this study, the effects of various parameters, such as core length, core height, weight percentage (wt.%) of SNPs, and polyurethane foam, on the compressive strength of the structure are evaluated. To validate the results, a finite element simulation of the sandwich panel compression test is performed using ABAQUS software, and the results obtained are compared with experimental data, showing good agreement. The results of this research demonstrate that adding SNPs within a specific range results in a considerable enhancement of the structural strength. Adding SNPs up to 3% leads to approximately a 19% increase in the compressive strength of the structure. However, adding 4 wt.% SNPs results in a decrease of about 12% in the strength of the sandwich panel. Additionally, the core’s geometry significantly influences the control of compressive strength and rigidity of the sandwich panel. In other words, by increasing the core length, the compressive strength increases by 38%, while increasing the core height decreases compressive strength by about 30%. Also, it is found that adding polyurethane foam to the sandwich panel, despite a slight increase in weight, leads to a significant increase in compressive strength by about 32% and postpones its ultimate failure. Eventually, the hybrid specimen exhibits a strength approximately 57% greater than that of the pure foamless sandwich panel.
Systematic Review of Prognosis Models in Predicting Tooth Loss in Periodontitis
Authors: Chow D.Y. , Tay J.R.H. , Nascimento G.G.
Published: May 2024

This study reviews and appraises the methodological and reporting quality of prediction models for tooth loss in periodontitis patients, including the use of regression and machine learning models. Studies involving prediction modeling for tooth loss in periodontitis patients were screened. A search was performed in MEDLINE via PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL up to 12 February 2022, with citation chasing. Studies exploring model development or external validation studies for models assessing tooth loss in periodontitis patients for clinical use at any time point, with all prediction horizons in English, were considered. Studies were excluded if models were not developed for use in periodontitis patients, were not developed or validated on any data set, predicted outcomes other than tooth loss, or were prognostic factor studies. The CHARMS checklist was used for data extraction, TRIPOD to assess reporting quality, and PROBAST to assess the risk of bias. In total, 4,661 records were screened, and 45 studies were included. Only 26 studies reported any kind of performance measure. The median C-statistic reported was 0.671 (range, 0.57–0.97). All studies were at a high risk of bias due to inappropriate handling of missing data (96%), inappropriate evaluation of model performance (92%), and lack of accounting for model overfitting in evaluating model performance (68%). Many models predicting tooth loss in periodontitis are available, but studies evaluating these models are at a high risk of bias. Model performance measures are likely to be overly optimistic and might not be replicated in clinical use. While this review is unable to recommend any model for clinical practice, it has collated the existing models and their model performance at external validation and their associated sample sizes, which would be helpful to identify promising models for future external validation studies.
Perceived Social Support and Connectedness in Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Engagement
Authors: Simundic Amanda , Argento Amanda , Mettler Jessica , Heath Nancy L.
Published: May 2024

Perceived social support has been posited as an important factor in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) cessation. Although, previous research suggests that social connectedness is the mechanism through which perceived social support influences psychological wellbeing. Thus, the present study investigated whether social connectedness is the mechanism through which perceived social support functions to influence NSSI engagement. Fifty-six women with ( M age = 20.18, SD = 2.07) and 84 without ( M age = 20.24, SD = 1.98) a history of NSSI completed online measures of perceived social support and social connectedness. A mediation model was conducted with social connectedness in the relation between perceived social support from family, friends, and significant others and NSSI engagement. Findings revealed that social connectedness fully explained the relation between perceived social support from all sources and NSSI engagement. The results suggest that the relation between perceived social support and NSSI engagement is fully explained by the degree to which individuals report feeling connected to others. Implications for future research and practice will be discussed.
Decolonising the Earth: Anticolonial Environmentalism and the Soil of Empire
Authors: Davidson Joe P. L. , Carreira da Silva Filipe
Published: May 2024

The relationship between humanity and the soil is an increasingly important topic in social theory. However, conceptualisations of the soil developed by anticolonial thinkers at the high point of the movement for self-determination between the 1940s and the 1970s have remained largely ignored. This is a shame, not least because theorists like Eric Williams, Walter Rodney, Suzanne Césaire and Amílcar Cabral were concerned with the soil. Building on recent work on human-soil relations and decolonial ecology, we argue that these four thinkers conceptualised the connection between soil, empire, and anticolonial revolt. Williams and Rodney ground understanding of soil degradation in global relations of economic power, while Césaire and Cabral reconceptualise postcolonial nationhood in terms of the mutability and diversity of the soil. The article concludes by suggesting that these two anticolonial counterpoints, global connectivity and more-than-human identification, anticipate and deepen contemporary attempts to decolonise ecological thinking.
Establishing Strategies to Improve Cracking Resistance of High Recycled Binder Ratio Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Bairgi Biswajit Kumar , Verma Madhav , Tran Nam , Yin Fan , Moraes Raquel , Rodezno Carolina , Martin Amy Epps , Montañez Juliana , Arámbula-Mercado Edith
Published: May 2024

This study aims to investigate promising mitigation strategies for improving the cracking performance of high recycled binder ratio (RBR) asphalt mixtures. Moisture-resistant aggregates that do not require anti-stripping agents, reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), and recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) were sampled for this study from sources in two climatic zones, south and north. The south-moisture-resistant (SR) mixtures were designed with 0.16 and 0.29 RBRs with RAP, while the north-moisture-resistant (NR) mixtures included 0.21 and 0.37 RBRs with RAP and 0.44 RBR with RAP/RAS. The mitigation strategies evaluated included a softer binder, a different binder source with higher ΔTc, a recycling agent (RA), reduced recycled binder availability (RBA), polymer-modified asphalt (PMA), and hybrid approaches including softer binder + RBA and PMA+RBA. The Indirect Tensile Asphalt Cracking Test (IDEAL-CT) and Disc-Shaped Compact Tension (DCT) test were conducted to capture intermediate-temperature and low-temperature cracking performance, respectively. In addition to the cracking tolerance index (CTindex), an IDEAL-CT interaction diagram analysis was added to further understanding the effect of mixture variables on cracking performance. The findings suggest that while no single strategy works for all RBR mixtures tested, RA, RBA, softer binder, or their combinations yield adequate cracking performance depending on factors including RAP binder stiffness and quantity, RA dose, climatic zone, and RBA.
Effect of a Cat’s Permanent Presence on the Health and Social Network of Older Adults With Alzheimer’s Disease or Disabilities in a Nursing Home
Authors: Vesque-Annear Héloïse , Sueur Cédric , Grandgeorge Marine , Stachowiak Angélique , Pelé Marie
Published: May 2024

Our study analyzes the effects of the permanent presence of cats on the health and social network of residents with pathologies in nursing home. Fifty-three residents, thirty-six caregivers, and four cats in three Alzheimer’s Disease units (“ADU”) and one Disability unit (“DISU”) were observed for 180 hours. Social networks were created via instantaneous sampling of physical proximities and social exchanges between residents, caregivers, and the cats. Our results showed that: (1) the four units behave similarly in the presence or absence of a cat (2) cats are placed at the periphery of the network and interact with residents showing a keen interest in them, and (3) caregivers who are in strong contact with the cat show a greater number of social interactions in their unit. This study, using for the first time a social network approach, opens up a new field of understanding of human-animal relationships in a care dimension.
Solving the waste bin location problem with uncertain waste generation rate: A bi-objective robust optimization approach
Authors: Rossit Diego , Bard Jonathan
Published: May 2024

An efficient municipal solid waste (MSW) system is critical to modern cities in order to enhance sustainability and liveability of urban life. With this aim, the planning phase of the MSW system should be carefully addressed by decision makers. However, planning success is dependent on many sources of uncertainty that can affect key parameters of the system, for example, the waste generation rate in an urban area. With this in mind, this article contributes with a robust optimization model to design the network of collection points (i.e. location and storage capacity), which are the first points of contact with the MSW system. A central feature of the model is a bi-objective function that aims at simultaneously minimizing the network costs of collection points and the required collection frequency to gather the accumulated waste (as a proxy of the collection cost). The value of the model is demonstrated by comparing its solutions with those obtained from its deterministic counterpart over a set of realistic instances considering different scenarios defined by different waste generation rates. The results show that the robust model finds competitive solutions in almost all cases investigated. An additional benefit of the model is that it allows the user to explore trade-offs between the two objectives.
Semi-Automated Nonresponse Detection for Open-Text Survey Data
Authors: Cibelli Hibben Kristen , Smith Zachary , Rogers Benjamin , Ryan Valerie , Scanlon Paul , Hoppe Travis
Published: May 2024

Open-ended survey questions can enable researchers to gain insights beyond more commonly used closed-ended question formats by allowing respondents an opportunity to provide information with few constraints and in their own words. Open-ended web probes are also increasingly used to inform the design and evaluation of survey questions. However, open-ended questions are more susceptible to insufficient or irrelevant responses that can be burdensome and time-consuming to identify and remove manually, often resulting in underuse of open-ended questions and, when used, potential inclusion of poor-quality data. To address these challenges, we developed and publicly released the Semi-Automated Nonresponse Detection for Survey text (SANDS), an item nonresponse detection approach based on a Bidirectional Transformer for Language Understanding model, fine-tuned using Simple Contrastive Sentence Embedding and targeted human coding, to categorize open-ended text data as valid or likely nonresponse. This approach is powerful in that it uses natural language processing as opposed to existing nonresponse detection approaches that have relied exclusively on rules or regular expressions or used bag-of-words approaches that tend to perform less well on short pieces of text, typos, or uncommon words, often prevalent in open-text survey data. This paper presents the development of SANDS and a quantitative evaluation of its performance and potential bias using open-text responses from a series of web probes as case studies. Overall, the SANDS model performed well in identifying a dataset of likely valid results to be used for quantitative or qualitative analysis, particularly on health-related data. Developed for generalizable use and accessible to others, the SANDS model can greatly improve the efficiency of identifying inadequate and irrelevant open-text responses, offering expanded opportunities for the use of open-text data to inform question design and improve survey data quality.
Irregular adoptions in the Ethiopian-Spanish context: Strategies to redress the adoption triad
Authors: Gallego Molinero Aranzazu , Medina Rodríguez María del Valle , Clemente Martínez Chandra Kala
Published: May 2024

In 2018, the Ethiopian government banned intercountry adoptions due to detected irregularities. This paper draws from the experiences of Spanish adoptive families, providing evidence of these irregularities and other abuses substantiated by adoptive families during their “search for origins” or reconnection with their children’s birth families. We argue that these searches and contacts within the adoptive triad represent informal reparative initiatives among Spanish adoptive families.
Recent trends in reduction of hand arm vibration syndrome for agricultural handheld equipment: A review based on challenges and future directions
Authors: Awati Sandesh S , Todkar Amol S
Published: May 2024

A major occupational health risk in the agricultural industry is Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), which is brought on by exposure to vibration from handled machinery. This review thoroughly covers the historical background and prevalence of HAVS in agriculture, highlighting the harm it does to the health and productivity of workers. The goal is to solve the research deficit in this area by concentrating on vibration isolation and dampening approaches. The paper comprehensively examines measurement methods, such as accelerometer-based approaches, strain gauge and force plate methods, wireless sensor networks, for evaluating vibrations related to HAVS. These methods are compared in order to clarify their advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, engineering controls, isolation mounts, dampers, and smart technologies are included in the categories of shock and vibration reduction solutions based on their efficiency and application. Also covered are human factors that affect vibration reduction. The difficulties in putting reduction strategies into practice are underlined. These difficulties include economic considerations, technological limitations, and user approval. In order to draw useful conclusions, case studies demonstrating effective vibration reduction methods in agricultural contexts are provided. Future directions for reducing HAVS in agriculture include interdisciplinary research opportunities, developing technologies for vibration reduction, and a global approach. This review concludes by highlighting the importance of tackling HAVS, providing insights into real-world applications, and suggesting future research initiatives.
Tracking the 3-year trajectory of referrals to an early psychosis intervention service
Authors: Pitigala Nirupamal , Zeng Irene , Narayanan Nishanth , Cullum Sarah , Ng Lillian
Published: May 2024

Aim

To review the baseline and clinical characteristics of patients referred to a New Zealand Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) service across a 4-year timeframe.

Method

We compared two cohorts, and identified variables associated with being accepted or declined, and reasons for decline, by an EPI service between 2013 and 2017.

Results

There were 576 people with suspected psychosis referred to the EPI service for assessment: 300 (52%) were accepted, 221 (38%) declined and 55 (10%) were not processed. Reasons for being declined by EPI services were a long duration of psychosis (DUP, 48%) and no evidence of psychosis (47%). There were no significant differences between the accepted and declined group in Emergency Department presentations for self-harm or suicide attempts and acute admissions to a psychiatric inpatient unit over the 3-year follow-up period.

Conclusion

To optimise the identification of true positive cases, EPI services require clear entry criteria. Replicating this study in other EPI services with different entry criteria may provide evidence to develop a more uniform screening process. Improved outcomes may be enhanced by measuring effectiveness and liaising with other EPI services.
Dynamic behavior of rack vehicle-track(rack) coupled system on super-large-slope bridges
Authors: Chen Zhaowei , Wang Lang , Zhang Mengqi
Published: May 2024

Rack railways are mainly used in mountainous areas, where inevitably, super-large-slope bridge structures appear. The dynamic behavior of the rack vehicle-track(rack) coupled system on super-large-slope bridge is rarely studied. To address this issue, a dynamic interaction model for rack vehicle-track(rack)-bridge system is established by considering the detailed dynamic meshing behavior of gear-rack and the dynamic contact behavior of the wheel-rail. On this basis, the gear-rack meshing force and the wheel-rail contact force of rack vehicles are studied under lines with varying slopes, and the dynamic behavior of the rack vehicle and the track-bridge system with a slope of 250‰ is further analyzed. Research results show that as the slope line increases, the gear and rack meshing force increases, but the wheel-rail vertical force decreases. Concurrently, the stability index of the vehicle changed considerably, and the stability of the vehicle decreases substantially. The maximum values of the vibration acceleration of the vehicle body and bridge are 0.4 m/s2 and 0.5 m/s2, respectively, meeting the requirements of the relevant standards for the vibration acceleration of the vehicle body and bridge. Further analysis reveals that the vibration of rack is mainly affected by the meshing force, and the vibration of the bridge is mainly affected by the wheel-rail force. These research results can offer a theoretical basis for the pre-design, post-operation, and maintenance of rack railways.
A study of multi-acoustic black holes considering suitability of attachment positions for suppressing low-frequency vibrations on large motor
Authors: Choi Hyun-Gyu , Hong Suk-Yoon , Song Jee-Hun , Lee Chan-Hui , Choi Yo-Seb
Published: May 2024

Vibrations generated from machinery in various industries, such as the automotive, aerospace, and shipbuilding industries, must be suppressed for developing low-vibration and low-noise systems. High-frequency vibrations can be easily controlled via damping treatments; however, controlling vibrations in the low-frequency range generated from large machinery is a major challenge. In general, a substantial amount of damping material is required for suppressing low-frequency vibrations. This is unsuitable when developing low-cost, lightweight, and eco-friendly systems. To overcome the limitations, effective methods are required for suppressing these low-frequency vibrations. In this study, an effective method was proposed for suppressing vibrations in the low-frequency range using multiple acoustic black holes (multi-ABHs) considering the suitability values of the attachment positions, which were determined by flexural wave propagation and interactions between the multi-ABHs and structures. The suitability values of the attachment positions are proposed as non-dimensional parameters that are calculated using the structural intensity and mode superposition methods. For validating the proposed method, the vibration suppression characteristics were analyzed using a steel plate. The analyzed cases were categorized into six groups according to the suitability values of the attachment positions of the multi-ABHs. The largest reduction in vibrations was observed when the multi-ABHs were attached to the location with the highest suitability in the six cases. Finally, the multi-ABHs were applied to a large 2-pole motor considering the suitability values of the attachment positions, and the dominant vibrations at 60, 120, and 180 Hz frequencies were suppressed.
“We don’t have a lot of trees, but by God, do we have a lot of fish”: imagining postcolonial futures for the Nunatsiavut fishing industry
Authors: Cadman Rachael , Snook Jamie , Goudie Jim , Watts Keith , Broomfield Todd , Johnson Ron , Winters Jessica , Bailey Megan
Published: May 2024

Telling stories can be an empowering exercise, providing important insights into the values and priorities of the storytellers. This article shares stories told during a participatory scenario planning process among Inuit, an Indigenous People of northern Canada, Greenland, and Alaska, USA. This research takes place in Nunatsiavut, a land claim area in Labrador, Canada, to explore how visions provide insights into postcolonial futures for the fishing industry. Beginning in 2019, a group of fisheries stakeholders and managers came together to create a visioning process that would help them to develop consensus around priorities for the industry. Facilitated by university researchers, Inuit in the commercial fishing industry participated in an iterative data-collection process that involved interviews and a workshop. This article shares what was found during the scenario-planning process and position stories of the future within the context of Indigenous sovereignty.
The role of marginalisation and role stressors in physical education teachers’ perceived mattering
Authors: Sakallı Derya , Şenel Ender
Published: May 2024

Previous research has revealed that physical education (PE) teachers and their subject are often perceived as undervalued. However, examining the contributing factors and relationships to improve this situation is critical. This study focused on the associations among PE teachers’ perceptions of marginalisation, perceived mattering, and role stress factors. We recruited 208 PE teachers from various regions of Turkey, with a mean age of 36.67 ± 8.18 and a mean teaching experience of 11.34 ± 8.22 years. The data were collected using the Physical Education – Marginalisation and Isolation Scale, the Perceived Mattering Questionnaire – Physical Education, and the Teacher Role Stressors Survey. The findings indicate that role stress factors do not directly predict perceived mattering but exacerbate feelings of marginalisation, which, in turn, negatively predict perceived mattering. The results shed light on the intricate relationships among various factors contributing to marginalisation and suggest potential avenues for improvement. Our findings demonstrate that role stress factors positively and directly predict marginalisation, which, in turn, is negatively related to both teacher mattering and PE mattering. The results also reveal that role stress factors significantly and indirectly predict perceived mattering through the mediating role of marginalisation. The model results indicate that the marginalisation of teachers is a significant predictor of both PE mattering and teacher mattering, and it plays a mediating role in the relationship between role stress factors and teachers’ perceived mattering.
Living Together Apart: Size and Significance of Co-Residency Following Relationship Breakdown in Contemporary Britain
Authors: Duncan Simon , van Hooff Jenny , Carter Julia
Published: May 2024

In this article, we seek to establish the importance of living together apart (LTA), where ex-partners continue to co-reside following relationship breakdown. Although LTA is commonplace, it has been almost completely overlooked by family sociology and social policy. Because LTA is conceptually unrecognised, there is little empirical information and because there is so little information, it remains conceptually unrecognised. In this article, we attempt to break out from this loop. First, we place LTA within the context of partnership change. Second, we estimate the quantitative magnitude and qualitative significance of LTA in Britain. We use a survey concerned with owner-occupier LTA to indicate population characteristics and aggregate behaviour. This is accompanied by qualitative analysis of Mumsnet forums on LTA, to develop insight into understandings and relationships. Drawing on these findings, we argue that LTA is both a significant household form and important relationship type.
Telehealth-delivered parent-based sleep-focused intervention for insomnia in preschool children with autism spectrum disorder: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Ip Brian Yee Ting , Lee So-Lun , Li Shirley Xin
Published: May 2024

Sleep problems are common in children with autism spectrum disorder. Although previous research has shown the positive effects of parent-based sleep intervention, it was mainly focused on face-to-face modality, which might limit accessibility. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of a telehealth-delivered parent-based sleep-focused intervention in treating insomnia in preschool children with autism spectrum disorder. A total of 62 parents/caregivers with a child with autism spectrum disorder and comorbid insomnia (aged 3–6 years) were randomized to receive either three weekly group sessions of sleep-focused intervention via Zoom with telephone support ( n = 30) or treatment as usual ( n = 32). The intervention group had significantly greater improvements in overall sleep problems (Children’s Sleep Habit Questionnaire total score; p < 0.05), bedtime resistance ( p < 0.05), and sleep-onset delay ( p < 0.05) at post-treatment as compared to the treatment as usual group. The intervention group also showed significant improvements in overall behavioral and emotional problems ( p < 0.05), especially externalizing problems ( p < 0.05) as measured by Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and parental stress level ( p < 0.05) as measured by Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 as compared to the treatment as usual group (partial η2 = 0.081–0.101). The findings supported the feasibility and promising effects of a brief parent-based sleep intervention delivered via telehealth.

Lay abstract

Sleep problems are common in children with autism spectrum disorder. Although the effects of parent-based sleep intervention were shown to be promising, previous research was limited to the face-to-face service model, which might limit accessibility. This study examined a sleep-focused parent training group delivered via telehealth for treating insomnia in preschool children with autism spectrum disorder, which allowed parents to join the intervention remotely. Results showed that children in the intervention group had greater improvements in sleep and insomnia symptoms after treatment, as compared to those who only received care as usual. This sleep-focused treatment also led to improved daytime behaviors, especially externalizing problems such as hyperactivity and conduct problems, in children with autism spectrum disorder. Parents who had attended the training also reported reduced parental stress level after treatment. The findings supported the feasibility and promising effects of a brief parent-based sleep intervention delivered via telehealth for preschooler with autism spectrum disorder.
Friction in the Netflix machine: How screen workers interact with streaming data
Authors: Rasmussen Nina Vindum
Published: May 2024

Data-driven streamers like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video have expanded into the European screen landscape with a significant appetite for locally produced content. These players leverage advanced data analytics to gain deep customer insights, but they prefer to keep a lid on their algorithmic operations. This article examines how screen workers interact with streaming data despite widespread secrecy. Drawing on interviews and an interface ethnography, I explore the ways these workers access, sense, generate and resist streaming data throughout their creative process. As such, the article provides a framework for understanding the subtle and sometimes contradictory ways that screen workers engage with such data practices. I also demonstrate how researchers can circumvent and lower barriers to access in an industry marked by data secrecy. As a result, this article contributes to discussions about the datafication of cultural production, and it does so with novel insights from the European screen context.
A Competing Risk Nomogram for Prediction of Prognosis in Patients With Primary Squamous Cell Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Tian Ye , He Lei , Zhang Bin , Deng Linfeng , Wang Juan
Published: May 2024

Objective: Primary squamous cell thyroid carcinoma (PSCTC) is an extremely rare carcinoma, accounting for less than 1% of all thyroid carcinomas. However, the factors contributing to PSCTC outcomes remain unclear. This study aimed to identify the prognostic factors and develop a prognostic predictive model for patients with PSCTC. Methods: The analysis included patients diagnosed with thyroid carcinoma between 1975 and 2016 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Prognostic differences among the 5 pathological types of thyroid carcinomas were analyzed. To determine prognostic factors in PSCTC patients, the Cox regression model and Fine–Gray competing risk model were utilized. Based on the Fine–Gray competing risk model, a nomogram was established for predicting the prognosis of patients with PSCTC. Results: A total of 198,757 thyroid carcinoma patients, including 218 PSCTC patients, were identified. We found that PSCTC and anaplastic thyroid cancer had the worst prognosis among the 5 pathological types of thyroid carcinoma ( P < .001). According to univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, age (71-95 years) was an independent risk factor for poorer overall survival and disease-specific survival in PSCTC patients. Using Fine–Gray regression analysis, the total number of in situ/malignant tumors for patient (Number 1) (≥2) was identified as an independent protective factor for prognosis of PSCTC. The area under the curve, the concordance index (C-index), calibration curves and decision curve analysis revealed that the nomogram was capable of predicting the prognosis of PSCTC patients accurately. Conclusion: The competing risk nomogram is highly accurate in predicting prognosis for patients with PSCTC, which may help clinicians to optimize individualized treatment decisions.
Exploring the Mechanisms of Yishen Tongluo Decoction on Repairing DNA Damage in Mouse Spermatogonia Cells Based on Whole Transcriptome Sequencing
Authors: Wan Wenxi , Zhang Chenming , Zhang Qi , Hua Zhong , Li Ninghua , Ma Miaomiao , Shen Huiyuan , Wang Zulong
Published: May 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential mechanism through which Yishen Tongluo decoction (YSTL) repairs DNA damage caused by benzo(a)pyrene diol epoxide (BPDE) in mouse spermatocytes (GC-2). The GC-2 cells were divided randomly into the control group, BPDE group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose YSTL groups of YSTL decoction. A comet assay was used to detect the DNA fragment index (DFI) of cells in each group. Based on the DFI results, whole transcriptome sequencing was conducted, followed by trend analysis, gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, and ceRNA network analysis. Compared with the control group, the BPDE group reported a significant increase in the DNA fragmentation index (DFI) ( p < .05). Compared with the BPDE group, the low-, high- and medium-dose YSTL groups had a significantly reduced DFI ( p < .05). Whole-transcriptome sequencing revealed seven differentially expressed circRNAs, 203 differentially expressed miRNAs, and 3,662 differentially expressed mRNAs between the control group and the BPDE group. There was a total of 12 differentially expressed circRNAs, 204 miRNAs, and 2150 mRNAs between the BPDE group and the traditional Chinese medicine group. The pathways involved include DNA repair pathway, nucleotide excision repair pathway, base excision repair pathway, etc. The ceRNA network reported that Hmga2 was the core protein involved, novel_cir_000117 and mmu-miR-466c-3p were located upstream of Hmga2, and they were regulatory factors associated with Hmga2. Finally, we conclude that YSTL decoction may repair sperm DNA damage caused by BPDE through the novel_cir_000117-mmu-miR-466c-3p-Hmga2 pathway.
An investigation of various properties of hybrid bricks using Natural fibers and waste fiber-based materials
Authors: Kumar Naresh , Mehta Vikas , Kumar Sushil , Singh Jaiinder Preet , Kumar Rajeev , Sharma Shubham , Dwivedi Shashi Prakash , Kozak Dražan , Lozanovic Jasmina , Abbas Mohamed
Published: May 2024

Air pollution is increasing daily, causing global warming and many environmental issues, and it is also the cause of many diseases. According to many reports, brick kilns play a major role in the emission of black carbon that causes air pollution. It is necessary to find another way to produce bricks. The trend these days is to increase applications of natural fibers and eco-friendly materials and to reuse waste materials to control pollution. Synthetic and chemical materials are also causes of pollution, diseases, and even the deaths of many people. In this direction, eco-friendly materials were used to produce bricks. Abaca fiber, Pinus-Roxburghi leaves, fiber, wood, wheat straw, animal dung, sand, cement, phenolic resin, and gypsum were used in various percentages to create novel brick. In the investigation, it was discovered that hybrid natural fiber-based bricks had strong physical-mechanical, mechanical-chemical, and thermal stability properties, were light in weight, and had good sound absorption capabilities. Significant improvement of has been identified, AB-4 Brick shows the maximum porosity with 42.5% improvement as compared to AB-1 brick.
Increasing survey response rates: Framing international students as potentially vulnerable and hard-to-reach
Authors: McKinley Keanen M
Published: May 2024

In this qualitative study, I worked with international students to understand how researchers can increase response rates to international student experience surveys. I explicitly framed international students as a potentially vulnerable and hard-to-reach population, and then considered barriers associated with vulnerable populations and research participation. To answer my research questions, I interviewed 14 students who each self-identified as an international student and were enrolled at a public South-Atlantic university in the United States. I analyzed the qualitative data by conducting thematic analysis and determined there are three underlying concerns that influence survey response: feeling unheard, unknown intentions, and impersonal connections. The disconfirming evidence and limitations with this study’s research design suggest areas for future research, though I also illustrate how the findings can begin to inform the design and administration of international student experience surveys.
Does the Subtalar or Tibiotalar Joint Need Fused in Primary Retrograde Tibiotalocalcaneal Nailing for Fragility Ankle Fractures?
Authors: DeGenova Daniel T. , Hill Zachary P. , Hoffman Adam D. , Taylor Avery R. , Dues Boston , Faherty Mallory , Taylor Benjamin C.
Published: May 2024

Background. As an alternative to traditional open reduction internal fixation of ankle fragility fractures, primary retrograde tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) nailing has been investigated as a treatment option. These results suggest that this treatment is an acceptable alternative treatment option for these injuries. There are still questions about the need for formal joint preparation at the subtalar or tibiotalar joint when performing primary TTC nailing for fragility fractures. Methods. In this study, we retrospectively evaluated 32 patients treated with primary retrograde TTC nail without subtalar or tibiotalar joint preparation for a mean of 2.4 years postoperatively. We specifically reviewed the charts for nail breakages at either joint, patients developing subtalar or tibiotalar joint pathology requiring additional treatment, including return to the operating room for formal joint preparation. Results. Fracture union occurred in 100% of patients. There were 3 cases (10.0%) of hardware failure, and 2 of these cases were asymptomatic and did not require any treatment. One patient (3.3%) developed hardware failure with nail breakage at the subtalar joint. This patient developed progressive pain and symptoms requiring revision surgery with formal arthrodesis of the subtalar and tibiotalar joint. Conclusions. This study shows that retrograde hindfoot nailing without formal subtalar or tibiotalar joint preparation is an acceptable potential treatment option in ankle fragility fractures. Mid-term follow-up demonstrates favorable outcomes without the need for formal joint preparation in this high-risk population. Comparative studies with higher patient numbers and long-term follow-up are needed to confirm the results of this study.

Levels of Evidence: Level IV.
Establishing a Strategic Foresight Learning and Action Network (SF-LAN) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Authors: Hines Andy , Vincent Martin J. , Puddy Richard W.
Published: May 2024

This article chronicles the experiences and lessons learned in establishing strategic foresight (SF) in a U.S. government organization. This has value to the field of foresight, which is seeking to establish foresight in organizations as an intentional capability to explore alternative futures and work towards preferred futures. This work also has particular value to other federal agencies establishing or considering establishing a SF practice.
Bilateral Macular Halo and Full-Thickness Macular Hole Repair in Niemann-Pick Disease Type B
Authors: Li Ye , Cherepanoff Svetlana , Fung Adrian T.
Published: May 2024

Purpose: To report the results of surgery in a patient with Niemann-Pick disease type B, bilateral macular halos, and a full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) in the right eye. Methods: A case was evaluated. Results: A 72-year-old man with Niemann-Pick disease type B presented with an FTMH in the right eye. On examination, the visual acuity (VA) was 20/120 OD and 20/16 OS. Bilateral, symmetric, circular yellow–white deposits encircled the fovea. Optical coherence tomography showed focal parafoveal inner retinal hyperreflectivity bilaterally and an FTMH in the right eye. The patient had a vitrectomy with inner limiting membrane (ILM) peeling; the peeled membrane was unremarkable on cytopathology. Six weeks postoperatively, the MH was closed and the VA had improved to 20/40. Conclusions: Successful MH closure is possible in the presence of macular halos secondary to Niemann-Pick disease type B. Cytopathology of the ILM suggests the ILM is not involved in the pathogenesis of macular halos.
Willingness to support neighbours practically or emotionally: a cross-sectional survey among the general public
Authors: Quintiens Bert , Smets Tinne , Chambaere Kenneth , Van den Block Lieve , Deliens Luc , Cohen Joachim
Published: May 2024

Background:

Wider social networks are increasingly recognized for supporting people with care needs. Health-promoting initiatives around the end of life aim to foster these social connections but currently provide little insight into how willing people are to help neighbours facing support needs.

Objectives:

This study describes how willing people are to help neighbours who need support practically or emotionally, whether there is a difference in willingness depending on the type of support needed and what determines this willingness.

Design:

We applied a cross-sectional survey design.

Methods:

We distributed 4400 questionnaires to a random sample of people aged >15 across four municipalities in Flanders, Belgium. These surveys included attitudinal and experiential questions related to serious illness, caregiving and dying. Respondents rated their willingness (scale of 1–5) to provide support to different neighbours in hypothetical scenarios: (1) an older person in need of assistance and (2) a caregiver of a dying partner.

Results:

A total of 2008 questionnaires were returned (45.6%). The average willingness to support neighbours was 3.41 (case 1) and 3.85 (case 2). Helping with groceries scored highest; cooking and keeping company scored lowest. Factors associated with higher willingness included an optimistic outlook about receiving support from others, family caregiving experience and prior volunteering around serious illness or dying.

Conclusion:

People are generally willing to support their neighbours who need help practically or emotionally, especially when they have prior experience with illness, death or dying and when they felt supported by different groups of people. Community-based models that build support around people with care needs could explore to what extent this willingness translates into durable community support. Initiatives promoting social connection and cohesion around serious illness, caregiving and dying may harness this potential through experiential learning.
A practical approach to the modern diagnosis and classification of T- and NK-cell lymphomas
Authors: de Leval Laurence , Gaulard Philippe , Dogan Ahmet
Published: May 2024

T- and natural killer (NK)-cell lymphomas are neoplasms derived from immature T cells (lymphoblastic lymphomas), or more commonly, from mature T and NK cells (peripheral T-cell lymphomas, PTCLs). PTCLs are rare but show marked biological and clinical diversity. They are usually aggressive and may present in lymph nodes, blood, bone marrow, or other organs. More than 30 T/NK-cell–derived neoplastic entities are recognized in the International Consensus Classification and the classification of the World Health Organization (fifth edition), both published in 2022, which integrate the most recent knowledge in hematology, immunology, pathology, and genetics. In both proposals, disease definition aims to integrate clinical features, etiology, implied cell of origin, morphology, phenotype, and genetic features into biologically and clinically relevant clinicopathologic entities. Cell derivation from innate immune cells or specific functional subsets of CD4+ T cells such as follicular helper T cells is a major determinant delineating entities. Accurate diagnosis of T/NK-cell lymphoma is essential for clinical management and mostly relies on tissue biopsies. Because the histological presentation may be heterogeneous and overlaps with that of many benign lymphoid proliferations and B-cell lymphomas, the diagnosis is often challenging. Disease location, morphology, and immunophenotyping remain the main features guiding the diagnosis, often complemented by genetic analysis including clonality and high-throughput sequencing mutational studies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the classification and diagnosis of T-cell lymphoma in the context of current concepts and scientific knowledge.
Hot under the clot: venous thrombogenesis is an inflammatory process
Authors: Rayes Julie , Brill Alexander
Published: May 2024

Venous thrombosis (VT) is a serious medical condition in which a blood clot forms in deep veins, often causing limb swelling and pain. Current antithrombotic therapies carry significant bleeding risks resulting from targeting essential coagulation factors. Recent advances in this field have revealed that the cross talk between the innate immune system and coagulation cascade is a key driver of VT pathogenesis, offering new opportunities for potential therapeutic interventions without inducing bleeding complications. This review summarizes and discusses recent evidence from preclinical models on the role of inflammation in VT development. We highlight the major mechanisms by which endothelial cell activation, Weibel-Palade body release, hypoxia, reactive oxygen species, inflammasome, neutrophil extracellular traps, and other immune factors cooperate to initiate and propagate VT. We also review emerging clinical data describing anti-inflammatory approaches as adjuncts to anticoagulation in VT treatment. Finally, we identify key knowledge gaps and future directions that could maximize the benefit of anti-inflammatory therapies in VT. Identifying and targeting the inflammatory factors driving VT, either at the endothelial cell level or within the clot, may pave the way for new therapeutic possibilities for improving VT treatment and reducing thromboembolic complications without increasing bleeding risk.