bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fimbristylis jaleeliana, a new species of Cyperaceae from Kerala, India
Authors: NARAYANAN MATALAYI KOKARAMATH RATHEESH , SUNIL CHANDRASSERIL NARAYANAN , THANKAPPAN SHAJU , SANILKUMAR MALAYIL GOPALAN , RIJURAJ MANOHARAKUMAR PRASANNAKUMARI , SIMI MATTAPPILLY SUGATHAN
Published: November 2023

Fimbristylis jaleeliana, a new sedge species belonging to section Fimbristylis from Kerala State of India is described and illustrated with photographs. Description of new species with distribution, ecology and comparison with its allied taxa are provided.
How complex is the Naineris setosa species complex? First integrative study of a presumed cosmopolitan and invasive annelid (Sedentaria: Orbiniidae)
Authors: ÁLVAREZ RICARDO , BUDAEVA NATALIYA
Published: November 2023

We performed a comparative study of the specimens from the Naineris setosa complex from the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans and re-described the syntype of N. setosa, including the selection of the lectotype. Molecular phylogenetic and species delimitation analyses based on two mitochondrial (COI and 16S) and one nuclear (28S) marker revealed the presence of three species. One clade with wide Amphi-Atlantic distribution was attributed as Naineris setosa s. str. The second Atlantic clade restricted to Southern and Southeastern Brazil was described as a new species, Naineris lanai sp. n. The third clade, reported from the Northwestern Pacific, was identified as a new species but was not formally described due to the presence of only juvenile-sized worms in the studied material. Detailed morphological descriptions of several diagnostic characters in the Naineris setosa complex are provided.
Bio-Convective Hartmann Flow of Couple Stress Hybrid Nanofluid Between Two Dilating Parallel Walls with Heat and Mass Transfer
Authors: Raju Adigoppula , Ojjela Odelu , Naresh Kumar N. , Sreenath I.
Published: November 2023

The study of bio-convective flow of hybrid nanofluid attracted many researchers because of tremendous applications in the fields of biofuel biotechnology, enzyme-based biosensors and biomedical science. The present work addresses a comparative study of CuO/Al2O3-water
and CuO-water nanoparticles on heat and mass transfer characteristics of the squeezing flow of MHD couple stress fluid between two parallel plates by suspending motile micro-organisms. An approximated numerical technique (Shooting method along with Runge-Kutta 4th order scheme) have been employed
to analyse the system of coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The above numerical investigations were carried out for various governing parameters such as couple stress parameter, Hartmann number, bioconvection Peclet number, squeezing parameter etc. The effects of these physical
parameters are illustrated graphically over velocity components, temperature distribution, diffusion of concentration and density of motile microorganisms. In addition to this the numerical values of skin friction, the local Nusselt number and local Sherwood number are tabulated at the upper
plate for CuO-water and CuO–Al2O3-water at the expanding and squeezing cases. The numerical results for temperature profiles are in good consistency with earlier research.
Relationship between positive parenting and adolescents’ depressive symptoms: Evidence from a Chinese research survey
Authors: Jiang Qinqin , Liu Pei , Qin Yuchen , Zhao Zhe , Bing Yan , Sun Jinhai , Dai Zhixin , Qian Yi , Yuan Lei
Published: November 2023

Background:

Adolescents often carry their depression well into their adulthood. This creates perpetual difficulties for their family and society. Research on the relationship between positive parenting and adolescent depressive symptoms is rare. The protective effect of positive parenting on adolescent depressive symptoms also remains underexplored. Parents are a vital source of feedback that shapes adolescents’ self-view in crucial ways.

Aims:

This study examines the latent relationships between four factors related to positive parenting and adolescent depressive symptoms.

Method:

Using data from the Chinese Family Panel Studies (CFPS), Stata MP 17.0 was used for preliminary data processing and descriptive statistics. The structural equation model (SEM) was adopted to test the seven proposed hypotheses.

Results:

The study participants were 2,816 adolescents (52.34% male). The SEM showed that positive communication and parental praise can directly reduce depressive symptoms in adolescents (path coefficients of −0.24 and −0.13 [ p < .001], respectively). Additionally, both positive communication and positive parent-adolescent interactions can reduce adolescents’ depressive symptoms by heightening the intermediate factor of parental praise (path coefficients of 0.30 and 0.44 [ p < .001], respectively). Conversely, positive parent-adolescent interactions did not negatively affect adolescents’ depressive symptoms, as we hypothesized.

Conclusions:

High level of positive parenting negatively predicts the level of depressive symptoms among adolescents. Specifically, positive communication, positive parent-adolescent communication, and parental praise are the main protective factors related to positive parenting for adolescents’ depressive symptoms.
ASH2L, Core Subunit of H3K4 Methylation Complex, Regulates Amelogenesis
Authors: Zhu X. , Ma Z. , Xie F. , Wang J.
Published: November 2023

Histone methylation assumes a crucial role in the intricate process of enamel development. Our study has illuminated the substantial prevalence of H3K4me3 distribution, spanning from the cap stage to the late bell stage of dental germs. In order to delve into the role of H3K4me3 modification in amelogenesis and unravel the underlying mechanisms, we performed a conditional knockout of Ash2l, a core subunit essential for the establishment of H3K4me3 within the dental epithelium of mice. The absence of Ash2l resulted in reduced H3K4me3 modification, subsequently leading to abnormal morphology of dental germ at the late bell stage. Notably, knockout of Ash2l resulted in a loss of polarity in ameloblasts and odontoblasts. The proliferation and apoptosis of the inner enamel epithelium cells underwent dysregulation. Moreover, there was a notable reduction in the expression of matrix-related genes, Amelx and Dspp, accompanied with impaired enamel and dentin formation. Cut&Tag-seq (cleavage under targets and tagmentation sequencing) analysis substantiated a reduction of H3K4me3 modification on Shh, Trp63, Sp6, and others in the dental epithelium of Ash2l knockout mice. Validation through real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence consistently affirmed the observed downregulation of Shh and Sp6 in the dental epithelium following Ash2l knockout. Intriguingly, the expression of Trp63 isomers, DNp63 and TAp63, was perturbed in Ash2l defect dental epithelium. Furthermore, the downstream target of TAp63, P21, exhibited aberrant expression within the cervical loop of mandibular first molars and incisors. Collectively, our findings suggest that ASH2L orchestrates the regulation of crucial amelogenesis-associated genes, such as Shh, Trp63, and others, by modulating H3K4me3 modification. Loss of ASH2L and H3K4me3 can lead to aberrant differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis of the dental epithelium by affecting the expression of Shh, Trp63, and others genes, thereby contributing to the defects of amelogenesis.
Parole Decision-Making and Empirical Practice: A Survey of Paroling Authorities
Authors: Rieger Danielle J. , Serin Ralph C.
Published: November 2023

Paroling authorities should have a clear understanding of the empirical support for factors considered in suitability determinations. We presented a survey to paroling authorities across the United States and Canada to examine their purview and information considered in decision-making. We situated the findings among existing empirical research suggesting best practices for consideration of specific factors in parole decision-making. Paroling authorities claim to give equal consideration to all information available, regardless of its empirical relation to suitability for release. Probed further, they display a good understanding of the empirical support for and the weight to be applied to each factor.
Ukraine and Russia, Ireland and Britain: Quasi-colonial subjugation, anti-imperial nationalism and conflict, end of empire, and ‘the lost peace’: A review essay
Authors: Bideleux Robert
Published: November 2023

This essay reviews new books on the fraught relationships between Ukraine, Russia and North Atlatic Treaty Organization countries since 1990, and on comparative studies of quasi-colonial subjugation, the development of anti-imperial nationalism and conflict, and protracted and violent transitions to full national independence in Ireland and Ukraine. There are comparisons of the ways in which four centuries of recurrent tension, conflict and divergence between Ukraine and Russia either resembled or differed from the five centuries of fraught relationships between Ireland and Britain. Ireland’s Great Famine (1846–1849) is compared with Ukraine’s Holodomor (1932–1933). The essay also assesses conflicting attributions of responsibility for ‘squandering’ the opportunity to enhance European security and global peace during the 1990s, and for bringing about dramatic escalations of Russian aggression against Ukraine in 2014 and 2022 – initiating a ‘Second Cold War’ from 2014 onward.
Risk Factors for Synchronous Lung Metastasis in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Hypopharynx
Authors: Li Yujiao , Hu Chaosu
Published: November 2023

Background: The objective of this study is to assess the risk factors for synchronous lung metastases (LM) in patients with hypopharynx squamous cell carcinomas (HPSCC). Methods: HPSCC patients were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2010 and 2013. We examined the association between risk factors and synchronous LM using chi-squared tests. Predictors of survival rates were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: A total of 1683 patients were analyzed, including 70 patients (4.2%) with synchronous LM, and 1613 patients without synchronous LM (95.8%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that Caucasian ( P = .038), lower T ( P = .026) or N classification ( P = .000), and highly differentiated disease ( P = .002) were associated with a significantly lower risk of LM. Elderly not married patients with higher T or N classification, multiple sites of metastases, and no surgical therapy to the primary tumors were more likely to reduce life expectancy. Conclusion: By analyzing data from a large cohort, Caucasian, lower T or N classification, and highly differentiated disease were associated with a significantly lower risk of LM. Elderly not married patients with advanced T or N classification, no surgical therapy to the primary tumors, and multiple sites of metastases were more likely to reduce life expectancy. More accurate assessments of LM will be imperative for early diagnosis and treatment in non-Caucasian patients who harbored higher T or N classification and poorly differentiated disease.
Pay Premiums and Peer Spillovers: Unpacking the Value Proposition of Employing Stars as They Age
Authors: Ulrich Michael D. , Call Matthew L.
Published: November 2023

An open question among scholars and practitioners is whether and when the employment of star employees is likely to pay off. Addressing this query, we integrate insights related to star performers’ experiences of cumulative advantage and disproportionate bargaining power with insights from the careers literature to develop theory related to stars’ direct and indirect value creation and value capture as they age. Specifically, we first develop arguments that stars, as a function of their disproportionate status and bargaining power, will enjoy higher pay relative to individual performance (PRIP) in comparison to their non-star peers. Second, we argue that this difference in PRIP will be greater among older employees, as stars’ cumulative advantage is a progressive phenomenon that continues to widen the initial gaps in their PRIP relative to others over their careers. Next, countering the apparent implication that the value proposition associated with employing stars deteriorates as stars age, we find that the magnitude of stars’ indirect contributions through positive spillovers to their peers’ performance increases with age. Lastly, we account for some of the mechanisms through which older stars have a more positive impact on their peers. General support for predictions is found in a financial services organization.
Sim2Real Neural Controllers for Physics-Based Robotic Deployment of Deformable Linear Objects
Authors: Tong Dezhong , Choi Andrew , Qin Longhui , Huang Weicheng , Joo Jungseock , Jawed Mohammad Khalid
Published: November 2023

Deformable linear objects (DLOs), such as rods, cables, and ropes, play important roles in daily life. However, manipulation of DLOs is challenging as large geometrically nonlinear deformations may occur during the manipulation process. This problem is made even more difficult as the different deformation modes (e.g., stretching, bending, and twisting) may result in elastic instabilities during manipulation. In this paper, we formulate a physics-guided data-driven method to solve a challenging manipulation task—accurately deploying a DLO (an elastic rod) onto a rigid substrate along various prescribed patterns. Our framework combines machine learning, scaling analysis, and physical simulations to develop a physics-based neural controller for deployment. We explore the complex interplay between the gravitational and elastic energies of the manipulated DLO and obtain a control method for DLO deployment that is robust against friction and material properties. Out of the numerous geometrical and material properties of the rod and substrate, we show that only three non-dimensional parameters are needed to describe the deployment process with physical analysis. Therefore, the essence of the controlling law for the manipulation task can be constructed with a low-dimensional model, drastically increasing the computation speed. The effectiveness of our optimal control scheme is shown through a comprehensive robotic case study comparing against a heuristic control method for deploying rods for a wide variety of patterns. In addition to this, we also showcase the practicality of our control scheme by having a robot accomplish challenging high-level tasks such as mimicking human handwriting, cable placement, and tying knots.
Where Patients Live Matter in Emergency Department Visits in Home Health Care: Rural/Urban Status and Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Jung Daniel , Song Suhang , Ma Chenjuan
Published: November 2023

An increasing body of evidence highlights the importance of an individual’s place of residence on their health and functional outcomes. This study is based on Outcome and Assessment Information Set data to assess the differences in emergency department visits among Medicare home health care patients by patients' residence location (rural/urban status and neighborhood socioeconomic status). Compared to urban patients, a disproportionately higher proportion of rural patients lived in more or most disadvantaged neighborhoods (83.9% vs. 41.3%). Using linear probability regression models, patients in rural areas (coefficient = .02, p < .001) and disadvantaged neighborhoods (less disadvantaged: coefficient = .02, p < .001; more disadvantaged: coefficient = .034, p < .001; most disadvantaged: coefficient = .042, p < .001) were more likely to experience emergency department visits. Policymakers should consider utilizing area-based target interventions to mitigate gaps in home health care. Also, given that the majority of rural patients reside in disadvantaged neighborhoods, neighborhood characteristics should be considered in addressing rural–urban disparities and improving home health care.
Can China's trade and investment facilitate renewable energy consumption in Africa?
Authors: Berhe Mesfin Welderufael , Dossou Toyo Amègnonna Marcel , Huang Junbing , Wedajo Abel Dula
Published: November 2023

Although several studies have investigated the impact of international trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) on energy consumption in Africa, extensive analyses from a renewable energy perspective are scarce. Moreover, the influence of Chinese FDI and trade on renewable energy consumption is quite inexistent. To fill the gap in the energy economics literature, this study empirically investigates the impact of China's trade and FDI on renewable energy consumption in 40 African countries over the period 2003 to 2016. The panel corrected standard errors estimation method is adopted. Additionally, panel causality tests are used to show the long-run relationship among the variables. The results revealed that both imports and outward direct investment from China had been positively associated with renewable energy consumption. However, exports to China were negatively related to renewable energy consumption. The results further reveal that economic growth and financial market developments are found to be ideal for promoting renewable energy consumption. The panel causality results show that there are significant bidirectional causalities between renewable energy consumption and economic growth. The results suggest that trade and investment policies should be integrated with renewable energy policy in order to achieve sustainable development. Besides, it is also important to adopt sound macroeconomic policies which promote economic growth and financial market development.
Reduced accuracy in dendroglaciological mass balance reconstruction of Storglaciären since the 1980s
Authors: Werner Niklas , Oehler Salome , Rendlert Frida , Gunnarson Björn
Published: November 2023

Recent studies have raised concerns regarding the reconstruction of glacier mass balance using tree-ring data. The method relies on a stable relationship between both variables and summer (June–August) or melt season (May–September) temperature. However, with recent anthropogenic climate change the stability of this relationship is challenged by both, a divergence between tree-ring and temperature, as well as mass balance and temperature data. Establishing to what extent this divergence influences the reconstruction of mass balance using tree-ring data is important to assess the future viability and applicability of the method. In this paper we analyze the relationship between the Torneträsk tree-ring and Storglaciären mass balance records, their response to climate change, and investigate changes in the relationship. We provide evidence for a sensitivity loss in the Torneträsk record and quantify its impact on the reconstruction of summer mass balance of Storglaciären. We find that by including years post 1980, the amplitude of reconstructed variability is reduced, but it remains possible to explain the variance of the record significantly. Our results suggest that for glaciers without an extensive mass balance record the applicability of the method is challenged.
The Trouble with White Feminist Theologians? Decentring White Normativity in Feminist Theology
Authors: Galbraith Eilidh
Published: November 2023

Feminist theology has provided a critical hermeneutical lens through which to interrogate hegemonic and hierarchical social and theological structures. Yet, can feminist theology itself be charged with the same paradigmatic problems it seeks to challenge? What exactly do we speak of when we speak of feminist theology? More importantly, who are we speaking of? Drawing from Kyla Schuller’s seminal volume, ‘The Trouble with White Women: A counter-history of feminism’, this article seeks to uncover the foundational connections between the historically ‘white feminism’ of Schuller’s counter-history and feminist theology, examining how, and indeed if, feminist theology contests or colludes with this problematic legacy. Considering post-colonial and intersectional feminist perspectives which trouble epistemological normativity, this article asks, is it possible to decentre, from the centre?
The Determinants of Inpatient Palliative Care Use in Patients With Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Osagiede Osayande , Nayar Kapil , Raimondo Massimo , Kumbhari Vivek , Lukens Frank J.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Symptom burden management is a major goal of pancreatic cancer care given that most patients are diagnosed late. Early palliative care is recommended in addition to concurrent active treatment; however, disparities exist. We sought to determine the factors associated with inpatient palliative treatment among pancreatic cancer patients and compare treatment outcomes in terms of mortality, discharge disposition and resource utilization.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of 22,053 pancreatic cancers using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database (January - December 2020). Patient and hospital characteristics, mortality, discharge disposition, length of stay (LOS), hospital costs and charges were compared between pancreatic cancer patients based on palliative treatment. Multivariate regression was used to evaluate patient and hospital characteristics and outcomes associated with palliative treatment.

Results

A total number of 3839 (17.4%) patients received palliative care. Patients who received palliative care were more likely to be older, Medicaid insured, and nonobese. Patients were less likely to receive palliative care if they are males, Medicare insured, had a lower Charlson comorbidity score, or treated in Urban nonteaching hospitals. Patients who received palliative care displayed higher odds of in-hospital mortality and prolonged LOS. The adjusted additional mean hospital cost and charges in patients who received palliative care were lower by $1459, and $4222 respectively.

Conclusions

Inpatient palliative treatment in pancreatic cancer patients is associated with an older age, a higher comorbidity burden, non-obesity, insurance status and urban teaching hospitals. Our study suggests that inpatient palliative treatment decreased hospital resource utilization without prolonging survival.
Compound faults identification for rolling bearing based on variable step-size multiscale weighted Lempel-Ziv complexity
Authors: Guo Guihong , Yu Mingyue , Qiao Baodong , Wu Peng
Published: November 2023

Due to the mutual coupling between sub-faults in the case of compound faults in rolling bearings, coupled with external noise, energy attenuation during information transmission, etc., the acquired fault information is usually very weak and complex. This greatly increases the difficulty of extracting features from bearing compound faults. To further enhance the accuracy of fault feature extraction and achieve precise identification of rolling bearing compound faults, this paper presents an innovative compound fault diagnosis method that integrates variable step-size multiscale weighted Lempel-Ziv complexity (VMW-LZC) and intrinsic time-scale decomposition (ITD). First, considering that the traditional Lempel-Ziv complexity (LZC) method can only extract single-dimensional fault information without thoroughly exploiting fault characteristics, we optimize the coarse-graining process of proper rotation components (PRCs) after ITD using a variable step-size multiscale strategy. Additionally, LZCs obtained from variable step-sizes in each scale are fused and reconstructed using a weighted method. Meanwhile, multiple variable step-size multiscale LZCs are combined into a new signal evaluation index, VMW-LZC. In addition, with the new signal evaluation index VMW-LZC, the optimal PRC which is best representative of fault characteristic information is chosen. Furthermore, frequency spectrum of autocorrelation function of optimal PRC is used to identify multiple faults of bearings. To exemplify the efficiency of presented method, a comparison has been made among the optimal PRC chosen by the methods with VMW-LZC, traditional LZC (T-LZC), multiscale LZC(M-LZC), and classical kurtosis as signal evaluation indexes. The result has indicated that fused signal evaluation index VMW-LZC can actualize more precise option of sensitive fault component signals and the proposed ITD-VMW-LZC method can do a more precise job in identifying a compound fault of bearings.
Dynamics analysis and parameter optimization of a vibration absorber with geometrically nonlinear inerters
Authors: Shen Yongjun , Sui Peng
Published: November 2023

The inerter-based dynamic vibration absorber (DVA) is a promising technique for vibration control. In most studies, the inerter is usually mounted in the same direction as that of the motion, which may not adequately reflect the vibration suppression capability and the two-terminal inertial feature of the inerter, and even weakens the performance of vibration absorbers. Considering the potentiality of improving the control performance by unconventional mounting methods, a rarely studied structure of geometrically nonlinear inerters is introduced into the vibration absorber system. This novel vibration absorber is presented to investigate the following issues, that is, the unknown coupled dynamical behavior between the complex nonlinear force with inertia, damping, and stiffness terms generated by this structure and the vibration absorber system, the possibility of vibration absorption facilitated by this structure, and the full utilization of the two-terminal inertial feature of the inerter. The approximate solutions of the system are obtained using the harmonic balance method. The influence of each variable on the system response is analyzed, and the system parameters are optimized by using the grey wolf algorithm. In addition to the ordinary resonance phenomenon, there are also dynamic features such as soft characteristic jump behavior and response loops at certain parameter range. As a nonlinear system, this model is more stable than the nonlinear energy sink (NES). The optimized amplitude-frequency curves are equal-peak stable, similar to the linear vibration absorbers. The robustness of system parameters is high for small inerter-mass ratios or excitation amplitudes, which is better than DVAs. Compared to the classical linear vibration absorber, NES, and improved NES, the vibration suppression capacity and damping bandwidth of this model are enhanced. In comparison, it is also found that this model has smaller optimum parameters than the classical NES and equivalent inerter-enhanced DVA and NES. This model offers a new solution for the design and implementation of passive vibration absorbers with comprehensive performance.
Evaluation of Social Determinants of Health in Nursing Education through Service Learning
Authors: Newberry Desi M , Spies Lori A , Jones Jennifer J , Perez Patricia Yvonne
Published: November 2023

Background: This manuscript describes an in-state nursing student global health-care experience. The 2021 Rio Grande Valley service learning team at Louise Herrington School of Nursing at Baylor University traveled from Dallas to McAllen, Texas to volunteer in a COVID vaccination clinic and refugee respite center on the U.S.-Mexican border. Method: A competency-based evaluation utilized the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education Featured Concepts, with a focus on social determinants of health, as a framework. Results: The evaluation of the service learning trip through the lens of social determinants of health and the Core Competencies can serve as a guideline for the design of future trips. Conclusion: The Rio Grande Valley service learning trip contributed to nursing students’ self-reports of competency in global health education, in identifying the social determinants of health that characterized the immigrants and refugees, and in service and advocacy.
Physician-Modified Single-Fenestrated EndoSuture Aneurysm Repair (FESAR) for Urgent Juxtarenal AAA Repair
Authors: Piazza Michele , Squizzato Francesco , James Bilato Marco , Grego Franco , Antonello Michele
Published: November 2023

Purpose:

To describe the endovascular treatment of a symptomatic juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (JAAA) using a combination of endoanchors (Heli-FX EndoAnchor, Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota) and a physician-modified single-fenestrated endograft.

Technique:

An 85 year-old patient unfit for open aortic repair presented for a symptomatic JAAA, characterized by an infrarenal neck with 0.6 cm in length and 23 mm in diameter. A 28 mm-diameter Endurant aortic cuff (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota) was modified with a single fenestration for the left renal artery (LRA) and diameter-reducing tie, then re-sheathed and deployed. The LRA was cannulated with a 7F sheath and the constraining wire was withdrawn. Being the shortest neck length on the right side of the cuff, the endograft was anchored to the aortic wall on this side with 2 endoanchors. The LRA was stented and flared, then a distal physician-modified (without free-flow) bifurcated Endurant graft (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota) was overlapped with the proximal cuff and stabilized with 6 endoanchors. Correct positioning with complete aneurysm exclusion was confirmed with a 30 day and 9 month computed tomography angiograms.

Conclusions:

In extremely selected cases, association of endoanchors and single-fenestrated physician-modified graft may be useful to treat complex urgent aortic aneurysm using readily available devices.

Clinical Impact

This technical note demonstrates the feasibility of a single-fenestrated physician-modified Endurant endograft deployed in combination with endosuture fixation (FESAR), to urgently treat a juxtarenal aortic aneurysm unfit for open repair and not suitable for standard endovascular repair nor off-the-shelf endografts.
Global Trends and Prospects Regarding Exosomes in Cancer Immunology Research Over the Past 10 Years
Authors: Xia Demeng , Wu Rui , Wang Sheng , Chen Gaoqi , Lu Ye , Zhao Liang
Published: November 2023

Background: Exosomes and cancer immunology are both important areas of research for cancer treatment. As much effort has been made to explore the relationship between exosomes and cancer immunology, exosomes in cancer immunology have become a hotspot in medical research. Methods: We retrieved all relevant publications between 2011 and 2021 from the Web of Science and utilized Microsoft Excel 365, Citespace, Online Analysis Platform of Literature Metrology ( http://bibliometric.com/ ) and software including VOS viewer to analyze and visualize the research result. Results: Of the 820 studies included, China published the most articles, followed by the USA. Cooperation between countries has progressed over the past decade. Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Oncotargets and Therapy were the institution and journal that published the most articles respectively. The most frequently cited article in this field, titled “Pancreatic cancer exosomes initiate pre-metastatic niche formation in the liver,” was published in Nature Cell Biology. Keywords were divided into three: Mechanism research, treatment application research, and diagnosis and prognosis research of which the latter was the newest cluster. “Microenvironment,” “PD-L1” and “M2 macrophage” were representative new keywords while “tumor suppressor” was the keyword cited most frequently. Conclusion: The publication trend shows that cooperation between different countries and institutions contributes to the development of this field. Researchers should continue to extend collaborations for further advances. The rising relative research interest indicated that this is a hot topic with great research potential. Macrophages polarization and PD-L1 application in tumor immunotherapy are worthy of further research. Hotspots will likely transfer from mechanistic research to clinical research, particularly for methods to increase the survival rate and improve the prognosis of cancer patients.
Does the Timed-Up-and-Go Test Predict Length of Stay After Total Hip Arthroplasty? A Retrospective Study
Authors: Guttenberg Marissa , Argento Gabriella , McInerney Danielle , Nguyen Joseph , Wuest Olivia
Published: November 2023

Background:

The prevalence of ambulatory total hip arthroplasty (THA) is rising, but it is not appropriate for all patients. Preoperative patient selection considers medical and social factors but overlooks patients’ prior level of physical function.

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to evaluate if preoperative physical function, measured by the Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) test, is associated with length of stay (LOS) in patients who underwent primary THA.

Methods:

A retrospective study was performed using 396 patients who underwent primary THA within a 2-month period at a single institution. Regression analysis evaluated the relationship between preoperative TUG scores and hospital LOS. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to identify a cutoff TUG score associated with LOS longer than 24 hours.

Results:

Univariate regression analysis of those discharged in less than 24 hours and those discharged in more than 24 hours found lower TUG scores (10.7 vs 13.7, respectively) were associated with patient discharge within 24 hours. Multivariate regression analysis showed a higher TUG score (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.91, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.84-0.99) was associated with decreased odds of discharge within 24 hours. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis was performed on the entire study cohort and the ambulatory surgery group and identified TUG scores of 10.3 and 10.5 seconds, respectively, associated with LOS of less than 24 hours (OR full cohort: 3.02, 95% CI: 1.94-4.71; OR ambulatory surgery: 2.97, 95% CI: 1.90-4.60). Sensitivity and specificity were not sufficient to support the use of these cutoff scores alone in predicting LOS.

Conclusion:

Although we were unable to establish a cutoff TUG score in patients who underwent primary THA that could determine LOS of more than 24 hours, the preoperative TUG score may be useful as a tool to aid in identifying patients who may require a longer hospital LOS. Further study is needed.
Microbiological quality of water samples obtained from water sources in Ishaka, Uganda
Authors: Wamyil Jemimah Fwangmun , Chukwuanugo Nkemakonam Ogbuagu , Adewale Oyebadejo Samson , Nabona Jackim , Ntulume Ibrahim , Wamyil Fwangmun Benard
Published: November 2023

Objectives:

This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of water sources in Ishaka division, Bushenyi district.

Methods:

Water from taps, wells and springs were sampled for the cross-sectional investigation. The enumeration and identification of microbes ( Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Proteus, Staphylococcus aureus and total coliforms) in water samples were carried out using a variety of methods. Escherichia coli was enumerated using the membrane filtration method; Salmonella, Shigella and Proteus using a two-step enrichment method; Staphylococcus aureus using the surface spread method and total coliforms using the most probable number technique. Mannitol salt agar was used for enumeration of Staphylococcus Aureus and violet red bile agar was used for enumeration of total coliforms and Escherichia coli; xylose lysine deoxycholate agar was used for both Salmonella spp. and Shigella spp. API-20E was used to phenotypically identify the Enterobacteriaceae contaminants in water. These included Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus.

Results:

Escherichia coli counts in the water from springs and wells ranged from 0 to 314 cfu/mL ( p = 0.173) and 0 to 3 cfu/mL ( p = 0.269), respectively, while tap water had no incidence of Escherichia coli. Highest level of bacterial contamination in water sources, beyond acceptable WHO (0 cfu/100 mL) limits for drinking water, was reported: Proteus spp., 34 (54.8%), followed by total coliforms, 24 (38.7%), Shigella spp., 22 (35.5%) and least were Salmonella spp. (8.1%) and Staphylococcus aureus spp. (8.1%).

Conclusion:

It is therefore concluded that spring and well community water sources in Ishaka division, Uganda, are significantly contaminated with pathogenic bacteria and thus unsafe for drinking without adequate water treatment (disinfection and filtration).
Counting and accounting for drug-related deaths at UK music festivals 2017–2023: A commentary
Authors: Cooney Tom , Measham Fiona
Published: November 2023

The exact number of drug-related deaths at UK music festivals in recent years is unknown, and there are no standard processes for reporting or accessing data on medical incidents at these events. For the purposes of this commentary, a table of all known drug-related deaths at music festivals from 2017 to 2023 was collated by cross-referencing media and social media content with a national database contributed to by coroners, and personal communications with stakeholders, bereaved families and associated organisations. The search identified 32 potential drug-related deaths, 18 of which have been confirmed. These deaths, and the circumstances surrounding them, are pieced together here in consideration of the value of developing a greater understanding of the context to festival-related drug-related deaths. This commentary concludes by arguing for the introduction of a comprehensive, standardised and publicly accessible national database of drug-related medical incidents at UK music festivals in real time, with the aims of improving our ability to assess trends in drug-related harm and to evaluate the effectiveness of existing and emergent interventions by support services, in line with the current government drug strategy.
Variety and variation in lived worlds: Defining and exploring a new marketing research agenda based on an ethnography of complementary and alternative medicine consumption
Authors: Robert-Demontrond Philippe
Published: November 2023

The ontological turn in anthropology renews the questioning of otherness by being attentive to the diversity of conceptions of the world and phenomenological relations to the world. Descola’s model has become an essential part of this theoretical movement. It distinguishes three ontologies other than the one currently dominant in the West. While he admits the possibility of their expression in the ordinary lives of Westerners, it is only in a fleeting mode. Drawing on the model of cognitive polyphasia, extended here to ontologies, and using alternative and complementary medicine as its ethnographic terrain, this research shows that these other ontologies can profoundly organize experiences. Consumers can inhabit worlds other than the dominant one. They may inhabit several worlds (e.g. animist and naturalist) hybridizing them or not. They may draw highly variable boundaries between humans and nonhumans (both interpersonal and intrapersonal). Various theoretical and operational implications for marketing are outlined.
Comparing online crowdsourcing with clinic patient enrollment: Findings from the IP4IC Study on interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome
Authors: Janicki Joseph J. , Ward Elijah P. , Bartolone Sarah N. , Lamb Laura E. , Abraham Nitya , Laudano Melissa , Smith Christopher P. , Peters Kenneth M. , Zwaans Bernadette M.M. , Chancellor Michael B.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) manifests as urinary symptoms including urgency, frequency, and pain. The IP4IC Study aimed to establish a urine-based biomarker score for diagnosing IC/BPS. To accomplish this objective, we investigated the parallels and variances between patients enrolled via physician/hospital clinics and those recruited through online crowdsourcing.

Methods

Through a nationwide crowdsource effort, we collected surveys from patients with history of IC/BPS. Study participants were asked to complete the validated instruments of Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI) and Interstitial Cystitis Problem Index (ICPI), as well as provide demographic information. We then compared the survey responses of patients recruited through crowdsourcing with those recruited from three specialized tertiary care urology clinics engaged in clinical research.

Results

Survey responses of 1300 participants were collected from all 50 states of the USA via crowdsourcing and 319 from a clinical setting. ICSI and ICPI were similar for IC/BPS patients diagnosed by the physicians in clinic and self-reported by subjects via crowdsourcing stating they have a history of previous physician diagnosis of IC/BPS. Surprisingly, ICSI and ICPI were significantly lower in crowdsourced control than in-clinic control subjects.

Conclusion

The IP4IC Study provides valuable insights into the similarities and differences between patients recruited through clinics and those recruited through online crowdsourcing. There were no significant differences in disease symptoms among these groups. Individuals who express an interest in digital health research and self-identify as having been previously diagnosed by physicians with IC/BPS can be regarded as reliable candidates for crowdsourcing research.
The conflicts among globalization, modernization and tradition in science fiction: The case of Kirinyaga: A Fable of Utopia
Authors: Liu Bing
Published: November 2023

Science fiction takes many forms, including academic work that calls on readers to think about social and cultural problems. This paper takes a piece of science fiction, Kirinyaga: A Fable of Utopia, as an example and discusses the conflicts among globalization, modernization and tradition present in the text, thus highlighting the academic meaning of science fiction as a literary form.
Long-Term Survival Is Superior in Patients With Pulsatile Pulmonary Flow After the Björk Procedure
Authors: Klemm Lukas , Schaeffer Thibault , Heinisch Paul Philipp , Staehler Helena , Röhlig Christoph , Meierhofer Christian , Piber Nicole , Hager Alfred , Ewert Peter , Hörer Jürgen , Ono Masamichi
Published: November 2023

Background: This study aims to evaluate clinical outcomes and hemodynamic variables late after the Björk procedure, regarding the pulmonary flow pattern. Methods: Patients who survived more than 15 years after the Björk procedure were included and then divided into two groups according to their pulmonary flow pattern by pulsed-wave Doppler assessment of echocardiography: patients with pulsatile systolic pulmonary flow (Group P) and those without (Group N). Results: A total of 43 patients were identified, of whom 13 patients were divided into Group P and 30 in Group N. Median age at the Björk procedure was 5.7 (2.1-7.3) years, and median follow-up was 32 (28-36) years. Survival after 15 years was higher in Group P, compared with Group N (100% vs 76% at 30 years, P = .045). Cardiac catheterization data demonstrated higher cardiac index in Group P patients compared with Group N patients (3.5 vs 2.8 L/m2, P = .014). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging study revealed that Group P patients had higher right ventricular end-diastolic volume index (96 vs 57 mL/m2, P = .005), higher end-systolic volume index (49 vs 30 mL/m2, P = .013) and higher right ventricular stroke volume index (48 vs 25 mL/m2, P < .001), compared with Group N patients. Exercise capacity tests demonstrated that Group P patients showed a higher percent predicted peak oxygen consumption, compared with Group N patients (73 vs 58%, P < .001). Conclusions: Late after the Björk procedure, patients with a pulsatile systolic pulmonary flow had a larger right ventricle and better exercise capacity compared with those without pulsatile systolic pulmonary flow.
Students’ Experiences of Fairness in Online Assessment: A Phenomenological Study in a Higher Education Institution Context
Authors: Eltahir Mohd Elmagzoub , Annamalai Nagaletchimee , Uthayakumaran Arulselvi , Zyoud Samer H , Ramírez García Antonia , Mažeikienė Viktorija , Zakarneh Bilal , Al Salhi Najeh Rajeh
Published: November 2023

Online assessment is a new introduction in many developing countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, including Malaysia, Lithuania, and Spain. The current study conducted a phenomenology study to probe insights about fairness in online assessment. The interview data were interpreted from the perspective of social psychology theory that emphasizes distributional, procedural, and interaction justice. The study selected participants through purposive sampling techniques. Distributional justice revealed that grading seems fair when students experience multiple assessments, clear rubrics, and effective feedback from lecturers. In distributional justice students experience injustice when there are unclear expectations of assessment. Regarding procedural justice, students’ unfairness was related to limited time, technical problems, and unclear assessment expectations. Interactional justice was related to privacy in communicating grades and weak interaction during the assessment. These results emphasize the importance of understanding the elements that influence students’ views of fairness and methods to improve assessment during online assessment in a university setting.
Incidence and Risk Factors Associated with Microbial Colonization of Burn Wounds: An Observational Study
Authors: Gallo Lucas , Kim Patrick , Gallo Matteo , Olaiya Oluwatobi , Main Cheryl , Avram Ronen , Bain James , Thoma Achilles , Voineskos Sophocles H. , Coroneos Christopher
Published: November 2023

Background: Microbial colonization of burn wounds leads to infection, which is a major cause of morbidity/mortality, prolonged admission, and cost. This study aims to investigate the incidence of positive burn wound colonization and its associated risk factors in a provincial referral center within a single-payer system. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of all adult (≥18 years) patients admitted to a single, tertiary burn center, with a primary burn diagnosis between January 2011 and 2021. Microbiology records were screened to identify patients with culture-positive burn wounds. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate risk factors associated with burn site colonization. Results: The sample included N = 634 participants. Most were male (72.1%), with a flame injury (62%), and had a mean age of 47.6 (±18.0) years and a TBSA of 13.5% (±14.8). The incidence of positive burn wound colonization was 27.3%. Increasing participant age, diabetic status, larger burn TBSA, presence of full-thickness burns, inhalation injury, and lower limb and trunk involvement were associated with statistically significant ( P ≤ .05) increased odds of a positive burn wound culture. Conclusion: This study provides an estimate of the incidence of primary burn wound colonization at a single, tertiary care, burn center as well as identifies potential risk factors associated with this outcome. Clinicians should consider closely monitoring patients with these risk factors for possible progression to clinical burn site infection. Future research should address strategies to mitigate colonization in patients with identified risk factors.