bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caecal malakoplakia: a rare mimic of malignancy
Authors: Li Voon Chong Jeffrey , Ali Noor
Published: January 2024

Malakoplakia is a rare granulomatous disease. Its aetiology is unclear but possible theories include infection with microorganisms (especiallyEscherichia coli), immunosuppression and impaired lysosomal function. It has been commonly documented to affect the genitourinary tract but can affect any organ, with the gastrointestinal system being the next most affected. We present a woman in her 70s, with a 2-week history of right-sided abdominal pain, 13 years following her renal transplant. She was admitted for treatment of anE. colibacteraemia. CT scan had shown a caecal pole mass, highly suspicious for malignancy. It was surgically resected, and histology revealed findings of malakoplakia within the colon. Surgical intervention was combined with a prolonged course of antibiotics for successful treatment. We highlight the ability of malakoplakia to mimic malignancy and should be considered in the differentials in the context of an immunosuppressed patient with radiological findings of a colonic mass.
Therapeutic challenges in small cell carcinoma of the larynx
Authors: D'Mello Kimberly , Cevik Jevan , Wong Daniel Jun Yi , Hart Cameron
Published: January 2024

Primary small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNC) of the larynx is a rare subtype of laryngeal cancer, accounting for less than 1% of all laryngeal tumours. It most commonly affects smokers in their fifth to sixth decade of life and is characterised by a high incidence of advanced disease at presentation and an aggressive clinical course. Here we present a case of SCNC of the larynx, presenting initially with dysphonia, and an associated literature review collating current knowledge regarding therapeutic approaches. After review of 260 cases in the literature we determined a disease-specific survival of 33.1%. Combined chemoradiotherapy is currently the recommended first-line treatment option.
Understanding the first injury in athletics and its effect on dropout from sport: an online survey on 544 high-level youth and junior athletics (track and field) athletes
Authors: Edouard Pascal , Mosser Constance , Chapon Joris , Depiesse Frédéric , Palmer Debbie
Published: January 2024

Objective

To describe the first injury and to investigate whether it plays a role in altering athletics’ sustainable practice.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study using an exploratory survey on the first injury and its consequences on athletics practice. In 2021, we asked all high-level athletes licensed with the French Federation of Athletics (FFA) under 18 years, under 20 years and under 23 years categories between 2007 and 2021.

Results

Out of 6560 emails sent by FFA, 544 athletes responded, and 93.6% (n=510) reported experiencing at least one injury during their career. The first injury occurred at a mean age of 17.5±3.3 years after 6.1±4.1 years of athletics practice. The main locations of the first injury were the posterior thigh (28.9%), the ankle (16.5%) and the knee (12.6%), and the principal reported injury types were muscle (37.7%), tendon (17.5%) and ligament (15.5%). More than a third of injured athletes (36.7%) reported experiencing ongoing symptoms or sequelae after their first injury, and about half (48.5%) experienced recurrences. About 20% had stopped athletics at the time of the survey, with injury problems the primary cause of athletes dropping out (46.2%), including the first injury (9.4%).

Conclusions

Injuries played an important role in altering sustainable athletics practice, with injury accounting for about 50% of all reported dropouts and the first injury accounting for about 10% of all reported causes. Our results provide evidence to target the prevention of the first injury, which could be considered the origin of the ‘vicious circle’ of injuries.
Adult-onset Kufs disease
Authors: Kelly Albert , Dunne John , Orr Carolyn , Lawn Nicholas
Published: January 2024

A young man from Pakistan had his first-ever tonic-clonic seizure while playing cricket. Since age 12 years, he had reported involuntary jerks and tremulousness, sometimes with falls, particularly with bright lights. Family history included a brother who developed seizures with myoclonus in his mid-20s and parental consanguinity. Developmental history was normal. Examination identified cognitive impairment with action myoclonus. His clinical presentation raised suspicion of a progressive myoclonus epilepsy. MR scan of the brain showed white matter changes suggesting leucodystrophy with cortical atrophy. Electroencephalogram showed generalised epileptiform abnormalities with photoparoxysmal responses, including at low frequencies (1 Hz). Cortical hyperexcitability was confirmed with giant median somatosensory evoked potentials and long loop reflexes at rest. Multichannel electromyography showed action myoclonus with variable synchronous and asynchronous agonist and antagonist muscle activation with short-burst duration of 25–75 ms, and jerk-locked back-averaging showed premyoclonic potentials consistent with cortical myoclonus. Genetic sequencing identified a homozygous missense variant in theCLN6gene (c.768C>G p.(Asp256Glu), confirming Kufs disease type A.
Improved field electron emission behavior of ultrathin lanthanum hexaboride-coated copper oxide nanowires
Authors: Deore Amol B. , Jagdale Aditya T. , Mistari Chetan D. , Jagtap Krishna , Jadkar Sandesh R. , More Mahendra A. , Gadakh Sanjay R. , Ueki Tomoyuki , Koinkar Pankaj M.
Published: January 2024

A simple approach dealing with thermal oxidation at atmospheric pressure was used to synthesize copper oxide nanowires (CuO-NWs) on copper substrate. The vertically oriented CuO-NWs were used for further subjected to deposition of ultrathin layer (∼20[Formula: see text]nm) of lanthanum hexaboride (LaB[Formula: see text] using the electron beam evaporation technique. The observation of the characteristic vibrational mode of LaB6 in the Raman spectrum of LaB6-coated CuO-NWs (LaB6@CuO-NWs) revealed the existence of LaB6 in the deposited sample. Furthermore, confirmation of LaB6 coating on CuO-NWs was corroborated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The field electron emission (FEE) characteristics of pristine CuO-NWs and LaB6@CuO-NWs were investigated in a planer diode geometry at a base pressure of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mbar. The values of turn-on and threshold fields (defined at emission current density of 1 and 10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]A/cm2, respectively) were found to be 5.4[Formula: see text]V/[Formula: see text]m and 1.6[Formula: see text]V/[Formula: see text]m (for pristine CuO-NWs emitter) and 6.75, and 2.85[Formula: see text]V/[Formula: see text]m (for LaB6@CuO-NWs emitter). Interestingly, a noticeably large emission current density of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]A/cm2 has been extracted from the LaB6@CuO-NWs emitter at a relatively lower applied field of 5.8[Formula: see text]V/[Formula: see text]m. The Fowler–Nordheim (FN) plots of both the emitters showed nonlinear behavior, indicative of their semiconductive nature. Furthermore, both the emitters showed relatively stable emission behavior tested at a pre-set value of 1[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]A more than 3[Formula: see text]h. The enhanced FEE behavior of LaB6@CuO-NWs emitter is attributed to the modulation of electronic properties due to LaB6-CuO interface-induced effects. Although the promising FEE behavior of LaB6@CuO-NWs emitter warrants its potential for practical applications, further improvement can be achieved via fabricating an array emitter due to CuO NWS and optimizing the thickness of LaB6 coating.
Analysis of unsteady MHD fluid flow across two parallel discs with uniform fluctuation subject to modified Hall and activation energy
Authors: Ali Bilal , Jubair Sidra , Mahmood Zafar , Koka Nisar Ahmad , Gani Abdul Hamid
Published: January 2024

This study intends to examine the consequences of the externally applied magnetic field and modified Hall effect on nanofluid flow across two symmetrically spinning and extending discs, where continuously the upper disc moves upward and downward. The lower disc is vertically fixed. The discs rotate and move vertically, generating a 3D flow. The mass density, heat transfer and flow motion have been evaluated and modeled in the form of the system of partial differential equations (PDEs) with an additional influence of activation energy, heat source and chemical reaction. The system of PDEs is modified to an ordinary set of differential equations by employing the resemblance substitution method. The obtained system of ODEs is further solved through the numerical approach (bvp4c). The results are compared to the bvp4c package and published work for validity purposes. In the case of downward displacement of the upper disc, magnetic and Hall characteristics have a significant impact on the velocity curve. The energy curve elevates with the upward movement of the disc, while it reduces with the downward fluctuation. Furthermore, the mass transmission rate enhances with the influence of hall current, while diminishing with the impact of chemical reaction rate.
The Role of Information Technology in Strengthening Strategic Flexibility and Organisational Resilience of Small Medium Enterprises Post COVID-19
Authors: Wided Ragmoun
Published: January 2024

In fact, most organisations invest great resources to develop and integrate information technology (IT) and its use. Information technology capabilities (ITC) can generate a positive impact on organisations in many different ways. This study analyses how ITC affect organisational resilience (OR) through information quality (IQ) and strategic flexibility (SF). It studies the mediating role of IQ and the modulating effect of environmental turbulences (market and technological). The developed model was appreciated using data from 400 firms. The data were treated using structured equation modelling (SEM). The findings indicate that ITC strongly and positively impact SF through IQ to increase OR. We also demonstrate that environmental turbulence moderates the influence of SF on OR, but does not have an effect on the interrelationship between IT and SF. The developed and tested model defines a critical and pragmatic pathway for OR through a capability view.
Electrochemical Analysis of Metal Stability in Candidate Reference Electrode Fluoride Salts (FLiNaK + 1 wt% AgF, MnF2, or NiF2)
Authors: Dowben S. A. , Steppan J. , Choi S. , Bae S. E. , Dale O. , Meaders T. , Gonzalez M. , Perez P. , Simpson M. F.
Published: January 2024

This paper investigates the long-term stability of Ag/AgF, Mn/MnF2, and Ni/NiF2 redox couples for use in reference electrodes (REs) for molten fluoride salt systems such as molten salt reactors. A quasi-RE system was used with FLiNaK + 1 wt% AgF, MnF2, or NiF2, to evaluate the stability of various metals that may be used as the reference electrode body, reference internal element, or membrane for a molten fluoride salt RE design. Cyclic voltammetry was used to measure changes in the electrochemical response of different metal wires in the melts tested. Salt samples were analyzed for dissolved metal concentrations and oxide concentrations via inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy and combustion analysis, respectively. To observe the surface morphology of the electrodes used in the Ag/AgF test, cross-sectional imaging of the electrodes was provided via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The resulting electrochemical measurements show that a RE constructed using a Mn/MnF2 or Ni/NiF2 redox couple should perform with greater potential stability compared to a Ag/AgF redox couple. The instability of the Ag/AgF redox couple is due to the strong oxidizing property of the AgF salt with metals compared to the MnF2 and NiF2 salts. The SEM results from the Ag/AgF test indicate that Ag metal is corrosion resistant, but having AgF in the salt causes it to be corrosive towards other metals (Ni and W) that are considered relatively corrosion resistant in molten salts.
Growth and Hepatopancreas Health of Juvenile Chinese Mitten Crab (Eriocheir sinensis) Fed Different Levels of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal for Fish Meal Replacement
Authors: Wang Han , Li Erchao , Huang Qincheng , Liu Jiadai , Miao Yixin , Wang Xiaodan , Qin Chuanjie , Qin Jianguang , Chen Liqiao
Published: January 2024

A 56‐day feeding trial assessed the effects of black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) on the growth performance and hepatopancreas health of juvenile Eriocheir sinensis. Six isoproteic and isolipidic diets with 0% (FM), 10% (BSFLM10), 20% (BSFLM20), 30% (BSFLM30), 40% (BSFLM40), or 50% (BSFLM50) replacement of fish meal by BSFLM were formulated. Compared to FM, replacing 10%–40% of fish meal with BSFLM did not significantly affect the weight gain rate (WGR) or specific growth rate (SGR), while BSFLM50 significantly decreased the WGR and SGR. Crabs fed BSFLM50 had significantly lower T‐AOC activity than those fed other diets, and crabs fed BSFLM30, BSFLM40, or BSFLM50 had significantly lower activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GSH‐Px) in the hepatopancreas than those fed FM or BSFLM10. Compared to FM, BSFLM10, BSFLM20, and BSFLM30 did not affect the relative expression of genes related to the nonspecific immunity, while BSFLM40 and BSFLM50 upregulated the relative expression of these genes. Furthermore, histological analysis showed that the hepatopancreas was deformed in the BSFLM50 group, with widened lumens and loss of basal membrane integrity. In summary, BSFLM replacing 50% of fish meal reduced growth and structural damage to the hepatopancreas. An immune response was activated when the replacement level was over 30%. Therefore, the replacement level of dietary fish meal by BSFLM is recommended to be not more than 30% of the juvenile E. sinensis feed.
Enzymatic, Immunological, Biochemical, and Antioxidative Responses of the Rainbow Trout to Dietary p‐Coumaric Acid upon Exposure to Ronstar Herbicide
Authors: Ye Jianbin , Yang Shiyou , Taheri Somayeh
Published: January 2024

The use of herbicides has risen considerably in order to increase agricultural production, and Ronstar® is one of the popular organochlorine herbicides with oxadiazon as its active component. This herbicide has a wide range of effects on fish, including physiological, genetic, neurological, and hemato‐immunological impacts. In the current study, p‐Coumaric acid (P‐CA) was used as a feed additive for its potential benefits in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed to Ronstar using hematological, immunological, and biochemical analyses. The fish (16.02 ± 0.27 g) was divided into eight treatments as follows: C (negative control), P1, P2, and P3 (0.5, 1, and 1.5 g P‐CA/kg, respectively, with no toxin), R1, P1R1, P2R1, and P3R1 (12.5% Ronstar toxin with 0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 g P‐CA/kg, respectively), each with a replicate of three. According to the two‐way ANOVA test (P < 0.05), the overall trend of changes were growth, antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase), and malondialdehyde level, humoral immune system (total immunoglobulin levels (total Ig)), lysozyme, complement 3 (C3), complement 4 (C4), ACH50, serum nitroblue tetrazolium, and myeloperoxid. The only parameters that were unaffected by P‐CA were globulin, albumin, and cortisol; however, Ronstar had negative effects on all three of these measures as well. It was found that the positive effects of dietary P‐CA may ameliorate the negative effects of Ronstar in rainbow trout in a dose‐dependent manner, with the best performance for the treatment P‐CA + Ronstar. However, it is crucial to evaluate the mitigating effects of dietary P‐CA against Ronstar on some vital organs of rainbow trout, especially the liver, at histological levels in future studies.
A High Degree of Freedom Radiation Near-Field Source Localization Algorithm with Gain–Phase Error
Authors: Zhang Qi , Li Wenxing , Li Si , Mao Yunlong
Published: January 2024

The limitation of the number of estimable sources in the localization of radiation near-field sources with gain–phase error is examined in this paper. When only the reference element has no gain–phase error, a new method based on an accurate model is proposed to enhance the maximum number of estimable sources. Based on the location parameter details of the auxiliary source, the method first derives the gain–phase error estimate matrix. Second, the source steering vector including errors is estimated using the total least square estimating signal parameter via rotational invariance techniques (TLS-ESPRIT), and the time-shifted data matrix is built utilizing the space–time combination idea, thus increasing the degree of freedom of the array. Then, the source steering vector containing the error is modified by the error compensation matrix constructed according to the moment of gain–phase error estimation. Finally, the estimated values of the source position parameters are obtained by using the closed formula of the gain phase of the modified source steering vector and the source position parameters. The experimental results show that the maximum estimable source number of the proposed algorithm is significantly improved compared with the previous results when only the reference array element has no gain–phase error. When the array number is 5 and 9, the maximum estimable source number of the algorithm is 9 and 17, respectively.
Retinal Ischemia as a Presenting Ocular Sign of Neurofibromatosis Type 2
Authors: Zhao Binbin , Yan Yan
Published: January 2024

Purpose. Specific retinal abnormalities of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) commonly include retinal astrocytoma and combined hamartoma of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium. Vasculopathy is an uncommon manifestation of NF2. We reported an NF2 patient presenting with retinal ischemia. Observations. An 18-year-old healthy Chinese female with acute decreased vision. The fundus examination and optical coherence tomography revealed optic disc hamartoma in the right eye and paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) and cotton wool spot indicating retinal ischemia in the left eye. Brain MRI showed bilateral acoustic neuroma, parasellar meningioma, and cervical extramedullary tumor. The genetic test confirmed the diagnosis of NF2. Conclusions and Importance. Our case suggests that retinal ischemia could be the presenting sign of NF2. NF2 could be associated with retinal vasculopathy in addition to retina tumors.
TABLE 2 from Associations Between Serum Iron Biomarkers and Breast Cancer Tumor Size
Authors: Von Holle Ann , Thompson Rachel L. , O'Brien Katie M. , Sandler Dale P. , Weinberg Clarice R.
Published: January 2024

Associations between iron serum biomarkers, tumor size, and metastatic status
Supplemental Table 5 from Associations Between Serum Iron Biomarkers and Breast Cancer Tumor Size
Authors: Von Holle Ann , Thompson Rachel L. , O'Brien Katie M. , Sandler Dale P. , Weinberg Clarice R.
Published: January 2024

Supplemental Table 5: Comparison of baseline iron values by breast cancer grade
Supplemental Table 3 from Associations Between Serum Iron Biomarkers and Breast Cancer Tumor Size
Authors: Von Holle Ann , Thompson Rachel L. , O'Brien Katie M. , Sandler Dale P. , Weinberg Clarice R.
Published: January 2024

Supplemental Table 3: Median largest tumor size by menopause status at baseline and iron status extreme thresholds
Data from Associations Between Serum Iron Biomarkers and Breast Cancer Tumor Size
Authors: Von Holle Ann , Thompson Rachel L. , O'Brien Katie M. , Sandler Dale P. , Weinberg Clarice R.
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Excess iron has been shown to promote tumor growth in animals whereas iron deficiency has been associated with reduced or slowed tumor growth. The objective of this analysis was to estimate the associations between serum iron biomarkers and tumor size at diagnosis and metastatic status in a sample of breast cancer cases from the Sister Study.

The analytic sample included 2,494 incident breast cancer cases with information on tumor size and iron biomarkers, including serum iron (mcg/dL), ferritin (mcg/dL), and percent transferrin saturation, measured in serum collected at baseline. We used Spearman rank correlation and linear regression models to assess the associations between one SD changes in serum iron biomarker levels and natural log of tumor size (cm) adjusting for body mass index and age at study entry.

We did not find strong associations between any of the three serum iron biomarkers and tumor size. Adjusted regression slopes (95% confidence interval) were −0.016 (−0.048 to 0.016) for serum iron, −0.032 (−0.064 to <0.001) for ferritin, and −0.010 (−0.043 to 0.023) for transferrin saturation.

This study did not provide evidence supporting the hypothesis of a positive association between breast cancer tumor size at diagnosis and prediagnostic serum iron levels. Conflicting evidence between this study and previous research in animal models suggests that iron in the human tumor microenvironment may operate independently of circulating iron or body iron stores.

Iron has shown protumorigenic activity in animal models, but our data do not support a positive relationship between breast tumor growth and iron status.
Significance:
Using a large sample of women from a U.S. prospective cohort, we assessed associations between several serum iron measures at baseline and breast cancer tumor size and metastatic status. All estimated associations were close to zero with no evidence to support our hypothesis of higher body iron levels associated with larger tumor size. These results suggest the human tumor microenvironment operates independently of circulating serum iron levels.
Rights, Conflicts, and the Mechanics of Claims
Authors: Sinclair Thomas
Published: January 2024

There is a distinction between two different ways in which people’s interests might figure as inputs into the reasoning that determines verdicts of moral permissibility and impermissibility. Their interests may receive a certain priority in that reasoning, as for example the interests of the people whose lives are at stake in the famous Bystander example should. Or they may not, as for example the interests in spectacle that people watching on the sidelines might have should not.

A theory of rights needs to make sense of this distinction. One of the chief attractions of Alec Walen’s theory of rights in The Mechanics of Claims and Permissible Killing in War is that it promises to do so, thanks to the concept of a claim that it introduces and the structural role this concept plays in the theory. However, I argue here that the substantive content of the mechanics of claims – in particular, a principle Walen calls the ‘welfare principle’ – privileges welfare interests to a degree that threatens to undermine the theory’s advantages. I consider and reject some ways of modifying the welfare principle so as to avoid this implication, suggesting that their failure raises much deeper questions of moral theory that must be confronted if the mechanics of claims is to make good on its promise.
Gastrodia sikkimensis (Orchidaceae: Gastrodieae), a new holomycotrophic species from Sikkim, India
Authors: KHANAL MADHUSUDHAN , SARKAR SHUVADIP , RAI SANTOSH KUMAR , KUMAR DEVENDRA , RAWAT SANDEEP , RAI PRAMOD , AGRAWALA DINESH KUMAR
Published: January 2024

Gastrodia sikkimensis have been described as a new species from Sikkim, India. It is morphologically allied to G. bawanglingensis and G. theana but critical observation revealed considerable differences in floral morphological characters. A detailed taxonomical description along with photoplates, illustration, comparison with the allied species and keys for all Gastrodia species from India is provided to aid in easy identification.
Leptomischus bracteosus (Rubiaceae), a new species from Yunnan, China
Authors: QUAN DONG-LI , LI MEI , MA ZHENG-CHANG , CHE XIN , TAN YUN-HONG
Published: January 2024

Leptomischus bracteosus, a new species of Rubiaceae from Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated. It shares similarities with L. primuloides and L. parviflorus, including similar shape, indumentum, the number of secondary veins on isophyllous leaves, and the inflorescences bear several distylous flowers. However, it differs from them and other congeners due to it having four bracts and bracteoles, resembling stipules that are subtriangular to rhombic or broadly ovate with truncate base, and the calyx limb lobed for approximately one-third. An updated key to the world species of Leptomischus is also provided.
Seven new species of the genus Lathrobium Gravenhorst (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Paederinae) from Central Honshu, Japan, with new distributional records
Authors: SENDA YOSHIHIRO
Published: January 2024

Seven new apterous Lathrobium Gravenhorst species are described from Central Honshu, Japan, as follows (type locality of each species in parenthesis): L. oopikkarianum sp. nov. (Mt. Ôpikkari-yama, Shizuoka Pref.), L. elongatiphallus sp. nov. (Dando-uradani, Shitara-chô, Aichi Pref.), L. tomohidei sp. nov. (Tominaga, Toyota-shi, Aichi Pref.), L. pegaseion sp. nov. (Togakushi, Nagano Pref.), L. minoccidentale sp. nov. (Neomidori, Motosu-shi, Gifu Pref.), L. kawamurai sp. nov. (Neomidori, Motosu-shi, Gifu Pref.) and L. volkeri (Mt. Sanage-yama, Aichi Pref.). They are illustrated with the photographs of taxonomically important characters are provided. The endophallus of aedeagus and detail structure of female terminalia of L. satoi Watanabe, 2003 are described and illustrated for the first time based on the specimens collected from its type locality. Additional records of following species are reported: L. guts Senda, 2022, L. satoi Watanabe, 2003, L. kurosawai Watanabe, 2001, L. nabetaniense Watanabe, 1997, L. shiritakanum Watanabe, 1997 and L. shinanense Watanabe, 2011. An updated checklist of Japanese Lathrobium species is compiled.
Futures should matter (more): Toward a forward-looking perspective in economic geography
Authors: Gong Huiwen
Published: January 2024

Although the future is an increasingly important topic for regional economic development, our knowledge of the future as a research subject has been limited. Following futures studies, we develop a perspective on a specific version of regional futures research based on critical realism. We believe that discussing regional futures could be a promising “boundary object” for scholars taking different approaches. Moreover, we argue that economic geographers’ ability to engage with the future in meaningful ways is as important as their ability to engage with the past and present if the discipline is to retain its relevance in the future.
International survey of radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula: ISRAF survey
Authors: Kordzadeh Ali ,   ISRAF Collaborators, Mohaghegh Vahaj , Inston Nicholas
Published: January 2024

Aims:

The objective of this survey was to encompass the full scope of international practice, entailing all technical, non-technical, preoperative stratification and functional maturation (FM) of RCAVF.

Methods:

The survey contained n = 19 questionnaires with n = 46 variables completed by n = 85 providers from n = 21 nations across n = 5 continents. The numerical values were subjected to mean with standard error whereas the nominal data to a non-parametric (Kruskal-Wallis & Spearman correlation test) and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The test of homogeneity, & probability was reported 95% confidence intervals (CI) alongside error plots. Furthermore, a decision and higher attribute tree model was constructed based on current survey for higher FM in RCAVF.

Results:

FM is independently associated with volume of surgeon per year (procedures performed) ( p < 0.01) [High Volume: 73% (95% CI, 68–77%) versus Average volume: 63% (95% CI, 59–66%) vs Low volume: 56% (95% CI, 51–61%)]. FM increased by 8% with every 20 more procedures per group of surgeons on end point of FM. Amongst continents: Australia, America, Asia and South America demonstrated higher FM to Africa & Europe ( p < 0.05). UK possessed a lower FM 58% (95% CI, 48–68%) in comparison to the world & Europe respectively [65% (95% CI, 61–70%) vs 61% (95% CI, 58–-65%)]. There was a positive causal link between angle of anastomosis at 30–76° ( p < 0.01), longitudinal & S-shaped incision & arteriotomy length of 3 & 4 mm to higher FM ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

FM in RCAVF is independently & incrementally associated with the volume of surgeon per year. There is a diverse inclusion, exclusion and technical approach in RCAVF creation. This survey advocates the importance of international collaboration and/or registry in assimilation, consolidate and development of consensus.
Early work experiences, social inclusion and transition to adulthood: The voice of care-experienced young adults
Authors: Soyez Veerle , Gilligan Robbie , Arnau-Sabatès Laura , Johansson Helena , Hojer Ingrid , Pazlorova Hana , Sjöblom Yvonne , Stoddart Jill
Published: January 2024

It is widely recognised that young people in out-of-home care are often involved in a complex process of culminating disadvantage and exclusion. Investing in the core ingredients of social inclusion (participation and interpersonal relationships) while still in care can counterbalance ongoing exclusion processes. In this article, we explore how early work experiences (before the age of 18) can play a role in this.

Findings

A thematic analysis was performed on interview data from 74 young adults in six countries. Several elements promote community participation (gaining financial autonomy, gaining a feeling of independence, and being able to contribute as a worker) and help to develop a sense of belonging (striving for normality and building long-lasting social connections). Early work experiences also contribute to personal growth (building capabilities and shaping the future).

Applications

This article highlights how early work experiences have the potential to promote social inclusion for out-of-home care-experienced young people and serve as gateway experiences for both educational and work trajectories. Entry into the world of work should not be postponed until the age of 18. Caregivers can play a role in motivating young people to work while still being in care and helping them to find a job. The experiences gained during these early work experiences can also have a place in the care process.
Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of Second-Line Treatment Options for Advanced Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Zhao Luqing , Zhao Zhiting , Yan Xiaoqi , Hu Xiao , Feng Jifeng , Yu Shaorong
Published: January 2024

Objective

As monotherapy such as topotecan has reached a plateau of effectiveness, new second-line treatments based on experience have been used in clinical application. This study compared the efficacy and safety of different second-line treatments for advanced small-cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Methods

A total of 380 patients with advanced SCLC were screened selectively in the retrospective study. Adverse events and patient responses were assessed using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v5.0 and Response Evaluation Criteria for Solid Tumors v1.1. The progression-free survival (PFS) was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method or Cox survival regression model and compared using the log-rank test.

Results

In the platinum-resistant group, disease control rate (DCR) and median PFS (mPFS) were prolonged in the combination group versus single-agent group (DCR: 49.24% vs 24.39%, P = .004; mPFS: 3.73 vs 1.90 months, P < .001). Grade 3/4 toxicity was similar between the 2 groups ( P = .683). The mPFS did not differ among single-agent groups ( P = .380). No significant difference was observed in mPFS of different combination therapy groups ( P = .170). In terms of platinum-based chemotherapy, the DCR and mPFS were prolonged in irinotecan-platinum group versus taxol-platinum group (DCR: 56.14% vs 9.09%, P = .004; mPFS: 3.87 vs 1.93 months, P = .012). Grade 3/4 toxicity was similar between the 2 groups ( P = .614). The mPFS was prolonged in the chemotherapy plus immunotherapy group versus single-agent chemotherapy group ( P = .003). In the platinum-sensitive group, the mPFS did not differ between the combination group and single-agent group ( P = .200). The mPFS did not differ among different single-agent groups ( P = .260) or combination groups ( P = .150). There was no difference in mPFS among different platinum-based chemotherapy groups ( P = .830).

Conclusions

For patients with platinum-resistant SCLC, combination therapy has shown better efficacy and acceptable toxicity profile than monotherapy. Among combination therapies, irinotecan–platinum has shown better efficacy than taxol–platinum. For patients with platinum-sensitive SCLC, the efficacy of different single-agent or combination therapies was similar.
Socioecological topologies of student debt in the United States
Authors: Baker Rae , Harris Dylan M.
Published: January 2024

Student debt burdens are second only to mortgages in the United States’ debt portfolio. With nearly 43 million people repaying trillions of dollars of student debt, it is no surprise that calls for student debt cancellation have grown amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which has only exacerbated already existing economic crises in the US. And yet, meaningful action to address student debt has largely been absent from recent legislation meant to help Americans overcome the residual impacts, including the financial burdens, of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we argue the absence of student debt relief is consonant with what we articulate as the topologies of student debt in the US, which we use to contextualize the student debt crisis. We provide two case studies—on the relationship between environmental legislation and student debt, and on the uneven ruralities of student debt—that give insight into the socioecological dimensions of student debt's topologies. We end this article by inviting others to join us as we develop more geographical evidence to support ongoing activism for student debt cancellation.
Central Giant Cell Granuloma of Maxilla: A Case Report
Authors: Singh Gaurav , Kumar Sandeep , Kumar Abhigyan
Published: January 2024

Central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) is a locally aggressive and benign lesion that can cause significant destruction of the jaw. World Health Organization has defined it as “localized benign but sometimes aggressive osteolytic proliferation consisting of fibrous tissue with hemorrhage and haemosiderin deposits, presence of osteoclast-like giant cells with reactive bone formation.” Surgical resection is often necessary to manage the condition, and subsequent reconstruction is crucial for functional and aesthetic restoration. This case report presents a case of CGCG of the maxilla in a 61-year-old female patient who presented with a chief complaint of swelling on the right side of the palate for 2 months. Preoperative histological examination of the biopsy specimen concluded the lesion to be a CGCG. The report discusses the surgical approach, preoperative planning, and postoperative outcomes of the lesion.
Analyzing university students’ mode choice preferences by using a hybrid AHP group-PROMETHEE model: evidence from Budapest city
Authors: Oubahman Laila , Duleba Szabolcs , Esztergár-Kiss Domokos
Published: January 2024

Over the last decades, the analysis of mode choice preferences has become a vital aspect of enhancing the quality of public transport services. Most papers aim to derive conclusions from large-scale surveys. However, for specific homogenous patterns, such as university students, a smaller group of evaluators might also be sufficient. Such a survey can rather be considered as an expert survey, in which few representatives might express the preference of a larger community, thus, a different methodology can be more effective than the traditional statistical techniques. This paper aims to introduce a new approach that combines two multi-criteria decision-making methods, the analytic hierarchy process and the preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluation, for a hybrid consensual model by aggregating the individual priorities defined by each decision-maker. The introduced model presents advantages in terms of reducing time, cost, and effort compared to statistical methods and requires solely necessary information from the users via objective and subjective evaluations. The model’s effectiveness is tested with real-world data from the city of Budapest; highlighting the significant impact of the underground mode on users’ behavior toward public transport. In addition, the outcomes are compared to other existing results of student preference surveys.
Causal association between 637 human metabolites and ovarian cancer: a mendelian randomization study
Authors: Huang Yedong , Lin Wenyu , Zheng Xiangqin
Published: January 2024

Background

Current evidence suggests a significant association between metabolites and ovarian cancer (OC); however, the causal relationship between the two remains unclear. This study employs Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the causal effects between different metabolites and OC.

Methods

In this study, a total of 637 metabolites were selected as the exposure variables from the Genome-wide Association Study (GWAS) database (http://gwas.mrcieu.ac.uk/datasets/). The OC related GWAS dataset (ieu-b-4963) was chosen as the outcome variable. R software and the TwoSampleMR package were utilized for the analysis in this study. MR analysis employed the inverse variance-weighted method (IVW), MR-Egger and weighted median (WM) for regression fitting, taking into consideration potential biases caused by linkage disequilibrium and weak instrument variables. Metabolites that did not pass the tests for heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy were considered to have no significant causal effect on the outcome. Steiger’s upstream test was used to determine the causal direction between the exposure and outcome variables.

Results

The results from IVW analysis revealed that a total of 31 human metabolites showed a significant causal effect on OC (P < 0.05). Among them, 9 metabolites exhibited consistent and stable causal effects, which were confirmed by Steiger’s upstream test (P < 0.05). Among these 9 metabolites, Androsterone sulfate, Propionylcarnitine, 5alpha-androstan-3beta,17beta-diol disulfate, Total lipids in medium VLDL and Concentration of medium VLDL particles demonstrated a significant positive causal effect on OC, indicating that these metabolites promote the occurrence of OC. On the other hand, X-12,093, Octanoylcarnitine, N2,N2-dimethylguanosine, and Cis-4-decenoyl carnitine showed a significant negative causal association with OC, suggesting that these metabolites can inhibit the occurrence of OC.

Conclusions

The study revealed the complex effect of metabolites on OC through Mendelian randomization. As promising biomarkers, these metabolites are worthy of further clinical validation.
Predicting and optimizing reactive oxygen species metabolism in Punica granatum L. through machine learning: role of exogenous GABA on antioxidant enzyme activity under drought and salinity stress
Authors: Zarbakhsh Saeedeh , Shahsavar Ali Reza , Afaghi Ali , Hasanuzzaman Mirza
Published: January 2024

Background

Drought and salinity stress have been proposed as the main environmental factors threatening food security, as they adversely affect crops' agricultural productivity. As a potential solution, the application of plant growth regulators to enhance drought and salinity tolerance has gained considerable attention. γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a four-carbon non-protein amino acid that accumulates in plants as a response to stressful conditions. This study focused on a comparative assessment of several machine learning (ML) regression models, including radial basis function, generalized regression neural network (GRNN), random forest (RF), and support vector regression (SVR) to develop predictive models for assessing the effect of different concentrations of GABA (0, 10, 20, and 40 mM) on various physio-biochemical traits during periods of drought, salinity, and combined stress conditions. The physio-biochemical traits included antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, SOD; peroxidase, POD; catalase, CAT; and ascorbate peroxidase, APX), protein content, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels. The non‑dominated sorting genetic algorithm‑II (NSGA‑II) was employed for optimizing the superior prediction model.

Results

The GRNN model outperformed the other ML algorithms and was therefore selected for optimization by NSGA-II. The GRNN-NSGA-II model revealed that treatment with GABA at concentrations of 20.90 mM and 20.54 mM, under combined drought and salinity stress conditions at 20.86 and 20.72 days post-treatment, respectively, could result in the maximum values for protein content (by 0.80 and 0.69), APX activity (by 50.63 and 51.51), SOD activity (by 0.54 and 0.53), POD activity (by 1.53 and 1.72), CAT activity (by 4.42 and 5.66), as well as lower MDA levels (by 0.12 and 0.15) and H2O2 levels (by 0.44 and 0.55), respectively, in the ‘Atabaki’ and ‘Rabab’ cultivars.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that the GRNN-NSGA-II model, as an advanced ML algorithm with a strong predictive ability for outcomes in combined stressful environmental conditions, provides valuable insights into the significant factors influencing such multifactorial processes.
Multimorbidity impacts cardiovascular disease risk following percutaneous coronary intervention: latent class analysis of the Melbourne Interventional Group (MIG) registry
Authors: Ho Chau Le Bao , Si Si , Brennan Angela , Briffa Tom , Stub Dion , Ajani Andrew , Reid Christopher M
Published: January 2024

Background

Multimorbidity is strongly associated with disability or functional decline, poor quality of life and high consumption of health care services. This study aimed (1) To identify patterns of multimorbidity among patients undergoing first recorded percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI); (2) To explore the association between the identified patterns of multimorbidity on length of hospital stay, 30-day and 12- month risk of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) after PCI.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of the Melbourne Interventional Group (MIG) registry. This study included 14,025 participants who underwent their first PCI from 2005 to 2015 in Victoria, Australia. Based on a probabilistic modelling approach, Latent class analysis was adopted to classify clusters of people who shared similar combinations and magnitude of the comorbidity of interest. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odd ratios and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the 30-day and 12-month MACCE.

Results

More than two-thirds of patients had multimorbidity, with the most prevalent conditions being hypertension (59%) and dyslipidaemia (60%). Four distinctive multimorbidity clusters were identified each with significant associations for higher risk of 30-day and 12-month MACCE. The cluster B had the highest risk of 30-day MACCE event that was characterised by a high prevalence of reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (92%), hypertension (73%) and reduced ejection fraction (EF) (57%). The cluster C, characterised by a high prevalence of hypertension (94%), dyslipidaemia (88%), reduced eGFR (87%), diabetes (73%) and reduced EF (65%) had the highest risk of 12-month MACCE and highest length of hospital stay.

Conclusion

Hypertension and dyslipidaemia are prevalent in at least four in ten patients undergoing coronary angioplasty. This study showed that clusters of patients with multimorbidity had significantly different risk of 30-day and 12-month MACCE after PCI. This suggests the necessity for treatment approaches that are more personalised and customised to enhance patient outcomes and the quality of care delivered to patients in various comorbidity clusters. These results should be validated in a prospective cohort and to evaluate the potential impacts of these clusters on the prevention of MACCE after PCI.
A comparison of opioid dose between home palliative care and hospital palliative care
Authors: Iwata Hiroyoshi , Hamada Shuhei , Harada Hiroko , Kusaka Katsuhiro
Published: January 2024

Objective

While opioids are a key part of palliative care, few studies have evaluated opioid demand in the home care context. This study aims to compare opioid usage in home care and hospital care settings.

Methods

This cross-sectional study retrospectively recruited patients receiving palliative care in home care and hospital settings, between November 2018 and October 2020. Opioid prescriptions were standardized to oral morphine equivalent (OME) doses at 7 and 14 days prior to death and analyzed. Additional analysis performed multivariable linear regression on the outcome of OME at 7 days, adjusting for medical setting and confounders in patients with opioid prescriptions.

Results

After 21 exclusions, 209 patients (48 home care and 161 hospital care) were eligible for analysis. The home care group had a higher mean age (74.8 years) and Palliative Prognosis Score (50), than the hospital group (70.1 and 40, respectively). Mean OME at 7 and 14 days before death was numerically higher in the home care group (72.8 mg/day and 53.0 mg/day, respectively) than the hospital care group (57.7 mg/day and 35.7 mg/day). Student’s t-test produced p-values of 0.49 and 0.32, and the Wilcoxon rank sum test found p-values of 0.24 and 0.11 at 7 and 14 days, respectively. Multivariable regression analysis of the home care group found mean OME of 40.7 mg/day; 95% confidence interval [-0.62, 82.0 (mg/day)], p = 0.06. Additional analysis found a p-value of 0.06 for medical setting.

Conclusions

We did not find a statistically significant difference in opioid use between home care and hospital care. However, the numerically higher rate of use in the home care group suggests that further research is warranted.
Understanding paramedic work in general practice in the UK: a rapid realist synthesis
Authors: Stott Hannah , Goodenough Trudy , Jagosh Justin , Gibson Andy , Harris Nicky , Liddiard Cathy , Proctor Alyesha , Schofield Behnaz , Walsh Nicola , Booker Matthew , Voss Sarah
Published: January 2024

Background

General practice in the UK is under substantial pressure and practices are increasingly including paramedics as part of their workforce. Little is known about how different models of paramedic working may affect successful implementation of the role, as viewed from patient, clinician and system perspectives. This realist synthesis developed theories about ‘models of paramedic working in general practice’ in different UK contexts to understand their impact.

Methods

The rapid realist synthesis comprised data from: (1) empirical and grey literature searches; (2) semi-structured realist interviews with system leaders involved with the implementation of the role; and (3) a stakeholder event with healthcare professionals and the public, to develop initial programme theories that can be tested in future work. Sources were analysed using a realist approach that explored the data for novel or causal insights to generate initial programme theories.

Results

Empirical sources (n = 32), grey sources (n = 95), transcripts from system leader interviews (n = 7) and audio summaries from the stakeholder event (n = 22 participants) were synthesised into a single narrative document. The findings confirmed the presence of a wide variety of models of paramedic working in UK general practice. The perceived success of models was influenced by the extent to which the paramedic service was mature and embedded in practice, and according to four theory areas: (1) Primary care staff understanding and acceptance of the paramedic role; (2) Paramedic induction process, including access to training, supervision and development opportunities; (3) Patient understanding and acceptance of the role; (4) Variations in paramedic employment models.

Conclusions

Variability in how the paramedic role is operating and embedding into general practice across the UK affects the success of the role. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for future research to investigate various ‘models of paramedic working’ in different contexts.