bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Presentation of Connective Tissue Disease Patients with and without Interstitial Lung Disease: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Sambataro Gianluca , Libra Alessandro , Spicuzza Lucia , Palmucci Stefano , Conti Paola , Spagnolo Eugenio , Colaci Michele , Malatino Lorenzo , Orlandi Martina , Sambataro Domenico , Vancheri Carlo
Published: June 2023

Background: Connective tissue diseases (CTDs) are responsible for about 20% of interstitial lung disease (ILD) cases, but their diagnosis in a pulmonary unit (PU) is not always straightforward due to a heterogeneous clinical picture. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical presentation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and CTD-ILD cases diagnosed in PU, compared to RA and CTD patients diagnosed in a rheumatologic unit (RU). Methods: Patients with RA, systemic sclerosis (SSc), primary Sjӧgren’s syndrome (pSS), and idiopathic inflammatory myopathy were retrospectively enrolled from an RU and a PU designated to manage ILD during a period from January 2017 to October 2022. The classification of CTD-PU was carried out in a multidisciplinary setting, including the same rheumatologists that diagnosed CTD in the RU. Results: ILD-CTD-PU patients were prevalently male and older. Progression from undifferentiated CTD to a specific condition was more common in ILD-CTD-PU, and those patients generally obtained a lower score on specific classification criteria. RA-PU patients resembled polymyalgia rheumatica in 47.6% of cases, also showing a greater proportion of typical joint deformities (p = 0.02). SSc-PU patients showed a usual interstitial pneumonia pattern in 76% of cases and, compared with SSc-RU, were more commonly seronegative (p = 0.03) and generally lacked fingertip lesions (p = 0.02). The majority of the diagnoses of pSS-PU were in patients with previously diagnosed ILD, in which seropositivity and sicca syndrome developed during follow-up. Conclusions: CTD-ILD patients diagnosed in the PU show severe lung involvement and a nuanced autoimmune clinical picture.
Autonomic Regulation of Inflammation in Conscious Animals
Authors: Salgado Helio Cesar , Brognara Fernanda , Ribeiro Aline Barbosa , Lataro Renata Maria , Castania Jaci Airton , Ulloa Luis , Kanashiro Alexandre
Published: June 2023

Bioelectronic medicine is a novel field in modern medicine based on the specific neuronal stimulation to control organ function, cardiovascular, and immune homeostasis. However, most studies addressing neuromodulation of the immune system have been conducted on anesthetized animals, which can affect the nervous system and neuromodulation. Here, we review recent studies involving conscious experimental rodents (rats and mice) to better understand the functional organization of neural control of immune homeostasis. We highlight typical experimental models of cardiovascular regulation, such as electrical activation of the aortic depressor nerve or the carotid sinus nerve, bilateral carotid occlusion, the Bezold-Jarisch reflex, and intravenous administration of the bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide. These models have been used to investigate the relationship between neuromodulation of the cardiovascular and immune systems in conscious rodents (rats and mice). These studies provide critical information about the neuromodulation of the immune system, particularly the role of the autonomic nervous system, i.e., the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches acting both centrally (hypothalamus, nucleus ambiguus, nucleus tractus solitarius, caudal ventrolateral medulla, and rostral ventrolateral medulla), and peripherally (particularly spleen and adrenal medulla). Overall, the studies in conscious experimental models have certainly highlighted to the reader how the methodological approaches used to investigate cardiovascular reflexes in conscious rodents (rats and mice) can also be valuable for investigating the neural mechanisms involved in inflammatory responses. The reviewed studies have clinical implications for future therapeutic approaches of bioelectronic modulation of the nervous system to control organ function and physiological homeostasis in conscious physiology.
Virtual Reality Exposure to a Healthy Weight Body Is a Promising Adjunct Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Behrens Simone C , Tesch Joachim , Sun Philine J.B. , Starke Sebastian , Black Michael J , Schneider Hannah , Pruccoli Jacopo , Zipfel Stephan , Giel Katrin E.
Published: June 2023

Introduction/Objective: Treatment results of anorexia nervosa (AN) are modest, with fear of weight gain being a strong predictor of treatment outcome and relapse. Here, we present a virtual reality (VR) setup for exposure to healthy weight and evaluate its potential as an adjunct treatment for AN. Methods: In two studies, we investigate VR experience and clinical effects of VR exposure to higher weight in 20 women with high weight concern or shape concern and in 20 women with AN. Results: In study 1, 90% of participants (18/20) reported symptoms of high arousal but verbalized low to medium levels of fear. Study 2 demonstrated that VR exposure to healthy weight induced high arousal in patients with AN and yielded a trend that four sessions of exposure improved fear of weight gain. Explorative analyses revealed three clusters of individual reactions to exposure, which need further exploration. Conclusions: VR exposure is a well-accepted and powerful tool for evoking fear of weight gain in patients with AN. We observed a statistical trend that repeated virtual exposure to healthy weight improved fear of weight gain with large effect sizes. Further studies are needed to determine the mechanisms and differential effects.
Olaparib-Induced Purpuric Drug Eruption in a Patient with Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Sekine Mana , Terui Hitoshi , Fujimura Taku , Asano Yoshihide
Published: June 2023

Olaparib is recently approved as an anti-tumor agent for several cancers, including castration-resistant prostate cancer, which inhibits poly (adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase, a DNA repair factor. Since olaparib is a newly approved drug, there are few reports of skin disorders that may be triggered by olaparib administration. In this report, we present a case with an olaparib-induced drug eruption presenting multiple purpuras on the patient’s fingers and fingertips. The present case suggests that olaparib might induce purpura as nonallergic drug eruption.
Política e o Direito como os ossos, as emoções como a carne e o sangue: elegibilidade nos relatos de fuga dos refugiados internacionais
Authors: Fernandes Júnior João Gilberto Belvel
Published: June 2023

Mobilizando dados do trabalho de campo etnográfico do autor enquanto antropólogo e advogado de migrações, o artigo parte da técnica de escrita aqui nomeada de “procuração ficcional” para analisar a estrutura e as condições de elegibilidade e veracidade exigidas das narrativas biográficas que justificam os pedidos de refúgio dos migrantes internacionais, conforme o “Formulário de Solicitação de Reconhecimento da Condição de Refugiado”, as normas jurídicas pertinentes e as práticas cotidianas que se reiteram nesse contexto, na cidade de São Paulo. São discutidas então as diferentes funções exercidas pelo Direito, pela Política e pelas emoções na composição do discurso verdadeiro e os efeitos de sentido e de poder que esta produção suscita tanto no narrador quanto em suas relações com os Estados de origem e de acolhida.
Desenhar e ocupar : crianças na Mauá, Ipiranga e Prestes Maia
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Educação, Gobbi Marcia Aparecida
Published: June 2023

Este livro não traz respostas objetivas a todos os questionamentos possíveis sobre o que é vivenciado e protagonizado atualmente. Entretanto, busca provocar reflexões sobre os desenhos elaborados por crianças em situações específicas de pesquisas no urbano e na luta por moradia das Ocupações Mauá, Ipiranga e Prestes Maia, situadas na região conhecida como centro da cidade de São Paulo. Representações gráficas infantis podem estar ao alcance de todos. Apenas um lápis, um graveto, uma cor, um simples apoio e imediatamente as crianças começam a desenhar sinais e figuras. São histórias visíveis que mostram clipes da vida cotidiana, pensamentos, expectativas, desejos, histórias e condições pessoais e muito mais.
Cisto aracnóide intradural torácico: quando operar? A propósito de um relato de dois casos
Authors: Mendes Sara Araújo de Medeiros , Lima Hyale Melo , Quirino William Antônio , Tonaco Ronaldo Borges , Petter Jobe
Published: June 2023

Introdução: Historicamente, o primeiro cisto aracnoide (CA) foi detectado por Schlesinger em 1893, e o primeiro relatório foi de Spiller em 1903. Os CAs são tumores benignos que se desenvolvem no eixo cerebrospinal da membrana aracnóide sendo comuns em homens, na segunda década de vida, e predominantemente na região torácica média e baixa (65%), na coluna lombar e lombossacra (13%), toracolombar (12%), sacral (7%) e cervical (3%). A localização intramedular do CA é rara, com apenas alguns casos relatados na literatura. Objetivo: Descrever uma série de 2 casos sobre CA intradural torácico, explanando com maior enfoque sobre seu tratamento. Materiais e métodos: Descrição de 2 casos de pacientes com CA intradural torácico e revisão de literatura. Discussão/Resultados: A maioria dos CAs são encontrados incidentalmente, sendo, portanto, assintomáticos, e permanecem constantes em tamanho, fazendo com que muitos médicos recomendem tratamento conservador e com monitoramento periódico. Já o tratamento padrão, para CA intradural torácico que se apresenta com sintomatologia, envolve exploração cirúrgica e alívio da compressão do tecido neural, de preferência, antes de causar déficits neurológicos importantes, pois assim há maior chance de um resultado pós-operatório satisfatório. Considerações finais: CAs intradurais torácicos apesar de raros, quando sintomáticos, precisam de tratamento cirúrgico, não devendo ser protelado devido ao risco de déficit motor neurológico progressivo.
Role of Brain Imaging in the Prediction of Intracerebral Hemorrhage Following Endovascular Therapy for Acute Stroke
Authors: Seners Pierre , Wouters Anke , Maïer Benjamin , Boisseau William , Gory Benjamin , Heit Jeremy J. , Cognard Christophe , Mazighi Mikael , Gaudilliere Brice , Lemmens Robin , Zaharchuk Greg , Albers Gregory W. , Leigh Richard , Olivot Jean-Marc ,   on behalf of PRECISE-STROKE-NETWORK
Published: June 2023

Currently most acute ischemic stroke patients presenting with a large vessel occlusion are treated with endovascular therapy (EVT), which results in high rates of successful recanalization. Despite this success, more than half of EVT-treated patients are significantly disabled 3 months later partly due to the occurrence of post-EVT intracerebral hemorrhage. Predicting post-EVT intracerebral hemorrhage is important for individualizing treatment strategies in clinical practice (eg, safe initiation of early antithrombotic therapies), as well as in selecting the optimal candidates for clinical trials that aim to reduce this deleterious outcome. Emerging data suggest that brain and vascular imaging biomarkers may be particularly relevant since they provide insights into the ongoing acute stroke pathophysiology. In this review/perspective, we summarize the accumulating literature on the role of cerebrovascular imaging biomarkers in predicting post-EVT–associated intracerebral hemorrhage. We focus on imaging acquired before EVT, during the EVT procedure, and in the early post-EVT time frames when new therapeutic therapies could be tested. Accounting for the complex pathophysiology of post-EVT–associated intracerebral hemorrhage, this review may provide some guidance for future prospective observational or therapeutic studies.
The first British Cretaceous eomeropid scorpionfly (Mecoptera: Eomeropidae)
Authors: BASHKUEV ALEXEY S. , JARZEMBOWSKI EDMUND A.
Published: June 2023

Eomeropidae is a relict family of Mecoptera with the sole living species, Notiothauma reedi McLachlan, 1877, inhabiting western parts of southern Chilean Valdivian forests. The family was more widely distributed in the Mesozoic and Cenozoic, being known from 13 fossil species ranging in age from Early Jurassic to Oligocene (Soszyńska-Maj et al., 2016; Archibald & Rasnitsyn, 2018; Zhao et al., 2019; Zhang et al., 2022). The oldest fossil eomeropid, Jurachorista bashkuevi Soszyńska-Maj, Krzemiński, Kopeć & Coram, 2016, was described from the Lower Jurassic Charmouth Mudstone Formation of Dorset and so far is the only find of the family in Britain and in Europe. Here we report the second one, from the Lower Cretaceous (lower Barremian) upper Weald Clay Formation of Smokejacks brickworks, Surrey. The new species is most closely allied to Jurathauma Zhang, Shih, Petrulevičius & Ren, 2011 and Typhothauma Ren & Shih, 2005 from the Middle Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous of China respectively. However, the incomplete preservation hampers its generic identification, although the type locality is an active site (Jarzembowski, 2021) and additional material may be recovered in future.
Allium murat-sonayii (Amaryllidaceae), a new species from Türkiye
Authors: BALOS MEHMET MARUF , SONAY VEYSEL , ÇEÇEN CAHİT , AKAN HASAN
Published: June 2023

Allium murat-sonayii Balos, Sonay & C. Çeçen is described as a new species from Elazığ Province, Eastern Türkiye. Diagnostic characteristics, a comprehensive description, photographs and a distribution map are provided. Based on morphological features, it belongs in Allium subgen. Allium sect. Allium. It is similar to A. stearnianum, A. stearnianum subsp. vanense, A. aybukeae, A. gemiciana, A. yamadagensis and A. dictyoprasum, but differs from them by several morphological characters, such as bulblets color, stem length, leaf, umbel shape, perigon colour, outer and inner tepal, anther colour, filaments and ovary.
The discovery of the subgenus Contochorus van Achterberg, 1976 (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Brachistinae, Blacini, Blacus) in China
Authors: LU QIAN-YU , ACHTERBERG CORNELIS VAN , TANG PU , CHEN XUE-XIN
Published: June 2023

The subgenus Contochorus van Achterberg, 1976 (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Blacus) is newly recorded from China. Two new species are proposed, B. (C). capillosus sp. nov., B. (C). planus sp. nov., and two species are newly recorded in China, B. (C). mellitarsis van Achterberg, 1988 and B. (C). turbidus Papp, 1985. An updated key to the currently known species of the subgenus Contochorus in the world is provided.
Safety and Feasibility of Steroid-Eluting Stent as a Bolster in Endoscopic Anterior Skull Base Reconstruction
Authors: Finlay John B. , Issa Khalil , Ackall Feras , Zomorodi Ali , Codd Patrick , Jang David W. , Goldstein Bradley J. , Abi Hachem Ralph
Published: June 2023

Background:

With a rising incidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, endoscopic endonasal CSF leak repair is increasingly performed. Current approaches utilize a variety of materials including free mucosal grafts and vascularized flaps, but post-op leaks continue to be reported. Steroid-eluting bioabsorbable stents (SES) are used during functional endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis to reduce inflammation and scarring while maintaining patency of sinus ostia.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of SES as a graft/flap bolster for endoscopic endonasal CSF leak repair.

Methods:

This is a retrospective review of patients undergoing endoscopic endonasal CSF leak repair with SES placed as part of the bolster technique at a tertiary care center between January 2019 and May 2022. Age, sex, BMI, comorbid idiopathic intracranial hypertension, pathology, location of CSF leak, intraoperative CSF leak flow, reconstruction type, and presence of post-op CSF leak were recorded.

Results:

Twelve patients (mean age 52, median BMI 30.9, 58% female) had SES placement as part of the bolster technique. The most common pathology was meningoencephalocele (75%). Reconstruction was performed with either a free mucosal graft (6), or a flap (6). No post-op CSF leaks occurred at a reconstruction site with a stent, and no known complications were reported. All sinusotomies were patent at the last follow-up visit.

Conclusions:

SES placement as an adjunct to graft and/or flap bolster appears to be safe and feasible during anterior skull base reconstruction and CSF leak repair providing longer term structural support and preserving sinus drainage patency.
The non-stranger rapist-oriented interview for complainants: Eliciting high-quality accounts
Authors: Gajadhar Sharita , Bull Ray
Published: June 2023

Non-stranger rape (NSR) cases are often not prosecuted because of the poor quality of the accounts obtained from complainants. However, a growing body of research suggests that such high attrition rates are likely to improve when the quality of these accounts is increased by skilled interviewing. To assist police interviewers in eliciting high-quality accounts, the development of a guide for the interviewing of NSR complainants has recently been recommended. The present study aims to make the first step in developing such a guide. A multidisciplinary literature search was conducted. The newly developed Non-Stranger Rapist-Oriented Interview (NSROI) is specifically designed to promote complainants’ disclosure of evidentially relevant information in the form of a clear, chronological and concise narrative (i.e., a high-quality account). The guide is divided into the ‘preparatory’, ‘rape’ and ‘rape aftermath’ phase. The three themes and questions of the first phase focus on revealing the context in which the alleged rape occurred. The five themes and questions of the second phase concentrate on the day of sexual penetration. The third phase’s ninth theme and questions focus on the psychological impact of the events on the complainant. The guide includes the following themes: (i) vulnerabilities, (ii) relationship history, (iii) indications of planning and premeditation, (iv) method to gain control, (v) method to keep control, (vi) offered resistance, (vii) sexual acts performed, sequence and degree of penetration, (viii) perpetrator’s behaviour after the performed sexual acts and (ix) victim’s post-event psychological injury. The potential, implications and limitations of the NSROI are discussed.
FACTSHEET – Youth of Color Activism Matters in the Critical Race Theory (CRT) Debates
Authors: Boveda Leah , Boveda Mildred
Published: June 2023

In this brief, the authors examine the role that racialized youth activists play in youth–adult collaborations. Attending to anti-CRT legislations, the authors offer research-informed policy recommendations to support the accurate representation of youth of color’s input.
Work of art in the Age of Its AI Reproduction
Authors: Kalpokas Ignas
Published: June 2023

From a Benjaminian point of view, AI-generated art is distinct from both ‘traditional’ art and technologically enabled reproduction, for example, photography and film. Instead of mere mechanical representation of the world as it is presented to a device, AI-generated art involves identification and inventive representation of data patterns. This specific mode of data-based generation exceeds mere surface-level mimicry and enables deeper meaning, namely, an insight into the collective unconscious of the society. In this way, AI-generated art is never detached from society and the predominant social conditions while also reflecting the technology-induced transformations that today’s societies are undergoing. Thus, AI-generated art can be seen as capable of partly reversing the loss of auratic capacities that hand ensued with mechanical reproduction. Still, as a matter of continuity, AI-generated works enable the maximisation of exhibition value and capacity for audience enjoyment, rendering AI-generated art perfect for the age of increasing distraction.
Development and evaluation of nursing intervention in preventing stunting in children of adolescent mothers: A mixed-methods research protocol
Authors: Erfina Erfina , Hariati Suni , Tawali Suryani
Published: June 2023

Background: Adolescent pregnancies are a global problem occurring in many countries. Adolescent pregnancy is a risk factor for stunting in children. Aim: This study was designed to develop and evaluation of nursing interventions to prevent stunting in children of adolescent mothers. Methods: A mixed-methods explanatory sequential design with two phases approach will be applied. Phase I is a qualitative phenomenology descriptive study that will be used. Participants will be adolescent pregnant women from several community health centers (Puskesmas) and healthcare staff in a community public center (Puskesmas) will be selected by purposive sampling. The study will be conducted at community health centers (Puskesmas) in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Data will be gathered through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions and analyzed using thematic analysis. Subsequently, an experimental pre–post-test design with a control group will be used to measure the effectiveness of the nursing intervention on preventing stunting among adolescent mothers in the quantitative phase by behavior toward stunting prevention for adolescent pregnancy and the nutritional status of children. Conclusion: This study will provide insight from both adolescent mothers’ and healthcare staff’s perspectives on stunting prevention including nutrition of adolescent pregnancy and breastfeeding. We will evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of nursing intervention in preventing stunting. This will contribute to the international literature on the use of healthcare staff at community health services ( puskesmas) to achieve linear growth due to prolonged food insecurity and illnesses in childhood.
Mountains Shall Drip Sweet Wine from the Temple: Joel’s Interpretation of the Epilogue of Amos
Authors: Dunne John Anthony
Published: June 2023

This essay argues that the parallels between the endings of Joel and Amos suggest that Joel has interpreted Amos, including the esoteric reference to “David’s Tent.” Both prophetic endings anticipate an era of fecundity with mountains dripping with sweet wine (עסיס‎), which is a rare term in the Hebrew Bible, occurring only five times. Both address the fate of Edom, and both point to the recipients of the respective oracles being secure in their land forever. In Joel, it is God’s presence within the temple that creates these realities, whereas in Amos 9.11, it is “David’s Tent.” This suggests that Joel has likely interpreted David’s Tent with references to “Zion,” “my holy hill,” “Jerusalem,” and “the house of the lord” (Joel 4.17–18 mt). These parallels are also worth considering, regardless of which order of the Book of the Twelve one adopts.
What can publicly funded schools teach us about how to fix the family doctor shortage?
Authors: McCracken Rita K. , Hedden Lindsay
Published: June 2023

Recent estimates suggest that up to 22% of Canadians over 18 do not have regular access to a family doctor or nurse practitioner. This lack of access is often characterized as a “family doctor shortage” and has been making headlines for decades. However, we have more family doctors than ever before, and in fact, the lack of primary care access is less about a shortage of physicians and more a need to develop a modern infrastructure and new way of funding and organizing care. Real change will require a paradigm shift from doctor- to clinic-organized care. The example of how schools are organized for public education may hold answers about how to make that paradigm shift and with investment in infrastructure see improvements in access to care across the country.
Precarious Participants, Online Labour Platforms and the Academic Mode of Production: Examining Gigified Research Participation
Authors: McKenzie Monique de Jong
Published: June 2023

In an economic environment defined by precarious and gig-based labour contracts, academic research has been reimagined as a source of income for research participants. In addition, with the rise of online labour platforms, researchers have turned to online labour platforms as a solution to the increasing difficulty in recruitment of participants in research. This present context makes explicit the hidden labour that research participants have always done in the production of research outputs within academia. This paper develops a Marxist lens through which we can understand the material conditions of the circulation of capital through academia and the role of research participants in this mode of production. By developing this broad analytical framework for the academic mode of production, this paper further argues that our present economic epoch of the gig economy and specifically the use of digital labour platforms for academic research, has accelerated the subsumption of research participation as a source of income through the fragmentation of work and the gigification of everyday life.
An Early and Unequal Decline: Life Course Trajectories of Cognitive Aging in the United States
Authors: Yang Yang C. , Walsh Christine E. , Shartle Kaitlin , Stebbins Rebecca C. , Aiello Allison E. , Belsky Daniel W. , Harris Kathleen Mullan , Chanti-Ketterl Marianne , Plassman Brenda L.
Published: June 2023

Objectives: Cognitive aging is a lifelong process with implications for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. This study aims to fill major gaps in research on the natural history of and social disparities in aging-related cognitive decline over the life span. Methods: We conducted integrative data analysis of four large U.S. population-based longitudinal studies of individuals aged 12 to 105 followed over two decades and modeled age trajectories of cognitive function in multiple domains. Results: We found evidence for the onset of cognitive decline in the 4th decade of life, varying gender differences with age, and persistent disadvantage among non-Hispanic Blacks, Hispanics, and those without college education. We further found improvement in cognitive function across 20th century birth cohorts but widening social inequalities in more recent cohorts. Discussion: These findings advance an understanding of early life origins of dementia risk and invite future research on strategies for promoting cognitive health for all Americans.
Endogenous Knowledge and Secondary Innovation in the Age of COVID-19: A Global South Civilisational Dialogue
Authors: Soumonni Ogundiran , Muchie Mammo
Published: June 2023

We begin our reflection in this paper with the cursory observation that most of the major variants of the SARS CoV-2 virus were deciphered in the Global South, namely, alpha (China), beta and omicron (South Africa). This underappreciated fact demonstrates that independent capabilities in frontier sciences in the South contributed fundamentally to global efforts to minimise the human cost of the pandemic. However, while the more efficient vaccines primarily emerged from research and development (R&D)-based capabilities in the Global North, some novel vaccines, secondary innovation in the form of manufacturing and the innovative deployment of preventive measures were also salient in the Global South. Thus, rather than starting with the ‘deficit model of development’ that is implicit in several policy discourses on the Global South, we argue that innovation concepts should instead be anchored in the rich civilisational heritage of such societies themselves. Theoretical notions such as secondary innovation, which emerged from Chinese efforts at economic catch-up, endogenous development, which seeks to ground Africa’s advancement in its own historical antecedents, and grassroots innovation from the Indian subcontinent, guide our South–South dialogical exchange in this article. Consequently, we propose a contextually rooted conceptual framework on endogenous innovation that could better inform socially transformative efforts and highlight some implications for medicinal innovation and astronomy beyond COVID-19.
The Indian Epidemiological Evidences on Household Air Pollution and Respiratory Health Outcomes
Authors: Dash Kulumina , Jena Pratap Kumar , Patel Kripalini , Behera Manas Ranjan , Nayak Sasmita , Satpathy Sudhir Kumar
Published: June 2023

Increasing number of evidence is linking household air pollution (HAP) with the respiratory and general health of people. In this context, this study tries to review and synthesize the Indian evidence on exposure to household air pollution and respiratory health outcomes from the epidemiological studies conducted in India. The literature is gathered by searching national and international databases and selected using PRISMA guidelines. Included 11 studies that suggested higher odds of developing respiratory illness in HAP-exposed individuals than the non-exposed ones. Most of the studies focused on respiratory health outcomes following exposure to HAP among women and children. Household air pollution was found to be associated with an increased risk of acute lower respiratory infections in children. Though Indian evidence is limited, household air pollution in combination with increasing ambient air pollution can have a significant health impact on the Indian population. Along with current legislative, administrative, and community efforts, higher individual and collective efforts are essential to reduce the overall impact of household air pollution in Indian settings.
The Prognostic Value of the Triglyceride Glucose Index in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Hao Qian , Yuanyuan Zhao , Lijuan Chen
Published: June 2023

Objective: The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a simple and reliable surrogate for insulin resistance. Recent studies have suggested that the TyG index is an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease. However, the prognostic value of the TyG index in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains uncertain. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of the TyG index in patients with AMI. Methods: AMI patients admitted to Zhongda Hospital from 2018 to 2020 were successively enrolled. After screening the inclusion criteria, 1144 patients were divided into three groups according to the tertiles of the TyG index distribution. Patients were followed up for 1 year as outpatients or contacted via telephone, and the occurrence and timing of all-cause deaths were recorded. Results: The TyG index was significantly correlated with heart failure (HF) in AMI patients. Patients with a high TyG index (group 3) (odds ratio: 9.070, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.359-18.875, P＜.001) had a significantly higher incidence of HF compared with patients with median TyG index (group 2). Similarly, the incidence of all-cause death in group 3 was significantly higher than that in group 2 during the 1-year follow-up (hazard ratio: 2.996, 95% CI 1.058-8.487, P = .039). Conclusion: The TyG index is closely related to HF and may be a valuable indicator to predict the long-term prognosis of patients with AMI.
Placental Pathology and Its Associations With Clinical Signs in Different Subtypes of Fetal Growth Restriction
Authors: Dankó István , Kelemen Edit , Tankó András , Cserni Gábor
Published: June 2023

Objective:

We evaluated placental alterations in different subtypes of fetal growth restriction (FGR) to determine any clinical associations.

Methods:

FGR placentas classified according to the Amsterdam criteria were correlated with clinical findings. Percentage of intact terminal villi and villous capillarization ratio were calculated in each specimen. Correlations of placental histopathology and perinatal outcomes were studied. 61 FGR cases were studied.

Results:

Early-onset-FGR was more often associated with preeclampsia and recurrence than late-onset-FGR; placentas from early-onset-FGR often had diffuse maternal (or fetal) vascular malperfusion and villitis of unknown etiology. Decreased percentage of intact terminal villi was associated with pathologic CTG. Decreased villous capillarization was associated with early-onset-FGR and birth weight below the second percentile. Avascular villi and infarction were more common when femoral length/abdominal circumference ratio was >0.26, and perinatal outcome was poor in this group.

Conclusion:

In early-onset-FGR and preeclamptic FGR, altered vascularization of villi may have a key role in pathogenesis, and recurrent FGR is associated with villitis of unknown etiology. There is an association between femoral length/abdominal circumference ratio >0.26 and histopathological alterations of placenta in FGR pregnancies. There are no significant differences in the percentage of intact terminal villi between different FGR subtypes by onset or recurrency.
The Placenta in Congenital Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: A Case Report of Unusual Involvement of Chorionic Plate and Umbilical Vein
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad , Warren Laura A. , Naumaan Anam , Schatz-Siemers Nina
Published: June 2023

The congenital presentation of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare presentation of an uncommon neoplastic process. Concurrent placental parenchymal involvement is even more rare, with just 2 cases of congenital multisystem LCH with placental involvement reported in English medical literature thus far. Here, we present a case of a liveborn male born at 37-weeks, 6-day gestation with congenital LCH focally involving the placenta. Langerhans cells were identified in an area of the placenta showing an unusual mononuclear cell infiltrate in the wall of the umbilical vein. Langerhans cells were also focally identified in areas of chronic villitis, as well as normal-appearing chorionic plate. The examination of the placenta in cases of clinical suspicion of LCH can be of paramount importance since it may provide the early diagnostic evidence of LCH. In this context, placental involvement by LCH should be considered even in the absence of abnormal histology.
Addressing regional tourism policy: Tools for sustainable destination management
Authors: Barreal Jesús , Vena-Oya Julio , Mercadé-Melé Pere
Published: June 2023

Policymakers need to develop measures to counter overcrowding and relocate excess tourism in congested areas to others with fewer visitors. This article proposes a methodological framework consisting of a survey and statistical tools to a gain deeper understanding of tourist profiles and characteristics and determine how covariates affect the ratio of each group in the market. Spatial analysis is performed to determine regional cluster patterns and propose measures aimed at alleviating congested areas by redirecting tourism to other destinations with less pressure without losing the economic impact of tourism. The proposed methodology is applied to international tourists in Spain and reveals some relevant aspects of four international tourism profiles. The analysis confirms the existence of spatial dependence between Spanish regions, suggesting that the application of public policies in one region could have implications for neighbouring ones.
The need for a contextualized adaptation of the evaluation of the destination image
Authors: Gadhoumi Feriel , Legohérel Patrick , Errajaa Karim
Published: June 2023

The literature stresses the importance of measuring the destination brand image to determine a successful tourism promotion strategy, a strategy that is likely to enhance the competitiveness and attractiveness of a destination in a highly competitive and changing environment. Measurement scales are commonly used by academics and practitioners. An empirical study was conducted with French tourists, regarded as the main source market for the competing destinations of Tunisia and Spain. In light of a prior qualitative study, the brand image was quantitatively measured using semantic differential scales taken from the literature and adapted following expert advice. The results raised the issue of the international adaptation of measurement scales, despite the proper use of the operative procedures for measurement scales valid in several countries. The main objective of the present study is to raise a methodological issue regarding the desirable degree of adaptation of the measurement scales used by Destination Marketing Organizations while taking into account the validity and reliability constraints of the tools. To what extent is the adapted version of the chosen scale equivalent to the source version? The present study, conducted on two destinations and different cultural contexts, shows that a rigorous adaptation might lead to a loss of about 40% of the original scales.
An improved marine predators algorithm tuned data-driven multiple-node hormone regulation neuroendocrine-PID controller for multi-input–multi-output gantry crane system
Authors: Mohd Tumari Mohd Zaidi , Ahmad Mohd Ashraf , Suid Mohd Helmi , Ghazali Mohd Riduwan , Tokhi M Osman
Published: June 2023

Conventionally, researchers have favored the model-based control scheme for controlling gantry crane systems. However, this method necessitates a substantial investment of time and resources in order to develop an accurate mathematical model of the complex crane system. Recognizing this challenge, the current paper introduces a novel data-driven control scheme that relies exclusively on input and output data. Undertaking a couple of modifications to the conventional marine predators algorithm (MPA), random average marine predators algorithm (RAMPA) with tunable adaptive coefficient to control the step size ( CF) has been proposed in this paper as an enhanced alternative towards fine-tuning data-driven multiple-node hormone regulation neuroendocrine-PID (MnHR-NEPID) controller parameters for the multi-input–multi-output (MIMO) gantry crane system. First modification involved a random average location calculation within the algorithm’s updating mechanism to solve the local optima issue. The second modification then introduced tunable CF that enhanced search capacity by enabling users’ resilience towards attaining an offsetting level of exploration and exploitation phases. Effectiveness of the proposed method is evaluated based on the convergence curve and statistical analysis of the fitness function, the total norms of error and input, Wilcoxon’s rank test, time response analysis, and robustness analysis under the influence of external disturbance. Comparative findings alongside other existing metaheuristic-based algorithms confirmed excellence of the proposed method through its superior performance against the conventional MPA, particle swarm optimization (PSO), grey wolf optimizer (GWO), moth-flame optimization (MFO), multi-verse optimizer (MVO), sine-cosine algorithm (SCA), salp-swarm algorithm (SSA), slime mould algorithm (SMA), flow direction algorithm (FDA), and the formally published adaptive safe experimentation dynamics (ASED)-based methods.
How Does Internet Infrastructure Construction Affect the Urban–Rural Income Gap? Evidence from a Quasi-Natural Experiment in China
Authors: Nie Changteng , Wan Jianxiang
Published: June 2023

Internet infrastructure, like other infrastructures, is gradually becoming an important force affecting economic and social development, laying the foundation for the development of the digital economy. Based on a quasi-natural experiment, combined with the data of 201 Chinese prefectures from 2010 to 2018, this study constructs a difference-in-differences approach to examine the impact of internet infrastructure construction (IIC) on the urban–rural income gap. The main results show that IIC has a significant widening effect on the urban–rural income gap. Our study also finds that the effect has significant location and city attribute heterogeneity. Specifically, the IIC widens the urban–rural income gap more strongly in central-western, inland, provincial capital and small-scale cities. Furthermore, the promotion of IIC to the income of urban residents far exceeds that of rural residents, which is a typical manifestation of the third-level digital divide. However, increasing the education level of residents is beneficial to alleviating the widening effect of IIC on the urban–rural income gap. Overall, national policymakers should pay attention to the possible inequalities in promoting the development of national broadband internet. Policies for improving the digital application abilities of residents, especially vulnerable groups, are highly recommended to share the digital dividend.
Assessing the Accuracy of Students’ Metacognitive Awareness of Psychology Concepts
Authors: Cho Kit W.
Published: June 2023

The present study explored the accuracy of participants’ (N = 317) metacognitive awareness (self-reported difficulty and confidence) of psychology concepts and the moderating effects of their psychology background (academic major, number of psychology courses completed, and overall psychology course grades). Participants first rated the difficulty of and their confidence in their knowledge of concepts from seven different subareas of psychology. They then completed a multiple-choice assessment testing their knowledge of the concepts they had previously rated. The results showed that both participants’ metacognitive awareness and experience in psychology predicted their accuracy on the assessment. A more extensive background in psychology was associated with a stronger relationship between metacognitive awareness and accuracy. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that metacognitive awareness contributed unique variance in predicting accuracy after accounting for students' psychology background. A parallel mediation analysis investigated the relationship between psychology background and metacognitive awareness on accuracy. This analysis revealed that confidence mediated the relationship between participants’ psychology background and their performance on the assessment. The results of the present study demonstrate that participants’ metacognitive awareness of psychology concepts increases with increasing psychological knowledge and experience. These findings suggest that psychology instructors should adjust their instructional and assessment strategies according to their students’ experience and knowledge levels and that more experienced psychology students should rely more on their metacognitive judgments to self-regulate their learning.
A Mixed-Methods Community College Retention Study: Who Isn’t Being Retained and Why?
Authors: Gannon Jenna L. , Chambers Megan M.
Published: June 2023

Retention rates in higher education continue to be a prevalent issue especially for community colleges and will become a bigger issue in the current climate of enrollment loss. Much literature regarding student retention focuses on broad, overarching findings, but it is important to understand institution-specific retention factors. The purpose of this study was to explore the characteristics of students who were not retained and gain their unique perspective on the factors that contributed to their attrition. This study took place at one community college in the Great Plains region of the United States utilizing a three-tiered mixed-methods analysis. Methods included quantitative analysis, survey techniques, and narrative inquiry. The study identified factors that were both positively and negatively correlated with retention. There were trends across different groups and their reasons for leaving the college before completing their goals and the factors were often interconnected and complex.
Analysis of the Prognosis Prediction Ability of a Necroptosis-Related Gene Signature and its Relationship With the Hepatocellular Carcinoma Immune Microenvironment Using Bioinformatics Analysis and Experimental Validation
Authors: Guan Renguo , Mei Jie , Guo Rongping
Published: June 2023

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most malignant cancers and has a poor prognosis. The immune microenvironment is closely related to the drug sensitivity of a tumor. Necroptosis was reported to be a key factor for HCC. The prognostic value of necroptosis-related genes and their association with the tumor immune microenvironment are still unknown. Methods: Necroptosis-related genes that could comprise a signature for predicting the prognosis of HCC cases were identified using univariate analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression analysis. The association between this prognosis prediction signature and HCC immune microenvironment was analyzed. The immunological activities and drug sensitivities were compared between different risk score groups identified using the prognosis prediction signature. The expression levels of the five genes comprising the signature were validated using RT-qPCR. Results: A prognosis prediction signature consisting of five necroptosis-related genes was constructed and validated. Its risk score was = (0.1634 × PGAM5 expression) + (0.0134 × CXCL1 expression) − (0.1007 × ALDH2 expression) + (0.2351 × EZH2 expression) − (0.0564 × NDRG2 expression). The signature was found to be significantly associated with the infiltration of B cells, CD4+ T cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and myeloid dendritic cells into the HCC immune microenvironment. The number of infiltrating immune cells and the expression levels of immune checkpoints in the immune microenvironment of high-risk score patients were higher. Sorafenib and immune checkpoint blockade were determined to be ideally suited for treating high-risk score patients and low-risk score patients, respectively. Finally, RT-qPCR results confirmed that the expression levels of EZH2, NDRG2, and ALDH2 were significantly down-regulated in HuH7 and HepG2 cells compared to those in LO2 cells. Conclusion: The necroptosis-related gene signature developed herein can classify patients with HCC according to prognosis risk well and is associated with infiltration of immune cells into the tumor immune microenvironment.
Intracranial arteriovenous shunts in infants: A decade of experience from a quaternary pediatric center
Authors: Requejo Flavio , Teplisky Dario , González Dutra María Laura , Lipsch José , Nguyen Thanh N , Abdalkader Mohamad
Published: June 2023

Background and purpose

Intracranial arteriovenous shunts (IAVS) are rare vascular diseases in infants. They can be categorized into vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation (VGAM), pial arteriovenous fistula (PAVF), and dural arteriovenous fistula associated with dural sinus malformation (DAVF/DSM). We sought to review the clinical presentation, imaging characteristics, endovascular treatment (EVT), and outcomes of IAVS in infants presenting to a quaternary pediatric referral center over one decade.

Methods

A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed of all infants diagnosed with IAVS between January 2011 and January 2021 in a quaternary pediatric referral center. For each patient, demographic data, clinical presentation, imaging findings, management strategies, and outcomes were reviewed and discussed.

Results

Over the study period, 38 consecutive infants were diagnosed with IAVS. Patients with VGAM (23/38, 60.5%) presented with congenital heart failure (CHF) (14/23), hydrocephalus (4/23), and seizures (2/23), and three patients were asymptomatic. Eighteen patients with VGAM underwent EVT. Among those, 13 patients (72.2%) were successfully treated with an angiographic cure and three patients (3/18, 17%) died. Patients with PAVF (9/38, 23.7%) presented with CHF (5/9), intracranial hemorrhage (2/9), and seizures (2/9), and all of them were successfully treated endovascularly. Patients with Type I DAVF/DSM (4/6, 66.6%) presented with mass effect (2/4), cerebral venous hypertension (1/4), CHF (1/4), and cerebrofacial venous metameric syndrome (1/4). Patients with type II DAVF/DSM (2/6, 33.3%) presented with a thrill behind the ear. Patients with DAVF/DSM were treated endovascularly, five patients were cured, and one with type I DAVF/DSM died.

Conclusion

Intracranial arteriovenous shunts are rare but potentially life-threatening neurovascular pathologies in infants. Endovascular treatment is challenging but feasible in carefully selected patients.