bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal Growth Trajectories in Children with Cow’s Milk Allergy: Effects of Elimination Diet and Post-Termination Period
Authors: Tel Adiguzel Kubra , Ercan Nazli , Kahraman Esin
Published: March 2024

Introduction: The primary dietary approach for managing cow’s milk allergy (CMA) is the elimination diet. We aimed to compare the growth patterns of children with CMA during and after the elimination diet with healthy peers and identify influencing factors. Methods: We compared 74 CMA children with age-matched healthy peers. Anthropometric data were collected during the third month of cow’s milk elimination (CME) diet (T1), 3 months after diet cessation (T2), and after ≥3 months of normal diet (T3). Control group measurements coincided. Nutrient intake was assessed by a 3-day record, and patient laboratory results were noted at T3. Results: CMA children had consistently lower weight-for-age (WFA) and height-for-age (HFA) z-scores than controls. WtHt z-score of patients was lower than those of the healthy group at T2. HC z-scores of patients were lower than those of the healthy group at T0, T2, and T3. At T3, the HFA z-score of the CME group demonstrated a negative correlation with the duration of the elimination diet (p = 0.045). Inadequate intake of energy, vitamins A, E, B1, B6, C, folic acid, magnesium, and iron was significantly higher in CMA children (p < 0.05). T3 WFA z-score correlated positively with fiber, vitamin B1, magnesium, and iron intake (p < 0.05). T3 WtHt showed a positive moderate correlation with energy, protein, vitamin E, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium, phosphor, iron intake (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Post-elimination diet, children with CMA need sustained monitoring and potentially micronutrient supplementation to match healthy peers’ growth.
Áreas: teoria, construções e problemas
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Zootecnia e Engenharia de Alimentos, Linares Juan López
Published: March 2024

O cálculo de áreas é fundamental em diversas áreas da matemática, ciência, engenharia, arquitetura, geografia e muitas outras disciplinas. Além da Introdução a discussão é organizada em três capítulos: Fundamentos para cálculos de áreas; Construções, exercícios e desafios; Problemas de olimpíadas internacionais. O texto conta com 54 figuras que facilitam o acompanhamento das resoluções. Todas têm como complemento links para os gráficos interativos no site do GeoGebra e, vários, a resolução em vídeo do YouTube. O diferencial na utilização do GeoGebra está baseado na disponibilidade gratuita do software, tanto online como aplicativos para computadores e celulares. As construções geométricas podem ser feitas de forma dinâmica, onde exploram-se diversas configurações de um mesmo problema. O GeoGebra serve tanto como calculadora gráfica e numérica, utilizada para a verificação, como ferramenta para a apresentação, passo a passo, de uma demonstração rigorosa. O GeoGebra também convida o leitor a interagir, a pôr as mão na massa. Este material didático foi utilizado durante algumas das aulas do curso "Geometria Olímpica com GeoGebra" para professores de Matemática do Ensino Fundamental e Médio de todo o Brasil.
Impact of Rapid Up-Titration of Guideline-Directed Medical Therapies on Quality of Life: Insights From the STRONG-HF Trial
Authors: Čelutkienė Jelena , Čerlinskaitė-Bajorė Kamilė , Cotter Gad , Edwards Christopher , Adamo Marianna , Arrigo Mattia , Barros Marianela , Biegus Jan , Chioncel Ovidiu , Cohen-Solal Alain , Damasceno Albertino , Diaz Rafael , Filippatos Gerasimos , Gayat Etienne , Kimmoun Antoine , Léopold Valentine , Metra Marco , Novosadova Maria , Pagnesi Matteo , Pang Peter S. , Ponikowski Piotr , Saidu Hadiza , Sliwa Karen , Takagi Koji , Ter Maaten Jozine M. , Tomasoni Daniela , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Voors Adriaan A. , Mebazaa Alexandre , Davison Beth
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

This analysis provides details on baseline and changes in quality of life (QoL) and its components as measured by EQ-5D-5L questionnaire, as well as association with objective outcomes, applying high-intensity heart failure (HF) care in patients with acute HF.

METHODS:

In STRONG-HF trial (Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of Rapid Optimization, Helped by NT-proBNP Testing, of Heart Failure Therapies) patients with acute HF were randomized just before discharge to either usual care or a high-intensity care strategy of guideline-directed medical therapy up-titration. Patients ranked their state of health on the EQ-5D visual analog scale score ranging from 0 (the worst imaginable health) to 100 (the best imaginable health) at baseline and at 90 days follow-up.

RESULTS:

In 1072 patients with acute HF with available assessment of QoL (539/533 patients assigned high-intensity care/usual care) the mean baseline EQ-visual analog scale score was 59.2 (SD, 15.1) with no difference between the treatment groups. Patients with lower baseline EQ-visual analog scale (meaning worse QoL) were more likely to be women, self-reported Black and non-European (
P
<0.001). The strongest independent predictors of a greater improvement in QoL were younger age (
P
<0.001), no HF hospitalization in the previous year (
P
<0.001), lower NYHA class before hospital admission (
P
<0.001) and high-intensity care treatment (mean difference, 4.2 [95% CI, 2.5–5.8];
P
<0.001). No statistically significant heterogeneity in the benefits of high-intensity care was seen across patient subgroups of different ages, with left ventricular ejection fraction above or below 40%, NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) and systolic blood pressure above or below the median value. The treatment effect on the primary end point did not vary significantly across baseline EQ-visual analog scale (
P
interaction
=0.87).

CONCLUSIONS:

Early up-titration of guideline-directed medical therapy significantly improves all dimensions of QoL in patients with HF and improves prognosis regardless of baseline self-assessed health status. The likelihood of achieving optimal doses of HF medications does not depend on baseline QoL.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03412201.
Inflammatory Type Focal Cerebral Arteriopathy of the Posterior Circulation in Children: A Comparative Cohort Study
Authors: Slavova Nedelina , Muenger Robin , Sanchez-Albisua Iciar , Regényi Maria , Oesch Gabriela , Fluss Joël , Hackenberg Annette , Lebon Sébastien , Maier Oliver , Datta Alexandre N. , Bigi Sandra , Grunt Sebastian , Steinlin Maja
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

Inflammatory type focal cerebral arteriopathy (FCA-i) in the anterior circulation (AC) is well characterized, and the focal cerebral arteriopathy severity score (FCASS) reflects the severity of the disease. We identified cases of FCA-i in the posterior circulation (PC) and adapted the FCASS to describe these cases.

METHODS:

In this comparative cohort study, patients from the Swiss NeuroPaediatric Stroke Registry with ischemic stroke due to FCA-i between January 2000 and December 2018 were analyzed. A comparison between PC and AC cases regarding pediatric National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score and pediatric stroke outcome measure and FCASS was performed. We estimated infarct size by the modified pediatric Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score in children with AC stroke and the adapted Bernese posterior diffusion–weighted imaging score in the PC.

RESULTS:

Thirty-five children with a median age of 6.3 (interquartile range, 2.7–8.2 [95% CI, 0.9–15.6]; 20 male; 57.1%) years with FCA-i were identified. The total incidence rate was 0.15/100 000/year (95% CI, 0.11–0.21). Six had PC-FCA-i. Time to final FCASS was longer in the PC compared with AC; the evolution of FCASS did not differ. Initial pediatric National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was higher in children with FCA-i in the PC with a median of 10.0 (interquartile range, 5.75–21.0) compared with 4.5 (interquartile range, 2.0–8.0) in those with AC-FCA-i. Different from the anterior cases, PC infarct volume did not correlate with higher discharge, maximum, or final FCASS scores (Pearson correlation coefficient [r], 0.25, 0.35, and 0.54).

CONCLUSIONS:

FCA-i also affects the PC. These cases should be included in future investigations into FCA-i. Although it did not correlate with clinical outcomes in our cohort, the modified FCASS may well serve as a marker for the evolution of the arteriopathy in posterior FCA-i.
Imaging Biomarkers of VCI: A Focused Update
Authors: Clancy Una , Kancheva Angelina K. , Valdés Hernández Maria del C. , Jochems Angela C.C. , Muñoz Maniega Susana , Quinn Terence J. , Wardlaw Joanna M.
Published: March 2024

Vascular cognitive impairment is common after stroke, in memory clinics, medicine for the elderly services, and undiagnosed in the community. Vascular disease is said to be the second most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer disease, yet vascular dysfunction is now known to predate cognitive decline in Alzheimer disease, and most dementias at older ages are mixed. Neuroimaging has a major role in identifying the proportion of vascular versus other likely pathologies in patients with cognitive impairment. Here, we aim to provide a pragmatic but evidence-based summary of the current state of potential imaging biomarkers, focusing on magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, which are relevant to diagnosing, estimating prognosis, monitoring vascular cognitive impairment, and incorporating our own experiences. We focus on markers that are well-established, with a known profile of association with cognitive measures, but also consider more recently described, including quantitative tissue markers of vascular injury. We highlight the gaps in accessibility and translation to more routine clinical practice.
Inhibition of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Protects From Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Hu Yue , Chang Luping , Zhu Yuanbo , Geng Xue , Liu Zhongwang , Wang Ranran , Wang Yiheng , Zhao Bing-Qiao , Fan Wenying
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

Ischemic stroke is often accompanied by oxidative stress and inflammatory response, both of which work synergistically to exacerbate the disruption of the blood-brain barrier and ischemic brain injury. ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase), a cancer-associated receptor tyrosine kinase, was found to play a role in oxidative stress and inflammation. In this study, we investigated the role of ALK inhibition in a murine model of ischemic stroke.

METHODS:

Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by temporary occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery in mice with a filament. The ALK inhibitor alectinib was administered following the stroke. ALOX15 (arachidonic acid 15-lipoxygenase) was overexpressed by adenovirus injection. The immunohistochemistry, Western blot, oxidative stress, inflammation, blood-brain barrier leakage, infarct volume, and functional outcomes were determined.

RESULTS:

We found that the expression of ALK was markedly increased in the neurovascular unit after cerebral ischemia. Treatment with the ALK inhibitor alectinib reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative DNA, increased the vascular levels of antioxidant enzymes, inactivated the vascular NLRP3 (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3) inflammasome pathway, and reduced vascular inflammation (ICAM-1 [intercellular adhesion molecule-1] and MCP-1 [monocyte chemoattractant protein-1]) after ischemia. Moreover, alectinib reduced the loss of cerebrovascular integrity and blood-brain barrier damage, consequently decreasing brain infarction and neurological deficits. Furthermore, alectinib reduced stroke-evoked ALOX15 expression, whereas virus-mediated overexpression of ALOX15 abolished alectinib-dependent inhibition of oxidative stress and vascular inflammation, blood-brain barrier protection, and neuroprotection, suggesting the protective effects of alectinib for stroke may involve ALOX15.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings demonstrated that alectinib protects from stroke by regulating ischemic signaling cascades and suggest that ALK may be a novel therapeutic target for ischemic stroke.
Decreasing alpha flow releases task-specific processing paths
Authors: Hanna Jevri , Kim Cora , Rampp Stefan , Buchfelder Michael , Müller-Voggel Nadia
Published: March 2024

Directing and maintaining attention toward relevant information and away from non-relevant information is a critical competence of higher-order nervous systems. Here, we used directed connectivity to investigate how the human brain prioritizes appropriate processing paths when participants are performing a behavioral task requiring attention in the visual or the auditory modality. We show that the efficient transfer of information relevant for the task is mediated by a region- and task-specific decrease of alpha band connectivity from the parietal and, in case a motor response is required, motor cortex to the relevant sensory cortices. Further, alpha-band connectivity modulations reliably predict alpha power modulations in the task-related sensory cortices, particularly where the task-irrelevant cortex is inhibited via local alpha power increases. We suggest that the task- and region-specific modulation of alpha-band connectivity in the present study is a basic neuronal mechanism orchestrating the allocation of task-relevant neuronal resources related to and possibly underlying the previously reported sensory alpha power modulations in association with the allocation of competing attentional resources.
The Moment the Mahāvīra Attained Omniscience
Authors: Tieken Herman
Published: March 2024

In the accounts of the Mahāvīra’s life in the first suyakkhaṃdha of the Āyāra(ṃga) and the Jinacaritra several turning points are mentioned. As will be shown, the periods between these turning points are delimited in a highly exact way, which accounts for the intercalary months. However, the modern translators have failed to recognize the terms involved. And so have the authors of the texts themselves and the subsequent copyists, which in the case of Āyāra I becomes clear from an interpolation and in that of the Jinacaritra from the introduction of an alternative system of dating the main events in the Mahāvīra’s life. The latter system is also found in the second suyakkhaṃdha of the Āyāra, which contains an account of the Mahāvīra’s life which, as will be shown, might well have been based on the one in the Jinacaritra. The exact calculations lend the biography in Āyāra I the character of a handbook providing strict rules for prospective monks. The author of the Jinacaritra, who was unaware of the function of the calculations, produced instead a veritable hagiography. It will be argued that while the phenomenon of intercalarity must have been widely known, knowledge of the calculations seems to have been passed on mainly in royal administrative circles involved in taxation and revenue collection. This is a world from which the ascetic monks, however learned, must have been far removed. This might explain the misunderstandings visible in the Jinacaritra and, with it, Āyāra II. The authors of what is by general agreement the earliest version, in Āyāra I, seem instead to have been familiar with the work carried out in these administrative centres.
The Alleged Jesuit-Led Rebellion in 1606: Missionary Conditions in Early Seventeenth- Century China
Authors: Xie Jingzhen
Published: March 2024

In early 1606, the Chinese in Guangdong Province mobilized militarily upon learning that the Jesuits in Macau were rising up in an attempt to occupy China. However, the incident did not develop into persecution of the missionaries and was quickly put to an end with the restoration of the Jesuits’ innocence. The peaceful resolution of the alleged Jesuit-led rebellion shed new light on the rich yet complex missionary conditions in early seventeenth-century China. During this period, the Ming Dynasty was in decline, but its loyal statesmen were eager to rejuvenate Confucian values. This article argues that there were various factors contributing to the favorable atmosphere around the missionary work, including the Valignano-Ricci policy, the support provided by reliable Chinese Jesuits, the friendship and brotherhood that the Jesuits formed with Chinese scholar-officials, Ming statesmen’s various aspirations, and Ming China’s conciliatory policy toward the Portuguese in Macau.
‘Your Father the Devil’: Relations between Catholic and Protestant Missionaries in Nineteenth Century Taiwan
Authors: Charouz Ladislav
Published: March 2024

This article argues that interaction between Dominican and Presbyterian missionaries in nineteenth-century Taiwan had a profound significance for both missions. The Catholics and Protestants contended over the same areas and groups of people, which led to conflicts but also to religiously motivated innovations. Understanding this competitive relationship helps to explain the actions and strategies of both churches, as well as to identify unexpected sources of their power. Finally, the article shows that the missionaries’ slights and criticisms of each other, often performed in front of a Taiwanese audience, help to illustrate the impact that religious competition had on the missionaries’ acculturation to local belief systems.
The subfamily Cercidoideae (Fabaceae Lindl.) in the Chapada do Araripe, Northeast Brazil
Authors: FERREIRA DA CRUZ MARIANA , BEZERRA DOS SANTOS ANTONIO CARLITO , DA SILVA SAMPAIO VALÉRIA , CALIXTO JÚNIOR JOÃO TAVARES , DE ALMEIDA SOUZA MARTA MARIA , DE MELO ALCÂNTARA BRUNO , SOARES DA SILVA JOSÉ ANDERSON , BEZERRA LOIOLA MARIA IRACEMA , PESSOA DA SILVA MARIA ARLENE
Published: March 2024

The Fabaceae family holds the greatest floral diversity and number of species in Brazil, having high economic, ecological, and medicinal importance, and is currently divided into six subfamilies. This study consisted of a survey and description of species of the Cercidoideae subfamily occurring in the Chapada do Araripe, Northeast Brazil. Nine species belonging to the genera Bauhinia and Schnella were cataloged, and one species (B. forficata) is presented here as a new record in Ceará state. This article provides botanical identification keys, data on phenology, and distribution, and a geographic distribution map aiming to expand knowledge of the regional flora and to support preservation actions in the Chapada do Araripe.
Evaluation of Physical Activity and Diet Among Type 2 Diabetics in Libreville
Authors: Bengone Aude Syntia Mbang , Nikiema-Ndong Rosalie , Nsame Daniela , Edzo Edwige Nnegue , Batou Alvine Sibylle , Zeba Augustin , Emvo Edouard Nsi , Abessolo Felix Ovono
Published: March 2024

Background: Physical activity and healthy diet can prevent or reduce risk of developing type 2 diabetes, otherwise may reduce the disease complications among diabetics. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physical activity and diet of type 2 diabetics in Libreville. Methods: It was a case-control study conducted at the Endocrinology Department of the University Hospital Centre of Libreville and at the Biochemistry Laboratory of the University of Health Sciences. Patients (n=272) recruited were divided in type 2 diabetics (n=136) and controls (n=136). Physical activity was assessed using WHO Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ). Diet was assessed using FAO Food Consumption and Diversity Scores (FCS and DDS). Results: Diabetics had higher overall physical activity than controls (19.1% vs. 10.3% respectively; p= 0.0033). Then, low activity was obtained in more than half of diabetics (80.8%). Acceptable dietary intake was more frequent in controls than in cases (78.7% vs. 51.4%, p= 0.0000). Similarly, poor dietary diversity was observed in 34.6% of diabetics versus 8.8% of controls (p= 0.0000). Several variables were associated with type 2 diabetes. These were age (p= 0.0000), TyG (p= 0.0000), triglyceridemia (p=0.0000), first and second-degree relative family history of diabetes (p=0.0030 and p=0.0020 respectively) and alcohol consumption (p= 0.0060). When stepwise linear regression was performed, dietary intake and dietary diversity scores were negatively associated with diabetes. Conclusion: This study revealed that diabetics in Libreville are intensely physically active, but that this activity needs to be reinforced and accompanied by greater dietary diversity.
Behavioral Responses to Sporting Contest Design: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Medcalfe Simon
Published: March 2024

Sporting contests are designed to elicit an effort from contestants. Well-designed contests have beneficial behavioral responses of competitors such as increased effort which results in higher quality of competition. However, poorly designed contests may not reward the best competitor or may elicit unethical behaviors. This article reviews the literature on sporting contest design, paying particular attention to empirical studies over the last 20 years. Topic areas include different contest designs in a single sport, scheduling of contests and individual games, contest rule changes and game rule changes, and unintended behavioral consequences of sporting contest design.
Rush to Charge, Dead to Drive: Application of Deadline Rush Model to Electric Vehicle User’s Charging Behavior
Authors: Khaleghikarahrodi Mehrsa , Macht Gretchen A.
Published: March 2024

Objective

This work aims to estimate the portion of electric vehicle (EV) users who exhibit procrastination-like behavior, almost equivalent to an “empty” battery, before they decide to charge their vehicles.

Background

There is a human tendency to procrastinate when a deadline approaches. Human behavior in the presence of deadlines has been studied in different fields to evaluate individuals’ performance or organizational efficiency and effectiveness. However, this phenomenon has not been investigated among EV users.

Method

This study explores users’ procrastination-like behavior among 69 Rhode Island public charging stations’ data representing 70,611 charging events. The Deadline Rush Model is incorporated to model frequent users’ charging profiles. To conduct a robust estimation, the Bayesian Mixture Model is implemented.

Results

With the selection of an informative prior, the Bayesian Mixture Model estimated that almost one-third of frequent users procrastinate charging.

Conclusion

The majority of procrastination-like users have small battery sizes. Although procrastination-like users need to charge when they arrive at a location, that might not necessarily be true for a plug-in hybrid; thus, systematically, they can clog the system for other users whose needs are more pressing. Understanding unique and unexplored charging behaviors among EV users is beneficial to EV infrastructure stakeholders in reducing the adoption threshold by providing a reliable and ubiquitous charging network.

Application

The findings identify a different kind of demand on the EV infrastructure than previously modeled and can directly influence future decision-making criteria in terms of planning to optimize to accommodate EV drivers with different charging behaviors.
CSR Activity as a Measure of Efficiency in Central Public Sector Enterprises
Authors: Debnath Roma Mitra , George Abi Antony
Published: March 2024

A large majority of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE) have been in existence for more than six decades and might soon complete a century of existence. They may soon qualify to be called as companies ‘Built to Last’. Notwithstanding the clamouring for ‘privatisation’ and the frequent interference by the government in matters solely concerning the management, the large majority of CPSEs continue to show profits year after year. This is best exemplified by the long list of CPSEs contributing towards society’s overall development under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Act. This article considers the top seventy-seven CPSEs, ranging from the smallest to the largest, which have been supporting CSR activities in the country for the past several years.
Caste, Affirmative Action and Employment in Contemporary India
Authors: Behera Minaketan , Kumar Gautam
Published: March 2024

Caste is a peculiar system of social hierarchy where people receive differential treatment according to the caste group into which they are born. India’s constitution contains broad affirmative action measures to fight caste-based discrimination and long-standing injustices. This paper examines the prevalence of caste-based inequality and discrimination in employment, occupation and wages in the labour market in contemporary India. It also examines the progress achieved through quota-based affirmative action programmes (i.e. reservation targets) in the sphere of employment in India and discusses the problems in implementing the affirmative programmes. We need policy innovation to address market and non-market discrimination and remove barriers, especially in the informal and private sectors, while ensuring caste has an appropriate position in global development policy debates.
Leveraging Relational Agency: CLIL Teacher Collaboration in One Kazakhstani University
Authors: Montgomery D. Philip , De Costa Peter I.
Published: March 2024

Although numerous studies about the experiences of teachers in English-medium instruction (EMI) and Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) include calls for greater collaboration between content subject teachers and their English (or second language) teacher counterparts, few describe actual collaborative relationships. In this Kazakhstan-based qualitative study, we applied a teacher agency framework to answer three questions: (a) What challenges do university teachers face when delivering an EMI curriculum?; (b) What collaborative practices do teachers experience?; and (c) How do teachers use collaboration to negotiate the challenges they face? Through observations, participant journals, semi-structured interviews and document analysis, we discovered that teachers found their students’ low levels of engagement and English proficiency, their institution's critical observation culture and the ever-changing national and institutional policy landscape to be challenging. By co-authoring research, exchanging advice and co-teaching, the teachers responded agentively to institutional and ideological structures, thus demonstrating how relational agency can have a resourcing effect on teachers’ experiences. These findings shed light on the ongoing discussion of teacher agency and yield important implications for teachers, teacher education programmes and researchers.
Between Tradition and Modernity: A Sociological Reading of Bimal Mitra’s Saheb Bibi Golam
Authors: Jayaram N.
Published: March 2024

In his book Modernization of Indian Tradition, Yogendra Singh advanced a ‘paradigm for an integrated approach’ to analysing social change. Drawing insights from this paradigm, this lecture delivered in his memory analyses the dialectics of or the relations between tradition and modernity. It is based on a sociological reading of the historical novel Saheb Bibi Golam by the Bengali litterateur Bimal Mitra. It elucidates fiction as ethnography and provides a corrective to the conventional polarisation between fiction and social research.
Salivary Gland Tumors: A 20 Year Review From a Single Community Practice
Authors: Smith Emily , Zaro Christopher , Dhingra Jagdish K.
Published: March 2024

Objective: Salivary gland tumors are a heterogenous group of lesions with variable pathology and clinical outcomes. Most published data are derived from studies conducted at tertiary care centers. Our study analyzed the experience from a community setting to determine significant differences, if any, in pathological distribution and clinical outcomes compared to the existing literature. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of all major salivary gland tumors that presented to a large community practice over a 20 year period. Retrospective chart analysis was performed for demographics, clinical presentation, imaging, cytology, histopathology, and clinical outcome data. Results: Of 806 patients, the parotid gland was the most common site in 683 patients (84.7%), followed by submandibular in 78 (9.7%) and sublingual in 45 (5.6%). A total of 203 patients were managed conservatively with observation without definitive diagnosis or lost to follow-up. A total of 495 patients underwent surgical intervention within the community practice. Twenty-six patients underwent surgical excision at an outside hospital. Eighty-two patients were determined to have a benign diagnosis based on ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration or excisional biopsy alone. Final histopathology was benign in 505 cases (83.7%), while 98 tumors (16.3%) received a diagnosis of primary or secondary malignancy. For the parotid gland, pleomorphic adenoma (155) and Warthin’s tumor (155) were the most common benign diagnoses, while mucoepidermoid carcinoma (13), adenocarcinoma (8), and acinic cell carcinoma (8) were the most common primary malignancies. Conclusions: We found a higher rate of benign tumor pathology compared to the existing literature. While the outcome data on surgical treatment of benign tumors are comparable to the existing literature, the same conclusion cannot be drawn for malignant tumors, given relatively small numbers in our series and likely disparity in the complexity of the surgical cases in tertiary care centers.
Auditory Processing Disorders and Vision Processing Disorders in Twice-Exceptionality (2e): Are These Foundational Factors Being Overlooked?
Authors: De Bonte Austina , McCaffrey Ciara A. , Wisdom Hilary K. , Locke Megan E. , Torgerson Nancy G. , Lucero Terri
Published: March 2024

A growing understanding of twice-exceptional (2e) students has caused many to consider the possibility of misdiagnosis and missed diagnoses in the gifted student. Despite this, auditory processing disorders (APD) and vision processing disorders (VPD) are seldom examined in the 2e research literature, yet are not uncommon in the 2e population. Because both auditory and vision processing are foundational to the human experience, challenges in these areas may significantly impact higher-order skills such as attention and executive function, as well as academic performance. This article explores what is currently known about these processing disorders, examines potential co-occurring conditions, such as dyslexia and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and presents clinical case file data suggesting how these sensory disorders may appear in the 2e population. Proper identification, management, and support of APD and VPD in 2e students could improve our ability to address student needs at the foundational level.
Affective Outcomes of a Summer Talent Development Program: What Do Students Say?
Authors: Chowkase Aakash A. , Desmet Ophélie Allyssa , Datar Kshama , Deshpande Ashwini , Khasnis Sandhya
Published: March 2024

This study explored the affective outcomes students perceived from participating in a summer program and the program components that contributed to participants’ perceived affective development. Participants were 55 middle school students (29 girls) with intellectual gifts who participated in a 4-day-long residential program conducted in a western state in India. Participants wrote descriptive reflections responding to a 16-item open-ended survey. Matrix coding was used to code affective outcomes and the associated program components. Thematic analyses of responses revealed five themes that depicted improvement in participants’ (a) confidence and courage, (b) self-awareness, (c) social awareness, (d) social skills, and (e) inspiration. Leadership workshops and group activities, rural experience, and camp structure were discussed most frequently in relation to specific affective outcomes. Findings indicated that a direct and well-planned affective intervention can provide opportunities for social and emotional learning. Implications for holistic talent development programming have been discussed.
Approaches to developing community: A survey of the perspectives of American female undergraduate prospective band directors
Authors: Fitzpatrick Kate
Published: March 2024

Within the field of American secondary school wind band teaching, women have been historically and persistently underrepresented, making it important to consider ways to (1) expand pre-service teachers’ opportunities to engage with successful female band directors, and (2) to explore undergraduate women’s insights into becoming female band directors themselves. The purpose of this survey-based study was to explore the perceptions of American female-identifying collegiate music education majors ( N = 32) regarding the American school-based wind band teaching profession and their experiences within an intensive, one day, community-building event for female band directors. Results of the survey and subsequent analysis revealed a lack of female band director role models under whom participants had studied, a significant positive correlation between participants’ confidence in their ability to succeed in the role and their level of motivation for doing so, and a moderately positive perception of belief in their ability to balance potential future parenthood with their career. Thematic analysis of written responses revealed participants’ gender-specific concerns about entering the band directing profession and their takeaways from the day-long event. Implications are provided, including suggestions for pre-service teacher education, future research, and the development of other such events aimed at developing community for female-identifying band directors.
Long-term isoflurane anesthesia induces cognitive deficits via AQP4 depolarization mediated blunted glymphatic inflammatory proteins clearance
Authors: Dong Rui , Han Yuqiang , Lv Pin , Jiang Linhao , Wang Zimo , Peng Liangyu , Liu Shuai , Ma Zhengliang , Xia Tianjiao , Zhang Bing , Gu Xiaoping
Published: March 2024

Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) refer to cognitive deterioration that occurs after surgery or anesthesia. Prolonged isoflurane exposure has potential neurotoxicity and induces PND, but the mechanism is unclear. The glymphatic system clears harmful metabolic waste from the brain. This study sought to unveil the functions of glymphatic system in PND and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. The PND mice model was established by long term isoflurane anesthesia. The glymphatic function was assessed by multiple in vitro and in vivo methods. An adeno-associated virus was used to overexpress AQP4 and TGN-020 was used to inhibit its function. This research revealed that the glymphatic system was impaired in PND mice and the blunted glymphatic transport was closely associated with the accumulation of inflammatory proteins in the hippocampus. Increasing AQP4 polarization could enhance glymphatic transport and suppresses neuroinflammation, thereby improve cognitive function in the PND model mice. However, a marked impaired glymphatic inflammatory proteins clearance and the more severe cognitive dysfunction were observed when decreasing AQP4 polarization. Therefore, long-term isoflurane anesthesia causes blunted glymphatic system by inducing AQP4 depolarization, enhanced the AQP4 polarization can alleviate the glymphatic system malfunction and reduce the neuroinflammatory response, which may be a potential treatment strategy for PND.
Social determinants of health and dialysis modality selection in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Thanabalasingam Susan J , Akbari Ayub , Sood Manish M , Brown Pierre A , White Christine A , Moorman Danielle , Salman Maria , Sriperumbuduri Sriram , Hundemer Gregory L
Published: March 2024

Background:

Social determinants of health are non-medical factors that impact health. For patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) progressing to kidney failure, the influence of social determinants of health on dialysis modality selection (haemodialysis vs. peritoneal dialysis (PD)) is incompletely understood.

Methods:

Retrospective cohort study of 981 consecutive patients with advanced CKD referred to the Ottawa Hospital Multi-Care Kidney Clinic (Canada) who progressed to dialysis from 2010 to 2021. Multivariable logistic regression was used to measure odds ratios (OR) for the associations between social determinants of health (education, employment, marital status and residence) and modality of dialysis initiation.

Results:

The mean age and estimated glomerular filtration rate were 64 and 18 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Not having a high school degree was associated with lower odds of initiating dialysis via PD compared to having a college degree (29% vs. 48%, OR 0.55 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34–0.88)). Unemployment was associated with lower odds of initiating dialysis via PD compared to active employment (38% vs. 62%, OR 0.40 (95% CI 0.27–0.60)). Being single was associated with lower odds of initiating dialysis via PD compared to being married (35% vs. 48%, adjusted OR 0.52 (95% CI 0.39–0.70)). Living alone at home was associated with lower odds of initiating dialysis via PD compared to living at home with family (33% vs. 47%, adjusted OR 0.55 (95% CI 0.39–0.78)).

Conclusions:

Social determinants of health including education, employment, marital status and residence are associated with dialysis modality selection. Addressing these ‘upstream’ social factors may allow for more equitable outcomes during the transition from advanced CKD to kidney failure.
Green Nails, Red Alert: An Unusual Exit site infection Presentation
Authors: Nakamura Takuto , Yamauchi Marino , Sonoda Shinichiro , Aharen Daigo , Ikemura Masaki , Kohagura Kentaro , Kusunose Kenya
Published: March 2024

Green nail syndrome is an infectious nail disorder caused most commonly by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We report a rare case of peritoneal dialysis (PD) exit site infection (ESI) accompanied by P. aeruginosa-associated green nail syndrome. The patient was treated with oral and topical antibiotics without the need for PD catheter removal. We aim to emphasise the importance of nail assessment for ESI in patients undergoing PD.
Cross-validation approaches for penalized Cox regression
Authors: Dai Biyue , Breheny Patrick
Published: March 2024

Cross-validation is the most common way of selecting tuning parameters in penalized regression, but its use in penalized Cox regression models has received relatively little attention in the literature. Due to its partial likelihood construction, carrying out cross-validation for Cox models is not straightforward, and there are several potential approaches for implementation. Here, we propose a new approach based on cross-validating the linear predictors of the Cox model and compare it to approaches that have been proposed elsewhere. We show that the proposed approach offers an attractive balance of performance and numerical stability, and illustrate these advantages using simulated data as well as analyzing a high-dimensional study of gene expression and survival in lung cancer patients.
Weight calibration in the joint modelling of medical cost and mortality
Authors: Yoon Seong Hoon , Vandal Alain , Rivera-Rodriguez Claudia
Published: March 2024

Joint modelling of longitudinal and time-to-event data is a method that recognizes the dependency between the two data types, and combines the two outcomes into a single model, which leads to more precise estimates. These models are applicable when individuals are followed over a period of time, generally to monitor the progression of a disease or a medical condition, and also when longitudinal covariates are available. Medical cost datasets are often also available in longitudinal scenarios, but these datasets usually arise from a complex sampling design rather than simple random sampling and such complex sampling design needs to be accounted for in the statistical analysis. Ignoring the sampling mechanism can lead to misleading conclusions. This article proposes a novel approach to the joint modelling of complex data by combining survey calibration with standard joint modelling. This is achieved by incorporating a new set of equations to calibrate the sampling weights for the survival model in a joint model setting. The proposed method is applied to data on anti-dementia medication costs and mortality in people with diagnosed dementia in New Zealand.
BOIN-ETC: A Bayesian optimal interval design considering efficacy and toxicity to identify the optimal dose combinations
Authors: Kakizume Tomoyuki , Takeda Kentaro , Taguri Masataka , Morita Satoshi
Published: March 2024

One of the primary objectives of a dose-finding trial for novel anti-cancer agent combination therapies, such as molecular targeted agents and immune-oncology therapies, is to identify optimal dose combinations that are tolerable and therapeutically beneficial for subjects in subsequent clinical trials. The goal differs from that of a dose-finding trial for traditional cytotoxic agents, in which the goal is to determine the maximum tolerated dose combinations. This paper proposes the new design, named ‘BOIN-ETC’ design, to identify optimal dose combinations based on both efficacy and toxicity outcomes using the waterfall approach. The BOIN-ETC design is model-assisted, so it is expected to be robust, and straightforward to implement in actual oncology dose-finding trials. These characteristics are quite valuable from a practical perspective. Simulation studies show that the BOIN-ETC design has advantages compared with the other approaches in the percentage of correct optimal dose combination selection and the average number of patients allocated to the optimal dose combinations across various realistic settings.
Effects of Gamification on Motivations of Elementary School Students: An Action Research Field Experiment
Authors: Mohammed Mohammed , Fatemah Amal , Hassan Lobna
Published: March 2024

Background

Gamification research and practice have gained popularity, but there is a lack of experimental and field evidence regarding the effectiveness of specific design elements and their use contexts especially in developing countries.

Aim

This research aimed to measure the effect of gamifying digital learning environments and compare the effects of badges and leaderboards on the development of cognitive and achievement motivation of elementary school students.

Method

A gamified environment focused on the circulatory system and employing interactive storytelling was developed. It was tested through an in-field experiment at an elementary school in Egypt. The research sample was of 30 students in the 5th grade, divided into two equal experimental groups (badges - leaderboard).

Results

The results indicated an increase in cognitive and achievement motivation among students in both experimental groups. However, there were no significant differences in the effects of badges and leaderboards on the cognitive and achievement motivations of the participants in the two experimental groups.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the effects of gamification are more likely due to the holistic design and novelty, rather than the specific use of a specific game element.
Study on blast-induced vibration of single-hole cylindrical charge
Authors: Qiu Xianyang , Qiu Hongjie , Shen Wenbo , Shi Xiuzhi , Li Xiaoyuan , Zhi Wei
Published: March 2024

It is essential to study the blast-induced vibration of cylindrical charge so as to reduce ground vibration level and protect the surrounding environment. In this paper, the Heelan model is used to study the generation and propagation mechanisms of blasting vibration induced by single-hole cylindrical charge. It shows that the superposition of vibration waves induced by explosives in different positions of the cylindrical charge causes the increase of peak particle velocity ( PPV) in the region along the propagation direction of detonation waves. The vector peak particle velocity ( VPPV) versus distance for different stemming lengths ( SL) indicates that the linear attenuation between the VPPV and the exponential of distance appears only over a certain distance. Hence, the traditional formula for PPV prediction is suitable just in the middle and far field, not in the near field. The influences of charge length, detonation velocity and initiation pattern on the blast vibration are also investigated. The generation of Mach waves is determined by the relationship of scale between velocity of detonation ( VoD), P-wave velocity, and S-wave velocity. Over a certain value, the charge length doesn’t affect maximum VPPV, but affects the range of VPPV with relatively large values. Moreover, the bottom and top detonator positions have similar consequences on vibration control in the far field as the influence of limited charge length on blast vibration can be ignored. The VPPV of the middle initiating is almost twice as much as the other two detonator positions in the far field. Thus, in practical blasting, the middle initiating needs to be avoided.
Adaptation to water-induced disaster: exploring local knowledge and Indigenous knowledge-led strategies
Authors: Rittelmeyer Pamela , Caretta Martina Angela , Dowler Calynn , Vora Shuchi , Seigerman Cydney K , Reddy EB Uday Bhaskar , NR Lakshmikantha , Parajuli Jagadish , Srinivasan Jaishri , Priya Ritu , Mukherji Aditi
Published: March 2024

The magnitude of water-induced disasters is projected to increase in the coming decades. Yet, there is a substantial gap in the understanding of how local knowledge and Indigenous knowledge are employed to respond to climate change water-induced disasters. We examine this gap through a meta-review of literature published between 2014 and 2019 yielding 39 scholarly papers. The meta-review indicates that the literature highlights that marginalized people are facing multiple risks that threaten their ability to produce enough food for consumption, secure water for irrigation, live in sustainable communities, and maintain their health and well-being. Responses are largely incremental, autonomous adjustments, such as livelihood diversification, flood-proofing homes, and soil moisture conservation. Our findings show that there is a clear need to more closely attend to the processes by which local knowledge and Indigenous knowledge can be meaningfully integrated into adaptation to move toward transformative change for long-term climate resilience.