bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strand One and Political Cooperation in Northern Ireland
Authors: Mitchell David , Tannam Etain
Published: December 2024

This chapter begins by providing an overview of the political parties in Northern Ireland before the 1998 Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, examining the parties themselves and their backgrounds: the Alliance Party, the Democratic Unionist Party, the Ulster Unionist Party, the Social Democratic and Labour Party, and Sinn Féin. It then assesses the rocky path of party cooperation under Strand One, from 1999 to 2023 despite some significant examples of cooperation between the parties. The collapses of Strand One institutions and the various agreements made to help restore them will be examined. The chapter also examines the impact of Brexit and the Protocol on political cooperation in Northern Ireland.
Child Labour Effects of Access to Basic Utilities
Authors: Cigno Alessandro , Rosati Furio C.
Published: December 2024

According to UNICEF in 2022 about 700 million people had no or very limited access to water and roughly the same number did not have access to electricity. This chapter discusses the effects of access to basic services on the use of the children’s time. If households devote substantial time to gathering water and fuel, then the opportunity-cost of children’s time rises. The empirical analysis is difficult because of the complexities of identifying a counterfactual. However, the results presented indicate that access to basic services has a relevant effect on child labour, with the obvious policy implication that, as well as providing schools and health, governments concerned about child labour and school attendance should give a high priority to these basic facilities.
The Demand for Child Labour
Authors: Cigno Alessandro , Rosati Furio C.
Published: December 2024

Although the majority of children work in family farms or businesses, both the status of the labour market and the structure of production have a role to play. Cyclical movements in the local adult labour market have an impact on the number of children working. The effects are differentiated by level of household income, area of residence, and age. Also, the presence of relatively child-labour-intensive industries affects the evolution of child labour. As the productive structure of the economy changes, and child intensive industries become less relevant, child labour decreases. An important role in this context can be played by international trade. As the country moves up along the so-called ‘value-added ladder’, relatively child-labour-intensive industries are likely to lose importance, and this will contribute to the reduction of child labour.
Health Effects of Child Labour
Authors: Cigno Alessandro , Rosati Furio C.
Published: December 2024

While many working children see their health affected by work, it is difficult to ascertain whether, ceteris paribus, they fare better or worse, in terms of health, than their non-working counterparts. Evidence from rural Vietnam suggests that work has no negative short-term effect on childhood health. In the longer term, however, child work appears to have a negative health impact. Individuals working during childhood are significantly more likely to report illness up to five years later. The nature of the effect differs by gender. The analysis of the Guatemalan data reveals that adult health is influenced by the age of entry into the labour market. There are two pathways through which this effect may operate. First, a child might suffer a workplace accident with long-term consequences for health. Second, there could be a latency period in the development of work-related health problems.
Axial involvement in psoriatic arthritis: is it unique?
Authors: Helliwell Philip S
Published: December 2024

Axial involvement in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) has been a major feature of the disease since the original description by Wright and Moll. However, despite over 50 years of study, there is still no accepted definition of axial PsA, nor validated classification criteria. Numerous observational studies have described a phenotype of axial involvement that differs from classical ankylosing spondylitis (AS or axial spondyloarthritis) both clinically and radiographically, and in the frequency of the HLA-B27 antigen. These differences are important clinically, as axial PsA may be less prominent than AS, and in terms of treatment. This short review discusses these issues and offers some clarification for clinicians.
Investigating trajectories linking social cognitive capacity, bias, and social isolation using computational modeling
Authors: Mąka Szymon , Wiśniewska Marcelina , Piejka Aleksandra , Chrustowicz Marta , Okruszek Łukasz
Published: December 2024

Despite theoretical emphasis on loneliness affecting social information processing, empirical studies lack consensus. We previously adopted a clinical science framework to measure the association between social cognitive capacity and bias and both objective and perceived social isolation in nonclinical participants. Our prior study found that while objective social isolation is linked to both social cognitive capacity and social cognitive bias, loneliness is associated only with the latter. This study extended our previous model using a computational approach to capture implicit cognitive processes. We replicated and extended our earlier findings with a new sample of 271 participants, using neuropsychological tasks and a dot-probe paradigm that was analyzed via Drift Diffusion Model. We presented two complementary trajectories of how social cognitive bias may arise: the increased propensity to engage with salient social stimuli or a decreased information processing capacity dependent on the presence or absence of potential social threats. Furthermore, we found evidence that loneliness is associated with the time needed for perceptual processing of stimuli, both directly and indirectly, via social cognitive bias. Taken together, the complex and context-dependent nature of information processing biases observed in the current study suggests that complex and multifaceted interventions should be implemented to counter social information processing biases in lonely individuals.
Kuafuorterviruses, a novel major lineage of reverse-transcribing viruses
Authors: Gong Zhen , Han Guan-Zhu
Published: December 2024

Reverse-transcribing viruses (RTVs) characterized by reverse transcription required for their replication infect nearly all the eukaryotes. After decades of extensive analyses and discoveries, the understanding of the diversity of RTVs has largely stagnated. Herein, we discover a previously neglected lineage of RTVs, designated Kuafuorterviruses, in animals. Through screening over 8000 eukaryote genomes, we identify the presence of endogenous Kuafuorterviruses in the genomes of 169 eumetazoans dispersed across 11 animal phyla. Phylogenetic analyses and sequence similarity networks indicate that Kuafuorterviruses constitute a novel major lineage of RTVs. The discovery of Kuafuorterviruses refines our understanding of the diversity, evolution, and classification of RTVs and has implications in annotating animal genomes.
Seizures in a healthy 20-year-old woman
Authors: Felker Lori , Dholakia Kripa , Wachter-Schutz Wendy , Rourke Mary T. , Youse Kathleen M.
Published: December 2024

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is the most common type of autoimmune encephalitis. The initial presentation can vary from subtle mental status changes to more severe symptoms such as seizures, coma, or death. This case report outlines the interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to diagnosing and treating a patient with anti-NMDAR autoimmune encephalitis.
Learner Assessment and Program Evaluation: Supporting Precision Education
Authors: Richardson Judee , Santen Sally A. , Mejicano George C. , Fancher Tonya , Holmboe Eric , Hogan Sean O. , Marin Marina , Burk-Rafel Jesse
Published: December 2024

Precision education (PE) systematically leverages data and advanced analytics to inform educational interventions that, in turn, promote meaningful learner outcomes. PE does this by incorporating analytic results back into the education continuum through continuous feedback cycles. These data-informed sequences of planning, learning, assessing, and adjusting foster competence and adaptive expertise. PE cycles occur at individual (micro), program (meso), or system (macro) levels. This article focuses on program- and system-level PE.

Data for PE come from a multitude of sources, including learner assessment and program evaluation. The authors describe the link between these data and the vital role evaluation plays in providing evidence of educational effectiveness. By including prior program evaluation research supporting this claim, the authors illustrate the link between training programs and patient outcomes. They also describe existing national reports providing feedback to programs and institutions, as well as 2 emerging, multiorganization program- and system-level PE efforts. The challenges encountered by those implementing PE and the continuing need to advance this work illuminate the necessity for increased cross-disciplinary collaborations and a national cross-organizational data-sharing effort.

Finally, the authors propose practical approaches for funding a national initiative in PE as well as potential models for advancing the field of PE. Lessons learned from successes by others illustrate the promise of these recommendations.
Navigating the Landscape of Precision Education: Insights From On-the-Ground Initiatives
Authors: Garibaldi Brian T. , Hollon McKenzie M. , Woodworth Glenn E. , Winkel Abigail Ford , Desai Sanjay V.
Published: December 2024

A central goal of precision education (PE) is efficiently delivering the right educational intervention to the right learner at the right time. This can be achieved through a PE cycle that involves gathering inputs, using analytics to generate insights, planning and implementing interventions, learning and assessing outcomes, and then using lessons learned to inform modifications to the cycle. In this paper, the authors describe 3 PE initiatives utilizing this cycle. The Graduate Medical Education Laboratory (GEL) uses longitudinal data on graduate trainee behavior, clinical skills, and wellness to improve clinical performance and professional fulfillment. The Transition to Residency Advantage (TRA) program uses learner data from medical school coupled with individualized coaching to improve the transition to residency. The Anesthesia Research Group for Educational Technology (TARGET) is developing an automated tool to deliver individualized education to anesthesia residents based on a longitudinal digital representation of the learner. The authors discuss strengths of the PE cycle and transferrable learnings for future PE innovations. Common challenges are identified, including related to data (e.g., volume, variety, sharing across institutions, using the electronic health record), analytics (e.g., validating augmented intelligence models), and interventions (e.g., scaling up learner assessments with limited resources). PE developers need to share their experiences in order to overcome these challenges, develop best practices, and ensure ethical development of future systems. Adapting a common framework to develop and assess PE initiatives will lead to a clearer understanding of their impact, help to mitigate potential risks, and allow deployment of successful practices on a larger scale.
Precision Education and Equity: A Participatory Framework to Advance Equitable Assessment
Authors: Sukhera Javeed
Published: December 2024

Precision education (PE) may hold promise for the future of the field. Leveraging data and learning analytics to foster continuous improvement of individuals, programs, and organizations seems like a potential mechanism to advance both medical education and health care delivery systems toward a more equitable future. However, PE initiatives may also have unintended consequences and perpetuate inequities instead of ameliorating them. Although there have been some principles, ideas, and suggestions on how PE implementation may promote equity—particularly for the field of assessment—there is a lack of practical and evidence-informed guidance to support a more equitable and participatory approach to PE implementation. This paper provides actionable recommendations on how PE may advance equitable assessment. First, PE implementation must include democratizing access and ownership while enhancing literacy and transparency. Open and transparent access to both data and PE technology has the potential to enhance PE by fostering greater participation, rigor, and potential innovation. Transparency may also safeguard the use of assessment data for equitable purposes. Second, PE implementation must be cocreated with diverse learners. PE has the potential to empower learners if they are given an opportunity to participate in the development, application, and implementation of PE. Overall, a participatory approach to PE implementation has the potential to improve equitable assessment.
Leveraging Electronic Health Record Data and Measuring Interdependence in the Era of Precision Education and Assessment
Authors: Sebok-Syer Stefanie S. , Small William R. , Lingard Lorelei , Glober Nancy K. , George Brian C. , Burk-Rafel Jesse
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The era of precision education is increasingly leveraging electronic health record (EHR) data to assess residents’ clinical performance. But precision in what the EHR-based resident performance metrics are truly assessing is not fully understood. For instance, there is limited understanding of how EHR-based measures account for the influence of the team on an individual’s performance—or conversely how an individual contributes to team performances. This study aims to elaborate on how the theoretical understandings of supportive and collaborative interdependence are captured in residents’ EHR-based metrics.

Method

Using a mixed methods study design, the authors conducted a secondary analysis of 5 existing quantitative and qualitative datasets used in previous EHR studies to investigate how aspects of interdependence shape the ways that team-based care is provided to patients.

Results

Quantitative analyses of 16 EHR-based metrics found variability in faculty and resident performance (both between and within resident). Qualitative analyses revealed that faculty lack awareness of their own EHR-based performance metrics, which limits their ability to act interdependently with residents in an evidence-informed fashion. The lens of interdependence elucidates how resident practice patterns develop across residency training, shifting from supportive to collaborative interdependence over time. Joint displays merging the quantitative and qualitative analyses showed that residents are aware of variability in faculty’s practice patterns and that viewing resident EHR-based measures without accounting for the interdependence of residents with faculty is problematic, particularly within the framework of precision education.

Conclusions

To prepare for this new paradigm of precision education, educators need to develop and evaluate theoretically robust models that measure interdependence in EHR-based metrics, affording more nuanced interpretation of such metrics when assessing residents throughout training.
Preliminary Evaluation of Improvements in Melasma and Photoaging With Laser-Driven Microjet Injection of Poly-d,l-Lactic Acid
Authors: Seo Suk Bae , Wan Jovian , Hidajat Inneke Jane , Tanojo Henry , Pranata Achmad Yudha , Yi Kyu-Ho
Published: December 2024

Background:

Melasma, a common skin hyperpigmentation disorder, has traditionally been linked to hormonal changes in genetically predisposed individuals. Recent studies, however, highlight the role of photoageing, particularly from visible light exposure, as a significant contributing factor. Effective treatments for melasma and associated signs of photoageing remain a clinical challenge.

Objective:

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Poly-d,l-lactic acid (PDLLA) delivered via laser-induced microjet injectors in treating melasma and signs of photoageing.

Patients and Methods:

Eighteen Korean participants aged 42 to 74, with Fitzpatrick skin types III to IV, were enrolled. All participants exhibited melasma, signs of photoageing, or both. PDLLA was administered using the Mirajet device over 5 to 9 sessions. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) and the Glogau Classification for photoageing. Adverse events were monitored throughout the study.

Results:

Significant improvements were observed in both melasma severity and signs of photoageing. The mean MASI score decreased from 22.72 to 7.31 (p =.004). Photoageing severity, as assessed by the Glogau Classification, also improved notably. Minimal side effects were reported, primarily transient bleeding.

Conclusion:

PDLLA administered via laser-induced microjet injectors appears to be a safe and effective treatment for melasma and photoageing, particularly in patients with more severe melasma. These findings suggest the potential for PDLLA in skin rejuvenation; however, further randomised controlled trials are warranted to confirm these results and optimise treatment protocols.
Deep Tissue Sculpture in Neck Rejuvenation: Review of 641 Consecutive Cases
Authors: Ghoraba Samir M.
Published: December 2024

Background:

Enhancing neck contour is a primary goal for individuals seeking facial and neck rejuvenation. However, the literature on deep neck sculpture and its potential complications is scarce.

Methods:

The records of 641 patients with deep plane neck lift and deep tissue sculpture were reviewed retrospectively between 2014 and 2023. The surgical techniques used by the author were addressed comprehensively and supplemented with videos. The outcomes and complications were reported.

Results:

A total of 1861 consecutive patients underwent deep plane facelift. Of these, 641 patients (34.4%) underwent deep neck surgery, with an average age of 52 years; 14.6% were men, and 29% were smokers. A total of 12.3% experienced complications after deep neck sculpture. The most common complications were subcutaneous serous collection (4.3%), followed by marginal mandibular neuropraxia (3.3%) and hematomas (2.96%). Parotid sialocele was the least frequent complication among enrolled patients (0.3%).

Conclusions:

Deep neck sculpture presents an effective and safe technique for patients seeking neck rejuvenation.
Assessing Interpectoral Nerve Block for Postoperative Pain Management in Reduction Mammaplasty Surgery: A Case-control Study
Authors: Grella Elisa , Molle Marcello , Nardone Luigi , Crisci Erminia , Coppola Vincenzo , Pieretti Gorizio , Faenza Mario , Nicoletti Giovanni Francesco
Published: December 2024

Background:

Reduction mammaplasty surgery is a commonly performed procedure in plastic surgery, offering significant improvements in quality of life. However, the postoperative period may be accompanied by considerable pain. In this study, we assess the impact of interpectoral block on reducing postoperative pain.

Methods:

The study assessed postoperative pain using the Numeric Rating Scale at 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours following reduction mammaplasty surgery in a cohort of 46 patients operated on between January and September 2023. Among them, 28 patients received an interpectoral block, whereas 18 did not. Additionally, the study monitored analgesic intake, the incidence of shivering and nausea, and blood pressure and heart rate values in the postoperative period.

Results:

In patients undergoing interpectoral blockade, there was a statistically significant reduction in postoperative NRS values and the need for additional analgesic therapy. However, no significant differences were observed in the incidence of nausea and shivering between the 2 groups.

Conclusions:

The implementation of pectoral nerve blocks appears to be a promising technique for mitigating postoperative pain in reduction mastopexy surgery.
Patient-reported Outcome Measures for Peripheral Nerve Injuries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wong Chloe R. , Karpinski Marta , Davidge Kristen M. , Klassen Anne , Dengler Jana
Published: December 2024

Background:

The goal of managing patients with peripheral nerve injuries is to improve how a patient feels and functions. This goal is best assessed with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), which elicit patient concerns, treatment goals, and clinical progression. This study reviews existing PROMs for adult patients with peripheral nerve injuries to assess how comprehensively they measure outcomes important to patients.

Methods:

A systematic review of Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase (from inception to August 13, 2022) was conducted to identify PROMs developed for adult patients with peripheral nerve injuries. Studies were included if (1) the study population involved traumatic or acquired peripheral nerve injuries; (2) they were randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, or single-arm observational studies; (3) participants were 18 years or older; and (4) PROMs were used to assess quality of life or patient satisfaction.

Results:

A total of 378 studies were included in this systematic review. We identified 141 unique PROMs used in the adult peripheral nerve injury literature: 20 are disease-specific (14%), 10 are function-specific (7%), 19 are mental health and well-being–specific (13%), 11 are quality of life–specific (8%), 32 are body region–specific (23%), 29 are symptom-specific (21%), 3 are satisfaction-specific (2%), 15 are generic (11%), and 2 are other (1%).

Conclusions:

There exists considerable heterogeneity of PROMs used in research on patients with peripheral nerve injuries. None of the PROMs comprehensively assess this patient population. The need for the development of a comprehensive PROM for this patient population is highlighted.
Subnormothermic Machine Perfusion of Neonatal and Small-Sized Pediatric Donor Hearts
Authors: Wagner Mitchell J. , Aguiar da Silva Guilherme Mainardi , Hatami Sanaz , Khan Mubashir , Lin Lily , Wang Xiuhua , Pidborochynski Tara , Adam Benjamin , Nagendran Jayan , Conway Jennifer , Freed Darren H.
Published: December 2024

Donor heart machine perfusion enables avoidance of prolonged cold ischemia, however the optimal temperature is yet to be elucidated. Given that maintenance of temperature beyond ambient levels demands significant energy, we sought to determine the suitability of room-temperature perfusion preservation of neonatal/pediatric-sized (5–20 kg) piglet donor hearts. A custom device was fabricated suitable for this purpose, with continuous readout of perfusion pressure, flow rate, temperature, and oxygen saturation. Oxygen delivery was automated to keep saturation above 90%. The perfusate consisted of a 1:1 mix of donor whole blood and modified Krebs–Henseleit solution with albumin. Donor hearts were procured from 5 kg (n = 5), 10 kg (n = 3), and 20 kg (n = 5) piglets, and perfused for 10 hours. Subsequently, 20 kg piglet hearts were transplanted. Hemodynamic stability and echocardiographic measurement of donor heart function were evaluated posttransplant. Perfusate parameters were stable through the perfusion interval. Temperature was consistently 23.8 ± 1.6°C. pH (7.35 ± 0.09) and pO2 (102 ± 29 mm Hg) were steady throughout. Glucose (5.9 ± 1.8 mmol/L) and lactate (2.4 ± 1.5 mmol/L) were metabolized by the heart over the course of perfusion. Transplanted hearts displayed durable hemodynamics and good biventricular function. We conclude that neonatal and pediatric hearts can be safely perfused for extended periods at subnormothermic conditions using blood-based perfusate.
Overview of the etiology of childhood cancer and future directions
Authors: Hoang Thanh T. , Scheurer Michael E. , Lupo Philip J.
Published: December 2024

Purpose of review

We provide an overview of the etiology of childhood cancer, the state of the literature, and highlight some opportunities for future research, including technological advancements that could be applied to etiologic studies of childhood cancer to accelerate our understanding.

Recent findings

Risk factors of childhood cancer were summarized based on demographics and perinatal factors, environmental risk factors, and genetic risk factors. Overall, demographics and perinatal factors are the most well studied in relation to childhood cancer. While environmental risk factors have been implicated, more work is needed to pinpoint specific exposures, identify window(s) of susceptibility, and understand mechanisms. With genome-wide association studies (GWAS), genetic risk factors of eight childhood cancers have emerged, and opportunities remain to conduct GWAS for other cancer types and determine whether risk variants are inherited or de novo. Technological advancements that can shed light into the susceptibility of childhood cancer include metabolomics, using primary teeth as an exposure matrix, and long-read sequencing.

The development of childhood cancer remains largely not well understood. Collaboration to increase sample size to conduct analyses by histology and/or molecular subtype and application of novel technologies will accelerate our understanding of childhood cancer.
The childhood cancer data initiative: enabling data sharing to drive research advances and transform pediatric cancer diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Jagu Subhashini , Auvil Jaime M. Guidry , Reaman Gregory
Published: December 2024

Purpose of review

With growing emphasis on data-driven research in pediatric oncology, particularly in the context of advances in molecular characterization and precision medicine, there is an urgent need for comprehensive data-sharing initiatives. This review explores how the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative (CCDI) addresses this critical need.

Recent findings

CCDI plays a key role in enhancing pediatric cancer research by improving data integration, sharing, and collaboration. Its Molecular Characterization Initiative advances the field by leveraging detailed molecular data to inform clinical trials and therapeutic strategies. For small patient populations, such as those with rhabdomyosarcoma, CCDI's efforts in integrating data across institutions are vital for advancing risk-based treatment strategies to achieve meaningful clinical outcomes.

CCDI's advancements in data sharing have profound implications for both clinical practice and research. By enabling precise diagnoses, tailoring treatments based on individual genetic profiles, and addressing the challenges associated with small patient populations, CCDI is driving transformative changes in pediatric oncology. Continued support and expansion of such initiatives are crucial to fully realizing their potential in improving outcomes for children with cancer.
A Rapid Review of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in the Context of Palliative Care
Authors: Miller Megan , Meyers Molly , Martin Annona , Napolitano Stephanie , Dorsen Caroline , Penn Andrew , Rosa William E.
Published: December 2024

Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) involves supported experiences with psychedelic medicines in carefully curated environments. Early evidence suggests possible utility of PAT for addressing psychosocial-spiritual-existential concerns, yet gaps remain in understanding findings related to PAT's role in palliative care. This rapid review aims to synthesize current literature on applications of PAT in the context of palliative care. Through a systematic process, we identified 34 articles published between January 2021 and July 2024. Protocols varied yet included common components of participant screening, preparation, dosing, and integration. Psilocybin was the most commonly studied compound. Results support safety and initial efficacy of PAT for psycho-spiritual-existential outcomes among carefully screened and highly homogonous samples of patients with serious illness (predominantly cancer). Current efforts and challenges around integrating PAT into systems of palliative care were highlighted. Additional work is needed to (1) explore PAT's safety and efficacy within more diverse samples and contexts, (2) train palliative care providers on PAT, (3) determine systems of care delivery best suited for translation of PAT into practice, and (4) begin developing policy solutions to support safe and equitable access to PAT. Because many patients lack access to basic psychosocial-spiritual-existential care, careful consideration is needed around integration of PAT.

The psychedelic substances which are the topic of this article are not currently FDA approved for use in the United States.
Persistent and De Novo Stress Urinary Incontinence After Minimally Invasive Sacrocolpopexy
Authors: Sinha Annika , Yao Meng , Ferrando Cecile A.
Published: December 2024

(Abstracted from Urogynecology (Phila) 2024;30(9):742–752

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) can manifest in a variety of circumstances, but one of the most common is in individuals with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Repair procedures often consist of the placement of a sling concurrent with repair of the prolapse, and research has shown an 8% to 57% incidence of persistent SUI after midurethral sling (MUS) placement, with a 20% risk of persistent SUI reported after combined apical prolapse procedure and MUS.
Vestibulopathy in Patients Presenting With Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
Authors: Vanstrum Erik B. , Smith Eric , Weng Maxwell , Kim Minjung , Kita Ashley
Published: December 2024

Objectives:

Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) refers to a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus in the distribution of the facial nerve, but it can involve other cranial nerves as well. In patients with polyneuropathy, the vestibulocochlear nerve is most involved after the facial nerve. The clinical manifestations and long-term vestibular outcomes in these patients remain unclear. This report aims to characterize the clinical course of this rare subset of RHS patients.

Methods:

This study is a retrospective case series. The study was conducted in a tertiary care institution. Patients with RHS polyneuropathy presenting with vestibular deficit were reviewed over a 30-year period. Case details including initial presentation, House-Brackmann grade, treatment regimen, vestibular examination and testing, MRI findings, and follow-up time were extracted.

Results:

A total of 22 patients were identified. The mean age of diagnosis was 53 years and the average follow-up time was 23 months. Most patients demonstrated complete facial paralysis (88%) upon presentation. Nystagmus was rarely recorded during physical examination (18%, n = 4). For those patients who underwent MRI of the internal auditory canal (n = 17), 59% demonstrated enhancement of the facial nerve, with a notable absence of vestibulocochlear nerve abnormality. Of the patients who underwent vestibular testing, all demonstrated unilateral caloric weakness on videonystagmography (VNG; 66% ± 22%, n = 8).

Conclusions:

Patients with RHS polyneuropathy and vestibular complaints do not consistently demonstrate objective vestibular physical examination or imaging findings on presentation. However, VNG consistently demonstrates significant unilateral weakness on caloric stimulation. Most patients in our sample continued to have vestibular complaints at latest follow-up.
Top 10 research achievements of traditional Chinese medicine in 2023
Authors:   China Association of Chinese Medicine
Published: December 2024

In order to fulfill the requirements of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and the Opinions on Promoting the Inheritance, Innovation and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine, regularly summarize the research achievements of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), present the academic progress of TCM dynamically, and give full play to the leadership of academic groups in research, the China Association of Chinese Medicine organized the selection of the top 10 academic achievements of TCM in 2023. The selection work adhered to the “4 orientations”; eliminated the “4 only”; highlighted the solution of clinical problems and scientific questions, the development of the industry, and the exploratory, forward-looking, innovative, and breakthrough research; and focused on new laws, new discoveries, new methods, new products, and new theories in the basic research and applied basic research of TCM. After dynamic collection, preliminary examination, review, and final judgment, the top 10 academic achievements of TCM in 2023 were determined. First, breakthroughs have been achieved in the treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction by Tongxinluo. Second, evidence has been gained regarding the efficacy of acupuncture in treating chronic spontaneous urticaria and vomiting in pregnancy. Third, evidence has been gained regarding the improvement of neurological function outcomes by Xuesaitong soft capsules in treating patients with ischemic stroke. Fourth, the mechanisms of Huashi Baidu Powder and Pien Tze Huang in clinical treatment have been revealed. Fifth, the pharmacodynamic mechanisms of astragaloside and capsaicin have been revealed for the first time. Sixth, new technologies represented by spatial metabolomics assist in elucidating the material basis of the complex systems of TCM. Seventh, network medicine framework reveals the generic mechanism underlying the effectiveness of TCM treatment based on syndrome differentiation. Eighth, a comprehensive platform for multidimensional nucleic acid data of TCM promotes data sharing in molecular pharmacognosy. Ninth, multiprocess transfer and information fusion provide solutions for digital manufacturing of big honeyed pills. Tenth, the scientific system of TCM regulatory science has been preliminarily built and applied.
Potential Role of EBI3 in Gastric Cancer and Its Inductive Effects on T Cell Exhaustion
Authors: Yan Yongjia , Shen Zexuan , Woo Yanghee , Wang Daohan , Liu Xin , Zhang Wenxin , Zhang Zhaoxiong , Wang Peiyao , Fu Weihua
Published: December 2024

Background:

Immunotherapy has achieved effective antitumor activity in advanced GC patients. However, the rate of response to ICI therapy is disappointing, T cell exhaustion may contribute to this phenomenon. EBI3 is an emerging immunosuppressive factor, and the association between EBI3 and T cell exhaustion is not clear. In this study, we aimed to explore the expression of EBI3 in GC, and reveal the function of EBI3 in T cell exhaustion.

Study design:

The gene expression data and clinical data of GC patients were downloaded from the TCGA database to measure the expression of EBI3 in GC and explore the association between EBI3 and clinicopathological features. Then tumor specimens were collected and IHC was used to demonstrate the expression of EBI3 in GC tissues. Finally, we constructed a mouse model of orthotopic GC to examine the function of EBI3 in T cell exhaustion.

Results:

The data from the TCGA database showed that EBI3 is highly expressed in GC and the expression of EBI3 is associated with pTNM stage. We analyzed the expression of EBI3 in GC tissues, the results showed expression of EBI3 is associated with age, T stage, N stage, pTNM stage, and degree of differentiation. After constructing the mouse model of orthotopic GC, we found EBI3 can lead to an increase in proportion of CD8+PD-1+T cells and CD8+LAG3+T cells, meanwhile, the secretion of IL-2 was significantly decreased.

Conclusion:

Our study indicated that EBI3 is an important cytokine in the development of GC, and EBI3 may promote the development of GC by inducing T cell exhaustion in the tumor microenvironment.
From
PψN
and
PψsΛ
to
T¯ccf
: Symmetry analysis of the interactions in the
(c¯q)(c¯q)
,
(ccq)(c¯q)
, and
(ccq)(ccq)
dihadron systems
Authors: Chen Kan , Wang Bo
Published: December 2024

We investigate the interactions of (c¯q)(c¯q)/(ccq)(c¯q)/(ccq)(ccq) dihadron systems based on a contact Lagrangian possessing the SU(3) flavor and SU(2) spin symmetries. Under the assumptions of two scenarios for the JP quantum numbers of PψN(4440) and PψN(4457) states, we obtain the parameters (g˜s, g˜a) introduced from this contact Lagrangian. Then we include the SU(3) breaking effect by introducing a factor gx, this quantity can be constrained by the experimental mass of PψsΛ(4338) state. We can reproduce the mass of Tccf(3875) state with the parameters extracted from the observed PψN states, the fairly good description of the masses of the observed PψN/PψsΛ/Tccf states motivates us to investigate the possible molecular candidates in the T¯ccf/PψcΛ/HΩccccΛ systems within the same framework. Then we proceed to discuss the existences of T¯ccs¯θ/PψcsN/HΩccccsN states by investigating the SU(3) breaking effects. Our results show that the states in the T¯ccs¯θ/PψcsN systems can hardly form bound states, while the states in the HΩccccsN system can form bound states due to their larger reduced masses.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Reduction of artifacts associated with missing data in coherent diffractive imaging
Authors: Malm Erik , Chushkin Yuriy
Published: December 2024

Coherent diffractive imaging experiments often collect incomplete datasets containing regions that lack any measurements. These regions can arise because of beamstops, gaps between detectors, or, in tomography experiments, a missing wedge of data due to a limited sample rotation range. We describe practical and effective approaches to mitigate reconstruction artifacts by bringing uniqueness back to the phase retrieval problem. This is accomplished by looking for a solution that both matches the data and has minimum total variation, which essentially sets the unconstrained modes to reduce oscillations within the reconstruction. Two algorithms are described. The first algorithm assumes that there is an accurate estimate of the phase and can be used for pre- and post-processing. The second algorithm attempts to simultaneously minimize the total variation and recover the phase. We demonstrate the utility of these algorithms with numerical simulations and, experimentally, on a large, three-dimensional dataset.
Pulse-by-pulse transient thermal deformation in crystal optics under high-repetition-rate FEL
Authors: Zhang Lin , Hastings Jerome , Huang Zhirong , Tang Jingyi , Zhu Diling
Published: December 2024

Time-domain modeling of the thermal deformation of crystal optics can help define acceptable operational ranges across the pulse-energy repetition-rate phase space. In this paper, we have studied the transient thermal deformation of a water-cooled diamond crystal for a cavity-based X-ray free-electron laser (CBXFEL), either an X-ray free-electron laser oscillator (XFELO) or a regenerative amplifier X-ray free-electron laser (RAFEL), by numerical simulations including finite-element analysis and advanced data processing. Pulse-by-pulse transient thermal deformation of a 50 µm-thick diamond crystal has been performed with X-ray pulse repetition rates between 50 kHz and 1 MHz. Results for temperature and thermal deformation have been compared with the results of transient analysis using a continuous wave (CW) power loading. Temperature and thermal deformation results from pulse-by-pulse transient analysis vary with time about the results for the CW case for the same average power. The variation amplitude increases with pulse energy and decreases with repetition rate. When the repetition rate increases to infinity, both temperature and thermal deformation converge to the results for the CW case. Two critical time scales for the operation of crystal optics in a CBXFEL are (1) first-turn time, i.e. the time for the XFEL pulse to complete the first turn around the cavity so that the crystal sees the recirculated XFEL pulse, and (2) period-end time, i.e. the time that the next electron bunch arrives for the amplification, so that the crystal outcouples the amplified FEL power. For the same average power, simulation results show that the crystal thermal deformation seen by the XFEL beam decreases with repetition rate at the first-turn time of a 300 m-long cavity and increases with repetition rate at the period-end time. For the wavefront preservation requirement of the crystal optics, a pulse-energy versus repetition-rate phase space has been established. The upper bounds of the pulse energy at both first-turn and period-end times decreases with repetition rate, especially at the period-end time. The upper bound of the thermal deformation of the crystal at the period-end time for any repetition frequency can be estimated from the CW case. For a water-cooled diamond crystal of dimension 5 mm × 5 mm × 0.05 mm, the time to reach a quasi steady-state is about 50 ms for temperature and 50 µs for thermal deformation
Sustainable branding and innovation in the craft beer sector
Authors: García-Chamizo Fernando , Ávila Rodríguez-de-Mier Belén , López-Agulló Pérez-Caballero José Manuel
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The study aims to analyse whether the selected craft beers carry out sustainable practices, not only in production but also in promotion and distribution, highlighting territoriality and shared pride with their audience.

Design/methodology/approach

This article examines sustainable practices in craft beers through a qualitative analysis of 42 breweries in Spain. Territorial marketing and circular economy strategies are identified. The results show an increasing integration of sustainable practices and their impact on brand perception. This research contributes to the literature on sustainability in local industries and offers recommendations for small breweries seeking to differentiate themselves in competitive markets.

Findings

Key results show the integration of territoriality and sustainability elements in their marketing. Diverse sustainable practices are observed such as the installation of solar panels and the use of gas-powered vehicles. As for the advertising, and public relations strategy, it is noted that all the beers studied use these tools to be present at fairs, festivals, and events in their territories.

Originality/value

This study investigates the integration of sustainable practices in the craft beer industry in Spain, analysing a sample of 42 breweries. Qualitative methods are used to identify sustainability practices and the promotion of territorial branding strategies. Results indicate a correlation between brand identity and sustainability, with implications for the expansion of the circular economy model. It is suggested that small artisanal producers adopt territorial branding models to strengthen their sustainability and competitiveness.
Narrowing the gender gap in youth entrepreneurship in Russia: the role of university education and environment
Authors: Uskova Anna , Iangiboeva Nilufar , Shirokova Galina , Bodolica Virginia
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Although entrepreneurship represents one of the main driving forces of socio-economic development of any nation, women continue to be underrepresented in this domain. The aim of this paper is to examine the role that relevant university education and environment play in narrowing the gender gap in youth entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the GUESSS 2021 dataset, the final sample includes 4,813 student-respondents from 21 higher education institutions located in Russia. Our hypotheses were tested using Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) regression analyses with the help of Stata 14.2 software.

Findings

Our results indicate that in Russia there is a substantial imbalance between male and female students regarding their level of involvement in entrepreneurial activities. University entrepreneurship education reduces this gap by boosting young women’s engagement into entrepreneurship, while the effect of university environment is not significant.

Originality/value

This research draws on both the social roles’ theory and the university embeddedness perspective to provide a contextualized evidence on factors that may reduce the entrepreneurial gender gap of youth in an emerging market setting.
Impediments to progress toward discrimination-free workplaces: the overlooked causes of gender-based discrimination in the Pakistan and UK contexts
Authors: Cheema Sunbul Naeem , Baruch Yehuda
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Gender-based discrimination (GBD) in the workplace is a worldwide phenomenon. Both developed and developing states face this issue at different levels and magnitudes, though in the latter, it is more prevalent. We explore the overlooked possible root causes of workplace GBD.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing qualitative methods, data were collected via semi-structured interviews from 40 women employed in the service sector in Pakistan and the UK. Data underwent thematic analysis by applying the Gioia method.

Findings

Using ambivalent sexism theory to underpin our approach, we conclude that educational institutes, especially single-gender ones, could be among the primary reasons for GBD in Pakistani workplaces, but not those in the UK, where it is less prominent. We identify common factors that challenge this theory and point out current social, industrial and economic situations that link with such single-gender education.

Practical implications

This study can help “institutionalize” (establish policy and practice as organizational culture) a discrimination-free workplace and assist relevant stakeholders by facilitating policymakers and government agencies to more deeply understand causality and take corrective and preventative action against GBD.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the studies of gender discrimination and educational provision by elucidating previously overlooked possible roots of persistent GBD.
Unlocking the “SHERO” within: an exploration of how female entrepreneurs in the Caribbean use digital technologies for business transformation
Authors: Best Beverly , Lassalle Paul , Nicolopoulou Katerina
Published: December 2024

Purpose

We aim to explore the role of digital technologies for enhanced sustainability, hope, empowerment, resilience and optimism (SHERO) among female entrepreneurs in the Caribbean and the importance of embeddedness and contextualisation as a premise for integrating gender as a socially constructed situational practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The study presents qualitative data results of semi-structured interviews with 30 female digital entrepreneurs who own and operate their businesses in a range of sectors in three national contexts in the Caribbean. Narratives of the participants were used to develop the themes that emerged from the interviews.

Findings

The Caribbean context is an overarching factor that influences every facet of the lived experiences of female digital entrepreneurs. From the different contextual dimensions, we gained insights into the nuances and paradoxes of dominant assumptions related to how digital technologies influence the business transformation of female entrepreneurship as it relates to sustainability, hope, empowerment, resilience and optimism. Through a contextual gendered lens, these five business areas are found to be overlapping and mutually reinforcing features of the lived experiences of female digital entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

The Caribbean region, comprising of small island developing states, epitomises a unique spatially fragmented entrepreneurial context described as islandness which also offers a “fresh” context within the Global South that captures the novelty and heterogeneity of female entrepreneurs in the digital space.