bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Condensed Eulogies: On Biology, Brutality, and Blame
Authors: Seth Pyar J.
Published: November 2024

These Field Notes are based on my 3-year ethnography of protests organized in response to police violence. During my fieldwork, I had several conversations with families that lost children at the hands of the state. While attending the 23rd Annual Procession for the United Family and Friends Campaign (UFFC) in October of 2022, I heard families recount the harrowing moment they received the news that “excited delirium,” “acute behavioral disturbance,” or some other medical condition was the alleged cause of death of their loved ones. These exchanges, largely unmediated by the researcher, not only reveal the immense emotional toll of police violence but also the work of diagnosis and its centrality to modern policing. Masking brutality with clinical terminology, medicine is wielded as a tool to shield the state from accountability. Hopefully, understanding these overlapping histories allows us to ask different questions about how both medicine and policing work together to create new classes of people.
Exploring LDLR-APOB Interactions in Familial Hypercholesterolemia in the Vietnamese Population: A Protein-Protein Docking Approach
Authors: Kim Ngoc-Thanh , Do Doan-Loi , Nguyen Mai-Ngoc Thi , Le Hong-An , Le Thanh-Tung , Truong Thanh-Huong
Published: November 2024

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are closely linked to factors such as familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), often caused by mutations in low-density lipoprotein receptor ( LDLR) and apolipoprotein B ( APOB). Through a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis, we identified novel LDLR and APOB mutations and their cardiovascular disease (CVD) implications, focusing on unique variants in the Vietnamese population. We used homology modeling to predict protein structures; in addition, through protein-protein molecular docking, we assessed how these mutations affect binding affinities. We identified 10 novel binding residues exclusive to the wild-type and precursor LDLR isoforms, including ASP-47, GLY-48, and GLU-51. Analyses of 154 complexes revealed 5 isoforms with low binding affinities and notable hydrogen-bonding interactions—APOB (Arg3527Trp)-LDLR (Cys318Arg), APOB (His3583Leu)-LDLR (Cys104Tyr), APOB wild-LDLR (Glu228Lys), APOB (Phe2469Cys)-LDLR (Glu288Lys), and APOB wild-LDLR (Ser130Ter). These results suggest strong and potentially detrimental interactions among these proteins. Furthermore, they highlight the molecular mechanisms underlying CVD development, reveal potential therapeutic targets, enhance our understanding of genetic variations, and could guide FH research.
Personas for program evaluation: Insights from a gender-focused evaluation in Cambodia
Authors: MacArthur Jess , Moung Vandy , Carrard Naomi , Willetts Juliet
Published: November 2024

In this article, we argue for the utility of evaluative personas to address common challenges associated with analyzing qualitative data and to support actionable evaluation insights. Personas are fictional composite characters representing subgroups within a broader population. To explore the value of persona development in evaluation, a team of researchers and practitioners applied a persona-based approach to midline evaluation of a gender mainstreaming activity within a sanitation program. Fourteen personas were identified from 199 micro-narratives of change, through thematic analysis and natural-language processing. The personas were used to communicate evaluation insights and as a frame to strengthen gender mainstreaming practice. Our case highlights the value of personas for (1) providing a feasible means to analyze complex textual data sets, (2) producing engaging content that promotes evaluative program reflections, and (3) creating profiles for designing future activities. We reflect on opportunities for other programs to use personas in their evaluations.
Examining healthcare professional delivery of health behaviour change interventions during a public health emergency: A multi-professional survey among NHS healthcare professionals
Authors: Keyworth Chris , Johnson Judith , Armitage Christopher J , Vogt Katharina Sophie , Epton Tracy , Conner Mark
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to assess the extent to which healthcare professional characteristics and perceptions of major stressors during a public health emergency were associated with delivering health behaviour change interventions. A survey was administered in 2022 to a representative sample of 1008 healthcare professionals working in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and hierarchical linear regression. Older respondents, higher levels of job satisfaction, being a nurse or health visitor, and reporting higher levels of perceived impacts of the COVID-19 public health emergency were associated with higher prevalence of delivering interventions. Higher levels of emotional job stress were associated with greater time spent delivering interventions (but not with a higher prevalence of contacts involving intervention delivery). Interventions targeted at younger healthcare professionals, those reporting lower job satisfaction, and healthcare professionals other than nurses or health visitors would be particularly beneficial.
DJ-1-mediated repression of the RNA-binding protein FMRP is predicted to impact known Alzheimer's disease-related protein networks
Authors: Uneri Ayse , McArdle Colin J , Deng Zhiyong , Barth Samuel H , Keene Dirk , Craft Suzanne , Raab-Graham Kimberly F
Published: November 2024

Background

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) modulate the synaptic proteome and are instrumental in maintaining synaptic homeostasis. Moreover, aberrant expression of an RBP in a disease state would have deleterious downstream effects on synaptic function. While many underlying mechanisms of synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been proposed, the contribution of RBPs has been relatively unexplored.

Objective

To investigate alterations in RBP-messenger RNA (mRNA) interactions in AD, and its overall impact on the disease-related proteome.

Methods

We first utilized RNA-immunoprecipitation to investigate interactions between RBP, DJ-1 (Parkinson's Disease protein 7) and target mRNAs in controls and AD. Surface Sensing of Translation – Proximity Ligation Assay (SUnSET-PLA) and western blotting additionally quantified alterations in mRNA translation and protein expression of DJ-1 targets. Finally, we utilized an unbiased bioinformatic approach that connects AD-related pathways to two RBPs, DJ-1 and FMRP (Fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1).

Results

We find that oligomeric DJ-1 in AD donor synapses were less dynamic in their ability to bind and unbind mRNA compared to synapses from cognitively unimpaired, neuropathologically-verified controls. Furthermore, we find that DJ-1 associates with the mRNA coding for FMRP, Fmr1, leading to its reduced synaptic expression in AD. Through the construction of protein-protein interaction networks, aberrant expression of DJ-1 and FMRP are predicted to lead to the upregulation of key AD-related pathways, such as thyroid hormone stimulating pathway, autophagy, and ubiquitin mediated proteolysis.

Conclusions

DJ-1 and FMRP are novel targets that may restore established neurobiological mechanisms underlying AD.
Real-world diagnostic, referral, and treatment patterns in early Alzheimer's disease among community-based practices in the United States
Authors: Juday Timothy R , Holub Ashley , Mattke Soeren , Betts Keith A , Kitchen Sophie A , Liu Hongjiao , Batrla Richard , Frech Feride H , Khachaturian Ara S
Published: November 2024

Background

Over 90% of individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may not receive a timely diagnosis. Understanding community-based practice patterns, where most individuals are seen, is critical to improving patient care.

Objective

To understand how patients with MCI and mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease (AD) are diagnosed and managed in community-based settings, including the use of clinical and cognitive assessments, referrals to dementia-related specialties, and receipt of treatment.

Methods

This observational study recruited community-based primary care physicians (PCPs) (N = 177) and neurologists (N = 147) in August-September 2023, through a verified physician panel with broad geographic representation across the US. Physicians abstracted medical chart data from patients diagnosed with MCI or mild AD within the previous two years. Data collected included use of neurocognitive assessments, biomarker and structural imagine tests, referrals, and treatments. Descriptive statistics were used.

Results

Medical records for 817 MCI and 467 mild AD patients were abstracted. The mean age was 70.2 years, 56.4% were female, and 67.2% were White. Symptoms were commonly reported by a family member (67.2%). Nearly 1 in 6 patients did not receive any neurocognitive assessments (16.1%), and nearly 1 in 4 did not receive a structural imaging or AD-specific biomarker test (23.7%). AD-specific biomarker tests were more common among patients aged ≥65 (87.1% versus 75.3%; p < 0.05). Less than 1 in 4 patients were referred for cognitive/behavioral concerns.

Conclusions

As the diagnostic and treatment landscape changes, education on symptom recognition, and physician training on new technologies may facilitate timely diagnoses and improve patient outcomes.
The relationship between postoperative cognitive dysfunction and cerebral small vessel disease: A comprehensive review
Authors: Xu Xuhua , Chen Zhiya , Gao Feng
Published: November 2024

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common complication in elderly patients, and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) has been suggested as a potential risk factor. This review examines the relationship between POCD and CSVD from epidemiological, pathophysiological, and clinical perspectives, while also considering the role of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. We conducted a comprehensive literature search of major databases, supplemented by reference list checking, to ensure a thorough review of studies published between 2000 and 2023 on the relationship between POCD and CSVD. Epidemiological studies have shown that POCD and CSVD are associated in terms of common risk factors, including advanced age, vascular comorbidities, impaired baseline cognitive function, and certain population characteristics. Animal studies have revealed that CSVD and POCD share similar neuropathological changes, including abnormal cerebral hypoperfusion, inflammatory responses, and blood-brain barrier disruption. Furthermore, recent research suggests a complex interplay between CSVD, AD pathology, and POCD, with potential synergistic effects on cognitive decline. Neuroimaging studies have further demonstrated that preoperative CSVD burden and postoperative CSVD progression are associated with the development of POCD, and the presence of both CSVD and AD markers may increase the risk of cognitive decline. The association between CSVD and POCD has important implications for the perioperative management of elderly patients, including preoperative assessment, choice of anesthesia and surgical methods, intraoperative management, postoperative care, and long-term follow-up. A better understanding of the relationship between CSVD and POCD will guide evidence-based strategies to prevent and manage this debilitating complication in the aging population.
Intranasal long R3 insulin-like growth factor-1 treatment promotes amyloid plaque remodeling in cerebral cortex but fails to preserve cognitive function in male 5XFAD mice
Authors: Engel Matthew G , Narayan Sushma , Cui Min-Hui , Branch Craig A , Zhang Xusheng , Gandy Samuel E , Ehrlich Michelle , Huffman Derek M
Published: November 2024

Background

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) promotes neurogenesis, cell survival, and glial function, making it a promising candidate therapy in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Objective

Long arginine 3-IGF-1 (LR3-IGF-1) is a potent IGF-1 analogue. We sought to determine whether intranasal (IN) LR3 treatment would delay cognitive decline and pathology in 5XFAD mice.

Methods

Wildtype and 5XFAD male mice were treated for 7 months (3–10 months of age), with IN LR3-IGF-1 or IN Vehicle (Veh) (n = 19–27 mice/group). Behavior, memory, and brain imaging were assessed at 8–9 months of age and tissues collected at 10 months. A comprehensive amyloid-β (Aβ) profile and other pathologic features were conducted and supportive in vitro stimulation studies in BV-2 microglial cells were also performed.

Results

In male 5XFAD mice, IN LR3-IGF-1 treatment improved body composition, but did not significantly alter cognitive symptoms, as assessed by multiple assays. In cortex, LR3 treatment improved some facets of pathology, including a reduction in filamentous plaques, and increase in inert plaques, corresponding with a reduction in low molecular weight Aβ oligomers. In vitro, uptake of Aβ1–42 peptide by BV2 cells was enhanced by LR3-IGF-1, which was also found to promote gene pathways implicated in actin remodeling and endocytosis.

Conclusions

LR3 promotes favorable effects on Aβ plaque remodeling in cortex of male 5XFAD mice but fails to preserve aspects of behavior or memory. While these data do not support LR3 as a monotherapy per se, they do warrant further investigation into its potential for combinatorial formulations aimed at targeting the complexity of AD.
Mind's eye in the Alzheimer's disease spectrum continuum
Authors: Bechi Gabrielli Giulia , D'Antonio Fabrizia , Di Vita Antonella , Margiotta Roberta , Panigutti Massimiliano , Boccia Maddalena , Piccardi Laura , Palermo Liana , Salati Emanuela , Sepe Monti Micaela , Talarico Giuseppina , Bruno Giuseppe , Guariglia Cecilia
Published: November 2024

Background

Visual mental imagery (VMI) is the ability to represent stimuli in the mind without sensory visual input. Previous studies have shown alterations in VMI in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, VMI has not been investigated in the AD prodromal stage, mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Objective

We investigated VMI ability in mild AD and MCI patients, hypothesizing that VMI ability could be compromised since early disease stage.

Methods

We enrolled 14 patients with mild AD, 19 amnestic MCI (aMCI), and 23 healthy control subjects (HC), matched for sex, age, and education. VMI assessment included: 1) the O’clock test that allows disentangling the possible role of visuo-perceptual difficulties in the VMI task's performance; 2) a modified version of The Complete Visual Mental Imagery Battery (CVMIB), including tasks evaluating the different VMI processes (generation, maintenance, inspection and transformation).

Results

Results indicated that AD patients performed worse than HC in both perceptual and imaginal tasks of the O’clock test and in all CVMIB's tasks but maintenance. On the contrary, aMCI patients showed difficulties in the generation process and in the imaginal task of the O’clock test.

Conclusions

Visual images generation, inspection and transformation processes are impaired in mild AD. Moreover, the generation process is selectively impaired in aMCI patients, suggesting that VMI deficits are already present in the prodromal stage of AD.
Screening for obstructive sleep apnea in the memory clinic: A comparison of questionnaires, pulse oximetry, and polysomnography
Authors: Lam Aaron , D’Rozario Angela L , Kong Shawn , Ireland Catriona , Mowszowski Loren , LaMonica Haley M , Phillips Craig L , Hoyos Camilla M , Grunstein Ronald R , Naismith Sharon L
Published: November 2024

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is highly prevalent among older adults and has been associated with cognitive decline and dementia risk. The suitability of screening tools for detecting OSA in memory clinic settings is unclear.

Objective

To evaluate the utility and validity of the STOP-Bang questionnaire (SBQ) and pulse oximeter as a screening tool, compared to gold-standard polysomnography (PSG) in older adults attending a memory clinic.

Methods

Participants aged over 50 with new onset cognitive/mood concerns attended a memory clinic, then completed the SBQ, oximetry, and PSG. The SBQ and oximetry's accuracy in detecting moderate-severe and severe OSA was evaluated using receiver operating curves. Intraclass correlation and Bland-Altman plots compared the oximeter's adjusted oxygen desaturation index (ODI-Ox) and PSG's apnea-hypopnea index (AHI-PSG).

Results

Of 194 participants (mean age = 65.6, 64 males) who completed PSG, 184 completed the SBQ, and 138 completed oximetry. SBQ demonstrated limited performance for moderate-severe OSA (sensitivity = 52%, specificity = 62%, AUC = 0.600) and severe OSA (sensitivity = 18%, specificity = 87%, AUC = 0.577). Oximetry was satisfactory for moderate-severe OSA (sensitivity = 67%, specificity = 73%, AUC = 0.769) and severe OSA (sensitivity = 50%, specificity = 88%, AUC = 0.730). The diagnostic performance was improved with new cut-offs at ODI-Ox ≥ 11 for AHI-PSG ≥ 15 and ODI-Ox ≥ 20 for AHI-PSG ≥ 30. Bland-Altman plots and intraclass correlation indicated acceptable agreement for oximetry.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that while the SBQ may be unsuitable to detect moderate or severe OSA for older adults with cognitive impairment, oximetry may be a viable screening tool. Given OSA treatment can optimize sleep and may slow cognitive decline, routine screening for OSA should be part of memory clinic assessments.
Exposure duration and cerebral amyloidosis in the olfactory cortex of World Trade Center responders: A positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Kritikos Minos , Zhou Juin-Wan , Huang Chuan , Gandy Sam , Pellecchia Alison C , Santiago-Michels Stephanie , Carr Melissa A , Islam Shabab , Yang Yuan , Horton Megan K , Lucchini Roberto G , Franceschi Ana M , Bangiyev Lev , Vaska Paul , Clouston Sean AP , Luft Benjamin J
Published: November 2024

Background

Amyloid-β proteins, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, are believed to play an adaptive role in the cerebral immune response.

Objective

Amyloid is believed to play a role in cerebral immune response and could play a similar role in response to air pollution exposures. In the present study, we examined whether WTC exposure duration was associated with cerebral amyloidosis in WTC responders.

Methods

WTC responders (aged 44–65 years) who varied in exposure duration but did not use personalized protective equipment were assessed using positron-emission tomography with [18F]-Florbetaben. The outcome was the cortical [18F]-Florbetaben burden, measured using regional standardized uptake value ratios (SUVRs) in 34 Desikan-Killiany regions of interest. Spearman's ρ and generalized linear models were used to estimate correlations between WTC exposure duration and cortical [18F]-Florbetaben SUVR. Cognitive and behavioral symptoms were measured. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to measure cortical thickness and diffusivity.

Results

The mean age of imaged responders was 56 years old. WTC exposure duration was associated with olfactory [18F]-Florbetaben SUVR (Spearman's ρ = 0.43, p = 0.011), which was in turn associated with elevated [18F]-Florbetaben SUVR in ventral regions ( ρ = 0.41, p = 0.016). Cortical [18F]-Florbetaben in ventral regions was associated with reduced response speed ( ρ = −0.72, p < 0.001), was co-located with cortical diffusivity across regions in the parietal and frontal lobes and reduced cortical thickness in the isthmus cingulate ( ρ = −0.53, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Low-grade amyloidosis in the olfactory and frontal lobes was associated with WTC exposure duration. Future work should examine whether low-grade amyloidosis is correlated with the location or distribution of neurofibrillary tangles in WTC responders.
Inter-septal bone reduction: Impact on space closure, root resorption and canine angulation during en-masse retraction – a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Jyothsna Kurapati , Dodda Kiran Kumar , Vattikunta Naresh , Singamsetty Eswar Prasad , Kogila Jashva Vamsi , Saveri Katragadda , Palakolanu Sai Vyshnavi , Reddy Bharath
Published: November 2024

Objective:

To compare the space closure, root resorption and canine angulation during en-masse retraction of the labial segment after extraction of first premolars with or without interseptal bone reduction distal to the maxillary canines.

Design:

A single-centre, parallel randomised control trial included 16 participants with a mean age of 21.5 years. Participants were allocated into treatment groups using blocked randomisation, and blinding was employed for outcome assessors and data analysts.

Interventions:

The control group consisted of eight participants who underwent therapeutic extraction of maxillary first premolars, while the experimental group included eight participants who underwent interseptal bone reduction immediately after premolar extraction. En-masse retraction was performed using conventional friction mechanics with absolute anchorage in both groups.

Outcomes:

Measurements of space closure were conducted over 3 consecutive months during retraction. The time taken for total space closure was recorded. Cone-beam computed tomography scans were taken before and 3 months after retraction to assess root resorption and canine angulation.

Results:

The experimental group demonstrated a significant increase in the rate of en-masse retraction compared to the control group over 3 months (mean difference [MD] = 1.09 mm, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.78–1.40), with an overall space closure rate of MD 0.26 mm/month (95% CI = 0.17–0.34). However, these changes were of minimal clinical significance. The change in canine angulation (MD = 4.50°, 95% CI = −1.61–10.61) did not exhibit statistical significance. Substantial root resorption was observed in six maxillary anterior teeth, with no difference between the groups.

Conclusion:

Interseptal bone reduction is a minimally invasive surgical technique, resulting in a notably accelerated rate of en-masse retraction in the experimental group over 3 months. However, despite the statistical significance, the clinical impact on overall space closure was minimal, with a difference of only 0.26 mm/month observed between the groups. Interseptal bone reduction did not affect the change in canine angulation and root resorption.
Analysis and structure optimization of jetting pigging robot for black powder removal process in subsea nature gas pipeline
Authors: Ma Qiang , Mo Tianpeng , Yang Zhenyuan , Liu Shangjunnan , Liu Shuhai
Published: November 2024

Over extended periods of operation, natural gas pipelines tend to accumulate significant amounts of black powder impurities along their inner walls. Many of these impurities exhibit corrosive properties, leading to pipeline degradation and posing a serious threat to the safety and reliability of energy transportation. The jet pigging robot also called as jet pig, a type of pigging robots, has been developed to address pipeline impurities. The conventional approach involves using a pigging robot to perform cleaning operations inside the pipeline. However, the speed of traditional pigging robots is difficult to control, often leading to safety risks such as blockages and reduced cleaning efficiency, as well as increased operational costs. In contrast, the jet pigging robot, equipped with a jet nozzle, emits a high-speed jet stream that effectively dislodges black powder particles, mitigating issues related to safety, efficiency, and cost. Therefore, optimizing the design of the jet pigging robot for black powder removal is of great significance. This study proposes a novel pigging robot jet structure and optimizes its dimensions using finite element simulation. The effects of key geometric parameters on flow velocity and turbulent kinetic energy are investigated. Simulation results indicate that a jet structure with a sealing disk hole inclination angle of 40° and a baffle spacing of 18 mm demonstrates effective wall-cleaning performance. At a bypass ratio of 9%, the structure exhibits high cleaning efficiency, while at a bypass ratio of 12%, it enhances operational safety and reduces the risk of blockages.
Delirium assessment, management and barriers to effective care across Scotland: A secondary analysis of survey data from World Delirium Awareness Day 2023
Authors: Naeem Fariha , Penfold Rose S , Soiza Roy L , Von Haken Rebecca , Lindroth Heidi , Liu Keibun , Nydhal Peter , Quinn Terry J
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Delirium is a common, severe neuropsychiatric syndrome in hospitalised older adults. We evaluated use of validated delirium assessment tools, adherence to national guidelines and prevalence and management of delirium across Scotland, identifying barriers to effective care.

Methods:

Secondary analysis of national survey data, collected by participating clinicians on World Delirium Awareness Day (15 March 2023).

Results:

Among 120 responses (3,257 patients), the 4AT was the most frequently used assessment tool (75%), while 14% of units reported using clinical judgement alone. The delirium assessment rate was 74%, with a prevalence of 22% at 8 am. Management protocols varied, with frequent routine non-pharmacological interventions including pain management (88%), hydration (87%) and open family visiting (80%). Barriers to delirium care included insufficient staffing and training.

Conclusion:

While many hospital settings follow national delirium guidelines, some still rely on clinical judgement for assessment, with variability in management protocols and practices. We have highlighted key barriers to effective delirium care in Scotland.
Impact of blood glucose control on clinical outcomes in type 2 diabetes patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infection
Authors: Chertok Shacham Elena , Maman Nimra , Ishay Avraham
Published: November 2024

Our study evaluates the interconnection between diabetes treatment in the community setting and diabetes treatment regimens in these patients during hospitalization.

Methods

The patients were divided into four groups according to blood glucose level during hospitalization. Group 1 included patients with an average blood glucose ≤140 mg/dl, Group 2 included patients with an average blood glucose level between 140 and 180 mg/dl, Group 3 included patients whose blood glucose level was between 180 and 250 mg/dl, and Group 4 included patients with average blood glucose >250 mg/dl. In all subjects, we assessed preadmission diabetes treatment and prior diagnoses of major comorbidities (atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, congestive heart failure, chronic renal disease, chronic pulmonary diseases, and dementia.

Results

Significant predictors of mortality were the severity of COVID-19 (OR 62, CI 95%; 18–235, p < .000), acute renal failure (OR 3.2, CI 95% - 1.26–8.2; p = .015), and a diagnosis of congestive heart failure before hospitalization (OR 2.6; CI 95% 1.14–6.8; p = .024). Lower preadmission HbA1c levels, insulin treatment in the hospital, SGLT-2 treatment before, and absence of acute renal failure are significant predictors of good glycemic control during hospitalization.

Conclusions

In patients with type 2 diabetes hospitalized with COVID-19, poor long-term glycemic control is associated with the level of hyperglycemia during hospitalization.
Relationship between cohesion, processability and bending behavior of carbon rovings
Authors: Hivet Audrey , Shanwan Anwar , Allaoui Samir , Hivet Gilles , Nunez Romain
Published: November 2024

Many manufacturing processes of fibrous composites involve fiber movement to obtain a targeted fibrous preform before the resin is injected or polymerized. The ability of the fibers to move within the yarn can be named “cohesion.” To obtain a correct preform, it is of great importance to know and master yarn cohesion. As there is currently no available method to characterize yarn cohesion upstream, the process parameters have very often to be tuned using lengthy trial and error strategies. This paper proposes to address this issue, demonstrating that the yarn cantilever bending test is a very promising and efficient candidate to characterize and quantify yarn cohesion. In addition, the test can be easily performed in an industrial context and is sensitive enough to discriminate small variations in cohesion, even small discrepancies resulting from the yarn manufacturing process. Above all, thanks to real manufacturing tests on different yarns, this paper shows that the upstream identification of cohesion using the proposed cantilever bending test achieves the goal of predicting the yarn processability.
“I’m a Boomer”: An Unlikely Social Justice School Principal in a Politically Hostile Context
Authors: Su-Keene Eleanor J. , Bogotch Ira E.
Published: November 2024

In recent years, Florida has become increasingly hostile toward issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in public education. This poses challenges for principals who need to ensure that students, particularly from marginalized backgrounds, have the opportunity to succeed. This case explores the social justice practices of a self-identifying conservative, Cuban, “boomer” principal leading a predominately Black and Brown high school in South Florida. The case draws upon the multiplicity of social justice leadership conceptualizations within the field to suggest that not all leaders “talk the walk” of social justice and raises important questions about the construct of social justice leadership in practice.
Diagnosis of damage in spiral bevel gear models using Lagrange-Wavelet method
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc-Duong , Nguyen Hoa-Cuc , Huynh Tu A , Vo Kiet T , Mach Bich-Ngoc , Pham Hung V , Cao-Thi Hong-Nhung , Tran-Thi Hong , Nguyen Thanh Q
Published: November 2024

This study integrates the Lagrange method and wavelet analysis to create a comprehensive approach to detect damage in spiral bevel gears within transmission systems. The Lagrange method is employed to accurately model the motion equations of the gears during operation, thereby creating a mathematical model that includes dynamic variables, structural components, and boundary conditions, allowing for the calculation of vibration parameters such as frequency and amplitude. Meanwhile, wavelet analysis is applied to analyze the vibration signals of the gears, helping to detect spatial and temporal variations in the signals and identify signs of damage within the system. The combination of these two methods enables a precise and comprehensive diagnosis of damage problems and prediction of mechanical system vibrations, particularly in complex meshing models. This not only improves efficiency and accuracy in the research and handling of gear-related problems, but also makes significant contributions to the field of mechanical engineering, especially in gear maintenance and damage diagnosis, thereby improving the reliability and lifespan of transmission systems.
Comparison of surgical outcomes of endoscopic enucleation of the prostate using different energies
Authors: Jeong Hyun Ju , Park Hyeji , Yuen Steffi Kar Kei , Castillo Christine Joy , Oh Seung-June , Cho Sung Yong
Published: November 2024

Objective:

This study evaluates surgical outcomes in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients undergoing transurethral enucleation using various holmium laser (HoLEP) settings and/or bipolar devices (BipoLEP).

Design:

This study was retrospective.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed 158 BPH patients treated surgically, categorized by method: BipoLEP ( n = 28), HoLEP with short pulse (HoLEP-SP, n = 26), HoLEP with long pulse and low energy (HoLEP-LP/LE, n = 29), HoLEP with long pulse and high energy (HoLEP-LP/HE, n = 26), HoLEP using Moses technology (HoLEP-Mo, n = 19), and a combination of HoLEP and BipoLEP (HoLEP-mix, n = 30). We assessed enucleation, morcellation, coagulation, and overall operation efficiency, along with complications at immediate, 2-week, and 3-month postoperative intervals.

Results:

The HoLEP-LP/LE group exhibited the highest overall operation efficiency ( p < 0.05). The BipoLEP and HoLEP-SP groups had lower enucleation efficiency ( p < 0.05). HoLEP-LP/LE and BipoLEP showed superior coagulation efficiency ( p < 0.05). Excluding hard nodule cases, the HoLEP-mix group had reduced morcellation efficiency compared to HoLEP-LP/LE ( p < 0.05). Complication rates did not significantly differ between groups ( p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

The HoLEP-LP/LE procedure demonstrated superior performance in enucleation, morcellation, coagulation, and overall operation efficiency. Complication rates were comparable across all groups. BipoLEP, while less efficient in enucleation than some HoLEP settings, proved effective and safe. In addition, the Moses technology may offer enhanced bleeding control.
Turbulent dispersion and evaporation of charged nanofuel droplet clouds under the influence of electrostatic fields
Authors: Weiand Erik , Giusti Andrea
Published: November 2024

The concept of smart combustion, where nanofuels and electromagnetic interactions are combined to enhance the flame characteristics and improve the control of the combustion process, is introduced as a new paradigm for next-generation hybrid propulsion systems. To gain further insight into the possibility of controlling the fuel location in a turbulent flow, the fundamental case of dispersion of a cloud of charged nanofuel droplets in initially homogeneous and isotropic turbulence under the action of electrostatic fields is investigated. Keeping electrical repulsion forces relatively small compared to the other forces, cases with and without evaporation are studied using direct numerical simulations for different strengths of the external electrostatic field. Results of the non-evaporating cases show that the use of external electrostatic fields enables the control of the location and velocity of the centre of mass of the cloud, with limited effect on the cloud dispersion, which is mainly determined by the background turbulence. Results for evaporating droplets in decaying turbulence show that external electrostatic forces enable a quick separation between cloud and vapour distribution in the case of fast-evaporating droplets. This separation could be further enhanced by designing nanomaterials with specific diffusion properties. This work is the first step towards developing smart combustion and provides new insight into the control of charged nanofuel droplet dynamics under the action of external electrostatic fields.
Thoracic manifestations of rheumatic disease: a radiologist’s view
Authors: De Clercq Alexander , Jans Lennart , Gosselin Robert , Delrue Louke , Vereecke Elke , Parkar Anagha P. , Schiettecatte Eva , Lecluyse Clarisse , Smeets Peter , Herregods Nele , Morbée Lieve
Published: November 2024

With varying prevalence and manifestations depending on the underlying disease, thoracic involvement is one of the major factors determining morbidity and mortality in patients with rheumatic diseases (RDs). The most frequent pulmonary complication is interstitial lung disease (ILD), but other thoracic manifestations can also be present. Often, the only way to depict these extra-articular manifestations of disease is through imaging. Making an early diagnosis and thus aiding in the appropriate management requires radiologists to possess a comprehensive understanding of the typical imaging findings and the accompanying clinical context. In this review, the common features of thoracic involvement in RD are systematically described, with illustrations and explanatory drawings. ILD patterns, rheumatoid nodules, bronchial involvement, esophageal involvement, and pleural and pericardial disease are among the features discussed.
Retina and optic nerve diffusion restriction in acute central retinal artery occlusion: A case-control study
Authors: Harahsheh Ehab , Zhang Nan , Elshaighi Omer , Parikh Parth , Gomez Daniel , Weinberg Emilie , Hoxworth Joseph M , Rath Tanya J , Dumitrascu Oana M
Published: November 2024

Objective

To determine the frequency and accuracy of diffusion restriction (DR) of the retina and/or optic nerve (ON) detection on standard brain magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI-MRI) in patients presenting with acute non-arteritic central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO).

Methods

This is a retrospective case-control study that includes all consecutive patients presenting to our tertiary academic center from 2013-2021 with acute non-arteritic CRAO (cases) or acute ischemic stroke syndrome (controls, age and gender-matched) that had brain MRI performed within 14 days from symptom onset. Two neurology residents (junior and senior), a vascular neurologist, and two neuroradiologists, blinded to the site of CRAO, independently reviewed the brain MRIs to assess for the presence of retina and ON DR. The consensus agreement between the two neuroradiologists was used to perform sensitivity and specificity analyses and calculate inter-rater reliability (prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted kappa coefficient).

Results

A total of 128 patients with acute non-arteritic CRAO (mean (SD) age 69 (14) years; 50% female; median time from CRAO to DW-MRI 2 days (IQR 1-5)) and 128 age and gender-matched controls with acute cerebral ischemia were included. After the neuroradiologist consensus, DR was correctly identified in the retina or ON in 51/128 (39.8%) CRAO cases, retina alone 27.3%, ON alone 24.2%, and both retina and ON 11.7%, with almost perfect neuroradiologists’ inter-rater reliability for retina (K = 0.91) and ON (K = 0.83). Among controls, the retina DR was identified in 1/128 (0.8%) and ON DR in 5/128 (3.9%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 28.1%, 99.2%, 97.3%, and 58.0% for retina DR, and 27.3%, 96.1%, 87.5%, and 56.9% for ON DR.

Conclusions

Though experienced neuroradiologists identified retina and ON DR with excellent inter-rater reliability, these are infrequent findings in real world CRAO practice, with excellent specificity but limited sensitivity. Prospective studies with larger cohort of patients, optimization of standardized orbit DWI-MRI protocols are needed to facilitate a more accurate and reliable identification of retina and ON DR in acute CRAO.
Impact of equine interactions on human acute pain perception: Two cross sectional studies
Authors: Doherty-Sneddon Gwyneth , Caiazza Roberta , Pawlowska Emilia , Vuong Quoc
Published: November 2024

Background

Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of Animal-Assisted Therapy, usually involving dogs, as a way to reduce pain in inpatient and outpatient populations. Here two studies investigate the effectiveness of interacting with horses for reducing human acute pain perception.

Methods

In Study 1, a blood-pressure cuff was used to administer acute ischaemic pain to 70 adult participants, who were allocated to one of three groups: Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), Horse Interaction without EAP (HI), and a Control (no horses present). All participants engaged in an activity (finding a horse treat) in a large, enclosed arena. The dependent variable was the subjective pain rating (scale 0-10) of the participant in response to moderate pain induced pre- and post-activity. In Study 2, 53 adult participants were recruited and allocated to either an Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) Group or a Control Group. The same paradigm was used. Following the activity sessions, qualitative data was elicited from the participants regarding their insights and feelings. It was hypothesized that any interaction with horses would significantly reduce an individual’s perception of pain.

Results

In both studies, planned paired-samples t-tests showed significant reductions in pain ratings from pre-activity to post-activity in the EAL, EAP and HI groups (large and medium effect sizes) but not the Control groups. Thematic analysis of the qualitative responses showed an overwhelmingly positive array of responses from those who interacted with the horses, for example, feeling relaxed and happy during the activity.

Conclusion

Interactions with horses can reduce acute pain perception. Distraction, physiological changes, and positive emotions are discussed as possible underlying mechanisms. It remains to be seen how this could be more widely applied, for example, in relation to chronic pain.
Evaluating the Benefits of Transition to Home Palliative Care: Pharmacological Prescriptions, Social, and Psychological Support Post-Referral
Authors: Ribeiro Hugo , Rocha-Neves João , Dourado Marília , Andrade José Paulo
Published: November 2024

Introduction/Objectives:

Community palliative care support teams specialize in providing at-home care under referral criteria distinct from hospital teams, focusing on functional status, limited benefit from continued hospital specialty care, and increased clinical complexity. This study aimed to assess the quality of referrals and the transition of care to a specialized community palliative care team, emphasizing adherence to established referral criteria.

Methods:

An observational, longitudinal, retrospective cohort study evaluated clinical health records of patients who received palliative care from a community team in 2023. We evaluated prior multidisciplinary follow-up, basic social support, medication changes made during the team’s first consultation, and recurrences to hospital emergency care. The data was collected from the patients’ clinical files.

Results:

The patient cohort had a mean age of 80.7 years (±11.92), ranging from 31 to 103 years. Males comprised 56.3% of the participants, with a median follow-up time of 32 days. Primary diagnoses included cancer (50%), end-stage organ failure (26%), and neurodegenerative disease (24%). Among the deceased, 85.6% died at home. Patients showed marked changes in psychological support and social rights, as we observed an improvement from 6.8% to 100% ( P = .0011) and from 47.1% to 100% ( P = .01) in these supports, respectively. We also observed significant changes in pharmacotherapeutic plans, regardless of the referring team. The study observed significant difficulty in recognizing referral criteria for specialized palliative care and defining clinical complexity. Referrals were often delayed, particularly for those previously under hospital care ( P = .001). Increased prescription of pro re nata medications significantly correlated with home deaths ( P = .021).

Conclusions:

Most complex patients can be effectively monitored and die at home, reserving hospital deaths for exceptional cases requiring interventions not possible at home or due to significant caregiver burden. There was no difference in the biopsychosocial approach of patients previously followed by other teams, including hospital palliative care teams, which suggests very different approaches.
The Hidden Pandemic: School Counselors’ Insights on Post-Pandemic Socialization
Authors: Lee Jisu , Haberski Jenny , Hovey Scott , Mirielli Lindsey , Williams Michael Steven , Wachter Morris Carrie , Slaten Christopher D.
Published: November 2024

Background

The role of school counselors has undergone a considerable evolution in response to societal, economic, and cultural shifts, with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic standing as a particularly significant period of change. With students reentering formal school environments after prolonged isolation, disruptions in learning, and potential trauma, the importance of social skill development has become paramount.

Objectives

This study aimed to explore school counselors’ perceptions and experiences related to students’ social skills after the pandemic. To understand the multifaceted role of school counselors in supporting this development, we drew on Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, emphasizing the interconnected layers of influence on a child’s development.

Research Questions

1. How do school counselors’ experiences in post-pandemic classrooms relate to students’ social development? 2. How do school counselors perceive students’ social needs in post-pandemic classrooms?

Methods

The study employed a qualitative constructivist grounded theory approach to gather in-depth data. We conducted focus groups with 48 school counselors across the United States, organized into nine groups based on grade levels (elementary, middle, high) and school settings (rural, suburban, urban).

Results

Two major themes emerged: (a) interpersonal/communication skills and (b) online communication, with school counselors highlighting the need for targeted interventions in both areas.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the common social challenges faced by school counselors nationwide with K–12 students in post-pandemic classrooms. They emphasize the need for adapting classroom lessons to address students’ evolving social needs. Future research should further explore this topic, particularly in online contexts, and incorporate culturally responsive approaches.
County-Level Economic Development Mode in the Context of China’s Rural Revitalization: A Fuzzy-Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis
Authors: Wu Yiting , Liu Yunqing , Dai Zekun , Da Fang
Published: November 2024

In the context of China’s rural revitalization strategy, the significance of county economic development cannot be overstated. Aligning county economic development with the deeper implications of this strategy is a pressing concern for governments at every level. This study, drawing from the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, employs the fs-QCA method to elucidate the causal mechanisms underpinning high-quality county-level economic development. Utilizing data from 57 counties in an agricultural province in China, this research investigates the interplay between antecedent conditions and county economic development, delineating distinct developmental pathways that yield optimal outcomes. The findings reveal that, (1) no singular condition suffices to attain superior county economic development; rather, it emerges from the confluence of multiple factors. (2) Four distinct pathways, technology-led industry-pull, technology-driven government-supported, all-factor linkage, and technology-organized balanced, are instrumental in achieving high-level county economic development. (3) Substitutional relationships exist among the antecedent conditions. These insights deepen our comprehension of the multifaceted determinants influencing county economic growth. By highlighting the interdependencies among these conditions, this research offers valuable perspectives that can guide the formulation of pragmatic, synergistic policies, paving the way for efficient county economic developmental trajectories.
Transforming India—An Appraisal of Agricultural Land Use in Uttar Pradesh: A Regional Analysis
Authors: Aslam Md , Fazal Shahab
Published: November 2024

Land is a basic resource which has two dimensions: availability and productivity. The intensive as well as widespread use of land for agricultural and non-agricultural purposes seriously jeopardises both of these essential characteristics. The growing population and the ensuing need for land for non-agricultural uses pose serious threats to researchers and decision-makers. Uttar Pradesh is basically an agriculturally dominant state. The present study tries to explain the patterns of agricultural land use across various categories of land use in the districts of Uttar Pradesh. Examining the spatial and temporal changes in areas occupied by different agricultural land use classes, as well as their implications, is the primary objective of this study. It is found that the net area sown has decreased consistently along with all other agricultural land uses, including fallow lands and culturable wastelands. In order to facilitate industrialisation and urbanisation, agricultural land was changed into non-agricultural land. Policymakers face significant difficulty with the decline in the net sown area since it will ultimately have a negative impact on the food security of the state’s constantly expanding population. Since there is a shortage of land and no way to expand it, it is imperative to increase crop productivity.