bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Denosumab-Induced Maxillary Osteonecrosis: A Case Study on Long-Term Complications in Multiple Myeloma Treatment
Authors: Tan Wilhelmina , Rossi Nicholas A. , Haroun Kareem B. , Conner Grant R. , McKinnon Brian , Ranasinghe Viran , Shabani Sepehr , Coblens Orly M.
Published: June 2024

Background: Targeted therapies like denosumab have revolutionized multiple myeloma (MM) treatment, improved patient outcomes while introducing long-term complications. This study explores a rare instance of delayed maxillary osteonecrosis post-denosumab therapy, delving into its pathophysiology and management. Methods: A 40-year-old male MM patient who developed a painful palatal lesion post denosumab treatment and diagnosed of maxillary osteonecrosis by computed tomography scan and surgical biopsy is presented. Treatment history, symptom progression, and response to the PENTOCLO protocol were analyzed. Results: Post-denosumab discontinuation osteonecrosis highlights its prolonged impact on bone metabolism. PENTOCLO treatment protocol led to significant improvement. Genetic factors influencing osteonecrosis susceptibility have been discussed and considered. Conclusions: This case underscores the need for vigilance regarding long-term complications in MM survivors, preventive strategies, including regular dental evaluations and reducing invasive dental procedures, are crucial. We advocate for an interdisciplinary approach and further research into tailored prevention and management of osteonecrosis in cancer survivors.
An exploration of kindergarten gratitude education during the COVID-19 pandemic in China / Una exploración de la enseñanza de la gratitud en la Educación Infantil en China durante la pandemia de COVID-19
Authors: Zhang Ye , Yang Tian
Published: June 2024

Gratitude is a moral virtue that is valued by many cultures, including the Chinese culture. While the COVID-19 pandemic has affected children’s lives, many Chinese early childhood practitioners argue that the crisis offers a rewarding opportunity for gratitude education. However, empirical studies that reveal practices regarding gratitude education in kindergartens in China are rare. Framed by the sociocultural perspective and Confucianism, this study analysed 100 WeChat official service/subscription account (WOSA) articles, aiming to understand educational practices regarding gratitude education during the pandemic. Through the use of content analysis and discourse analysis, it was found in this study that kindergartens in China guided children to express gratitude to ‘anti-pandemic heroes’ via multiple modalities. Based on an in-depth discussion, this study argues that gratitude education in kindergartens in China is strongly affected by sociocultural changes and conditions and reflects the influences of political and traditional culture. Implications for postpandemic gratitude education practices are discussed.
Perceptions on Treatment Utilization and Risk of Overdose Among Opioid Users in Kolkata: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Das Saibal , Sarkar Sharmila , Bhowmik Kalyan , Mukherjee Sovonlal , Saha Indranil , Basu Aniruddha , Roy Ayoleena , Rao Ravindra , Sarkhel Sujit , Neogi Rajarshi , Bhargava Stuti , Paramanik Milan , Ghosh Atanu , Mandal Shambhu , Mondal Sarnendu , Sen Sreyashi , Mondal Manaswini , Khatun Yeasmina , Saha Asim , Chakrabarti Amit
Published: June 2024

Objective:

This study was performed to explore the perceptions of treatment utilization patterns and the risk of overdose of both opioid users and their peer educators in Kolkata, India.

Methods:

This study used a qualitative approach for data collection between September and December 2023. In-depth interviews (IDIs) of 20 opioid users from two authorized opioid substitution therapy (OST) centers (10 registered clients) and their respective field practice areas (10 unregistered clients) in Kolkata were conducted. Key informant interviews (KIIs) of six peer educators were also conducted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted; audio was recorded, transcribed, and translated for coding and analysis. An inductive thematic analysis was performed.

Results:

Six broad themes (individual knowledge, logistics, legal/administrative, treatment effectiveness, self-confidence of treatment, and poor knowledge about the antidote of opioid poisoning, i.e., naloxone) emerged from the data analysis of IDIs. Four broad themes (high-risk behavior, raising awareness, the benefits of OST, and poor knowledge about naloxone) emerged from the data analysis of KIIs. Both opioid users and their peer educators were aware of the dangers of opioid overdose. However, they lacked sufficient knowledge in recognizing and offering immediate assistance in instances of opioid overdose, including the administration of naloxone.

Conclusion:

The findings recognize the necessity of drawing and retaining opioid users in an efficient healthcare facility, such as OST centers, and providing them adequate training to identify and provide immediate assistance in cases of overdose, including naloxone administration. Our findings will assist policymakers in designing programs to prevent and treat opioid overdoses.
Texture evolution behaviour of α + β titanium alloy during the hot compression in β region
Authors: Cao Hemeng , Wang Qian , Huang Sensen , Qi Min , Zhao Jianbo , Yan Feng , Ma Yingjie , Lei Jiafeng , Yang Rui
Published: June 2024

A new dual-phase titanium alloy Ti-5Al-5Mo-2V-2Cr-2Sn-2Zr has shown good application potential in aerospace and shipbuilding industries. This study aims to investigate the texture evolution mechanism of Ti-5Al-5Mo-2V-2Cr-2Sn-2Zr alloy processed in β single-phase region. Thermal simulation, X-ray diffraction and electron back-scatter diffraction were used to test and analyse the microstructure and texture. The <100> // compression direction (CD) texture is enhanced with deformation. Schmid factor (SF) of <111> //CD and <100> //CD grains are calculated. <100> //CD-oriented grains with higher SF are soft oriented grains and more favourable for the deformation coordination. Finally, the texture strengthened by continuous and discontinuous dynamic recrystallization behaviours is analysed in depth.
Microstructure and properties of the as-cast alumina-forming austenitic steel during cold-rolling
Authors: Zhang Fujian , Xu Shuai , Wang Hao , Zhang Zhimin , Tan Xiaodong , Chai Linjiang , Song Bo , Guo Ning , Guo Shengfeng
Published: June 2024

An as-cast alumina-forming austenitic (AFA) steel was directly cold rolled. The microstructure was characterized by electron backscatter imaging and electron backscatter diffraction techniques. Results show that the as-cast AFA steel exhibits excellent cold-rolling deformation ability. With increasing rolling deformation, the content of δ-ferrite/α′-martensite increases, and the proportion of low-angle boundaries (LABs) in δ-ferrite/α′-martensite and austenite increases greatly. In contrast, the number of twins in the austenite matrix decreases significantly. The microhardness and tensile strength of the AFA steel increase significantly. The increase in hardness and tensile strength is mainly attributed to the increase of martensite, the grain refinement of austenite, and the increase of LABs content in austenite and δ-ferrite/α′-martensite.
Mitral bioprosthesis early dysfunction treated with transapical valvuloplasty during V-A ECMO
Authors: D’Errico Ramirez Antonio , Ruggieri Vito Giovanni
Published: June 2024

We report the case of a 61-year-old male who had complications with a mitral valve (MV) bioprosthesis replacement by post-cardiotomy shock leading to VA ECMO implantation. The patient suffered early bioprosthetic valve failure owing to early thrombosis. The complication was successfully treated with a MV bioprosthesis transapical balloon valvuloplasty that restored normal leaflet mobility.
Social-ecological Factors, Stock Status, and Governance Relating to a Shellcraft Fishery in the Indo-Pacific Region
Authors: Simard Nittya S. M. , Militz Thane A. , Kinch Jeff , Nunn Patrick D. , Southgate Paul C.
Published: June 2024

Shellcraft is a livelihood activity that utilizes shells and skeletal remains of marine taxa for producing ornamental and decorative items. Despite an increasing importance of shellcraft in coastal areas of the Indo-Pacific region, information necessary for stakeholders to identify and respond to change through policy and management decisions is often lacking for fisheries that support this activity. To address this knowledge gap, a quantitative approach was taken to evaluate social-ecological factors (the what, where, how much, who, when, how, how often, and how long) in a “shellcraft fishery” centered at the Nusa Islands of Papua New Guinea. More than 151,100 individuals across 69 marine taxa were fished annually for shellcraft at the Nusa Islands; fishing was infrequent and quantities fished were low for most taxa when compared with other small-scale fisheries. Fishing most taxa had no association with the main demographic divisions within households although, in terms of participation and catch richness, women were the main actors. Gleaning, combing, and free-diving were the only fishing techniques used, with taxa primarily fished by gleaning intertidal habitats during the day. To contextualize sustainability of this fishery, local ecological knowledge-based perceptions of stock status for the marine taxa fished were examined. Considerations for governance, which included synthesis of existing regulatory measures and aspirations, are also discussed. Since shellcraft occurs throughout the Indo-Pacific region and there are commonalities in taxa utilized, this study provides a basis for comparative analysis of shellcraft fisheries within the region.
Local Ecological Knowledge on the Natural History and Human–Fauna Relationships of the Brazilian Three-banded Armadillo (Tolypeutes tricinctus) in Northeast Brazil
Authors: Magalhães Rodolfo Assis , Barnes Paul A. , Rodrigues Flávio Henrique Guimarães , de Sena Liana Mara Mendes , Drumond Maria Auxiliadora
Published: June 2024

Local ecological knowledge (LEK) can be a valuable source of information about species’ biology and their conservation, especially for threatened and poorly known species, such as the Brazilian three-banded armadillo ( Tolypeutes tricinctus). Here, we gathered information about the natural history and human–fauna relationships of T. tricinctus based on the LEK of residents from a rural community in northeast Brazil, where a population of T. tricinctus has been recently discovered. To understand LEK, we used participatory transect walks, semi-structured interviews, and a member-checking workshop. T. tricinctus was considered a locally abundant and widespread species, primarily nocturnal, highly popular, and not among the most hunted species. Our findings have important implications for the understanding of T. tricinctus biology and conservation. First, they show that, although T. tricinctus is highly threatened by hunting, there are still localities where it is not among the most hunted species, where it may still be common. Second, as T. tricinctus is a locally common and popular species, research and participatory science projects may be feasible in the area. Moreover, to increase sampling effectiveness, research projects can consider aspects of T. tricinctus biology identified in this study. In conclusion, our findings reinforce the importance of ethnobiology assessments to improve knowledge about species’ biology and inform local research and conservation efforts.
The structuring conditions of local government financialisation in Europe: A comparative perspective
Authors: Hasenberger Hannah
Published: June 2024

Local governments across Europe are increasingly engaging in ‘local government financialisation’, involving the use of bonds, derivatives and financial assets in their governance. However, the extent to which local governments use financial instruments varies across countries. Moreover, local governments engage in financialisation in the context of ‘structuring conditions’ that are largely beyond their control. This paper systematically investigates these political-economic conditions and provides a high-level comparative analysis of their relevance for financialisation in local governments. The study examines data from 22 European countries between 2000 and 2019, finding that economic, financial and institutional conditions, along with financial subordination, are critical in shaping local government financialisation. Specifically, greater decentralisation, a more developed financial sector, and, to some extent, more intense austerity are associated with higher levels of financialisation. In contrast, financialisation tends to be lower in the Southern and Eastern European peripheries. Through its country-comparative approach, the paper contributes a new perspective to recent debates on the role of the local state in financialisation.
Transition of cluster headache: Depicting side-changing attacks as a chronic trait in an interview-based follow-up study
Authors: Søborg Marie-Louise Kulas , Petersen Anja Sofie , Lund Nunu , Barloese Mads Christian Johannes , Jensen Rigmor Højland
Published: June 2024

Background

Cluster headache presents in an episodic and chronic form, between which patients can convert during the course of disease. We aimed to quantify the rate of cluster headache patients changing phenotype within one and five years and investigate the earlier proposed association between chronification and having side-shifting attacks.

Methods

In total, 430 cluster headache patients well-characterized according to current International Classification of Headache Disorders criteria, who were all participants in a prior transition-study, were re-interviewed in an observational, retrospective, cross-sectional follow-up study design at the Danish Headache Center.

Results

The transition rate for the whole cohort was 6.5% within one year and 19.8% within five years. The risk of becoming chronic if episodic was 4.0% within one year and 12.3% within five years. For conversion from chronic to episodic, the corresponding risk was 11.1% and 25.0%, respectively. Alterations in attack-side were reported in 32% of all chronic patients, generating an odds ratio of 2.24 of being chronic as opposed to episodic if experiencing side-shifting attacks.

Conclusions

A higher transition rate since the original cross-sectional study demonstrates cluster headache as a non-static condition. Identifying a risk of transition within one and five years, based on current phenotype along with high odds of being chronic when experiencing a shift of attack-side, offers a valuable clinical compass in the dialogue with the patient.
Supporting Economic Understanding and Student Success Through Peer Assistance in an Economics Learning Center
Authors: Jenkins Brian C.
Published: June 2024

This paper provides an overview of a peer-assistance resource for students in the undergraduate degree programs in economics at the University of California (UC), Irvine. UC Irvine is a large public research university with approximately 1900 undergraduate economics majors. The Economics Learning Center (ELC) is a walk-in help facility for students in principles of economics, intermediate economics, statistics, and econometrics courses. The ELC is staffed by trained undergraduate students with strong academic records. The ELC was opened in 2014 in response to growth in the ratio of undergraduate majors to faculty and graduate TAs and growth in the share of economics students who are from outside the United States. The author discusses the effectiveness of the ELC, describes lessons learned since its inception, and provides suggestions for improvements to the model.
Stress and Loneliness Among Family Caregivers of Older Persons With Cognitive Impairment: The Mediating Role of Social Isolation and the Moderating Role of Personal Mastery
Authors: Sung Pildoo , Lim-Soh Jeremy , Lee June May-Ling , Chan Angelique
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Relatively little attention has been paid to the underlying processes and conditions leading to loneliness among caregivers of older persons with cognitive impairment (PCI). Drawing upon the caregiver stress-process model and the social relationship expectations framework, this study examined the mediating role of social isolation and the moderating role of caregiver personal mastery in the association between PCI memory and behavioral problems and caregiver loneliness.

Methods

Structural equation modeling was applied to cross-sectional data from 266 caregivers in Singapore.

Results

Caregiver-reported PCI memory and behavioral problems were associated with increased levels of caregiver loneliness. Caregiver social isolation partially mediated the association and caregiver personal mastery moderated the association.

Discussion

Caregivers with low mastery were more likely to experience loneliness due in part to social isolation resulting from their PCI’s memory and behavioral problems. Tailored interventions should address caregiver social isolation and foster caregiver personal mastery.
Transverse vibration analysis and active disturbance rejection decoupling control of rain erosion whirling arm
Authors: Ju Yunpeng , Fang Chunlong , Zhou He , Chen Zhengyu , Jia Yingchun , Li Songmei
Published: June 2024

The transverse vibration caused by the mass eccentricity of the whirling arm and the unbalanced magnetic pull of the motor rotor is a critical factor that affects the stability and safety of the rain erosion whirling arm. To investigate the transverse vibration characteristics of the rain erosion whirling arm during operation, a four-degree-of-freedom transverse vibration model of the rotor-rain erosion whirling arm is established using the lumped mass method. The differential equation of motion of the rotor-rain erosion whirling arm, considering the influence of mass eccentricity and unbalanced magnetic pull, is then established based on the Lagrange equation. This equation is numerically solved using the Runge-Kutta algorithm to investigate the axis trajectory and amplitude distribution of the rotor-rain erosion whirling arm. To reduce the fatigue damage caused by vibration, the active disturbance rejection decoupling control method is employed. Furthermore, the parameters of the extended state observer are adjusted using pole assignment and bandwidth. The simulation results reveal that the vibration amplitude of the rotating blade can be reduced to within 0.2 mm, referring to the BSS7393 test standard. Additionally, experimental research is conducted to compare the vibration of the rain erosion whirling arm before and after implementing the active disturbance rejection decoupling control. The results demonstrate that the active disturbance rejection decoupling control method effectively suppresses the vibration of the rain erosion whirling arm, illustrating its feasibility and effectiveness for system vibration control.
Theatricality, cine-choreography, and kinaesthetic empathy in Abdellatif Kechiche’s La Graine et le Mulet
Authors: Byrne Sebastian
Published: June 2024

This article explores the bodily and affective dimensions of Hafsia Herzi's belly dance performance in Abdellatif Kechiche's La Graine et le Mulet, as a way of trying to understand how the sequence facilitates a sensuous and mimetic experience for the spectator at the level of reception. Drawing upon key concepts such as cine-choreography and kinaesthetic empathy, the article argues that Kechiche's approach to filming the dancerly body in La Graine et le Mulet brings into relief an understanding of theatricality conducive to embodied and tactile spectatorship. Such an affective and multisensory awareness of theatricality in filmic dance performance demonstrates the actress' corporeal empowerment, technique, and expressive range in ways that directly contest objectification or exoticisation of the female body.
Troubling dualisms: Understanding the creation and implementation of protective policies in elite women's sport
Authors: Posbergh Anna , Jette Shannon
Published: June 2024

In today's political environment, questions of “fairness,” “protection,” and “woman” remain contentious topics, particularly in sport, and draw from different types of knowledges to support corresponding regulatory documents. Considering the heterogeneity of knowledge informing protection for (women) athletes, there remain questions around how to create (policy) guidelines, which ostensibly convey consensus on complex topics (e.g. female eligibility, trans eligibility, and athlete health). In this article, we draw from Anne Fausto-Sterling's “dueling dualisms” and Michel Foucault's theory of governmentality to examine what, how, and why specific ways of knowing make their way into written policies whereas others are left out or re-interpreted. To do so, we examine three International Olympic Committee (IOC) and World Athletics (WA) policy texts (i.e. the IOC's consensus statement on relative energy deficiency in sport [REDs] and WA's female and transgender eligibility policies) and interviews with IOC and WA experts. We find disconnects between expert knowledge, written texts, and anticipated policy implementations, despite the perception of consensus in written documents. These discrepancies especially manifest in the ideas of policies as both a scientific process and a felt experience, and controlled unfairness.
Healthcare Professionals’ Discursive Constructions of Parental Vaccine Hesitancy: A Tale of Multiple Moralities
Authors: Lermytte Esther , Bracke Piet , Ceuterick Melissa
Published: June 2024

Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in addressing the concerns of vaccine-hesitant parents since they form a trusted source for vaccine-related information. An increasing body of evidence suggests that healthcare professionals are faced with complexities when navigating the sensitive topic of parental vaccine hesitancy, as they balance their own vaccine- and context-specific concerns with institutional and societal pressures to vaccinate. Furthermore, health choices, such as parental choices for childhood vaccination, are often linked to moralisation. Given the emphasis on effective communication with vaccine-hesitant parents in the patient-centred care literature, it is important to consider healthcare professionals’ interpretations of parental vaccine hesitancy. Hence, a deeper understanding of how healthcare professionals make sense of, and moralise, childhood vaccination can help us understand how moralisation might appear in their communication with hesitant parents (in)directly. Drawing on a critical social–psychological framework for discourse analysis, this study analyses 39 semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals in Flanders, Belgium, and presents the discursive patterns articulated by healthcare professionals on parental vaccine hesitancy. The findings elucidate how healthcare professionals perpetuate, or resist, moral discourse in their accounts of vaccine hesitancy by constructing five different interpretative repertoires, that is, a “good” or “bad” parenting repertoire, a freedom of choice repertoire, an individual risk–benefit repertoire, a public health repertoire, and an accessibility repertoire. Our study highlights the complexities healthcare professionals experience in negotiating vaccine hesitancy, as their understandings of vaccine hesitancy are affected by, and contribute to, existing moral dilemmas and dominant discourses surrounding health and parenting.
Prevalence and Factors Associated With Palliative Care Utilization Among Hospitalized Patients With Gallbladder Cancer- A National Inpatient Sample Analysis
Authors: Ajibawo Temitope , Okunowo Oluwatimilehin
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Various factors have been associated with palliative utilization in different cancers. However, literature is still lacking on the prevalence and factors associated with palliative care use in gallbladder cancer (GBC). This study aims to determine the prevalence of palliative care utilization and examine the factors associated with palliative care utilization among patients with GBC.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis using the National Inpatient Sample between 2016 and 2018. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the study population. We explored factors associated with palliative care utilization among hospitalized GBC patients using logistic regression.

Results

Of the 20280 GBC hospitalizations, 18.0 % utilized palliative care. Multivariable analysis revealed that treatment at urban teaching hospitals, or treatment at urban nonteaching hospitals, Medicare insurance, other insurance coverage, transfer to a facility/discharge with home health, and death during hospital stay were associated with higher utilization of palliative care. In contrast, non-elective admissions were associated with decreased odds of palliative care utilization.

Conclusion

Palliative care use among GBC patients is still low at 18.0%. Palliative care use was associated with insurance disparities, discharge disposition, hospital location, and type of admission. Therefore, concerted efforts to address these disparities in palliative care utilization are needed to improve the quality of care for this population.
Does Family Functioning Matter? Understanding the Relationship Between Family Interactions and Depressive Symptoms for Caregivers of Cancer Patients
Authors: White Makinde Keisha , Pitzer Kyle A. , Benson Jacquelyn J. , Mitchell Maysara , Oliver Debra Parker , Demiris George , Washington Karla T.
Published: June 2024

Background

Caregivers of cancer patients are at increased risk of depression and other health challenges. There is limited understanding of the role of the caregiver’s own family members in promoting or discouraging mental wellbeing. Family functioning conceptualizes how family members interact to promote a positive family environment and has the potential to impact caregiver mental health. The purpose of this study is to assess the association between family interactions and depressive symptoms among family caregivers of cancer patients.

Methods

Secondary analysis of baseline data from an NIH-funded randomized control trial of family caregivers of cancer patients recruited from academic palliative care clinics at three sites (2 Midwest, 1 East). We tested for an association between caregiver responses to the Family Quality of Life in Dementia-Family Interactions Subscale and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Depression Short Form 8A using a block-wise approach to linear modeling.

Results

A total of 246 caregivers were included in analysis; caregivers were mostly White (82%), not Hispanic or Latina/o (96%), and female (65%), with an average age of 55 years. Overall, participants had high family interactions (mean 57.7, sd 11.7) and an average depressive symptom burden (t-score 52.4, SD 8.57). Family interactions was significantly negatively associated with depressive symptoms (b = −.163, se = .057) when accounting for relevant covariates.

Conclusion

Family caregivers with more positive family interactions are likely to have fewer depressive symptoms, suggesting family functioning may play a key role in bolstering family caregiver mental health and wellbeing.
Getting Out of Your Own Way: Introducing Autonomous Vehicles on a Ride-Hailing Platform
Authors: Castro Francisco , Frazelle Andrew E
Published: June 2024

Once autonomous vehicles (AVs) are deployed for ride-hailing platforms, human drivers will compete with AVs until AV costs decrease enough to eliminate human drivers entirely. We examine a ride-hailing platform’s strategy to recruit human drivers while operating a private AV fleet. Using a game-theoretic model, we analyze how the platform sets the human-driver wage and the size of its AV fleet. We show that setting a higher wage can surprisingly lead to less human-driver participation. Moreover, we show that having the option to augment its AV fleet after observing human participation levels can, counterintuitively, hurt the platform’s bottom line. Our findings emphasize the need for ride-hailing platforms to carefully navigate the complex interactions between their roles as supply providers (of AV-served rides) and supply seekers (of human drivers), as failure to do so can be costly.
The efficacy of technology-based devices on the first-attempt success rate for difficult intravenous access in pediatrics: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Javad , Firooz Mahbobeh , Yazdi Khadijeh , Abdollahi Masoud , Hosseini Seyed Reza , Ramezani Monir
Published: June 2024

Introduction:

Previous studies have compared various technology-based devices, such as ultrasonography (USG), near-infrared (NIR), and transilluminator (TI), with standard care (SC) to facilitate peripheral intravenous cannulation (PIVC) in pediatric patients. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of these interventions on the first-attempt success rate (FASR) of PIVC in pediatric patients with difficult intravenous access (DIVA) using network meta-analysis (NMA).

Methods:

We conducted a comprehensive literature search in databases to identify randomized clinical trials comparing the effects of different devices on the FASR of PIVC from inception until August 2023. Pooled relative risks with 95% credible intervals were estimated using pairwise and network meta-analysis with random effects. To rank the efficacy of devices, we calculated the probabilities of the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA).

Results:

A total of 18 studies were included in the final analysis. The results of pairwise meta-analysis showed that the use of devices increased the FASR for PIVC by 13% (RR: 1.13, 95% CI: [0.98, 1.30]) compared to SC. The ranking of interventions based on efficacy from highest to lowest was as follows: USG (SUCRA: 1), NIR (SUCRA: 0.6), SC (SUCRA: 0.3), and TI (SUCRA: 0.1), with a very low confidence estimate.

Conclusion:

Based on our findings, the prioritization of device usage to increase the FASR of PIVC in pediatric patients with DIVA is as follows: USG, NIR, SC, and TI, respectively. However, due to inconsistencies in the network, existence of an overall high risk of bias in the included studies, and very low confidence estimate, further clinical trials are required.
Navigating the Intricacies of Tumor Heterogeneity: An Insight into Potential Prognostic Breast Cancer Biomarkers
Authors: Altriche Nastassia , Gallant Simone , Augustine Tanya Nadine , Xulu Kutlwano Rekgopetswe
Published: June 2024

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with diverse histological and molecular subtypes. Luminal breast tumors are the most diagnosed subtype. In luminal breast cancer, hormone receptors (including ER, PR, HER2) play a diagnostic and prognostic role. Despite the effectiveness of endocrine therapy in luminal breast tumors, tumor recurrence and resistance occur, and this may highlight evolutionary strategies for survival driven by stemness. In this review we thus consider the association between estrogen signaling and stemness in mediating tumor processes. Many studies report stemness as one of the factors promoting tumor progression. Its association with estrogen signaling warrants further investigation and provides an opportunity for the identification of novel biomarkers which may be used for diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic purposes. Breast cancer stem cells have been characterized (CD44+ CD24−) and their role in promoting treatment resistance and tumor recurrence widely studied; however, the complexity of tumor progression which also involve microenvironmental factors suggests the existence of more varied cell phenotypes which mediate stemness and its role in tumor progression.
Influence of 3D surface irregularities on the performance of hydrostatic rectangular tilted thrust pad bearing configurations
Authors: Sharma Satish C , Kumar Narendra
Published: June 2024

Tribological behavior of tribo-pairs is strongly dependent on the surface topography. Further, the structural deformation, manufacturing, and assembly errors cause the hydrostatic thrust pad bearings to tilt slightly. The work in this article is aimed to study the effect of tilt and three-dimensional (3D) surface irregularities on the performance of hydrostatic rectangular thrust pad bearings (HRTPB) compensated with capillary restrictors. The 3D surface irregularities are assumed to follow cosine curve. To perform the analysis, a source code has been developed in MATLAB and the Finite Element Method has been used to solve the governing Reynold's equation. The numerical simulation results indicate that the effect of tilt reduces the value of fluid film reaction, fluid film stiffness, and fluid film damping coefficients. The study reveals that 3D surface irregularities results in a higher value of fluid film stiffness and damping coefficient as compared to that of smooth-bearing surfaces.
Altered lymphocyte profiles and herpes zoster infections in patients with multiple sclerosis on natalizumab
Authors: Balshi Alexandra , Manning Nova , Dempsey John , Kumbar Sachin , Baber Ursela , Sloane Jacob A
Published: June 2024

Cases of herpes zoster (HZ) in patients with MS on natalizumab (NTZ) have been documented. In this study, we assessed lymphocyte subsets in NTZ-treated patients with HZ compared to matched controls without HZ. Twenty unvaccinated patients developed HZ while on NTZ for an incidence rate of 12.3 per 1000 patient-years. These patients had lower CD8+% and higher CD4+:CD8+ ratios ( p ⩽ 0.01) than non-HZ matched controls. Two patients with relapsing-remitting MS developed HZ twice while on NTZ. These findings underscore the importance of pre-NTZ HZ vaccination due to potential HZ risk.
The worthy and the fallible: Framing the issue of state party funding
Authors: May Danielle
Published: June 2024

The party politics literature has shown that parties being mostly reliant on state funding (as in most of Europe) is more conducive to equal representation than them being mostly reliant on big donors (as in the US and UK). But what do citizens think? Relatively little attention has been paid to public opinion on party funding. We only know that citizens tend to instinctively oppose both ways of funding parties. Yet, party funding is not a salient issue except in times of scandal, meaning it is an issue on which citizens are ill-informed. In this paper, I test what happens when citizens in the UK and Denmark are exposed to arguments in support of state party funding, through survey experiments. I find that highlighting state funding’s ability to reduce party reliance on big donors substantially increases support for the policy, especially among low trusting Britons.
Imaginaries of trauma and victimhood: The role of the ‘China threat’ in Trump’s populism of the privileged
Authors: Homolar Alexandra , Ruiz Casado Juan Alberto
Published: June 2024

This article speaks to an established interest of International Relations scholars in the construction of the ‘China threat’ in US political discourse. We advance recent works which have argued that the rise of China has contributed to the success of populism in the United States and Western liberal democracies more widely. Specifically, we transpose the concept of the ‘populism of the privileged’ to the international realm to understand how narratives of status loss nurture perceptions of collective trauma and victimhood. We argue that the concept helps explain why Trump’s anti-China populism is centred on the counterintuitive articulation of an American underdog identity at the domestic and international levels. It sheds light on why populist narratives of unjust suffering have grip even if supporters stem from comparatively privileged groups. Victimhood-centric narratives are always relational and, as we show, the imaginary of lost status is a powerful device in the populist toolbox.
Conversations on ‘making the news’: A citizen journalism-oriented tool for empowering citizen advocates of journalism
Authors: Peifer Jason T , Partain Laura PB , Midberry Jennifer
Published: June 2024

This article explores an avenue for fostering a model of citizen journalism that is empowered by community dialogue about ‘making the news,’ interactive engagement with local news actors, and advocacy for journalism. The research effort features two key focal points. First—from a normative standpoint—it emphasizes a broader conceptualization of citizen journalism that includes citizen contributions to discussions about, and advocacy for, quality journalism in one’s community. Understanding that such empowerment necessitates (a) a basic belief that journalism has a degree of value/relevance to oneself and (b) a sense of agency in helping to improve the health of the local news media environment, this study draws on the concepts of citizen academies, Perceived News Media Importance, and self-efficacy. Second—representing an empirical focal point—this study initiates exploration of the utility of a journalism-themed citizen forum initiative (in the model of citizen academies) for fostering the community interactive dimension of “citizen journalism” outlined herein. Building on existing research of citizen forums, initial findings support the assertion that such initiatives have the capacity to reinforce the importance of news work (especially related to investigative journalism) while mitigating citizens’ self-perception of inefficacy in helping to support the local news media environment. Our discussion considers how future initiatives might be strengthened to most effectively motivate and empower citizens to advocate for this model of citizen journalism.
An accurate respiratory rate estimation algorithm for a rubber fiber respiratory sensor
Authors: Kim Ji-seon , Kim Jooyong
Published: June 2024

Respiratory measurement is a crucial indicator for assessing health status; however, current methods for measuring respiratory rate and frequency are passive and not intuitive. This study investigates peak detection algorithms using a resistive strain sensor integrated into a garment for respiratory rate monitoring. The sensor, constructed with CNT material and a flexible rubber substrate, exhibits high conformity to the body’s contours. Designed for respiration measurement, the sensor maintains a low 6% strain for optimal sensitivity, demonstrating a 4% decrease after 800 repetitions of 10% elongation. Garment design emphasizes cohesion between the sensor and fabric, achieved through a piping technique. Respiratory measurement relies on a resistive sensor principle, where abdominal volume changes induce tension, altering resistance. Three peak detection algorithms are evaluated: the window size algorithm, low-pass filter, and FIR filter. The window size algorithm shows a 93% matching rate for normal breathing but requires manual adjustments based on breathing speed. The low-pass filter reduces noise but introduces lag, challenging peak matching. The FIR filter effectively detects peaks at increased speeds, achieving a matching rate exceeding 98%. The study concludes that the choice of algorithm depends on respiratory scenarios, with the window size algorithm suitable for regular cycles, the low-pass filter for real-time monitoring, and the FIR filter for accelerated respiratory rates. The study primarily explores static situations, indicating the need for future research on dynamic respiratory movements to enhance algorithm versatility.
Toward a community-driven approach to urban data-driven governance
Authors: Bui Matthew
Published: June 2024

Drawing from communication infrastructure theory, I propose a methodological and analytical intervention for the smart city and related initiatives: a community-driven approach to urban data-driven governance. This approach contends that data-related actors increasingly act as key storytelling agents within urban governance, given the rise of datafication. Moreover, it emphasizes the importance of an alternative storytelling network, positing the local storytelling network as a key—yet often minimally visible—set of experts and storytellers that can activate data-driven change and overcome extant gaps in dominant, “limited” versions of the smart city. As such, I spotlight two counterdata projects as prototypes for this intervention. In all, I argue it is imperative that urban governance explores this framework to incorporate, and design with, a wider range of local actors and knowledge in mind: not only to address critiques but, more so, to build more inclusive models in the public interest.
Representation of social actors in The Straits Times and The Independent Singapore: A comparative critical discourse analysis of the repeal of Section 377A in Singapore
Authors: Wong Wee Boon
Published: June 2024

Section 377A was a decades-old law introduced in Singapore in 1938, which had made sexual intimacy between gay men, even when consensual, punishable by a maximum sentence of two years in prison. In Aug 2022, in what many considered as a historic moment in Singapore, the Prime Minister announced its repeal. Following the announcement, several related news articles were published by the news outlets The Straits Times and The Independent Singapore. This study, therefore, sets out to undertake a critical discourse analysis of these news articles, focusing on the representation of two groups of social actors, namely the Singapore government and gay people. Guided by a framework that constitutes the theoretical approach of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), Fairclough, Van Dijk and Wodak’s perspectives on power relations as discursive, as well as Van Leeuwen's theories on discourse construction and representations of social actors, the analysis of the textual data reveals distinct patterns in how the Singapore government and gay people are represented. In an area where there is little comparative critical discourse research on how more powerful groups and less powerful groups are represented in news coverage following significant legal and sociopolitical changes in a society, this article aims to deepen readers’ understanding of such discursive patterns and foster media literacy, thereby attaining the practical result of pointing readers in the direction of change – a desired outcome that CDA seeks through its research.
Probable acute fatty liver of pregnancy presenting with dyspnoea and ground-glass opacities
Authors: Pathmanathan Umesha , Alamein Claudia , Morton Adam
Published: June 2024

We present the case of a postpartum woman presenting with acute dyspnoea and hypoxia. She was found to have liver enzyme derangement with evidence of synthetic dysfunction. Computed tomography of her chest showed ground-glass opacities. The causes of this phenomenon are discussed, including the difficulties in differentiating amniotic fluid embolism and acute fatty liver in pregnancy. Pulmonary fat embolism is also considered as a differential diagnosis.
Investigating the Potency of Camphor Combined With Kerosene on the Emergence of Anopheles Gambiae
Authors: Ojianwuna Cynthia C. , Enwemiwe Victor N. , Esiwo Eric , Golley Deborah , Ifeta Sarah E. , Oborayiruvbe Treasure E.
Published: June 2024

Background

Camphor has a long-term application history in the control of insect pests and their mixture with kerosene is not an exception in the control of mosquitoes.

Objectives

Due to differences in larval biology and positioning in breeding sites, this study was designed to reassess the potency of camphor mixed with kerosene against the emergence of Anopheles mosquitoes in order to ascertain that efficacy of a treatment may not differ greatly with different mosquito species.

Methodology

Larvae and pupae of Anopheles mosquitoes were collected from Ndokwa West Area of Delta State, Nigeria using standard World Health Organization method and left to acclimatize for 6 h in the Insectary before exposure. Mosquitoes were confirmed as Anopheles gambiae. Camphor (2 g) and its mixture with kerosene in equal ratio were introduced into 100, 200, and 400 mL of water which equated 0.02%, 0.01%, and 0.005%, respectively. Anopheles mosquitoes exposed to only water served as control for the experiment. Twenty larvae and pupae in their third stage of larval development was first sorted into 1000 mL glass beaker and then introduced into various treatment concentrations in 3 replicates.

Results

Highest mortality was recorded in larvae exposed to 0.02% of camphor mixed with kerosene. Pupae exposed to same concentration compared favorably. Lethal dosage (LD50 and LD95) of camphor exposed to Anopheles larvae and pupae ranged from 0.002% to 0.004% and 0.021% to 0.491%, respectively. More so, values were 0.002% and range from 0.010% to 0.021% in camphor mixed with kerosene, respectively.

Conclusion

Therefore, the intensification in the use of camphor mixed with kerosene among the population in mosquito breeding sites would reduce the mosquito biting activities and diseases in the locality.
Sociodemographic and Clinical Factors Associated With Clinical Outcome in Neuroinfectious Diseases: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Boubour Alexandra , Kim Carla Y. , Torres Sarah , Jia Dan T. , Hess Evan , Liu Sibei , Sun Yifei , Fong Kathryn , Epstein Samantha , Yan Helena , Luche Nicole , Gao Kerry , Glassberg Brittany , Harmon Michael , Hoang Hai , Navis Allison , Schorr Emily , Gofshteyn Jacqueline S. , Yeshokumar Anusha K. , Thakur Kiran T.
Published: June 2024

Objective

To evaluate sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized with neuroinfectious diseases at three tertiary care centers in New York City.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted at three large urban tertiary care centers between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2017. Poor clinical outcome was defined as length of hospital stay (LOS) ≥2 weeks and/or discharge to a location other than home. Sociodemographic and clinical factors were obtained from electronic medical records and descriptively analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis investigated relationships between sociodemographic and clinical factors, and outcomes.

Results

Among 205 patients with definitive neuroinfectious diagnoses, older patients were more likely to have a LOS ≥2 weeks (odds ratio [OR]: 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.05) and less likely to be discharged home (OR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.94-0.98) than younger patients. Patients with an immunocompromised state were more likely to have a LOS ≥2 weeks (OR: 2.80; 95% CI: 1.17-6.69). Additionally, patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) were more likely to have a LOS ≥2 weeks (OR: 4.65; 95% CI: 2.13-10.16) and less likely to be discharged home (OR: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.06-0.34). There were no statistically significant associations between sex, race, ethnicity, English proficiency, substance use, or poverty index, and clinical outcome.

Conclusions

In this multicenter cohort of hospitalized neuroinfectious diseases, older age, history of immunocompromised state, and admission to the ICU were significantly associated with poor clinical outcome.
Recent reforms of prison work in France: Stepping stones on the way to equal rights
Authors: Robin-Olivier Sophie
Published: June 2024

This contribution focuses on the limits to equality that continue to prevail in French law as far as prison workers are concerned. After taking stock of the progress towards equality accomplished in recent reforms, it sheds light on blocks of resistance to the movement towards equal rights. The contributions proposes a typology of arguments that are used to deprive prison workers of social rights and explores grounds that could serve to reverse this traditional approach, and justify buttressing prison workers’ social rights.