bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract 350: Optimizing Stroke Assessment of Dizziness: The Role and Impact of Video Head Impulse Testing
Authors: Vorobyev A. , Farrelly S. , Hartis A. , Monsch E. , Strange C. , Rizk H. , Holmstedt C. A.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Dizziness is a frequent and challenging symptom in patients with posterior ischemic stroke, often making it difficult to distinguish from peripheral vestibular disorders. The video head impulse test (vHIT) is a non‐invasive tool that measures the vestibulo‐ocular reflex (VOR) to assess semicircular canal function. This study evaluates the effectiveness of vHIT in the emergency department (ED) for differentiating between central (stroke‐related) and peripheral causes of dizziness. The primary objective is to confirm that vHIT is an effective tool for enhancing diagnostic confidence in ruling out stroke and avoiding unnecessary admissions, thereby optimizing resource allocation for other stroke patients.

Methods

In this prospective study, 30 patients who presented to the ED of the stroke center with dizziness and were subsequently admitted under standard stroke protocol were analyzed. Each patient underwent vHIT in addition to the standard stroke evaluation, which included MRI. The vHIT assessed the VOR in the lateral semicircular canal to detect vestibular hypofunction through measured gain reduction and saccadic eye movements. Two specialists independently analyzed the vHIT results, both blinded to the MRI findings.

Results

Of the 30 patients included in the study, MRI was performed on 27, serving as the gold standard for stroke detection. MRI confirmed the presence of a stroke in 10 cases (37%). Among these patients, the vHIT indicated a possible central etiology in 9 patients, with a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI: 66.37% to 100%). One patient's vHIT recordings were of poor quality, making the results uninterpretable. In the subgroup of 17 patients with negative MRI findings, vHIT suggested a peripheral cause of dizziness in 2 patients. The specificity of vHIT for central etiology was 15.38% (95% CI: 1.92% to 45.45%) with a negative predictive value of 100% (95% CI: 15.81% to 100.00%) and a positive predictive value of 40.97% (95% CI: 35.50% to 46.67%). One patient with a negative MRI but positive vHIT for peripheral etiology was unnecessarily admitted for 3 days.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that incorporating vHIT into the ED workflow could be an effective strategy for ruling out stroke before proceeding with extensive stroke admissions and workups. vHIT appears to be a valuable tool in the initial assessment of patients with dizziness, facilitating the differentiation between central and peripheral causes. This approach has the potential to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions for patients without central pathology.
Abstract 354: Outcomes in Severity‐Stratified Subarachnoid Hemorrhages using Endovascular Coiling and Microsurgical Clipping
Authors: Sacknovitz A. , Jain A. , Thorman I. , Bienenstock R. , Schubert M. , Al‐Mufti F.
Published: January 2025

Introduction/Purpose

Non‐traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is an emergent medical condition characterized by acute onset bleeding into the subarachnoid space. Rupture of a saccular or berry aneurysm is the primary cause (85%), but other etiologies include other cerebral aneurysms, arteriovenous malformation, aortic dissection, and other vascular abnormalities. Historically, aneurysm clipping was the primary modality of treatment. The standard of care changed when the ISAT study established endovascular coiling as a better, less invasive alternative. The objective of this study was to describe mortality following intervention for aneurysm rupture using real‐world data with extensive control for severity of the resulting hemorrhage.

Materials/Methods

This retrospective cohort study analyzed survival data from a cohort of patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms and recorded GCS who underwent endovascular coiling (n=634) and microsurgical clipping (n=223). Data were pulled from the TriNetX Research Network. One‐year mortality was assessed and compared using Cox proportional hazard models. Propensity score matching was used to control for demographics, comorbidities, the National Inpatient Sample‐SAH Severity Scale (NIS‐SSS) criteria, and GCS.

Results

When not controlled for severity, an analysis of 3,647 patients matched on all criteria except for GCS, the hazard of mortality was significantly elevated for coiling (HR=1.16; 1.02, 1.33). The cumulative one‐year survival was 86.6% in coiling and 88.3% in clipping. However, when the severity was controlled for using GCS (n=106 of each), patients with mild‐moderate hemorrhages (GCS 9‐15) had one‐year cumulative survival rates of 87.8% for coiling and 93.4% for clipping. Survival analysis showed that coiling was not associated with increased hazard of one‐year mortality (HR=1.74; 95% CI: 0.68, 4.41). Among patients with severe hemorrhages (GCS 3‐8), the cumulative survival rates were 41.3% for coiling and 51.8% for clipping, after matching (n=56 of each). The one‐year mortality hazard associated with coiling was also not significant in this population (HR=1.40; 0.83, 2.37).

Conclusions:

There were no significant differences in one‐year mortality between clipping and coiling in both mild‐moderate and severe SAH after ruptured intracranial aneurysms. Further research is needed to establish the differences in severity between the two groups and understanding the true hazards with larger cohorts.
Abstract 374: Predictors of early intracerebral hemorrhage in patients with cerebral sinus venous thrombosis: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gharaibeh K. , Alhajala H. , Pervez H. , Ali A. , Jumaa M. , Zaidi F.
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Patients with cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) may present with early intracerebral hemorrhage (EICH). The objective of this study was to identify predictors for EICH in CVT patients via a systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies.

Methods

Literature search on PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases from inception up to 1 February 2024 was conducted. Five studies with predictors of EICH were included in qualitative synthesis and meta‐analysis.

Results

Pooled analysis demonstrated a statistically significant association between female gender and EICH (odd ratios (OR) = 1.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.23‐1.85, p < 0.01). The ICH patients had higher likelihood of seizures (OR = 3.07, 95% CI = 1.69‐5.58, p < 0.01), focal neurological deficits (OR = 4.07, 95% CI = 2.57‐6.44, p < 0.01), and decreased level of consciousness (OR=3.89, 95% CI = 2.53‐5.87, p < 0.01). Superior Sagittal Sinus thrombosis was associated with higher likelihood of EICH (OR: 1.49, 95% CI 1.05‐2.13, P = 0.03). No statistically significant association was demonstrated between presence of EICH and pregnancy, presence of hematological diseases or thrombophilia, or other site of venous thrombosis (deep venous system, or multiple sinuses involvement). Furthermore, patients who exhibited early EICH were notably less likely to attain a favorable functional outcome (mRS 0‐2) (OR: 0.28; 95% CI 0.16‐0.49; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis demonstrates that among CVT patients, female patients with new onset seizures, focal neurological deficits and decreased level of consciousness are more likely to present with EICH
Abstract 384: Rapid accumulation of spontaneous intracranial dissection cases within two years
Authors: Komonchan S.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Spontaneous intracranial dissection is very uncommon and there are few cases reported so far. Interestingly most cases reported are from Asia. Genetic perspective would be one of the speculative causes. Making a definite diagnosis is also one of the pitfalls and distinguishing from other more common diseases, intracranial atherosclerosis which is also much more prevalent in Asia is sometimes difficult. With such a limited case, clinical progression and appropriate treatment would possibly be hard to define.

Method

We present a series of 11 cases directed or transferred to our hospital referral center from 2022‐2024. All patient information retrospectively collected in demographic, clinical presentation, and radiologic workups including relevant investigation, treatment, and clinical outcomes were described.

Outcome

All patients are between 29 and 82 years old with the six decades being the most prevalent composed of 8 cases of middle cerebral artery dissection, M1 segment and one case of M2 segment of middle cerebral artery dissection, one case of anterior cerebral artery dissection, and one case of posterior cerebral artery dissection, P2 segment. These cases have intracranial dissection spontaneously, there are no connective tissue disorders related to physical examination and there is no history of head injury before the event. Most of them present with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack and a few of them with headaches from subarachnoid hemorrhage. Interestingly there is another case that has transient ischemic attack and hyperkinetic movement disorders. Magnetic resonance imaging or cerebral angiogram reveals an intimal flap, double lumen, or string sign in all cases. These findings could distinguish from intracranial atherosclerosis if looked at carefully. The case of M2 segment middle cerebral artery dissection shows rapid progressive change in the dissecting aneurysm. Most of them had no anterograde flow impairment therefore these cases received antiplatelet treatment but four cases (36%) present with acute large vessel occlusion or severe stenosis received endovascular treatment and two of them ended up with rescue permanent stenting. One of two cases who has subarachnoid hemorrhage receives surgical clipping and bypass. All cases presenting with ischemic stroke have good clinical outcomes at three months follow up including cases with subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Conclusion

Spontaneous intracranial dissection is uncommon and underdiagnosed. Differentiating from intracranial atherosclerosis is important, and recognizing intracranial dissection features is useful. Clinical features or progression may not be benign since some of them may present with acute large vessel occlusion or stenosis. Providing treatment in this type is very challenging otherwise complications from endovascular treatment may be devastating.
Abstract 390: Real‐world evaluation of endovascular stroke treatment using stent retrievers with drop zone technology ‐ insights from a single center study
Authors: Pfaff J. , Weymayr F.
Published: January 2025

Background

The NeVa stent retriever with drop zone technology for treating acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusions (LVOs) has demonstrated safety and effectiveness in a previously completed prospective, multicenter, quality controlled, Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐regulated clinical study (CLEAR) in highly selected sites and patients.

Objective

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of revascularizing acute LVOs using the NeVa or NeVa NET devices in a real‐world setting.

Methods

This retrospective, single‐center, single‐arm study aimed to assess the safety and performance of the NeVa device in revascularizing LVOs in the anterior circulation within 24 hours of stroke onset. Occlusion locations included the internal carotid artery (ICA) and the M1/M2 branches of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). The primary endpoint was rate of expanded Treatment in Cerebral Ischemia (eTICI) score of 2b‐3 within 3 NeVa passes. Other key endpoints included first pass success (eTICI 2c‐3) and final reperfusion success (eTICI 2b‐3). Safety endpoint was 24‐hour symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH).

Results

Between December 2021 and June 2024, 96 patients were treated using a NeVa stent retriever. The occlusion sites included the distal ICA (n=5), carotid‐T (n=20), MCA‐M1 (n=53), and MCA‐M2 (n=18). Successful reperfusion (eTICI 2b‐3) within 3 passes was achieved in 85.4% (82/96) of cases. First pass success of eTICI 2b‐3 was achieved in 49.0% (47/96) of patients, with eTICI 2b67‐3 in 47.9% (46/96), and eTICI 2c‐3 in 43.8% (42/96). The final reperfusion rate (eTICI 2b‐3), including bail‐out strategies or other devices, was 91.6% (88/96); final eTICI 2b67‐3 rate was 83.3% (80/96), and final eTICI 2c‐3 rate was 75.0% (72/96). The median number of passes was 1 (IQR 1‐2). The rate of sICH was 5.2% (5/96). Three month clinical outcomes will be available at the time of the annual meeting.

Conclusions

The NeVa devices displayed high effectiveness in achieving revascularization. The results were comparable to previous studies, although patient variability and procedural differences may affect results and potentially outcomes.
Abstract 420: The Correlation of Whole Blood Viscosity and Outcome in Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Shah R. , Thapa M. , Sheikh M. , Buchhanolla P. , Courville J. , Leonhard R. , Bhuiyan M. , Hossain M. , Rai P. , Jordan D. , Kelley R.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Whole blood viscosity (WBV), reflecting the intrinsic resistance of blood flow, is an established predictor of stroke events in individuals. This study aims to correlate the WBV at different shear rates with the outcome of endovascular thrombectomy, known to be an effective treatment for large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke.

Methods

This is a single‐center retrospective study conducted at our comprehensive stroke center. The charts of 317 patients who underwent endovascular thrombectomy within 6 hours of LVO stroke were reviewed. The modified Rankin score (mRS) at discharge was used as the outcome measure, with individuals categorized as low (0‐2) or high (3‐6). WBV at different shear rates was calculated using De Simone's Formula, dependent on hematocrit and total protein levels. The T‐test and Chi‐square test were used to compare baseline quantitative and categorical data, respectively, amongst the mRS study groups. We elaborated multivariable logistic regression analyses to identify the independent risk factors associated with the outcome of interest following mechanical thrombectomy. Finally, Spearman rank order correlation was used to assess for
r
between mRS and WBV at different shear rates.

Results

Baseline group characteristics, constituted by variables pertaining to demographics and medical history, were similar across the two study groups. However, our study found no significant differences in clinical outcomes between the two groups with WBV at high shear rate (OR 0.969, 95% CI 0.77‐1.204, p = 0.780) and low shear rate (OR 0.998, 95% CI 0.988‐1.008, p = 0.779) following mechanical thrombectomy. Spearman rank order correlation between WBV at high shear rate (r=0.058, p=0.123) and low shear rate (r=0.048, p=0.128) was non‐significant.

Conclusion

This is one of the few studies to evaluate the effect of WBV at high and low shear rates on the clinical outcome of endovascular thrombectomy in patients with LVO. Our results revealed that WBV at high and low shear rates did not affect the outcome of endovascular thrombectomy, as measured by mRS at discharge. We propose that different components of blood viscosity may uniquely affect blood flow, and our study provides a path for future research to further study the correlation.
Abstract 439: Transcranial Doppler Monitoring of Cerebral Blood Flow in a Case of Fusarium Solani Meningitis Associated Vasculopathy
Authors: Bajaj S. , Blanchard A. L. , Barreto A. D. , Mannava S.
Published: January 2025

Introduction/Purpose

The recent outbreak of nosocomial
Fusarium solani
(
F. solani
) meningitis among immunocompetent individuals following cosmetic surgery at two clinics in Matamoros, Mexico, is well documented. Despite initial antifungal treatment, many patients developed severe intracranial vascular complications, particularly involving the posterior circulation, such as stenoses and aneurysms. While traditional imaging like CT‐Angiography and MR‐Angiography are the standard for diagnosing these complications, routine monitoring using these methods is not feasible. This is crucial in
F. solani
meningitis, as the disease course is dynamic and requires frequent vascular monitoring.

Methods

We present a case where transcranial doppler ultrasound (TCD) was used to monitor intracranial vascular status in a patient with
F. solani
meningitis. Daily TCD was performed to assess blood flow velocities in anterior and posterior circulation vessels. TCD findings indicated basilar artery stenosis, a hallmark of
F. solani
meningitis, with dynamic changes in velocities used to guide intervention and post‐intervention monitoring.

Results

A 31‐year‐old female who underwent cosmetic surgery in Matamoros, Mexico, presented with headaches and nausea 4 weeks post‐surgery. Lumbar puncture revealed findings consistent with
F. solani
meningitis. Despite antifungal therapy, the patient developed leptomeningeal disease and basilar artery stenosis, confirmed by MRI. TCD showed progressively worsening basilar artery flow velocities (127 ‐ 215 cm/s) and basilar artery/vertebral artery (BA/VA) ratios (2.89 ‐ 4.77) suggestive of progressive stenosis. The patient underwent basilar stenting, and post‐intervention TCD demonstrated improved flow velocities and BA/VA ratios. Continued daily TCD monitoring confirmed vessel patency, and the patient was discharged with stable vascular status after a 2‐month hospitalization.

Conclusion

TCD proved useful in the dynamic monitoring of basilar artery stenosis in F. solani meningitis, guiding both the timing of intervention and ensuring long‐term vascular patency post‐intervention. This case highlights TCD's value as a non‐invasive tool for frequent vascular assessment in patients with fungal and other similar invasive infectious meningitides.
Some new and known species of the genus Taeniacanthus Sumpf, 1871 (Copepoda, Cyclopoida), recovered from Japanese fishes (Actinopterygii)
Authors: Izawa Kunihiko
Published: January 2025

Taeniacanthus chelidopercae sp. nov. and T. scorpaenopsis sp. nov. are described based on specimens recovered from Chelidoperca hirundinacea (Valenciennes, 1831) (Perciformes, Serranidae) and specimens recovered from Scorpaenopsis cirrosa (Thunberg, 1793) and S. diabolus (Cuvier, 1829) (Perciformes, Scorpaenidae) in Japan, respectively. T. neopercis Yamaguti, 1939 and T. pteroisi Shen, 1957 are redescribed based on specimens recovered from Parapercis pulchella (Temminck & Schlegel, 1843) (Perciformes, Pinguipedidae) and Pterois lunulata Temminck & Schlegel, 1843 (Perciformes, Scorpaenidae) in Japan, respectively.
School Exclusion Policy in Scotland: Investigating Policy Levers, Drivers and Warrants
Authors: McCluskey Gillean , Robertson Laura , Taylor Annie
Published: January 2025

This paper reports findings from a review of school exclusion policy and legislation in Scotland, conducted as part of a comparative study of school exclusion across the four UK jurisdictions by the Excluded Lives research group. Drawing on a range of policy sources, this paper adopts Hyatt’s (2013) framework to contextualise school exclusion policy through an examination of policy drivers, levers and warrants. In doing so, this paper explores how over time post-devolution, there has been a move from a focus on children and young people’s “misbehaviour” that is perceived to be “aggressive” and “anti-social” to a focus on “distressed behaviours” and restorative and relationship-based approaches to preventing school exclusion. This review of the drivers, levers and warrants that underpin school exclusion policy responses therefore provides a critical assessment of the role of legislation and policy in driving the long-term and sustained reduction in official school exclusion numbers in Scotland.
Epilogue
Authors: Navarro Danielle , Foxcroft David
Published: January 2025

This chapter serves as an epilogue, exploring the vast universe of statistics that lies beyond the foundational concepts covered in the book. Highlighting the limitations of introductory courses, it emphasises that mastering basic tools such as chi-square tests, t-tests, regression, and ANOVA is merely the starting point for real-world data analysis. The chapter provides a glimpse into advanced statistical methods and models that extend the scope of traditional tools. Topics such as logistic regression, survival analysis, and robust statistics are introduced, offering insight into their practical applications and advantages. Moreover, the chapter underscores the importance of alternative inferential frameworks, like Bayesian approaches and bootstrapping, to modernise the data analysis toolkit and bridge the gap between theoretical assumptions and real-world messiness.

Additionally, the chapter reflects on the pedagogy of teaching statistics, advocating for a fundamentals-first approach. This philosophy, while initially demanding, ensures extensibility, equipping learners with the skills to seamlessly transition from basic analyses to more advanced models used in professional practice. The epilogue also acknowledges the evolving landscape of statistics, encouraging readers to remain adaptable and inquisitive as they advance in their data analysis journey. By grounding readers in core principles and exposing them to the breadth of available methodologies, the chapter inspires a mindset of continual learning and critical thinking essential for tackling complex, real-world datasets.
Characterizing the Growth in Spatial Thinking Skills in Undergraduate Meteorology Students across the Curriculum
Authors: Burns Lauren E. A. , Davenport Casey E.
Published: January 2025

Spatial thinking skills, which encompass the ability to mentally perceive, manipulate, and find meaning in spatial information, are essential to student success across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, including meteorology. Atmospheric data are inherently spatial, with meteorology coursework requiring students to comprehend, interpret, and predict meteorological data across spatial scales. Spatial skills are known to improve over time in response to instruction, but the rate and nature of that progression in meteorology students as they move through the curriculum have yet to be characterized. In this study, the Spatial Thinking Abilities Test (STAT) was used to quantify spatial thinking skills in undergraduate students in 10 courses required for the meteorology major at a single institution. The STAT was administered twice a semester over a three-semester period at the start and end of each course. Gains in spatial reasoning skills were typically modest for a single semester, though overall levels of spatial skills were sensitive to declared major; meteorology and STEM majors scored significantly higher than nonmeteorology and non-STEM majors. Additionally, meteorology majors regularly exhibited improved performance on questions evaluating the skill of disembedding, which is particularly important for interpreting meteorological maps. Even so, disembedding was the weakest spatial thinking skill for all cohorts of meteorology majors. Longitudinal analysis of meteorology majors revealed that novice students progressed the least in their spatial skills, while students in the middle of curriculum exhibited the strongest gains, likely tied to an increased number of required meteorology courses and their specific content.
Identifying, Tracking, and Evaluating Mechanisms of North American Cold Air Outbreaks (CAOs) Using a Feature Tracking Approach
Authors: Stone Jack , Gervais Melissa , Bowley Kevin A. , Zarzycki Colin
Published: January 2025

North American cold air outbreaks (CAOs) are large-scale temperature extremes that typically originate in the high latitudes and impact the midlatitudes in winter. As they transit southward, they can have significant socioeconomic consequences. CAOs from winter (DJF) 1979 to 2020 were identified in the fifth major global reanalysis produced by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ERA5) using an automated feature tracking approach (TempestExtremesV2.1). This allowed for the systematic identification of a large number of cases without using predetermined, Eulerian regions. Another important advantage of this approach was the ability to compute a feature tracked thermodynamic energy budget in a nonfixed domain for every identified CAO event. As an example, the thermodynamic energy budget analysis was used to quantify important processes for the 18–23 January 1985 CAO. The dominant mechanisms of cooling and warming as well as lysis locations (i.e., eastern or western) were then used to generalize detected CAO events into subcategories. The associated statistics, spatial footprints, and composites of 500-hPa height, sea level pressure, and temperature and winds at 850 hPa were analyzed for three subcategories that contained the majority of events. This analysis revealed that CAO events that form and dissipate through different mechanisms occur in different regions, have different intensities, and are associated with different large-scale circulation patterns. Finally, the analysis of associated North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and Pacific–North American (PNA) teleconnection pattern revealed that the PNA is typically in a positive phase for eastern CAO events and in a negative phase for western events resulting primarily from horizontal advection, whereas the NAO did not have any significant relationship.
Gender Inequality in the Labor Market: Continuing Progress?
Authors: Blau Francine D.
Published: January 2025

This article examines the trends in women’s economic outcomes in the United States, focusing primarily on labor force participation, occupational attainment, and the gender wage gap. Considerable progress was made on all dimensions prior to the 1990s followed by a slowing or stalling of gains thereafter, with a plateauing of female labor force participation trends and a slowing of women’s occupational and wage convergence with men. The author considers the likelihood that progress in narrowing gender gaps will resume in these areas, and concludes it is unlikely without policy intervention. She then considers new policy initiatives to address work–family issues and labor market discrimination that may help to increase female labor force participation and narrow gender inequities in the labor market.
Attribute Conditioning is insensitive to cue competition and is not predicted by the Big Five Personality Traits
Authors: Quigley Martyn , Dymond Simon , Kiely Katie , Bradley Alex , Haselgrove Mark
Published: January 2025

When a neutral stimulus is paired with a stimulus denoting an attribute, the neutral stimulus inherits that attribute (i.e., Attribute Conditioning; AC). The current experiments examined whether this effect is sensitive to cue competition, specifically blocking (Experiment 1, n = 245) and overshadowing (Experiment 2, n = 213), and whether personality traits can predict this effect ( n = 458). Participants were shown cartoon images of people (CSs) paired with healthy or unhealthy foods (USs) and completed the Big Five Inventory. An AC effect was evident—people paired with healthy foods were rated healthier than people paired with unhealthy foods. However, there was no evidence of cue competition or personality traits impacting the AC effect, although females displayed a stronger AC effect than males. These findings indicate that AC is a robust phenomenon of relevance to social learning processes but is insensitive to factors that influence other forms of conditioning.
What do the bloody spiritualists say? Exploring menstruation advocacy and feminist frictions in Sweden
Authors: Berg Linda
Published: January 2025

While globally menstruators are increasingly receiving support through solidarity campaigns, the menstruating body remains an ambivalent subject in Swedish politics and feminist scholarship. Menstruation activists emphasise that periods are both a local and global political issue, urging menstruators to become more aware of how their bodily cycles impact them. This article aims to explore a selection of narratives on menstruation as a political and spiritual phenomenon and investigate the still residual ambivalence in the relationship between feminism and menstrual advocacy in a Swedish context. The study is empirically anchored in a campaign for menstruation awareness combined with interviews with feminist women about menstruation as an experience and as a cultural phenomenon. The campaign, here called PeriodPride, addressed different topics, such as body literacy and menstrual solidarity. Drawing on an ethnographic study combined with a narrative approach, three narratives have been identified: (1) the menstruating body as a ‘woman’s issue’, (2) menstruators in need, remembering period poverty, and (3) the forceful cycle, reclaim the value of bodies. These narratives elucidate the discursive complexity of menstruation advocacy, underscoring its entanglement with multiple frameworks of meaning and revealing some of the productive tensions inherent within Swedish feminist traditions.
Association between combined healthy lifestyles and infertility: a cross-sectional study in US reproductive-aged women
Authors: Ye Xiaofeng , Song Xiaoxia , Zhou Sihang , Chen Guoqing , Wang Liping
Published: January 2025

Background

Infertility is a widespread problem for couples worldwide, and lifestyle factors are the cornerstone of infertility prevention. This research seeks to explore the association between combined healthy lifestyles and infertility risk among women of reproductive age.

Methods

This study analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2013–2018), concentrating on 2,154 women aged 18 to 44. A healthy lifestyle score was created based on healthy diet (top two-fifths of the Healthy Eating Index-2015 score), low-to-moderate alcohol drinking (1–14 g/day), optimal waist circumference (less than 80 cm), adequate physical activity (at least 150 min of moderate-to-vigorous leisure-time exercise per week), and current nonsmoking. Weighted logistic regression analysis was applied to assess the link between healthy lifestyle scores and the risk of infertility, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

After adjusting for potential confounders, women exhibiting 4 to 5 healthy lifestyle factors demonstrated a 59% decrease in the likelihood of infertility (OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.23–0.76) relative to those with 0 to 1 healthy lifestyle factors. Additionally, each increment in healthy lifestyle factors corresponded to a 21% decrease in infertility risk (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.68–0.92). Analysis of subgroups indicated that the inverse association was more pronounced in females younger than 30. Additionally, optimal waist circumference is the foremost factor contributing to this inverse relationship.

Conclusion

Adhering to healthy lifestyles significantly lowers the likelihood of infertility among reproductive-aged women. Public health initiatives could consider enhancing access to healthy diets, physical activity, and resources to reduce alcohol consumption and smoking. Further research is required to clarify their relationship and the underlying mechanisms.
Potential of emodepside for vector-borne disease control
Authors: Khemrattrakool Pattarapon , Hongsuwong Thitipong , Phanphoowong Theerawit , Sriwichai Patchara , Poovorawan Kittiyod , Tarning Joel , Kobylinski Kevin C.
Published: January 2025

Background

Emodepside is an anthelmintic used in veterinary medicine that is currently under investigation in human clinical trials for the treatment of soil-transmitted helminths and possibly Onchocerca volvulus. Emodepside targets the calcium-activated voltage-gated potassium slowpoke 1 (SLO-1) channels of presynaptic nerves of pharynx and body wall muscle cells of nematodes leading to paralysis, reduced locomotion and egg laying, starvation, and death. Emodepside also has activity against Drosophila melanogaster SLO-1 channels. Orthologous SLO-1 genes are present in Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti, suggesting that emodepside may have activity against mosquitoes.

Methods

Both Anopheles dirus and Ae. aegypti were blood-fed emodepside across a range of concentrations (1–10,000 nM) and mosquito survival was monitored for 10 days. Co-feeding experiments were also performed with An. dirus blood fed ivermectin at the concentrations that kills 25% (LC25) and 50% (LC50) of mosquitoes with and without emodepside at clinical peak concentration in humans (Cmax) and five times the Cmax, and mosquito survival was monitored for 10 days.

Results

Emodepside had weak mosquito-lethal effects in An. dirus but none observed in Ae. aegypti at the concentrations evaluated. The An. dirus emodepside LC50 was 4,623 [4,159–5,066] ng/ml which is > 100-fold greater than the peak concentrations seen in human. The ivermectin and emodepside co-feed experiment with An. dirus did not indicate any altered effect of ivermectin on mosquito survival when emodepside co-fed at human Cmax or five times that of the human Cmax.

Conclusions

Emodepside was not lethal to An. dirus at human-relevant concentrations and had no effect on Ae. aegypti survival. Thus, mass distribution of emodepside does not appear to be a potential tool for vector-borne disease control. Emodepside induced mortality in An. dirus does suggest that the SLO-1 channel could be a potential target for novel vector control and may warrant further investigation.
Liver transplantation for homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: a retrospective analysis from Chinese experience
Authors: Zhan Hao-Su , Wei Lin , Qu Wei , Zeng Zhi-Gui , Liu Ying , Tan Yu-Le , Wang Jun , Zhang Liang , He En-Hui , Zhou Guang-Peng , Zhang Hai-Ming , Zhu Zhi-Jun , Sun Li-Ying
Published: January 2025

Background

Homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HoFH) increases risk of premature cardiovascular events and cardiac death. In severe cases of HoFH, clinical signs and symptoms cannot be controlled well by non-surgical treatments, liver transplantation (LT) currently represents the viable option.

Method

To assess the clinical efficacy, prognosis, and optimal timing of LT for HoFH, a retrospective analysis was conducted on the preoperative, surgical conditions, and postoperative follow-up of children who received an LT for HoFH at the Beijing Friendship Hospital over the period from December 2014 to August 2022.

Results

Xanthoma and decreased activity tolerance were the primary clinical manifestations in the 7 HoFH children initially assessed (one child died suddenly prior to surgery due to cardiac arrest). Accompanying these symptoms were increased blood total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, along with severe cardiovascular diseases. HoFH was confirmed in all cases by genetic and biochemical assays. Initial treatments administered to these patients consisted of low-fat diets and lipid-lowering drugs with poor outcomes. Accordingly, all 6 patients received orthotopic liver transplantations (OLT), with the result that significant postoperative reductions were observed in levels of TC and LDL. The median follow-up of these six cases was 37.41 months (range: 19.40–94.10 months). Regular postoperative follow-ups revealed that all survived and showed significant improvements in their clinical symptoms.

Conclusion

So far, LT is the only way to heal HoFH. LT before the appearance of obvious cardiovascular atherosclerotic lesions can significantly improve the quality of life and prognosis of patients. At the same time, the blood cholesterol level of patients should be continuously monitored after LT to further control the progression of vascular complications.
The rise of weekly insulins: addressing the challenges of type 2 diabetes care in Brazil
Authors: Daher Vianna André Gustavo , Alves Daniely Freitas , Assmann Taís Silveira , Réa Rosângela Roginski
Published: January 2025

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a global health concern with a rising prevalence, particularly in Brazil. Insulin therapy plays a crucial role in managing T2D, helping to maintain glucose and energy homeostasis. Moreover, early initiation of insulin is crucial for hyperglycemic control and prevention of chronic complications. Clinical guidelines recommend initiating insulin when other treatments fail. However, several barriers may delay its initiation, contributing to therapeutic inertia and patients’ non-adherence. These barriers include fear of hypoglycemia, lack of adherence, the need for glucose monitoring, the injection method of insulin administration, social rejection associated with the stigma of injections, fear of weight gain, a sense of therapeutic failure at initiation, and lack of experience among some healthcare professionals.

Main body of the abstract

: In this context, the development of once-weekly insulin formulations could improve initial acceptance, adherence, treatment satisfaction, and consequently, the quality of life for patients. Currently, two once-weekly insulin treatments, insulin icodec and efsitora alfa, have shown promise in clinical trials, demonstrating efficacy and safety profiles similar or better than those of daily insulin therapies.

Short conclusion

These once-weekly insulins have the potential to emerge as landmark achievements in the evolution of insulin therapy. This narrative review aims to evaluate the role of weekly insulins in managing T2D, providing insights into the potential benefits, challenges, and opportunities associated with a new weekly insulin therapy, specially within the Brazilian context.
Construction and characterization of chimeric FcγR T cells for universal T cell therapy
Authors: Zhao Juanjuan , Chen Manling , Li Xudong , Chen Zhaoqi , Li Wei , Guo Rongqun , Wang Min , Jiang Zhongxing , Song Yongping , Wang Jianxiang , Liu Delong
Published: January 2025

Background

Several approaches are being explored for engineering off-the-shelf chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. In this study, we engineered chimeric Fcγ receptor (FcγR) T cells and tested their potential as a versatile platform for universal T cell therapy.

Methods

Chimeric FcγR (CFR) constructs were generated using three distinct forms of FcγR, namely CD16A, CD32A, and CD64. The functionality of CFR T cells was evaluated through degranulation assays, specific target lysis experiments, in vitro cytokine production analysis, and assessment of tumor xenograft destruction specificity in mouse models using different monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs).

Results

Three types of CFR T cells were engineered, 16s3, 32-8a, 64-8a CFR T cells. In the presence of rituximab (RTX), cytotoxicity of all three types of CFR T cells against CD20+ Raji-wt, K562-CD20+, and primary tumor cells was significantly higher than that of the mock T cells (P < 0.001). When herceptin was used, all three types of CFR T cells exhibited significant cytotoxicity against HER2+ cell lines of SK-BR-3, SK-OV-3, and HCC1954 (P < 0.001). The cytotoxicity of 64-8a CFR T cells was significantly inhibited by free human IgG at a physiological dose (P < 0.001), which was not observed in 16s3, 32-8a CFR T cells. Compared to 32-8a CFR T cells, 16s3 CFR T cells exhibited more prolonged cytotoxicity than 32-8a CFR T cells (P < 0.01). In in vivo assays using xenograft models, 16s3 CFR T cells significantly prolonged the survival of mice xenografted with Raji-wt cells in the presence of RTX (P < 0.001), and effectively reduced tumor burden in mice xenografted with SK-OV-3 cells in the presence of herceptin (P < 0.05). No significant non-specific cytotoxicity of CFR T cells was found in vivo.

Conclusion

The anti-tumor effects of the CFR T cells in vitro and in xenograft mouse models are mediated by specific MoAbs such as RTX and herceptin. The CFR T cells therefore have the features of universal T cells with specificity directed by MoAbs. 16s3 CFR T cells are chosen for clinical trials.
Dispersion, fragmentation, abrasion, and organism attachment of drift pumice from the 2021 Fukutoku-Oka-no-Ba eruption in Japan
Authors: Ishimura Daisuke , Hiramine Reona
Published: January 2025

In August 13, 2021, the submarine volcano Fukutoku-Oka-no-Ba (FOB) erupted and produced massive drift pumice in the western Pacific Ocean off Japan for the first time in ~ 35 years. Although drift pumice plays a crucial role in the dispersion of marine organisms, it can damage infrastructure and disrupt maritime traffic. However, observational data are limited for investigating the dispersion of drift pumice and its temporal changes. In this study, we present a 1-year record of the mass, size, shape, and attached marine organisms of drift pumice from the 2021 FOB eruption. We found that the mass and size of the drift pumice decreased gradually over time. Their shape became rounded after 2 months on the sea surface. Finally, the number and types of attached organisms increased dramatically after 7 months. Based on the changes in these parameters, we divided the 1-year record into three phases that describe the general processes for the dispersion, fragmentation, and abrasion of drift pumice and the transportation of marine organisms. In particular, the degree of pumice concentration in the raft was found to be important for discussing the change of pumice shape at sea and attachment of marine organisms. An additional floating experiment was performed to clarify the very long-term floating of drift pumice from the FOB eruption. Our large dataset offers new findings and quantitative and reproducible data that supplement previous studies and provide insight into the behavior of drift pumice for use in future numerical simulations and to aid in preparing for hazards related to drift pumice.
Are rare earth stocks efficient? Novel insights using asymmetric MF-DFA
Authors: Wan Pengbo , Mujtaba Ghulam , Ashfaq Saira , Liangrong Song , Nasir Rana Muhammad
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the weak-form efficiency and asymmetric multifractal scaling behavior of rare earth stock indices in the global, U.S. and Chinese markets during the trade war and the COVID-19 period. We examine the scaling behavior across overall, upward (bullish), and downward (bearish) market states from 2013 to 2021, employing an asymmetric multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis approach. Our findings indicate asymmetric multifractality in U.S. rare earth stock prices, caused by fat tails and long-range correlations. Weak-form price inefficiency and asymmetry in U.S. rare earth stock prices are prominent during market downturns, such as the trade war and COVID-19 periods. Chinese rare earth stocks demonstrate greater efficiency than U.S. and global stocks; thus, the latter markets provide arbitrage opportunities during upward and downward trends.
Regulatory roles of eugenol in paraquat-altered SNCA/LZTS3/MAPT in the cerebellum of Wistar rats
Authors: Uchewa Obinna Onwe , Ibegbu Augustine Oseloka , Okafor Samuel Okoronkwo , Nwafor Joseph Alo , Egwu Ogugua Augustine
Published: January 2025

Background

The Microtubules-associated protein tau (MAPT), alpha-synuclein (SNCA), and leucine zipper tumor suppressor 3 (LZTS3) genes are implicated in neurodegeneration and tumor suppression, respectively. This study investigated the regulatory roles of eugenol on paraquat-altered genes.

Results

Forty male Wistar rats divided into five groups of eight rats were used. The control group received normal saline; the Paraquat (PQ)-untreated group received only Paraquat. The low dose of eugenol was 200 mg/kg, the medium dose of eugenol was 400 mg/kg, and the high dose of eugenol was 600 mg/kg. All groups except the control group received 10 mg/kg of PQ orally for 14 days at one-day intervals, allowing PQ in the rats for 28 days. Eugenol treatment started on the 29th and lasted 14 days. Motor impairments were determined using wire string and beam-walk; biomarkers were estimated using cerebellar homogenates, while frozen cerebellum was used to study LZTS3, MAPT, and SNCA gene expression. LZTS3 was significantly suppressed in the PQ-untreated group and highly expressed in the eugenol-treated group. The MAPT and SNCA genes were overexpressed in the PQ-untreated group compared to the control group. Eugenol significantly decreased the expression of these genes compared to that in the PQ-untreated group. Antioxidants were reduced considerably, and oxidative stress markers were increased significantly, which could have caused increased protein fibrillation and reduced limb functionality. Histology revealed that eugenol mitigated the alterations caused by Paraquat.

Conclusions

PQ can enhance tumor expression in addition to causing neurotoxicity, which decreases limb functionality, while eugenol, an antioxidant, can mitigate the effects of PQ.
Gender differences in the influencing factors of violent behavior in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Qiu Xiaolei , Wen Lu , Jiang Wenqi , Zhang Rongrong , Mao Hongjun , Xie Shiping
Published: January 2025

Background

In this study, we investigated the gender differences in the influencing factors of violent behavior in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods

About 519 patients were evaluated using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). A regression analysis model was used to investigate the gender-related factors that influence violent behavior in patients with schizophrenia. We also investigated gender differences in cognitive function among schizophrenia patients exhibiting violent behavior.

Results

We found that male patients are more likely to engage in violent behavior than female patients (57.28 vs. 46.80%). Previous risk behaviors, police-assisted admission, and education were independently associated with violent behavior among male patients, whereas previous risk behaviors, police-assisted admission, and employment status were independently associated with violent behavior among female patients. Moreover, significant differences were found in immediate memory, visuospatial/constructional, language, delayed memory, and total RBANS scores between the violent and non-violent groups among female patients. Prominent differences were found between the two groups in terms of immediate memory and total RBANS scores among males.

Conclusion

These findings suggested that there are gender differences in the influencing factors and cognition of violent behavior in patients with schizophrenia.