bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unravelling ATTR Cardiac Amyloidosis in Iceland: A Nationwide Epidemiological Study
Authors: Bergmann Hekla María , Úlfarsson Ævar Örn , Einarsson Hafsteinn , Jóhannsdóttir Helena Xiang , Gunnarsson Gunnar Thór , Hrafnkelsdóttir Thórdís Jóna , Andersen Karl , Ingimarsdóttir Inga Jóna
Published: January 2025

Introduction:
Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) arises from the deposition of misfolded amyloid proteins in the heart's extracellular matrix, leading to significant cardiac disease. Recent data suggest that CA is under recognised and advances in treatment have increased focus on this condition with the intention of implementing treatment earlier to improve prognosis. There is limited knowledge regarding the prevalence of Transthyretin-CA (ATTR-CA) on a national level, particularly in Iceland. Therefore, this study represents the first nationwide effort to evaluate the baseline characteristics, diagnostics, and treatment of ATTR-CA in Iceland.
Methods:
A retrospective study of all patients diagnosed with ATTR-CA in Iceland from 6 May 2013 to 11 March 2024 were identified in the Icelandic Cardiac Amyloid Registry (ICE-CAR) created in 2023 by heart failure (HF) specialists at Landspitali University Hospital in Reykjavik, Iceland. Diagnosis was based on different combinations of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), an elevated Perugini score on bone scintigraphy and heart biopsies, as well measurements of free light chains, M-component measurements in blood and urine. Patients were grouped according to the National Amyloidosis Centre (NAC) prognostic staging system for ATTR-CA.
Results:
In total, 65 patients with ATTR-CA were identified (males n=60, females n=5, median age 81.4 years [IQR 75.5-85.5 years]), all wild-type and no mutant variant. Diagnosis was made with myocardial biopsy in 7 cases. Upon diagnosis, 83% of the patients had an interventricular septum thickness of ≥15mm and 92% showed a posterior wall thickness of ≥12mm. Approximately 57% of patients belonged to New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class I-II. The HF phenotypes according to left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were distributed as follows: reduced (HFrEF) n=24 (37%), mildly reduced (HFmrEF) n=9 (14%), preserved (HFpEF) n=29 (44.5%), and unknown LVEF n=3 (4.5%). A total of 54 patients had reported NAC stage: Stage I 23 (35.4%), Stage II 20 (30.8%), Stage III 11 (16.9%). Around 32% received disease modifying treatment.
Conclusion
Despite the low NYHA class observed in the study population, our findings in Iceland's nationwide assessment of ATTR-CA indicate more advanced age and lower LVEF at diagnosis compared to other studies. This highlights the critical need for early detection and appropriate therapeutic interventions in managing ATTR-CA.
Deep Learning-Based Detection of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia from Ocular Surface Images
Authors: Rehman Obaidur , Gujar Ramkailash , Kumawat Ritul , Pandey Ruby , Gupta Chhavi , Tiwari Shweta , Sangwan Virender , Das Sima
Published: January 2025

Purpose: Ocular Surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) is a broad entity encompassing a spectrum of squamous neoplasms of conjunctiva and cornea. This study aims to explore the utility of Artificial Intelligence (AI) models in detecting OSSN from slit lamp (SL) images.
Methods: This is a retrospective observational study. Slit lamp (SL) images of OSSN disease, non-OSSN ocular surface lesions (OOSD) and normal ocular surfaces (N) were collected (2013-2023). Images with minimum resolution of 1024 x 1024 pixels, under diffuse illumination were included. Data was divided into training and testing sets (85:15). Deep learning (DL) algorithms were applied for ternary classification of the SL images (OSSN, OOSD and normal). Three AI models - MobileNetV2, Xception and DenseNet121 were used in the study. A five-fold cross-validation strategy was utilized for robust model evaluation.
Results: 163 images in OSSN group, 202 in OOSD group and 269 normal ocular surface images were included (n=634). Data augmentation was performed to increase and balance the data. The average accuracies for OSSN detection for DenseNet121, MobileNetV2 and Xception were 83%, 88.8%, and 84.5% respectively. MobileNetV2 and Xception had a similar average sensitivity for OSSN detection (74%) while MobileNetV2 was the most specific DL algorithm (96.25%) for OSSN detection.
Conclusions: AI models showed good performance in image-based OSSN detection. AI models may provide a promising tool for OSSN screening in primary health care centers and for teleconsultation from remote areas in the future.
Farrington Daniels: Pioneer in the Use of Solar Energy as Appropriate Technology
Authors:   Texas A&M University, Stranges Anthony N.
Published: January 2025

Farrington Daniels (1889–1972), professor of physical chemistry at the University of Wisconsin (Madison), championed solar energy as an alternative energy source. While solar developments prior to Daniels were few and a mix of large and small-scale projects directed at industrialised and on industrialised countries, Daniels promoted the development and use of small, inexpensive, and
easily constructed solar units, such as refrigerators, cookers, and stills, by rural inhabitants in nonindustrialised countries. His research and lecture trips made him familiar with living conditions in many of these countries and convinced him that the introduction of technologies that these societies seemed to need and easily could adopt was the best way to increase their self-reliance and improve their well-being. Daniels’s goal of finding the technology that best fit the situation, without causing environmental and social disruptions and problems, anticipated the spirit of the later, and independently developed, intermediate (appropriate) technology movement.
Avaliação dos fatores de risco para óbito em pacientes com COVID-19
Authors: Freire Maria Eduarda Souza , Pasotti Maria Clara Del Pintor , Queiroga Vitor Lima de , Galdino Guilherme Garcia , Lemes Vinicius Brandão , Souza e Paula Rafaela de , Lee Maria Carolina Yi Lin , Silva Poliana Romão da , Piantino Camila Belfort , Maximiano Josy Maria , Ordones Alexandre Beraldo , Leite Katia Ramos Moreira , Faria Sabrina Thalita dos Reis
Published: January 2025

COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, emerged in December 2019 and quickly became a global public health crisis. The disease has shown a high mortality rate, particularly among the elderly. In Minas Gerais, the pandemic had a significant impact, with Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Passos playing a crucial role in patient care through the Unified Health System (SUS). Patients with comorbidities, such as cardiovascular, cerebrovascular diseases, and diabetes mellitus, exhibited more severe clinical outcomes. Identifying and stratifying risks at hospital admission are essential for improving disease management. This project aims to evaluate serum alterations of biochemical markers in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 at Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Passos. The study sought to correlate biochemical markers evaluated with disease severity, treatment responses, and clinical outcomes, contributing to enhanced preventive and therapeutic strategies against COVID-19.
Diagnóstico e manejo de sarcoidose pulmonar: relato de caso com revisão de literature
Authors: Souto Laura Olivia Tavares , Schwartz William Alves de Souza , Ribeiro Anna Luiza Menezes , Carvalho Maíra Rocha Machado de , Oliveira Lara Fabiana Maia de , Berto Arthur Mineli Kuester , Nunes Pedro Henrique Tarter , Miranda Lucas Ribeiro , Azzam Laura Barcelos
Published: January 2025

A sarcoidose pulmonar é uma desordem multissistêmica complexa caracterizada pela formação de granulomas não caseosos nos órgãos afetados, mais comumente nos pulmões. Este relato de caso apresenta um paciente diagnosticado com sarcoidose pulmonar após uma avaliação clínica que incluiu estudos de imagem e exame histopatológico. O paciente apresentava sintomas como tosse persistente e falta de ar, que inicialmente foram atribuídos a uma infecção respiratória. No entanto, uma investigação diagnóstica mais aprofundada revelou linfadenopatia hilar bilateral e envolvimento do parênquima pulmonar, levantando suspeita de sarcoidose. A biópsia pulmonar e linfonodal confirmou a presença de granulomas não caseosos, levando ao diagnóstico definitivo. Este relato destaca a importância de considerar a sarcoidose no diagnóstico diferencial de sintomas respiratórios inexplicados e discute os achados clínicos e de imagem que orientaram o diagnóstico. O reconhecimento precoce e o manejo adequado são essenciais para prevenir complicações associadas a esta doença inflamatória crônica.
O uso do conceito capital cultural de Pierre Bourdieu na bibliografia brasileira entre 2009 e 2019
Authors: Andrade Larissa Araujo de
Published: January 2025

O presente artigo propõe discutir os usos do conceito de capital cultural de Pierre Bourdieu na bibliografia brasileira da última década. Apresento, primeiro, uma discussão a respeito do significado do conceito de capital cultural, para em seguida analisar a bibliografia. Os resultados encontrados apontam a predominância da leitura do capital cultural como classificador, enquanto seu uso como instrumento de violência corresponde a uma minoria presente em diversos temas, e seu uso como elemento distintivo é igualmente minoritário, mas restrito aos estudos de elites.
Uma fábula fotográfica: “As Aventuras de Guille e Belinda” e a passagem afetiva do tempo
Authors: Silva Milena de Oliveira
Published: January 2025

O presente artigo busca ampliar as possíveis discussões acerca da série de fotografias artísticas intitulada “As Aventuras de Guille e Belinda”, da fotógrafa Alessandra Sanguinetti, principalmente no tocante a uma análise do tempo que essas imagens transmitem, sendo ele marcado por relações afetivas.  As reflexões aqui levantadas buscam pensar na construção do tempo através das imagens realizadas por Sanguinetti e como esse tempo também acaba criando uma composição análoga a um “álbum de família”, utilizando como referência o autor Eugênio Bucci e algumas teorias sobre fotografia e antropologia.
“Sei quem eu sou, não sou os seus medos”: monstruosidade, categorias emocionais e autodeterminação em narrativas de mulheres trans e travestis
Authors: Dias Diana Maciel , Klinkerfus João Pedro Barros
Published: January 2025

In this article, we analyze the short story “Dançando pelo céu depois de toda chuva”, which tells the story of two transgender characters, seen as monsters, going through the conicts of real transphobia and supernatural horror. We use the idea of monstrosity to show how the protagonists are presented as creatures and/or as human beings. From decolonial and transfeminist gender studies, we highlight how trans people are represented as anomalies and the supposed gender binarism. Through the Anthropology of Emotions, we analyzed the emotional categories set in the story, especially disgust, hate, fear and rage; and their relation with transgender narratives. We conclude that the representation of trans people in a human way and not as stereotypes is linked to the fact that it was written by a trans woman who, through self-determination, manages to complexify these characters and the story.
Pichação, violência e contracultura
Authors: Silva Lucas Yuri Fernandes
Published: January 2025

Este ensayo propone una reflexión sobre el “tagging”, subgénero del graffiti, observándolo como un fenómeno urbano vinculado a la expresión de uno mismo o a su realidad. Los “taggers” son, en su mayoría, juzgados socialmente, ya que se considera el tagging como uma “depredación del espacio público”. Si se compara con el graffiti, el rechazo al “tagging" es notorio. Es necesario mirar a las posibles causas de su exclusión de la cultura brasileña, explorando específicamente la perspectiva de la violencia del Estado y cómo impacta la vida cotidiana.
Can Minor Powers Swing between Major Powers under a Competitive International System?
Authors: Hosoi Tomohiro
Published: January 2025

Can minor global South powers benefit from the current competitive world order? Conventional research posits that minor powers can swing between major power rivals and benefit from both. However, this study asserts that minor powers may rely on major ones within an asymmetric alliance. Drawing on French and English news media, the study analyses the case of the Central African Republic (CAR), which shows a typical pattern of Russian involvement in the global South. The paper reveals two findings. First, at the beginning of the Touadéra Administration in 2016, CAR turned to Russia because of a lack of viable alternatives for support. Second, although it has helped Touadéra to consolidate an authoritarian regime in CAR, Russia impedes CAR’s efforts to diversify its diplomatic relationships. Therefore, the article finds that it is difficult for minor powers to swing between major powers.
Sturm’s Mechanist Account of Plant Life
Authors: Henkel Christian
Published: January 2025

In this article, I investigate Johann Christoph Sturm’s (1635–1703) mechanist account of plant life. The problem of life is one of the touchstones of any early modern mechanist philosophy. Plant life, in turn, constitutes the most rudimentary form of life. Sturm’s account is functionalist: plants perform the life-function: nutrition, growth, self-preservation, and generation. Sturm makes clear that what his Aristotelian predecessors called the ‘vegetative soul’ must be reduced to (1) the possession of an organic body (i.e., a higher-order structure of matter and its modifications) and (2) the extrinsic kinetic heat of the sun. In contrast to mechanists like Descartes, Sturm accepts teleology. He deals with the origin and transfer of motion on occasionalist grounds. For Sturm, all processes associated with the life of plants can be accounted for mechanically—all but the ultimate origin of the first plant’s seed, for which Sturm relies on the theory of pre-existence.
A Connectivity Perspective on Water and Sediment Flow in the Gumara and Rib Catchments, Ethiopia
Authors: Astuti Anik Juli Dwi
Published: January 2025

Land degradation, driven by human activities and climate change, remains a significant global issue, particularly in upland areas prone to soil erosion. This study focuses on the Gumara and Rib catchments in Ethiopia, aiming to enhance the assessment of water and sediment connectivity through a novel weight factor in the modified index of connectivity (mic). The study evaluates connectivity at both annual and monthly scales and identifies potential sediment sources. By integrating remote sensing and gis techniques with connectivity indices, the research reveals strong correlations between sediment yield and mic values, highlighting the impact on connectivity processes of rainfall, land cover, slope and soil erodibility. The findings underscore the utility of connectivity indices as a tool for monitoring sediment transport, particularly in regions with limited spatial data, and emphasise the importance of considering connectivity in erosion management strategies.
Narrowing Spaces of Reasons
Authors: Lehtinen Mattias
Published: January 2025

This article explores the dynamics of polarization by examining the relationship between political imaginaries and the use of political rationality in polarized contexts. Scholars widely acknowledge that polarization hinders public reasoning. The article theorizes that one cause is the interplay between political rationality and the underlying political imaginaries that shape public reasoning. On the one hand, the political imaginary is understood as providing actors in society with a shared space of reasons in which to exercise public reason. On the other hand, political rationality is conceptualized as the discursive practice of legitimizing the political imaginary which enables the exercise of political reasoning. Polarization can be linked to the narrowing of these spaces of reasons, which makes the use of political rationality between different political imaginaries harder. This is exemplified by examining the political imaginary of authoritarian neoliberalism as constituting such a narrow space of reasons, contributing to further polarization.
A Backbone Architecture for Government Observing Systems
Authors: Gail William B. , Gayl Ilse , Zeng Xubin
Published: January 2025

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s recent effort to explore commercial satellite data as alternative sources to data from dedicated NOAA satellites has raised important questions. Can these data replace all or portions of NOAA data? Can that be done at lower cost, with acceptable performance and risk? Under what circumstances should NOAA maintain its own “backbone” systems even when acceptable nongovernment sources for those data are available, and what characteristics should those backbone systems have? This paper provides a framework for answering those questions. That framework defines criteria for when a backbone element is needed for any observational data and how those criteria should be evaluated to decide. The article focuses on NOAA’s spaceborne observing capability but also generalizes the approach to other NOAA observing systems such as ground-based radars and to other organizations with comparable needs.
Marine Atmospheric Ducting Statistics Based on 2 Years of Coastal Surveillance Radar Observations
Authors: Rautiainen Laura , Lensu Mikko , Vakkari Ville , Tyynelä Jani , Kanarik Hedi , Laakso Lauri
Published: January 2025

Atmospheric ducting can cause a radar to detect over its standard horizon. Two years of X-band coastal surveillance radar imagery from the island of Utö in the Baltic Sea was processed and analyzed to study the statistics of visibility over the standard horizon of the radar. The results were compared to the modified refractivity profiles and weather observations measured at Utö. In total, 275 ducting events were observed with the Utö coastal surveillance radar and the median duration of an event was 4 h. Over-the-horizon observation statistics from the Utö coastal surveillance radar show that ducting occurs most frequently during spring (MAM) and summer (JJA) months, 37% and 42% of the time, respectively. A peak is observed in the evening toward the night during both seasons. Ducting was significantly less frequent during the autumn (SON) and winter (DJF) months, 1% and 2% of the time, respectively. The corresponding frequencies from the modified refractivity profiles were 31% for spring, 56% for summer, 40% for autumn, and 16% for winter months. During the winter and autumn months, a shallow surface duct was often present in the profiles. The presence of this weak duct did not always result in over-the-horizon observations with the Utö coastal surveillance radar but could affect surveillance radars that are closer to the sea surface or radar systems operating at a different frequency to that of the Utö X-band radar.

Significance Statement

In our article, we explore how an X-band coastal surveillance radar can be used to study atmospheric ducting, a phenomenon where radar signals can travel farther than usual. This is important for understanding how radars work in different weather conditions and how often the conditions occur that allow radars to see farther. Our study takes place on Utö, an island at the southern edge of the Archipelago Sea in the Baltic Sea. This location allows us to study ducting over both open sea and complex island environments. To our knowledge, this study presents long-term ducting statistics for the first time based on an X-band coastal surveillance radar.
Language–Subject Teacher Collaboration in English-Medium Higher Education: Current Practices and Future Possibilities
Authors: Malmström Hans , Zhou Sihan
Published: January 2025

The collaborative competence of subject (discipline) teachers and language (English for academic or specific purposes) teachers in higher education is a central concern in English-medium instruction contexts, where they frequently interact. This brief scoping review provides a snapshot of the current state of English-medium instruction teacher collaboration and guides collaborative practice to better support language teachers, subject teachers and (ultimately) students. The review is restricted to empirical studies and focuses on the forms of teacher collaboration, barriers to collaboration, and strategies to overcome these challenges. Teacher collaborations occur at institutional, departmental and individual levels, and, at each level, some obstacles limit the effectiveness and sustainability of collaborations. Proposed solutions range from individual initiatives to systematic institutional support. Based on these findings, the paper concludes with practical recommendations to enhance future collaborations.
Surgical outcomes of subclavian steal syndrome combined with carotid artery stenosis: A single-center retrospective observational study
Authors: Huanggu Haotian , Gu Guangchao , Li Fangda , Zeng Rong , Shao Jiang , Song Xiaojun , Liu Zhili , Zheng Yuehong
Published: January 2025

Objective

To explore the prevalence and risk factors of carotid artery (CA) stenosis among subclavian steal syndrome (SSS) patients and to record their prognoses.

Methods

This observational study was retrospective. From January 2015 to October 2022, 169 patients were diagnosed with SSS. Among them, 51 combined with CA stenosis have surgical indications for both diseases. In this cohort, 24 were treated for subclavian artery (23 endovascular, 1 open), 12 for CA (6 endovascular, 6 open), and 5 for both (1 endovascular, 1 open, 3 hybrid). The primary end point was mortality, and the secondary end points were vessel re-stenosis and other complications. Patients were followed up through outpatient, online, or telephone.

Results

Compared with simple SSS, patients who suffered from both were older (60.51 ± 9.304 versus 66.69 ± 7.921, P < 0.001) and more males (57.6% versus 86.3%, P < .001). Besides, they presented a higher prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia ( P = .015), diabetes mellitus ( P = .036), and CVA/TIA ( P = .036). No patient died within 30 days after surgery; four complications occurred (1 stroke, 1 hearing loss, 1 TIA, 1 infection). During a median follow-up of 37.6 months, two patients died without relation to the operation, three appeared in-stent restenosis, and one developed contrast nephropathy.

Discussion

This study observed and analyzed different intervention methods and their prognosis in SSS combined with CA stenosis patients, and due to the limited number of participants, more data support would be needed.

Conclusions

The management of SSS patients combined with CA stenosis is more challenging compared to simple SSS. Our research demonstrated different surgical methods and their prognosis.
Self-Enhancement in Latin America: Is It Linked to Interdependence?
Authors: Salvador Cristina E. , Idrovo Carlier Sandra , Ishii Keiko , Torres Castillo Carolina , Nanakdewa Kevin , Canale Segovia Fernanda , San Martin Alvaro , Savani Krishna , Kitayama Shinobu
Published: January 2025

Although individuals of Latin American heritage ( Latin Americans in short) are considered interdependent, they also value traits like uniqueness and positivity, like individuals of European American cultural heritage, who are considered independent. It remains unclear whether this inclination toward positivity extends to a bias in self-perception known as self-enhancement. Moreover, if Latin Americans are indeed self-enhancing, it is uncertain how these tendencies align with their interdependent cultural orientation. In this article, we report three studies ( N = 1,246) with three operationalizations of self-enhancement. We found that Mexicans, Colombians, and Ecuadorians show self-enhancement that is mostly similar in magnitude to European Americans. Notably, Study 3 found that self-enhancement is related to interdependence in Latin America: Unlike European Americans, Latin Americans in Ecuador exhibited stronger self-enhancement when interdependence is primed rather than independence. Our findings suggest that among Latin American individuals, self-enhancement not only exists but also reinforces interdependence.
Accidental Autoerotic Deaths and Mental Disorder: A Scoping Review
Authors: Basera Devendra Singh , Sahoo Niranjan , Sutar Roshan , Agrawal Amit
Published: January 2025

Purpose of the Review:

Accidental autoerotic death, more commonly known as “autoerotic asphyxia,” is an extreme paraphilic behavior wherein individuals induce cerebral hypoxia during self-stimulated sexual activities, often by constricting the neck or obstructing respiratory passages. Data on accidental deaths caused by autoerotic play is very low because of the non-disclosure of the mode/circumstances of death or non-paralleled forensic systems in many countries. There is a high likelihood of coexisting mental disorders with such behavior. This review identifies the association of any comorbid mental disorder with accidental autoerotic deaths.

Collection and Analysis of Data:

On August 23, 2023, a systematic literature search was carried out through Cochrane, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and SCOPUS, and studies identified in the English language were screened using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) guideline. Eighteen studies identified specific mental disorders with autoerotic deaths, including paraphilia, vaginismus, gender dysphoria, multiplex paraphilia, alcohol dependence, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and substance use disorder. Inhalant use like chloroform, toluene, and xylene was implicated during autoerotic fantasies.

Conclusions:

Prospective clinical screening and comprehensive multicentric psychological autopsy studies are needed to clarify the prevalence of accidental autoerotic death and related mental health conditions in the future. Given the possibility of accidental death, it remains to be seen whether paraphilia involving a single harmful event could be classified as a specifier within the impulsive-compulsive-reward spectrum, similar to how newer diagnostic systems address substance use disorders.
Small Area Estimation for Composite Indicators: The Case of Multidimensional Poverty Incidence
Authors: Arias-Salazar Alejandra , Gutiérrez Andrés , Guerrero-Gómez Stalyn , Mancero Xavier , Rojas-Perilla Natalia , Zhang Hanwen
Published: January 2025

This paper proposes a methodology to obtain estimates in small domains when the target is a composite indicator. These indicators are of utmost importance for studying multidimensional phenomena, but little research has been done on how to obtain estimates of these indicators under the small area context. Composite indicators are particularly complex for this purpose since their construction requires different data sources, aggregation procedures, and weighting which makes challenging not only the estimation for small domains but also obtaining uncertainty measures. As case study of our proposal, we estimate the incidence of multidimensional poverty at the municipality level in Colombia by incorporating innovative data sources such as geospatial data. Furthermore, we provide uncertainty measures based on a parametric bootstrap algorithm.
Orbital mesenchymal chondrosarcoma: a case report
Authors: Luo Qian , Wu Shuai
Published: January 2025

Extraskeletal orbital mesenchymal chondrosarcoma is an extremely rare and highly aggressive tumor. We herein report a case involving a woman in her early 20s diagnosed with orbital mesenchymal chondrosarcoma. This case report aims to increase recognition and understanding of this condition.
Exploring the potential of BOLA3-DT as a diagnostic biomarker in prostate cancer
Authors: Sarkar Debansu , Khan Badre Alam , Bardhan Abhishek , Ghosh Amlan , Pal Dilip Kumar
Published: January 2025

Background:

Exploring the potential of BOLA3-DT as a diagnostic biomarker in prostate cancer.

Methods:

Expression of the lncRNA BOLA3-DT was analyzed between normal and tumor samples in the GDC TCGA PRAD (Genomic Data Commons: The Cancer Genome Atlas Prostate Adenocarcinoma Collection) dataset. Disease progression-related clinicopathological parameters such as serum PSA level (ng/ml) and Gleason score were associated with the expression of BOLA3-DT using the same GDC TCGA PRAD dataset. To validate these findings, the expression of BOLA3-DT was checked in our sample set of 15 PCa (prostate cancer) and 15 BPH (benign hypertrophy of the prostate) patients.

Results:

In the GDC TCGA PRAD dataset, the expression of the lncRNA BOLA3-DT was significantly downregulated in prostate cancer tissue samples ( n = 492) compared to adjacent normal ( n = 52; p < 0.0001), and, there was a significant negative correlation between the expression of the lncRNA BOLA3-DT and the serum PSA level ( p < 0.01). However, no significant association was found between the lncRNA BOLA3-DT expression and the Gleason score ( p > 0.05). In this study, it was found that BOLA3-DT was downregulated in PCa tissue samples compared to BPH samples ( p > 0.05). In the GDC TCGA PRAD dataset, it was revealed that BOLA3-DT could serve as an excellent diagnostic marker with a sensitivity of 86.9% and a specificity of 84.6% (AUC-0.916).

Conclusion:

LncRNA BOLA3-DT, a novel long non-coding RNA, was found to be downregulated in prostate cancer. The expression of the lncRNA BOLA3-DT can serve as a diagnostic marker in prostate cancer.
Modeling of Jet Lag and Searching for an Optimal Light Treatment
Authors: Aleixo Beatriz , Yoon Sooyeon , Mendes José F. F. , Goltsev Alexander V.
Published: January 2025

The role of the hierarchical organization of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in its functioning, jet lag, and the light treatment of jet lag remains poorly understood. Using the core-shell model, we mimic collective behavior of the core and shell populations of the SCN oscillators in transient states after rapid traveling east and west. The existence of a special region of slow dynamical states of the SCN oscillators can explain phenomena such as the east-west asymmetry of jet lag, instances when entrainment to an advance is via delay shifts, and the dynamics of jet lag recovery time. If jet lag brings the SCN state into this region, it will take a long time to leave it and restore synchronization among oscillators. We show that the population of oscillators in the core responds quickly to a rapid phase shift of the light-dark cycle, in contrast to the shell, which responds slowly. A slow recovery of the synchronization among the shell oscillators in transient states may strongly affect reentrainment in peripheral tissues and behavioral rhythms. We discuss the relationship between molecular, electrical, and behavioral rhythms. We also describe how light pulses affect the SCN and analyze the efficiency of the light treatment in facilitating the adaptation of the SCN to a new time zone. Light pulses of a moderate duration and intensity reduce the recovery time after traveling east, but not west. However, long duration and high intensity of light pulses are more detrimental than beneficial for speeding up reentrainment. The results of the core-shell model are compared with experimental data and other biologically motivated models of the SCN.
Impact of machining parameters on surface roughness and machining forces in Al7075 turning with minimum quantity lubrication and cold fluid
Authors: Bagheri Abbasali , Abedini Vahid , Hajialimohamadi Alireza
Published: January 2025

This research focuses on studying the impact of cutting parameters on surface roughness and machining forces in turning Al7075 using minimum quantity lubrication and cold fluid. Al7075 is widely used in the aerospace, automotive, and tooling and machining industries. After analyzing the machining process parameters, the input parameters chosen at three levels are cutting speed, feed rate, fluid temperature, and cutting depth. The air pressure, fluid flow rate, nozzle angle, and the distance between the nozzle and the cutting area remain constant throughout the experiment. The output data investigated in this article include surface roughness and machining forces. The Design Expert software was used, employing the response surface method, to design the experiments, analyze the results, and optimize the parameters. To reduce coolant costs, the minimum quantity lubrication method with cold fluid was employed. The results indicate that machining forces decrease at a temperature of −20°C compared to both a temperature of +20°C and dry machining. Moreover, the use of cold fluid reduces surface roughness by 38.7% and 68.3%, respectively, when compared to a temperature of +20°C and dry machining. Overall, the application of the minimal quantity lubrication method, which includes the use of cold fluid, has shown positive effects in reducing forces and surface roughness under all machining conditions.
‘Hopefully this will be a wake-up call on how we treat migrant workers’: National wokeness in press reports during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Lazar Michelle M , Wang Wesley , Tham Aaron
Published: January 2025

This study examines how Singapore’s flagship newspaper, The Straits Times (ST), framed relationships between migrant workers (MWs) and non-state actors (NGOs, companies and individuals) during the Covid-19 pandemic. We propose the conceptual lens of national wokeness as a mediatisation strategy of positive self-presentation to overcome international criticisms concerning the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus amidst neglected MW dormitories, and to repair the nation’s reputational damage. The study identifies five key discursive themes: Provision, Participation, Awareness, Inclusiveness and Humanisation; the analysis of which shows different shades of wokeness in narrativising Singaporeans’ emergent social consciousness and benevolent efforts to address unmet health and social needs arising from the marginalised status of MWs in Singapore. This study shows how the pandemic offered a rare moment for a nation to pause and potentially reset its apathetic, racist and classist attitudes towards its MWs, and raises for reflection Singaporeans’ longer-term commitment to social change concerning MWs’ welfare after the pandemic passes.
Three-dimensional CFD simulation of co-gasification of biomass and plastic wastes (SRF) in a bubbling fluidized bed with detailed kinetic chemical model
Authors: Tokmurzin Diyar , Nguyen Hoang Khoi , Nam Ji Young , Park Sung Jin , Yoon Sang Jun , Mun Tae-Young , Yoon Sung Min , Lee Jae Goo , Lee Dong Hyun , Ra Ho Won , Seo Myung Won
Published: January 2025

In this study, a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model using multiphase particle-in-cell (MP-PIC) method with large eddy simulation (LES) was developed to investigate the characteristics of the co-gasification of densified wood pellets (WP) and rice husk pellets (RHP) with SRF in a bubbling fluidized bed reactor. ER reduction from 0.30 to 0.10 resulted in a decrease in specific gas yield per total feed from 1.20 g/gtotal to 0.96 g/gtotal and from 1.20 g/gtotal to 0.67 g/gtotal during SRF/WP and SRF/RHP co-gasification, respectively. Reducing ER during SRF/WP co-gasification allows to increase C2–C3 HCs yield reaching 0.33 g/gsrf (0.15 g/gtotal) at ER = 0.15, 0.556 kg/h SRF, and 0.693 kg/h WP. Carbon conversion efficiency (CCE) and cold gas efficiency (CGE) at the same conditions reduced to 83% and 74%, respectively. Co-gasification of 0.667 kg/h SRF and 2.040 kg/h RHP allowed to reach 0.28 g/gsrf (0.07 g/gtotal) C2–C3 HCs yield, but drastically reducing CCE and CGE to 71% and 46%, respectively. SRF/WP co-gasification is suggested for low cost C2–C3 HCs recovery from SRF with coproduction of syngas retaining 48% to 57% of initial LHV, meaning that SRF/RHP co-gasification is more suitable for syngas production.
Microbial upcycling of agricultural cabbage waste into novel dietary carotenoid, phytoene: Advancing circular economy from waste to natural products
Authors: Jeong Sun-Wook , Yang Jung Eun , Jeong Ahrah , Lee Ji Hyeon , Ryu Jeoungjin , Kang Seunghyun , Choi Yong Jun
Published: January 2025

Growing concerns over food shortages and climate-related environmental issues have increased interest in technologies that recycle renewable resources and add value to byproducts. Here, we report microbial upcycling of agricultural cabbage waste (ACW) into phytoene, a novel dietary carotenoid through rational metabolic engineering. To make the base strain, the ability to produce phytoene was initially tested in various E. coli strains harboring the crtB and crtE genes that are essential for phytoene synthesis. Next, the mevalonate biosynthetic pathway gene cluster was introduced to further increase carbon flux toward phytoene production. Finally, the gene cluster for poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P3HB] biosynthesis was further introduced into the phytoene-producing strain to increase phytoene storage capacity and enhance photostability of phytoene. The final engineered strain PHY4 produced 9.51 mg/L (5.6 mg/g DCW) of phytoene, with a productivity of 0.4 mg/L/h from 1% ACW hydrolysates, resulting in approximately a 22.1-fold increase in phytoene titer compared to the base strain PHY1 (0.43 ± 0.06 mg/L) from 10 g/L of glucose. Moreover, the PHY4 strain exhibited a three-fold improvement in photostability for phytoene. The strategies reported here will be useful for the microbial upcycling of various waste resources into high-valued natural products.
Use of Facebook in Collaborative Learning to Enhance Learning Outcome in a College of Bangladesh
Authors: Afroze Meher
Published: January 2025

Collaborative learning strategy has been researched for many years and has drawn enormous attention of educational policy-makers. This study is a little addition to that endeavour, which intended to introduce technology issues, particularly the contribution of social media to enhancing the potential of collaborative learning practice. The study was conducted in the Department of Economics at Government Rajendra College, Bangladesh. It aimed to explore the use and influence of Facebook for collaborative learning in this college. It is a case study that investigates the perceptions of third-year students and teachers of the department to explore the research question. It has conducted individual semi-structured interviews to explore teachers’ views and two focus group discussion (FGDs) to get students’ perceptions. It found that Facebook significantly influenced the organisational and theoretical conviction of collaborative learning practice. It investigated the perspectives of the effectiveness and benefits of the practice and the disruptions and challenges. Therefore, the research entails significant implications for a college in Bangladesh to enhance the learning outcome of colleges and explore future noteworthy reforms of educational policy issues.
The occupational hazards of anesthesiologists: A literature review and evidence-based approach to prevention
Authors: Vega Alejandro , Wang Cindy , Sherwin Marc , DeMaria Samuel
Published: January 2025

Background

An occupational hazard is any workplace condition that poses a risk to an employee's health. Occupational hazards are ubiquitous in the field of anesthesiology and often go underappreciated. These hazards warrant careful assessment and strategic preventative planning.

Objective

This narrative literature review examines the occupational hazards encountered by anesthesiologists and discusses evidence-based techniques to mitigate these risks. Facilitating the health and safety of anesthesia professionals protects not only the providers themselves but also enhances patient care by reducing the possibility of medical errors due to occupational fatigue, stress, and injuries.

Methods

A targeted search of PubMed and other databases (SCOPUS, Web of Science) was used to review the literature. Safety standard handbooks by the International Atomic Energy Agency, The Pan American Health Organization, The World Health Organization, and Food and Agriculture of the United Nations, were also consulted to provide the current guidelines for hazards discussed. Articles and information were included if they provided information about the occupational hazards of anesthesiologists or evidence-based prevention techniques for mitigating the hazards.

Results

The occupational hazards are classified into physical, chemical, and biological categories. Evidence-based preventive measures are proposed and examined for each category.

Conclusion

This paper examines the challenges faced by anesthesiologists by categorizing the physical, chemical, and biological occupational hazards. Each identified hazard is accompanied by evidence-based strategies to mitigate its impact. By illuminating these issues, increased awareness among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public can foster a collective effort to improve the safety of the work of anesthesia providers.
Pet Peeves and Sensemaking at Work
Authors: Knapp Joshua , Lensges Marcia , Tong Nathan
Published: January 2025

While individuals intuitively understand what pet peeves are, academic research lacks a full explanation of their nature and consequences. We begin addressing this issue by adopting a sensemaking perspective in an inductive interview-based study providing a foundation for future research in two significant ways. First, we establish a more precise definition of pet peeves as a self-centered annoyance containing personalized cognitive and affective components. The cognitive component is grounded in individuals’ values and expectations and defines the “what” of a pet peeve. The affective component defines the latent aversion attached to prospective violations of those values and expectations. Second, we develop a theoretical model of the pet peeves sensemaking process that incorporates the four sensemaking types described by Sandberg and Tsoukas. As a whole, this work represents an important first step toward establishing pet peeves as formal academic concept.
Exploration of Adolescents’ Perspectives on Quality Time with Their Parents
Authors: S Sowmya , V Vithya
Published: January 2025

Adolescence is a crucial phase, where family support greatly influences the well-being of adolescents. The pandemic has disrupted family dynamics, affecting the quality of time spent together. While research on parents’ efforts exists, little is known about adolescents’ perspectives on quality time with their parents in the Indian context. This study aims to bridge this gap by exploring the expectations of 26 adolescents (aged 10–19) through personal and focus group interviews. Thematic analysis revealed six themes: meaningful interactions, travel and outings, co-viewing, playing together, pursuing common interests, and mutual assistance and support. These findings provide insights for parents, fostering stronger parent-child relationships and aiding adolescents’ transition to adulthood. The study highlights the importance of understanding adolescents’ needs and tailoring parental support accordingly, contributing to the overall well-being and family dynamics during this critical phase.
Weight Talk and Body Weight Perception Through the Lens of Attachment Theory: A Literature Review
Authors: Osterbauer Monica
Published: January 2025

Conversations about weight have emerged within society as a prevalent topic between social influencers, professionals, and families. Researchers have identified a connection between parental insecure attachment behaviors, emotional feeding, and overeating with their children. However, examining weight talk and body weight perception through the lens of attachment theory has yet to be conceptualized within the field of marriage and family therapy. This article explores attachment theory as a framework to conceptualize weight talk and body weight perception within parent–child relationships. The connections between attachment theory, insecure attachment, and various forms of weight talk and body weight perception within the family system are reviewed. This literature review aims to provide clinicians with a framework for understanding weight-related conversations and body weight perception from an attachment perspective to support and strengthen parent–child relationships in clinical settings. Recommendations are made for future research directions within weight talk and body weight perception literature.
Who I Am—or Who You Make Me To Be?: Adult Adoptees Imprisoned by Expectations in Intimate Meetings
Authors: Linde Anna
Published: January 2025

Intimacy, including sexuality and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), is central to every family and couples counseling practice, in a direct or less direct way. Many unique challenges faced by international adoptees in intimate relationships are connected with negative sexual stereotypes as well as racism. In this article, I explore how societal structures influence sexual behavior and intersect with internalized racism, shaping expressions of intimacy. The article concludes with culturally affirming counseling practices designed to support adult adoptees’ SRHR.
Eyelash trichomegaly complicating pembrolizumab for colorectal cancer
Authors: Alevizopoulos N , Alexandris D
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Pembrolizumab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor widely administered for the treatment of various malignancies. Despite its effectiveness, its distinctive mechanism of action may lead to immune-related adverse events, most frequently affecting cutaneous tissues. Hair-related adverse events, although uncommon, include conditions such as alopecia areata and alterations in hair texture or type.

Case report

A 63-year-old male patient presented with eyelash trichomegaly following two cycles of pembrolizumab infusion.

Treatment and outcome

The patient experienced discomfort due to the eyelash trichomegaly, prompting him to consider discontinuing the treatment. However, the patient's neoplastic disease demonstrated a complete radiologic response, which encouraged him to continue the therapy.

Discussion

This case illustrates a unique documentation of pembrolizumab-induced eyelash trichomegaly. While immune checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab are known to cause hair-related adverse events, reports of eyelash trichomegaly remain rare. This case emphasizes the necessity for clinicians to remain vigilant about such uncommon side effects to ensure comprehensive patient management.