bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Haemonchosis in Small Ruminants Under Traditional Husbandry Systems in Apac District, Northern Uganda
Authors: Opeto Charles Dickens , Angwech Harriet , Ongwech Acaye , Abola Benard , Odongo Steven , Malinga Geoffrey M.
Published: October 2024

Haemonchus contortus is one of the most common and fatal pathogenic gastrointestinal nematodes of small ruminants causing significant economic losses, particularly in low‐income countries. A cross‐sectional study was carried out in randomly selected small ruminants kept under traditional husbandry systems in the Apac district (now split into Apac and Kwania districts) in northern Uganda to assess the prevalence, intensity, and associated risk factors of H. contortus infection from May 2018 to January 2019. Faecal samples were collected from a total of 768 randomly selected small ruminants (384 sheep and 384 goats) and examined for parasites using the floatation method and coproculture. The overall prevalence of H. contortus in small ruminants was 73.3% (563/768) by faecal egg count and 70.6% (542/768) by coproculture. The mean number of eggs per gram of faeces in small ruminants was 2046 ± 107 and differed significantly across the host animals ranging from 1729 ± 120 (mean ± SE) in goats to 2364 ± 176 in sheep. Significant predictors of infection were the origin of study animals, animal species, breed of animal, age of study animal, faecal consistency, lactation, multispecies grazing, grazing method, and anthelmintic use. The findings of our study provide information on the current status of H. contortus infections in goats and sheep under traditional husbandry systems in Uganda which are critical in designing effective control strategies for the disease.
Association Between Eye Color and Postoperative Pain in Female Patients With Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis in Mandibular Molars: A Prospective, Parallel‐Group, Observational Study
Authors: Sarı Merve , Yılmaz Koray
Published: October 2024

Background: Current evidence indicates that some phenotypic characteristics, such as eye or hair color, might be associated with the experience of pain. We, therefore, compared the anesthetic success rate of inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) and postoperative pain scores between light eyes and dark eyes in female patients who experienced symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP) in a mandibular molar.

Methods: This prospective, parallel‐group, observational study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06206304). A total of 110 adult female patients who experienced moderate or severe pain with SIP participated in this study. All patients received IANB with 4% articaine with 1:100.000 epinephrine. Endodontic access cavity preparation was initiated after confirmation of IANB. Pain during treatment was recorded by using a Visual Analog Scale. Anesthetic success was recorded as “none” or “mild” pain. Root canal treatment was performed, with standardized protocols. Postoperative pain scores were also recorded at 24, 48, and 72 h and 7 days after treatment. Statistical analyses of the data were performed using the independent t‐test, repeated measures ANOVA test, and Pearson’s chi‐square test. The statistical significance level was set at 0.05.

Results: No significant differences were found in the success rate of IANB and postoperative pain scores between light‐ and dark‐eyed patients at any time point (p > 0.05). The success rate of IANB was 72.73% and 67.27% for light‐ and dark‐eyed patients, respectively.

Conclusion: Pain scores decreased significantly after RCT in both groups on all days (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in the success rate of IANB and postop pain scores between light‐ and dark‐eyed female patients who experienced SIP in a mandibular molar.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06206304
Hypoglycemic Assessment of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Moringa oleifera on Diabetic Wistar Rats
Authors: Amina Egbujo Ejike , Adisa James O. , Gamde Solomon Matthias , Omoruyi Etinosa Beauty , Kwaambwa Habauka M. , Mwapagha Lamech M.
Published: October 2024

Background: Moringa oleifera leaf is used for diabetes due to its pharmacologic effects. Patients with hyperglycemia experience beta cell destruction. However, no research on risk awareness has been done to ascertain its safety. The present study describes the antidiabetic effect of Moringa oleifera leaf, such as the protection of pancreatic beta cells and the induction of glycogen synthesis, before addressing the secondary effects of diabetes, such as hepatic and renal toxicity.

Methods: Forty‐five Wistar rats weighed 160 ± 10 g were divided into nine groups. All animal operations complied with the National Institute of Health (NIH) guidelines for the care and use of laboratory animals as approved by the Animal Ethical Committee, University of Jos. Group I was normal control and Group II was diabetic animals induced with alloxan. Insulin and extract doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg were given to diabetic Groups III‐VI. Normal animals in Groups VII–IX were given extract at doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg for 28 days. Tissues were retrieved for biochemical and histological investigations using standard techniques.

Results: There was decrease relative body weight of diabetic animals (95.50 ± 5.50) when compared to normal control (142.75 ± 20.08) with increased levels of urea (control 6.13 ± 0.523 and diabetes 29.23 ± 1.267) and creatinine (control 0.70 ± 0.057 and diabetes 2.13 ± 0.185). Histology of the liver and pancreas also points to organ damage due to hyperglycemia. However, oral administration of extract showed antidiabetic effect with protection of pancreatic beta cells and the induction of glycogen synthesis, no glycogen was deposited in the liver, addressing the secondary effects of diabetes, such as hepatic and renal toxicity. Further discovery revealed that extract elevated antioxidant enzyme expression.

Conclusion: Leaf extract from Moringa oleifera reduces blood sugar and lessens the damage caused by hyperglycemia in the pancreas and liver.
Complete Dental Implant Restoration in an Individual With Systemic Sclerosis and Microstomia: A Case Report
Authors: Hashemi Ashtiani Alireza , Moradinejad Mehrnaz , Rakhshan Vahid
Published: October 2024

Background: Systemic sclerosis (SS) is a debilitating disease that affects oral and any other tissues including skin, bone, blood vessels, and the connective tissues by excessive collagen accumulation. It is a difficult case for oral rehabilitation, let alone dental implantation. In this regard, only few studies have been conducted. This article reports a case of full‐mouth implant–supported prostheses in a SS patient.

Case: After diagnosing most remaining teeth as hopeless through clinical and radiographic examinations, implant‐based fixed prosthesis for both jaws was planned, considering the progressive microstomia. Hopeless teeth were extracted. In the maxilla, the areas of central incisors, canines, first premolars, and first molars were implanted. In the mandible, the areas of the lateral incisors and the right second premolar were implanted. Also, according to the surgeon’s opinion, the anterior mandible needed bone grafting. After 3 months, the prosthetic treatment was started. Because in scleroderma, the limitation of mouth opening is progressive (and also in order to allow the restoration of the prosthesis in the future), screw‐retained abutments were used for the posterior segment. Nevertheless, the anterior abutments were cement‐retained.

Result: The patient was followed up until the present time (for 3 years). In these follow‐ups, no bone resorption was observed, and the treatment was deemed successful.

Conclusion: This report suggests that dental implants might be successful and safe for at least some cases of systemic scleredema.
Data from Discovery and Pharmacological Characterization of JNJ-64619178, a Novel Small-Molecule Inhibitor of PRMT5 with Potent Antitumor Activity
Authors: Brehmer Dirk , Beke Lijs , Wu Tongfei , Millar Hillary J. , Moy Christopher , Sun Weimei , Mannens Geert , Pande Vineet , Boeckx An , van Heerde Erika , Nys Thomas , Gustin Emmanuel M. , Verbist Bie , Zhou Longen , Fan Yue , Bhargava Vipul , Safabakhsh Pegah , Vinken Petra , Verhulst Tinne , Gilbert Angelique , Rai Sumit , Graubert Timothy A. , Pastore Friederike , Fiore Danilo , Gu Junchen , Johnson Amy , Philippar Ulrike , Morschhäuser Barbara , Walker David , De Lange Desiree , Keersmaekers Vikki , Viellevoye Marcel , Diels Gaston , Schepens Wim , Thuring Jan Willem , Meerpoel Lieven , Packman Kathryn , Lorenzi Matthew V. , Laquerre Sylvie
Published: October 2024

Abstract
The protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) methylates a variety of proteins involved in splicing, multiple signal transduction pathways, epigenetic control of gene expression, and mechanisms leading to protein expression required for cellular proliferation. Dysregulation of PRMT5 is associated with clinical features of several cancers, including lymphomas, lung cancer, and breast cancer. Here, we describe the characterization of JNJ-64619178, a novel, selective, and potent PRMT5 inhibitor, currently in clinical trials for patients with advanced solid tumors, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome. JNJ-64619178 demonstrated a prolonged inhibition of PRMT5 and potent antiproliferative activity in subsets of cancer cell lines derived from various histologies, including lung, breast, pancreatic, and hematological malignancies. In primary acute myelogenous leukemia samples, the presence of splicing factor mutations correlated with a higher ex vivo sensitivity to JNJ-64619178. Furthermore, the potent and unique mechanism of inhibition of JNJ-64619178, combined with highly optimized pharmacological properties, led to efficient tumor growth inhibition and regression in several xenograft models in vivo, with once-daily or intermittent oral-dosing schedules. An increase in splicing burden was observed upon JNJ-64619178 treatment. Overall, these observations support the continued clinical evaluation of JNJ-64619178 in patients with aberrant PRMT5 activity–driven tumors.
Figure 5 from Tumor NOS2 and COX2 Spatial Juxtaposition with CD8+ T Cells Promote Metastatic and Cancer Stem Cell Niches that Lead to Poor Outcome in ER− Breast Cancer
Authors: Ridnour Lisa A. , Heinz William F. , Cheng Robert Y.S. , Wink Adelaide L. , Kedei Noemi , Pore Milind , Imtiaz Fatima , Femino Elise L. , Gonzalez Ana L. , Coutinho Leandro L. , Moffat Rebecca L. , Butcher Donna , Edmondson Elijah F. , Li Xiaoxian , Rangel Maria Cristina , Kinders Robert J. , Rittscher Jens , Lipkowitz Stanley , Wong Stephen T.C. , Anderson Stephen K. , McVicar Daniel W. , Glynn Sharon A. , Billiar Timothy R. , Chang Jenny C. , Hewitt Stephen M. , Ambs Stefan , Lockett Stephen J. , Wink David A.
Published: October 2024

Spatial landscape of CD44v6 and EpCAM expression relative to tumor NOS2/COX2 expression and survival. A, Enriched regions showing spatially distinct CD44v6 and EpCAM expression. B, Quantification of CD44v6 and EpCAM as well as ratios of NOS2 or COX2 to CD44v6 or EpCAM, respectively, in tumors from deceased vs. alive patients. Significance was determined using the Mann–Whitney test, in which *, P < 0.05; **, P = 0.007. C, Lymphoid aggregate and EpCAM+ tumor cell boarder. Pearson’s correlation coefficient shows significant associations between T effector cells or IFNγ and EpCAM expression in tumors from deceased vs. alive patients. D, Spatial landscape of CD44v6 and EpCAM expression in annotated tumor, lymphoid aggregate, invasive tumor/stroma, and immune desert regions. These regions show EpCAM+ and CD44v6+ tumor cells that have invaded the stroma.
Figure 3 from Tumor NOS2 and COX2 Spatial Juxtaposition with CD8+ T Cells Promote Metastatic and Cancer Stem Cell Niches that Lead to Poor Outcome in ER− Breast Cancer
Authors: Ridnour Lisa A. , Heinz William F. , Cheng Robert Y.S. , Wink Adelaide L. , Kedei Noemi , Pore Milind , Imtiaz Fatima , Femino Elise L. , Gonzalez Ana L. , Coutinho Leandro L. , Moffat Rebecca L. , Butcher Donna , Edmondson Elijah F. , Li Xiaoxian , Rangel Maria Cristina , Kinders Robert J. , Rittscher Jens , Lipkowitz Stanley , Wong Stephen T.C. , Anderson Stephen K. , McVicar Daniel W. , Glynn Sharon A. , Billiar Timothy R. , Chang Jenny C. , Hewitt Stephen M. , Ambs Stefan , Lockett Stephen J. , Wink David A.
Published: October 2024

S-UMAP analysis for tumor NOS2/COX2 and CD8 expression. Density heat maps show spatially distinct tumor NOS2, COX2, and CD8 clustering in tumors from (A) deceased and (B) alive patients. Spatial distribution plots based upon positive pixels for CD8 (magenta), NOS2 (red; also shown in Fig. 1D), and COX2 (green; also shown in Fig. 1D) expression are shown. C, Masks show distinct neighborhood cluster prevalence in deceased (red) or alive (blue) patient tumors. D, Ratio of phenotype density profiles (i.e., neighborhood cluster density profiles) in the D3/alive as well as the alive/D3 demonstrates the predictive value of CD8−NOS2+COX2+ (yellow diamonds) and CD8+NOS2−COX2− (purple triangle) phenotypes due to their vast differences in deceased vs. alive patient tumors. E, Spatial dot plot and nearest-neighbor analysis at 50 μm distances of the defined phenotypes with a predictive value. F, mIF of CD8 (magenta) NOS2 (red) and COX2 (green) expression in areas of interest (red square boxes) in the spatial dot plot shown in E. F, (Top) entire tumor image; F, (middle) a satellite or tumor budding metastatic niche (yellow box) expressing elevated tumor NOS2; (bottom) immune desert region. G, Enhanced magnification of these areas of interest (F, yellow and green boxes) shows a CD8−NOS2+COX2+ metastatic niche (top image; also shown in Fig. 1A) and CD8−NOS2−COX2+ immune desert (bottom image).
Association of Race and Ethnicity with Genomic Testing at a Comprehensive Cancer Center in North Carolina
Authors: Meernik Clare , Wang Frances , Raveendran Yadurshini , Green Michelle F. , Check Devon K. , Bosworth Hayden B. , Sutton Linda M. , Strickler John H. , Akinyemiju Tomi F.
Published: October 2024

Genomic testing, which analyzes tumor cells or circulating tumor DNA to guide cancer treatment, is increasingly used in precision oncology. However, data on racial and ethnic disparities in its use are limited. This retrospective cohort study included patients diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer, colorectal cancer, non–small cell lung cancer, or prostate cancer in 2014 to 2019. Patients were identified from an institutional multilevel data warehouse, and their data were linked to an institutional genomics database and electronic health records. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate OR and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the receipt of tumor-specific genomic testing among non-Hispanic (NH) Black and NH White patients, stratified by cancer type. The linked dataset included 3,461 patients, 44.5% of whom received genomic testing. NH Black patients with prostate cancer were less likely to use genomic testing versus NH White patients across the study period (fully adjusted OR, 0.55, 95% CI, 0.32–0.95), as were NH Black patients diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014 to 2016 (OR adjusted for patient-level covariates: 0.34, 95% CI, 0.11–0.99). No differences in testing were observed between NH Black and NH White patients with colorectal or non–small cell lung cancer or breast cancer diagnosed in 2017 to 2019. Lower documented use of tumor-specific genomic testing among NH Black patients with prostate cancer across the study period underscores the need to monitor trends and address disparities in the use of emerging precision oncology technologies. Future work targeting multilevel barriers to genomic testing is a crucial next step forward.

Significance:

Non-Hispanic Black patients diagnosed with prostate cancer between 2014 and 2019 and treated at a comprehensive cancer center were less likely to use tumor-specific genomic testing compared with non-Hispanic White patients. Disparities in the use of precision oncology technologies should be monitored and addressed to ensure equitable cancer care.
Faculty mobility and research dynamics at Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Authors: Zheng Xiang , Yan Erjia , Ni Chaoqun
Published: October 2024

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) play a foundational role in promoting equality in U.S. higher education and society. Studying faculty transitions and research dynamics at HBCUs is crucial to understanding and addressing these institutions’ challenges, such as the brain drain and its relationships with faculty research practices. By tracking the affiliation changes of 139 professors and their research outcomes (consisting of 4,269 publications) and comparing them with a matched control group with similar backgrounds, we revealed a moving penalty for professors moving from Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs) to HBCUs, who experienced declines in research productivity and citation impact. In contrast, professors transitioning from HBCUs to PWIs benefited from the moving premium of increasing high-impact publications. Professors at HBCUs tend to increase their collaborations with PWIs before transitioning, while those moving to PWIs reduce their collaborations with HBCUs. Our findings highlight the ongoing challenges HBCUs face and underscore the need for comprehensive strategies to strengthen these institutions’ research functionality and ultimately their overall academic standing.
Humanitarianism’s Volunteers: The Italian Lay Missionary Movement in the Long 1960s
Authors: Salvatici Silvia
Published: October 2024

This essay focuses on the experiences, emotions and aspirations of lay volunteers who in the long 1960s contributed to the emergence of non-governmental humanitarianism in Italy. I argue that we cannot disconnect the analysis of relief practices from that of the relievers’ feelings and emotions, because they have moulded each other in specific historical, cultural and social contexts. Young lay volunteers who joined missionaries in the 1960s and the early 1970s received specific assignments, but performed their tasks driven by enthusiasm and frustration, commitment and distress, love for others and a sense of isolation. Their daily work sprang out of this complex entanglement. This essay analyses this by intertwining multiple sources: reports, journal articles, interviews, letters and diaries. These sources allow the reconstruction of lay volunteers’ collective experiences and reveal what they felt, thought, and imagined.
Hidden in plain sight: Systematic review of Indo-West Pacific Siphonariidae uncovers extensive cryptic diversity based on comparative morphology and mitochondrial phylogenetics (Mollusca, Gastropoda)
Authors: JENKINS BRUCE , KÖHLER FRANK
Published: October 2024

This study combines phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA sequences with comparative morphological analyses to revise the taxonomy of 101 nominal siphonariid species from the Indo-West Pacific belonging to the genera Siphonaria Sowerby I, 1823 and Williamia Monterosato, 1884. We have examined preserved specimens that have been newly collected at 462 sites across Australasia, the Indo-West Pacific, and in temperate zones of the northern and southern Pacific. Critically, our sampling includes topotypic specimens of 98 nominal species. The study area covered herein extends between the latitudes of 60°N and 55°S and the longitudes of 37°E and 175°W. We have sequenced two mitochondrial genes (COI and 16S) from 546 individuals and conducted a phylogenetic analysis including additional sequences from GenBank. We also studied the anatomy of 436 individuals using dissections and scanning electron microscopy. This study offers a comprehensive documentation and taxonomic assessment of type specimens for nearly all examined nominal species. Our taxonomic revision leads us to accept 88 species, which are thoroughly redescribed. 52 nominal species are treated as synonyms of earlier names, 41 of which are newly synonymized herein. Thirteen species names are deemed unavailable or invalid under the rules of zoological nomenclature, and six names are considered as nomina dubia or nomina inquirenda, notably including the oldest name, Patella laciniosa, which was widely used previously. In addition, we describe 40 new species. We have identified eleven species with broad distributions in the IWP and beyond and four species with more limited distributions than previously accepted. Notably, many species have narrow ranges, some being single island endemics. To stabilize taxonomic names, we have designated neotypes for seven species (Siphonaria sipho Sowerby I, 1823, Patella japonica Donovan, 1824, S. obliquata Sowerby I, 1825, Pileopsis radiata Blainville, 1826, S. radians H. Adams & A. Adams, 1855, S. incerta Deshayes, 1863, and S. tasmanica Tenison Woods, 1877) and lectotypes for 25 species (Patella javanica Lamarck, 1819, S. albicante Quoy & Gaimard, 1833, S. atra Quoy & Gaimard, 1833, S. capensis Quoy & Gaimard, 1833, S. denticulata Quoy & Gaimard, 1833, S. diemenensis Quoy & Gaimard, 1833, S. guamensis Quoy & Gaimard, 1833, S. plana Quoy & Gaimard, 1833, S. plicata Quoy & Gaimard, 1833, S. punctata Quoy & Gaimard, 1833, S. viridis Quoy & Gaimard, 1833, S. savignyi Krauss, 1848, S. cancer Reeve, 1856, S. bifurcata Reeve, 1856, S. funiculata Reeve, 1856, S. kurracheensis Reeve, 1856, S. lirata Reeve, 1856, S. scabra Reeve, 1856, S. belcheri Hanley, 1858, S. nuttallii Hanley, 1858, S. nigerrima Smith, 1903, S. madagascariensis Odhner, 1919, S. alba Hubendick, 1943, M. lentulus Iredale, 1940, H. monticulus Iredale, 1940 and M. oppositus Iredale, 1940).
Redefining phylogenetic placements of Hyphodiscosia: integrative taxonomic insights based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses
Authors: XU RONG-JU , CALABON MARK S. , MAPOOK AUSANA , BOONMEE SARANYAPHAT , ZHOU DE-QUN
Published: October 2024

In conducting a survey on the diversity of lignicolous freshwater fungi across a north-south latitudinal gradient in the Asian region, two strains were collected from freshwater habitats. This species is characterized by forming pinkish sporulating colonies both on wood and in culture, presenting macronematous conidiophores that swollen at the apex, producing cylindrical, pink in mass, 1-septate conidia, each with two flexuous, filamentous appendages arising from the middle of the cells. These characteristics closely match the definition of Hyphodiscosia. Through multigene phylogenetic analysis, this study for the first time determines the phylogenetic position of Hyphodiscosia within Muyocopronaceae (Muyocopronales). This study provides detailed illustrations, updates on molecular data, and a morphological comparison with related genera within Muyocopronaceae, as well as discusses the validity of the currently accepted four species within Hyphodiscosia.
The larva and pupa of Anabolia appendix (Ulmer 1905) (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) from China
Authors: DENG ZHEN , ZANG HAOMING , WANG MENG , SUN CHANGHAI
Published: October 2024

Adult females from the town of Xin-si, Ding-xi County, Gan-su Province, as well as larvae and pupae from Tian-jun and Qi-lian Counties, Hai-bei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qing-hai Province, were examined, and their COI sequences were extracted and analyzed. Adult females were identified as Anabolia appendix (Ulmer 1905) and were associated with larvae and pupae by their COI sequences. The larva and pupa of A. appendix are described and diagnosed for the first time and morphological photos of the larva and pupa of A. appendix are also provided. All the COI sequences have been uploaded to GenBank. All specimens are deposited in the Insect Collection, Nan-jing Agricultural University, Nan-jing, Jiang-su Province, P. R. China.
Revisiting the description of Atractoscion macrolepis (Perciformes: Sciaenidae): Another argument for comprehensive taxonomy
Authors: GOUWS GAVIN , KRUGER JERRALEIGH L. , SMALE MALCOLM , HENRIQUES ROMINA , POTTS WARREN M.
Published: October 2024

Atractoscion macrolepis was described as a species separate to A. aequidens, distinguished by a geographically-separated distribution, genetic evidence and a diagnostic meristic character: the number of pored lateral line scales. However, the distinction of these species and description of A. macrolepis were based on the examination of a limited number of specimens, some of which were incorrectly catalogued and possibly wrongly identified. Moreover, earlier data, demonstrating the overlap of the supposedly diagnostic character, were overlooked or not considered fully. The present study aimed to reconsider the distinction of these two species and to highlight characters for identification, using a more extensive representation of specimens, additional character sets and multivariate analyses. Seven meristic characters, 24 morphometric measurements and nine otolith variables were examined from up to 33 specimens of A. aequidens and 52 specimens of A. macrolepis. These were compared among the species and subjected to univariate and multivariate analyses, including Principal Component Analyses (PCAs) and Discriminant Function Analyses (DFAs). No meristic characters, including the number of lateral line scales, could distinguish the species, with modes being identical or with nodes differing, but ranges overlapping. While the PCA of size-transformed morphometric data revealed some separation of the two species, the DFA indicated significant and reliable discrimination. Considering the otolith variables, the PCA showed weak separation of the two species, while fair discrimination was observed in the DFA. ANOVAs indicated a number of significant differences for some transformed otolith measurements, but there were no clear trends with respect to proportions that would discriminate the species. Further exploration of those morphometric variables highlighted as contributing to separation in the PCA and DFA provided a number of variables that, when expressed as a proportion of SL and used in combination, discriminate A. aequidens and A. macrolepis: HL, MCL, PFL, AFL and PLFL. The present study does not contest the taxonomic status of A. macrolepis, the distinction of which has been demonstrated repeatedly, but does refute the characters regarded as diagnostic. In light of this, an updated key is provided for the five species of the genus. The study demonstrates the value of increased specimen representation and having data fully available rather than in summary.
Exploring the effect of family function on non-suicidal self-injury among Chinese adolescents in different family socioeconomic status
Authors: Ao Meng Qin , Luo Dan , Hou Hao , Jiang Yu Lei , Lv Zi Yao , Li Bowen , Lyu Na , Yan Shu , Zou Huijing , Yang Bing Xiang
Published: October 2024

Background:

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents represents an alarming public health concern worldwide. Both family function and family socioeconomic status (SES) were found to play important roles in adolescent NSSI engagement. However, the effects of family function on NSSI among adolescents in different family SES are not well evidenced.

Aims:

This study aimed to explore how family functions (adaptation, partnership, growth, affection, and resolve) affect NSSI among adolescents in different family SES levels.

Methods:

Data used in this study was derived from the Students’ Mental Health Network Project (SMHN), a survey conducted among 8,872 pairs of adolescent-caregivers in a city in central China. Socio-demographic characteristics, family function, NSSI, adverse life events, and depressive symptoms were measured among adolescents. Family SES were generated from caregivers self-reported information using principal component analysis. Chi-square test and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were adopted to analyze the effects of family function on NSSI.

Results:

It revealed that 10.2% of adolescents reported engaging in NSSI in the past 12 months. Poor family function and high family SES were positively associated with NSSI. Partnership, both adaptation and affection, resolve were NSSI-protective factors for adolescents in low, middle, high family SES, respectively.

Conclusions:

Efforts to address NSSI should acknowledge the association between family function and NSSI among adolescents in different family SES levels.
Deformability of filament-wound GFRP tubes filled with lightweight aggregate concrete: Experimental and improved analytical studies
Authors: Bates Kraig , Sadeghian Pedram
Published: October 2024

Previous research indicates that lightweight aggregate (LWA) concrete exhibits more brittle failure under compression than conventional normal density (ND) concrete. In contrast, angle-ply fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) filament-wound tubes filled with ND concrete show significant improvements in strength and deformability compared to hollow tubes. This study evaluates the impact of these tubes on LWA concrete to mitigate its brittle behavior. Sixteen concrete-filled FRP filament-wound tubes (CFFTs) made of ±55° filament-wound glass FRP (GFRP) were tested under axial compression. The GFRP tube’s mechanical properties and fiber winding angle of ±55° allowed for a compressive strength enhancement factor ranging from two to five for the CFFTs compared to unconfined specimens. Results also revealed substantial nonlinearity and deformability in the LWA-CFFTs due to the angle-ply tube orientation. An iterative analytical model predicted the CFFT’s nonlinear response, validated by experimental data. The findings demonstrate that angle-ply FRP tubes effectively enhance the bearing capacity and deformability of inherently brittle unconfined LWA concrete.
Cross-Linguistic Phonetic Variation in Bilingual Speech: Cantonese /n/ > [l] Merger in Early Cantonese–English Bilinguals
Authors: Soo Rachel , Babel Molly , Johnson Khia A.
Published: October 2024

/n/ is merging with /l/ in Cantonese, as well as in several other Chinese languages. The Cantonese merger appears categorical, with /n/ becoming /l/ syllable-initially. This project aims to describe /n/ and /l/ in Cantonese and English speech from early Cantonese–English bilinguals to better understand the status of the merger in Cantonese and its potential for cross-linguistic mutual influence. We examine early bilinguals’ ( n = 34) speech using the Speech in Cantonese and English (SpiCE) corpus, focusing on pre-vocalic /n/ and /l/ onsets in both languages. Items were auditorily coded for their perceived category identity, and two acoustic measures anticipated to have the potential to differentiate /n/ and /l/ within and across languages were applied. In English, bilinguals maintained a clear contrast between /n/ and /l/ in the auditory coding and in acoustic measurements. In Cantonese, however, there were higher rates of [l] for /n/ items, in line with the merger, and [n] for /l/ items, indicating hypercorrection of the pattern. Across languages, bilinguals produced language-specific /l/s, but there were no acoustic differences between Cantonese and English /n/. The participation of Cantonese /n/ in a sound change does not appear to compromise English /n/s’ patterning, suggesting that Cantonese and English /n/ are maintained as distinct categories in the minds of early bilinguals.
Aptitude, Anxiety, and Success in L2 Speech Development: A Longitudinal Study of Chinese EFL College-Level Learners
Authors: Zhou Yang
Published: October 2024

This study examined the second language (L2) speech development of a group of Chinese English as a Foreign Language (EFL) college-level learners ( N = 83) and the association between their aptitude, anxiety, and L2 speech development. The performance of the participants’ L2 speech, including speech comprehensibility and accentedness, was evaluated using a sentence reading task and a pair of picture description tasks (pre- and post-test). In addition, students completed the LLAMA tests (language learning and aptitude measurement in adults) and the Second Language Speaking Anxiety Scale (SLSAS). The t-test revealed that after one semester of English speaking and pronunciation instruction, the EFL students in the study demonstrated significant gains in their L2 speech performance in terms of accentedness and comprehensibility in both controlled and impromptu tasks. Regression analyses revealed that phonemic coding ability positively predicted gains in comprehensibility but negatively predicted gains in accentedness during sentence reading. In addition, associative memory was positively associated with comprehensibility gains in the picture description task. Anxiety appeared to be a strong predictor of participants’ gains in speech comprehensibility and accentedness during the picture description task.
The new private urban governance: Vestiges, ventures and visibility
Authors: Lippert Randy K , Mackinnon Debra , Treffers Stefan
Published: October 2024

Despite the growth, prevalence and influence of private urban governance, scholarship that explores the intimate workings of these manifold and mutating forms remains limited. While these private ventures carry forward elements from the past, the landscape of urban governance has nonetheless undergone profound transformation. Over the past few decades, the global expansion and influence of private governing ventures have reshaped how cities are managed, organised and experienced. This special issue on the New Private Urban Governance examines the constantly evolving modalities of private governance (i.e. business improvement districts/areas, condominium/strata corporations, gated communities, POPS and others) in a global context. Organised around new, interrelated themes of vestiges, ventures and visibility, this issue comprises case studies, syntheses of longstanding empirical projects and novel theoretical/conceptual interventions into political and spatial practices, knowledges and technologies of these privately governed realms. Focused on the spatialisation of politics, vestiges reflects the idea that while neoliberal forms of private urban governance continue to proliferate, they rely and build upon, rather than fully replace, earlier, more public governance practices, logics and spaces. Ventures emphasises that the private and market-oriented thrust of urban governance is heavily predicated on the protection and extraction of value and the intensifying financialisation of urban landscapes and life. Visibility highlights how governing technologies render private urban governance visible and in doing so highlight the politics of space. These three themes together expose the workings of the new private urban governance while invigorating further explorations of this complex phenomenon.
The psychology of social change – 30 years post-apartheid: what went wrong and how to fix it?
Authors: Durrheim Kevin
Published: October 2024

This article presents some snapshots from 30 years of my collaborative work in the social psychology of social change in South Africa. Projects with students and colleagues used ethnographic, discursive, and survey methods to document racial encounters in the newly desegregated spaces of post-apartheid South Africa. I will review some of the successes and failures of desegregation efforts both in the country and in social psychology, where intergroup contact theory has come under considerable scrutiny. Critically, an assimilate-to-privilege form of desegregation has not resulted in systemic change but replaced the apartheid ‘colour line’ with an ‘epistemic line’ of White privilege and race stereotyping. Towards the end of the article, I’ll consider why anticolonial discourse rejects intergroup contact as a solution, and turn, finally, to Mbembe’s concept of Afropolitanism to make modest proposals for a way forward – the ‘how to fix it’ part of the article.
Police Officers’ Perspectives of Harm Reduction Programs in West Virginia
Authors: Rudisill Toni Marie , Mohamed Rowida
Published: October 2024

Background

As the United States’ drug epidemic continues and resources dwindle, some police agencies are searching for alternatives to combat drug use in their communities. Some police agencies are interacting with harm reduction programs (HRPs) more frequently. Few studies have documented polices’ perspectives of these programs in rural areas. The purpose of this study was to garner police officers’ perspectives of HRPs and how these programs may influence their work in a rural state.

Methods

Semistructured interviews were conducted with police officers from January to February 2023. Participants had to be ≥18 years of age and be currently employed as an officer within the state of West Virginia. Participants were recruited across the state using non-probability sampling techniques. The interviews were conducted using a standardized script, audio recorded, and transcribed. Two researchers partook in a thematic analysis with inductive coding to determine themes using NVIVO v11 software.

Results

Participants ( N = 11) were mainly ≥45 years of age (55%) with ≥25 years of enforcement experience (55%). Five themes transpired: (1) nature of police work, (2) perceived benefits of HRPs, (3) perceived detriments of HRPs, (4) need for education, and (5) programmatic effectiveness and accessibility. Many officers felt HRPs could serve as an alternative to arrest for people who use drugs (PWUD) and decrease their drug use, crime, and infectious disease (i.e., improve safety) overtime. Conversely, officers felt HRPs could be detrimental if they were ineffectual as they could draw more PWUD into a community which could increase crime. Officers also discussed how harm reduction principles often conflict with their training.

Conclusions

From law enforcements’ perspective, HRPs can positively and negatively impact their work. Officers want more education and data on HRP effectiveness and accessibility. These findings may inform future HRP implementation in rural states such as West Virginia.
An adaptive dynamic surface control strategy for suppressing pathological oscillations in a neural mass model
Authors: Xia Yuhe , Wu Mingyue , Feng Yiyu , Zhang Xianfu , Xia Shengxiang
Published: October 2024

Pathological oscillations that have a frequency in the [Formula: see text] band are widely recognized to be involved in Parkinson’s disease. Now, we present an adaptive dynamic surface control strategy for suppressing pathological oscillations that exist in the Parkinsonian state. First, the interactions between the subthalamic nucleus and external globus pallidus are fully considered and establish a neural mass model of Parkinson’s disease. Next, by reasonable state transformation, suppressing pathological oscillations can be converted into a tracking control study of a pure-feedback nonlinear system. Moreover, the dynamic surface control technique adopted reduces the dimensionality of the neural network input and effectively eliminates the complexity explosion problem commonly associated with existing methods. By Lyapunov stability analysis, it can be obtained that all the signals of the resulting closed-loop system are bounded, and the tracking error converges to a small neighborhood of zero. Finally, the simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the designed control strategy. This work may provide an effective approach to closed-loop deep brain stimulation optimization for the alleviation of the Parkinsonian state.
Employer strategies for undermining migrants’ power resources: Evidence from the Danish construction sector
Authors: Overgaard Charlotte Hooper , Høgedahl Laust
Published: October 2024

In this article, the authors investigate how employer power is enacted and exercised in everyday processes at a time of non-conflict from the perspective of migrant workers. Relying on qualitative analysis of more than 120 migrants and professionals from the Danish construction sector, the authors demonstrate the various ways in which employers disrupt and deactivate worker power resources through gradual and consistent efforts to isolate migrant workers, create dependencies and wedges between them and hinder migrants’ opportunities to use their voice and gain knowledge, to the detriment of collectivism and unionism.
Retrospective Analysis of Cerebrospinal Gushers in Cochlear Implant Surgery: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes—A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Hazazi Mohammed , Almashharawi Eman , Alamry Saleh , Alkusayer Meshael M. , Altimyat Alwaleed , Alsalamah Yazeed
Published: October 2024

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) gusher is a common complication experienced during cochlear implantation in patients with structural deformities in the inner ear. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the incidence of CSF gusher, risk factors, and outcomes in patients during cochlear implantation. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis were guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses model. Studies used in the analysis were identified through a comprehensive search in Google Scholar and PubMed. Results: The analysis was performed using 13 retrospective studies. The incidence of CSF gusher was 5% (95% CI: 3%-9%). CSF gusher was more prevalent among patients with inner-ear malformation (IEM) than without IEM odds ratio = 63.01 (95% CI: 9.85-403.11, P < .00001, I2 = 88%). For incomplete partition (IP), CSF gusher in the IP-I group was 48% (95% CI: 25%-71%, I2 = 0%), 19% in IP-II, 86% in IP-III, 40% in the common cavity, 26% in cochlear hypoplasia, and 27% in patients with enlarged vestibula aqueduct. Conclusion: The CSF gusher incidences were determined to be 5%. Patients with IEM are at increased risk of experiencing CSF gusher during cochlear implant surgery. Therefore, precise scanning reports should be produced in preoperational phase to inform proper management techniques to reduce the chances of intraoperative complications, including CSF gusher.
A Rare Case Report of Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor in the Infratemporal Fossa
Authors: Alahmad Molham , Kharita Lubna , Alassaf Arige
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are rare tumors that develop from peripheral nerve sheath cells and they account for approximately 5% to 10% of all soft-tissue sarcomas. MPNSTs in the head and neck region represent approximately 2% to 6% of all head and neck sarcomas and account for 12% to 19% of all MPNSTs, and the infratemporal fossa is a rare site for MPNSTs. MPNSTs originating from the trigeminal nerve are extremely rare. Case presentation: A 19-year-old female presented with a 6-month history of left-sided facial pain and paresthesia on the same side. On examination, there was left-sided facial paresthesia at the third trigeminal nerve (V3) areas; computed tomography scanning and magnetic resonance imaging showed an infratemporal lesion and surgical resection was done. Histological examination and the immunostaining finding showed high-grade MPNST. Conclusion: MPNSTs in the head and neck region may manifest with nonspecific symptoms. The diagnosis often requires a combination of clinical, pathological, and immunohistochemistry studies. Treatment involves total surgical resection with adjuvant radiotherapy.
Closing the divide: Exploring higher education teachers’ perspectives on educational technology
Authors: Al-Adwan Ahmad Samed , Meet Rakesh Kumar , Kala Devkant , Smedley Jo , Urbaníková Marta , Al-Rahmi Waleed Mugahed
Published: October 2024

Incorporating technology into education has become a crucial component of contemporary teaching practices. Technological advancements have led to the development of innovative teaching tools and methodologies that promote active learning and engagement among students. This study used a modified version of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to analyze the key factors that impact the integration of technology in the teaching practice of higher education instructors. Among the factors to be included in the modified model are technostress and teaching tradition. These factors have been rarely examined within the mandatory technology integration in higher education settings. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) is used to analyse the empirical data collected from 657 higher education teachers in Jordan. Findings reveal that teachers’ technological, pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK) played a crucial role in facilitating the effective integration of technology into teaching practices. This boosted self-efficacy, personal innovativeness and perceptions of ease of use and usefulness. Additionally, teachers’ TPACK negatively influenced their technostress and teaching tradition. Indeed, technostress and teaching tradition were identified as significant obstacles to the effective integration of technology into teaching practices. Significant implications for theory and practice can be derived from the findings of this study to effectively incorporate technology in higher education.
Prediction model of permeability index for blast furnace based on WD-NL-transformer
Authors: Lin Xu-hui , Xing Xiang-dong , Ren Yi-ze , Wang Bao-rong , Yu Zhi-heng , Lv Ming , Du Zhong-ze
Published: October 2024

The permeability index is an important variable to reflect the operating state of a blast furnace quickly, intuitively and comprehensively. Given the multi-scale, nonlinear and massive characteristics of the blast furnace smelting process data, a prediction model of permeability index based on the WD-NL-transformer (wavelet de-noising-nonlinear-transformer) method was proposed. The key variables affecting permeability index were selected from multiple perspectives by Pearson correlation coefficient and copula entropy. The extreme outliers were optimised using box plots and Lagrange linear interpolation. A data set was constructed after wavelet de-noising to build the prediction model with nonlinear processing capability, time-series prediction capability, and early stopping method. The results show that the MSE of WD-NL-transformer is 0.0093, with the RMSE of 0.0086. Meanwhile, the R2 is 0.9859, and the running time is 19.59 s, which means the model has great prediction accuracy and inference speed. The proposed model could provide theoretical support for advanced control of permeability index, which is of practical significance to ensure the stability of blast furnace smelting and accelerate the metallurgical process of intelligent automation.