Revision total en bloc spondylectomy for a recurrent aggressive vertebral haemangioma of the thoracic spine causing progressive thoracic myelopathy with segmental kyphosis.

Vertebral haemangiomas are common amongst primary benign tumours of the spine, usually asymptomatic and discovered incidentally, whereby symptomatic cases are rare. Aggressive vertebral haemangiomas, occurring even less frequently, are characterized by their expansion, resulting in pain and neural compression symptoms. Depending on presentation and severity, several treatment options exist, and when causing progressive neurological deficit, surgical decompression and resection is warranted. Despite local recurrence being rare, regular follow-ups to detect recurrence are advised. In case of recurrent aggressive vertebral haemangiomas, however, subsequent treatment strategy usually depends on a case-by-case consideration, whereby reports in the literature are lacking. We describe a case of a recurrent aggressive vertebral haemangiomas of the thoracic spine in a 20-year-old male causing progressive thoracic myelopathy with segmental kyphosis, treated with a revision total en bloc spondylectomy and a multilevel fixation with vertebral column reconstruction using radiolucent instrumentation.

Study on the multi-lane lattice model for highways based on a novel lane-changing mechanism.

This paper reconstructs the lane-changing rules of a multi-lane highway system based on the aggressive lane-changing characteristics of actual drivers. Based on these observations, a new multi-lane lattice model is proposed. The linear stability conditions for the new model are derived. The density wave equation of the novel model is generated by exploring the evolutionary law of traffic congestion in the multi-lane highway system near the critical stability point. The correctness of the theoretical analysis results is verified using numerical simulations. The results of the study show that for a given number of multi-lane systems, the stability of the traffic flow is positively correlated with the driver's aggressiveness in changing lanes. In particular, when the adjustment intensity coefficient reaches 1, the stability of the traffic flow is optimal. On the other hand, when the lane-changing aggressiveness coefficient is kept constant, the stability of the multi-lane system increases as the number of lanes gradually increases from 1 to 4. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate that the propagation range and the size of flow fluctuations can be substantially reduced by increasing the aggressiveness of lane changes as well as by increasing the number of lanes.

Library resources constraints, frustration, and user behavior: An empirical library operations study.

PURPOSE: The lack of requisite library resources has an enormous effect on academic life in most universities. While previous studies have suggested that the lack of resources such as textbooks affects academic success, this study seeks to provide empirical evidence on the chain effect of the lack of recommended textbooks in universities. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study uses a quantitative dataset from 636 students from five public universities in Ghana collected using well-structured questionnaires. The study adopts exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the measurement and structural models. FINDINGS: The study concludes that limited library resources (such as recommended textbooks) frustrate library users and eventually birth antisocial behaviors such as stealing, hiding, and eroding books (or pages). ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This study highlights the significance of providing adequate library resources. It also guides library managers, policymakers, and scholars to manage library resources effectively.

Aggressiveness, inhibitory control, and emotional states: A provocation paradigm.

The current study examines the effects of trait aggressiveness, inhibitory control and emotional states on aggressive behavior in a laboratory paradigm. One hundred and fifty-one adult participants took part (73 men, 71 women, and 7 nondisclosed). Event Related Potentials (ERPs) during a Go/No-Go task were utilized to capture the extent of inhibitory processing, with a laboratory provocation paradigm used to assess aggression. Contrary to the expectations, negative affective responses to provocation were negatively associated only with short-lived aggression and only among those with high past aggressiveness. Furthermore, past aggressiveness was related to a continuous increase in laboratory aggressive behavior regardless of the level of inhibitory control (P3 difference amplitude). However, feeling hostile was associated with short-lived aggressive behavior, only in those with lower levels of inhibitory control. These findings demonstrate the effect of distinct mechanisms on different patterns of aggressive behavior.

Are Users Good Assessors of Social Dominance in Domestic Horses?

Horse users and caretakers must be aware of the risks of mixing social groups. The current study investigated whether eight equine practitioners can assess the social dominance rank of 20 horses. The horses' feeding time and agonistic/aggressive and submissive behaviours were observed during the feed confrontation test, and the dominance index (DI) was calculated. Kendal's W, Spearman correlations and factor analysis were applied to test the raters' agreement, the relationship between dominance ranks and the behavioural variables, and to determine the clustered behaviours. The agreement between all raters in the classification of dominance order ranged from moderate to perfect. The ranking by every rater was strongly and negatively correlated with the time of eating in feed confrontation tests and with the DI, evidencing shorter feeding times for more submissive horses. The withdrawal of the horse when threatened was the behavioural variable that was most often correlated with raters' ranking. The current study confirmed the abilities of practitioners to categorise the horses under their care according to their social interactions. Additionally, rolling when denied access to feed was proposed as frustration-releasing (redirected) behaviour.

Modeling and validation of drug release kinetics using hybrid method for prediction of drug efficiency and novel formulations.

This paper presents a thorough examination for drug release from a polymeric matrix to improve understanding of drug release behavior for tissue regeneration. A comprehensive model was developed utilizing mass transfer and machine learning (ML). In the machine learning section, three distinct regression models, namely, Decision Tree Regression (DTR), Passive Aggressive Regression (PAR), and Quadratic Polynomial Regression (QPR) applied to a comprehensive dataset of drug release. The dataset includes r(m) and z(m) inputs, with corresponding concentration of solute in the matrix (C) as response. The primary objective is to assess and compare the predictive performance of these models in finding the correlation between input parameters and chemical concentrations. The hyper-parameter optimization process is executed using Sequential Model-Based Optimization (SMBO), ensuring the robustness of the models in handling the complexity of the controlled drug release. The Decision Tree Regression model exhibits outstanding predictive accuracy, with an R2 score of 0.99887, RMSE of 9.0092E-06, MAE of 3.51486E-06, and a Max Error of 6.87000E-05. This exceptional performance underscores the model's capability to discern intricate patterns within the drug release dataset. The Passive Aggressive Regression model, while displaying a slightly lower R2 score of 0.94652, demonstrates commendable predictive capabilities with an RMSE of 6.0438E-05, MAE of 4.82782E-05, and a Max Error of 2.36600E-04. The model's effectiveness in capturing non-linear relationships within the dataset is evident. The Quadratic Polynomial Regression model, designed to accommodate quadratic relationships, yields a noteworthy R2 score of 0.95382, along with an RMSE of 5.6655E-05, MAE of 4.49198E-05, and a Max Error of 1.86375E-04. These results affirm the model's proficiency in capturing the inherent complexities of the drug release system.

The mediation model of social status on the link between parental attachment, aggressive behavior, and psychological well-being: Evidence from two studies in Vietnamese adolescents and young adults.

Little is known about how insecure attachment affects aggressive behavior and well-being among Vietnamese youth. Using structural equation modeling, we investigate the mediating role of subjective social status (SSS) on the paths from insecure attachment to overt aggressive behavior (OAB) and psychological well-being (PW) in a sample of 1753 Vietnamese adolescents (Mage = 16.136, SD = 0.784) and test whether the results will be replicated in another sample of 601 Vietnamese young adults (Mage = 19.93, SD = 1.35). Participants complete a survey comprising demographic information, attachment styles, SSS, OAB, and PW questionnaires. Our main findings include: (a) anxious attachment positively related to OAB in both samples, (b) anxious attachment was only negatively associated with adolescents' PW, (c) avoidant attachment was positively correlated to OAB in adolescents but negatively correlated in young adults, and (d) avoidant attachment was negatively related to PW in both samples. In addition, (e) in adolescents, the mediation role of SSS was significant in all paths, but (f) SSS only mediated the link from avoidant attachment to PW of young adults. The present study suggests that aggressive behavior might not be associated with social status or attachment in the same way in adolescents compared to young adult Vietnamese samples.

Sox9: A potential regulator of cancer stem cells in osteosarcoma.

Osteosarcoma is a highly aggressive bone tumor primarily affecting children and adolescents. Despite advancements in treatment modalities, the prognosis for osteosarcoma patients remains poor, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of its underlying mechanisms. In recent years, the concept of cancer stem cells (CSCs) has emerged as a crucial factor in tumor initiation, progression, and therapy resistance. These specialized subpopulations of cells possess self-renewal capacity, tumorigenic potential, and contribute to tumor heterogeneity. Sox9, a transcription factor known for its critical role in embryonic development and tissue homeostasis, has been implicated in various malignancies, including osteosarcoma. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge regarding the role of Sox9 in CSCs in osteosarcoma and its potential implications as a prognosis and therapeutic target.

Male animal sterilization: history, current practices, and potential methods for replacing castration.

Sterilization and castration have been synonyms for thousands of years. Making an animal sterile meant to render them incapable of producing offspring. Castration or the physical removal of the testes was discovered to be the most simple but reliable method for managing reproduction and sexual behavior in the male. Today, there continues to be global utilization of castration in domestic animals. More than six hundred million pigs are castrated every year, and surgical removal of testes in dogs and cats is a routine practice in veterinary medicine. However, modern biological research has extended the meaning of sterilization to include methods that spare testis removal and involve a variety of options, from chemical castration and immunocastration to various methods of vasectomy. This review begins with the history of sterilization, showing a direct link between its practice in man and animals. Then, it traces the evolution of concepts for inducing sterility, where research has overlapped with basic studies of reproductive hormones and the discovery of testicular toxicants, some of which serve as sterilizing agents in rodent pests. Finally, the most recent efforts to use the immune system and gene editing to block hormonal stimulation of testis function are discussed. As we respond to the crisis of animal overpopulation and strive for better animal welfare, these novel methods provide optimism for replacing surgical castration in some species.

The relationship between family-school socioeconomic status match and adolescent aggressive behavior.

The objective of the present study was to analyze the effect of the match between family and school socioeconomic status (SES) on adolescents' aggressive behaviors. Additionally, the moderating roles of gender and the parent-child relationship were examined. A total of 2,823 adolescents completed the Aggressive Behavior Scale, the Parent-Child Relationship Scale, and the Family SES Scale. School SES was measured by the average family SES of all students in the school. SES was categorized as high or low based on one standard deviation above or below the mean. The results showed that when there was a match between family and school SES, adolescents with "Low Family-Low School" SES exhibited more aggressive behaviors compared to those with "High Family-High School" SES. When there was a mismatch between family and school SES, adolescents with "High Family-Low School" SES exhibited higher levels of aggressive behaviors than those with "Low Family-High School" SES. Gender did not moderate these effects. Furthermore, when the parent-child relationship was poor, adolescents exhibited higher levels of aggressive behaviors when family SES exceeded school SES. Conversely, the effects of family and school SES on aggressive behavior were not significant when the parent-child relationship was strong. The present study highlights that the match and mismatch between family and school SES significantly influence adolescents' aggressive behaviors and that a strong parent-child relationship has a protective effect.

Aggressive behaviour and diabetes: A clinical case of atypical metabolic improvement during clozapine treatment.

Aggressive and violent behaviour is a challenging psychiatric emergency to manage, especially among vulnerable categories such as patients with Intellectual Developmental Disorder. Although there is some evidence that clozapine may be useful as an anti-violence compound, its use is limited by common metabolic complications. An adult patient presented with obesity, type II diabetes mellitus, compulsive food intake, severe Intellectual Developmental Disorder, and a treatment-resistant aggressive behaviour. Clozapine was administered resulting in reduced aggressive behaviour. Unexpectedly, a reduction in the food craving as well as a sustained improvement in both anthropometric parameters and glycemic control were observed during the clozapine treatment. Our case report, describes these findings for the first time, highlighting the need for more clinical research to investigate both the efficacy of clozapine in the Intellectual Developmental Disorder populations and its long-term effects with special regard to the metabolic outcomes in this type of patients.

Assessment for acceleration and transformation of chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma using histologic and immunohistochemical features: a case series.

Morphologic features of aggressive/ "accelerated" chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (aCLL/SLL) have been described. Richter transformation (RT) also occurs in a subset of CLL/SLL cases. This case series examined inter-observer variability when assessing for aCLL/SLL and RT, with attention to how immunohistochemical (IHC) markers may assist in this evaluation. Twelve cases of CLL/SLL with available FFPE tissue were identified. H&E staining and IHC (CD3, CD20, CD5, CD23, LEF1, LAG3, C-MYC, PD-1, MUM1, Cyclin D1, BCL-6, p53, and Ki-67) were performed. Three hematopathologists reviewed each case. The pathologists provided a final interpretation of (1) CLL/SLL, (2) CLL/SLL with expanded and/or confluent proliferation centers or increased Ki-67 (aCLL/SLL), or (3) large cell transformation/DLBCL. The pathologists lacked consensus in the diagnosis in 6/12 cases (50%). The reviewers disagreed on the presence of expanded/confluent proliferation centers in 8/12 cases (67%). With the exception of Ki-67, no IHC marker showed a difference in the staining profile in aCLL/SLL or RT compared to low-grade cases. This series showed inter-observer variability in the evaluation for aCLL/SLL and RT. A study that serially examines genetic alterations in FFPE tissue and correlates the features with histology and IHC, at diagnosis and throughout the disease course, may help refine indicators of aggressive disease.

Relationships between experiences of humiliation on social networks, problematic phone use, and aggressive and altruistic behaviors in young adults.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationships between cybervictimization in social networks, problematic smartphone use, aggressive behaviors, and prosocial altruistic tendencies in young adults. The sample consisted of 601 young adults (mean age = 19.96 years; SD = 2.27; 69.1% female) who were administered online assessments of experiences of humiliation on networks, problematic smartphone use, prosocial altruistic tendencies, and aggressiveness. Results indicated significant indirect effects of cyber victimization on aggressiveness and prosocial altruistic tendencies through problematic smartphone use. Problematic cell phone use explained the relationships between online humiliation and aggressive and prosocial altruistic behaviors. The results confirmed the positive relationship between cybervictimization and problematic cell phone use, consistent with previous research. However, the negative relationship between cybervictimization and altruistic prosocial tendencies was not corroborated. The findings emphasize the need to promote actions that foster social connectedness and interdependence among young individuals to develop their identity within the community.

Comparison of intravitreal bevacizumab monotherapy and combined laser photocoagulation and intravitreal bevacizumab therapy in the same session in the treatment of aggressive retinopathy of prematurity.

PURPOSE: To compare the results of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) monotherapy and combined intravitreal bevacizumab and laser photocoagulation (LPC) therapies applied in the same session to patients with aggressive retinopathy of prematurity (A-ROP) in our clinic. METHODS: The study included 67 eyes of 37 patients diagnosed with A-ROP and treated. Forty-nine eyes treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agent injection monotherapy for A-ROP treatment were included in the first group. The second group consisted of 18 eyes that received injection therapy and LPC treatment. The clinical findings of the two groups were investigated, and their treatment results were compared. RESULTS: Recurrence was observed in 19 of the 49 (38%) eyes in the first group, but there was no recurrence in any of the cases in the second group. While only IVB was applied to eight cases with recurrence, the combination of LPC and IVB treatment was applied to 11 cases. A second recurrence was detected in two of the eight cases that had received IVB monotherapy as a treatment for recurrence and in three of the 11 cases that had received LPC and IVB. The treatment outcomes of the two groups did not statistically significantly differ (P = 0.181). CONCLUSION: We consider that the combined simultaneous LPC and IVB treatment we applied in A-ROP cases is an effective approach, particularly for cases where there are concerns about the patient's ability to attend follow-up appointments.

Development of a Folding Paper System To Enable the Analysis of Gene Profile of Short- and Long-Distance Cancer Cell Migration.

In cancer metastasis, where mortality rates remain high despite advancements in medical treatments, understanding the molecular pathways and cellular dynamics underlying tumor spread is critical for devising more effective therapeutic strategies. Here, a folding paper system was proposed and developed to mimic native tumor microenvironment. This system, composed of 7 stacked layers of paper enclosed in a holder, allows for the culture of cancer cells under conditions mimicking those found in solid tumors, including limited oxygen and nutrients. Because of the migratory capabilities of cancer cells, the cells in the center layer could migrated to outer layers of the paper stack, enabling the differentiation of cells based on their migratory potential. Subsequent gene expression analysis, conducted through RT-PCR and RNA sequencing, revealed significant correlations between cancer cell migration distance and the expression of genes associated with hypoxia, metabolism, ATP production, and cellular process. Moreover, our study identified cells with aggressive phenotypic traits from the outer layers of the paper stack, highlighting the potential of this system for enabling the study of aggressive cancer cell characteristics. Validation of the folding paper system against clinical carcinoma tissue demonstrated its ability to faithfully mimic the native tumor microenvironment. Overall, our findings underscore the utility of the folding paper system as a valuable tool for investigating and identifying critical molecular pathways involved in cancer metastasis.

Aggressive variant prostate cancer with multiple subcutaneous metastases: a case report.

A 71-year-old man with bone metastasis of hormone-sensitive prostate cancer was treated with androgen deprivation therapy and apalutamide. Radium-223 and radiation therapy were administered after it become castration resistant. Although prostate-specific antigen levels remained low, multiple subcutaneous metastases of neuroendocrine prostate cancer were observed. A review of the pre-treatment prostate needle biopsy revealed a small component with features suggestive of neuroendocrine differentiation. Phosphatase and tensine homolog loss and tumor protein p53 overexpression were observed, confirming the diagnosis of aggressive variant prostate cancer. Platinum-based chemotherapy was administered; however, the patient died 28 months after diagnosis. In this case, if the diagnosis of aggressive variant prostate cancer had been made at an earlier time by biopsy specimens, there might have been a possibility to improve the prognosis by the earlier introduction of the platinum-based regimen. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13691-024-00673-7.

An overview of the contemporary diagnosis and management approaches for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.

Thyroid carcinoma is a complex disease with several types, the most common being well-differentiated and undifferentiated. The latter, "undifferentiated carcinoma", also known as anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC), is a highly aggressive malignant tumor accounting for less than 0.2% of all thyroid carcinomas and carries a poor prognosis with a median survival of 5 months. BRAF gene mutations are the most common molecular factor associated with this type of thyroid carcinoma. Recent advances in targeted biological agents, immunotherapy, stem cell therapy, nanotechnology, the dabrafenib/trametinib combination therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and artificial intelligence offer novel treatment options. The combination therapy of dabrafenib and trametinib is the current standard treatment for patients with BRAF-V600E gene mutations. Besides, the dabrafenib/trametinib combination therapy, ICI, used alone or in combination with targeted therapies have raised some hopes for improving the prognosis of this deadly disease. Younger age, earlier tumor stage and radiotherapy are all prognostic factors for improved outcomes. Ultimately, therapeutic regimens should be tailored to the individual patient based on surveillance and epidemiological data, and a multidisciplinary approach is essential.

The Heinous Hobnail: A Case Report of the Rare Hobnail Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma.

The hobnail variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (HVPTC) represents a distinctive and relatively rare histological subtype of thyroid malignancies. This variant is characterized by its unique cellular morphology with a hobnail appearance, that is, cells with apically positioned nuclei. There are other characteristics like micropapillary pattern and loss of cohesiveness of cells, which are indicative of HVPTC. It can be difficult to distinguish this pattern from other thyroid neoplasms; thus, a thorough microscopical examination is required. Thyroglobulin, thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1), and other thyroid markers are commonly expressed by the tumor cells. Clinically, HVPTC is similar to conventional papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) in many aspects like incidence and epidemiology, but the former is associated with a worse prognosis. According to some research, the hobnail variety might behave more aggressively than conventional PTC, which highlights how crucial it is to identify and comprehend this distinct subtype. While the genetic and molecular underpinnings of HVPTC are still being elucidated, some studies have reported associations with specific genetic alterations, including BRAF, TP53, and TERT mutations. Investigating these molecular signatures may contribute to a better understanding of the variant's pathogenesis and potentially guide targeted therapeutic approaches in the future. In order to customize treatment plans, histopathology is essential in correctly diagnosing it. In this article, we present a case of PTC which presented as a solitary nodule on ultrasonogram in a 40-year-old female.

Unravelling the enigma: A rare case of primary gastric squamous cell carcinoma with aggressive metastasis.

This report details a rare case of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the stomach, a condition accounting for only a fraction of gastric carcinomas. A 46-year-old male patient with dysphagia, abdominal pain, and haematemesis was diagnosed with primary gastric SCC displaying aggressive metastasis, an exceptionally low-incidence condition affecting mainly males in their sixth decade of life. Primary gastric SCC, though clinically similar to adenocarcinoma, involves a bleaker prognosis, lacking standardized treatment protocols. Histopathology and imaging confirmed the diagnosis, highlighting the challenges in managing advanced cases. Palliative chemotherapy showed partial remission but led to severe neuropathy. The case underscores the urgent need for research to understand the pathogenesis, effective management, and therapeutic targets for primary gastric SCC, emphasizing its scarcity and poor prognosis in medical literature. Increased clinical awareness and ongoing research are crucial for improving outcomes in such rare presentations.

Sexual Minority Identity and Risky Alcohol Use: the Moderating Role of Aggressive Behavior.

Adolescent alcohol use has significant consequences for concurrent and longitudinal health and wellbeing, with sexual minority youth consistently reporting higher levels of alcohol use than their heterosexual peers. Understanding how individual-difference variables like aggressive behavior are associated with variability in sexual minority adolescents' higher levels of alcohol use offers novel theoretical insight into this vulnerability. The 81,509 participants were drawn from the Profiles of Student life: Attitudes and Behavior Study. They were ages 14-17 years (M = 15.38, SD = 1.09) and 50.1% were cisgender girls. For sexual identity, 88% were heterosexual, 5% were mostly heterosexual, were 4% bisexual, were 1% mostly gay or lesbian, and were 1% being gay or lesbian. Participants reported on alcohol use, aggressive behavior, and sexual identity. Gay/lesbian and mostly gay/lesbian adolescents who reported higher aggressive behavior had higher levels of alcohol use than their heterosexual peers who also reported higher aggressive behavior. The way in which aggressive behavior amplified the link between mostly gay/lesbian and gay/lesbian identities and alcohol use suggests the need for more research examining how this trait may heighten both exposure and reaction to minority stressors among some subgroups of sexual minority youth.