Positive Features Research Articles

Papillary microcarcinoma of the thyroid gland: Evaluation of TERT and BRAFV-600E expression and their relationship with clinicopathological findings

Papillary microcarcinomas (PMCs) are papillary carcinomas ≤1 cm in size, with an increasing incidence. Although generally indolent, some cases exhibit aggressive behavior. Recently, active surveillance has been recommended to avoid surgical treatment. Identifying molecular changes that predict aggressiveness in PMCs has gained importance, but studies are limited. We aimed to demonstrate TERT expression and BRAF V600E positivity immunohistochemically in PMCs and correlate them with histomorphological features, subtypes, and clinicopathological findings. We included 95 PMC cases diagnosed between 2010 and 2019 at the Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, XXX University. We investigated TERT expression using RT-PCR. We evaluated BRAF V600E mutation immunohistochemically. We evaluated the relationship between genetic, histomorphological, and clinicopathological findings. In patients with multifocality and those with a tumor size ≥0.5 cm, the frequency of lymph node metastasis was significantly higher. A positive correlation was shown between BRAF V600E positivity and lymph node metastasis, lymphovascular invasion, advanced disease stage, and classical subtype by univariate analyses. We detected TERT expression in 18 of 95 patients (7.8 %). No relationship could be detected between TERT expression alone or combined with BRAF positivity and clinicopathological features. Although TERT mutations are associated with aggressiveness in thyroid cancers, this association was absent in PMCs. The presence of TERT expression was demonstrated in some cases. However, TERT expression could not be associated with clinicopathological findings, which is consistent with the literature suggesting that TERT plays a role in advanced stages of carcinogenesis.

Confiscation of Property: Russian and Foreign Law Enforcement Experience

The paper examines the prospects for increasing the effectiveness of this measure. The study utilizes the data on the use of confiscation of property as another measure of criminal law in Russia, as well as foreign experience in the use of confiscation of property. The author notes the alarming fact that Article 104.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation is applied in 60% of cases for crimes related to violation of the rules for handling narcotic drugs, psychotropic and potent substances; given the frequency of application of the measure under study, the absence of a significant desired effect is indicated. It is noted that the confiscation of property actually performs only a «protective» function and neglects the potential preventive component. There are several shortcomings pointed out in the paper. Article 104.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation specifies a closed list of crimes. The legislation restricts the possibility of confiscating property transferred by a convicted person to another person; it is only possible if the person knew that it was obtained as a result of criminal acts; the burden of proof of the illegality of the acquisition of property is placed on government bodies. The obstacles to the return of confiscation of property to the number of punishments are examined separately. These include the experience of using confiscation as another measure of a criminal legal nature that has developed over the past few years. Some more are the possibility of confiscating property for the benefit of the state in a civil-legal manner; the negative historical experience of using confiscation of property; the absence of clearly reliable and recognized data characterizing the preventive potential of confiscation as a punishment (especially in the context of the possibility of using confiscation of property as a punishment exclusively to the guilty person). Some attention is given to the issue of positive and negative features of the regulation of confiscation of property in sectoral legislation, as well as aspects of shifting the burden of proof of the legality of the acquisition of property.

Counterexamples to Minkowski’s conjecture and escape of mass in positive characteristic

Counterexamples to Minkowski’s conjecture and escape of mass in positive characteristic

Presentation of rational Schur algebras

We present rational Schur algebra S(n,r,s) over an arbitrary ground field K as a quotient of the distribution algebra Dist(G) of the general linear group G=GL(n) by an ideal I(n,r,s) and provide an explicit description of the generators of I(n,r,s). Over fields K of characteristic zero, this corrects and completes a presentation of S(n,r,s) in terms of generators and relations originally considered by Dipper and Doty. The explicit presentation over ground fields of positive characteristics appears here for the first time.

Rett syndrome: The Natural History Study journey

AbstractUnderstanding clinical features and disease progression of Rett syndrome (RTT) and establishing clinical trial readiness was enhanced by the RTT Natural History Study (NHS). The NHS benefited from two key developments: one, the Orphan Drug Act passed by Congress in 1983 defining criteria for rare disorders in the United States and creating opportunities for pharmaceutical companies to develop products for individuals with rare disorders, and two, the Rare Diseases Act of 2002, which established the National Institutes of Health Office of Rare Diseases and provided research funding. Funding for the RTT and related disorders NHS was obtained in 2003, creating a broad network of experienced clinical investigators across the United States and producing critical results not only for RTT but also for related disorders: CDKL5 deficiency disorder, FOXG1 disorder, and MECP2 duplication syndrome. Longitudinal information from over 1800 participants (more than 1600 diagnosed with RTT) led to multiple reports describing their clinical features and natural progression and identified putative biomarkers and clinical outcome measures. Establishing clinical trial readiness assisted in evaluating the first FDA‐approved medication for RTT in 2023 and continues to provide opportunities to develop potentially life‐altering therapies. The experiences of the RTT NHS journey provide informative guidance for studying other rare neurological disorders. These lessons include positive features of developing productive collaborations focused on improving lives of people and families with RTT and related disorders, as well as lessons learned through retrospective analysis for improving overall conduct of natural history studies in rare disorders.

Autokracja w języku i kulturze litewskiej

In this article, the concept of autocracy in Lithuanian discourse is analyzed using the method developed by the Lublin School of Ethnolinguistics. The focus on the concept of autocracy stems from the observation that, when asked to name antonyms for the word democracy, students most commonly mention autocracy and authoritarianism. Lithuanian lexicographical sources and the General Lithuanian Encyclopaedia provide the most general meaning of autocracy without offering any evaluation or comparison with other forms of government. While young people and media writers often compare autocracy with other forms of government, such as dictatorship or tyranny, they tend to highlight both its positive and negative characteristics. Even indirect comparisons, both in surveys and media texts, reveal nuanced aspects of democracy (such as unity, protection of human liberties and rights, participation in the governance of the state, and control of elected power) and shades of meaning associated with autocracy (including fear, suppression civil rights, disregard for the public or the community, and division). While it can be argued that, in general, democracy is viewed positively by Lithuanians, both surveys and media texts indicate a lack of consensus. There is a noticeable tendency to view autocracy positively and democracy negatively, suggesting a longing for strong leadership and perhaps a sense of uncertainty about how to handle the freedoms offered by democracy. The S–Q–T (System – Questionnaires – Text) analysis reveals that autocracy is perceived as a form of government, the opposite of democracy, representing the dominance of one person in the affairs of a society or community rather than a value.

Choice Bolstering Changes Attribute Importance and Affects Future Choices

ABSTRACTPrior research has established that decision‐makers engage in a bolstering process by magnifying the value of a previously made choice in order to justify their choices. The current research examines the impact of bolstering on attribute importance weights and future choices. Experiments 1 and 2 demonstrate that after making a choice between a priori comparable options, consumers prefer attributes (e.g., sunlight in an apartment) that they associate with positive features of their chosen option (lot of sunlight) more than attributes they associate (a) with negative features of their chosen option or (b) with positive features of their nonchosen option. These postchoice associations and altered attribute importance weights drive subsequent preferences. In an incentive‐compatible study, Experiment 3 demonstrates that bolstering goes beyond choice justification and impacts subsequent choice. After an initial choice, participants choose new products that have positive features consistent with their original chosen option rather than products with positive features consistent with their original nonchosen option. This research contributes to the literature on preference construction by examining the impact of justification for one's previous choices on constructed attribute preferences and subsequent choices.

Assessment of Park Paths and Trails for Physical Activity Promotion among Older Adults in Saudi Arabia: Feasibility and Future Directions.

A descriptive study design was used to assess five public parks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from April to June 2022. Additionally, process, resource, and management assessments were also conducted. The PEAT was easy to use, but additions are recommended to increase relevance to older adults with chronic disease. Descriptive analyses revealed positive features, such as adequate lighting, but other features such as path slope were more variable. Study findings can guide the future use of the PEAT for older adult participants and inform environmental modifications.

Electronics Utilization by Consumers: Antecedents and Impact on Consumer Positivity

A sample of consumers, ranging in age from late teens to 65, is used to examine the impact of demographic antecedents on consumer electronic utilization variables (age, household income, undergraduate major, and ethnicity).Then, the impact of these electronic utilization variables on positive consumer characteristics is examined (cultural openness, deal proneness, value judgment, self-esteem, and shopping enjoyment).Strong support indicates the various impacts the antecedents have on consumer electronic utilization. Findings also suggest the influence of these electronic utilization variables on positive consumer characteristics. The non-findings are discussed, and future research is suggested to further examine the relationships included in this study’s research model.

Functional genomics and taxonomic insights into heavymetaltolerant novel bacterium Brevibacterium metallidurans sp. nov. NCCP-602T isolated from tannery effluent in Pakistan.

The strain designated NCCP-602T was isolated from tannery effluent, and displayed aerobic, gram-positive, rod-shaped cells that were characterized by oxidase negative, catalase positive, and non-motile features. The most favourable growth conditions were observed at a temperature of 30°C, pH 7.0, and NaCl concentration of 1% (w/v). It tolerated heavy metals at high concentrations of chromium (3600 ppm), copper (3300 ppm), cadmium (3000 ppm), arsenic (1200 ppm) and lead (1500 ppm). The results of phylogenetic analysis, derived from sequences of the 16S rRNA gene, indicated the position of strain NCCP-602T within genus Brevibacterium and showed that it was closely related to Brevibacterium ammoniilyticum JCM 17537T. Strain NCCP-602T formed a robust branch that was clearly separate from closely related taxa. A comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and dDDH values between the closely related type strains and strain NCCP-602T provided additional evidence supporting the classification of strain NCCP-602T as a distinct novel genospecies. The polar lipid profile included diphosphatidylglycerol, glycolipid, phospholipids and amino lipids. MK-7 and MK-8 were found as the respiratory quinones, while anteiso-C15:0, iso-C15:0, iso-C16:0, iso-C17:0, and anteiso-C17:0 were identified as the predominant cellular fatty acids (> 10%). Considering the convergence of phylogenetic, phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and genotypic traits, it is suggested that strain NCCP-602T be classified as a distinct species Brevibacterium metallidurans sp. nov. within genus Brevibacterium with type strain NCCP-602T (JCM 18882T = CGMCC1.62055T).

Framing interactivity in complex communication of debate talk show

Abstract The present study explores how disagreement space is managed in a multiparty argumentative activity of debate talk show that focuses on the political situation in Belarus. The communicative activity under study is viewed as a type of difficult conversation that takes place between two groups that differ in their ideologies (Ellis 2020). In particular, drawing on the polylogical framework of argumentation (Lewiński and Aakhus 2023) and communication design approach (Aakhus 2007), the study investigates the communicative practice of framing that the moderators and the debaters use to shape disagreement space. The analysis shows that the activity is polylogical not just in a sense of positions, participants, and places (Lewiński and Aakhus 2023), but also in how argumentative activity is framed, which has consequences for how the interactivity is constructed and how disagreement space is managed in the course of interaction. It also shows how the interweaving of negative and positive features of communication add to the complexity of difficult interaction.

Effects of labyrinth-like path designs on mitigating stress response to traffic noise

Traffic noise poses significant mental health risks primarily through stress responses. Although labyrinths have been proven to reduce stress and promote relaxation, their efficacy in mitigating stress induced by traffic noise remains unclear. To address this issue, this study conducted repeated-measures experiments to investigate the effects of different labyrinth-like path designs on stress responses to traffic noise. Heart rate variability and electrodermal activity were measured using the E4 wristband to evaluate participants’ physiological stress levels. The results suggest that: (1) Walking on a continuous curved path layout (CS) effectively mitigated stress responses to traffic noise, as indicated by multiple physiological stress measures; (2) Regarding stress-mitigating path continuity attributes, 180-degree turns were positive attributes (p < 0.05), while 90-degree turns were negative attributes (p < 0.01); (3) Regarding stress-mitigating path layout features, curved segments (p < 0.01) and switchbacks (p < 0.05) were positive features, while U shapes were negative features (p < 0.01). This study indicates that labyrinth-like path designs can effectively mitigate stress responses to traffic noise; however, complex path layouts with frequent directional changes should be avoided in noisy environments, particularly in areas lacking resources for sound barriers and noise-absorbing vegetation. Our findings contribute to the development of evidence-based guidelines for designing stress-mitigating streets in high-traffic environments. When mainstreaming these guidelines through public codes, further comprehensive analyses including feasibility assessments, economic evaluations, and community engagement are warranted to ensure practical and sustainable implementation.

A fast and sensitive colorimetric sensor for residual chlorine detection made with oxidized cellulose

Residual chlorine from widespread disinfection processes forms byproducts in water that are harmful to humans and ecosystems. Portable sensors are essential tools for the on-site monitoring of residual chlorine in environmental samples. Here, an inexpensive colorimetric sensor was developed by grafting via amidation the chromogen orthotolidine (OTO) to the surface of a TEMPO-oxidized cellulose filter paper (O-TOFP). A thorough characterization of the sensor strip demonstrated that it was highly stable and that it could be stored for a long period before usage. O-TOFP had a fast response time of 30 s, was highly selective for residual chlorine ions (ClO−) with an accuracy of at least 95 %, and exhibited an excellent limit of detection of only 0.045 mg/L when combined with smartphone image acquisition. With its many positive features, the easy-to-use and robust O-TOFP sensor described here could become a useful tool for the determination of residual chlorine in different water samples.

Foreign language teaching modes and adaptive methods in emergency education: Evaluation of first-hand experience

Turbulent world events require crisis-sensitive education models that can address new challenges and promote productive learning in extraordinary times. The research aimed to analyze the issue of teaching a foreign language to undergraduate students using intervention techniques in online and offline modes. The researchers suggested the following responsive and adaptive strategies: the creation of adaptive online learning platforms, the development of a multimedia resources bank and the careful selection of innovative teaching tools capable of addressing both psychological and educational needs. The work in groups of both formats was studied through discussion and survey from the point of view of teachers’ perceptions of positive and negative features, difficulties revealed in the education in emergencies, and the productivity of using specially designed adaptive teaching techniques for coping with them. The findings show that in most aspects teachers have a more positive assessment of ‘live’ language teaching in comparison with the online format. They indicate such benefits as more coordinated work, a collaborative and engaging environment, controllability, and greater motivation. The most effective tools used for developing vocabulary, listening skills, reading skills, and speaking skills were revealed. The final testing results in both online and offline groups were analyzed to study the effectiveness of the employed intervention methods. The study demonstrates that the rigorous instructional design is of vital importance for education in an emergency. Special attention should be given to specific adaptive and responsive intervention technologies aimed at interaction and communication enhancement as well as psychological support of students, the choice of which can be determined by the distinctive features of different teaching formats.

A cross-over, randomised feasibility study of digitally-printed versus hand-painted artificial eyes in adults: PERSONAL-EYE-S.

Over 60,000 patients in the United Kingdom are estimated to have artificial eyes. Manufacturing and hand-painting of artificial eyes have not changed significantly since 1948. Delays and colour-matching issues may severely impact a patient's rehabilitation pathway. Technology advances mean alternatives are now possible. This cross-over, randomised feasibility trial aimed to determine the feasibility of conducting a full-scale trial of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of digitally-printed artificial eyes compared to hand-painted. Patients aged ≥18 years who were longstanding artificial eye users requiring a replacement were randomised to receive either a hand-painted or digitally-printed eye first followed by the other type of eye. Participants were asked to approach a close contact (CC) willing to participate alongside them. A subset of participants, their CCs, and staff were interviewed about their opinions on trial procedures, artificial eyes, delivery times and satisfaction. Thirty-five participants were randomised and 10 CCs consented. Participant retention at final follow-up was 85.7%. Outcome data completion rates ranged from 91-100%. EQ-5D-5L completion ranged from 83-97%. Resource-use completion ranged from 0-94% with total costs at £347 for hand-painted and £404 for digitally-printed eye. There were two adverse events. Twelve participants, five CCs, and five staff were interviewed. There were positive and negative features of both types of eyes. We identified that social and psychological wellbeing is affected, often for many years after eye removal. Participation in the feasibility study was well accepted. The feasibility study outcomes indicate that a full trial is achievable. ISRCTN85921622.

Comparing the DSM-5 Dimensional Trait and Triarchic Model Conceptions of Psychopathy: An External Validity Analysis.

In the DSM-5 Alternative Model of Personality Disorders (AMPD), psychopathy is marked by the presence of attention seeking, low anxiousness, and lack of social withdrawal, along with traits from the domains of Antagonism and Disinhibition. The triarchic model of psychopathy (TriPM) posits three biobehaviorally based traits underlying it: disinhibition, meanness, and boldness. The current study directly compared relations for measures of the two models with the broad dimensions of externalizing, internalizing, and positive adjustment. Participants (1,678 adults) were surveyed regarding maladaptive personality traits, clinical symptoms, and positive adjustment features. The TriPM model explained more variance than the AMPD in substance use, positive adjustment, and empathy, whereas the AMPD model explained more variance in internalizing symptoms. In addition, AMPD Antagonism and the Psychopathy Specifier diverged from TriPM Meanness and Boldness in their associations with some specific outcomes. Overall, our study provides evidence for complementarity of the two models in characterizing the multifaceted nature of psychopathy.

Motivation and Movements of the Mind

In this critical response, I begin with the positive features of Movements of the Mind, especially the flexibility and utility of Wu's account of attention and agency. I then focus my discussion on the relative absence of motivation and interaction in the account. Just as we cannot explain the motivating power of pain or emotions without understanding the role of attention and bias (a feature that makes MoM so useful), we also cannot fully understand attention and bias without understanding the role of motivation in driving human behaviour.

Association between nurses' personal, professional and work characteristics, and engagement in hospital-based clinical research.

The purpose of this study was to assess the associations between demographic, professional and other personal nurse characteristics, social support factors and comfort in conducting research with nurses' level of active participation in clinical research. A prospective, cross-sectional, correlational design was used. Clinical nurses working in a multihospital healthcare system were recruited by email to complete an anonymous survey that used multiple valid and reliable scales to assess demographic and professional work characteristics, curiosity, grit, locus of control, perceived social support (for research activities), comfort in conducting research, and level of being research-active. Univariate and multivariable analyses were completed. Of 310 participants, 274 (88.4%) were female and mean (SD) age was 42.9 (13.1) years. After condensing 11 levels of research activity to four categories, 179 (57.7%) were not research-active, and 91 (29.4%), 26 (8.3%) and 14 (4.5%) were engaged at low, moderate, and high levels, respectively. Of 78 factors, 69 (88.5%) were associated with being research-active in univariate analyses. In multivariable analysis that adjusted for age, personal experience as a patient, years as a nurse and hours in direct patient care, professionalism characteristics, higher curiosity, internal locus of control, grit perseverance, support of a nurse scientist and nurse friends, and comfort in conducting research remained associated with higher levels of being research-active (all p < 0.01). Research-active nurses were more likely to be engaged professionally in hospital-based activities beyond their work roles and displayed higher levels of positive psychological characteristics and mentorship that supported research capacity. Research-active nurses were more likely to have internal factors and external resources that promoted higher levels of being research-active. A strong professional governance model may enhance clinical nurses research activities.

Does exercise adherence during the COVID-19 pandemic contribute to improved subjective well-being? A cross-sectional study.

This study aims to investigate whether exercise adherence and positive mental character significantly affect subjective well-being among Chinese college students during the COVID-19 pandemic and whether positive mental character plays a mediating role. The study employed questionnaires, including the Exercise Adherence Scale, the Positive Mental Character Scale, and the Subjective Well-Being Scale, which were administered to students across seven universities in Henan Province, China. A total of 1,001 participants were analyzed in the final sample. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0 for descriptive statistics, independent samples T-test, correlation, and regression analyses. Furthermore, structural equation model with AMOS was conducted to examine the potential mediating effect of positive mental characteristics on the relationship between exercise adherence and subjective well-being. The results indicated significant differences in exercise adherence, positive mental character, and subjective well-being between male and female participants, with males scoring higher in all three domains. Among Chinese university students during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant correlation among exercise adherence, positive mental character, and subjective well-being. Exercise adherence was found to have a significant and positive impact on both positive mental character and subjective well-being. Additionally, it was found that positive mental character had a significant positive association with subjective well-being. The mediating role of positive mental character in the relationship between exercise adherence and subjective well-being was partially supported. Exercise adherence among Chinese college students had a significant positive association on both positive mental character and subjective well-being throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The exercise adherence can directly or indirectly enhance subjective well-being through its association with positive mental character. Therefore, positive mental and subjective well-being can be enhanced by consistent physical activity even during a pandemic.

The Next Chapter in Cancer Diagnostics: Advances in HPV-Positive Head and Neck Cancer.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), particularly oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), is an increasingly prevalent pathology worldwide, especially in developed countries. For diagnosing HPV in HNSCC, the combination of p16 immunohistochemistry (IHC) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) offers high sensitivity and specificity, with p16 IHC being a reliable initial screen and PCR confirming HPV presence. Advanced techniques like next-generation sequencing (NGS) and RNA-based assays provide detailed insights but are primarily used in research settings. Regardless of HPV status, standard oncological treatments currently include surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy. This conventional approach does not account for the typically better prognosis of HPV-positive HNSCC patients, leading to increased chemo/radiation-induced secondary morbidities and reduced quality of life. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and detect HPV positivity and other molecular characteristics of HNSCC to personalize treatment strategies. This comprehensive review aims to summarize current knowledge on various HPV detection techniques and evaluate their advantages and disadvantages, with a focus on developing methodologies to identify new biomarkers in HPV-positive HNSCC. The review discusses direct and indirect HPV examination in tumor tissue, DNA- and RNA-based detection techniques, protein-based markers, liquid biopsy potentials, immune-related markers, epigenetic markers, novel biomarkers, and emerging technologies, providing an overall insight into the current state of knowledge.