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Emotional intelligence (EI) is foundational to students' success in the university. However, past studies on EI in the higher education context have mostly focused on how EI is related to academic achievement neglecting student engagement and other learning-related outcomes (e.g., generic outcomes). In this study, we examined whether and how individual differences in EI influence students' learning, engagement, and achievement during their first year at university. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was used to garner both quantitative and qualitative insights. We recruited and followed up with 560 first-year students in Hong Kong. The quantitative findings revealed a strong EI gradient with more emotionally intelligent students having higher levels of learning, engagement, and achievement. Qualitative findings corroborated the quantitative results and further showed that emotionally intelligent students are goal-directed, assertive, and self-regulated. Taken together, this study sheds light on the importance of EI for the optimal functioning of first year university students. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed., Author(s): Karen C. H. Zhoc [sup.1] , Ronnel B. King [sup.2] , Tony S. H. Chung [sup.3] , Junjun Chen [sup.4] , Min Yang [sup.5] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.419993.f, 0000 [...]

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are one of the few stem cell types used in clinical practice as therapeutic agents for immunomodulation and ischemic tissue repair, due to their unique paracrine capacity, multiple differentiation potential, active components in exosomes, and effective mitochondria donation. At present, MSCs derived from tissues such as bone marrow and umbilical cord are widely applied in preclinical and clinical studies. Nevertheless, there remain challenges to the maintenance of consistently good quality MSCs derived from different donors or tissues, directly impacting their application as advanced therapy products. In this review, we discuss the promises, problems, and prospects associated with translation of MSC research into a pharmaceutical product. We review the hurdles encountered in translation of MSCs and MSC–exosomes from the research bench to an advanced therapy product compliant with good manufacturing practice (GMP). These difficulties include how to set up GMP‐compliant protocols, what factors affect raw material selection, cell expansion to product formulation, establishment of quality control (QC) parameters, and quality assurance to comply with GMP standards. To avoid human error and reduce the risk of contamination, an automatic, closed system that allows real‐time monitoring of QC should be considered. We also highlight potential advantages of pluripotent stem cells as an alternative source for MSC and exosomes generation and manufacture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, published in the Journal of Neurological Surgery, explores the risk factors for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks in patients undergoing surgical treatment for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). The study, based on a retrospective analysis of the National Inpatient Survey dataset, included 11,070 patients diagnosed with IIH who received either optic nerve sheath fenestration or cerebrospinal fluid shunt placement. The findings indicate that patients over the age of 80 and those with diabetes mellitus had a higher risk of experiencing CSF leaks. The study suggests that careful patient selection is necessary for surgical intervention in refractory IIH cases. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses a case report of a 64-year-old male with recurrent idiopathic orbital myositis (IOM). The patient initially responded to prednisone treatment but experienced a recurrence of symptoms. He then opted for Acthar Gel treatment, which resulted in symptomatic improvement but also caused an increase in blood pressure. The article highlights the lack of specific literature on Acthar Gel's effectiveness in treating IOM after corticosteroid therapy has failed, but notes its general efficacy in treating inflammation with fewer adverse effects. The article concludes that more data is needed to evaluate the epidemiological implications of treating IOM with Acthar Gel. [Extracted from the article]

This article, published in the Journal of Neurological Surgery, explores the predictors of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients undergoing endoscopic pituitary adenoma resection. The study, based on a large cohort from the National Inpatient Survey dataset, found that race, geographical location, coagulopathy, emergent surgery, diabetes mellitus, and fluid and electrolyte disorders were associated with an increased risk of VTE. However, obesity was not found to be a significant predictor. The authors suggest that further prospective studies are needed to better understand the risk factors and to assess the need for standardized anticoagulation protocols in pituitary adenoma resection. [Extracted from the article]