bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frontal Deactivation and the Efficacy of Statistical Learning: Neural Mechanisms Accompanying Exposure to Visual Statistical Sequences
Authors: Brylka Martyna , Wojciechowski Jakub , Wolak Tomasz , Cygan Hanna B.
Published: December 2024

Statistical learning is the cognitive ability to rapidly identify structure and meaning in unfamiliar streams of sensory experience, even in the absence of feedback. Despite extensive studies, the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying this phenomenon still require further clarification under varying cognitive conditions. Here, we examined neural mechanisms during the first exposure to visually presented sequences in 47 healthy participants. We used two types of visual objects: abstract symbols and pictures of cartoon-like animals. This allowed us to compare informational processing mechanisms with defined distinguishing features. Participants achieved better performance for sequences with easy-to-name than difficult-to-name abstract stimuli. fMRI results revealed greater activation in widespread brain regions in response to random versus statistical sequences for all stimuli types. Behavioral accuracy was associated with increased deactivation of the ventromedial PFC for easy-to-name statistical versus random sequences. For difficult-to-name statistical versus random sequences, performance correlated with dorsomedial prefrontal cortex deactivation. ROI analysis showed a generally positive involvement of the caudate head in sequence processing with significantly stronger activity during the first run of performing the task. Functional connectivity analysis of prefrontal deactivation regions revealed significant connectivity with nodes of the salience network for both object types and inverse connectivity with the caudate head only for easy-to-name objects. The results indicated that distinct subregions of PFC modulate task performance depending on the visual stimulus characteristic. They also showed that among striatal regions, only the head of the caudate was sensitive to initial exposure to visual statistical information.
How Linguistic and Nonlinguistic Vocalizations Shape the Perception of Emotional Faces—An Electroencephalography Study
Authors: Liang Junyu , Zhang Mingming , Yang Lan , Li Yiwen , Li Yuchen , Wang Li , Li Hongying , Chen Jun , Luo Wenbo
Published: December 2024

Vocal emotions are crucial in guiding visual attention toward emotionally significant environmental events, such as recognizing emotional faces. This study employed continuous EEG recordings to examine the impact of linguistic and nonlinguistic vocalizations on facial emotion processing. Participants completed a facial emotion discrimination task while viewing fearful, happy, and neutral faces. The behavioral and ERP results indicated that fearful nonlinguistic vocalizations accelerated the recognition of fearful faces and elicited a larger P1 amplitude, whereas happy linguistic vocalizations accelerated the recognition of happy faces and similarly induced a greater P1 amplitude. In recognition of fearful faces, a greater N170 component was observed in the right hemisphere when the emotional category of the priming vocalization was consistent with the face stimulus. In contrast, this effect occurred in the left hemisphere while recognizing happy faces. Representational similarity analysis revealed that the temporoparietal regions automatically differentiate between linguistic and nonlinguistic vocalizations early in face processing. In conclusion, these findings enhance our understanding of the interplay between vocalization types and facial emotion recognition, highlighting the importance of cross-modal processing in emotional perception.
A Fast Algorithm for the Real-Valued Combinatorial Pure Exploration of the Multi-Armed Bandit
Authors: Nakamura Shintaro , Sugiyama Masashi
Published: December 2024

We study the real-valued combinatorial pure exploration problem in the stochastic multi-armed bandit (R-CPE-MAB). We study the case where the size of the action set is polynomial with respect to the number of arms. In such a case, the R-CPE-MAB can be seen as a special case of the so-called transductive linear bandits. We introduce the combinatorial gap-based exploration (CombGapE) algorithm, whose sample complexity upper-bound-matches the lower bound up to a problem-dependent constant factor. We numerically show that the CombGapE algorithm outperforms existing methods significantly in both synthetic and real-world data sets.
Open access journals lack image accessibility guidelines
Authors: Stack Whitney Kaitlin , Perrone Julia , Bahlai Christie A.
Published: December 2024

In recent decades, there has been a move to “open” science and research. One component of open access is “accessibility,” often used to mean that data and other products are free to use by others. However, accessibility also refers to considering and meeting the needs of people with disabilities. Our objective was to evaluate how open access journals incorporate disability accessibility as part of publishing. Using a random sample of 300 English-language journals and image accessibility as a lens, we assessed author guidelines. Of 289 journals with guidelines, 38 (13%) included color choice, six (∼2%) included contrast ratios, and none included alternative text. We also assessed the open access statements for the same 300 journals to understand how they conceive of openness and accessibility. Of the 298 journals with open access statements, 228 (∼77%) included the words access or accessibility. Yet none included disability or disabled and only two journals (<1%) mentioned inclusive or inclusion. Our findings indicate that the open access journals sampled are not considering disability accessibility in their submission guidelines or open access frameworks. Incorporating disability accessibility into open scholarship considerations is critical to bridge, and not exacerbate, information inequalities for people with disabilities.
US aid for Thai Civil Aviation, 1947–1959
Authors: Zaidi Waqar H.
Published: December 2024

Thailand's aerial geostrategic importance led the United States to offer a generous air aid programme in the 1950s. The US funded the refurbishment of airfields across the country: the extension and hardening of airstrips, and the construction of new tarmacs, terminal buildings and navigation equipment. They also provided technical training to Thai nationals. The leading US international airline Pan American Airways helped modernize Thai Airways. In this paper, I explore the broad outlines of this programme and focus in particular on Pan American's assistance. I argue that although the airport and navigation assistance portions of the programme were largely successful, the Pan American assistance side of the project largely failed to meet expectations.
School Counsellors’ Perspectives on the Loss of a Colleague: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Levkovich Inbar , Tsundzer Meytar Shira
Published: December 2024

This qualitative study examined the experiences of school counsellors facing loss of colleagues, an unexplored area in educational settings. Twenty-one school counsellors who had lost their colleagues within the past five years participated in the semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed a wide spectrum of experiences among school counsellors who face colleague loss. Reactions range from initial shock to immediate action and are influenced by the nature of previous relationships with the deceased. Counsellors experience conflict between professional responsibilities and personal emotions and often struggle with blurred professional boundaries. They provide immediate emotional support to staff and students while simultaneously needing ongoing support, which is not always possible. Counsellors have developed diverse coping mechanisms, including peer support groups. These results highlight the need for formal support systems for counsellors dealing with colleague loss, emphasizing the complex interplay between personal grief and professional duties in a unique school environment.
Addressing student behavior to meet everyone’s needs
Authors: Hicks Nasaskyia R.
Published: December 2024

Problem behavior disrupts classrooms across the United States, impacting student learning. Despite the adverse consequences, teachers often exclude disruptive students from school as a punitive and default response to problem behavior. Alternatives to exclusion are becoming increasingly popular in many school districts to improve behavior and keep students in the classroom. But these alternatives tend to group students without identifying and addressing their individualized needs. Nasaskyia R. Hicks reviews the existing literature on punitive school discipline, considers the benefits of alternative discipline, and strengthens the underexplored gaps in research by conceptualizing an approach teachers can use.
BACKTALK: Finding the sweet spot between curriculum fidelity and teacher agency
Authors: Thomas Ronald S.
Published: December 2024

Two common perspectives on the implementation of curriculum and instructional strategies often appear to be at odds. On one side are those who call for fidelity to designers’ plans. On the other side are those who call for the empowerment of teachers to meet individual student needs, regardless of the pace required by curriculum guides. Ronald S. Thomas explains how teachers can use data to find a sweet spot between these approaches.
PDK CONNECTION: Strategic planning and the future of PDK membership
Authors: Lane James F.
Published: December 2024

In this month’s PDK Connection, CEO James F. Lane announces the association’s new vision (to eliminate the teacher shortage by reimagining educator pathways) and new mission (to inspire and grow current and rising educators to become community leaders and advocates for high quality education). Lane also shares information about a new member benefit and a new Kappan publication schedule. PDK members now have access to the Teaching Channel video library, while print editions of Kappan will be delivered to members four times a year (March, May, September, and December).
Development of the parallel and distributed simulation field
Authors: Fujimoto Richard M
Published: December 2024

This paper documents the origins and development of the parallel and distributed simulation field, especially as it relates to parallel discrete event simulation (PDES) technology. My focus is on the people and ideas that contributed to the creation and evolution of PDES technology over the past five decades. Much of this paper reviews the research conducted in academia and research laboratories that were the driving forces behind the development of PDES technology as well as subsequent efforts in government and industry to bring the technology to modeling and simulation practitioners. The origins of PDES technology lie in a fundamental technical issue called the synchronization problem. This problem is discussed, as well as the two main solution approaches that were created. The development of these approaches and their evolution to form the time management services of the High Level Architecture (HLA) standard are described, as well as the community of researchers and practitioners that formed in establishing this field. Commercialization efforts are discussed followed by a brief discussion of areas requiring further research. The importance of the Society for Modeling and Simulation International (SCS) and its flagship journal, Simulation, in the development of the field are discussed. Throughout this discussion, I provide my personal observations and take away lessons concerning the development of the field.
Ecclesiology via Ethnography: Studying the Church through a Discernment of Concrete Ecclesial Life
Authors: Joseph Jaisy A.
Published: December 2024

Pope Francis’s 2023 motu proprio, entitled Ad Theologiam Promovendam (“To Promote Theology”), calls for theology to be rethought methodologically and epistemologically in light of existential wounds. In response, I argue that the developing field of ethnographic ecclesiology presents one important theological method for studying the synodal church in a more synodal manner. By reorienting the ethnographic habits of participation, reflexivity, and listening to the synodal vision of communal discernment, the theologian is better able to perceive the trinitarian imprint that shapes the witness and discipleship of distinct ecclesial contexts that constitute the global church in via.
A Most Novel Continuity: Correlating the Theologies of History of Bernard Lonergan and Henri de Lubac
Authors: Schlesinger Eugene R.
Published: December 2024

In terms of their interests and methodologies, Bernard Lonergan and Henri de Lubac seem at first blush to be incommensurable worlds apart. Closer examination shows their basic positions on the theology of history to be not only compatible but also complementary. Both place Christ’s redemptive act as the constitutive meaning of history, with all that follows as the expansion of this act through Christ’s Mystical Body. De Lubac’s account of Christ as the bestower of novel meaning provides a more intensive christological focus to Lonergan’s construal of the unified continuity of human agency. Lonergan, in turn, provides greater theoretical controls of meaning to the Lubacian account.
Contra Silentium Obsequiosum: On the Roman Catholic Approach to Dissent and Tradition
Authors: LaCouter Travis , Bobrowicz Ryszard , Ott Taylor , Gruber Judith
Published: December 2024

Dissent, understood as a public rejection of the authoritatively pronounced rules, verdicts, and truth claims within a given community, although disruptive, can offer multiple benefits to the life of the community. However, the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) effectively leaves no other option for dissenters than to adopt a stance of obedient silence. This article emphasizes a need for a shift in the magisterial attitude toward dissent, one in which Catholic truth claims can bear the collective scrutiny and questioning expressed through dissent and thus be more fully integrated into the life of the community. To do that, the article divides the discussion into two parts. First, the article offers an analysis of the concept of dissent, its potential benefits, and its entanglement with the other concepts more broadly. Second, it scrutinizes the construction of power, tradition, and dissent in the RCC specifically.
MPPT controller design and comparison of selected site Cox’s Bazar
Authors: Kumar Vivek , Barua Pollen , Nekrasov Serhii , Shekher Vineet , Umer Muhammad , Barua Ratul , Sharma Sumit
Published: December 2024

Wind energy is a popular green source of energy. Like other countries, Bangladesh is also in a process of incorporating wind turbine generator (WTG) into its existing power system. Out of several locations, Cox’s Bazar has the great potential to adopt WTG. The location has every suitability to be selected for offshore WTG farm. From technical perspective, power coefficient plays a significant role in determining the power output. Against variables, maximum power coefficient (Cp) is desired to extract the maximum power from the system. Tip speed ratio (TSR) and pitch angle are the common parameters to be controlled for maximum power point tracking (MPPT). Conventionally, the Proportional - Integral - Derivative (PID) controller is used but they have their limitations against high nonlinearity caused by wind turbine aerodynamics. This paper proposes three types of controllers: Proportional controller (PI), artificial neural network (ANN), and fuzzy logic controllers. The controller is applied to both TSR and pitch angle control. Pitch angle is controlled to avoid the extreme wind gusts. All the simulation works are carried out in MATLAB and Simulink. This paper also analyzes the technical feasibility of the Cox’s Bazar location for offshore WTG.
Transforming fly ash into value: Sustainable LLDPE-fly ash composites via rotational molding
Authors: Yadav Jitender , Ramkumar PL. , Parwani Ajit Kumar
Published: December 2024

This study focuses on reducing pollution and promoting sustainability by exploring the use of fly ash (FA), an industrial byproduct, in polymer composites through rotational molding. By incorporating FA into a polymer matrix, the research evaluates the performance of these composites. Results show that the tensile strength increased slightly from 16.54 MPa for pure LLDPE to 17.2 MPa with 5% FA but decreased to 13.5 MPa at 10% FA. The modulus significantly improved, rising from 5.1% to 31.3% with 5% to 20% FA content. Hardness also increased, with a maximum rise of 10.25% at 5% FA and 6.2% at 10% FA. However, elongation at break, bending, and impact strength decreased with higher FA content. The density of the composites increased with up to 10% FA, indicating effective integration of FA particles. These findings demonstrate that FA can be successfully used to develop polymer composites in rotational molding, supporting both environmental sustainability and innovative production practices.
Hippocampal long-term potentiation is modulated by exercise-induced alterations in dopaminergic synaptic transmission in mice selectively bred for high voluntary wheel running
Authors: Phan Jessica Mai-Phuong , Yi Jiwon , Foote Julia Hope Amor , Ayabe Asia Rei Katsura , Guan Kevin , Garland Theodore , Parfitt Karen Diane
Published: December 2024

Background

High-Runner (HR) mice, selectively bred for increased voluntary wheel running behavior, exhibit heightened motivation to run. Exercise has been shown to influence hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) and memory, and is neuroprotective in several neurodegenerative diseases.

Objective

This study aimed to determine the impact of intense running in HR mice with wheel access on hippocampal LTP, compared to HR mice without wheels and non-selected control (C) mice with/without wheels. Additionally, we investigated the involvement of D1/D5 receptors and the dopamine transporter (DAT) in LTP modulation and examined levels of these proteins in HR and C mice.

Methods

Adult female HR and C mice were individually housed with/without running wheels for at least two weeks. Hippocampal LTP of extracellular field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) was measured in area CA1, and SKF-38393 (D1/D5 receptor agonist) and GBR 12909 (DAT inhibitor) were used to probe the role of D1/D5 receptors and DAT in LTP differences. Western blot analyses assessed D1/D5 receptor and DAT expression in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and cerebellum.

Results

HR mice with wheel access showed significantly increased hippocampal LTP compared to those without wheels and to C mice with/without wheels. Treatment with SKF-38393 or GBR 12909 prevented the heightened LTP in HR mice with wheels, aligning it with levels in C mice. Hippocampal D1/D5 receptor levels were lower, and DAT levels were higher in HR mice compared to C mice. No significant changes were observed in other brain regions.

Conclusions

The increased hippocampal LTP seen in HR mice with wheel access may be related to alterations in dopaminergic synaptic transmission that underlie the neurophysiological basis of hyperactivity, motor disorders, and/or motivation.
Diabetic retinopathy detection via deep learning based dual features integrated classification model
Authors: Devi T.M. , Karthikeyan P. , Muthu Kumar B. , Manikandakumar M.
Published: December 2024

Background

The primary recognition of diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a pivotal requirement to prevent blindness and vision impairment. This deadly condition is identified by highly qualified professionals by examining colored retinal images.

Objective

The physical diagnostics for this condition was time-consuming and prone to fault. The development of computer-vision based intelligent systems has develop a main research area to effectually diagnosis the pathologies from an image.

Methods

In this research, a novel Deep learning based Dual Features Integrated classification (DD-FIC) framework is designed to detect the DR from a color retinal image. Initially, the fundus images are denoised by Wavelet integrated Retinex (WIR) algorithm to remove the noise artifacts which provide high contrast image. This DD-FIC model contains two phases of feature extraction module to evaluation of several retinal areas. Initially, global features of the fundus image are retrieved by the assist of attention fused efficient model, whereas the attention module dynamically highlights the important features. Afterwards, the segmented retinal vessels data is converted into features for learning the local features.

Results

Finally, the collective of features is processed into the Random Forest based feature selection model for the optimal prediction with five different classes using multi-class support vector machine (MCSVM). The efficacy of the proposed DD-FIC framework is estimated by Kaggle dataset with the detection accuracy of 98.6%.

Conclusions

The proposed framework rises the accuracy of 1.54%, 3.65%, 13.79% and 6.28% for Multi-channel CNN, CNN, VGG NiN and Shallow CNN respectively.
Prognostic value of neurotensin in experimental terminal ileitis
Authors: Zhou Hongyu , He Quan , Xiao Rong , Chen Yeqing , Zhu Feifei , Zhu Haojuan , Han Mingwei , Zhou Guohua
Published: December 2024

Background

Terminal ileitis (TI) is an inflammatory condition of the distal portion of the ileum.

Objective

To investigate the changes and significance of neurotensin (NT) in the course of experimental terminal ileitis (ETI).

Methods

A total of 90 Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into the control, model, and suture groups (30 rats in each group). After 2, 4, and 8 weeks of surgery, 10 TI tissues were taken for endoscopic observation in each group. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to detect the pathological changes. The NT levels in serum and terminal ileum mucosa were detected by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Acute inflammatory changes were observed in the suture and the model groups after 2-week of operation. At 4 weeks, compared to the control group, the inflammatory damage in the model group became heavier, but it was reduced in the suture group. At 8 weeks, the model group showed chronic inflammation. However, there was no obvious inflammatory cell infiltration in both the suture group and control group. NT levels were increased in the suture and model groups at 2 weeks, particularly in the model group, and they were significantly higher in the suture and model groups than those in the control group ( P < 0.05). At 4 weeks, the NT levels in the model group continued to rise, while they decreased in the suture group ( P < 0.05). After 8 weeks, NT levels in the model group were significantly higher than those in the suture and control groups ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, from 2 weeks to 8 weeks, the NT concentration in the model group gradually increased, and the suture group increased for 2 weeks, followed by a downward trend.

Conclusions

In the ETI, the changes in NT concentration in serum and TI mucosa were positively correlated with the degree of inflammation.
Biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles and their protective effect towards diabetic nephropathy by inhibition of oxidative stress
Authors: Qu Bo , He Yuhua , Liu Shanlin , Huang Yulian , Bai Yingchun
Published: December 2024

Background

Diabetes is an emerging health issue on a global scale, with increasing prevalence rates reported in many countries. Many mechanisms are proposed for diabetic nephropathy, with oxidative stress being the most significant. The effectiveness of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in the attenuation of nephropathy and oxidative stress in diabetic mice was assessed in this study.

Objective

The aim of this study is to synthesize AuNPs and assess their protective effect towards diabetic nephropathy by inhibition of oxidative stress.

Methods

The aqueous extract of Allium sativum was employed to synthesize AuNPs. The prepared AuNPs were characterized using a variety of microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. In-vitro studies were conducted using mice. Streptozotocin (STZ) was employed to induce diabetes in rodents. After 7 days of administration of STZ, anesthesia was given to all animals and blood was collected for the assessment of creatinine and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) levels. Later, kidney tissue was removed at 4 °C and changes in pathology and oxidative stress were assessed.

Results

Nephropathy was confirmed in diabetic mice by the changes in the pathology of kidney tissue along with significant rise in the plasma levels of BUN and creatinine. Additionally, the peroxidation of lipids, formation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), oxidation of glutathione (GSH), concentration of carbonyl protein was also increased in the tissue of kidney of diabetic mice. Oxidative stress in kidney tissue and changes in the pathology of diabetic mice were inhibited significantly (p < 0.05) with the treatment of AuNPs.

Conclusion

This study revealed the protective effects of AuNPs over diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting the pathway of oxidative stress. Since, the prepared AuNPs showed improvement over complications of diabetes, they may be believed as a potential gratuitous treatment next to other drugs for reducing blood glucose.
Bridging the Gap in Financial Inclusion and Empowering Small Businesses: Evidence from North-East India
Authors: Rehman Ashraf
Published: December 2024

This study aims to investigate the significant impact of microcredit on small businesses and entrepreneurs in north-east India. The research employed a primary survey approach, gathering responses from 205 small business owners through purposive sampling. The analysis utilised a probit model to assess the data, highlighting that factors such as the business’s status, participation in awareness programmes by entrepreneurs, operating the business from home and other relevant variables play a crucial role in determining access to microcredit. The findings point out that the businesses experiencing decline are more likely to access credit from microfinance institutions. Also, there is a significant correlation between awareness programmes attended by the entrepreneurs and access to microfinance services. These findings suggest that an increase in the awareness programme participation by entrepreneurs will significantly encourage access to microfinance services.
Who calls the shots? Development banks and the politics of de-risking in European external finance
Authors: Prontera Andrea , Quitzow Rainer
Published: December 2024

To confront global challenges and to assert itself more firmly on the international stage, the EU has not only expanded its overall budget for external action. It has also increasingly deployed de-risking instruments, like blending and guarantees, aimed at leveraging financial resources from other actors. This raises important questions regarding the governance of European external finance. To unpack these issues, this paper reviews the rise and consolidation of blending and guarantees in the institutional and budgetary architecture of EU development policy. It traces how these instruments – originally conceived as vehicles for leveraging private sector finance – have instead led to the rise of European development banks, most notably the European Investment Bank. We argue that development banks offer a middle-ground, as the European Commission seeks to manage the tensions and trade-offs between leveraging financial resources, on the one hand, and retaining a strong steering role in its external action, on the other.
Fostering Tomorrow’s Leaders in Gifted Education
Authors: Carpenter Ashley Y. , Lockhart Dana L.
Published: December 2024

William & Mary’s Center for Gifted Education’s mission is to foster talent development of high-ability individuals over their lifespan. This article highlights the Center for Gifted Education’s programs and offerings to develop leaders in the field of gifted education and talent development. This article details professional learning programs for educators that work with gifted and talented students including conferences, custom professional development, the Online Academy, and grant projects. The graduate programs, including an Online Certificate in Gifted Education and two doctoral programs in Gifted Administration, provide the knowledge and skills for leaders in the field.
University-Based Pre-Collegiate Programs for Gifted Students at William & Mary
Authors: Kim Mihyeon , Dibble Conor , Morris Ashley
Published: December 2024

From its inception, the Center for Gifted Education at William & Mary has been committed to the education of gifted students. Dr Joyce VanTassel-Baska, founder of the CFGE, created a learning environment to work directly with gifted students and parents by providing diverse university-based pre-collegiate programs in both residential and daily program formats. The programs offered were designed to provide challenging academic content and support to develop social, communication, and leadership skills. There are many benefits to gifted students from participating in university-based pre-collegiate programs. This article introduces the diverse pre-collegiate programs hosted by the CFGE, the components of those programs, and their effectiveness.
Using AI Prompt Engineering to Improve Gifted Students’ Questioning
Authors: Siegle Del
Published: December 2024

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more integrated into education, the ability to craft precise prompts, or “prompt engineering,” takes on new importance. Gifted students, with their natural creativity, analytical skills, and ability to connect ideas across disciplines, are well-positioned to excel in prompt engineering. Through specific questioning and follow-up prompts, gifted learners can deepen their engagement with AI, improving the quality and relevance of AI-generated responses. The introduction of models like CRAFT and strategies such as prompt chaining and flipped interaction patterns empower students to optimize their AI interactions, thus enhancing both their learning and problem-solving capabilities.
Genetic Association of Chronic Pains and Analgesics With Telomere Length: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Chen Jiahe , Liu Haotian , Pang Yulin , Wang Yubo , Ren Ziqi , Liu Jianli , Nan Yang , Liu Dan
Published: December 2024

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the causal relationships between chronic pains (back pain, facial pain, general pain, headaches, knee pain, hip pain, neck/shoulder pain, stomach/abdominal pain) and analgesics (codeine, diclofenac, ibuprofen, morphine, paracetamol, tramadol) with telomere length using Mendelian randomization methods. Methods: In the study, various statistical methods including inverse variance weighted (IVW), Mendelian Randomization-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode were used to investigate the relationships between chronic pains, analgesics, and telomere length. Heterogeneity and pleiotropy tests were conducted to ensure the accuracy of the results. Results: The results of the IVW analysis revealed positive causal relationships between hip pain (odds ratio (OR): 1.145; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.021–1.285; p = .020), and stomach/abdominal pain (OR: 1.100; 95% CI: 1.008–1.200; p = 0.033) with telomere length. Use of tramadol (OR: 0.074; 95% CI: 0.009–0.605; p = 0.015) had a negative causal relationships with telomere length. Conclusion: This study found positive associations between hip pain and stomach/abdominal pain with telomere length, and a negative association between tramadol and telomere length. However, no significant causal relationships were found with other types of chronic pains and analgesics. This could help develop healthier chronic pain treatments, avoiding the abuse of analgesics.
Endovascular treatment of upper limb phlegmasia cerulea dolens in a hemodialysis patient
Authors: Galanakis Nikolaos , Kontopodis Nikolaos , Xydakis Dimitrios , Tzali Eleni , Tsetis Dimitrios , Kehagias Elias
Published: December 2024

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens (PCD) is a rare but limb-threatening complication of deep vein thrombosis. A 72-year-old hemodialysis male patient presented with upper limb PCD. The patient underwent hemodialysis via a permanent hemodialysis central venous catheter (HD-CVC) while a new brachial-cephalic AVF was created 1 month ago. Computed tomography revealed extensive thrombosis of right subclavian and brachiocephalic vein. The HD-CVC was removed and patient was treated with anticoagulation therapy. However, his clinical condition was worsening and he was transferred to IR department. The patient underwent successful percutaneous pharmacomechanical thrombectomy (PMT) of the right subclavian and brachiocephalic vein followed by percutaneous angioplasty (PTA) with significant flow restoration and no signs of pulmonary embolization. PCD may also be developed in hemodialysis patients with well-functioned AVF. Effective and rapid revascularization is important to prevent serious complications such as venous gangrene and limb ischemia. Endovascular treatment with PMT and PTA can be a limb-saving procedure for rapid recanalization in patients with PCD.
Data mining applications in risk research: A systematic literature review
Authors: Sıcakyüz Çiğdem , Edalatpanah Seyyed Ahmad , Pamucar Dragan
Published: December 2024

Despite the rising literature on data mining (DM) approaches, there is a lack of a complete literature review and categorization system within risk research. This paper presents the first recognized academic literature review on the application of data mining tools in risk research provides an up-to-date SCOPUS literature database. Based on bibliometric analysis, 5422 papers related torisk were identified from a total of 77,410 studies on data mining and thoroughly analyzed. Each of the selected 5422 papers was classified into four risk categories: global risk, public health risk, molecular and biomedical risk, and pharmaceutical risk. Each primary risk category was further subdivided to highlight the specific research focuses within each domain. Global risks encompass business, environmental, and social risks. Scholars have predominantly focused on the banking, market, and construction sectors within business risk, while environmental risk includes catastrophe-related risks. Social risks encompass areas such as education, traffic safety, and transportation concerns. Clinical data is usually employed in public health risk research, while various radiomic databases are utilized in genetic and molecular biology research. In pharmaceutical research, DM is primarily used to detect adverse drug effects. According to the findings of this review, the fields of computer science and medicine received the most significant research attention. The review also discusses limitations and provides a roadmap to guide future research, aiming to enhance knowledge development related to the application of data mining techniques in risk-related studies.
A SMA-based sliding friction damper for enhancing the transverse seismic performance of isolated bridges
Authors: Xing Chenxi , Sha Ben , Wang Hao , Li Aiqun
Published: December 2024

The concrete shear keys, serving as the transverse displacement-limitation component between the superstructure and the substructure of the bridges, are prone to be damaged during the strong earthquakes. The use of the isolation bearings can mitigate the seismic responses of the bridge piers, but their excessive transverse deformation is also prominent and consequently can cause the complete failure of the shear keys. Aiming at enhancing the seismic performance of the isolated bridges under very rare earthquakes, a novel SMA-based sliding friction damper (SSFD) is proposed and simulated, which combines the SMA cables with the sliding friction mechanism. The hysteretic model of the SSFD is derived from theoretical analysis, and realized and verified through OpenSees. The design method is also proposed to determine the mechanical parameters of the SSFD so as to meet the seismic mitigation demand under very rare earthquakes. The verification study is then conducted to check the design method and evaluate the effectiveness of the SSFD in control the excessive displacement between the deck and the piers of an isolated bridge. The results show that the proposed novel SSFD can effectively reduce the bearing deformation with the mechanical parameters determined by the design method.
Clinical Frailty Scale Predicts Outcomes After Elective Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Tsushima Shingo , Shibata Tsuyoshi , Iba Yutaka , Nakajima Tomohiro , Nakazawa Junji , Miura Shuhei , Arihara Ayaka , Nakanishi Keitaro , Mizuno Takakimi , Mukawa Kei , Kawaharada Nobuyoshi
Published: December 2024

Purpose:

The Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), used to define frail patients, is significantly associated with clinical outcomes. The CFS can predict postoperative prognosis after cardiovascular procedures. However, no reports exist on the relationship between frailty defined by the CFS and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) outcomes.

Materials and Methods:

We analyzed data obtained from patients who underwent TEVAR between January 2011 and December 2021. Frailty was assessed using the 9-point CFS and was defined as a score of ≥5 points. The primary outcome was the 5-year overall survival rate. The secondary outcomes included the rate of freedom from aneurysm-related death at 5 years, postoperative complications, length of stay, rate of nonhome discharge, need for mobility assistance, 30-day mortality rate, and re-intervention rate.

Results:

Of 331 patients who underwent TEVAR, 186 were included. The mean age of frail (n=36) and nonfrail (n=150) patients was 73.2 ± 7.3 years and 70.9 ± 9.0 years, respectively (p=0.15). The length of stay (17 [9–39] vs 11 [10–16] days; p=0.09) and re-intervention rate (8.3% vs 13.3%; p=0.58) were not significantly different, although frail patients had a higher rate of nonhome discharge (33.3% vs 4.7%; p<0.001), need for mobility assistance (38.9% vs 6.0%; p<0.001), and 30-day mortality (11.1% vs 0.7%; p=0.005) than nonfrail patients. The 5-year overall survival rate after TEVAR was 6.2 ± 5.5 and 84.5 ± 3.4% in frail and nonfrail patients (p<0.001). The median survival time was 22 (6–40) and 136 (87–138&x41; months, the number of recorded deaths in 5 years was 28 (77.8%) and 18 (12.0%; p<0.001), and the rate of freedom from aneurysm-related death at 5 years was 80.7%±11.2% and 96.9%±1.5% (p=0.01) in frail and nonfrail patients, respectively. The mean follow-up time was 53.3 ± 2.7 months. Multivariate Cox regression indicated that the CFS (hazard ratio, 10.14; 95% confidence interval, 5.06–20.32) was significantly associated with overall survival.

Conclusion:

The CFS is a valuable prognosis predictor, and TEVAR for frail patients with a high surgical risk could not improve the overall survival. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair in frail patients should be approached cautiously.

Clinical Impact

The Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) could be a useful predictor of prognosis in patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). A significant difference was observed between frail and nonfrail patients in the 5-year overall survival rate following TEVAR. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair for frail patients (CFS was ≥5 points) could not improve overall survival because their death was attributed to their comorbidities. Thus, TEVAR in frail patients should be approached cautiously.
Reliability of a portable toe pressure photoplethysmography device compared to a stationary laser doppler flowmeter
Authors: Laamanen Perttu , Laivuori Mirjami , Noronen Katariina , Venermo Maarit
Published: December 2024

Objective

The study aimed to investigate the reliability of a portable toe pressure (TP) photoplethysmography device (PPG) by comparing it to a stationary laser Doppler flowmeter (LD) used in the Helsinki University Hospital. The study evaluated if lower limb arterial circulation could be reliably evaluated with the portable PPG which is more affordable and mobile than the stationary LD.

Methods

TPs were measured from 102 toes of 54 patients in the vascular surgery outpatient clinic, vascular surgery ward and interventional radiology recovery ward of Helsinki University Hospital. According to the study protocol TPs were measured twice with the PPG device. If the difference between the values was over 10 mmHg, a third measurement was done and two of the closest values were selected for the final analysis. The lowest value displayed by the PPG device was 30 mmHg. Lower than 30 mmHg values were reported as 25 mmHg in the analysis. The repeatability and reliability of the PPG measurements were compared to the LD with Bland Altman plots.

Results

Most patients had rest pain ( n = 29) or claudication ( n = 9). Prior to TP measurement, 24 patients had undergone lower limb revascularization through either a hybrid ( n = 3), open ( n = 10) or endovascular ( n = 11) procedure. The mean absolute difference between PPG and LD measurement values was 15 mmHg (95% confidence interval 12–18 mmHg). 87.5% of lower limbs with significant arterial insufficiency (TP <60 mmHg with LD, n = 49) had a PPG measurement value of <60 mmHg. Conversely, 84.8% of lower limbs that did not exceed the ischemia criterion of TP ≥60 mmHg with LD had a PPG measurement value of ≥60 mmHg. Mean absolute difference of two consecutive PPG measurement values was 4 mmHg (95% CI 3–5 mmHg).

Conclusions

The PPG device is a light and affordable option for the assessment of lower limb arterial circulation in primary health care. It is moderately reliable to exclude significant lower limb arterial insufficiency and may reduce unnecessary referrals to the vascular surgery clinic. The repeatability of the PPG device is satisfactory. However, it requires training to use, and the results must always be interpreted with consideration for the patient’s clinical status.
Expression quantitative trait loci influence DNA damage-induced apoptosis in cancer
Authors: Bigge Jessica , Koebbe Laura L. , Giel Ann-Sophie , Bornholdt Dorothea , Buerfent Benedikt , Dasmeh Pouria , Zink Alexander M. , Maj Carlo , Schumacher Johannes
Published: December 2024

Background

Genomic instability and evading apoptosis are two fundamental hallmarks of cancer and closely linked to DNA damage response (DDR). By analyzing expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) upon cell stimulation (called exposure eQTL (e2QTL)) it is possible to identify context specific gene regulatory variants and connect them to oncological diseases based on genome-wide association studies (GWAS).

Results

We isolate CD8+ T cells from 461 healthy donors and stimulate them with high doses of 5 different carcinogens to identify regulatory mechanisms of DNA damage-induced apoptosis. Across all stimuli, we find 5,373 genes to be differentially expressed, with 85% to 99% of these genes being suppressed. While upregulated genes are specific to distinct stimuli, downregulated genes are shared across conditions but exhibit enrichment in biological processes depending on the DNA damage type. Analysis of eQTL reveals 654 regulated genes across conditions. Among them, 47 genes are significant e2QTL, representing a fraction of 4% to 5% per stimulus. To unveil disease relevant genetic variants, we compare eQTL and e2QTL with GWAS risk variants. We identify gene regulatory variants for KLF2, PIP4K2A, GPR160, RPS18, ARL17B and XBP1 that represent risk variants for oncological diseases.

Conclusion

Our study highlights the relevance of gene regulatory variants influencing DNA damage-induced apoptosis in cancer. The results provide new insights in cellular mechanisms and corresponding genes contributing to inter-individual effects in cancer development.
Health problems among disaster responders to the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hugelius Karin , Murphy Jason , Blomberg Karin
Published: December 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe perceived health problems among disaster responders after the earthquake in eastern Turkey/Syria in February 2023.

Methods

A non-probability cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey.

Results

A total of 525 local (18%) and international disaster responders (81%) participated in the study. Of these responders, 46% reported physical or mental health problems during or after their deployment, 15% required medical care during the mission, and 7% required medical evacuation. The most common health problems during the field mission were feeling scared or unsafe, sleeping problems, and headache. After the mission, fatigue, sleeping problems, and feeling depressed were the most frequently reported health problems. The local responders perceived significantly more health problems than did the international responders. Approximately 11% of the participants could not return to their ordinary work after deployment because of infections or mental health issues.

Conclusions

Physical and mental health problems are commonly perceived by disaster responders and may reduce the effectiveness of disaster response. Raising awareness of health risks among disaster response workers and employers is essential to ensure proper duty of care and should include reparations and medical support during and after disaster response operations.
The feasibility of integrating an alcohol screening clinical decision support tool into primary care clinical software: a review and Australian key stakeholder study
Authors: Canaway Rachel , Dai Libby , Hallinan Christine , Caddy Cassandra , Hegarty Kelsey , Boyle Douglas
Published: December 2024

Background

This study explored the feasibility of integrating a clinical decision support tool into general practice clinical management software in Australia to prompt for alcohol screening among patients who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. The study aimed to increase understanding of what is an appropriate and acceptable clinical decision support tool, the circumstances when a prompt to use such a screening tool should occur, and the barriers and enablers of successful implementation.

Methods

This feasibility study employed a mixed methods approach and purposive sampling to identify key stakeholders to interview. Participants included vendors of clinical software used in Australian general practice, clinicians in general practice, and relevant others. Data from a literature review and 23 interviews were analysed leading to recommendations which were ‘sense-tested’ by an additional 22 stakeholders.

Results

Although there are at least 18 clinical software packages used in Australian general practice, it is feasible to integrate an alcohol screening tool for pregnancy into software for the majority of general practices in Australia. The AUDIT-C alcohol screening tool for pregnancy was widely accepted as suitable for such a purpose. Clinicians suggested the greatest barriers to screening were lack of time within antenatal consultations and insufficient remuneration for longer consultations. Many clinicians saw opportunity for introducing a multifunctional antenatal tool that could incorporate screening and clinical decision support for alcohol, tobacco and other substance use, mental health, domestic and family violence and potentially other areas informing healthy pregnancy. It could also be used opportunistically for preconception screening and counselling. Deployment of the tool could be supported by an education campaign from professional associations.

Conclusion

The integration of a tool for screening for alcohol use among women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy into general practice clinical software is feasible; however, a multifunctional antenatal screening tool, incorporating other psychosocial elements, was considered more useful than a stand-alone alcohol screening tool. Codesign is needed with vendors and end-users to develop an acceptable tool that can be widely implemented. Issues with GP renumeration need also to be addressed to encourage alcohol screening pre-pregnancy and in the early months of pregnancy.