bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trauma-based Mind Control
Authors: Hughes David A.
Published: April 2024

Increasing evidence has come to light of trauma-based mind control exercises performed on children in ritual abuse settings. Those exercises involve torture, near death experiences, and making victims feel responsible for the death of others. The traumatised child is made to feel completely powerless and dependent on the abuser for their survival. Highly disturbingly, similar techniques—involving psychological torture, intentional traumatization, and false rescue—were carried out against the public during “Covid-19.” Psychological torture techniques include the inculcation of chronic stress and the mandatory wearing of face masks (originally deployed against inmates at Guantánamo Bay). The public was traumatised by fear of death from the “virus” and was made to feel responsible for the deaths of others. A trauma bonding was instigated, intended to last decades and to bind an infantilised population in loyalty and obedience to its “omnipotent” masters. Predatory transnational power came to the false rescue in exchange for the surrendering of liberties.
Mass Paranoia and Hysteria: Turning Society Against Itself
Authors: Hughes David A.
Published: April 2024

In keeping with totalitarianism, Covid-era psychological warfare worked to turn people against one another, to prevent them from uniting against their oppressors. Mass paranoia was inculcated through the lie that “anyone can spread it.” Guilt was weaponised to blame and shame those not following the “rules” and “protecting others.” Mask mandates segregated society. Dissenters were scapegoated. A new form of hate speech was introduced: “anti-maskers,” “anti-vaxxers,” etc. Members of the public were encouraged to police one another. The public was primed for violence against dissenters misleadingly framed as “fringe.” The “pandemic of the unvaccinated” myth styled the outgroup as vectors of disease, like Jews in Nazi propaganda. The “vaccinated” were turned on the “unvaccinated” through mechanisms of blame, medicalised apartheid, incitement of hatred by the media, and lies that hospitals were filling up with “unvaccinated” patients. Society is now deeply divided between those who can see through psychological operations and those who cannot.
The Coming Unrest
Authors: Hughes David A.
Published: April 2024

The transnational ruling class has no choice but to keep pushing for global technocracy, and the rest of humanity has no choice but to fight back. Knowing since 1968 at least that this moment was coming, the former has developed the CIA’s information-liquidation model used in Indonesia and Vietnam in the 1960s into a global digital surveillance dragnet. The “Covid-19 vaccines,” shot into as many people as possible for no sound medical reason, could form part of an advanced weapons system, not least in the context of the emergent “IT/Bio/Nano era” envisaged by NASA in 2001, involving the use of nanotechnologies to connect human beings to an external network. If the brain is the twenty-first-century battlescape, and given that syringe-injectable neural nets were a reality by 2018, the evil potential of weaponised neurotechnology knows no bounds. History teaches that as the old social order breaks down, a moment of revolutionary potential arises. Lest unimaginable horrors be allowed to manifest, as in previous world wars, that moment must be seized.
The Stages of the Comic Book Co-creation and the Restitution to the Chiquitano Indigenous People
Authors: Parola Giulia , Poto Margherita Paola , Natividad Gabrielle
Published: April 2024

This chapter delves into the analysis of the methodological steps of the co-created process involved in producing a comic book, following the steps outlined in Chapter 2. Extensive research material, outlined at the end of the book, was utilized throughout the project in conjunction with co-creation stages and legal research. The project focuses on the Chiquitano people from Mato Grosso, Brazil, specifically the community in Vila Nova Barbecho, due to their precarious environmental situation and human rights violations.
The Comic Book
Authors: Parola Giulia , Poto Margherita Paola ,   in coordination with Flávia Fernandes, Luiz Fernando Giesta, Aline França, Marcela Aguiar, Giselle Cardoso, Adriana Molina, Beatriz Storino, Mariana Pauzeiro, Loyuá Costa, Igor Kall, Caroline Macel, Silvano Chue Muquissai
Published: April 2024

This chapter contains the comic book, realised following the methodological steps analysed in the previous chapters. The participants in the comic format close the book.
The Shaping of Municipal Policies on Inclusion
Authors: Spencer Sarah , Ataç Ilker , Bastick Zach , Homberger Adrienne , Güntner Simon , Kirchhoff Maren , Mallet-Garcia Marie
Published: April 2024

This chapter contextualises recent developments at municipal level in Europe and the ways in which these have been addressed in the research literature. The chapter sets out the national policy frameworks within which local authorities must navigate their approach to precarious migrants and summarises the state of play on inclusion. A key theme is the contrast between national and municipal approaches, and the paradox of simultaneous policies of formal exclusion and formal inclusion, within and between each tier of governance. The chapter considers the significance of multi-level and horizontal governance arrangements; of municipal framing of rationales for service provision; the range of actors involved in delivering services; and the factors which shape service access and exclusion, including data ‘firewalls’. The chapter identifies gaps in the existing evidence and analysis which are addressed in the book.
Conclusion
Authors: Spencer Sarah , Ataç Ilker , Bastick Zach , Homberger Adrienne , Güntner Simon , Kirchhoff Maren , Mallet-Garcia Marie
Published: April 2024

In this chapter we remind the reader of the core questions that the study set out to address and summarise the key findings and themes which emerged and which are set out in the book. We make further observations, reflecting back to questions arising from the research literature and identify some issues for a future research agenda before setting out a series of policy recommendations for municipalities across Europe as well as for national, regional and European authorities.
PLD2 deletion ameliorates sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy by suppressing cardiomyocyte pyroptosis via the NLRP3/caspase 1/GSDMD pathway
Authors: Li Jun , Teng Da , Jia Wenjuan , Gong Lei , Dong Haibin , Wang Chunxiao , Zhang Lihui , Xu Bowen , Wang Wenlong , Zhong Lin , Wang Jianxun , Yang Jun
Published: April 2024

Objective

Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SICM) is a life-threatening complication. Phospholipase D2 (PLD2) is crucial in mediating inflammatory reactions and is associated with the prognosis of patients with sepsis. Whether PLD2 is involved in the pathophysiology of SICM remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effect of PLD2 knockout on SICM and to explore potential mechanisms.

Methods

The SICM model was established using cecal ligation and puncture in wild-type and PLD2-knockout mice and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced H9C2 cardiomyocytes. Transfection with PLD2-shRNA lentivirus and a PLD2 overexpression plasmid were used to interfere with PLD2 expression in H9C2 cells. Cardiac pathological alterations, cardiac function, markers of myocardial injury, and inflammatory factors were used to evaluate the SICM model. The expression of pyroptosis-related proteins (NLRP3, cleaved caspase 1, and GSDMD-N) was assessed using western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry.

Results

SICM mice had myocardial tissue damage, increased inflammatory response, and impaired heart function, accompanied by elevated PLD2 expression. PLD2 deletion improved cardiac histological changes, mitigated cTNI production, and enhanced the survival of the SICM mice. Compared with controls, PLD2-knockdown H9C2 exhibits a decrease in inflammatory markers and lactate dehydrogenase production, and scanning electron microscopy results suggest that pyroptosis may be involved. The overexpression of PLD2 increased the expression of NLRP3 in cardiomyocytes. In addition, PLD2 deletion decreased the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins in SICM mice and LPS-induced H9C2 cells.

Conclusion

PLD2 deletion is involved in SICM pathogenesis and is associated with the inhibition of the myocardial inflammatory response and pyroptosis through the NLRP3/caspase 1/GSDMD pathway.
The impact of nanomaterials on autophagy across health and disease conditions
Authors: Florance Ida , Cordani Marco , Pashootan Parya , Moosavi Mohammad Amin , Zarrabi Ali , Chandrasekaran Natarajan
Published: April 2024

Autophagy, a catabolic process integral to cellular homeostasis, is constitutively active under physiological and stress conditions. The role of autophagy as a cellular defense response becomes particularly evident upon exposure to nanomaterials (NMs), especially environmental nanoparticles (NPs) and nanoplastics (nPs). This has positioned autophagy modulation at the forefront of nanotechnology-based therapeutic interventions. While NMs can exploit autophagy to enhance therapeutic outcomes, they can also trigger it as a pro-survival response against NP-induced toxicity. Conversely, a heightened autophagy response may also lead to regulated cell death (RCD), in particular autophagic cell death, upon NP exposure. Thus, the relationship between NMs and autophagy exhibits a dual nature with therapeutic and environmental interventions. Recognizing and decoding these intricate patterns are essential for pioneering next-generation autophagy-regulating NMs. This review delves into the present-day therapeutic potential of autophagy-modulating NMs, shedding light on their status in clinical trials, intervention of autophagy in the therapeutic applications of NMs, discusses the potency of autophagy for application as early indicator of NM toxicity.

Graphical Abstract
Weil zeta functions of group representations over finite fields
Authors: Corob Cook Ged , Kionke Steffen , Vannacci Matteo
Published: April 2024

In this article we define and study a zeta function $$\zeta _G$$

ζ
G

—similar to the Hasse-Weil zeta function—which enumerates absolutely irreducible representations over finite fields of a (profinite) group G. This Weil representation zeta function converges on a complex half-plane for all UBERG groups and admits an Euler product decomposition. Our motivation for this investigation is the observation that the reciprocal value $$\zeta _G(k)^{-1}$$

ζ
G

(
k
)

-
1

at a sufficiently large integer k coincides with the probability that k random elements generate the completed group ring of G. The explicit formulas obtained so far suggest that $$\zeta _G$$

ζ
G

is rather well-behaved. A central object of this article is the Weil abscissa, i.e., the abscissa of convergence a(G) of $$\zeta _G$$

ζ
G

. We calculate the Weil abscissae for free abelian, free abelian pro-p, free pro-p, free pronilpotent and free prosoluble groups. More generally, we obtain bounds (and sometimes explicit values) for the Weil abscissae of free pro-$${\mathfrak {C}}$$
C
groups, where $${\mathfrak {C}}$$
C
is a class of finite groups with prescribed composition factors. We prove that every real number $$a \ge 1$$

a
≥
1

is the Weil abscissa a(G) of some profinite group G. In addition, we show that the Euler factors of $$\zeta _G$$

ζ
G

are rational functions in $$p^{-s}$$

p

-
s

if G is virtually abelian. For finite groups G we calculate $$\zeta _G$$

ζ
G

using the rational representation theory of G.
Genetic mapping reveals the complex genetic architecture controlling slow canopy wilting in soybean
Authors: Menke Ethan , Steketee Clinton J. , Song Qijian , Schapaugh William T. , Carter Thomas E. , Fallen Benjamin , Li Zenglu
Published: April 2024

In soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], drought stress is the leading cause of yield loss from abiotic stress in rain-fed US growing areas. Only 10% of the US soybean production is irrigated; therefore, plants must possess physiological mechanisms to tolerate drought stress. Slow canopy wilting is a physiological trait that is observed in a few exotic plant introductions (PIs) and may lead to yield improvement under drought stress. Canopy wilting of 130 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from Hutcheson × PI 471938 grown under drought stress was visually evaluated and genotyped with the SoySNP6K BeadChip. Over four years, field evaluations of canopy wilting were conducted under rainfed conditions at three locations across the US (Georgia, Kansas, and North Carolina). Due to the variation in weather among locations and years, the phenotypic data were collected from seven environments. Substantial variation in canopy wilting was observed among the genotypes in the RIL population across environments. Three QTLs were identified for canopy wilting from the RIL population using composite interval mapping on chromosomes (Chrs) 2, 8, and 9 based on combined environmental analyses. These QTLs inherited the favorable alleles from PI 471938 and accounted for 11, 10, and 14% of phenotypic variation, respectively. A list of 106 candidate genes were narrowed down for these three QTLs based on the published information. The QTLs identified through this research can be used as targets for further investigation to understand the mechanisms of slow canopy wilting. These QTLs could be deployed to improve drought tolerance through a targeted selection of the genomic regions from PI 471938.
Contribution of wedge and bulk viscous forces in droplets moving on inclined surfaces
Authors: Bodziony Francisco , Li Xiaomei , Yin Mariana , Berger Rüdiger , Butt Hans-Jürgen , Marschall Holger
Published: April 2024

Employing direct numerical simulations, we investigate water and water-glycerol (85 wt%) droplets ($$\sim $$
∼
25 µL) moving on smooth surfaces, with contact angles of around 90$$^{\circ }$$

∘

, at varying inclinations. Our focus is on elucidating the relative contribution of local viscous forces in the wedge and bulk regions in droplets to the total viscous force. We observe that, for fast-moving droplets, both regions contribute comparably, while the contribution of the wedge region dominates in slow-moving cases. Comparisons with existing estimates reveal the inadequacy of previous predictions in capturing the contributions of wedge and bulk viscous forces in fast-moving droplets. Furthermore, we demonstrate that droplets with identical velocities can exhibit disparate viscous forces due to variations in internal fluid dynamics.

Graphical abstract
Prone vs supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy: does position affect renal pelvic pressures?
Authors: Farkouh Ala’a , Park Kyu , Buell Matthew I. , Mack Nicole , De Guzman Cliff , Clark Toby , Baldwin Elizabeth A. , Shete Kanha , Leu Rose , Amasyali Akin S. , Seibly Evan , Cheng Kai Wen , Song Sikai , Okhunov Zhamshid , Baldwin D. Duane
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study was to measure and compare renal pelvic pressure (RPP) between prone and supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in a benchtop model. Six identical silicone kidney models were placed into anatomically correct prone or supine torsos constructed from patient CT scans in the corresponding positions. A 30-Fr renal access sheath was placed in either the upper, middle, or lower pole calyx for both prone and supine positions. Two 9-mm BegoStones were placed in the respective calyx and RPPs were measured at baseline, irrigating with a rigid nephroscope, and irrigating with a flexible nephroscope. Five trials were conducted for each access in both prone and supine positions. The average baseline RPP in the prone position was significantly higher than the supine position (9.1 vs 2.7 mmHg; p < 0.001). Similarly, the average RPP in prone was significantly higher than supine when using both the rigid and flexible nephroscopes. When comparing RPPs for upper, middle, and lower pole access sites, there was no significant difference in pressures in either prone or supine positions (p > 0.05 for all). Overall, when combining all pressures at baseline and with irrigation, with all access sites and types of scopes, the mean RPP was significantly higher in the prone position compared to the supine position (14.0 vs 3.2 mmHg; p < 0.001). RPPs were significantly higher in the prone position compared to the supine position in all conditions tested. These differences in RPPs between prone and supine PCNL could in part explain the different clinical outcomes, including postoperative fever and stone-free rates.
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy: retrospective study on possible predictors of treatment success and revisiting the role of non-contrast-enhanced computer tomography in kidney and ureteral stone disease
Authors: Oliveira Beatriz , Teixeira Bernardo , Magalhães Martinha , Vinagre Nuno , Fraga Avelino , Cavadas Vítor
Published: April 2024

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a safe and efficient treatment option for urinary stone disease. The overall stone-free rate (SFR) varies significantly. This study aimed to assess the influence of stone size, location, stone density, and skin-to-stone distance (SSD), on the outcome of ESWL. We assessed whether pre-treatment non-contrast-enhanced CT scan (NCCT) confers significant advantages compared to kidney-ureter-bladder film (KUB) only. We reviewed the medical records of 307 cases (165 men, 142 women) with renal and ureteral stones treated consecutively at our institution with ESWL between 2020 and 2023. 44 of these underwent a NCCT. The outcome of ESWL was defined in two ways: visible stone fragmentation on KUB, and the need for further treatment. Overall success of fragmentation was 85% (261 patients). 61% of patients (n = 184) didn’t need any further treatment. Stone size and location correlated significantly with treatment outcomes regarding the need for further treatment (p = 0.004) and stone fragmentation (p = 0.016), respectively. Unlike mean SSD (p = 0.462), the mean attenuation value (MAV) significantly correlated with the need for retreatment (p = 0.016). MAV seems to be a better predictor of treatment success (AUC of the ROC curve: 0.729), compared to stone size (AUC: 0.613). The difference between groups (with and without NCCT) in both treatment outcomes did not reach statistical significance. During decision-making, information regarding SSD and MAV can be useful in more dubious scenarios. However, it appears that their inclusion doesn’t provide substantial advantages when compared to relying solely on KUB.
Associations of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor with toxicities and efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Ma Sha , Wang Ying , Qi Kunming , Lu Wenyi , Qi Yuekun , Cao Jiang , Niu Mingshan , Li Depeng , Sang Wei , Yan Zhiling , Zhu Feng , Cheng Hai , Li Zhenyu , Zhao Mingfeng , Xu Kailin
Published: April 2024

Few studies have reported the associations of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) with cytokine release syndrome (CRS), neurotoxic events (NEs) and efficacy after chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for relapsed or refractory (R/R) B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). We present a retrospective study of 67 patients with R/R B-ALL who received anti-CD19 CAR T-cell therapy, 41 (61.2%) patients received G-CSF (G-CSF group), while 26 (38.8%) did not (non-G-CSF group). Patients had similar duration of grade 3–4 neutropenia between the two groups. The incidences of CRS and NEs were higher in G-CSF group, while no differences in severity were found. Further stratified analysis showed that the incidence and severity of CRS were not associated with G-CSF administration in patients with low bone marrow (BM) tumor burden. None of the patients with low BM tumor burden developed NEs. However, there was a significant increase in the incidence of CRS after G-CSF administration in patients with high BM tumor burden. The duration of CRS in patients who used G-CSF was longer. There were no significant differences in response rates at 1 and 3 months after CAR T-cell infusion, as well as overall survival (OS) between the two groups. In conclusion, our results showed that G-CSF administration was not associated with the incidence or severity of CRS in patients with low BM tumor burden, but the incidence of CRS was higher after G-CSF administration in patients with high BM tumor burden. The duration of CRS was prolonged in G-CSF group. G-CSF administration was not associated with the efficacy of CAR T-cell therapy.
A primer to vascular anatomy of the brain: an overview on anterior compartment
Authors: Morales-Roccuzzo Diego , Sabahi Mohammadmahdi , Obrzut Michal , Najera Edinson , Monterroso-Cohen David , Bsat Shadi , Adada Badih , Borghei-Razavi Hamid
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Knowledge of neurovascular anatomy is vital for neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuro-radiologists and anatomy students, amongst others, to fully comprehend the brain’s anatomy with utmost depth. This paper aims to enhance the foundational knowledge of novice physicians in this area.

Method

A comprehensive literature review was carried out by searching the PubMed and Google Scholar databases using primary keywords related to brain vasculature, without date restrictions. The identified literature was meticulously examined and scrutinized. In the process of screening pertinent papers, further articles and book chapters were obtained through analysis and additional assessing of the reference lists. Additionally, four formalin-fixed, color latex-injected cadaveric specimens preserved in 70% ethanol solution were dissected under surgical microscope (Leica Microsystems Inc, 1700 Leider Ln, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 USA). Using microneurosurgical as well as standard instruments, and a high-speed surgical drill (Stryker Instruments 1941 Stryker Way Portage, MI 49002 USA). Ulterior anatomical dissection was documented in microscopic images.

Results

Encephalic circulation functions as a complex network of intertwined vessels. The Internal Carotid Arteries (ICAs) and the Vertebral Arteries (VAs), form the anterior and posterior arterial circulations, respectively. This work provides a detailed exploration of the neurovascular anatomy of the anterior circulation and its key structures, such as the Anterior Cerebral Artery (ACA) and the Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA). Embryology is also briefly covered, offering insights into the early development of the vascular structures of the central nervous system. Cerebral venous system was detailed, highlighting the major veins and tributaries involved in the drainage of blood from the intracranial compartment, with a focus on the role of the Internal Jugular Veins (IJVs) as the primary, although not exclusive, deoxygenated blood outflow pathway.

Conclusion

This work serves as initial guide, providing essential knowledge on neurovascular anatomy, hoping to reduce the initial impact when tackling the subject, albeit the intricate vasculature of the brain will necessitate further efforts to be conquered, that being crucial for neurosurgical and neurology related practice and clinical decision-making.
Structural stability of invasion graphs for Lotka–Volterra systems
Authors: Almaraz Pablo , Kalita Piotr , Langa José A. , Soler–Toscano Fernando
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we study in detail the structure of the global attractor for the Lotka–Volterra system with a Volterra–Lyapunov stable structural matrix. We consider the invasion graph as recently introduced in Hofbauer and Schreiber (J Math Biol 85:54, 2022) and prove that its edges represent all the heteroclinic connections between the equilibria of the system. We also study the stability of this structure with respect to the perturbation of the problem parameters. This allows us to introduce a definition of structural stability in ecology in coherence with the classical mathematical concept where there exists a detailed geometrical structure, robust under perturbation, that governs the transient and asymptotic dynamics.
Activation of the native PHYTOENE SYNTHASE 1 promoter by modifying near-miss cis-acting elements induces carotenoid biosynthesis in embryogenic rice callus
Authors: Sobrino-Mengual Guillermo , Alvarez Derry , Twyman Richard M. , Gerrish Christopher , Fraser Paul D. , Capell Teresa , Christou Paul
Published: April 2024

Key message

Modification of silent latent endosperm-enabled promoters (SLEEPERs) allows the ectopic activation of non-expressed metabolic genes in rice callus

Metabolic engineering in plants typically involves transgene expression or the mutation of endogenous genes. An alternative is promoter modification, where small changes in the promoter sequence allow genes to be switched on or off in particular tissues. To activate silent genes in rice endosperm, we screened native promoters for near-miss cis-acting elements that can be converted to endosperm-active regulatory motifs. We chose rice PHYTOENE SYNTHASE 1 (PSY1), encoding the enzyme responsible for the first committed step in the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway, because it is not expressed in rice endosperm. We identified six motifs within a 120-bp region, upstream of the transcriptional start site, which differed from endosperm-active elements by up to four nucleotides. We mutated four motifs to match functional elements in the endosperm-active BCH2 promoter, and this promoter was able to drive GFP expression in callus and in seeds of regenerated plants. The 4 M promoter was not sufficient to drive PSY1 expression, so we mutated the remaining two elements and used the resulting 6 M promoter to drive PSY1 expression in combination with a PDS transgene. This resulted in deep orange callus tissue indicating the accumulation of carotenoids, which was subsequently confirmed by targeted metabolomics analysis. PSY1 expression driven by the uncorrected or 4 M variants of the promoter plus a PDS transgene produced callus that lacked carotenoids. These results confirm that the adjustment of promoter elements can facilitate the ectopic activation of endogenous plant promoters in rice callus and endosperm and most likely in other tissues and plant species.
Distinct growth patterns in seedling and tillering wheat plants suggests a developmentally restricted role of HYD2 in salt-stress response
Authors: Bekkering Cody , Yu Shu , Kuo Chih Chi , Tian Li
Published: April 2024

Key message

Mutants lacking functional HYD2 homoeologs showed improved seedling growth, but comparable or increased susceptibility to salt stress in tillering plants, suggesting a developmentally restricted role of HYD2 in salt response.

Salinity stress threatens global food security by reducing the yield of staple crops such as wheat (Triticum ssp.). Understanding how wheat responds to salinity stress is crucial for developing climate resilient varieties. In this study, we examined the interplay between carotenoid metabolism and the response to salt (NaCl) stress, a specific form of salinity stress, in tetraploid wheat plants with mutations in carotenoid β-hydroxylase 1 (HYD1) and HYD2. Our investigation encompassed both the vulnerable seedling stage and the more developed tillering stage of wheat plant growth. Mutant combinations lacking functional HYD2 homoeologs, including hyd-A2 hyd-B2, hyd-A1 hyd-A2 hyd-B2, hyd-B1 hyd-A2 hyd-B2, and hyd-A1 hyd-B1 hyd-A2 hyd-B2, had longer first true leaves and slightly enhanced root growth during germination under salt stress compared to the segregate wild-type (control) plants. Interestingly, these mutant seedlings also showed decreased levels of neoxanthin and violaxanthin (xanthophylls derived from β-carotene) and an increase in β-carotene in roots. However, tillering hyd mutant and segregate wild-type plants generally did not differ in their height, tiller count, and biomass production under acute or prolonged salt stress, except for decreases in these parameters observed in the hyd-A1 hyd-B1 hyd-A2 hyd-B2 mutant that indicate its heightened susceptibility to salt stress. Taken together, these findings suggest a significant, yet developmentally restricted role of HYD2 homoeologs in salt-stress response in tetraploid wheat. They also show that hyd-A2 hyd-B2 mutant plants, previously demonstrated for possessing enriched nutritional (β-carotene) content, maintain an unimpaired ability to withstand salt stress.
The relationships between language, functional hearing, social, and motor development skills in children with early cochlear implants
Authors: Arat Şevval Utku , İkiz Bozsoy Merve , Yücel Esra
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relations between functional hearing, language, social, bilateral coordination and manual dexterity skills in children with early cochlear implants (CIs).

Methods

Thirty children with CIs were included in this study. The manual dexterity and bilateral coordination development of the participants were evaluated with Manual Dexterity and Bilateral Coordination subtests of Bruininks-Oseretsky Motor Proficiency-2 (BOT-2). Their language skills were assessed by the Test of Early language Development-3. To assess the functional hearing of participants the Functioning After Pediatric Cochlear Implantation scale (FAPCI) was administered their caregivers. Also, the Social Skills Evaluation Scale was administered to participants’ teachers to asses their social skills.

Results

There were significant correlations between participants’ receptive and expressive language skills, Manual Dexterity, and FAPCI scores (p < 0.05). There were also significant relationships between the SSES and FAPCI scores of the participants (p < 0.05). However, the Bilateral Coordination subtest did not show any significant correlation with any of the measurements (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The results suggest that the language, manual dexterity and functional hearing abilities of children with CIs are closely related. Although, there were no significant correlations between all of the measurement, it is important to look beyond hearing and speech evaluations to assess the whole child.
Metronome-guided cochlear implantation for slower and smoother insertions of lateral wall electrodes
Authors: Wimmer W. , de Oliveira J. Veloso , Breitsprecher T. M. , Hans S. , Van Rompaey V. , Van de Heyning P. , Dazert S. , Weiss Nora M.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Achieving a slow and smooth electrode array insertion is paramount for preserving structural and functional integrity during cochlear implantation. This controlled study evaluates the efficacy of a metronome-guided insertion technique in enhancing the smoothness and speed of electrode array insertions.

Methods

In a prospective cohort study, patients undergoing cochlear implant surgery between 2022 and 2023 with lateral wall electrode arrays were included. Metronome guidance was delivered through an acoustic signal via headphones during electrode array insertion in cochlear implantation and compared to a control group without metronome-guidance.

Results

In total, 37 cases were evaluated, including 25 conventional insertions and 12 metronome-guided insertions. The results indicate that metronome-guided insertions were significantly slower (− 0.46 mm/s;p < 0.001) without extending the overall procedure time. This can be attributed to fewer paused sections observed in the metronome-guided technique. Moreover, metronome-guided insertions exhibited superior performance in terms of insertion smoothness and a reduced number of re-gripping events.

Conclusions

The findings support the recommendation for the systematic application of metronome guidance in the manual insertion of cochlear implant electrode arrays, emphasizing its potential to optimize surgical outcomes.
Metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma accounts for nearly all squamous cell carcinomas of the parotid gland
Authors: Bradley Patrick J. , Stenman Göran , Thompson Lester D. R. , Skálová Alena , Simpson Roderick H. W. , Slootweg Pieter J. , Franchi Alessandro , Zidar Nina , Nadal Alfons , Hellquist Henrik , Williams Michelle D. , Leivo Ilmo , Agaimy Abbas , Ferlito Alfio
Published: April 2024

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the parotid gland (pSCCP) has long been recognized as a separate entity and is included in the WHO classifications of salivary gland tumors. However, it is widely accepted among head and neck pathologists that pSCCP is exceptionally rare. Yet, there are many publications describing series of pSCCP and data from SEER and other cancer register databases indicate erroneously an increasing incidence of pSCCP. Importantly, pSCCP and metastatic (secondary) squamous cell carcinoma to the parotid gland (mSCCP) have nearly identical histological features, and the diagnosis of pSCCP should only be made after the exclusion of mSCCP. Moreover, all of the histological diagnostic criteria proposed to be in favor of pSCCP (such as, for example, dysplasia of ductal epithelium) can be encountered in unequivocal mSCCP, thereby representing secondary growth along preexistent ducts. Squamous cell differentiation has also been reported in rare genetically defined primary parotid carcinomas, either as unequivocal histological squamous features (e.g., NUT carcinoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma), by immunohistochemistry (e.g., in NUT carcinoma, adamantinoma-like Ewing sarcoma, basal-type salivary duct carcinoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma), or a combination of both. Another major issue in this context is that the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) coding system does not distinguish between primary or metastatic disease, resulting in a large number of patients with mSCCP being misclassified as pSCCP. Immunohistochemistry and new molecular biomarkers have significantly improved the accuracy of the diagnosis of many salivary gland neoplasms, but until recently there were no biomarkers that can accurately distinguish between mSCCP and pSCCP. However, recent genomic profiling studies have unequivocally demonstrated that almost all SCCP analyzed to date have an ultraviolet light (UV)-induced mutational signature typical of mSCCP of skin origin. Thus, mutational signature analysis can be a very useful tool in determining the cutaneous origin of these tumors. Additional molecular studies may shed new light on this old diagnostic and clinical problem. This review presents a critical view of head and neck experts on this topic.
Utilization of sperm cryopreservation in patients with testicular cancer
Authors: Menzel Viktoria , Richter Emilia , Helke Charlotte , Bürk Björn Thorben , Erb Holger H. H. , Leike Steffen , Borkowetz Angelika , Thomas Christian , Baunacke Martin
Published: April 2024

Purpose

We assessed factors that affect the utilization of sperm cryopreservation before 2021, when patients covered expenses, and the influence on quality of life.

Methods

Between 2011 and 2021, testicular cancer survivors (TCS) at our clinic completed a questionnaire, including EORTC QLQ-TC26, covering sperm cryopreservation, sociodemographic details, post-treatment births, and artificial insemination.

Results

After 5.7 ± 3.0 years, 279 participants (64%) responded to the questionnaire. Among them, 33% (91/279) of testicular cancer survivors chose sperm cryopreservation prior to treatment, with 11% (10/91) using it for insemination. Conversely, 2% (3/188) without cryopreservation reported unfulfilled desire to have children. Univariate analysis showed TCS with cryopreservation were younger (30.6 ± 7.1 (35 (21–59)) vs. 42.4 ± 10.9 (48 (22–81)) years; p = 0.001), had a lower BMI (24.2 ± 3.3 vs. 26.6 ± 4.6 kg/m2; p = 0.009) and a lower Charlson Score (> 3: 36% vs. 60%; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed older age (≥ 37 years: OR 13.1 (5.5–31.2), p < 0.001) and lower education (middle school or less: OR 3.3 (1.6–6.9), p = 0.001) as independent factors associated with not undergoing cryopreservation. Regarding quality of life, multivariate analysis identified a lower infertility anxiety score (OR 4.3 (2.0–9.0), p < 0.001) and higher age (≥ 44 years: OR 5.4 (2.6–11.3); p < 0.001) as predictors for the absence of prior cryopreservation.

Conclusions

Age and education seem to impact the choice of undergoing paid sperm cryopreservation. Urologists should inform testicular cancer patients about costs and coverage. Importantly, the occurrence of unmet desires for parenthood is minimal among those who forego cryopreservation.
The development of tissue handling skills is sufficient and comparable after training in virtual reality or on a surgical robotic system: a prospective randomized trial
Authors: von Bechtolsheim Felix , Franz Andreas , Schmidt Sofia , Schneider Alfred , La Rosée Felicitas , Radulova-Mauersberger Olga , Krause-Jüttler Grit , Hümpel Anja , Bodenstedt Sebastian , Speidel Stefanie , Weitz Jürgen , Distler Marius , Oehme Florian
Published: April 2024

Background

Virtual reality is a frequently chosen method for learning the basics of robotic surgery. However, it is unclear whether tissue handling is adequately trained in VR training compared to training on a real robotic system.

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial, participants were split into two groups for “Fundamentals of Robotic Surgery (FRS)” training on either a DaVinci VR simulator (VR group) or a DaVinci robotic system (Robot group). All participants completed four tasks on the DaVinci robotic system before training (Baseline test), after proficiency in three FRS tasks (Midterm test), and after proficiency in all FRS tasks (Final test). Primary endpoints were forces applied across tests.

Results

This trial included 87 robotic novices, of which 43 and 44 participants received FRS training in VR group and Robot group, respectively. The Baseline test showed no significant differences in force application between the groups indicating a sufficient randomization. In the Midterm and Final test, the force application was not different between groups. Both groups displayed sufficient learning curves with significant improvement of force application. However, the Robot group needed significantly less repetitions in the three FRS tasks Ring tower (Robot: 2.48 vs. VR: 5.45; p < 0.001), Knot Tying (Robot: 5.34 vs. VR: 8.13; p = 0.006), and Vessel Energy Dissection (Robot: 2 vs. VR: 2.38; p = 0.001) until reaching proficiency.

Conclusion

Robotic tissue handling skills improve significantly and comparably after both VR training and training on a real robotic system, but training on a VR simulator might be less efficient.
Age-stratified analysis of HTO and UKA clinical effects in cross-indicated anterior medial osteoarthritis
Authors: Xu Han , Tu Huali , Zhao Tianzuo , Xu Daofei , Yu Qinglong , Liao Long , Zhang Tao , Shi Bo
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To compare clinical outcomes of high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) for anterior medial osteoarthritis (AMOA) as well as offer surgical recommendations through age stratification.

Methods

Between May 2019 and May 2021, 68 cross-indicated AMOA patients were analyzed. The patients were divided into HTO and UKA groups and further into two age groups of 55–60 and 60–65 years. Additionally, general data, visual analog scale (VAS) score, and Hospital for Special Surgery knee score (HSS) were analyzed.

Results

All the patients were followed up for 18 months. Knee joint HSS significantly improved, and VAS score decreased in both groups (P < 0.05). In the 55–60 age group, HTO showed superior knee HSS at 1 and 3 months (P < 0.05), with no significant difference at 6, 12, and 18 months. HTO had a significantly lower VAS score at one month, and the VAS scores of the two groups decreased gradually with no significant difference. In the 60–65 age group, the UKA group showed superior knee joint HSS at one month, with no significant difference at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. The UKA group had a significantly lower VAS score at one month, and both groups’ VAS scores decreased gradually with no significant difference.

Conclusion

Both methods yield satisfactory results for AMOA cross-indications, improving knee joint function. The observed recovery trends have implications for personalized surgical recommendations, guiding interventions based on age-specific considerations for optimal outcomes in anterior medial osteoarthritis cases.
Effectiveness of secondary furlow palatoplasty with buccal myomucosal flap in correction of velopharyngeal insufficiency in patients with cleft palate
Authors: Aboulhassan Mamdouh Ahmed , Elrouby Iman Mohamed , Refahee Shaimaa Mohsen , Abd-El-Ghafour Mohamed
Published: April 2024

Objectives

The main purpose of this study was evaluation of the effectiveness of secondary furlow palatoplasty with buccal myomucosal flap (FPBF) for the treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) in patients with a cleft palate who were treated with two flap palatoplasty (TFP) in their primary palate repair.

Material and methods

Twenty-three medically free children aged 4–8 years with non-syndromic and previously repaired cleft palate via TFP participated in the study. All patients received secondary surgery following the technique of FPBF. Preoperative speech evaluation was done before the secondary repair and 3 months after the surgery using a hypernasal speech scale, speech intelligibility scale, and nasopharyngoscopy.

Results

A statistically significant improvement was observed regarding the degree of hypernasality and speech intelligibility while comparing the preoperative scores after the primary surgery to the postoperative scores after the secondary surgery.

In addition, a statistically significant improvement was found in the nasopharyngoscopic assessment.

Conclusions

The incorporation of a buccal myomucosal flap with Furlow palatoplasty was successful in improving hypernasality, speech intelligibility, and nasopharyngoscopic scores in patients with cleft palate.

Trial registration

clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05626933).

Clinical relevance

This technique might be the surgical technique of choice while treating patients who are suffering from VPI after cleft palate repair.
Isolated dentinogenesis imperfecta: Novel DSPP variants and insights on genetic counselling
Authors: Hassib Nehal F. , Mehrez Mennat , Mostafa Mostafa I. , Abdel-Hamid Mohamed S.
Published: April 2024

Objective

Dentinogenesis imperfecta (DI) is an inherited dentin defect and may be isolated or associated with disorders such as osteogenesis imperfecta, odontochondrodysplasia Ehler-Danlos and others. Isolated DI is caused mainly by pathogenic variants in DSPP gene and around 50 different variants have been described in this gene. Herein, we report on 19 patients from two unrelated Egyptian families with isolated DI. Additionally, we focused on genetic counselling of the two families.

Materials and methods

The patients were examined clinically and dentally. Panoramic X-rays were done to some patients. Whole exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing were used.

Results

WES revealed two new nonsense variants in DSPP gene, c.288T > A (p.Tyr96Ter) and c.255G > A (p.Trp85Ter). Segregation analysis by Sanger sequencing confirmed the presence of the first variant in all affected members of Family 1 while the second variant was confirmed to be de novo in the patient of Family 2.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Our study extends the number of DSPP pathogenic variants and strengthens the fact that DSPP is the most common DI causative gene irrespective of patients’ ethnicity. In addition, we provide insights on genetic counseling issues in patients with inherited DSPP variants taking into consideration the variable religion, culture and laws in our society.
Team usability testing: development and validation of a groupware usability evaluation method
Authors: Geszten Dalma , Hámornik Balázs Péter , Hercegfi Károly
Published: April 2024

As virtual teamwork became widespread, the importance of the usability of groupware has increased, as groupware must have high usability in order to properly support teamwork. Several studies have focused on the usability evaluation of groupware, yet, both in terms of science and practice, there is a lack of a method that, like existing empirical single-user methods, can be routinely applied in software development practice. The new Team Usability Testing method differs from previous methods in that it is an empirical method for evaluating synchronous (real-time) collaborative software that explores the team usability problems with the help of real or potential users. The method consists of questionnaires, screen recording videos and group interviews, and the framework of data processing is based on the theory of the mechanics of collaboration. In the four steps of the development of the method, empirical studies under laboratory conditions and real working conditions, and then, for validation purposes, analytical, heuristic evaluation with the involvement of usability experts were performed. During the development and the application of the method, the communication patterns of different teams were examined in terms of their relationship to software usability. In this paper we present the results of the second laboratory study and the heuristic evaluation in details. Overall, the method is able to explore team usability problems of different types of teams, making it a valuable element in existing methods for evaluating the usability of groupware.
Comparison of decline in different cognitive domain in patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Rýdlo Ondřej , Bubeníková Adéla , Häcklová Klára , Skalický Petr , Leško Róbert , Ebelová Adéla , Netuka David , IIIrd Vladimír Beneš , Beneš Vladimír , Bradáč Ondřej
Published: April 2024

We sought to describe the cognitive profile of patients with Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (iNPH) using a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Based on age and education correlated norms, we aimed to compare performance in each measured cognitive domain: executive functions (EFs), verbal memory (VM), non-verbal memory (nVM), visuoconstructional abilities (VA) and attention/psychomotor speed (A/PS). Patients diagnosed with iNPH underwent comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation before shunting. Their performance was compared to the age and education correlated norms. Correlation of different cognitive domains in iNPH profile was performed. A total of 53 iNPH patients (73.21 ± 5.48 years) were included in the study. All of the measured cognitive domains were significantly damaged. The most affected domains were EFs and VM (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). A/PS domain was affected milder than EFs and VM (p<0.001). The least affected domains were nVM (p<0.001) and VA (p<0.001). Patients with iNPH are affected in all cognitive domains and the cognitive decline is uneven across these domains. The impairment of memory was shown to depend on the presented material. VM was shown to be much more severely affected than nVM and along with VM, EFs were shown to be the most affected. A/PS speed was shown to be less affected than VM and EFs and the least affected domains were nVM and VA.