bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Music on Pain and Anxiety During Otolaryngology Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Do Kenny , Kawana Eric , Young Kurtis , Ching Harry H. , Bigcas Jo‐Lawrence
Published: November 2024

Objective

Patients undergoing surgery commonly experience anxiety during their procedure which can negatively affect surgical outcomes. Music therapy has emerged as a promising noninvasive approach to reducing anxiety particularly in patients undergoing otolaryngology procedures.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of music therapy on anxiety and pain during these procedures.

Data Sources

PubMed and Embase.

Review Methods

A systematic search was conducted using the PRISMA approach to retrieve articles published between 1980 and March 2024. The search terms were applied to PubMed and Embase databases. The search term yielded a total of 669 articles on PubMed and 1027 articles on Embase, 5 of which met the inclusion criteria.

Results

Five studies consisting of 4 randomized controlled trials and one case‐control studies were included in our study, resulting in a total of 381 patients undergoing various otolaryngology procedures. Music therapy was found to reduce preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative anxiety and pain levels compared to control groups. Furthermore, patients who received music therapy experienced improvements in physiological parameters such as heart rate and blood pressure, indicating a positive impact on stress.

Conclusion

Music therapy offers a potentially cost‐effective and noninvasive method of reducing anxiety and pain in otolaryngological surgery patients. Our study indicates that music therapy can serve as a valuable addition to traditional pharmacological approaches in managing surgery‐related anxiety and pain. However, more research is needed to standardize music therapy protocols and compare its effect in comparison to other nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic modalities to optimize care for patients.
Percutaneous ultrasound‐guided A1 pulley release utilizing a modified 20‐gauge spinal needle
Authors: Sederberg Mark , Sharma Ragav , Cushman Daniel M. , Finnoff Jonathan T.
Published: November 2024

Background

Trigger finger is a common cause of hand pain. Though multiple techniques for percutaneous A1 pulley release have been described in the literature, there is a continued need for safe and effective techniques using inexpensive, familiar, and commonly found instruments. This study evaluated outcomes of percutaneous A1 pulley release performed using a novel technique with a modified 20‐gauge spinal needle and ultrasound guidance, with follow‐up outcomes at least 6 months after the procedure.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel percutaneous A1‐pulley release technique in individuals with trigger finger.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Setting

Private practice outpatient orthopedics clinic.

Participants

Forty digits from 30 unique patients with trigger finger who underwent percutaneous A1 pulley release.

Interventions

Percutaneous ultrasound‐guided A1 pulley release performed with a modified 20‐gauge spinal needle.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcome measure was cessation of triggering. Secondary measures examined intraoperative and postoperative pain, postprocedural duration of activity limiting pain, and time to perform the procedure.

Results

Immediate cessation of triggering was achieved in all 40 digits following the procedure, with no recurrence reported at any time at an average follow‐up of 11 months (range 6–32). Patients reported returning to normal activity in 2.75 days. Only one minor complication was reported, tenosynovitis, which resolved with a corticosteroid injection.

Conclusions

Percutaneous, ultrasound‐guided A1 pulley release performed with a modified 20‐gauge spinal needle can be safely performed with good outcomes and a rapid return to normal activity.
Adapting piezoelectric ring actuator for early hydration monitoring in cementitious materials
Authors: Soliman N. A. , Omran A. F.
Published: November 2024

There is a need for non‐destructive testing (NDT) methods to evaluate concrete properties in fresh and hardened states. The current study aims to utilize the piezoelectric ring actuator technique (P‐RAT), originally developed for soil applications, to assess the properties of cementitious materials. The research presents the adaptation of P‐RAT to monitor hydration kinetics of cement‐based materials at an early age. The technique measures shear wave velocity (VS) through the materials, offering insights into their behavior during the setting process. The methodology involves a new configuration for the sample holder and new ring dimensions adapted to obtain resonance frequency appropriate for evaluating the cementitious materials at an early age. The study includes an experimental evaluation of different cement paste and mortar mixtures—focusing on examining factors like repeatability, calibration, and ability to determine setting times using both P‐RAT in comparison to traditional methods like the Vicat needle test. The study demonstrates the feasibility of adapting the P‐RAT technique to measure VS along with its potential to provide valuable insights into the cement‐based materials' characteristics during their critical early stages of development.
Trail vs. thicket: Evaluating conservation detection dog performance in varied terrain
Authors: Hassler Kendyl N. , Sylvia Andrea L. , Smith Lisa M.
Published: November 2024

Use of detection dogs has emerged as an effective survey method for rare and cryptic species, outperforming traditional methods. However, there is little information available on how survey conditions may affect survey efforts. This study investigates the detection probability, effective sweep width, and search time of a detection dog working on‐lead in varying vegetation and weather conditions in Florida. We established 4 200‐m long transects in habitats with varying vegetation structure: open field, open canopy forest, closed canopy forest, and trail. American mink (Neogale vison) scat was set along each transect, in locations unknown to the detection dog handler, at distances ranging from 0 to 24 m from the transect. Vegetation and weather conditions were recorded for each survey. Between August 2021 and October 2022, we conducted 28 surveys (112 total transect surveys). Across all transects the detection dog located 66% of hidden scats (n = 384). We calculated an effective sweep width of 49 m (24.5 m on either side of the transect) and detection probability decreased with distance from transect line. Contrary to expectations, vegetation structure and weather conditions did not influence detection probability, but vegetation structure did affect search time, an important variable to consider when designing surveys. Search time increased with increases in understory vegetation obstruction and basal area. Conducting surveys on trails showed promise as an effective search method, having similar detection probability to off‐trail transects and faster search times than the closed canopy forest transect. Trail surveys may be particularly useful for areas that would otherwise be impassable, but their effectiveness may vary based on the target species' behavior. Our study underscores the importance of understanding search metrics in conservation detection dog surveys to design effective and appropriate surveys for anticipated field conditions.
Analysis of Event-Centric News Spreading Barriers
Authors: Sittar Abdul , Mladenić Dunja , Grobelnik Marko
Published: November 2024

The nature of the topics being discussed in the news is an essential research question in news spreading since it plays a vital role in individual consumer decisions and political and economic interactions. Also of interest is the question of how the news can be spread more widely across multiple barriers, including linguistic, economic, geographical, political, time zone and cultural. Observing event-centric news, we can see that it has different influences on the public and differs in the way that it spreads. For instance, one would expect news regarding natural disasters such as earthquakes to be mostly objective. Climate change, including global warming and pollution, is a very controversial topic, with political interests of different actors at play. Thus, the reporting is expected to be selective and biased. Finally, when sports intersect with larger societal issues, politics can become intertwined with sports news. Analysing the multi-faceted and spatio-temporal aspects of news coverage can bring insights into what may influence the differences in spreading patterns. This chapter will explain the novel analytical methods used to analyse and understand (1) the news-spreading barriers across different cultures and languages, (2) the multi-faceted and spatio-temporal aspects of the news coverage, and (3) news reporting differences across different political alignments and economic conditions.
Claim Detection in Social Media
Authors: Cheema Gullal S. , Müller-Budack Eric , Otto Christian , Ewerth Ralph
Published: November 2024

In recent years, the problem of misinformation on the web has become widespread across languages, countries and various social media platforms. One problem central to stopping the spread of misinformation is identifying claims and prioritising them for fact-checking. Although there has been much work on automated claim detection from text recently, the role of images and their variety still need to be explored. As posts and content shared on social media are often multimodal, it has become crucial to view the problem of misinformation and fake news from a multimodal perspective. In this chapter, first, we present an overview of existing claim detection methods and their limitations; second, we present a unimodal approach to identify check-worthy claims; third, and lastly, we introduce a dataset that takes both the image and text into account for detecting claims and benchmark recent multimodal models on the task.
From Barcelona to Buenos Aires [and Beyond]: The Millanes Sisters as Migrant Performers, 1880–1920
Authors: McCleary Kristen
Published: November 2024

This chapter examines the lives and careers of Dolores “Lola” and Carlota Millanes, Spanish sisters who migrated throughout the Americas in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Drawing from playscripts, newspaper, and magazine articles, this chapter pieces together their story, one which reflected transformations of entertainment in the Americas. Lola and Carlota led spectacular lives, evidencing remarkable agency to serve as cultural diplomats, to make their own business decisions, and to head acting companies and even families, rare for women of the era. They were also privileged by an imperial system of race and ethnicity that placed whiteness at the apex of a racial hierarchy. Lola and Carlota refashioned conceptions of work, motherhood, and national identity from Barcelona to Buenos Aires and beyond.
Migration and Exclusion: Ryszard Ordyński—A Theatre ‘Vagabond’
Authors: Prykowska-Michalak Karolina
Published: November 2024

Although Ryszard Ordyński (1878–1953) is regarded as one of the most significant Polish theatre and film directors, his reputation was eclipsed for a considerable period by other renowned figures. Focusing on Ordyński’s migrations around Europe and the United States between 1910 and 1918, during which he collaborated with Max Reinhardt, directed performances at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and created noteworthy productions independently, this chapter argues that, despite having multiple opportunities to do so, the Polish theatre failed to make use of his artistic potential or managerial expertise because of both his migration and unfortunate and complicated political circumstances.
‘True-Born Emigrants’: The Predicament of Actors on Nineteenth-Century Polish Stage in the Context of Migration
Authors: Jarząbek-Wasyl Dorota
Published: November 2024

This chapter is an attempt to show the complex situation of actors working within the partitioned Polish territories in the second half of the nineteenth century. The author is not interested in the movement of theatre people across the partitions as such, but in what was associated with and sometimes even preceded and conditioned this movement: the complicated legal and civic status of the actors, and the fluid, multi-layered self-identification of these artists as potential emigrants. Various examples are presented to illustrate aspects of this phenomenon, including the incompatibility of passport designations, the legal difficulties of impoverished actors in changing their place of residence, the language skills of people living in the Polish diaspora, and the everyday experience of border controls between Austria and Russia. A new concept of submigration (psychological migration, a strategy of operating between a number of languages, forms of belonging, and cultures) is added to existing categories such as transnational migration and internal migration.
Walter Bentley, Scottish Tragedian: Australasia’s Equivocal Theatre Migrant
Authors: Wallace Sue-Anne
Published: November 2024

This chapter presents a study of Scottish tragedian, Walter Bentley (1849–1927), the author’s grandfather, who flees his strict Presbyterian home in Edinburgh. It traces Bentley’s first arrival in Australia—illegally—in 1866, and the period of his life in Dunedin, a haven for the Scottish diaspora in New Zealand, and illustrates Bentley’s return to Australasia in 1891 as a triumphant tragedian, exploiting Scottish settler identities, customs, and traditions. Wallace concludes her survey of Bentley’s life as a theatre-migrant with his return to Sydney in 1909, his diasporic hybridity as a Scottish Australian, and his initiative, in 1910, to found a college of elocution, developing the next generation of Australian actors and actresses.
Navigating the Entrepreneurial Unknown: Benefiting from Unexpected Outcomes
Authors: Kuckertz Andreas , Leicht Thomas , Scheu Maximilian , da Silva Wagner Indra , Ebersberger Bernd
Published: November 2024

In this chapter, you will learn how to take the first steps of your venture. We argue that problems create opportunities for entrepreneurs, reflect on why nascent entrepreneurs may favor problems over start-up ideas and show why they should be cautious to avoid falling in love with their first idea. Introducing the corridor principle, we advise entrepreneurs to move instead of waiting for a seemingly perfect idea. Therefore, we introduce the principles of effectual logic and encourage entrepreneurs to embrace a proactive mindset. We offer advice for immediate action.
From Concept to Creation: Mastering Entrepreneurial Prototyping and Product Development
Authors: Kuckertz Andreas , Leicht Thomas , Scheu Maximilian , da Silva Wagner Indra , Ebersberger Bernd
Published: November 2024

Prototyping is a handy technique for visualizing abstract thoughts, ideas, and visions of your entrepreneurial endeavor. In this chapter, you will learn how to easily create a (first) prototype to express the core message of your innovation to customers while strengthening your persuasive power with stakeholders. When creating prototypes, it is important to strike a balance between simplicity, functionality, and appearance with the resources at hand. These characteristics are refined through frequent exposure and feedback loops to approach the final product step by step, incorporating customer needs. We give you the instructions to develop a product that is truly wanted.
Architecture of the Venture: Understanding Business Modeling
Authors: Kuckertz Andreas , Leicht Thomas , Scheu Maximilian , da Silva Wagner Indra , Ebersberger Bernd
Published: November 2024

As a prospective founder, there is no getting around the question of the business model of your venture. There are various components to consider which, in their interaction, realize the inherent value of your product. In this chapter, you will learn how to shape the individual building blocks of the business model by using various tools and insights from external players and adapting these blocks to the latest findings. You will also learn which factors you should consider when selecting the revenue model to ensure the profitability of your business model. The challenge is to stay dynamic in your design while not getting distracted by the myriad of ways to build a business model. We provide order in the cluttered universe of business models.
Building Bridges: Leveraging Your Network for Entrepreneurial Success
Authors: Kuckertz Andreas , Leicht Thomas , Scheu Maximilian , da Silva Wagner Indra , Ebersberger Bernd
Published: November 2024

In this chapter, you will learn why networks are crucial for entrepreneurs, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, information, and resources, which are vital for success. We argue that trust and collaboration are vital functions, providing security and enhancing reputation. Entrepreneurs can learn how effective information transfer within networks offers valuable insights and advice. At the same time, networks facilitate access to resources like time, money, and knowledge to support venture growth. Building and maintaining high-quality networks, rather than just expanding contacts, ensures reciprocal relationships and sustained benefits. These networks influence opportunity identification and entrepreneurial success, making them essential tools in an entrepreneur’s arsenal. We offer advice for immediate action.
A remark on the Brill–Noether theory of curves of fixed gonality
Authors: Martens Gerriet
Published: November 2024

Recently the Brill–Noether theory of curves C of both fixed genus and gonality was established. In particular, in this theory (now called the Hurwitz–Brill–Noether theory), all irreducible components of the variety of complete linear series of a fixed degree and dimension on C are obtained from the closures of certain so-called “Brill–Noether splitting loci” (loci which have a rather succinct description). In this paper, a method previously invented for the construction of some of these irreducible components is applied to get simply designed varieties inside the difference between these splitting loci and their closures, i.e., inside the boundary of the splitting loci.
Regulation of yeast polarized exocytosis by phosphoinositide lipids
Authors: Volpiana Matthew W. , Nenadic Aleksa , Beh Christopher T.
Published: November 2024

Phosphoinositides help steer membrane trafficking routes within eukaryotic cells. In polarized exocytosis, which targets vesicular cargo to sites of polarized growth at the plasma membrane (PM), the two phosphoinositides phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P) and its derivative phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) pave the pathway for vesicle transport from the Golgi to the PM. PI4P is a critical regulator of mechanisms that shape late Golgi membranes for vesicle biogenesis and release. Although enriched in vesicle membranes, PI4P is inexplicably removed from post-Golgi vesicles during their transit to the PM, which drives subsequent steps in exocytosis. At the PM, PI(4,5)P2 recruits effectors that establish polarized membrane sites for targeting the vesicular delivery of secretory cargo. The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae provides an elegant model to unravel the complexities of phosphoinositide regulation during polarized exocytosis. Here, we review how PI4P and PI(4,5)P2 promote yeast vesicle biogenesis, exocyst complex assembly and vesicle docking at polarized cortical sites, and suggest how these steps might impact related mechanisms of human disease.
Unraveling the impact of miRNAs on gouty arthritis: diagnostic significance and therapeutic opportunities
Authors: Abdel Mageed Sherif S. , Elimam Hanan , Elesawy Ahmed E. , Abulsoud Ahmed I. , Raouf Ahmed Amr , Tabaa Manar Mohammed El , Mohammed Osama A. , Zaki Mohamed Bakr , Abd-Elmawla Mai A. , El-Dakroury Walaa A. , Mangoura Safwat Abdelhady , Elrebehy Mahmoud A. , Elballal Mohammed S. , Mohamed Aya A. , Ashraf Alaa , Abdel-Reheim Mustafa Ahmed , Eleragi Ali M. S. , Abdellatif Hussein , Doghish Ahmed S.
Published: November 2024

Gouty arthritis is a prevalent inflammatory illness. Gout attacks begin when there is an imbalance in the body’s uric acid metabolism, which leads to urate buildup and the development of the ailment. A family of conserved, short non-coding RNAs known as microRNAs (miRNAs) can regulate post-transcriptional protein synthesis by attaching to the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of messenger RNA (mRNA). An increasing amount of research is pointing to miRNAs as potential players in several inflammatory diseases, including gouty arthritis. miRNAs may influence the progression of the disease by regulating immune function and inflammatory responses. This review mainly focused on miRNAs and how they contribute to gouty arthritis. It also looked at how miRNAs could be used as diagnostic, prognostic, and potential therapeutic targets.
A new Entoprocta species from the northwestern Weddell Sea shelf (Southern Ocean), its soft-sediment habitat and possible polychaete hosts
Authors: Corus Finn , Weith Friederike , Veit-Köhler Gritta
Published: November 2024

Rare meiofauna taxa are often indicators of specific environmental conditions. A new and rare species of Entoprocta from the Southern Ocean, its abundance, habitat and possible commensal relationship with Polychaeta are presented. During the RV Polarstern expedition PS118 (2019) to the northwestern Weddell Sea, sediment samples were taken with a multicorer. The species of the family Loxosomatidae was discovered in the meiofauna size fraction of samples of only one of three investigated stations (413–415 m depth). Loxosomella sigridae sp. nov. is a solitary, medium-sized entoproct (total length up to 773 µm). Decisive characters of the adult include twelve tentacles, an aborally situated Y-shaped cell row, paired accessory gland cells along the foot groove and smooth adhesive papillae at the tip of the foot. The reproductive cycle of Loxosomella sigridae sp. nov. has a sexual and an asexual phase via larvae and bud-carrying individuals, respectively. We present confocal laser-scanning images of both developmental stages. Integrative methods are used to describe the habitat of Loxosomella sigridae sp. nov. and gain insight in its relationship to possible host organisms. We discuss co-occurring polychaete families and their ecology and conclude that Cirratulidae and/or Paraonidae may most likely be the hosts of Loxosomella sigridae sp. nov.
Minimally interactive segmentation of soft-tissue tumors on CT and MRI using deep learning
Authors: Spaanderman Douwe J. , Starmans Martijn P. A. , van Erp Gonnie C. M. , Hanff David F. , Sluijter Judith H. , Schut Anne-Rose W. , van Leenders Geert J. L. H. , Verhoef Cornelis , Grünhagen Dirk J. , Niessen Wiro J. , Visser Jacob J. , Klein Stefan
Published: November 2024

Background

Segmentations are crucial in medical imaging for morphological, volumetric, and radiomics biomarkers. Manual segmentation is accurate but not feasible in clinical workflow, while automatic segmentation generally performs sub-par.

Purpose

To develop a minimally interactive deep learning-based segmentation method for soft-tissue tumors (STTs) on CT and MRI.

Material and methods

The interactive method requires the user to click six points near the tumor’s extreme boundaries in the image. These six points are transformed into a distance map and serve, with the image, as input for a convolutional neural network. A multi-center public dataset with 514 patients and nine STT phenotypes in seven anatomical locations, with CT or T1-weighted MRI, was used for training and internal validation. For external validation, another public dataset was employed, which included five unseen STT phenotypes in extremities on CT, T1-weighted MRI, and T2-weighted fat-saturated (FS) MRI.

Results

Internal validation resulted in a dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of 0.85 ± 0.11 (mean ± standard deviation) for CT and 0.84 ± 0.12 for T1-weighted MRI. External validation resulted in DSCs of 0.81 ± 0.08 for CT, 0.84 ± 0.09 for T1-weighted MRI, and 0.88 ± 0.08 for T2-weighted FS MRI. Volumetric measurements showed consistent replication with low error internally (volume: 1 ± 28 mm3, r = 0.99; diameter: − 6 ± 14 mm, r = 0.90) and externally (volume: − 7 ± 23 mm3, r = 0.96; diameter: − 3 ± 6 mm, r = 0.99). Interactive segmentation time was considerably shorter (CT: 364 s, T1-weighted MRI: 258s) than manual segmentation (CT: 1639s, T1-weighted MRI: 1895s).

Conclusion

The minimally interactive segmentation method effectively segments STT phenotypes on CT and MRI, with robust generalization to unseen phenotypes and imaging modalities.

Key Points

QuestionCan this deep learning-based method segment soft-tissue tumors faster than can be done manually and more accurately than other automatic methods?

Findings The minimally interactive segmentation method achieved accurate segmentation results in internal and external validation, and generalized well across soft-tissue tumor phenotypes and imaging modalities.

Clinical relevance This minimally interactive deep learning-based segmentation method could reduce the burden of manual segmentation, facilitate the integration of imaging-based biomarkers (e.g., radiomics) into clinical practice, and provide a fast, semi-automatic solution for volume and diameter measurements (e.g., RECIST).
Concept for a geometry-insensitive high-field magnetic resonance detector
Authors: Chau-Nguyen Khai , Badilita Vlad , Korvink Jan G.
Published: November 2024

We introduce an inverse design methodology for a new class of eigenfrequency-invariant metamaterial-resonators, targeting nuclear magnetic resonance detection at ultra-high $$\mathbf {B_0}$$

B
0

field, and operating at two specified frequencies selected from within the 100-1500 MHz range. The primary optimisation goal is to maximise the magnetic field intensity and uniformity within a liquid sample, while the electric energy should be kept to a minimum level to reduce dielectric heating or quadrupolar moment excitation effects. Due to the symmetric geometry requirement of the cavity, a demultiplexer is also designed to direct each discrete resonant signal to another predetermined output port of the resonator. In order to reduce the geometrical dependency of the resonance frequency, a bespoke metamaterial is used for the cavity host. Therefore, an additional optimisation problem for a unit cell domain is defined to seek a proper material layout for the host region of the resonators. Given the sensitivity of the frequency domain, the optimisation process is effectively regulated through the utilisation of both a Helmholtz filter and a projection method. It is found that considerable improvements of the resonator quality factor can be obtained through this optimisation process.
The lateral habenula regulates stress-related respiratory responses via the monoaminergic system
Authors: Mizukami Riko , Matsumoto Masayuki , Koganezawa Tadachika
Published: November 2024

Psychologic stress induces behavioral and autonomic responses such as acceleration of respiration. The lateral habenula (LHb) is noted to be involved in stress-induced behavioral responses. However, its involvement in stress-induced respiratory responses is unknown. In this study, we aimed to analyze whether and how the LHb regulates respiration. Electrical stimulation of the LHb of anesthetized Wistar male rats increased respiratory frequency and minute ventilation, calculated by respiratory frequency × thoracic movement amplitude. Systemic administration of a dopaminergic receptor antagonist, clozapine, suppressed the LHb-induced respiratory responses. On the other hand, administration of a serotonergic receptor antagonist, methysergide, significantly accelerated the LHb-induced increase in respiratory frequency, together with suppressing the thoracic movement amplitude. To clarify the source of dopaminergic modulation, we inhibited the ventral tegmental area (VTA), which contains dopaminergic neurons and receives inputs from the LHb, by administering microinjections of a GABAA agonist, muscimol. The bilateral inhibition of the VTA almost abolished the LHb-induced respiratory responses. These results suggest that LHb activation causes respiration acceleration, mainly mediated by dopaminergic neurons in the VTA and suppressively modulated by the serotonergic system. Neural circuits originating in the LHb may be a key modulator for respiration during psychological stress.
Embryonic Temperature Influences the Mucosal Responses of Atlantic Salmon Alevins to a Bacterial Challenge
Authors: Malik Muhammad Salman , Rebl Alexander , Burgerhout Erik , Lazado Carlo C.
Published: November 2024

The present work investigated the effects of embryonic temperature on the responses of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) alevins to a bacterial challenge using Yersinia ruckeri as a model pathogen. Embryos were reared at 4 °C, 6 °C, and 8 °C from fertilization to the eyed-egg stage. Alevins, before the start of feeding, were challenged with the pathogen, and mortality and early immune responses in mucosal organs were assessed. Fish from the 4 °C and 6 °C groups exhibited higher survival probabilities than those from the 8 °C group 72 h post-infection. Mild histopathological changes were observed in the gills and skin across all temperature groups, with bacterial antigen detected in the secondary lamellae of gills and in the skin epithelial and basal layers. Gene expression profiling revealed slightly distinct immune gene expression patterns in low-temperature groups (4 °C and 6 °C) compared to the 8 °C group. Gelsolin (gsn) expression increased in the skin across all temperature groups at 72 h post-infection. Claudin (cldn4) and collagen (col1a) were only upregulated in the skin of the 4 °C group, while heat shock protein 70 (hspa1a) was downregulated in the gills of infected fish at 72 h compared to controls. Toll-like receptor 13 (tlr13) expression increased in infected fish at 24 h compared to controls. In the 6 °C and 8 °C groups, gsn expression also increased at 72 h post-infection. Cldn4 expression increased only in the gills of 8 °C infected fish. This study revealed that low embryonic temperature could influence survival and mucosal immune defences following a bacterial challenge in Atlantic salmon alevins.
Aneurysmal formation of periventricular anastomosis is associated with collateral development of Moyamoya disease and its rupture portends poor prognosis: detailed analysis by multivariate statistical and machine learning approaches
Authors: Sato Daisuke , Miyawaki Satoru , Torazawa Seiei , Imai Hideaki , Hongo Hiroki , Kiyofuji Satoshi , Koizumi Satoshi , Saito Nobuhito
Published: November 2024

Periventricular anastomosis (PA) is the characteristic collateral network in Moyamoya disease (MMD). However, PA aneurysms are rare, resulting in limited knowledge of their clinical significance. We aimed to elucidate the associated factors and clinical outcomes of PA aneurysms. We reviewed MMD patients who underwent digital subtraction angiography in our institution between December 2001 and March 2023. Genetic analysis was conducted in several cases, and PA aneurysm-positive patients were identified. PA score was defined as the grades of development of periventricular anastomosis. Multivariate analysis and machine learning approaches were used to investigate the significance of the disease and factors associated with PA aneurysm positivity. A total of 301 hemispheres (171 patients) were included. PA aneurysm occurred in 8 hemispheres of MMD (2.7%). PA aneurysm was associated with higher initial modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores (OR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.45–4.70) and higher PA scores (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.06–2.40). This predisposition was corroborated by gradient boosting and random forest algorithms. Further analysis revealed that PA aneurysm was a risk factor for future hemorrhagic stroke events (HR, 8.29; 95% CI, 1.44–47.7). Among patients in the hemorrhagic-onset group (33 cases), PA aneurysm was a risk factor for worse outcomes (P = 0.008). Principal component analysis also revealed distinct characteristics of hemorrhagic onset aneurysms compared to other MMD cases. Higher PA scores were associated with the presence of aneurysm. PA aneurysm suggests a higher risk of future hemorrhagic strokes, and its rupture portends a worse prognosis.
Open versus robotic-assisted techniques for multivisceral pelvic resections of locally advanced or recurrent colorectal and anal cancers: short-term outcomes from a single centre
Authors: Wyatt J. , O’Connell E. , Choi M. , Powell S. G. , Hanchanale V. , Ahmed S. , Javed M. A.
Published: November 2024

Background

Pelvic exenterations are now established as a standard of care for locally advanced and recurrent rectal cancer. Traditionally, these radical and complex operations have been performed via an open approach, but with the increasing expertise in robotic-assisted surgery (RAS), there is scope to perform such cases robotically. This study compares outcomes from open and RAS pelvic exenterations.

Methods

This retrospective observational study includes all pelvic exenterations for locally advanced or recurrent colorectal cancers performed in a single centre between September 2018 and September 2023. Cases were grouped into open or RAS surgery and classified in terms of operative extent and complexity. The primary outcome was resection margin status. Secondary outcomes were postoperative morbidity, length of stay and blood loss.

Results

Thirty-three patients were included. Nineteen (57.6%) cases utilised an open technique, and 14 (42.4%) used RAS. Patient characteristics and operative complexity were equivalent between groups. R0 rate (63.1% vs 71.4%, p = 0.719), median haemoglobin drop (19 (11–30) g/L vs 13 (5–26) g/L, p = 0.208) and postoperative morbidity (18/19 (94.7%) vs 9/14 (64.3%), p = 0.062) were equivalent. Length of stay (16.0 days (8–25) vs 9.5 days (6–16), p = 0.047) was shorter in the RAS group.

Conclusions

Short-term surgical and histopathological outcomes are equivalent in this small cohort of patients. This study suggests that RAS may be a safe and effective method for performing pelvic exenterations for colorectal malignancies. Larger-scale and robustly designed prospective studies are required to confirm these preliminary findings and report on long-term oncological outcomes.
The Novel Direct AR Target Gene Annexin A2 Mediates Androgen-Induced Cellular Senescence in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Mirzakhani Kimia , Heidari Horestani Mehdi , Kallenbach Julia , Atri Roozbahani Golnaz , Baniahmad Aria
Published: November 2024

Clinical trials for prostate cancer (PCa) patients have implemented the bipolar androgen therapy (BAT) that includes the treatment with supraphysiological androgen level (SAL). SAL treatment induces cellular senescence in tumor samples of PCa patients and in various PCa cell lines, including castration-resistant PCa (CRPC), and is associated with enhanced phospho-AKT levels. Using an AKT inhibitor (AKTi), the SAL-mediated cell senescence is inhibited. Here, we show by RNA-seq analyses of two human PCa cell lines, that annexin A2 (ANXA2) expression is induced by SAL and repressed by co-treatment with AKTi. Higher ANXA2 expression is associated with better survival of PCa patients and suggests that ANXA2 is part of SAL-mediated tumor suppressive activity. ChIP-seq revealed that AR is recruited to the intronic regions of ANXA2 gene suggesting that ANXA2 is a novel direct AR target gene. Knockdown of ANXA2 shows that SAL-induced cellular senescence is mediated by ANXA2 and enhances the levels of phospho-AKT indicating an interaction between the AR, ANXA2 and AKT. Notably, we found that the level of heat shock protein HSP27, known to interact with ANXA2, is associated with cellular senescence. HSP27 level is induced by SAL but the induction is blunted by knockdown of ANXA2 suggesting a novel ANXA2-HSP27 pathway in PCa. This was confirmed using an HSP27 inhibitor that reduced the SAL-induced cellular senescence levels suggesting that ANXA2 upregulates HSP27 to mediate AR-signaling in SAL-induced cellular senescence. Thus, the data indicate ANXA2-HSP27 cross-talk as novel factors in the signaling by the AR-AKT pathway to mediate cellular senescence.
Effect of burst spikes on linear and nonlinear signal transmission in spiking neurons
Authors: Schlungbaum Maria , Barayeu Alexandra , Grewe Jan , Benda Jan , Lindner Benjamin
Published: November 2024

We study the impact of bursts on spike statistics and neural signal transmission. We propose a stochastic burst algorithm that is applied to a burst-free spike train and adds a random number of temporally-jittered burst spikes to each spike. This simple algorithm ignores any possible stimulus-dependence of bursting but allows to relate spectra and signal-transmission characteristics of burst-free and burst-endowed spike trains. By averaging over the various statistical ensembles, we find a frequency-dependent factor connecting the linear and also the second-order susceptibility of the spike trains with and without bursts. The relation between spectra is more complicated: besides a frequency-dependent multiplicative factor it also involves an additional frequency-dependent offset. We confirm these relations for the (burst-free) spike trains of a stochastic integrate-and-fire neuron and identify frequency ranges in which the transmission is boosted or diminished by bursting. We then consider bursty spike trains of electroreceptor afferents of weakly electric fish and approach the role of burst spikes as follows. We compare the spectral statistics of the bursty spike train to (i) that of a spike train with burst spikes removed and to (ii) that of the spike train in (i) endowed by bursts according to our algorithm. Significant spectral features are explained by our signal-independent burst algorithm, e.g. the burst-induced boosting of the nonlinear response. A difference is seen in the information transfer for the original bursty spike train and our burst-endowed spike train. Our algorithm is thus helpful to identify different effects of bursting.
A consolidated framework for implementation research (CFIR) guided exploration of key informant perspectives on establishing a pharmacist-led anticoagulation service in primary care: a qualitative study
Authors: Alshihab Safaa , Ibrahim Mohamed Izham Mohamed , Al-Zaidan Manal , Hadi Muhammad Abdul
Published: November 2024

Background

Globally, pharmacist-led anticoagulation services have improved patient outcomes in secondary and tertiary care settings. However, there is a paucity of literature about establishing such services within primary care settings.

Aim

This study explored key informants' perceptions regarding the systemic and procedural factors influencing development and implementation of a pharmacist-led anticoagulation service in a primary care setting.

Method

A descriptive qualitative study was conducted at Qatar's largest primary healthcare institution, the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC). Selected key informants, including healthcare center managers, pharmacy leads, physician leads and primary care physicians with cardiology privileges, were purposively recruited. Semi-structured interviews were guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and analyzed using framework analysis.

Results

Elven key informants were interviewed. The participants expressed confidence in the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing anticoagulation service in primary care to address patients’ needs. Key factors (mapped to CFIR domains) included ensuring pharmacist competency (Characteristics of Individuals), establishing effective internal and external communication (Inner and Outer Setting), and addressing staffing shortages (Inner Setting). Participants also emphasized on developing standardized operational protocols and training programs (Process), as well as integrating services with secondary care (Outer Setting). Despite challenges such as staffing, participants believed the service would effectively address patient needs if adequately supported.

Conclusion

The implementation of pharmacist-led anticoagulation services in primary care settings was identified as both feasible and essential for improving patient outcomes. The insights from this study can inform future initiatives aimed at enhancing anticoagulation management in primary care settings.
Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease and Weight Loss After Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sabench Fatima , Rusu Elena Cristina , Clavero-Mestres Helena , Arredondo-Prats Vicente , Veciana-Molins Marina , Muñiz-Piera Sara , Vives Margarita , Aguilar Carmen , Bartra Elia , París-Sans Marta , Alibalic Ajla , Quintillà Maria Teresa Auguet
Published: November 2024

Background

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH) are increasingly prevalent in patients undergoing bariatric surgery (BS). Understanding their impact on weight loss outcomes after surgery and highlighting the results of surgical techniques such as Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) and Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) in relation to the presence of MASH are essential for improving patient management and predicting long-term success.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. We searched the PubMed database; inclusion criteria were BS patients with liver impairment data at surgery and weight loss data at follow-up of 6 months or longer. Meta-analyses were conducted using R’s meta package, assessing heterogeneity with the I2 statistic and employing subgroup analyses where necessary.

Results

Out of 1126 eligible studies, 22 were included in the final systematic review. For the MASLD vs. Normal Liver (NL) comparison, no significant difference in BMI change was found at 12 months, but subgroup analysis indicated a possible publication bias (published data vs data collected). In the MASH vs. non-MASH comparison, high heterogeneity was noted at 12 months, and further stratification by surgical technique revealed that SG patients with MASH experienced lower weight loss, approaching statistical significance.

Conclusions

MASLD does not significantly affect short-term weight loss outcomes post-BS, but long-term results show variability. Standardized reporting practices and complete data dissemination are essential for future research to enhance meta-analysis reliability and generalizability.

Graphical Abstract
Bridging Academia and Enterprise: A Framework for Collaborative Success
Authors: Tucker Rebeka C. , Robinson Sarita J. , Liyanage Champika L. , Fernandez Proceso L. , Cortez Leah Amor , Montebon Darryl Roy , Tantanee Sarintip , Khiewnavawongsa Sorraya , Chaimoon Nida , Weerasinghe K. D. N. , Gunawardena K. S. L. , Dissanayake Ranjith
Published: November 2024

University-enterprise collaboration (UEC) is an essential aspect of research and innovation involving cooperation between universities and industry or other organizations. UEC can lead to economic growth, job creation, and enhanced research outcomes. However, the complexity and diversity of UECs present challenges in developing a practical framework that can guide the development and implementation of such collaborations. The aim of this paper is to develop a UEC framework from the key concepts identified in the literature, which can be adapted to various disciplines/contexts. This research paper is part of an ERASMUS+ project, which aims to strengthen enterprise collaboration for resilient communities in Asia (SECRA). The current paper presents the findings of thematic analysis of existing UEC literature and the resultant conceptual framework. Thematic analysis of eligible literature (N = 84) unveiled four themes and thirty-two sub-themes important to UEC. The proposed UEC framework highlights the importance of several structural, cultural, relational, and material themes and their underpinning concepts for developing successful UECs. The findings can inform future research on UECs, guide UEC practice, and provide the foundations for developing successful UECs. However, further research is needed to test the feasibility and validity of the framework in real-world UEC collaborations and to explore the interactions between different themes, sub-themes, and underlying concepts.
The Problems of Empirically-Informed Arguments for and against Retributivism
Authors: Zisman Valerij , Rehren Paul
Published: November 2024

In recent years, a number of philosophers and social scientists have argued in favor of or against retributive theories of criminal punishment based on empirical findings about folk punitive judgment and decision-making. In this paper, we will argue that these arguments do not succeed. We will raise two objections. First, there are serious gaps between the empirical findings these authors cite and the descriptive premises these findings are meant to support. Second, in many cases, the existing research does not support the specific empirical claims that feature in these arguments. Specifically, a large part of the existing psychological research and some philosophers claim that people are mainly driven by retributive motives. We will show that a large portion of the empirical research is not designed in a way to specifically test this claim, and to the extent that some studies are able to investigate this claim, we show that the evidence suggests that people are motivated by a variety of concerns, including consequentialist motives. We discuss possible responses and implications for the philosophy of criminal punishment, and provide suggestions for improved study designs.
Effect of environmental knowledge on pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors: a comparative analysis between engineering students and professionals in Ciudad Juárez (Mexico)
Authors: Burgos-Espinoza Ingrid Iovana , García-Alcaraz Jorge Luis , Gil-López Alfonso Jesús , Díaz-Reza José Roberto
Published: November 2024

This study examines the effects of environmental knowledge on pro-environmental attitudes and behavior by analyzing the relationship between general environmental knowledge (GEK), specific environmental knowledge (SEK), environmental attitudes (ENA), and public pro-environmental behavior (PPB) in two demographic groups: engineering students from universities and active engineers working in the maquiladora industry, both in Ciudad Juárez (Mexico). A questionnaire was designed based on a literature review, adapted to the Mexican context, and applied to engineers in 21 companies and 3 universities; 1449 valid responses were collected, and a structural equation model was developed to validate the five hypotheses. The findings suggest that SEK exerts a more significant influence on active engineers’ PPB, possibly because of their industry experience and understanding of the environmental consequences of industrial processes. In contrast, engineering students may exhibit less developed PPB despite having a solid theoretical foundation compared to active engineers. These findings have important implications for both groups’ education and development of environmental awareness and strategies.
Using dynamic resistance to predict electrode surface degradation in resistance spot welding of 5182 aluminum alloy
Authors: Nikitin A. , Turabov D. , Ermilova E. , Evdokimov A. , Ossenbrink R. , Seidlitz H.
Published: November 2024

In this study, the correlation between dynamic resistance during the first 10 ms of welding time and the electrode surface condition in resistance spot welding of 5182 aluminum alloy has been investigated. The electrode surface rapidly degrades due to contamination and morphological changes, adversely affecting the weld spot surface. The accumulation of Cu-Al intermetallic phases on the electrode surface alters its roughness, leading to variations in dynamic resistance. By analyzing this correlation, optimal electrode milling intervals were identified to extend electrode life. This work focused on detecting crater formation on the electrode surface through dynamic resistance monitoring. The results indicate that resistance measurements provide a reliable approach for evaluating electrode wear, optimizing maintenance schedules, and reducing material removal during milling.