bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracheobronchial adenoid cystic carcinoma in pregnancy
Authors: Morton Adam
Published: January 2025

A case of tracheobronchial adenoid cystic carcinoma diagnosed around the time of conception and its progression during pregnancy is presented. The evidence that pregnancy may be associated with the progression of adenoid cystic cancer is discussed. It is important to consider tracheal disease before making a diagnosis of adult-onset asthma.
Diagnosis of arginine vasopressin deficiency in a patient with 10 years of polyuria and polydipsia following an Epstein-Barr virus infection
Authors: Oyibo Samson Oghenetsovwe , Sharma Poonam , Kohli Monika Dham
Published: January 2025

Polyuria-polydipsia syndrome is composed of arginine vasopressin deficiency, arginine vasopressin resistance and primary polydipsia and are characterised by severe polyuria with hypotonic urine. The water deprivation test is commonly used to indirectly assess the vasopressin response to water deprivation. We report a woman in her 20s who demonstrated severe polyuria (11–12 L/day) on submitting a 24-hour urine sample for analysis. She subsequently mentioned having had polyuria and polydipsia for 10 years after an Epstein-Barr virus infection. A water deprivation test with copeptin measurement confirmed arginine vasopressin deficiency. Treatment with desmopressin transformed her life. Further investigation revealed possible concurrent subclinical mixed connective tissue disease. We suspect Epstein-Barr virus infection to be the cause of the arginine vasopressin deficiency and possibly the trigger for the subclinical mixed connective tissue disease. This case also highlights the utility of copeptin measurements in differentiating the various polyuria-polydipsia syndromes.
Unusual recurrence in advanced ovarian cancer after interval cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC
Authors: Sonkusare Shipra , Sampige Prasannakumar Somashekhar , Ahuja Vijay , Kumar Rohit
Published: January 2025

Ovarian cancer is the second most fatal gynaecological malignancy. The relapses after treatment of ovarian cancer usually occur within 2 years after completion of the first-line therapy. Recurrent ovarian cancer commonly presents as peritoneal surface deposits in the abdomen with or without ascites. A delayed relapse presenting as a solitary lesion in the urinary bladder wall is unusual in patients treated for advanced ovarian cancer. We report the successful management of a case of solitary metastasis of ovarian cancer in the urinary bladder wall, which occurred more than 6 years after achieving a complete remission state.
Long-term lung volume recruitment therapy maintains ventilator weaning in a patient with ALS following tracheostomy
Authors: Yorimoto Keisuke , Ariake Yosuke , Kawaguchi Taiyo , Hara Takatoshi
Published: January 2025

We report a case of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in a patient in their 50s, presenting with spastic paraparesis and bulbar palsy, treated with lung volume recruitment therapy (LVRT). From early stage in the disease, vital capacity (VC), lung insufflation capacity (LIC) and ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised scores were regularly measured, and LVRT was continuously performed at home. After 10 years, the patient had complete limb function loss and required nutritional management via gastrostomy and full assistance with daily activities. Despite this, the gap between VC and LIC remained approximately 2000 mL, and the patient was not ventilator-dependent during the day after tracheostomy. Chest CT showed improvement in lower lobe atelectasis due to LVRT. Typically, respiratory physiotherapy is challenging in patients with bulbar palsy or post-tracheostomy, but in this case, LVRT successfully maintained lung mobility. Early LVRT implementation may improve ALS patients’ survival prognosis and warrants further exploration.
Long-term outcome after a limb salvage procedure using a femoral head allograft following the resection of a synovial sarcoma affecting the hindfoot
Authors: Botello Eduardo , Riquelme María Emilia , Solar Antonieta , Zamora Tomas
Published: January 2025

The hindfoot is an uncommon site for malignant tumours. While limb salvage procedures are now more common for treating bone sarcoma, there is limited information available on hindfoot reconstruction alternatives because of its low incidence and its challenging outcomes. We present a case report of a man in his late 60s with synovial sarcoma affecting the right heel (calcaneus and soft tissue). A wide resection was performed, followed by reconstruction using a femoral head allograft while preserving the subtalar joint and Achilles tendon insertion. Despite the partial reabsorption of the allograft at 8.4 years after surgery, excellent oncological and functional results were achieved.

There are very few reports of calcaneal reconstruction following total or partial calcanectomy. Reconstructive options include the use of bone allografts, vascularized autografts, free vascularized musculocutaneous flaps and custom-made prosthesis replacement. The reconstruction technique described here, which uses an osteoarthritic femoral head allograft, is a relatively easy and widely available alternative. It has the potential functional benefits of preserving the subtalar joint and Achilles insertion if performed after a partial calcanectomy with geometric osteotomies.
Miyazaki syndrome
Authors: Tavares Joana , Reizinho Carla , Luís Ana
Published: January 2025

Miyazaki syndrome is a rare complication in patients with ventricular shunts, characterised by cervical myelopathy from cerebrospinal fluid overdrainage. Here we report a case of a young woman with a history of hydrocephalus who had a ventricular shunt placed in infancy, presenting to our department with signs and symptoms of myelopathy due to overshunting. This diagnosis is challenging because of the frequent absence of typical signs of intracranial hypotension, leading to delays in treatment, which carries the risk of potentially devastating consequences.
Solitary plasmacytoma: an unusual presentation
Authors: Rampersad Fidel , Diljohn Jason , Cassim Nicolette , Thompson Narina
Published: January 2025

This case highlights the importance of thoroughly investigating incidental findings, particularly in patients with unexplained symptoms. Solitary plasmacytoma, though rare and accounting for 4–5% of plasma cell dyscrasias, can occur outside the spine and may present without systemic symptoms. Early diagnosis through imaging and biopsy is crucial for appropriate management, as these lesions can be effectively treated if identified early.
Acute zinc sulfate overdose: clinical presentation and management
Authors: AlDhasee Omar , AlMalki Hanin , AlKharashi Nawaf , AlJeraisy Nawaf , Al Deeb Mohammad
Published: January 2025

A woman in her 40s with a history of depression, diabetes, zinc deficiency and gastric bypass surgery presented to the emergency department following the intentional ingestion of ninety 50 mg tablets of zinc sulfate. She exhibited gastrointestinal distress without systemic toxicity. Imaging revealed radiopaque tablets in the abdomen, and her management was primarily supportive, focusing on symptom control and hydration. Chelating agents were not required as her serum zinc levels remained stable and no severe toxicity developed. This case emphasises the importance of cautious dietary supplement use, particularly in postsurgical patients, and the need for improved education on zinc toxicity risks.
Beyond COVID-19, the case for collecting, analysing and using sex-disaggregated data and gendered data to inform outbreak response: a scoping review
Authors: Gales McKinzie , Yonally Phillips Emelie Love , Zilversmit Pao Leah , Dubray Christine , Rodriguez Ribas Elizalde Clara , Heidari Shirin , Degail Marie-Amelie , Meudec Marie , Siddiqui M Ruby , Carter Simone E
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Understanding sex and gender differences during outbreaks is critical to delivering an effective response. Although recommendations and minimum requirements exist, the incorporation of sex-disaggregated data and gender analysis into outbreak analytics and response for informed decision-making remains infrequent. A scoping review was conducted to provide an overview of the extent of sex-disaggregated data and gender analysis in outbreak response within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Methods

Five databases were searched for peer-reviewed literature examining sex- and gender-specific outcomes for communicable disease outbreaks published in English between 1 January 2012 and 12 April 2022. An adapted version of the WHO’s Gender Analysis Matrix was used to synthesise evidence, which was then mapped across four phases of the outbreak timeline: prevention, detection, treatment/management and recovery.

Results

71 articles met inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Sex-, gender-, and pregnancy-related disparities were identified throughout all four phases of the outbreak timeline. These disparities encompassed a wide range of risk factors for disease, vulnerability, access to and use of services, health-seeking behaviour, healthcare options, as well as experiences in healthcare settings and health and social outcomes and consequences.

Conclusion

Significant gender-evidence gaps remain in outbreak response. Evidence that is available illustrates that sex and gender disparities in outbreaks vary by disease, setting and population, and these differences play significant roles in shaping outbreak dynamics. As such, failing to collect, analyse or use sex-disaggregated data and gendered data during outbreaks results in less effective responses, differential adverse health outcomes, increased vulnerability among certain groups and insufficient evidence for effective prevention and response efforts. Systematic sex- and gender-based analyses to ensure gender-responsive outbreak prevention, detection, treatment/management and recovery are urgently needed.
A realist review of how, why, for whom and in which contexts quality improvement in healthcare impacts inequalities
Authors: Johnson Lucy Lara , Wong Geoff , Kuhn Isla , Martin Graham P , Kapilashrami Anuj , Lennox Laura , Black Georgia Bell , Hill Matthew , Swiers Ryan , Mahmood Hashum , Jones Linda , Beng Jude , Ford John
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Quality improvement (QI) is aimed at improving care. Equity is one of the six domains of healthcare quality, as defined by the Institute of Medicine. If this domain is ignored, QI projects have the potential to maintain or even worsen inequalities.

Aims and objectives

We aimed to understand why, how, for whom and in which contexts QI approaches increase, or do not change health inequalities in healthcare organisations.

Methods

We conducted a realist review by first developing an initial programme theory, then searching MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Web of Science and Scopus for QI projects that considered health inequalities. Included studies were analysed to generate context-mechanism-outcome configurations (CMOCs) and develop an overall programme theory.

Results

We screened 6259 records. Thirty-six records met our inclusion criteria, the majority of which were from the USA. We developed CMOCs covering four clusters: values and understanding, resources, data, and design. Five of these described circumstances in which QI may increase inequalities and 15 where it may reduce inequalities. We found that QI projects that are values-led and incorporate diverse, patient-led data into design are more likely to address health inequalities. However, when staff and patients cannot engage fully with equity-focused projects, due to practical or technological barriers, QI projects are more likely to worsen inequalities.

Conclusions

The potential for QI projects to positively impact inequalities depends on embedding equity-focused values across organisations, ensuring sufficient and appropriate resources are provided to staff delivering QI, and using diverse disaggregated data alongside considered user involvement to inform and assess the success of QI projects. Policymakers and practitioners should ensure that QI projects are used to address inequalities.
Lung function and onset of cardiometabolic diseases in the longitudinal Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease study
Authors: Janson Christer , Potts James , Malinovschi Andrei , Agarwal Dhiraj , Ahmed Rana , Aquart-Stewart Althea , Harrabi Imed , Denguezli Meriam , Devereux Graham , Erhabor Gregory E , Gislason Thorarinn , Jogi Rain , Juvekar Sanjay K , Knox-Brown Ben , Koul Parvaiz , Mortimer Kevin , Nafees Asaad Ahmed , Nielsen Rune , Mahesh Padukudru Anand , Paraguas Stefanni Nonna M , Rotevatn Anders Ørskov , Sooronbaev Talant , Burney Peter G J , Amaral Andre F S
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Previous population-based studies, mainly from high-income countries, have shown that a higher forced vital capacity (FVC) is associated with a lower risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the longitudinal association between spirometry measures and the onset of cardiometabolic diseases across sites in low-income, middle-income and high-income countries.

Methods

The study population comprised 5916 individuals from 15 countries participating in the Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease baseline and follow-up assessments. Postbronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FVC and FEV1/FVC were measured at baseline. Participants who reported having doctor-diagnosed hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and stroke at follow-up but not at baseline were considered new cases of these diseases. The association between lung function and the onset of participant-reported cardiometabolic diseases was assessed in each site using regression models, and estimates were combined using random effects meta-analysis. Models were adjusted for sex, age, smoking, body mass index and educational level.

Results

Participants with greater per cent predicted FVC were less likely to have new-onset diabetes (OR per 10%=0.91, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.99), heart disease (OR per 10%=0.86, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.92) and stroke (OR per 10%=0.81, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.89) during the follow-up period (mean±SD 9.5±3.6 years). A greater percentage of FEV1was associated with a lower risk of onset of heart disease and stroke. No significant association was found between FEV1/FVC and onset of reported cardiometabolic diseases, except for a higher risk of diabetes (OR per 10%=1.21, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.35) in participants with higher FEV1/FVC.

Conclusions

The findings of this study suggest that a low FVC is more important than a low FEV1/FVC as a risk factor for developing cardiometabolic diseases. The value of including FVC in risk score models to improve their precision in predicting the onset of cardiometabolic diseases should be explored.
Single PEdicle Embolization of Distal Middle Meningeal Artery using n-BCA (SPEED-n technique)
Authors: Khattar Nicolas K , Osehobo Ehizele , Sims Jason J , Elijovich Lucas
Published: January 2025

The Single Pedicle Embolization of the Distal Middle Meningeal Artery using n-butyl cyanoacrylate (n-BCA) (SPEED-n technique) offers an innovative approach to treating chronic subdural hematomas by targeting the pathological subdural membranes with precise and efficient embolization.1 2 3 This technical video demonstrates the SPEED-n technique, which employs a single catheter and dilute n-BCA (15–20%) to achieve distal penetration of the middle meningeal artery (MMA) network while minimizing procedure time and risks (video 1).

Video 1

-

Key features include a stepwise embolization strategy, leveraging inherent MMA anastomoses to ensure comprehensive vascular coverage and reduced non-target embolization. The method’s success hinges on careful anatomical considerations, precise imaging to delineate safety margins, and the advantages of dilute glue for delayed polymerization, facilitating safe catheter removal and preventing tip retention.4 5 6 This video serves as a practical guide for neurointerventionalists seeking efficient solutions for distal MMA embolization.
Life’s Essential 8 and risks of mortality and cardiovascular morbidity in individuals with PRISm and its associations with transition trajectories of PRISm
Authors: Geng Yang , Ding Yi , Lu Xujia , Pei Yalong , Jankowich Matthew D , Ke Chaofu
Published: January 2025

Background

Although morbidity and mortality are reportedly increased in individuals with preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm), little is known about how to optimise PRISm-related health.

Aims

Is Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) associated with mortality and cardiovascular morbidity in individuals with PRISm and with PRISm transition trajectories?

Methods

Participants with PRISm (n=31 943) with complete data on LE8 and 23 179 individuals with two spirometry measurements were included from the UK Biobank. Eight health components were used to create the LE8 score (0–100). Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess associations of LE8 with cardiovascular morbidity and all-cause, cardiovascular and respiratory mortality. Multinomial logistic regression models were conducted to assess associations between LE8 and transition trajectories of PRISm.

Results

Among participants with PRISm, 3113 (9.75%), 25 254 (79.06%) and 3576 (11.19%) were categorised as high (LE8≥80), moderate (50≤LE8<80) and low LE8 (LE8<50) score groups, respectively. Compared with the high LE8 group, the low LE8 group demonstrated higher risks of cardiovascular disease (HR: 2.702, 95% CI 2.391 to 3.054) and all-cause (2.496, 2.082 to 2.993), cardiovascular (4.165, 2.672 to 6.493) and respiratory mortality (4.103, 1.866 to 9.020). Individuals with low LE8 score (vs high LE8) had higher odds to transition from normal spirometry to PRISm (OR: 2.238, 95% CI 1.638 to 3.057) and lower odds to transition from PRISm to normal spirometry (OR: 0.506, 95% CI 0.339 to 0.757).

Conclusion

A lower LE8 score was associated with increased risks of cardiovascular morbidity and all-cause, cardiovascular and respiratory mortality in PRISm. A lower LE8 score was related to higher likelihood of developing PRISm and lower likelihood of PRISm recovery.
Effect of nano TiO2 and reinforcement of polypropylene fiber in standard concrete: an experimental and numerical approach
Authors: Srivastava Awadhesh , Mishra Abhishek , Singh Sachin Kumar
Published: January 2025

The mechanical properties of the concrete can be improved by adding nanoparticles. This research investigates the mechanical strength and durability of nanomaterial concrete using nano titanium dioxide (TiO2) as a partial cement substitute and polypropylene fiber (PP fiber) for reinforcement. M45 grade concrete with 1%–4% nano TiO2 and a water-to-cement ratio of 0.38 was tested. The optimal result was achieved with 2% nano TiO2. Subsequently, varying PP fiber percentages (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2) were added to this mix. Mechanical tests (density, compressive, split tensile, flexural strength) and microstructural analyses (X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope) were conducted. Data validation using Ansys Workbench 2024 R1 showed a maximum experimental–analytical difference of 2.35%. This study demonstrates that incorporating waste titanium and PP fiber enhances concrete's mechanical strength and durability.
DESIGN AND EXPERIMENTATION OF A PAYLOAD CONTROL SYSTEM FOR VERTICAL LIFTING OPERATIONS VIA A TETHERED SINGLE-AIRPLANE
Authors: Verrette Jessy , Rancourt David
Published: January 2025

Some unconventional vertical lifting techniques making use of tethered airplanes combine the high efficiency of airplanes with the vertical lifting ability of helicopters. The main challenge consists of accurately controlling the position of the centralized payload. Kilometre-long tether configurations, subject to aerodynamic damping, were studied to reduce the orbit radius of the payload, but they are sensitive to wind and flight path deviations. This article presents the mechanical architecture, numerical model, and control strategy of a payload control system (PCS) for a circling single-airplane tethered lifting system. The PCS is mounted onto the payload, and it compensates for external perturbations and the horizontal force acting on the payload from the tether due to the single-airplane configuration. Experimental flights were conducted using a DJI Matrice 600 drone equipped with a 31m long tether to mimic the trajectory of a circling airplane. During these flights, the PCS maintained payloads ranging from 1.6 kg to 4.8 kg at ∼10 cm from the target position. The PCS is a key component of this novel vertical lifting method, which can provide an alternative to helicopters and multi-rotor drones for cargo delivery or aerial work operations.
Search for high-frequency gravitational waves with Rydberg atoms
Authors: Kanno Sugumi , Soda Jiro , Taniguchi Akira
Published: January 2025

We propose high-frequency gravitational wave (GW) detectors with Rydberg atoms. Rydberg atoms are ultra-sensitive detectors of electric fields. By setting up a constant magnetic field, a weak electric field is generated upon the arrival of GWs. The weak electric field signal is then detected by an electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) in the system of the Rydberg atoms. Recently, the minimum detectable electric field with the Rydberg atoms is further improved by employing superheterodyne detection method. Hence, even the weak signal generated by GWs turns out to be detectable. We calculate the amplitude of Rabi frequency of the Rydberg atoms induced by the GWs and show that the sensitivity of the Rydberg atoms becomes maximum when the size of the Rydberg atoms is close to the wavelength of GWs. We evaluate the minimum detectable amplitude of GWs with Rubidium Rydberg atoms and find that the detector can probe GWs with a frequency

$$f=4.2~\hbox {GHz}$$

f
=
4.2

GHz

and an amplitude around

$$10^{-20}$$

10

-
20

.
Holographic thermodynamic relation for dissipative and non-dissipative universes in a flat FLRW cosmology
Authors: Komatsu Nobuyoshi
Published: January 2025

Horizon thermodynamics and cosmological equations in standard cosmology provide a holographic-like connection between thermodynamic quantities on a cosmological horizon and in the bulk. It is expected that this connection can be modified as a holographic-like thermodynamic relation for dissipative and non-dissipative universes whose Hubble volume V varies with time t. To clarify such a modified thermodynamic relation, the present study applies a general formulation for cosmological equations in a flat Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) universe to the first law of thermodynamics, using the Bekenstein–Hawking entropy

$$S_{\textrm{BH}}$$

S
BH

and a dynamical Kodama–Hayward temperature

$$T_{\textrm{KH}}$$

T
KH

. For the general formulation, both an effective pressure

$$p_{e}$$

p
e

of cosmological fluids for dissipative universes (e.g., bulk viscous cosmology) and an extra driving term

$$f_{\Lambda }(t)$$

f
Λ

(
t
)

for non-dissipative universes (e.g., time-varying

$$\Lambda (t)$$

Λ
(
t
)

cosmology) are phenomenologically assumed. A modified thermodynamic relation is derived by applying the general formulation to the first law, which includes both

$$p_{e}$$

p
e

and an additional time-derivative term

$$\dot{f}_{\Lambda }(t)$$

f
˙

Λ

(
t
)

, related to a non-zero term of the general continuity equation. When

$$f_{\Lambda }(t)$$

f
Λ

(
t
)

is constant, the modified thermodynamic relation is equivalent to the formulation of the first law in standard cosmology. One side of this modified relation describes thermodynamic quantities in the bulk and can be divided into two time-derivative terms, namely

$$\dot{\rho }$$

ρ
˙

and

$$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

terms, where

$$\rho $$

ρ

is the mass density of cosmological fluids. Using the Gibbons–Hawking temperature

$$T_{\textrm{GH}}$$

T
GH

, the other side of this relation,

$$T_{\textrm{KH}} \dot{S}_{\textrm{BH}}$$

T
KH

S
˙

BH

, can be formulated as the sum of

$$T_{\textrm{GH}} \dot{S}_{\textrm{BH}}$$

T
GH

S
˙

BH

and

$$[(T_{\textrm{KH}}/T_{\textrm{GH}}) -1] T_{\textrm{GH}} \dot{S}_{\textrm{BH}}$$

[

(

T
KH

/

T
GH

)

-
1
]

T
GH

S
˙

BH

, which are equivalent to the

$$\dot{\rho }$$

ρ
˙

and

$$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

terms, respectively, with the magnitude of the

$$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

term being proportional to the square of the

$$\dot{\rho }$$

ρ
˙

term. In addition, the modified thermodynamic relation for constant

$$f_{\Lambda }(t)$$

f
Λ

(
t
)

is examined by applying the equipartition law of energy on the horizon. This modified thermodynamic relation reduces to a kind of extended holographic-like connection when a constant

$$T_{\textrm{KH}}$$

T
KH

universe (whose Hubble volume varies with time) is considered. The evolution of thermodynamic quantities is also discussed, using a constant

$$T_{\textrm{KH}}$$

T
KH

model, extending a previous analysis (Komatsu in Phys Rev D 108:083515, 2023).
Periodic orbits and gravitational wave radiation in short hair black hole spacetimes for an extreme mass ratio system
Authors: Zhao Lai , Tang Meirong , Xu Zhaoyi
Published: January 2025

For a short hair black hole(BH) that bypasses the “no-short-hair” theorem, its hair parameters have a significant impact near the event horizon and may thus carry the internal information of the BH. This paper studies the influence of the hair parameter

$$Q_m$$

Q
m

and the structural parameter

$$k$$

k

of the short hair BH on the periodic orbits of particles and gravitational wave radiation in the extreme mass ratio(EMR) system. The research results show that

$$Q_m$$

Q
m

has a significant impact on the radius of the orbit, angular momentum, and the

$$E-L$$

E
-
L

space. A larger value of

$$k$$

k

weakens this effect and makes it degenerate with the Schwarzschild BH. In addition, an increase in

$$Q_m$$

Q
m

or a decrease in

$$k$$

k

will lead to a reduction in the period of gravitational waves and a significant enhancement of the signal amplitude. These results provide new observational means for distinguishing short hair BH from classical BH and also offer new insights for verifying the no-hair theorem and understanding the physical behaviors near the event horizon.
How Selling Online is Affecting Informal Firms in South Asia
Authors: Bussolo Maurizio , Dixit Akshay , Golla Anne , Kotia Ananya , Lee Jean N. , Narasimhan Prema , Sharma Siddharth
Published: January 2025

Understanding how e-commerce platforms are affecting the small, informal firms that sell on them is a question of growing importance to researchers and policymakers in developing countries. This paper examines this question using data from surveys of firms selling on two e-commerce platforms in South Asia. The businesses selling on these platforms range widely in terms of size, degree of formalization, and other characteristics. Their main reason for joining the platforms is to access more customers. After joining, many sellers report (i) an expansion of their business, (ii) an increase in their incentive to formal registration, and (iii) increased visibility to tax authorities. Other less-widespread channels of impact include (i) the adoption of new or improved business practices and technologies, (ii) better access to finance, and (iii) greater flexibility in balancing home and work life. These reported impacts do not vary significantly by firm size or registration status, suggesting that the greater market access brought about by (selectively) joining e-commerce platforms benefits equally large and small (informal) firms. Given size and age, firms selling on the platform for a longer period are more likely to experience these impacts, suggesting that firms learn how to use the platform more effectively over time. Finally, firms on these platforms—even the micro and small ones, which tend to be informal—are from a select group, as they are owned and managed by individuals who are more educated and younger than the owners and managers of more typical firms in this setting.
Ameliorative Effect of Glycyrrhizic Acid on Diosbulbin B-Induced Liver Injury and Its Mechanism
Authors: Wang Xin , Shi Lei-Lei , Zhang Yu-Han , Zhu Hong-Zhe , Cao Shan-Shan , Shi Yong , Shangguan Hui-Zi , Liu Ji-Ping , Xie Yun-Dong
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to clarify the protective effect of Glycyrrhizic acid (GL) against Diosbulbin B (DB) — induced liver injury in mice and investigate its mechanisms of action. A liver injury DB was established in mice through the oral administration of DB for 15 days. At the same time, GL was administered to the mice for treatment. After the experiment, the pharmacodynamics and mechanisms of GL in ameliorating DB-induced liver injury were explored using biochemical indexes, non-targeted metabolomics, targeted metabolomics, Western blotting analysis of protein expression, 16S rDNA sequencing, and Spearman correlation analysis. The results show reduced liver function indices and improved DB-induced hepatic pathological changes. It also attenuated DB-induced hepatic inflammation and oxidative stress. Hepatic metabolomics revealed that GL regulated ABC transporters and bile secretion. Targeted bile acid (BA) metabolomics and Western blotting demonstrated that GL improved DB-induced reduction in BA efflux by regulating FXR-mediated efflux transporters. Furthermore, analysis of 16S rDNA gene sequencing revealed that GL effectively restored the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria, reduced the relative abundance of harmful bacteria, and reinstated the structure of the intestinal flora. Additionally, correlation analyses between BA and intestinal flora indicated that Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, TDGA, DGA, UDGA, GDGA, THDGA, and HDGA could serve as major markers for DB-induced liver injury. In conclusion, GL significantly improved DB-induced liver injury by increasing the expression of Nrf2/FXR-BSEP/MRP2/P-gp/UGT1A1, promoting BA efflux, regulating intestinal flora, and alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress.
Glacial dispersal of indicator minerals from the Brazil Lake LCT pegmatites, southwest Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: McClenaghan M.B. , Brushett D.M. , Paulen R.C. , Beckett-Brown C.E. , Rice J.M.
Published: January 2025

The Brazil Lake lithium-cesium-tantalum (LCT)-type pegmatites (North, South, and Army Road pegmatites) in eastern Canada, were the focus of a detailed till study to document glacial dispersal of LCT pegmatite indicator minerals from bedrock. A total of 84 bulk (7-20 kg) till samples were collected from 77 sites around and down ice of the three pegmatites. The <2.0 mm fraction of the till samples was processed using shaking table and heavy liquid methods to produce 2.8-3.2 and >3.2 specific gravity (SG) non-ferromagnetic heavy mineral concentrates for visual identification and counting of indicator minerals in the 0.25-0.5 mm, 0.5-1.0 mm and 1-2 mm fractions. Glacial dispersal from the pegmatites is best defined by spodumene (the primary ore mineral) in the 0.25-0.5 mm fraction of the 2.8-3.2 SG concentrates, and its presence in the till (100s to 1000s of grains per sample) is visual confirmation of the existence of nearby LCT pegmatites. Glacial dispersal of spodumene forms a fan-shaped exploration target 12 km down ice that is considerably larger than the pegmatite subcrop areas. Other useful LCT pegmatite indicator minerals in the local till include apatite and tourmaline (10s to 100s of grains) and lesser amounts of columbite-tantalite, cassiterite, and scheelite (1s to 10s of grains), however, their abundances and spatial distributions are much less/smaller than that for spodumene. The results clearly demonstrate that indicator mineral methods are useful for Li exploration in the glaciated terrains of southwest Nova Scotia, across Canada, and other prospective glaciated terrains globally.
Amalgamating Knowledge for Object Detection in Rainy Weather Conditions
Authors: Le Trung-Hieu , Huang Shih-Chia , Hoang Quoc-Viet , Lokaj Zdenek , Lu Zhihui
Published: January 2025

In recent years, object detection has significantly advanced by using deep learning, especially convolutional neural networks. Most of the existing methods have focused on detecting objects under favorable weather conditions and achieved impressive results. However, object detection in the presence of rain remains a crucial challenge owing to the visibility limitation. In this paper, we introduce an Amalgamating Knowledge Network (AK-Net) to deal with the problem of detecting objects hampered by rain. The proposed AK-Net obtains performance improvement by associating object detection with visibility enhancement, and it is composed of five subnetworks: rain streak removal (RSR) subnetwork, raindrop removal (RDR) subnetwork, foggy rain removal (FRR) subnetwork, feature transmission (FT) subnetwork, and object detection (OD) subnetwork. Our approach is flexible; it can adopt different object detection models to construct the OD subnetwork for the final inference of objects. The RSR, RDR, and FRR subnetworks are responsible for producing clean features from rain streak, raindrop, and foggy rain images, respectively, and offer them to the OD subnetwork through the FT subnetwork for efficient object prediction. Experimental results indicate that the mean average precision (mAP) achieved by our proposed AK-Net was up to 19.58

\(\%\)

and 26.91

\(\%\)

higher than those produced using competitive methods on published iRain and RID datasets, respectively, while preserving the fast-running time of the baseline detector.
KV7 channels modulate tension and calcium signaling in mouse corpus cavernosum
Authors: Mercer Mitchell , Hollywood Mark A. , Sergeant Gerard P. , Thornbury Keith D.
Published: January 2025

Many men with ED are resistant to treatment with phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil); therefore, new treatments are required. We show that spontaneous contractions and phasic contractions of CCSM induced by low/moderate concentrations of PE, and their underlying Ca2+ signals, are altered by KV7 channel modulators, whereas tonic contractions and Ca2+ signals induced by high concentrations of PE are resistant to these compounds. This provides hope that KV7 channels may be targeted to treat ED.
Safety and Efficacy of Intravenous Alteplase for Acute Ischaemic Stroke in Patients With Prestroke Symptomaticity: An Analysis of the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive
Authors: Simon Jenny , Karliński Michał , Niewada Maciej ,   VISTA-Acute Collaboration
Published: January 2025

Background: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) for intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) historically excluded patients with pre‐existing disability. This tradition echoes in clinical practice, despite evidence suggesting IVT improves chances of returning to prestroke functional status. We investigated the role of pre‐existing symptomaticity by comparing IVT‐treated versus IVT‐withheld Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 1 patients and mRS 0 versus mRS 1 IVT‐treated patients.

Methods: The Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive (VISTA) has collated data from 38 AIS RCTs. Patients enrolled in trials whose investigative treatments reported no significant effect on outcomes or that were placebo‐treated were eligible, yielding 3175 individual patient records. 2454 patients had prestroke mRS 0, and 721 had prestroke mRS 1. The negligible number of patients with prestroke mRS ≥ 2 prompted focus on prestroke mRS 1 patients. Propensity score and logistic regression were used to compare intracranial haemorrhage (ICH), neurological improvement, mortality, and functional outcome within 90 days.

Results: Of IVT‐treated patients, mRS 1 subjects were female in higher proportion and had a more frequent history of stroke than mRS 0 subjects. Of mRS 1 patients, IVT‐withheld subjects were older and had a more frequent history of stroke than IVT‐treated subjects. No significant differences were found for National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) severity and other baseline parameters. IVT‐treated patients achieved significant neurological improvement more frequently than IVT‐withheld patients (40.5% vs. 27.9%, p = 0.028; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.53, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.18–1.88), with no significant differences in mortality and favourable functional outcome. ICH was numerically higher among IVT‐treated patients; however, this did not persist after matching and regression adjustment. Comparing IVT‐treated mRS 0 and mRS 1 patients revealed no significant differences.

Conclusion: Our post hoc analysis of randomised data provides reassurance that IVT is safe and offers significant clinical benefit for AIS patients with pre‐existing symptomaticity, as measured by the NIHSS. The lack of marked improvement on the mRS substantiates that the NIHSS is a key secondary outcome measure to capture recovery trajectories in studies concerned with reperfusion therapies.
Impact of Weather and Holidays on Orthopedic Emergency Room Crowding, Fractures, and Polytraumas in a Third‐Level Referral Trauma Center in Europe
Authors: Andreani Lorenzo , Ipponi Edoardo , Pecchia Francesco , Balestrieri Giorgio , Tosi Edoardo , Marchetti Stefano , Parchi Paolo Domenico
Published: January 2025

Background: Orthopedic trauma is a significant component of emergency department workloads worldwide. The relationship between weather conditions and injury rates is controversial in modern literature. Even less has been written to investigate bank holidays’ influence on contusions, dislocations, fractures, and even polytrauma. Our study aimed to assess whether meteorological factors and national holidays could vary the workloads in the orthopedic ER of a European third‐level trauma center.

Materials and Methods: Our study consisted of a review of all the patients who underwent orthopedic evaluations in our institution’s orthopedic emergency room between 2019 and 2023. Days were divided depending on weather (cloudy or sunny vs. rainy or stormy), day type (regular working days vs. national public holidays vs. Saturdays and Sundays), and presence or absence of COVID‐19 restrictions. We also recorded the temperatures of each day. Cases were subdivided into three groups: cases without significant injuries (Group A), cases with isolated bone fractures, major tears or articular dislocations (Group B1), and polytrauma (Group B2).

Results: Higher temperatures were associated with a significant increase in overall ER visits, isolated injuries, and polytrauma. Sunny or cloudy days had a significantly higher number of patients with all injury types compared to rainy or stormy days. Weekends saw a significant decrease in overall admissions and isolated injuries but a higher rate of polytrauma compared to weekdays. National holidays had a significantly lower number of admissions for all injury types compared to weekdays. Restrictions due to the pandemic significantly reduced overall ER visits.

Conclusion: Temperatures, meteorological factors, and national holidays could vary the workloads in the orthopedic ER of a European third‐level trauma center.
Use of Hemoadsorption and Continuous Venovenous Hemodialysis With Enhanced Middle Molecule Clearance in Drug‐Induced Rhabdomyolysis
Authors: Hafner Sebastian , Reins Johannes , Baader Christoph , Balling Florian , Eff Sebastian
Published: January 2025

Drug‐induced rhabdomyolysis has become increasingly prevalent due to the rising use of medications such as statins, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. These can lead to muscle cell destruction and the release of myoglobin, potentially causing kidney damage. Recent advancements include the use of CytoSorb hemoadsorption as a promising therapy to remove myoglobin and other potentially toxic substances from the bloodstream. A 47‐year‐old male with a complex medical history presented with weakness, pain, and dizziness. Lab results indicated severe rhabdomyolysis, most likely of medication‐induced etiology. He developed acute kidney injury (AKI) and underwent continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD) combined with CytoSorb hemoadsorption. Despite initial stabilization, rhabdomyolysis parameters surged, necessitating the use of an additional high‐flux filter with enhanced middle molecule clearance. CytoSorb therapy was administered for nine consecutive sessions, resulting in decreased creatine kinase (CK) and myoglobin levels. Due to persistent kidney injury, the patient required permanent dialysis and was transferred to a kidney disease center. This case highlights the complexity and severity of drug‐induced rhabdomyolysis with hemoadsorption playing a pivotal role in reducing myoglobin levels and improving the patient’s condition. Combining hemoadsorption and filters with enhanced middle molecule clearance holds even more promise for improved myoglobin removal.
National Trends in Pulmonary Embolism Visit in United State Emergency Departments and Associated Costs (2006–2018)
Authors: Aalam Ahmad , Bokhary Diyaa , Alsabban Awad , Bakhribah Ahmad
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Pulmonary embolism (PE) poses substantial morbidity and mortality risks, necessitating timely and accurate management in emergency departments (EDs).

Objectives: This study explores the trends in PE presentations to US EDs from 2006 to 2018 and assesses the impact of different factors on management and cost.

Methodology: This is a retrospective descriptive study conducted using the US Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) PE ED visits database. Data on ED visits, dispositions, and related costs were collected and analyzed.

Results: From 2006 to 2018 there were more than 2 million PE ED visits in the US. There was an increase in visits per 100,000 persons from 42.17 in 2006–2008 to 64.27 in 2016–2018 (p value < 0.001). The proportion of uninsured patients declined from 5.07% to 4.70%, and the percentage of Medicaid‐insured patients increased. There was a decrease in the admission rates from 92.47% to 75.97% in 2016–2018 (p value < 0.001). The mean cost per admitted patient increased from $32,794 to $47,344 in 2016–2018 (p value < 0.001).

Conclusion: From 2006 to 2018, PE ED visits in the US increased with a noticeable decrease in admission rates and length of stay, likely secondary to advancement in diagnostic and therapeutic modalities like computed tomography pulmonary angiography and novel oral anticoagulants. However, the observed rising healthcare costs pose challenges to sustainable management. Further research studies are needed to address cost‐effective strategies.
Saigo Fractional q‐Differentiation Operator Involving Generalized q‐Mittag–Leffler Function
Authors: Ali Mulugeta Dawud , Suthar D. L.
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this study is to obtain the images of the generalized q‐analogue of Mittag–Leffler functions under the Saigo fractional q‐differentiation operator, where its argument consists of a factor . Corresponding assertions in terms of Weyl q‐integral operator, Kober q‐integral operator, and Riemann–Liouville q‐integral operator are presented. We also use the q‐Laplace transforms to create their composition formula. In addition, we emphasize their significance in particular.
Automatic Water Seepage Depth Detection in Concrete Structures Using Percussion Method Combined With Deep Learning Network
Authors: Huang Wenjie , Zhou Kai , Zhang Jicheng , Peng Longguang , Du Guofeng , Zheng Zezhong
Published: January 2025

Water seepage in concrete can significantly degrade the durability of hydraulic concrete structures. Therefore, this paper introduces a new method that combines the percussion method with deep learning techniques to detect the depth of water seepage in concrete structures. Initially, percussion sound signals were collected for different water seepage depths. Then, the proposed one‐dimensional convolutional bidirectional gated recurrent unit (BiGRU) network with wide first‐layer kernel (1D‐WCBGRU) classifies the percussion sound signals for different water seepage depths. The 1D‐WCBGRU uses a wide first convolutional kernel to extract features directly from the original percussion signals without the need to extract features manually. Subsequently, the BiGRU is utilized to capture long short‐term information from the data, thereby enhancing feature separability and improving the classification accuracy and robustness of the model. Experiments confirm that the 1D‐WCBGRU exhibits excellent performance in the seepage depth detection task compared to traditional learning algorithms.
Epidemiology of Eosinophilic Esophagitis: Really a Novel and Evolving Disease?
Authors: Mona Robin , Hruz Petr
Published: January 2025

Background: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has been described as a chronic allergen/immune-mediated disease characterized by symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and eosinophilic infiltration of the mucosa. Summary: Over the past decades, EoE has been increasingly recognized in various geographical areas with a high socioeconomic development (mostly industrialized countries) and has evolved from an unknown to a clinically distinct disease with increasing prevalence and incidence. An average age at diagnosis between 30 and 50 years and a male predominance have been consistently observed. In both children and adults, EoE is clearly associated with allergies, predominantly food – but also aeroallergens. Most EoE patients present with a personal allergic background such as asthma, rhino-conjunctivitis, and oral allergy syndrome. Key Message: Knowledge of epidemiological characteristics is crucial for identifying risk factors and understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms.
Lungenfunktionstest: Einfache Interpretation in drei Schritten
Authors: Ora Josuel , Giorgino Federica Maria , Bettin Federica Roberta , Gabriele Mariachiara , Rogliani Paola
Published: January 2025

Lungenfunktionstests (LuFu) sind für die Diagnose und Behandlung einer Vielzahl von Atemwegserkrankungen von entscheidender Bedeutung. Sie liefern wichtige Informationen über die Gesundheit der Lunge und helfen bei der Diagnose, der Beurteilung des Schweregrads der Erkrankung und der Entwicklung von Behandlungsstrategien für die Patienten. Diese Übersichtsarbeit befasst sich mit der Komplexität und den Nuancen, die mit der Interpretation von LuFu-Daten verbunden sind, insbesondere im Hinblick auf die jüngsten Aktualisierungen der European Respiratory Society (ERS) und der American Thoracic Society (ATS). Diese Aktualisierungen haben die Interpretationsstrategien verfeinert, weg von der definitiven diagnostischen Verwendung der Spirometrie hin zu einem eher probabilistischen Ansatz, der die individuelle Variabilität durch die Verwendung von Z-Scores und unteren Grenzwerten (lower limits of normal, LLN) besser berücksichtigt. Diese Übersichtsarbeit befasst sich mit dem philosophischen Wandel in der Interpretation der Spirometrie und hebt den Übergang von einer direkten klinischen Diagnose zu einer nuancierteren Beurteilung hervor, die sich auf die Bestimmung der Wahrscheinlichkeit einer Erkrankung konzentriert. Die Abhängigkeit von festen Verhältnissen wird kritisch betrachtet und die Notwendigkeit von Referenzwerten, die demographische Variablen wie Alter, Geschlecht, Körpergröße und ethnische Zugehörigkeit in Übereinstimmung mit den neuesten Gleichungen der Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) berücksichtigen, wird betont. Trotz dieser Fortschritte bleibt es eine Herausforderung, die Konsistenz der verschiedenen prädiktiven Modelle und Referenzgleichungen zu gewährleisten, was die Genauigkeit und Einheitlichkeit der Interpretationen beeinträchtigen kann. In dieser Arbeit wird ein rationalisierter, 3-stufiger Rahmen für die Interpretation von Lungenfunktionstests vorgeschlagen, der darauf abzielt, den Prozess zu vereinheitlichen und zu vereinfachen, um die Klarheit und Zuverlässigkeit in allen medizinischen Fachbereichen zu verbessern. Dieser Ansatz unterstützt nicht nur eine genaue Patientenbeurteilung, sondern reduziert auch das Potenzial für Fehldiagnosen und gewährleistet ein effektiveres Patientenmanagement. Durch die Zusammenfassung aktueller Leitlinien und die Integration solider physiologischer Prinzipien fördert diese Übersichtsarbeit einen standardisierten, aber dennoch flexiblen Ansatz zur Interpretation von Lungenfunktionstests, der sowohl wissenschaftlich fundiert als auch praktisch umsetzbar ist.