bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overall satisfaction following laparoscopic fundoplication for patients with atypical extraesophageal symptoms: A comparative cohort study
Authors: Hua Jamie , Irvine Tanya , Thompson Sarah K. , Bright Tim , Watson David I.
Published: November 2024

Background

Some patients with gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) experience extraesophageal symptoms, which are considered due to laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). Most studies evaluating fundoplication for LPR report outcomes from individuals who also have typical esophageal GERD symptoms. Information is limited for patients with LPR but no GERD symptoms. To determine whether LPR patients benefit from fundoplication outcomes were determined for individuals with LPR ± GERD and also those without LPR.

Methods

Patients undergoing fundoplication from 1997 to 2015 were identified and divided into three symptom groups: LPR only, LPR and GERD, and GERD only. Heartburn, dysphagia, and satisfaction were assessed using 0–10 analog scores and compared at short (1–2 years) and later (5 years) follow‐up.

Results

2204 patients underwent fundoplication. 24 patients had LPR only, 130 patients had LPR and GERD, and matched to 1319 patients with GERD only. At 1–2 years follow‐up, the LPR only group had lower satisfaction scores than those with GERD symptoms (± concurrent LPR) (7.00 ± 3.49 vs. 8.41 ± 2.42, p = 0.019, and mean ± s.d.). At 1–2 years, 68.1% of the LPR only group had a good outcome (satisfaction score: 7–10) versus 84.6% with LPR and GERD and 84.1% with GERD only.

Conclusion

At 1–2 years follow‐up, patients with LPR only were less satisfied following fundoplication compared with patients with typical GERD (±LPR). However, some patients with LPR only did benefit and might be considered for surgery if appropriately counseled. Outcomes were similar for patients with LPR and typical GERD and those with only typical symptoms.
Hunting method affects cortisol levels in harvested mountain hares (Lepus timidus)
Authors: Pedersen Simen , Ciesielski Tomasz M. , Stawski Clare , Reid Neil , Sait Shannen T. L. , Pedersen Hans C.
Published: November 2024

The direct effects of hunting on hunted individuals and populations have been well known for a long time. However, recently there has also been an increased focus on the indirect, non‐lethal effects of hunting. When approached by a possible threat such as a predator, the prey releases various stress hormones into the bloodstream. Cortisol is one of these hormones and the blood concentration is an indicator of stress levels in mammals. Here we report on a study on the effects of using hunting dogs versus walk‐up shooting on mountain hare blood cortisol levels. We sampled 20 hares hunted using dogs and 32 control hares hunted without using dogs. On average the cortisol level in hares hunted using dogs was 44.6 ng/ml, while in hares harvested without being chased by dogs it was 6.8 ng/ml. Based on the blood hormone levels of this study we cannot conclude if the elevated cortisol levels we see in the hares hunted using dogs was harmful to the hares had they not been shot. However, given what is known about the effects of chronic stress, we would caution against repeated chases of individual hares. The cumulative effect of stressors including hunting is likely crucial for any effects on reproduction and survival. Thus, there is a need to evaluate the long‐term effects of hunting chases and other human activities on mountain hare stress hormone levels, and to investigate the long‐term effect on hare behavior, space use, survival, reproduction and recruitment.
The influence of coordination mode differences on the structural diversity and fluorescence properties of Zn(II)/Cd(II) Schiff base complexes
Authors: Deng WenTing
Published: November 2024

Four metal complexes 1 : Zn2Cl2L2, 2 : Zn2(CH3OO)2L2·MeCN, 3 : Zn(NO3)2HL, 4 : CdCl2HL were obtained by coordinating the flexible Schiff‐base ligand 4‐amino‐N'‐(di(pyridin‐2‐yl)methylene)benzohydrazide (abbreviated as HL) with the Zn(II) and Cd(II). X‐ray single crystal diffraction confirms that the four complexes 1‐4 employ two different coordination modes. Moreover, the structures of complexes 1 and 2 are accompanied by deproton behavior, and these structural differences not only increase the fluorescence quantum yield but also produce a red shift in fluorescence emission. TD‐DFT calculations confirm that these performance changes are related to the coordination mode and coordination environment. This work not only construct the four fluorescent complexes, but also further deepen the understanding of the structure‐activity relationship between the structure of the complexes and the fluorescence properties.
Graviton topology
Authors: Palmerduca E. , Qin H.
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Over the past three decades, it has been shown that discrete and continuous media can support topologically nontrivial waves. Recently, it was shown that the same is true of the vacuum, in particular, right (R) and left (L) circularly polarized photons are topologically nontrivial. Here, we study the topology of another class of massless particles, namely gravitons. We show that the collection of all gravitons forms a topologically trivial vector bundle over the lightcone, allowing us to construct a globally smooth basis for gravitons. The graviton bundle also has a natural geometric splitting into two topologically nontrivial subbundles, consisting of the R and L gravitons. The R and L gravitons are unitary irreducible bundle representations of the Poincaré group, and are thus elementary particles; their topology is characterized by the Chern numbers ∓4. This nontrivial topology obstructs the splitting of graviton angular momentum into spin and orbital angular momentum.
Is model-based dose calculation based on cone-beam computed tomography suitable for adaptive treatment planning in brachytherapy?
Authors: Karius Andre , Shariff Maya , Schaller Sabrina , Lotter Michael , Strnad Vratislav , Lackner Niklas , Fietkau Rainer , Bert Christoph , Merten Ricarda , Schweizer Claudia
Published: November 2024

Background and purpose

Model-based dose calculation considering tissue compositions is increasingly being investigated in brachytherapy. The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of modern cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging compared to conventional computed tomography (CT) scans for this purpose.

Materials and methods

By means of a phantom study, we evaluated the CT numbers and electron densities measured using a modern CBCT device as well as a conventional CT scanner for various materials. Based on this, we compared dose calculations (using the TG-43 formalism as well as model-based collapsed cone calculations assuming uniform materials [ACEuniform] and considering CT numbers [ACECT#]) on planning CTs and control CBCTs for patients with cervical and breast cancer as well as phantom-simulated skin cancer cases. Assessing dosimetric deviations between the planning CTs and control CBCTs acquired during the treatment course served to estimate interfractional implant variations.

Results

The comparison of ACEuniform–ACECT# deviations between planning CTs and control CBCTs revealed no statistically significant difference for almost all examined dose parameters. Dosimetric deviations between model-based dose calculations and TG-43 were partly significant but of small magnitude (< 10 cGy per fraction). Interfractional dosimetric variations were substantially larger than the dosimetric differences found between the various dose calculation procedures.

Conclusion

Model-based dose calculation based on modern CBCT imaging was suitable. However, the found differences between these calculations and the TG-43 formalism should be investigated in dose–outcome analyses. The observed interfractional dosimetric variations revealed the importance of performing treatment quality assurance.
Entangled appearance and motion structures network for multi-object tracking and segmentation
Authors: Aryanfar Ehsan , Aliyari Shoorehdeli Mahdi , Seydi Vahid
Published: November 2024

The object segmentation mask’s observation sequence shows the trend of changes in the object’s observable geometric form, and predicting them may assist in solving various difficulties in multi-object tracking and segmentation (MOTS). With this aim, we propose the entangled appearance and motion structures network (EAMSN), which can predict the object segmentation mask at the pixel level by integrating VAE and LSTM. Regardless of the surroundings, each EAMSN keeps complete knowledge about the sequence of probable changes in the seen map of the object and its related dynamics. It suggests that EAMSN understands the item meaningfully and is not reliant on instructive examples. As a result, we propose a novel MOTS algorithm. By employing different EAMSNs for each kind of item and training them offline, ambiguities in the segmentation mask discovered for that object may be recovered, and precise estimation of the real boundaries of the object at each step. We analyze our tracker using the KITTI MOTS and MOTS challenges datasets, which comprise car and pedestrian objects, to illustrate the usefulness of the suggested technique. As a result, we developed distinct EAMSNs for cars and pedestrians, trained using the MODELNET40 and Human3.6 M datasets, respectively. The discrepancy between training and testing data demonstrates that EAMSN is not dependent on training data. Finally, we compared our strategy to a variety of other ways. Compared to the published findings, our technique gets the best overall performance.
Are Metal Concentrations in Lesser Flamingo Eggs and Eggshells Good Indicators of Environmental Pollution?
Authors: van Gessellen Nicole , Bouwman Hindrik
Published: November 2024

Metallic elements in excess may cause adverse biological effects. Flamingos, with a lifespan of up to 50 years, are therefore likely to accumulate metals from the highly saline waters where they feed and breed. The concentrations of accumulated metals would be reflected in organs, feathers, and eggs. There are no data available on metals in flamingo egg contents. Concentrations of 24 elements in egg content and eggshells from Lesser Flamingo Pheoniconaias minor breeding at Kamfers Dam South Africa suggest metal pollution, but with considerable variation between eggs, reflecting their nonbreeding, nomadic movements. Strontium in eggshells exceeded toxic reference values. Copper in egg contents suggests reproductive stress. Lower than-expected metal concentrations (especially mercury) in egg contents we attributed to several excretory pathways prior to oogenesis and embryogenesis, thereby protecting the embryo. Molar concentrations of selenium and mercury were not correlated. However, the mean molar ratio of 8.2 suggests a highly protective effect afforded by selenium. Relative compositional differences show that eggshells are not a proxy for egg contents. We highlight previously unrecognised routes of post-hatching pollutant uptake via consumption of eggshells and parental crop milk. The post-hatching development of flamingo chicks may therefore be more susceptible to pollutant disruption compared with embryonic development. We conclude that P. minor eggs are not good indicators of environmental metal pollution, nor does it reflect post-hatching risks. This first report on metal concentrations in egg contents of any flamingo species shows that a more nuanced approach is needed to protect Phoenicopteridae from pollution.
Splenic T2 signal intensity loss on MRI is associated with disease burden in multiple myeloma
Authors: Neelsen Christian , Sachpekidis Christos , John Lukas , Neher Peter , Mai Elias , Grözinger Martin , Paech Daniel , Dimitrakopoulou-Strauss Antonia , Kurz Felix T. , Sauer Sandra , Raab Marc S. , Schlemmer Heinz-Peter , Wennmann Markus , Weinhold Niels
Published: November 2024

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate correlations between spleen signal changes in different MRI sequences and bone marrow plasma cell infiltration as potential indicator of disease burden in multiple myeloma (MM) patients.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analyzed 45 patients with newly diagnosed MM that underwent whole-body MRI with axial DWI at b-values 50 (b50) and 800 (b800), and coronal T1 and T2 fast spin-echo (T2-TSE) imaging. A subcohort of 39 patients had concomitant [18F]FDG PET/CT. The spleen was segmented in all MRI sequences and signal intensities were normalized. MR signal intensities and ADC values were correlated with bone marrow plasma cell infiltration from biopsy, laboratory markers (Beta 2-microglobulin, M-Protein, Red blood count (RBC), Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, Total protein, Creatinine), clinical data (ISS stages, high-risk chromosomal aberrations), and standardized uptake value (SUV) in the spleen as well as spleen-to-liver and spleen-to-blood pool SUV ratios on [18F]FDG PET-CT.

Results

Bone marrow plasma cell infiltration was negatively correlated with (normalized) mean splenic signal intensity on DWI-b50, DWI-b800, and T2-TSE images (r = −0.64, p < 0.001, r = −0.58, p < 0.001, and r = −0.66, p < 0.001, respectively) while there was no correlation with the apparent diffusion coefficient or spleen size (p = 0.52). In the subgroup analysis of 39 patients with concomitant [18F]FDG PET-CT, there was no correlation of normalized splenic [18F]FDG uptake either with MR spleen signal (for T2 p = 0.64) or with bone marrow plasma cell infiltration (p = 0.37).

Conclusions

Our findings reveal a significant association between spleen signal intensity especially on normalized T2-weighted images and tumor burden.

Key Points

QuestionWhat changes occur in spleen signal on MRI as tumor load marker changes in multiple myeloma (MM)?

FindingsSpleen signal intensity, particularly on T2-weighted MRI, negatively correlates with bone marrow plasma cell infiltration and laboratory markers of tumor burden.

Clinical relevanceStandardized quantification of splenic T2 signal is proposed as a new marker for MM disease burden.

Graphical Abstract
Early detection of cerebral sinus venous thrombosis in an extremely low birth weight infant using cranial ultrasound—case report and literature review
Authors: Skubisz Aleksandra , Tomaszkiewicz Anna , Bocheńska Małgorzata , Błaż Witold , Ramenghi Luca Antonio
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Cerebral sinus venous thrombosis (CSVT) is a serious condition in premature infants. Early diagnosis is crucial, as untreated CSVT can progress to severe complications such as delayed-onset intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), which could lead to poor outcomes in this population.

Research question

This case highlights that serial cranial ultrasound can detect CSVT early, enabling prompt treatment and preventing subsequent complications.

Methods and materials

We present the case of an extremely low birth weight infant diagnosed with CSVT based on cranial ultrasonography findings. The patient had no clinical symptoms or previously detected brain injury.

Results

Anticoagulant therapy was initiated immediately after diagnosis. Clot resolution was observed on cranial ultrasound after 5 days and confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on the 82 day of life (36 + 4 weeks of gestational age).

Conclusion

This case shows the significant value of cranial ultrasound as a diagnostic tool in premature infants when MRI is not immediately available. Early detection and treatment using ultrasound may help prevent severe complications.
Investigating the impact of COVID-19 related worries and loneliness on alcohol consumption: an ecological momentary assessment
Authors: Haucke Matthias , Heinz Andreas , Heinzel Stephan , Liu Shuyan
Published: November 2024

Adverse alcohol consumption is a major public health concern, which might have been further increased by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study we investigated the impact of a lockdown stage on the association between alcohol consumption, loneliness, and COVID-19-related worries. We used smartphone-based Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. We recruited 280 participants from the general population, who experienced at least mild loneliness and distress due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We assessed daily alcohol intake, loneliness, and COVID-19-related worries every evening for 7 consecutive days across a no-lockdown [8th August 2020–1st November 2020] and lockdown stage [2nd November 2020–11th March 2021]. We did not find that a lockdown stage, compared to a no-lockdown stage, is associated with increased alcohol consumption. We found that loneliness, previous day drinking, and COVID-19-related worries were not associated with increased, but with decreased alcohol consumption. Moreover, COVID-19-related worries were more negatively associated with alcohol consumption during a no-lockdown stage compared to a lockdown stage. We found that the effect of COVID-19 related worries on alcohol consumption is mediated by loneliness. Our study suggests that heightened levels of worry can decrease alcohol intake. This association can be explained by loneliness: individuals who worry more are lonelier and thus less likely to engage in social drinking. However, during a lockdown stage, the negative association between worrying and drinking diminishes.
A sequentially updated projection method for integrating the rate form of plasticity
Authors: Dharmasiri M. A. K. M. , Maddegedara Lalith , Fujita Kohei , Ichimura Tsuyoshi , Hori Muneo
Published: November 2024

We propose a novel fully implicit algorithm named the Implicit Sequential Projection Method (ISPM) for integrating the rate form of plasticity. ISPM is inspired by the implicit construction of the Closest Point Projection Method (CPPM) and the Cutting Plane Method’s (CPM) treatment of state variables as functions of the plastic multiplier. Though all the state variables are treated as functions of the plastic multiplier, the evaluation of the derivatives of the state variables with respect to the plastic multiplier at the unknown solution makes ISPM a fully implicit algorithm similar to CPPM. ISPM iteratively updates the solution by projecting the state at the end of prior iteration to the yield surface, producing its characteristic sequential projection of the solution, hence the name. Furthermore, ISPM provides a straightforward to derive consistent tangent operator (CTO) with global convergence on par with CPPM. The mathematical formulation, main attributes, and geometric details of the return mapping are discussed in relation to CPPM and CPM, with an emphasis on showing the distinctness of the algorithm. Further, we establish the relationship between ISPM and CPPM. The versatility and accuracy of ISPM and its CTO are explored through a series of numerical tests conducted with three plasticity models. Tests that focus on material-level iterations show that the stress remapping of ISPM is as accurate as CPPM’s. Further, the mixed stress–strain loading history test conducted with non-linear elastic Drucker–Prager plastic material shows that ISPM can provide a runtime advantage over CPPM for some complex plasticity models involving all three stress invariants.
Mapping Sahelian groundwater-dependent ecosystems based on an updated typology
Authors: Rambhunjun Précila , Bertone François , Rossignol Aurélie , Sou Mariam
Published: November 2024

The functionality of certain ecosystems depends on, or partially depends on, the presence of water under the ground or on its emergence to the surface. These ecosystems, referred to as groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs), underpin national economies by sustaining essential goods such as fish, timber, and various nontimber products, as well as providing critical services such as water storage, purification, and flood control. Within GDEs, biotopes and biocenoses actively contribute to sustaining and improving human well-being by facilitating these vital conditions and processes. In water-scarce environments, groundwater assumes a central role at the nexus of integrated human, animal, and environmental health, known as the One Health concept. Considering the groundwater requirements of GDEs, it is then indispensable to practice sustainable water management, enabling sustainable development and shared prosperity. This paper seeks to enhance the comprehension of GDEs, enabling practical applications within the arid and semiarid regions of the Western and Central Sahel. Based on an exhaustive literature review and subsequently incorporating insights from interviews with researchers in the Sahel region, it proposes a typology for Sahelian GDEs. This typology, rooted in geomorphological, hydrological, and socioeconomic contexts, comprises four primary categories: inland surface-water ecosystems, coastal and marine ecosystems, oasis and spring ecosystems, and terrestrial vegetation ecosystems. It serves as a framework for identifying an initial set of 251 GDEs in the Sahel, addressing the challenge of limited available data in this geographic area. By integrating the socioeconomic dimension of GDEs, this work underscores the pivotal role of robust conservation policies within a developmental strategy.
Dynamic Deformation Behavior of the Porcine Anterior Cruciate Ligament Enthesis Under Anterior Tibial Loading
Authors: Ishii Daichi , Sato Shiho , Fujie Hiromichi
Published: November 2024

This study determined the insertion angle at the porcine anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) enthesis under joint loading to provide information on the structure and mechanical function of the enthesis. Ten intact porcine knee joints were harvested, and an anterior tibial load was applied using a robotic testing system. After dissecting a portion of the ACL enthesis along ligament fibers, the remaining enthesis was imaged using a digital microscope while reproducing the three-dimensional intact knee motion. Fiber orientation angles (FOAs) in the enthesis region (0–300 µm from the ligament-bone boundary) and the ligament region (500–2000 µm from the ligament-bone boundary) were analyzed in the femoral and tibial entheses of the anteromedial bundle (AMB) of the ACL under loading. On the femoral side, the FOA in the enthesis region was significantly higher than that in the ligament region by approximately 10 degrees under loading (n = 5, p < 0.05 in paired t-test). In contrast, the FOAs in the enthesis and ligament regions on the tibial side were nearly equal under loading, with no significant difference (n = 5, p > 0.15 in paired t-test). Histological examination indicated that uncalcified fibrocartilage (UF) was abundant in the enthesis region of the AMB femoral enthesis while the UF was not observed in the enthesis region of the AMB tibial enthesis. Thus, the current data suggest that the regional dependence and independence in FOA are caused by the presence or absence of UF and contributes to a moderate and subtle load-transduction in the ACL enthesis.
Adapting ChatGPT for Color Blindness in Medical Education
Authors: Wang Jinge , Yu Thomas C. , Kolodney Michael S. , Perrotta Peter L. , Hu Gangqing
Published: November 2024

Color vision deficiency (CVD) affects a significant portion of the population, yet its impact is often overlooked in medical education, especially in visually demanding specialties like dermatology, pathology, and radiology. In this study, we investigated the potential of ChatGPT to comprehend CVD-simulated images in image-based diagnostic tasks. Notably, the model successfully adapted its diagnostic reasoning to match CVD-modified color perception while preserving high prediction accuracy. These findings highlight the potential of using ChatGPT to foster more inclusive learning environments for individuals with CVD in visually intensive medical specialties.
Retinal pigment epithelial cells reduce vascular leak and proliferation in retinal neovessels
Authors: Tzaridis Simone , Aguilar Edith , Dorrell Michael I. , Friedlander Martin , Eade Kevin T.
Published: November 2024

In multiple neurodegenerative diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel), retinal pigment epithelial (RPE)-cells proliferate and migrate into the neuroretina, forming intraretinal pigment plaques. Though these pigmentary changes are hallmarks of disease progression, it is unknown if their presence is protective or detrimental.

Here, we first evaluated the impact of pigment plaques on vascular changes and disease progression in MacTel. In a retrospective, longitudinal study, we analyzed multimodal retinal images of patients with MacTel and showed that pigment plaques were associated with decreased vascular leakage and stabilized neovascular growth. We then modeled the underlying pathomechanisms of pigment plaque formation in aberrant neovascular growth using the very-low-density lipoprotein receptor mutant (Vldlr
−/−) mouse. Our data indicated that during RPE-proliferation, migration and accumulation along neovessels RPE-cells underwent epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Pharmacologic inhibition of EMT in Vldlr
−/− mice decreased pigment coverage, and exacerbated neovascular growth and vascular leakage.

Our findings indicate that the proliferation, migration and perivascular accumulation of RPE-cells stabilize vascular proliferation and exudation, thereby exerting a protective effect on the diseased retina. We conclude that interfering with this “natural repair mechanism” may have detrimental effects on the course of the disease and should thus be avoided.
Gifts, Corporate Policies, and Individual Morality in UK’s Alternative Real Estate Lending Market
Authors: Wiejak-Roy Grazyna Aleksandra , Williams Alice Elizabeth
Published: November 2024

Gifts, gratuities, and hospitality are commonplace in industry and more so in the financial sector. They are often offered without any mention of their intention. However, they raise controversial and non-detectable reciprocity expectations. We investigate brokers and lenders in the UK’s alternative real estate lending sector. Unlike the rest of the financial market, the alternative real estate lending sector is on a rapid growth path and at the same time broadly unregulated, thereby providing a breeding ground for transactional graft. This is the first analysis of gift-related behaviour in this sector. Based on an online survey of 108 professionals, we identify their corporate gift policies and gather their views on what they believe these policies should be when it comes to monetary limits. We contrast these reports with the hypothetical choices these professionals make in personalized and isolated scenarios to assess their individual moral cut-offs. For the moral value consistent subjects (comprising 72% of the surveyed population) who report a single cut-off of monetary limits below which they accept gifts but above which they do not, we find that their monetary acceptance limits have no connection either with the policies of the corporations that they belong to or with their views about what such policies should be. This suggests that employees’ views about policies in their corporations are merely social constructs for their measure of morality which is different from the same measure of their individual morality when applied in isolation. This research informs policy and corporate decision-making to promote the impact of nudging on the role of an individual as an identity in an act of perceived graft rather than simply as a member of an organization.
Providing Nutrition Information on US Restaurant Menus: A Systematic Review Since the Affordable Care Act (2010)
Authors: Abbas R. , Hatch C. D.
Published: November 2024

One noteworthy provision in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010 in the USA was the mandate for restaurants with more than 20 locations to provide nutrition information on their printed restaurant menus and menu boards. This provision has received a wide variety of scrutiny in the literature and in popular press. This systematic review attempts to summarize the current state of research exploring the consumer behavior effects of providing nutrition information, identify gaps in the literature, and suggest future areas for research into the provision of such nutrition information. PRISMA guidelines were followed, and study quality was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project’s (EPHPP) Quality Assessment Tool. Due to stringent inclusion criteria, focusing on research from ACA 2010 onwards in the USA, published in English, and assessed using EPHPP for high quality, 24 papers were ultimately included. The studies included dependent variables such as the calories or nutritional values of the meal choices made following menu exposure, the perceptions of the restaurant, the sales of the menu items, and evaluations or perceptions of the menu itself. The final discussion in this paper identifies a multitude of gaps in the current literature and avenues for further research into the effects of providing nutrition information on different socio-demographic segments, in different food and restaurant categories, in different health contexts and individual health situations, and groups with pre-existing eating disorders.
Managing Severe Hoarding in Non-voluntary Clients: A 2-years Follow-up Comparative Study of Three Different Approaches
Authors: Córcoles David , Guerrero Lucía , Ramos Ruben , Jerónimo Miguel A. , Samos Pilar , Chamorro Jacobo , Malagon Angeles , Bulbena Antoni , Martín Luis Miguel , Pérez Victor , Mane Anna
Published: November 2024

The management of severe hoarding is often highly challenging due to lack of collaboration and the need to coordinate a large team of professionals. Although numerous strategies have been developed to manage severe hoarding, the most effective approach has not been established. To evaluate and compare three different approaches to the management of severe hoarding in non-voluntary clients. Naturalistic study of clients treated involuntarily by a Crisis Resolution Home Treatment (CRHT) team for severe hoarding. Three management strategies were compared: (1) case management approach with full and part-time staff (HLH), (2) case management approach based on interprofessional networking collaboration (ICN), and (3) routine social service care with non-specific hoarding management led by a social worker (RSW). The Clutter Image Rating scale (CIR) was used to assess hoarding severity at baseline and at 6-, 12-, and 24-months. The main outcome measure was “case resolution” (CIR score < 4). Of the 271 cases referred to the CRHT, 214 completed all follow-up measures. Resolution was achieved in 84.5%, 36.6%, and 36.4% of cases managed by the HLH, RSW, and ICN strategies, respectively (p < 0.001). The HLH strategy resulted in the greatest improvement in hoarding behaviour. In this study, the most effective strategy to resolve severe hoarding in non-voluntary clients was the case management approach with a full-time team. These findings suggest that centralizing case management in a team of specialized, highly autonomous professionals using a collaborative approach involving motivational interviewing could be the best strategy to resolve severe hoarding.
Belief Revision Normalized
Authors: Goodman Jeremy , Salow Bernhard
Published: November 2024

We use the normality framework of Goodman and Salow
(2018, 2021, 2023b) to investigate of dynamics of rational belief. The guiding idea is that people are entitled to believe that their circumstances aren’t especially abnormal. More precisely, a rational agent’s beliefs rule out all and only those possibilities that are either (i) ruled out by their evidence or (ii) sufficiently less normal than some other possibility not ruled out by their evidence. Working within this framework, we argue that the logic of rational belief revision is much weaker than is usually supposed. We do so by isolating a natural family of orthodox principles about belief revision, describing realistic cases in which these principles seem to fail, and showing how these counterexamples are predicted by independently motivated models of the cases in question. In these models, whether one evidential possibility counts as sufficiently less normal than another is determined by underlying probabilities (together with a contextually determined question). We argue that the resulting probabilistic account of belief compares favorably with other such accounts, including Lockeanism (Foley, 1993), a ‘stability’ account inspired by Leitgeb
(2017), the ‘tracking theory’ of Lin and Kelly
(2012), and the influential precursor of Levi
(1967). We show that all of these accounts yield subtly different but similarly heterodox logics of belief revision.
Ontology of doctor and patient relationship and bioethics: from Aristotle’s teleology to Pellegrino’s philosophy of medicine
Authors: Ribeiro Ferreira Nuno , Pereira Américo , Nunes Rui
Published: November 2024

Some philosophical and metaethical theories have tried to provide a fundamental background for bioethics but miss the fundamental question about what medicine is, its nature and its end. We argue that the philosophy of medicine, through the development that Edmund Pellegrino and David Thomasma gave to this field of study, allied with Aristotle’s practical and teleological ethics, can provide an ontological background for bioethics beyond the tradition of principles and deontology, with particular emphasis on the uniqueness of the doctor-patient encounter. Some difficulties and criticisms of this ontological model are also examined.
Cognitive engagement and reading comprehension of French pupils aged between 9- and 11-Years old are influenced by task relevance: evidence from concurrent recordings of postural and eye movements
Authors: Ballenghein Ugo , Lachaud Léa
Published: November 2024

The relevance effect refers to the influence that instructions have on readers’ attention and learning. The present study examined whether relevance influences elementary school students’ reading comprehension and cognitive engagement. To measure the latter, eye movements and postural sway were recorded in 42 French speaking students aged 9.3–11.6 years. Eye movements were recorded with infrared-based eye-tracking glasses, and postural sway with an infrared-based motion capture system. Children read two texts, one task-relevant and one task-irrelevant, and answered surface and inference questions right after reading it. Results showed that children scored better on surface and inference questions about the relevant text than about the irrelevant one. As for eye movements, readers made more fixations on the relevant text and spent more time reading it. There was also less postural sway during the reading of the relevant text. These results indicate that cognitive engagement during reading is embodied in fourth- and fifth-grade students, with postural stability probably reflecting cognitive engagement and promoting the construction of meaning during reading tasks.
Scaffolded Rumination: The Case of Problematic Smartphone Use
Authors: Fanti Rovetta Francesco
Published: November 2024

Debates in 4E and scaffolded cognition have been centered on cases in which human cognitive or affective capacities are enhanced through technology. Recently some authors have noted that this may not always be the case: the technologies and environment around us can negatively impact cognitive and affective abilities. In the first part, I elaborate on this change of perspective in the debate. In the second part, I discuss a case of technology scaffolding maladaptive psychological processes. More in detail, I will focus on the role of smartphones in scaffolding ruminative processes. To illustrate this claim, I introduce four core features of rumination and discuss how they may be supported by problematic smartphone use in light of existing evidence.
Anthropogenic and Natural Impacts on Surface Water Quality: The Consequences and Challenges at the Nexus of Waste Management Facilities, Industrial Zones, and Protected Areas
Authors: Podlasek Anna , Koda Eugeniusz , Kwas Adriana , Vaverková Magdalena Daria , Jakimiuk Aleksandra
Published: November 2024

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of surface waters near an old landfill, to assess water quality using the Water Quality Index (WQI) and the Comprehensive Pollution Index (CPI), and to identify factors influencing surface water composition using multivariate statistical analysis. The analysis of temporal changes of 15 surface water parameters (pH, EC, Cl−, NH4+, SO42−, BOD5, CODCr, TOC, Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, Hg, and PAH) was complemented by the investigation of surface water flow, ambient temperature, and precipitation. A twelve-year monitoring period was considered, focusing on monitoring sites located along a watercourse in the area of the Radiowo landfill (Poland). No significant correlations were found between precipitation and surface water quality parameters in the outflow direction. The results showed that the average WQI values ranged from 63.06 to 96.86, while the average CPI values ranged from 0.56 to 0.88, indicating good water quality or low pollution, respectively. The temperature had a greater influence on the physicochemical parameters than the precipitation, especially on the parameters of contamination by organic compound (correlations between temperature and BOD5, CODCr, and TOC of 0.40, 0.50, and 0.38, respectively). Significant correlations were observed between EC, Cl−, NH4, BOD5, CODCr, and TOC in the outflow direction of the landfill. In addition, surface water flow showed a significant moderate negative correlation with pH (r = -0.44) and a moderate positive correlation with Cu concentration (r = 0.47) downstream of the landfill. The analysis of surface water quality monitoring, coupled with the critical evaluation of global research, has made it possible to understand the variation in surface water quality and the factors that influence it. The study confirmed that given the complex nature of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) landfills, understanding the dynamics and factors affecting water quality is essential for effective water protection and management and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Sleep apnea prevalence and severity after coronary revascularization versus no intervention: a systematic review & meta-analysis
Authors: Ajosenpää Marjo , Sarin Satu , Vahlberg Tero , Ahlmen-Laiho Ulla , Yüksel Peker , Kalleinen Nea , Toivonen Jenni
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disease in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Approximately 40–80% of cardiovascular disease patients have obstructive sleep apnea. The manifestation of it can vary significantly in different types of CAD patients. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigate the prevalence and severity of OSA in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods

This systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. The first inclusion criteria were that a reliable sleep study had to be done after treating the patients’ acute coronary incident. All patients in the studies included were adults suffering from an ACS who underwent either coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG), a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or had no invasive coronary intervention done. A search was conducted within four valid databases 27.1.2023 and all suitable articles published after 1.1.2010 were included.

Results

Eight studies fulfilled the full inclusion criteria. In five of them, a sleep study had been performed after PCI, in two after no coronary intervention, and in one study after CABG. Mean AHI in no-OSA group after PCI was 9.5 /h (95% CI 5.3–13.7) and in the no intervention group 6.4 /h (95% CI 3.5–9.4). In OSA patients, mean AHI after PCI was 34.9 /h (95% CI 25.9–43.8) vs. 24.1 /h without intervention (95% CI 15.6–32.6).

Conclusions

Sleep apnea is very common among ACS patients and should be screened for and addressed after the acute coronary intervention. Moreover, we found that OSA is more severe in patients in whom PCI for ACS was indicated as opposed to patients who underwent no coronary intervention.
Reusing 316L Stainless Steel Feedstock Powder for Cold Spray Deposition
Authors: Rúa Ramírez Edwin , Silvello Alessio , Torres Diaz Edwin , Vaz Rodolpho F. , Garcia Cano Irene
Published: November 2024

Cold spray (CS) is a solid-state deposition of coatings, or an additive manufacturing (CSAM) process employed to make parts maintaining the feedstock powders properties in the deposited material. One of the cons for industrial use of CS or CSAM is their higher costs compared to the traditional coating or manufacturing processes. Reducing the feedstock powder consumption by maximizing the deposition efficiency has been the focus of many works. However, depending on the part geometry (e.g., a plate with holes), and CSAM strategy with low deposition efficiency, a considerable mass of powder can pass through the substrate, failing to bond, and becoming a process waste. This work evaluates CS 316L stainless steel coatings, recovering the unbonded particles and reusing them in a later deposition, thus making coatings with reused powders. The original and recovered powders were characterized in terms of particle shape and size distribution, phase composition, microhardness, and other properties to evaluate the evolution of the particles' properties due to the recovery process. Besides the powders, the CS coatings obtained with original and recovered powders were evaluated through cross-section image analysis, where porosity, deposition efficiency, and microhardness were observed. The results indicate that the powders' physical properties undergo variations over multiple deposition cycles without significantly affecting the quality of the CS coatings, with porosity below 1.5% and microhardness around 350 HV0.3 in most cases. Recovering and reusing powder for CS promotes environmental sustainability and generates significant economic benefits. This study contributes to making CS more economically viable from a life cycle cost assessment perspective.

Graphical abstract
Utilization of gamma irradiation for development of shelf-stable mint coriander sauce
Authors: Adiani Vanshika , Ambolikar Rupali , Gupta Sumit
Published: November 2024

The mint coriander sauce (MCS) prepared using fresh herbs is known to be heat-sensitive and highly perishable with a limited shelf life (less than 2 days). Therefore, in the current study, the aim was to develop a shelf-stable MCS utilizing gamma radiation without the use of thermal processing. The D10 values for yeast and mold (Y&M) and total viable counts (TVC) were observed to be 1.18 and 6.70 kGy, respectively. The gamma radiation at a dose of 25 kGy successfully achieved microbial sterility in MCS. No microbial growth was observed in irradiated samples during the entire storage period of 180 days. Significant (P < 0.05) increase in content of phenolic acids was observed during storage. After storage of 180 days, the amount of caffeic acid, vanillic acid and ferulic acid increased by 1.35, 5.71 and 2.14 fold, respectively. In comparison with fresh samples, the irradiated samples after storage showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase of 0.6 and 0.9 fold in total antioxidant activity and total phenolic content, respectively. Although, irradiation did not show significant effect on volatile aroma constituents, however, during storage a significant (P < 0.05) loss in aroma compounds was noted. During color analysis, a marginal loss in greenness and an increase in browning index (BI) were observed. MCS samples subjected to radiation treatment maintained acceptable sensory quality during the entire storage period of 180 days. These results suggested that radiation treatment can be a practical proposition for preparing a shelf-stable MCS with excellent sensory quality.
Computer-Aided Diagnosis of Graphomotor Difficulties Utilizing Direction-Based Fractional Order Derivatives
Authors: Gavenciak Michal , Mucha Jan , Mekyska Jiri , Galaz Zoltan , Zvoncakova Katarina , Faundez-Zanuy Marcos
Published: November 2024

Children who do not sufficiently develop graphomotor skills essential for handwriting often develop graphomotor disabilities (GD), impacting the self-esteem and academic performance of the individual. Current examination methods of GD consist of scales and questionaries, which lack objectivity, rely on the perceptual abilities of the examiner, and may lead to inadequately targeted remediation. Nowadays, one way to address the factor of subjectivity is to incorporate supportive machine learning (ML) based assessment. However, even with the increasing popularity of decision-support systems facilitating the diagnosis and assessment of GD, this field still lacks an understanding of deficient kinematics concerning the direction of pen movement. This study aims to explore the impact of movement direction on the manifestations of graphomotor difficulties in school-aged. We introduced a new fractional-order derivative-based approach enabling quantification of kinematic aspects of handwriting concerning the direction of movement using polar plot representation. We validated the novel features in a barrage of machine learning scenarios, testing various training methods based on extreme gradient boosting trees (XGBboost), Bayesian, and random search hyperparameter tuning methods. Results show that our novel features outperformed the baseline and provided a balanced accuracy of 87 % (sensitivity = 82 %, specificity = 92 %), performing binary classification (children with/without graphomotor difficulties). The final model peaked when using only 43 out of 250 novel features, showing that XGBoost can benefit from feature selection methods. Proposed features provide additional information to an automated classifier with the potential of human interpretability thanks to the possibility of easy visualization using polar plots.
Executive Function Training Through a Mindfulness-Based Neuroeducational Program in Elementary School Students
Authors: Diéguez Miriam Portela , García Marta Cerezo , Asencio Enrique Navarro , Vergara-Moragues Esperanza
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Cognitive processes underlying learning are essential for educational practice. Therapeutic interventions that incorporate mindfulness to enhance these processes are becoming increasingly popular, but few studies focused on the effectiveness of their application to the educational setting for the development of executive functioning. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of a neuroeducational program based on mindfulness techniques applied in the classroom on the executive functioning of second grade primary school students.

Method

Forty-eight students were included, 25 in the passive control group and 23 in the intervention group. Participants were assessed before and after program implementation with the CARAS-R test to measure selective attention, the WISC-V Digits Span subtest to measure working memory, and the NEPSY-II Inhibition subtest to measure cognitive flexibility and inhibition.

Results

Changes between pre- and post-intervention scores were analyzed separately for the control and experimental groups, and effect sizes were calculated to estimate the significance of the differences.

Conclusions

Although both groups improved on the cognitive measures evaluated, our results indicate that the mindfulness-based program significantly improved students’ working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility. We conclude that this type of program can help teachers improve their educational practice with methodologies that promote the integral development of their students.

Preregistration

This study is not preregistered.