bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative feeding habits of the invasive non-indigenous devil firefish Pterois miles and the indigenous scorpionfishes Scorpaena porcus, Scorpaena scrofa, and Scorpaena notata on the southwest coast of Türkiye, eastern Mediterranean
Authors: ÖNDES FIKRET , ÖZDEN UĞUR , ALAN VAHIT , IRMAK ERHAN , GÜÇLÜSOY HARUN
Published: December 2024

The feeding habits of the invasive alien devil firefish (Pterois miles) and the indigenous scorpaenids Scorpaena porcus, Scorpaena scrofa, and Scorpaena notata in the eastern Mediterranean Sea were investigated based on stomach content analysis. Furthermore, we examined whether these confamiliar species feed upon similar prey. Specimens were captured by professional fishers using trammel nets on the southwestern coast of Türkiye in the winter and summer of 2021. A total of 608 stomachs (286 P. miles, 112 S. porcus, 136 S. scrofa, and 74 S. notata) were investigated. The results demonstrate that the diet of P. miles included a total of 45 taxa, with 33 identified at the species level (27 indigenous, 6 non-indigenous), while those of the three congeneric scorpaenids included a total of 46 taxa and 37 identified species (30 indigenous, 7 non-indigenous). For P. miles, the highest index of relative importance (%IRI) values were determined for fish in both seasons (83.44% in winter, 93.82% in summer), with the damselfish Chromis chromis being the most preferred species. S. scrofa fed mainly on fish in winter and cephalopods in summer, whereas the diets of S. porcus and S. notata included mainly crustaceans in both seasons. In winter, P. miles exhibited a higher percentage of empty stomachs, demonstrating a significant difference in the vacuity index in different sampling seasons, while other scorpaenids did not exhibit statistically significant differences. This study also provides the northernmost record of the non-indigenous crab species Gonioinfradens giardi and the second record of the squat lobster Dactylonida curvimana in Türkiye. It also provides new reports of rarely observed fish species for the eastern Mediterranean, including Bellottia apoda and Odondebuenia balearica.
Development of real-time qPCR assays for detecting and quantifying common bacterial pathogens in fish from Mediterranean aquacultures
Authors: APOSTOLIDI EVANGELIA D. , BITCHAVA KONSTANTINA , TSAVEA ELENI , BOUZALAS ILIAS , GUBILI CHRYSOULA , KREY GRIGORIOS , BOUKOUVALA EVRIDIKI
Published: December 2024

The aquaculture industry is a rapidly developing and economically important sector for many countries, thus it requires effective solutions to overcome the key challenges that could impede its growth and sustainability. Among the most serious concerns are fish diseases caused by bacterial infections. This study introduces the development of novel rapid molecular methods employing Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) for the specific detection and quantification of five major fish pathogenic bacteria: Vibrio harveyi, V. alginolyticus, V. anguillarum, Photobacterium damselae, and Tenacibaculum maritimum. These bacteria are responsible for diseases such as vibriosis, photobacteriosis, and tenacibaculosis. The qPCR assays developed in this study are highly specific and extremely sensitive, making them suitable for early detection of these pathogens, thus aiding in the prevention of disease outbreaks in aquaculture farms.
Pinna nobilis refugia breached: Ongoing Mass Mortality Event in the Gulf of Kalloni (Aegean Sea)
Authors: NIKOLAOU ATHANASIOS , PAPADIMITRIOU EVANGELOS , KIOURANI ELLI , KATSANEVAKIS STELIOS
Published: December 2024

The endemic Mediterranean fan mussel Pinna nobilis is on the brink of extinction due to an infectious disease that has caused an ongoing Mediterranean Mass Mortality Event (MME) since 2016. Currently, healthy P. nobilis populations can only be found in a few refuges, mainly transitional waters such as coastal lagoons and estuaries. In the eastern Mediterranean, the only remaining fan mussel population is located in the Gulf of Kalloni (Lesvos Island, Greece). This study reports on a severe mortality event that occurred during summer 2023, leaving the population decimated and limited mainly to young individuals. The estimated density of live individuals dropped from 1.22 to 0.23 individuals per 100 m², indicating an 81% population decline within approximately three months. The significant reduction in the P. nobilis population in the Gulf of Kalloni highlights the ongoing threat of MMEs. Continuous monitoring of P. nobilis and environmental variables, such as temperature and salinity, enhanced protection from anthropogenic pressures, and research into disease resistance mechanisms are crucial for the conservation of this critically endangered species.
A consensus-based, revised and comprehensive catalogue for Mediterranean water masses acronyms
Authors: SCHROEDER KATRIN , BEN ISMAIL SANA , BENSI MANUEL , BOSSE ANTHONY , CHIGGIATO JACOPO , CIVITARESE GIUSEPPE , FALCIERI M FRANCESCO , FUSCO GIANNETTA , GAČIĆ MIROSLAV , GERTMAN ISAAC , KUBIN ELISABETH , MALANOTTE-RIZZOLI PAOLA , MARTELLUCCI RICCARDO , MENNA MILENA , OZER TAL , TAUPIER-LETAGE ISABELLE , VARGAS-YÁÑEZ MANUEL , VELAORAS DIMITRIS , VILIBIĆ IVICA
Published: December 2024

Addressing the need for clear communication in Mediterranean oceanography, this study presents a revised and comprehensive catalogue of water mass acronyms. Although there is no universal set of standard rules for assigning acronyms to water masses, as these can vary among different research groups, regions, or scientific communities, scientists generally aim for clarity and consistency when naming and abbreviating water masses to facilitate communication within the scientific community. The team of experts, guided by the CIESM (the Mediterranean Science Commission) C2 Committee on the Physics and Climate of the Ocean,  reviewed existing literature and established new acronyms and naming guidelines. This standardized system, emphasizing clarity and consistency, replaces the current variable practices employed by different research groups.
Δεξιότητες φωνολογικής και μορφολογικής επίγνωσης μαθητών νηπιαγωγείου σε σχέση με το κοινωνικοοικονομικό επίπεδο των γονέων
Authors: Γρηγοράκης Ιωάννης , Ελευθεράκης Θεόδωρος
Published: December 2024

Αν και το κοινωνικοοικονομικό επίπεδο των γονέων συνδέεται με την ανάπτυξη της φωνολογικής επίγνωσης μαθητών νηπιαγωγείου, εντούτοις ελάχιστες έρευνες έχουν συνεξετάσει τη σχέση επιμέρους κοινωνικοοικονομικών δεικτών με την ανάπτυξη δεξιοτήτων φωνολογικής και μορφολογικής επίγνωσης. Σκοπός της παρούσας συγχρονικής μελέτης ήταν να εξετάσει χωριστά τον ρόλο του μορφωτικού και του επαγγελματικού επιπέδου της μητέρας και του πατέρα στην ανάπτυξη δεξιοτήτων φωνολογικής και μορφολογικής επίγνωσης. Διακόσιοι είκοσι εννέα μαθητές νηπιαγωγείου αξιολογήθηκαν σε δοκιμασίες μέτρησης της φωνολογικής και της μορφολογικής τους επίγνωσης σε επιγλωσσικό και μεταγλωσσικό επίπεδο. Αξιολογήθηκαν επίσης ως προς τη μη λεκτική νοημοσύνη, τη λεκτική νοητική ικανότητα, τη βραχύχρονη μνήμη, το προσληπτικό και το εκφραστικό λεξιλόγιο. Παράλληλα, οι γονείς των μαθητών κατέγραψαν, μέσω ερωτηματολογίου που τους χορηγήθηκε, το επίπεδο των σπουδών και το επάγγελμά τους τη συγκεκριμένη χρονική περίοδο. Τα αποτελέσματα έδειξαν ότι οι επιδόσεις των παιδιών σε όλες τις μεταγλωσσικές μετρήσεις διαφοροποιήθηκαν ως προς το μορφωτικό και επαγγελματικό επίπεδο κάθε γονέα. Οι διαφορές εντοπίστηκαν, κυρίως, μεταξύ των ακραίων μορφωτικών και επαγγελματικών επιπέδων. Επίσης, έδειξαν ότι το μορφωτικό και επαγγελματικό επίπεδο της μητέρας είχε μια ανεξάρτητη συμβολή στην ανάπτυξη της φωνολογικής και της μορφολογικής επίγνωσης κυρίως σε επιγλωσσικό επίπεδο. Από την άλλη το μορφωτικό και επαγγελματικό επίπεδο του πατέρα είχε μια συμβολή στην ανάπτυξη της μορφολογικής επίγνωσης σε επιγλωσσικό επίπεδο. Τα ευρήματα αυτά αναδεικνύουν τον ρόλο του κοινωνικοοικονομικού επιπέδου των γονέων στη μεταγλωσσική ανάπτυξη και συζητούνται με βάση τη θεωρητική και εκπαιδευτική τους σημασία.
Σχολικά βιβλία και καλλιέργεια της ιδιότητας του πολίτη: Δυνατότητες και περιορισμοί
Authors: Πλαστήρα Ρόζα , Κώτση Σοφία , Χανδρινού Σπυριδούλα , Λιακοπούλου Μαρία
Published: December 2024

Μια από τις βασικότερες λειτουργίες του σχολείου είναι η προετοιμασία των μαθητών/τριών για την ένταξη και δραστηριοποίησή τους στη σύγχρονη δημοκρατική κοινωνία. Στη διαδικασία αυτή καθοριστικός είναι ο ρόλος του σχολικού βιβλίου, που στην ελληνική πραγματικότητα κατέχει κεντρικό ρόλο, κατευθύνοντας τις διδακτικές επιλογές των εκπαιδευτικών και αποτελώντας κύρια πηγή πληροφόρησης των μαθητών/τριών. Σκοπός της παρούσας έρευνας ήταν να μελετηθεί κατά πόσο τα σχολικά βιβλία της Στ΄ τάξης Δημοτικού σχολείου, προσφέρουν ευκαιρίες διαμόρφωσης ενεργών πολιτών. Η μέθοδος που αξιοποιήθηκε είναι η ποσοτική και ποιοτική ανάλυση περιεχομένου. Ειδικότερα, μελετήθηκε το «τι» λέγεται και ερμηνεύτηκε με βάση τις σχετικές θεωρητικές παραδοχές και έρευνες. Ως μονάδα καταγραφής ορίστηκε το «θέμα» - γνώσεις, δεξιότητες, στάσεις/αξίες, σχετικές με την πολιτειότητα. Το παραγωγικό σύστημα κατηγοριών, που προέκυψε από τη θεωρία, και η υιοθέτηση του συστήματος των κωδικογράφων κατά την ποσοτική ανάλυση περιεχομένου, διασφάλισαν την εγκυρότητα και αξιοπιστία της έρευνας. Σε ό,τι αφορά την ποιοτική ανάλυση, έγινε περιγραφική αναπαράσταση του υπό έρευνα υλικού και παρατέθηκαν χαρακτηριστικές αναφορές. Διαπιστώθηκε ότι, αν και σε όλα τα σχολικά βιβλία εντοπίζονται ποικίλες και διαφορετικές ευκαιρίες διαμόρφωσης της ιδιότητας του πολίτη, κρίνεται αναγκαία η επικαιροποίηση του περιεχομένου τους προκειμένου να δίνεται ισόποση έμφαση σε γνώσεις, δεξιότητες, στάσεις και αξίες σχετικές με την πολιτειότητα.
The relationship between social and gross motor skills in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Greece: implications for practice
Authors: Farsari Eleftheria , Nitsiou Chrisa
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Introduction: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder face significant difficulties in their social and motor development. Previous research has shown that motor difficulties associate and may predict social impairments in young children with the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Purpose of the study: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between gross motor and social skills development of children with ASD between seven and eleven years old. Methods: A cohort of 31 children (21 boys-67.7%, 10 girls) with ASD, and mean chronological age 9.3 ± 1.4 years old, from four primary special education schools in Greece has been studied. Social skills were assessed, by the responsible classroom teacher, using the Educational Evaluation Tool for Social Skills (EET-SS) in children with autism developed by Apteslis et al. (2012) and the children’s gross motor development was measured, by the researcher, using the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-3) (Ulrich, 2019). Results: Data analysis revealed that there was a moderate correlation between children’s social and gross motor skills. Additionally, the developmental age children’s scores on one set of TGMD-3 skills, specifically the TGMD-3 ball skills, were found to be associated with the most of the EET-SS children’s scores. Implications & Conclusion: The study showed that children’s specific social skills were correlated with specific gross motor skills, such as the skills associated with object manipulation. The relationship between social skills and gross-motor skills in children with ASD should be taken into consideration when designing and implementing assessment practices and educational programs for children with ASD in order for the children to improve both their gross-motor skills and social skills, and ultimately the quality of their everyday functioning, inside and outside of school.
Shielding factors for a fission-powered mars exploration rover
Authors: Bendoyro Alexander C. , Thomas L. Dale , Cassibry Jason , Emrich William
Published: December 2024

Background With the advances in compact fission power systems and Stirling converters, the efficiency and portability of electrical energy production systems has increased substantially thanks to NASA’s Kilopower project. These 1-10 kWe-class reactors are compact enough to be transportable by pressurized rovers, allowing an extended human reach across the surface of Mars to produce scientific data at a rate that greatly surpasses the rate of robotic rover data collection. If rovers were to harness fission power while mobile, it is possible for near-limitless range. This capability could allow one crew on Mars for under a “Conjunction” class mission as outlined in NASA’s Mars Design Reference Architecture (DRA) 5.0 to visit many geological sites of interest instead of requiring additional landings to explore distant features of the Martian surface. This study explored the parameters that affected the mass of the shielding required to protect the crew against a fission reactor embedded in the chassis of a pressurized rover. Methods An analytical approach was devised to estimate the required mass of a hypothetical solid tungsten shield under various conditions. Results Power levels below 3.4 kWe were found to be impractical for rover applications. Between 3.4 kWe and 10 kWe would be able to recharge the rover without returning to base camp. The increase in shielding mass from a 3.4 kWe reactor and a 10 kWe reactor was 6%. The reduction between a 10 kWe reactor at 3 m and 6 m was 7%. Varying the shield thickness in accordance with astronaut activities resulted in a 19% reduction. Powering the reactor off before exiting the vehicle resulted in an additional 65% reduction. Conclusions Knowledge of the crew activities and locations had the greatest impact on the required shielding mass and the mission activities should be well-understood and taken into account for shield design.
A Cohort Replacement of Household Labour Supply in Germany and the UK
Authors: Geffen Rona
Published: December 2024

In recent decades, fluctuating unemployment rates and welfare state retrenchment have led to increased levels of economic insecurity in some countries. At the same time, cultural norms and family policies have become more gender-egalitarian. While earlier research related these trends to the decline in the male breadwinner model, little is known about whether recent cohorts who entered adult life against the backdrop of a new socio-economic opportunity structure have established new configurations of household labour supply. Using sequence analysis and cluster analyses across harmonised longitudinal data (GSOEP, BHPS and Understanding Society) for a sample of adults born between 1961 and 1973 in Germany and the United Kingdom (UK), this study introduces an innovative indicator of household labour supply types and new descriptive findings on the cohort replacement of household labour supply in these two countries. Descriptive findings show that recent cohorts in both Germany and the UK are forming more gender-egalitarian households, as reflected by the decline in the male breadwinner model as well as by the rise of 1.5-male breadwinner households in Germany and dual-earner households in the UK. However, the proportion of single and low labour intensity households in recent cohorts has declined in the UK, while there has been no meaningful change in East Germany and a strong increase in West Germany. The evolution of household labour supply types can be attributed to the replacement of cohorts who entered adulthood and established their households under shifting socio-economic contexts and gender ideologies.
Differences in seniors' standard of living and their impact on the development of the silver economy across Europe
Authors: Roszko-Wójtowicz Elżbieta , Przybysz Klaudia , Stanimir Agnieszka
Published: December 2024

Meeting the diverse needs of seniors, a rapidly growing group across the EU, poses a challenge for the silver economy. The heterogenity of this social group stems from both social transformations—such as increased education and financial security—and spatial variations in seniors' living standards. This article explores how these factors influence the development trajectories of the silver economy. It highlights that the evolution of the silver economy will be region-specific rather than uniform, driven by significant differences in seniors' living conditions across Europe. Through cluster analysis, various market segments are identified, leading to tailored recommendations for silver economy strategies. These recommendations address the distinct needs of Scandinavian, Western, and Eastern European seniors, emphasizing the necessity of region-specific approaches to foster effective development in the silver economy.
ANÁLISIS DEL PATRIMONIO MARÍTIMO INDUSTRIAL GALLEGO
Authors: Fuertes Dopico Oscar , Fernandez Penedo Lago , Fabregat Nodar Carmen
Published: December 2024

El desarrollo industrial de Galicia se asocia desde el último tercio del siglo XIX con el aprovechamiento de los recursos del mar. Un modelo de cadena mar-industria que se asienta en el borde litoral, modificándolo y haciéndolo propio, que ha dejado como consecuencia un patrimonio cultural y arquitectónico único. El conjunto del patrimonio marítimo industrial de Galicia engloba las construcciones que surgieron de las industrias del mar que reflejan particularidades específicas del territorio en el que se asientan y de los oficios que albergaron. Se hace una investigación y análisis comparativo de siete casos, localizados en diferentes ámbitos de la costa gallega, que son representativos de siete tipologías de la industria tradicional del mar: cetárea, factoría ballenera, fábrica de salazón, molino de mareas, aserradero, astillero y fábrica conservera; analizando su relación con el borde litoral, sus características tipológicas y su situación actual de uso y conservación. El objetivo es tener una visión panorámica que permita una reflexión crítica conjunta acerca del valor simbólico y patrimonial arquitectónico de los vestigios de una industria ya abandonada y su presencia en el territorio. La vinculación de estas arquitecturas a la memoria de la tradición y la cultura marítima hace de su conservación una cuestión social e identitaria ya que son un recurso valioso que debería preservarse y explotarse de manera que el beneficio revierta en las comunidades costeras.
PEDRO NAVASCUÉS PALACIOS, BERNARDO REVUELTA POL (coords.): DE RE METALLICA: INGENIERÍA, HIERRO, ARQUITECTURA
Authors: Peris Sánchez Diego
Published: December 2024

De re metallica es un acercamiento al uso del hierro en las construcciones que surgen tras la revolución industrial Una presentación general de Pedro Navascués encuadra las actividades en la arquitectura y la ingeniería con el uso de este material Una aplicación que se desarrolla especialmente en el campo de la ingeniería de los puentes y viaductos ferroviarios. Una arquitectura que ha generado un patrimonio que es necesario proteger y conservar como parte importante de nuestra historia.

Una historia que tiene protagonistas y proyectos singulares como el puente trasbordador de Bilbao o los grupos de ingenieros catalanes. Proyectos que se han valorado y conservado como el cable inglés o los depósitos del canal de Isabel II. Un acercamiento a un nuevo material esencial en la arquitectura e ingeniería de los siglos XIX y XX.
CARLO CAVALLOTTI: ARCHITETTURA INDUSTRIALE
Authors: García Rafael
Published: December 2024

La Architettura industriale de Cavalotti, publicada en 1969, forma parte del grupo destacado de libros de recopilación sobre el tema publicados entre la década de los años treinta y los setenta del siglo pasado. Su contenido reúne veinticinco ejemplos ampliamente documentados e ilustrados de arquitectura industrial italiana de las décadas de los cincuenta y sesenta del siglo XX, todos ellos representativos de la modernidad en dicho campo. En sus doscientas treinta y cinco páginas, que incluyen una introducción a modo de ensayo crítico, los ejemplares seleccionados son mostrados y comentados con detalle, con especial empeño en los aspectos funcionales y la calidad espacial de sus instalaciones como prueba del interés en las condiciones de trabajo. La elección de casos abarca principalmente industrias de carácter limpio y escala pequeña o intermedia con las excepciones de una central térmica y una fábrica de cemento.
Comisión de actuaciones militares para garantizar el Space Domain Awareness en el espacio ultraterrestre: nuevo peligro asociado en el marco del derecho internacional humanitario
Authors: HERNANDEZ VELANDIA LAURA XIMENA
Published: December 2024

El espacio ultraterrestre actualmente es un entorno al cual se le ha brindado más importancia en las operaciones militares, aumentando de esa manera los riesgos de seguridad y hostilidades que podrían llegar a afectar o traer consecuencias a personas civiles tanto en el espacio ultraterrestre como en la Tierra. Ante esas nuevas amenazas, surge la necesidad de garantizar un acceso continuado a capacidades imprescindibles para preservar el bienestar de la sociedad y para la conducción de operaciones. Una de ellas es el "space domain awareness", traducido como el conocimiento de lo que está ocurriendo en el espacio ultraterrestre o mantenimiento de la conciencia situacional, que permite protegerse de todos los riesgos y amenazas allí existentes y, asimismo, garantizar el éxito de las operaciones, misiones y actividades militares.
Las formas y medios que usan las naciones militarmente para garantizar el acceso y conocimiento pleno de lo que sucede en el espacio (que generan o no una ventaja competitiva frente a otras naciones) como, por ejemplo: amenazas híbridas, sistemas antisatélite, perturbadores de señales o armamento de energía dirigida, podrían llegar a desembocar en escenarios hostiles dados por actuaciones militares; incluso existiendo la posibilidad de culminar en un conflicto armado en el nuevo dominio operacional, panorama que el derecho internacional humanitario no ha previsto de manera integral.
A partir de esta perspectiva, menester es realizar un análisis crítico que deje en evidencia los vacíos jurídicos que existen en el derecho internacional humanitario frente a la posibilidad de un conflicto armado en espacio ultraterrestre, dado por actuaciones militares en pro de garantizar un acceso continuado al conocimiento pleno de lo que sucede en este nuevo dominio operacional.
Data-Driven Reliable Facility Location Design
Authors: Shen Hao , Xue Mengying , Shen Zuo-Jun Max
Published: December 2024

We study the reliable (uncapacitated) facility location (RFL) problem in a data-driven environment where historical observations of random demands and disruptions are available. Owing to the combinatorial optimization nature of the RFL problem and the mixed-binary randomness of parameters therein, the state-of-the-art RFL models applied to the data-driven setting either suggest overly conservative solutions or become computationally prohibitive for large- or even moderate-size problems. In this paper, we address the RFL problem by presenting an innovative prescriptive model aiming to balance solution conservatism with computational efficiency. In particular, our model selects facility locations to minimize the fixed costs plus the expected operating costs approximated by a tractable data-driven estimator, which equals to a probabilistic upper bound on the intractable Kolmogorov distributionally robust optimization estimator. The solution of our model is obtained by solving a mixed-integer linear program that does not scale in the training data size. Our approach is proved to be asymptotically optimal, and offers a theoretical guarantee for its out-of-sample performance in situations with limited data. In addition, we discuss the adaptation of our approach when facing data with covariate information. Numerical results demonstrate that our model significantly outperforms several important RFL models with respect to both in-sample and out-of-sample performances as well as computational efficiency.

This paper was accepted by Chung Piaw Teo, optimization.

Funding: H. Shen acknowledges the support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 72371240, 72001206]. M. Xue acknowledges the support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 72201257]. Z.J. M. Shen acknowledges the support from National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 71991462], Hong Kong ITC Mainland-Hong Kong Joint Funding Scheme [MHP/192/23], and RGC Theme-based Research Scheme [T32-707/22-N].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2021.02115 .
Wounds in a correctional facility in Malta: a point prevalence study
Authors: Gabriele Anthea , Holloway Samantha , Ward Corinne Scicluna
Published: December 2024

Hard-to-heal (chronic) wounds are a challenge to wound care professionals, a burden to the health service and negatively impact affected individuals' quality of life. They also consume a great deal of healthcare resources globally and are found in all settings, including prisons. Therefore, the evaluation of wound care services is essential in order to develop an awareness of where improvement can be made. The main aim of this point prevalence study was to gather data on wounds, wound aetiology and wound management in a Maltese correctional facility. A secondary aim was to compare current practice with the best evidence-based practice and clinical practice guidelines, in order to provide a set of recommendations which can be implemented to improve the service. A retrospective study was carried out, auditing the medical records of people with justice involvement. The results of the audit reported a low prevalence of wounds. While practice met existing standards, for example, no unnecessary wound swab was taken, several shortcomings in wound management were noted. To improve adherence to the clinical guidelines in conjunction with improving the quality of the current service offered in the wound clinic, a number of short- and long-term clinical recommendations were proposed including: the incorporation of pain assessment tools and C-reactive protein blood testing for identifying infection; early referral to specialised care for individuals with diabetic foot ulcers, as well as the necessity for proficient personnel specialising in wound management training.
A continuous mode of action of nitric oxide in hard-to-heal wound healing
Authors: Bell David A , Miller C Michael , Sullivan Rhonda
Published: December 2024

Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the most studied molecules in medical science. The role of NO as an endogenous regulator of inflammation, as an antibacterial agent and as an endogenous gasotransmitter is well established. Even so, despite a plethora of excellent wound healing data, hard-to-heal (chronic) wounds are of epidemic proportions, and still growing in number. However, yet to be established and sorely needed is the identification of a single, continuous NO mechanism of action (MoA), where phase-to-phase variance in the complex sequence of cellular and molecular wound healing may elucidate the potential for placing hard-to-heal wounds on positive healing trajectories. Hence, the objectives of this review were to: identify salient MoAs for NO in each phase of skin wound healing; and to select and validate a single MoA that is both ubiquitous and continuous in NO across acute and hard-to-heal wound sequences, and which potentiates the ability to supplementally motivate and guide the recovery of a hard-to-heal wound onto a positive healing trajectory. The search began by selecting a detailed, multipart wound healing model. Next, as guided by the literature, was the identification of salient NO functionalities for each model segment. These modes of action were then be used to identify and validate a single NO MoA that is continuous across the healing spectrum. Finally, by using the principle of ‘super position’ of two continuous functions, this acute healing NO MoA solution was compared to a similar solution set describing a hard-to-heal or chronic wound. As both solution sets are continuous in a NO function, the resultant ‘overlay’ then helped to identify and guide the use of a NO MoA capable of placing any hard-to-heal wound on a positive healing trajectory.
Chyle leak following root of mesentery dissection in pancreaticoduodenectomy with inferior infracolic superior mesenteric artery first approach
Authors: Maharjan Prabir , Regmee Sujan , Adhikari Spandan D , Pahari Rabin , Ghimire Roshan , Maharjan Dhiresh K , Shrestha Suman K , Thapa Prabin B
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

The root of mesentery dissection is one of the critical maneuvers, especially in borderline resectable pancreatic head cancer. Intra-abdominal chyle leak (CL) including chylous ascites may ensue in up to 10% of patients after pancreatic resections. Globally recognized superior mesenteric artery (SMA) first approaches are invariably performed. The mesenteric dissection through the inferior infracolic approach has been discussed in this study emphasizing its post-operative impact on CL which is the cornerstone of this study.

AIM

To assess incidence, risk factors, clinical impact of CL following root of mesentery dissection, and the different treatment modalities.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study incorporating the patients who underwent dissection of the root of mesentery with inferior infracolic SMA first approach pancreatoduodenectomy for the ventral body and uncinate mass of pancreas in the Department of Gastrointestinal and General Surgery of Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital from January 1, 2021 to February 28, 2024. Intraoperative findings and postoperative outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

In three years, ten patients underwent root of mesentery dissection with inferior infracolic SMA first approach pancreatoduodenectomy. The mean age was 67.6 years with a male-to-female ratio of 4:5. CL was seen in four patients. With virtue of CL, Clavien-Dindo grade II or higher morbidity was observed in four patients. Two patients had a hospital stay of more than 20 days with the former having a delayed gastric emptying and the latter with long-term total parenteral nutrition requirement. The mean operative time was 330 minutes. Curative resection was achieved in 100% of the patients. The mean duration of the intensive care unit and hospital stay were 2.55 ± 1.45 days and 15.7 ± 5.32 days, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Root of mesentery dissection with lymphadenectomy and vascular resection correlated with occurrence of CL. After complete curative resection, these were managed with total parenteral nutrition without adversely impacting outcome.
Herpes simplex virus 2-induced aseptic meningitis presenting with sudden deafness: A case report
Authors: Liu Yuan-Cheng , Hsiao Shih-Hsuan , Chen Peir-Rong
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

Aseptic meningitis is defined as meningeal inflammation caused by various etiologies with negative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) bacterial culture. The most common etiologies are viruses [enteroviruses, arboviruses, and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2)]. Aseptic meningitis can have various presentations, including sensorineural deafness. While sensorineural deafness from mumps meningoencephalitis has been reported, cases of HSV-2-induced hearing loss are rare. Herein, we report a case of HSV-2-induced meningitis that presented with sudden deafness.

CASE SUMMARY

A 68-year-old man experienced a profound sudden onset of left-sided hearing loss for one day. Pure-tone audiograms demonstrated sudden left-sided sensorineural hearing loss (thresholds 80-90 dB). After treatment with high-dose steroids for 1 week, he experienced an acute consciousness change with left hemiparesis. The laboratory data showed no significant abnormalities. Brain computed tomography without contrast and magnetic resonance imaging revealed no intracranial hemorrhage or obvious brain lesion. The CSF analysis and the Multiplex PCR panels showed HSV-2 positivity. Hence, under the diagnosis of herpes meningoencephalitis, acyclovir was prescribed and his symptoms gradually resolved.

CONCLUSION

This case report further demonstrates that a viral infection could be a cause of sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
Fatal risk in hysteroscopic surgery that should not be overlooked: Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm
Authors: He Mi-Si , Yu Ke-Xiao , Wang Chen
Published: December 2024

This article provides a detailed account of the diagnosis and treatment of a case involving a uterine artery pseudoaneurysm (UAP), as well as an analysis of UAP etiology. This finding emphasizes that UAP should be considered in patients presenting with abnormal genital bleeding after hysteroscopy and offers valuable insights and lessons for gynecologists in hysteroscopic procedures. The patient underwent timely relevant examinations to confirm the diagnosis, allowing for crucial time required for her treatment. In this study, the primary cause of UAP formation in the patient was attributed to a prior hysteroscopic surgical procedure conducted at another medical facility, suggesting that the selection and implementation of dilatation catheters are some of the predisposing factors for UAP. In conclusion, this case study offers a comprehensive analysis of the etiology of UAP and effectively provides timely diagnosis and treatment, offering valuable insights for the clinical diagnosis and management of UAP.
Describing randomization in trials included in systematic reviews in orthopaedic surgery
Authors: Tang Matthew , Lun Kimberley K. , Lewin Adriane M. , Harris Ian A.
Published: December 2024

Aims

Systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the highest level of evidence used to inform patient care. However, it has been suggested that the quality of randomization in RCTs in orthopaedic surgery may be low. This study aims to describe the quality of randomization in trials included in systematic reviews in orthopaedic surgery.

Methods

Systematic reviews of RCTs testing orthopaedic procedures published in 2022 were extracted from PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. A random sample of 100 systematic reviews was selected, and all included RCTs were retrieved. To be eligible for inclusion, systematic reviews must have tested an orthopaedic procedure as the primary intervention, included at least one study identified as a RCT, been published in 2022 in English, and included human clinical trials. The Cochrane Risk of Bias-2 Tool was used to assess random sequence generation as ‘adequate’, ‘inadequate’, or ‘no information’; we then calculated the proportion of trials in each category. We also collected data to test the association between these categories and characteristics of the RCTs and systematic reviews.

Results

We included 917 unique RCTs. We found that 374 RCTs (40.8%) reported adequate sequence generation, 61 (6.7%) were inadequate, 410 (44.7%) lacked information, and 72 (7.9%) were observational studies incorrectly included as RCTs within the systematic review. Publication year, an author with statistical or epidemiological qualifications, and journal impact factor were each associated with adequate randomization. We found that 45 systematic reviews (45%) included at least one inadequately randomized RCT or an observational study incorrectly treated as a RCT.

Conclusion

There is evidence of a lack of random allocation in RCTs included in systematic reviews in orthopaedic surgery. The conduct of RCTs and systematic reviews should be improved to minimize the risk of bias from inadequate randomization in RCTs and mislabelling of non-randomized studies as RCTs.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(12):1072–1080.
Rare nephrostomy complication mimicking rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm: a case report
Authors: Bangsawan Kiwah Andanni , Irdam Gampo Alam , Raharja Putu Angga Risky , Darwis Patrianef , Fachriza Ihza , Rahman Fakhri
Published: December 2024

Percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) is a routine procedure in urology with up to 99% success rate and less than 6% of total complications dominated by minor cases. This was a case report of a 59-year-old male patient with an unusual major bleeding complication after PCN that mimicked a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. The laparotomy exploration identified the bleeding source from the right lobar artery, thus renorrhaphy was performed. Proper visualization of anatomic layout, color Doppler imaging, and selecting a guiding method and technique could reduce bleeding complications following PCN.
Effect of adipose-derived stem cells-conditioned medium extracellular vesicles on senescent fibroblast and E2F1 expression
Authors: Ayuningtyas Vidya Hana Dwi , Prawitasari Suci , Rofiq Aunur , Murlistyarini Sinta
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are well-known for their regenerative properties, especially towards senescent cells. Extracellular vesicles derived from ADSCs are believed to influence the expression level of the E2 promoter binding factor (E2F1) protein, one of the key proteins regulating the cell cycle. This study aimed to investigate the impact of extracellular vesicles from ADSC-conditioned medium (ADSC-CM) on E2F1 levels and their potential to improve aging cells.
METHODS Extracellular vesicles from ADSC-CM were introduced into senescent fibroblasts through transfection. Then, the E2F1 protein levels were measured and compared between transfected and untransfected cells. A total of 18 samples were calculated based on Federer’s formulas. E2F1 protein levels were counted using a cell-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Senescence-associated beta-galactosidase staining was used to quantify the number of senescent cells in each group, and the microculture tetrazolium technique assay was used to assess cellular metabolic activity.
RESULTS The number of senescent cells was lower in the transfected group compared to the untransfected group. ADSC-CM extracellular vesicles-transfected fibroblasts exhibited higher levels of E2F1 protein (0.19 [0.17] ng/ml) compared to untransfected fibroblast (0.06 [0.049] ng/ml; p = 0.048). Higher E2F1 protein levels were associated with reduced senescent fibroblasts and increased metabolic viable fibroblasts in the transfected group.
CONCLUSIONS ADSC-CM extracellular vesicles positively affected senescent cells by enhancing the level of E2F1.
Placental nutrient and transport system in fetus with small for gestational age and growth restriction compared to appropriate for gestational age
Authors: Wibawa Aria , Wibowo Noroyono , Timan Ina Susianti , Rohsiswatmo Rinawati , Putri Atikah Sayogo
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND Fetal growth restriction (FGR) has multifactorial etiology, including nutrition. Fetal nutrient status depends not only on an adequate supply of key nutrients but also optimal delivery, served by the placenta as a major metabolic and transport organ. This study aimed to evaluate the status of placental oxygen and nutrient concentration and their transporters between appropriate for gestational age (AGA), small for gestational age (SGA), and FGR.
METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, from July 2018 to December 2020. Patients were divided into 3 groups, namely AGA, SGA, and FGR. The placental samples were taken following delivery. Placental concentration of glucose, amino acids (AAs), and fatty acids (FAs) were measured by calorimetric assay, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. Placental concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), system y+L, and fatty acid transport protein 1 (FATP1) were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
RESULTS A total of 57 subjects participated in the study. Compared with the AGA group, the SGA and FGR groups had lower placental AA concentration (p = 0.004), higher placental FA concentration (p = 0.048), higher placental expression of VEGF (p = 0.003), system y+L (p = 0.07), and FATP1 (p = 0.021). No difference in placental glucose and GLUT1 concentration was observed among all groups (p = 0.301).
CONCLUSIONS The similar profile of macronutrient concentration with increased expression of oxygen and several nutrient transporters in SGA and FGR groups might indicate similar pathogenesis between these groups.
Simulation study on supercontinuum broadening based on the BIC model: publisher’s note
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Sun Wenjie , He Runyu , Song Xiaoxian , Dai Zijie , Liu Yang , Pan Dong , Wu Di , Wang Yanan , Gao Zhongkun , Guan Chenshuai , Guo Kai , Chen Huan
Published: December 2024

This publisher’s note reports corrections to Appl. Opt. 63, 8851 (2024)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.541864.
Light-sheet microscopy enabled by a miniaturized plane illuminator
Authors: Kim Seonho , Yun Yeochan , Cho Hyeon-Yeol , Moon Sucbei
Published: December 2024

We present a implementation method of light-sheet microscopy utilizing a highly miniaturized device that produces light-sheet illumination while immersed in the sample container. Our miniaturized plane illuminator (MPI) internally equips a two-axis beam-scanning mechanism based on a magnetostatically driven optical fiber cantilever. A light sheet is produced by fast scanning of the focused beam in an axis while the illumination plane can move in the other axis for positioning and 3D imaging. Our MPI device is so compact in a 1.5 mm-thick needle form that it can be conveniently placed in the right vicinity of the imaging sample. Because the illumination is directly given in the sample-surrounding medium, a great deal of operational flexibility is obtained with an uncompromised beam quality. We could build a light-sheet microscopy system with a conventional inverted microscope frame by attaching our MPI upgrade kit as an add-on module. In this study, the optical and electromechanical characteristics of our MPI device were carefully investigated. As well, light-sheet microscopy imaging of various samples was performed to validate the practical power of our technique. We found our MPI can provide a low-cost and easy-to-use imaging mode, and make the light-sheet microscopy more available in various applications.
Effect of NaCl on the modulation of LPFG double peak by PDDA/PSS nanomembrane
Authors: Zhang Huiyuan , Li Mingyu , Li Qiu-Shun , Yan Xiujing , Xia Yubo , Song Yuxia , Chen Tuo , Dong Wen-Fei , He Jian-Jun
Published: December 2024

In this paper, poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride)(PDDA)/poly(sodium styrene sulfonate)(PSS) nanomembranes were deposited on the surface of long-period fiber gratings (LPFG) using the electrostatic layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly method, and the effect of NaCl on the modulation of LPFG double peaks by PDDA/PSS nanomembranes was investigated. The principle behind the emergence of double peaks was first explored using coupled mode theory, revealing that changes in the mode effective refractive index(RI) occur as the number of nanomembrane layers increases. The experimental results showed that under the conditions of PDDA with NaCl/PSS without NaCl and PDDA without NaCl/PSS with NaCl, double peaks do not appear in the spectra of LPFG as the number of thin film layers increases. In contrast, highly sensitive double peaks appear in the spectra of LPFG when both PDDA and PSS contain NaCl. Additionally, the range of these double peaks was explored. It was shown that the sensitivity of LPFG to the nanomembrane reached a maximum at 79-81 bilayers, with a sensitivity of 37.8 nm/bilayer, and the appearance of double peaks was consistent with the theoretical simulation. The findings of this study will be applied to the modification of LPFG surface biofunctional membranes and the highly sensitive detection of biochemical substances.
Spatio-temporal couplings in ultrashort vortex pulses generated by spiral phase plates
Authors: Montero Erick Baca , Fesenko Volodymyr , Shulika Oleksiy
Published: December 2024

Ultrashort laser pulses have many applications but are sensitive to distortions due to the interdependence of their temporal and spatial components, known as spatio-temporal couplings. We quantify for the first time to our knowledge the spatio-temporal couplings for ultrashort vortex pulses in the case of practical interest when they are generated by conventional and achromatic spiral phase plates. By simulating the propagation of transform-limited ultrashort Gaussian pulse and tacking chromatic dispersion of the materials into account, we obtain the fields of generated ultrashort vortices in the spectral, temporal, spatial and spatial-frequency domains and compare them to corresponding ideal Laguerre-Gauss ultrashort vortex. We found that generated pulses present spatial chirp and angular dispersion, while no pulse-front tilt was introduced as there is no temporal chirp. The achromatic spiral phase plate benefits not only from almost 3 times larger bandwidth of conversion efficiency η₀₁, but also reduces distortions induced by spatio-temporal couplings by an order of magnitude. Quantification of spatio-temporal couplings serves as an additional tool for characterization of optical components for ultrafast singular optics.
Views and experiences of young people on using mHealth platforms for sexual and reproductive health services in rural low-and middle-income countries: A qualitative systematic review
Authors: Laar Alexander S. , Harris Melissa L. , Khan Md N. , Loxton Deborah
Published: December 2024

In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), reproductive health programs use mobile health (mHealth) platforms to deliver a broad range of SRH information and services to young people in rural areas. However, young people’s experiences of using mobile phone platforms for SRH services in the rural contexts of LMICs remains unexplored. This review qualitatively explored the experiences and perceptions of young people’s use of mobile phone platforms for SRH information and services. This qualitative evidence synthesis was conducted through a systematic search of online databases: Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo and Scopus. We included peer reviewed articles that were conducted between 2000 to 2023 and used qualitative methods. The methodological quality of papers was assessed by two authors using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) and Confidence in Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research (CERQual) approach with the identified papers synthesized using a narrative thematic analysis approach. The 26 studies included in the review were conducted in a wide range of LMIC rural settings. The studies used seven different types of mHealth platforms in providing access to SRH information and services on contraception, family planning, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) education. Participant preferences for use of SRH service platforms centred on convenience, privacy and confidentiality, as well as ease and affordability. High confidence was found in the studies preferencing text messaging, voice messaging, and interactive voice response services while moderate confidence was found in studies focused on phone calls. The overall constraint for platforms services included poor and limited network and electricity connectivity (high confidence in the study findings), limited access to mobile phones and mobile credit due to cost, influence from socio-cultural norms and beliefs and community members (moderate confidence in the study findings), language and literacy skills constraints (high confidence in the study findings). The findings provide valuable information on the preferences of mHealth platforms for accessing SRH services among young people in rural settings in LMICs and the quality of available evidence on the topic. As such, the findings have important implications for health policy makers and implementers and mHealth technology platform developers on improving services for sustainable adoption and integration in LMIC rural health system.