bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Osteology provides insight into the biology of the enigmatic Antarctic notothenioid fish Gvozdarus svetovidovi
Authors: Eastman Joseph T. , Voskoboinikova Olga S.
Published: August 2024

Gvozdarus svetovidovi (Nototheniidae) is the rarest notothenioid fish, represented by only two specimens collected in 1970 and 1988. As it is little known, we present aspects of the cranial osteology of this species and use this, and other features of its morphology, to infer fundamental aspects of its biology. As in other pelagic nototheniids, G. svetovidovi has an elongated neurocranium and jaws but it does not have a paedomorphic skeleton. Although not unique to G. svetovidovi, the bones of the skull have some well-developed ridges for support and possibly for containment of subcutaneous fat. The skeleton is most similar to that of Dissostichus. G. svetovidovi has a high fat content, primarily within the trunk musculature and in a layer over the skull. It is probably neutrally buoyant in mesopelagic waters, where it has been captured at 295–550 m depth north of the Antarctic Slope Front (approximately the shelf break) and south of the southern boundary of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. It likely relies on vision and mechanosensation to detect its prey, including bioluminescent, energy-dense myctophids and krill in this resource-rich area of the Southern Ocean. Strays near shelf waters feed on Pleuragramma antarcticum. G. svetovidovi is unlike all other notothenioids in fundamental aspects of its biology including its habitat, diet and distribution. Although it may be on the path to extinction, if our postulated life history of G. svetovidovi is accurate, it expands the current perception of the bounds of the notothenioid radiation into a locality in the Southern Ocean not previously known to be occupied by this group.
Resilience of turbid coral communities to marine heatwave
Authors: Zweifler Adi , Dee Shannon , Browne Nicola K.
Published: August 2024

High sea surface temperatures recorded in summer 2021 introduced a unique opportunity for ‘real-time’ assessment of Exmouth Gulf turbid reef’s resilience to a marine heatwave event. Four sites along a turbidity and temperature gradient were surveyed during (March 2021) and after (October 2021) the event to assess bleaching rates (Bleaching Index = BI), differences in coral morphological responses to the heat wave, and post-event changes in benthic and coral community structure. Despite experiencing higher temperatures (> 30 °C) and Degree Heating Weeks (DHW = 8), the most turbid reef site, Somerville, displayed greater resilience to heat stress (BI = 14) compared to the “clear water” site, Bundegi (BI = 19.3), where temperatures never exceeded 30 °C (3 DHW). Our results also reveal that encrusting and massive corals, often considered more resilient to bleaching, displayed increased bleaching susceptibility at the turbid sites, potentially due to the synergistic effects of sedimentation and heat stress. In contrast, branching and foliose corals showed greater resilience to the heat wave in turbid water settings, while encrusting and branching corals exhibited lower resilience in the clearwater site. These findings highlight complex interactions between heat and reduced UV stress on turbid reefs potentially increasing resilience to bleaching but likely only for those coral morphologies that are not heavily impacted by sedimentation.
Characteristics of pelvic obliquity in dysplastic hip osteoarthritis
Authors: Ozawa Yuto , Osawa Yusuke , Takegami Yasuhiko , Funahashi Hiroto , Tanaka Shinya , Imagama Shiro
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Factors affecting direction of pelvic obliquity (PO) in dysplastic hip osteoarthritis (DHOA) remains unclear. This retrospective cohort study evaluates morphological characteristics, spinal alignment, and hip function in patients with unilateral DHOA.

Methods

Between 2018 and 2022, 104 patients with unilateral DHA were enrolled. Patients were categorized into flat PO (F-PO group; PO < 2°), affected side PO (A-PO group; PO downward by ≥ 2°), and unaffected side PO (U-PO group; PO upward by ≥ 2°). Demographics, radiographic hip and lower limb parameters, spinal parameters, and functional scores were compared between the groups.

Results

There were 39, 44, and 21 patients in the F-PO, A-PO, and U-PO group, respectively. The subluxation percentage of Crowe classification showed a significant difference among the three groups. The femoral head lateralization distance was significantly greater in the U-PO group than in the F-PO and A-PO groups. Furthermore, the hip adduction angle was significantly lower in the A-PO group than in the F-PO and U-PO groups. The lumbar scoliosis angle was significantly different between the groups. In multivariate analysis, hip adduction angle was extracted as an independent factor associated with the A-PO. Age, subluxation percentage, and hip adduction angle were identified as independent factors associated with the U-PO. Harris hip score was significantly poorer in U-PO group than in F-PO group.

Conclusions

Hip adduction angle influenced A-PO, while age, subluxation percentage, and hip adduction angle influenced U-PO; lumbar scoliosis angle was associated with PO direction. U-PO patients had poorer functional scores, indicating the impact of hip contracture and subluxation on PO direction in DHOA.
Natural history of non-polyglutamine CACNA1A disease in Austria
Authors: Indelicato Elisabetta , Nachbauer Wolfgang , Amprosi Matthias S. , Maier Sarah , Unterberger Iris , Delazer Margarete , Kaltseis Katharina , Kiechl Stefan , Broessner Gregor , Baumann Matthias , Boesch Sylvia
Published: August 2024

Background and objectives

Non-polyglutamine CACNA1A variants underlie an extremely variable phenotypic spectrum encompassing developmental delay, hemiplegic migraine, epilepsy, psychiatric symptoms, episodic and chronic cerebellar signs. We provide our experience with the long-term follow-up of CACNA1A patients and their response to interval therapy.

Methods

Patients with genetically confirmed non-polyglutamine CACNA1A disease were prospectively followed at the Center for Rare Movement Disorders of the Medical University of Innsbruck from 2004 to 2024.

Results

We recruited 41 subjects with non-polyglutamine CACNA1A disease, of which 38 (93%) familial cases. The mean age at the first examination was 35 ± 22 years. Disease onset was in the childhood/adolescence in 31/41 patients (76%). Developmental delay and episodic symptoms were the first disease manifestation in 9/41 (22%) and 32/41 (78%) patients respectively. Chronic neurological signs encompassed a cerebellar syndrome in 35/41 (85%), which showed almost no progression during the observation period, as well as cognitive deficits in 9/20 (45%, MOCA test score < 26), psychiatric and behavioral symptoms in 11/41(27%). Seizures occurred in two patients concomitant to severe hemiplegic migraine. At the last visit, 27/41 patients (66%) required an interval prophylaxis (including acetazolamide, flunarizine, 4-aminopyridine, topiramate), which was efficacious in reducing the frequency and severity of episodic symptoms in all cases. In one patient in his 70ies with progressively therapy resistant hemiplegic migraine, treatment with the anti-CGRP antibody galcanezumab successfully reduced the frequency of migraine days from 4 to 1/month.

Conclusions

Non-polyglutamine CACNA1A disease show an evolving age-dependent presentation. Interval prophylaxis is effective in reducing the burden of episodic symptoms.
Multiphysics Simulation of a Vertical Roller Mill in Matlab®/Simulink®
Authors: Eitz Peter , Zinke Thomas , Lieberwirth Holger
Published: August 2024

The development of innovative products increasingly requires interdisciplinary collaboration among the fields of mechanical engineering, electrical/electronic engineering, and software. The growing complexity of products, driven by increased automation, poses significant challenges. Many equipment manufacturers optimise their development processes using software tools. By leveraging simulations and virtual models, product development time can be reduced. Additionally, the number of costly test bench experiments can be significantly minimised. Furthermore, numerical simulation is gaining importance in the field of predictive maintenance.

To fully harness the potential of simulation, it is crucial to accumulate experience across various products and processes and validate them using real-world physical test benches. In this contribution, a vertical roller mill (VRM) is modelled across domains. Subsequently, selected simulation analyses are conducted and validated against measurement data from the physical demonstrator and analytical or empirical calculation models. Additionally, the suitability of the virtual prototype for model-based virtual commissioning is examined. The multi-physical model was developed using Matlab®/Simulink®, including the toolbox Simscape and Stateflow.
Erarbeitung eines Leitungsmodells zur Berechnung der Leitungsparameter unter Berücksichtigung der endlichen Leitungslänge und Mastausbreitungswiderstände an den Erdungspunkten
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Binh , Liebermann Carlo , Schegner Peter
Published: August 2024

Bei Freileitungen wird der Einfluss von Erdseilen häufig unter der Annahme einer ideal leitenden Verbindung zur Modellerde im Leitungsmodell berücksichtigt. Darüber hinaus werden zur Berechnung der induktiven Verkopplung konventionell unendlich lange Leiter Erde-Schleifen betrachtet. Der Ansatz geht dabei von einem in Leitungsrichtung homogenen Feldbild aus. Abweichungen von diesem Ansatz treten zum Beispiel am Leitungsanfang und -ende sowie in der Nähe von Verdrillungsmasten auf, da in diesen Bereichen kein homogenes Feld zu erwarten ist. Ebenfalls können Erdseile und Lichtwellenleiter-Erdseile nicht als uns endlich lang angenommen werden, da durch die spannfeldweise Erdung Ausgleichsströme in jedem Spannfeld auftreten, sodass auch hier der Ansatz eines homogenen Feldbildes nicht erfüllt ist. Mit dem Hertz’schen Dipolansatz wird ein komplexer Integralausdruck zur Berechnung der Impedanz von Leitern beliebiger Länge erarbeitet. Dieser lässt sich bei endlicher Leiterlänge nicht in einer geschlossenen Form darstellen, weshalb numerische Methoden zum Einsatz kommen. Um den numerischen Rechenaufwand zu reduzieren, wird der Integralausdruck mithilfe der Image-Theorie approximiert, was die Berechnung für praxisnahe Anordnungen ermöglicht. Mit den Ergebnissen wird ein Leitungsmodell aufgebaut und in MATLAB implementiert, welches es möglich macht, die Leitungsparameter und speziell die Nullimpedanz unter Berücksichtigung verschiedener Einflussparameter zu berechnen. Das Modell wurde sowohl mit einer fiktiven als auch mit einer realen Leitung validiert. Anhand des entwickelten Modells werden Parameterstudien durchgeführt, um signifikante Einflussfaktoren auf die Nullimpedanz zu identifizieren.
A learning-based nearly optimal control framework for trajectory tracking of a flexible-link manipulator system with actuator fault
Authors: Raoufi Mona , Habibi Hamed , Yazdani Amirmehdi , Wang Hai
Published: August 2024

In this paper, a learning-based nearly optimal control framework with fault-tolerant capability is designed to tackle the tracking control problem of a flexible-link manipulator in the presence of actuator fault and model uncertainties. Initially, the optimal control law is obtained by adopting the dynamic programming and a critic structure as the solution of Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation for the nominal model. Then, by implementing an integral sliding mode control, the robustness against actuator fault and model uncertainty is guaranteed. The adaptive laws are constructed based on radial basis functions neural networks to estimate the upper bound of uncertainty and the actuator bias fault, satisfying both optimal performance and chattering reduction of the sliding surface. Furthermore, the actuator effectiveness loss is handled. The stability of the closed-loop system is analytically proven, and the performance of the proposed framework is investigated against several practical operating conditions. This incorporates the fidelity assessment of tracking precision and trackability of control signal using performance indices such as the integral absolute error and root-mean-square error. The results of extensive simulation studies confirm the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed control framework.
Zur Situation und Verbesserung von Partizipation junger Menschen in der Stadtplanung
Authors: Hennig Sabine , Vogler Robert , Waltl Daniela , Schötz Tim
Published: August 2024

Die Partizipation Jugendlicher in Planungsprozessen gewinnt zunehmend an Bedeutung. Die Beteiligung junger Menschen bietet jedoch nicht nur Vorteile. Vielmehr stehen partizipative Initiativen auch vor Herausforderungen. Neben einer zu geringen Anzahl von Mitwirkenden bezieht sich dies auch auf die Qualität und Quantität der Beiträge. Allerdings gilt die Teilhabe junger Menschen per se als schwierig und bleibt oft hinter den Erwartungen zurück. Welche Vorteile und Herausforderungen charakterisieren partizipative Projekte mit der Beteiligung von Jugendlichen? Wie kann Partizipation junger Menschen optimal(er) gestaltet werden? Eine Online-Befragung von StadtplanungsakteurInnen in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz, die im Rahmen des Projekts u3Green durchgeführt wurde, adressiert diese Fragen. Die Antworten der über 80 Teilnehmenden zeigen, dass junge Menschen durchaus in stadtplanerische Belange eingebunden werden. Primär handelt es sich dabei um Projekte zur Gestaltung von Spiel- und Sportplätzen sowie vielseitig nutzbaren Freiräumen. Als wesentliche Vorteile der Teilhabe junger Menschen sehen die Befragten den Erhalt neuer Ideen und die Möglichkeit eines Perspektivenwechsels; als Herausforderungen jedoch z. B. den hohen Aufwand und notwendige pädagogische Fähigkeiten sowie Geduld und Durchhaltevermögen seitens der Projektdurchführenden. Die Befragungsergebnisse ermöglichen abschließend Empfehlungen zur besseren Umsetzung von Partizipation von Jugendlichen in entsprechenden Projekten.
Framing water–energy–food–ecosystem (WEFE) nexus interactions in the Tana-Beles Sub-basin of Ethiopia
Authors: Abera Wuletawu , Getaneh Yonas , Balcha Yodit , Assefa Tewodros , Mulatu Chalachew A. , Ebrahim Girma Yimer , Tesfaye Megersa , Dawit Meseret , Abebe Wubneh Belete , Taye Meron Teferi
Published: August 2024

The water–energy–food–ecosystems (WEFE) provide vital resources that are essential to human existence. Exploring synergies and trade-offs in these systems has been of interest in recent years to increase economic gain while sustaining the environment. The Tana-Beles Sub-basin of Ethiopia is challenged by population density, climate change, and ecosystem degradation that requires a WEFE Nexus thinking. To understand the current WEFE nexus interactions in the basin, a systematic review of 102 scientific research articles published from 1991 to 2021 was undertaken. Additionally, the systematic review is complemented by spatial data analysis to identify synergies and trade-offs among the WEFE nexus indicators. The analysis revealed the dominance of food–water–ecosystem interdependencies in WEFE nexus research for the Tana-Beles Sub-basin. This dominance is driven by extensive food production activities, which lead to substantial water abstraction and hydrological alterations to meet the intensive water demands of crop cultivation. Simultaneously, the energy-ecosystem interactions are critical due to excessive biomass utilization that exceeds the biomass production potential of the area. Furthermore, the available vegetation cover of the area is very limited to supplement the growing fuel wood demands, which is exerting extreme land degradation and threatening the ecosystem in the sub-basin. This study identifies gaps in WEFE understanding, highlights specific challenges and opportunities within the basin, and calls for coordinated stakeholder action for sustainable resource management through a Nexus approach.
Intraoperative 3D fluoroscopy accurately predicts final electrode position in deep brain stimulation surgery
Authors: Neto-Fernandes Patrícia , Chamadoira Clara , Silva Carolina , Pereira Leila , Vaz Rui , Rito Manuel , Ferreira-Pinto Manuel J.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

In the absence of an intraoperative CT or MRI setup, post-implantation confirmation of electrode position in deep brain stimulation (DBS) requires patient transportation to the radiology unit, prolonging surgery time. This project aims to validate intraoperative 3D fluoroscopy (3DF), a widely available tool in Neurosurgical units, as a method to determine final electrode position.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study including 64 patients (124 electrodes) who underwent DBS at our institution. Intraoperative 3DF after electrode implantation and postoperative volumetric CT were acquired. The Euclidean coordinates of the electrode tip displayed in both imaging modalities were determined and inter-method deviations were assessed. Pneumocephalus was quantified and its potential impact in determining the electrode position analyzed. Finally, 3DF and CT-imposed exposure to radiation was compared.

Results

The difference between the electrode tip estimated by 3DF and CT was 0.85 ± 0.03 mm, and not significantly different (p = 0.11 for the distance to MCP assessed by both methods), but was, instead, highly correlated (p = 0.91; p < 0.0001). Even though pneumocephalus was larger in 3DF (6.89 ± 1.76 vs 5.18 ± 1.37 mm3 in the CT group, p < 0.001), it was not correlated with the difference in electrode position measured by both techniques (p = 0.17; p = 0.06). Radiation exposure from 3DF is significantly lower than CT (0.36 ± 0.03 vs 2.08 ± 0.05 mSv; p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Intraoperative 3DF is comparable to CT in determining the final DBS electrode position. Being a method with fewer radiation exposure, less expensive, faster and that avoids patient transportation outside the operation room, it is a valid tool to replace postoperative CT.
Motion of general nonholonomic systems from the d’Alembert principle via an algebraic method
Authors: Talamucci Federico
Published: August 2024

The aim of this study is to present an alternative way to deduce the equations of motion of general (i. e. also nonlinear) nonholonomic constrained systems starting from the d’Alembert principle and proceeding by an algebraic procedure. The two classical approaches in nonholonomic mechanics – $${\check{\textrm{C}}}$$

C
ˇ

etaev method and vakonomic method – are treated on equal terms, avoiding integrations or other steps outside algebraic operations. In the second part of the work, we compare our results with the standard forms of the equations of motion associated with the two method and we discuss the role of the transpositional relation and of the commutation rule within the question of equivalence and compatibility of the $${\check{\textrm{C}}}$$

C
ˇ

etaev and vakonomic methods for general nonholonomic systems.
A reproducing kernel Hilbert space approach to singular local stochastic volatility McKean–Vlasov models
Authors: Bayer Christian , Belomestny Denis , Butkovsky Oleg , Schoenmakers John
Published: August 2024

Motivated by the challenges related to the calibration of financial models, we consider the problem of numerically solving a singular McKean–Vlasov equation $$ d X_{t}= \sigma (t,X_{t}) X_{t} \frac{\sqrt{v}_{t}}{\sqrt{\mathbb{E}[v_{t}|X_{t}]}}dW_{t}, $$
d

X
t

=
σ
(
t
,

X
t

)

X
t

v

t

E
[

v
t

|

X
t

]

d

W
t

,
where $W$
W
is a Brownian motion and $v$
v
is an adapted diffusion process. This equation can be considered as a singular local stochastic volatility model. While such models are quite popular among practitioners, its well-posedness has unfortunately not yet been fully understood and in general is possibly not guaranteed at all. We develop a novel regularisation approach based on the reproducing kernel Hilbert space (RKHS) technique and show that the regularised model is well posed. Furthermore, we prove propagation of chaos. We demonstrate numerically that a thus regularised model is able to perfectly replicate option prices coming from typical local volatility models. Our results are also applicable to more general McKean–Vlasov equations.
Identifying studies examining the validity of instruments for use as outcome measures in child and adolescent forensic mental health services: a systematic review
Authors: Walker Graham , Wilson Naomi , Allely Clare S. , Thomson Allan , Smith Helen , Lang Jason
Published: August 2024

Background

Outcome measurement in child and adolescent forensic mental health services can support service improvement, research, and patient progress evaluation. This systematic review aimed to identify studies which validate structured instruments available for use as outcome measures in the child and adolescent forensic mental health service cohort and assess the quality of these studies.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Studies were identified by searching six online databases in November 2023. The quality and risk of bias of each study meeting inclusion criteria was independently assessed by two authors using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool. Results were synthesised narratively.

Results

A total of eight studies were identified which met inclusion criteria. These looked at six instruments which primarily focused on outcome measures in the areas of treatment motivation, level of functioning, psychiatric symptoms, care needs and response to social situations. Papers scored between 17/40 and 30/40 on the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool. Studies were rated as low (n = 1), moderate (n = 6), high (n = 1) or very high quality (n = 0).

Conclusions

Despite the large number of structured instruments potentially available, evidence for their use as outcome measures in child and adolescent forensic mental health services is limited. Future research should aim to validate current structured instruments for use in the forensic child and adolescent setting, with consideration of whether new instruments should be developed specifically for this group. Such instruments should be developed with both young people as service users and professionals who will be utilising the instrument in mind.
Psychometric evaluation of the german version of the parent-adolescent communication scale
Authors: Zapf Holger , Boettcher Johannes
Published: August 2024

The quality of dyadic Parent–Child Communication (PCC) between parents and their adolescent children may be important for the adolescent’s general development and mental health during adolescence. Since German instruments for measuring PCC are still lacking, this study aimed to validate the German translation of the Parent-Adolescent Communication Scale (PACS), an internationally established self-report questionnaire. To examine the theoretical-based two-factor model of the PACS in a German population sample of 1044 parent-adolescent dyads, confirmatory factor analyses were used. Moreover, the cross-group measurement invariance of the instrument was assessed. Two clinical samples were used to assess discriminative validity. Bland–Altman plots were used to asses parent-adolescent agreement. The two-factor structure of the PACS was supported. Scalar measurement invariance was established for parent age groups and adolescent gender but not for adolescent age groups and parent gender. Convergent and divergent validity were established. Discriminative validity was only established for the adolescent version in the adolescent psychiatry sample. Test–retest reliability was satisfactory, and rater agreement was medium. The German translation of the PACS is a reliable and valid measurement to assess parent-adolescent communication quality per self-report. Research directions include the concordance discrepancy in clinical samples and further investigation of changes in parents’ and adolescents’ perspectives on communication problems and open communication. Registration: NCT05332236 (clinicaltrials.gov), first registered 2022-04-11.
Associations of polygenic risk scores differentiating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder from autism spectrum disorder with cognitive and cortical alterations in Schizophrenia patients
Authors: Kuramitsu Ayumi , Ohi Kazutaka , Shioiri Toshiki
Published: August 2024

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorder that shares genetic factors with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A genome-wide association study (GWAS) differentiating ADHD from ASD was performed recently. In this study, we investigated whether polygenic risk scores (PRSs) differentiating ASD from ADHD are associated with cognitive impairments and alterations in cortical structures in SCZ patients. Based on the GWAS data (9,315 ASD and 11,964 ADHD patients), PRSs differentiating ADHD from ASD (indicating a greater risk of ADHD and a lower risk of ASD) were calculated for SCZ patients (n = 168). Cognitive performance, including verbal comprehension (VC), perceptual organization (PO), working memory (WM), and processing speed (PS), was assessed using the WAIS-III (n = 145). The surface areas and cortical thicknesses of 34 bilateral brain regions were extracted using FreeSurfer (n = 126). We examined the associations of these PRSs with cognitive performance and cortical structures in SCZ patients. Among the four cognitive domains, a higher PRS, indicating a greater risk of ADHD, was associated with impaired WM in SCZ patients (beta=-0.21, p = 0.012). A lower PRS, indicating a greater risk of ASD, was associated with decreased surface areas of the left medial orbitofrontal (beta = 0.21, p = 8.29 × 10− 4), left entorhinal (beta = 0.21, p = 0.025), left postcentral (beta = 0.18, p = 7.52 × 10− 3), right fusiform (beta = 0.17, p = 6.64 × 10− 3), and left fusiform cortices (beta = 0.17, p = 7.77 × 10− 3) in SCZ patients. A higher PRS, indicating a greater risk of ADHD, was associated with decreased cortical thickness in the bilateral transverse temporal regions (left, beta=-0.17, p = 0.039; right, beta=-0.17, p = 0.045). Our study revealed a relationship between genetic factors that differentiate ADHD patients from ASD patients and both cortical structure and cognitive performance in SCZ patients. These findings suggest that the heterogeneity of SCZ might be partly derived from genetic factors related to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders other than SCZ.
Is surgeon annual case volume related with intra and postoperative complications after ventral hernia repair? Uni- and multivariate analysis of prospective registry-based data
Authors: van den Berg R. , den Hartog F. P. J. , Menon A. G. , Tanis P. J. , Gillion J. F. ,   The Hernia Club members
Published: August 2024

Background

Literature on a potential relationship between surgeon case volume and intra- or postoperative complications after ventral hernia repair remains scarce.

Methods

Patients who underwent ventral hernia repair between 2011 and 2023 were selected from the prospectively maintained French Hernia-Club Registry. Outcome variables were: intraoperative events, postoperative general complications, surgical site occurrences, surgical site infections, length of intensive care unit (ICU), and patient-reported scar bulging during follow-up. Surgeons’ annual case volume was categorized as 1–5, 6–50, 51–100, 101–125, and > 125 cases, and its association with outcome volume was evaluated using uni- and multivariable analyses.

Results

Over the study period, 199 titular or temporary members registered 15,332 ventral hernia repairs, including 7869 primary, 6173 incisional, and 212 parastomal hernia repairs. In univariate analysis, surgeons’ annual case volume was significantly related with all the postoperative studied outcomes. After multivariate regression analysis, annual case volume remained significantly associated with intra-operative complications, postoperative general complications and length of ICU stay. A primary repair was independently associated with fewer intra- and post-operative complications.

Conclusion

In the present multivariable analysis of a large registry on ventral hernia repairs, higher surgeon annual case volume was significantly related with fewer postoperative general complications and a shorter length of stay, but not with fewer surgical site occurrences, nor with less patient-reported scar bulging. Factors in the surgeons’ case mix such as the type of hernia have significant impact on complication rates.
The foremost and greatest barrier to end-stage heart failure treatment: the impact of caregiver shortage
Authors: Saito Shunsuke , Yoshioka Daisuke , Kawamura Takuji , Kawamura Ai , Misumi Yusuke , Akazawa Yasuhiro , Sera Fusako , Kubota Kaori , Yamauchi Takashi , Sakata Yasushi , Miyagawa Shigeru
Published: August 2024

We examined the number of patients abandoning cardiac replacement therapy due to the inability to secure a designated caregiver. At Osaka University Hospital Heart Center, when we receive a consultation for a patient with severe heart failure from another hospital, a heart failure team makes a visit to the referring hospital as soon as possible. We retrospectively analyzed this hospital-visit database. We received 199 severe heart failure consultations from 2016–2023. Issues identified during hospital visits included age ≥ 65 years (8%), inability to confirm the patient’s intention (8.5%), and explicit refusal of therapy (2.5%). Medical problems included multiple organ failure (18.1%), obesity (13.1%), diabetes (9.5%), malignancy (5.5%), chronic dialysis (1.0%), and other systemic diseases (12.6%). Adherence problems included poor medication compliance (3.5%), history of heavy drinking (2.5%), and smoking (2.0%). Social problems included inadequate family support in 16.1% of patients. Of the 199 patients, 95 (48.0%) proceeded to a heart transplant and LVAD indication review meeting at Osaka University Hospital. The remaining 104 patients (52.0%) did not proceed to the meeting. Reasons included improvement of heart failure with conservative treatment in 37 cases (35.6%), death before discussion in 21 cases (20.2%), medical contraindications in 18 cases (18.3%), lack of caregivers in 18 cases (18.3%; 9.5% of 199 cases), and patient refusal in 5 cases (4.8%). Approximately 10% of patients consulted at Osaka University Hospital Heart Center for severe heart failure abandoned cardiac replacement therapy due to the lack of caregivers.
On Specimen Theoriae Novae de Mensura Sortis of Daniel Bernoulli
Authors: Modesti Paola
Published: August 2024

This piece in the Milestones series is dedicated to the paper “Specimen Theoriae Novae de Mensura Sortis ” by Daniel Bernoulli, published in 1738 on the Commentarii Academiae Scientiarum ImperialisPetropolitanae.
Same-sex sexual behavior in brown-headed spider monkeys (Ateles fusciceps fusciceps) during grappling between two subadult males
Authors: Gottstein Malika , Morelos-Juárez Citlalli , Schaffner Colleen M. , Aureli Filippo
Published: August 2024

Sexual behavior in animals fulfills reproductive and social functions, extending beyond the traditional focus on reproduction. Same-sex sexual behavior, defined as genital contact or manipulation between individuals of the same sex, occurs in various primate species. In spider monkeys, grappling, a behavior involving prolonged mutual embraces, face greeting, tail intertwining, and genital manipulation, occurs primarily between males. Here, we report a novel incidence of same-sex sexual behavior and grappling between two subadult male brown-headed spider monkeys (Ateles fusciceps fusciceps). Our observation contributes to the understanding of the social functions of sexual behavior and to the broader appreciation of primate sexuality.
Bioerosion and encrustation in Late Triassic reef corals from Iran
Authors: Burger Michelle , Dimitrijević Danijela , Kiessling Wolfgang
Published: August 2024

Hard substrate communities can impact coral reef growth by adding or removing calcium carbonate when they act as encrusters or bioeroders, respectively. Although such sclerobiont communities are known across the Phanerozoic, the Triassic saw a substantial increase in reef macrobioerosion. This study provides the first quantitative assessment of sclerobionts in a Late Triassic (Norian) reef coral community (from the Nayband Formation in central Iran) and establishes some post-Paleozoic trends in reef bioerosion. Sclerobionts were common on the dominant coral Pamiroseris rectilamellosa and covered between 0 and 26.4% of total coral surface area among the 145 colonies investigated. Encrustation was significantly more prevalent (1.78% of total area) than bioerosion (0.36% of total area). The underside of corals was 3.5 times more affected by sclerobionts than the upper surfaces. This suggests that the sclerobionts preferentially colonized dead parts of the corals. The main encrusting taxa were polychaete worms (76.2%), followed by bivalves (11.9%). The main bioeroders were Polychaeta (51.4%), Porifera (22.2%), and Bivalvia (20.7%). The lack of a correlation between encrustation and bioerosion intensity suggests that the number of sclerobionts is not simply a function of exposure time before final burial. Our review of the published literature suggests a declining trend in the relative importance of bivalves, polychaetes and cirripeds in reefs, whereas sponges increased in importance from the Triassic until today.
On the applications of neural ordinary differential equations in medical image analysis
Authors: Niu Hao , Zhou Yuxiang , Yan Xiaohao , Wu Jun , Shen Yuncheng , Yi Zhang , Hu Junjie
Published: August 2024

Medical image analysis tasks are characterized by high-noise, volumetric, and multi-modality, posing challenges for the model that attempts to learn robust features from the input images. Over the last decade, deep neural networks (DNNs) have achieved enormous success in medical image analysis tasks, which can be attributed to their powerful feature representation capability. Despite the promising results reported in numerous literature, DNNs are also criticized for several pivotal limits, with one of the limitations is lack of safety. Safety plays an important role in the applications of DNNs during clinical practice, helping the model defend against potential attacks and preventing the model from silent failure prediction. The recently proposed neural ordinary differential equation (NODE), a continuous model bridging the gap between DNNs and ODE, provides a significant advantage in ensuring the model’s safety. Among the variants of NODE, the neural memory ordinary differential equation (nmODE) owns the global attractor theoretically, exhibiting superiority in prompting the model’s performance and robustness during applications. While NODE and its variants have been widely used in medical image analysis tasks, there is a lack of a comprehensive review of their applications, hindering the in-depth understanding of NODE’s working principle and its potential applications. To mitigate this limitation, this paper thoroughly reviews the literature on the applications of NODE in medical image analysis from the following five aspects: segmentation, reconstruction, registration, disease prediction, and data generation. We also summarize both the strengths and downsides of the applications of NODE, followed by the possible research directions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review regards the applications of NODE in the field of medical image analysis. We hope this review can draw the researchers’ attention to the great potential of NODE and its variants in medical image analysis.
Early Change as a Predictor of Treatment Outcome in Patients with a Personality Disorder
Authors: Janse Pauline D. , Vercauteren Sophie , Weggemans Rianne , Tiemens Bea G.
Published: August 2024

A significant proportion of patients with a personality disorder do not benefit from treatment. Monitoring treatment progress can help adjust ineffective treatments. This study examined whether early changes in symptoms and personality dysfunction during the first phase of therapy could predict treatment outcomes. Data from 841 patients who received specialized treatment for personality disorders were analyzed. The study focused on whether changes in the Outcome Questionnaire-45.2 (OQ-45.2) symptom distress scale (SD), the General Assessment of Personality Disorder (GAPD), and Severity Indices of Personality Problems (SIPP) in the early phase of therapy predicted post-treatment personality dysfunction, as measured by the SIPP and GAPD. Early changes within a specific SIPP domain were the strongest predictors of post-treatment outcomes in that same domain. Early changes in symptoms significantly predicted outcomes in Self-Control, Relational Functioning, and Identity Integration, while the GAPD predicted outcomes in Self-Control and Social Attunement on the SIPP. For the GAPD, early changes on the GAPD itself, followed by early changes on the OQ-45 SD and the SIPP domain Social Attunement, were significant predictors. Thus, when it comes to personality dysfunction, early changes in a specific domain or measure are the best predictors of outcomes in that same domain. While the OQ-45 predicted some aspects of personality dysfunction, it should not replace disorder-specific measures. Additionally, the SIPP domains and the GAPD should not be used interchangeably to predict each other. In sum, considering these factors, monitoring early change can be useful in assessing progress in the treatment of patients with personality disorders.
The Associations of Pornography Use and Body Image Among Heterosexual and Sexual Minority Men
Authors: Gewirtz-Meydan Ateret , Bőthe Beáta , Spivak-Lavi Zohar
Published: August 2024

This study investigated the relationship between pornography use and men’s body image, utilizing the social comparison theory as the theoretical framework. The research focused on a moderated mediation model, examining the role of social body comparison as a mediator between pornography use (frequency and problematic use) and men’s body image. The sample consisted of 726 men aged 18–68, with 223 (30.7%) identifying as sexual minorities. Sexual minority men reported higher levels of pornography use frequency, problematic use, perceived realism, social body comparison, negative body image, and psychological distress compared to heterosexual men. Findings revealed that problematic pornography use (but not frequency of use) was related to higher levels of social body comparison, which, in turn, were related to higher levels of negative body image. The perceived realism in pornography did not moderate the examined associations. Clinicians should consider the impact of the relationship between pornography and body image among men.
Woody invaders of a temperate forest have unique root-associated fungal communities
Authors: Lamit L. J. , Frank D. A. , Fridley J. D.
Published: August 2024

Non-native, invasive plants are increasingly common in Eastern North American forests, but their impact on soil fungi remains unclear. We used DNA metabarcoding to investigate the effects of nativity, plant mycorrhizal type and soil factors on root-associated fungal communities. We focused on understory woody plants in a deciduous forest tract in central New York state, and included three plant types, invasive arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM), native AM, and native ectomycorrhizal (EM), each represented by 3–5 species. We found lower fungal operational taxonomic unit (OTU) diversity in EM than AM plants, but no OTU diversity difference between native and invasive AM species. Pathogen OTU richness and relative abundance were not distinct between plant types. OTU composition was influenced by host mycorrhizal type and by AM plant nativity, with mycorrhizal fungi being important drivers in both cases. The relationships of soil characteristics (e.g., pH) with OTU composition were independent of plant nativity and mycorrhizal type. Specific root length of native AM species was lower than that of invasive AM plants, while EM plants were intermediate. Irrespective of plant type, OTU composition was distinct among plant species, particularly in fungal communities associated with the invader Rhamnus cathartica. These results suggest that invasive AM plants may shift fungal composition relative to native AM and EM plants, with potential long-term consequences for soil biodiversity.
FBLN2 is associated with basal cell markers Krt14 and ITGB1 in mouse mammary epithelial cells and has a preferential expression in molecular subtypes of human breast cancer
Authors: WalyEldeen Amr Ahmed , Sabet Salwa , Anis Shady E. , Stein Torsten , Ibrahim Ayman M.
Published: August 2024

Background

Fibulin-2 (FBLN2) is a secreted extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein and has been identified in the mouse mammary gland, in cap cells of terminal end buds (TEBs) during puberty, and around myoepithelial cells during early pregnancy. It is required for basement membrane (BM) integrity in mammary epithelium, and its loss has been associated with human breast cancer invasion. Herein, we attempted to confirm the relevance of FBLN2 to myoepithelial phenotype in mammary epithelium and to assess its expression in molecular subtypes of human breast cancer.

Methods

The relationship between FBLN2 expression and epithelial markers was investigated in pubertal mouse mammary glands and the EpH4 mouse mammary epithelial cell line using immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, and immunoblotting. Human breast cancer mRNA data from the METABRIC and TCGA datasets from Bioportal were analyzed to assess the association of Fbln2 expression with epithelial markers, and with molecular subtypes. Survival curves were generated using data from the METABRIC dataset and the KM databases.

Results

FBLN2 knockdown in mouse mammary epithelial cells was associated with a reduction in KRT14 and an increase in KRT18. Further, TGFβ3 treatment resulted in the upregulation of FBLN2 in vitro. Meta-analyses of human breast cancer datasets from Bioportal showed a higher expression of Fbln2 mRNA in claudin-low, LumA, and normal-like breast cancers compared to LumB, Her2 +, and Basal-like subgroups. Fbln2 mRNA levels were positively associated with mesenchymal markers, myoepithelial markers, and markers of epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Higher expression of Fbln2 mRNA was associated with better prognosis in less advanced breast cancer and this pattern was reversed in more advanced lesions.

Conclusion

With further validation, these observations may offer a molecular prognostic tool for human breast cancer for more personalized therapeutic approaches.
Iron Cage for Indigenous Entrepreneurs? Understanding the Movement and Impact of External Ideas on Indigenous Entrepreneurship in Ecuador
Authors: Solorzano Bajaña Bryan
Published: August 2024

This study examines the dynamics of how ideas about entrepreneurship are transmitted from Public Organizations (POs) and Non-Public Organizations (NPOs) to Indigenous entrepreneurs, using a case study in Ecuador based on 29 interviews and field observations. Employing the concept of Institutional Translation, a three-stage translation process model was developed, encompassing the conveyance of ideas about entrepreneurship from POs and NPOs, the response by Indigenous entrepreneurs, and the evaluation of translation outcomes. This process occurs within a high institutional distance context, reflecting significant cultural and social disparities between these actors, complicating the translation process. The findings indicate that POs and NPOs do not differentiate Indigenous entrepreneurs from others and fail to consider essential cultural components, such as traditional knowledge, when conveying ideas about entrepreneurship. Conversely, Indigenous entrepreneurs exhibit diverse levels of adoption and rejection of these ideas, highlighting their agency and resilience in protecting and continuing to use their traditional knowledge in their entrepreneurial activities despite external pressures. This research makes three contributions: it advances the field of Indigenous entrepreneurship by theorizing the complex process of transferring ideas about entrepreneurship from external actors to Indigenous entrepreneurs; it enhances business ethics discourse on the critical role of cultural differences by examining the ethical challenges arising from the interaction; and it addresses overlooked aspects within Institutional Translation by exploring a high institutional distance context where cultural disparities complicate the translation process.
Biomedical application of TiO2NPs can cause arterial thrombotic risks through triggering procoagulant activity, activation and aggregation of platelets
Authors: Bian Yiying , Jin Qiushuo , He Jinrui , Ngo Thien , Bae Ok-Nam , Xing Liguo , Pi Jingbo , Chung Han Young , Xu Yuanyuan
Published: August 2024

Background

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) are widely used in medical application. However, the relevant health risk has not been completely assessed, the potential of inducing arterial thrombosis (AT) in particular.

Methods

Alterations in platelet function and susceptibility to arterial thrombosis induced by TiO2NPs were examined using peripheral blood samples from healthy adult males and an in vivo mouse model, respectively.

Results

Here, using human platelets (hPLTs) freshly isolated from health volunteers, we demonstrated TiO2NP treatment triggered the procoagulant activity of hPLTs through phosphatidylserine exposure and microvesicles generation. In addition, TiO2NP treatment increased the levels of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa and P-selectin leading to aggregation and activation of hPLTs, which were exacerbated by providing physiology-mimicking conditions, including introduction of thrombin, collagen, and high shear stress. Interestingly, intracellular calcium levels in hPLTs were increased upon TiO2NP treatment, which were crucial in TiO2NP-induced hPLT procoagulant activity, activation and aggregation. Moreover, using mice in vivo models, we further confirmed that TiO2NP treatment a reduction in mouse platelet (mPLT) counts, disrupted blood flow, and exacerbated carotid arterial thrombosis with enhanced deposition of mPLT.

Conclusions

Together, our study provides evidence for an ignored health risk caused by TiO2NPs, specifically TiO2NP treatment augments procoagulant activity, activation and aggregation of PLTs via calcium-dependent mechanism and thus increases the risk of AT.

Graphical Abstract
Extended Producer Responsibility and Trade Flows in Waste: The Case of Batteries
Authors: Compagnoni Marco , Grazzi Marco , Pieri Fabio , Tomasi Chiara
Published: August 2024

In the debate on international waste trade, the focus on resource efficiency and recycling has gradually begun to accompany the focus on negative environmental externalities. In this context, we examine the impact of extended producer responsibility (EPR) on the export of waste batteries (WB). EPR is considered as a key policy for the “marketization of waste”. WB are a hazardous waste that also contain a high concentration of critical raw materials. As such, they are of strategic importance for the recovery of critical resources, while at the same time requiring proper environmental management. Therefore, it is crucial to understand where WB are treated and how this is affected by related policies. Our results, based on difference-in-difference models in a gravity framework, show a consistent increase in WB exports after EPR implementation compared to the trend for other wastes. This result is likely to be an indirect consequence of the ability of EPR to support growth in waste collection rates, more accurate tracking of transboundary waste flows, and specialization of national waste management systems. In particular, WB exports appear to be directed to countries with more advanced waste management systems, more stringent environmental regulations, and limited endowments of the mineral resources typically contained in batteries.