bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Good practices for the automated production of 18F-SiFA radiopharmaceuticals
Authors: Blok Simon , Wängler Carmen , Bartenstein Peter , Jurkschat Klaus , Schirrmacher Ralf , Lindner Simon
Published: October 2023

Background

The positron emitting isotope fluorine-18 (18F) possesses almost ideal physicochemical properties for the development of radiotracers for diagnostic molecular imaging employing positron emission tomography (PET). 18F in its nucleophilic anionic 18F− form is usually prepared by bombarding an enriched 18O water target with protons of various energies between 5 and 20 MeV depending on the technical specifications of the cyclotron. Large thick-target yields between 5 and 14 GBq/µA can be obtained, enough to prepare large batches of radiotracers capable to serve a considerable contingent of patients (50 + per clinical batch). The overall yield of the radiotracer however depends on the efficiency of the 18F labeling chemistry. The Silicon Fluoride Acceptor chemistry (SiFA) has introduced a convenient and highly efficient way to provide clinical peptide-based 18F-radiotracers in a kit-like procedure matching the convenience of 99mTc radiopharmaceuticals.

Main body

A radiotracer’s clinical success primarily hinges on whether its synthesis can be automated. Due to its simplicity, the SiFA chemistry, which is based on isotopic exchange (18F for 19F), does not only work in a manual setup but has been proven to be automatable, yielding large batches of 18F-radiotracers of high molar activity (Am). The production of SiFA radiotracer can be centralized and the radiopharmaceutical be distributed via the “satellite” principle, where one production facility economically serves multiple clinical application sites. Clinically validated tracers such as [18F]SiTATE and [18F]Ga-rhPSMA-7/-7.3 have been synthesized in an automated synthesis unit under good manufacturing practice conditions and used in large patient cohorts. Communication of common guidelines and practices is warranted to further the dissemination of SiFA radiopharmaceuticals and to give easy access to this technology.

Conclusion

This current review highlights the most recent achievements in SiFA radiopharmaceutical automation geared towards large batch production for clinical application. Best practice advice and guidance towards a facilitated implementation of the SiFA technology into new and already operating PET tracer production facilities is provided. A brief outlook spotlights the future potential of SiFA radiochemistry within the landscape of non-canonical labeling chemistries.
Protection of lipopolysaccharide-induced otic injury by a single dose administration of a novel dexamethasone formulation
Authors: Murillo-Cuesta Silvia , Lara Ester , Bermúdez-Muñoz Jose M. , Torres-Campos Elena , Rodríguez-de la Rosa Lourdes , López-Larrubia Pilar , Erickson Signe R. , Varela-Nieto Isabel
Published: October 2023

Background

The blood-labyrinth barrier (BLB) separates the inner ear from the circulation and is critical for maintaining ionic homeostasis and limiting the entry of deleterious agents. BLB integrity is disrupted by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which elicits a strong inflammatory response in the inner ear leading to irreversible otic damage. Prolonged administration of systemic corticosteroids is the available treatment, but it shows both limited efficacy and major adverse effects. SPT-2101 is a novel in situ-forming gel formulation of dexamethasone allowing slow and sustained drug release after single intratympanic administration.

Methods

We used a rat model of LPS-induced injury to define the functional, cellular and molecular mechanisms associated to BLB dysfunction and the protection by SPT-2101. Hearing was assessed by auditory brainstem response (ABR) recording, BLB permeability by gadolinium dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and Evans blue extravasation. Gross cochlear histology and cellular alterations were studied by hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunofluorescence. RT-qPCR, PCR array and western blotting were used to assess transcriptional and protein changes.

Results

LPS-challenged rats showed BLB breakdown and altered permeability as shown by the progressive increase in cochlear gadolinium uptake and Evans blue incorporation. LPS administration increased the cochlear expression of the LPS toll-like receptors Tlr2 and co-receptor Cd14, pro-inflammatory cytokines and receptors such as Il1b and ll1r1, and also the oxidative stress and inflammasome mediators NRF2 and NLRP3. LPS also increased IBA1-positive macrophage infiltration in the lateral wall and spiral ganglion. A single intratympanic injection of SPT-2101 protected BLB integrity and prevented otic injury. Comparable effects were obtained by repeated administration of systemic dexamethasone, but not by a single dose. SPT-2101 administration normalized molecular inflammatory mediators and suppressed macrophage infiltration.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that single local administration of dexamethasone formulated as SPT-2101 protects BLB functional integrity during endotoxemia, providing a novel therapeutic opportunity to treat diseases related to BLB dysfunction.
Vertical transmission of gut bacteria in commercial chickens is limited
Authors: Shterzer Naama , Rothschild Nir , Sbehat Yara , Dayan Jonathan , Eytan Dor , Uni Zehava , Mills Erez
Published: October 2023

The existence of vertical transmission in chickens under commercial settings, where chicks are raised separately from adults, is unclear. To answer this question, the fecal microbiota of chicks hatched and grown separately was compared with their mothers’ microbiota. Most amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) identified in hens were not detected at all in chicks up to two weeks of age by 16S rDNA sequencing, and those that were detected had a low incidence among the chicks. Nevertheless, a few ASVs that were common with the hens were highly prevalent among the chicks, implying that they were efficiently transmitted to chicks. These ASVs were culturable from the reproductive tract of hens and eggshells. Furthermore, interventions attempting to disrupt transmission resulted in a reduction in the prevalence of specific phylogenetic groups in chicks. To conclude, vertical transmission in commercial poultry grown separately from adults likely exists but is not efficient, possibly resulting in impairment of microbiota function. This implies that artificial exposure to adult bacterial strains might improve microbiota functioning.
Splenogonadal fusion- a great clinical masquerader: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Kumar T. Seetam , Sarangi Pradosh Kumar , Swarup M. Sarthak , Chhabra Sonia
Published: October 2023

Background

Splenogonadal fusion (SGF) is a rare developmental choristoma in which ectopic splenic tissue is aberrantly attached to the gonads, mostly in the scrotum. It is a great clinical masquerader, and accurate preoperative diagnosis is often difficult due to the rarity of this entity. Many patients tend to undergo unnecessary surgical explorations and also orchiectomy. Accordingly, this article aims to review the latest literature regarding SGF and a description of the radiological features of this rare entity. Multiple systematic methods were used to find the latest publications on splenogonadal fusion by searching the Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases online since 2013. The latest comprehensive review of this rare entity was of 61 cases by Malik et al. in 2013. We reviewed all the cases of SGF reported in the literature in the last 10 years between 2013 and 2022 with an emphasis on diverse clinical presentations and radiologic findings. Along with this, a surgical and pathological proved case of SGF will be presented with emphasis on imaging findings. Splenogondal fusion is an uncommon differential diagnosis in patients with scrotal swelling. The current literature review showed the discontinuous type (63%) of SGF to be more common than the continuous (37%) type in contradiction to the previous literature review. Orchiectomy was done in 36% of cases as compared to 24% as described in the latest review by Malik et al.

Conclusions

Knowledge of this entity along with familiarization with its imaging features among radiologists is essential for surgical prognostication and avoiding unnecessary orchiectomy. We suggest that the addition of colour Doppler and elastography to routine grey-scale ultrasound can increase diagnostic confidence. Subsequent cross-sectional imaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) helps categorize the subtype and pre-operative planning.
Digital staining in optical microscopy using deep learning - a review
Authors: Kreiss Lucas , Jiang Shaowei , Li Xiang , Xu Shiqi , Zhou Kevin C. , Lee Kyung Chul , Mühlberg Alexander , Kim Kanghyun , Chaware Amey , Ando Michael , Barisoni Laura , Lee Seung Ah , Zheng Guoan , Lafata Kyle J. , Friedrich Oliver , Horstmeyer Roarke
Published: October 2023

Until recently, conventional biochemical staining had the undisputed status as well-established benchmark for most biomedical problems related to clinical diagnostics, fundamental research and biotechnology. Despite this role as gold-standard, staining protocols face several challenges, such as a need for extensive, manual processing of samples, substantial time delays, altered tissue homeostasis, limited choice of contrast agents, 2D imaging instead of 3D tomography and many more. Label-free optical technologies, on the other hand, do not rely on exogenous and artificial markers, by exploiting intrinsic optical contrast mechanisms, where the specificity is typically less obvious to the human observer. Over the past few years, digital staining has emerged as a promising concept to use modern deep learning for the translation from optical contrast to established biochemical contrast of actual stainings. In this review article, we provide an in-depth analysis of the current state-of-the-art in this field, suggest methods of good practice, identify pitfalls and challenges and postulate promising advances towards potential future implementations and applications.
Evaluation of calprotectin and ischemia-modified albumin serum levels as biomarkers to measure disease activity in Behçet’s disease
Authors: Adel Yasmin , Sadeq Yousra , Machaly Shereen A.
Published: October 2023

Background

Although several cytokines and markers have been recognized to assess disease activity in Behçet’s disease (BD), they are not routinely utilized in daily practice. This study aimed at assessing the usefulness of calprotectin and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) serum concentrations to measure disease activity in BD.

Results

The active BD cases had significantly greater IMA serum levels than inactive BD cases (p = 0.013) and controls (p < 0.001). In addition, the inactive BD group had significantly higher IMA serum levels than controls (p < 0.001). The serum calprotectin levels in active and inactive BD groups were significantly greater compared to those measured in controls (p < 0.001). On the other hand, the difference in serum calprotectin concentration was insignificant between the active and inactive BD patients. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that hs-CRP and IMA serum levels are the strongest predictors for the activity of the active BD (p = 0.011 and 0.005, respectively). ROC curve analysis for the ability of IMA serum level to discriminate between active and inactive BD groups revealed an AUC = 0.738.

Conclusion

Serum calprotectin and IMA concentrations were significantly elevated in BD. IMA was significantly greater among active BD cases in comparison to inactive BD cases indicating its potential importance as a new marker of activity in BD.

Trial registration

Trial registration on ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05868538.
Developing operating speed models for elevated multilane urban arterials using artificial neural networks
Authors: Said Dalia , Reyad Fady , Talaat Hoda
Published: October 2023

Operating speed models help assess and evaluate geometric design consistency along successive road segments. The development of operating speed models has been mostly focused on rural two-lane two-way highways, where horizontal curvature plays a dominant role in speed prediction. The need to enhance the prediction power of operating speed models and ability to capture more complex relationships within an urban setting have motivated this investigation. This research investigates the use of artificial neural networks, to develop operating speed models for multilane urban elevated arterial roads. Variables investigated in this study included geometric/operational features of a road segment in addition to the residual impact of the characteristics of upstream segments. A data collection exercise was undertaken on two major urban elevated arterial roads in Greater Cairo Region, Egypt: 6th of October and Saft Al-Laban corridors. Speed data was extracted from Google Distance Matrix Application Programming Interface and validated using test vehicle speed data. A regression-based modeling exercise was undertaken in the preliminary investigation phase to serve as a benchmark for the intended machine learning modeling exercise. Results showed that the prediction power of the developed ANN models — capturing the residual effect of upstream speeds — outperformed regression-based ones. The best-performing model used operating speeds of two upstream segments in addition to geometric/operational features of the segment under investigation to predict the segment operating speed (the model reported MAPE of 6.7%). Outputs of this model were used in a design consistency evaluation and potential transferability exercises to further investigate the model practicality.
Persistent Lower Extremity Compensation for Sagittal Imbalance After Surgical Correction of Complex Adult Spinal Deformity: A Radiographic Analysis of Early Impact
Authors: Williamson Tyler K. , Dave Pooja , Mir Jamshaid M. , Smith Justin S. , Lafage Renaud , Line Breton , Diebo Bassel G. , Daniels Alan H. , Gum Jeffrey L. , Protopsaltis Themistocles S. , Hamilton D. Kojo , Soroceanu Alex , Scheer Justin K. , Eastlack Robert , Kelly Michael P. , Nunley Pierce , Kebaish Khaled M. , Lewis Stephen , Lenke Lawrence G. , Hostin Richard A. , Gupta Munish C. , Kim Han Jo , Ames Christopher P. , Hart Robert A. , Burton Douglas C. , Shaffrey Christopher I. , Klineberg Eric O. , Schwab Frank J. , Lafage Virginie , Chou Dean , Fu Kai-Ming , Bess Shay , Passias Peter G.
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Achieving spinopelvic realignment during adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery does not always produce ideal outcomes. Little is known whether compensation in lower extremities (LEs) plays a role in this disassociation. The objective is to analyze lower extremity compensation after complex ASD surgery, its effect on outcomes, and whether correction can alleviate these mechanisms.

METHODS:

We included patients with complex ASD with 6-week data. LE parameters were as follows: sacrofemoral angle, knee flexion angle, and ankle flexion angle. Each parameter was ranked, and upper tertile was deemed compensation. Patients compensating and not compensating postoperatively were propensity score matched for body mass index, frailty, and T1 pelvic angle. Linear regression assessed correlation between LE parameters and baseline deformity, demographics, and surgical details. Multivariate analysis controlling for baseline deformity and history of total knee/hip arthroplasty evaluated outcomes.

RESULTS:

Two hundred and ten patients (age: 61.3 ± 14.1 years, body mass index: 27.4 ± 5.8 kg/m2, Charlson Comorbidity Index: 1.1 ± 1.6, 72% female, 22% previous total joint arthroplasty, 24% osteoporosis, levels fused: 13.1 ± 3.8) were included. At baseline, 59% were compensating in LE: 32% at hips, 39% knees, and 36% ankles. After correction, 61% were compensating at least one joint. Patients undercorrected postoperatively were less likely to relieve LE compensation (odds ratio: 0.2, P = .037). Patients compensating in LE were more often undercorrected in age-adjusted pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence, lumbar lordosis, and T1 pelvic angle and disproportioned in Global Alignment and Proportion (P < .05). Patients matched in sagittal age–adjusted score at 6 weeks but compensating in LE were more likely to develop proximal junctional kyphosis (odds ratio: 4.1, P = .009) and proximal junctional failure (8% vs 0%, P = .035) than those sagittal age–adjusted score-matched and not compensating in LE.

CONCLUSION:

Perioperative lower extremity compensation was a product of undercorrecting complex ASD. Even in age-adjusted realignment, compensation was associated with global undercorrection and junctional failure. Consideration of lower extremities during planning is vital to avoid adverse outcomes in perioperative course after complex ASD surgery.
A Novel Braided Stent With Customized Simulation Software for Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms: Multicenter Prospective Trial Before Unrestricted Clinical Application
Authors: Kan Issei , Oishi Hidenori , Hyodo Akio , Nemoto Shigeru , Fujimura Soichiro , Ishibashi Toshihiro , Sumita Kazutaka , Takigawa Tomoji , Teranishi Kohsuke , Kodama Tomonobu , Kato Naoki , Takao Hiroyuki , Murayama Yuichi
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Planning/guidance software became important tools for physicians' presurgical optimal decision-making. However, there are no intracranial stent products with specifically associated simulation software. We report the “premarket” clinical trial of a new braided stent with a customized simulation software.

METHODS:

A stent system with 3 mesh density types (16, 24, and 32 wire mesh) was designed based on computational flow dynamics technology, and a simulation software (virtual stent planner [VSP]) was developed for the optimal stent deployment planning. Stents were selected after simulation on preoperative 3D-processed angioimages, and accuracy of the VSP was evaluated.

RESULTS:

Thirty-three unruptured intracranial aneurysms were successfully treated with VSP guidance. Twenty aneurysms (61%) were anterior circulation aneurysms, and 13 (39%) were posterior circulation aneurysms. The average aneurysm size was 7.1 mm, and the mean follow-up period was 19.2 months (11-39.0). There was no major recurrence or retreatment during follow-up, 2 morbidity cases, and no mortality. VSP planning presented slightly smaller stent dimensions compared with postdeployment: 24.2 vs 25.5 mm average, error —1.3 mm, and difference rate—5.46%.

CONCLUSION:

Based on this result, the new stents and software guidance system were approved by the Ministry of Health and Welfare as a combined medical device. VSP provided precise deployment with minimal error compared with actual stent and can contribute to better stent deployment even for less experienced physicians.
Transorbital Exposure of the Internal Carotid Artery: A Detailed Anatomic and Quantitative Roadmap for Safe Successful Surgery
Authors: Corrivetti Francesco , Guizzardi Giulia , Bove Ilaria , Enseñat Joaquim , Prats-Galino Alberto , Solari Domenico , Cavallo Luigi Maria , Iaconetta Giorgio , Di Somma Alberto , de Notaris Matteo
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The superior eyelid endoscopic transorbital approach has rapidly gained popularity among neurosurgeons for its advantages in the treatment, in a minimally invasive fashion, of a large variety of skull base pathologies. In this study, an anatomic description of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is provided to identify risky zones related to lesions that may be approached using this technique. In this framework, a practical roadmap can help the surgeon to avoid potentially life-threatening iatrogenic vascular injuries.

METHODS:

Eight embalmed adult cadaveric specimens (16 sides) injected with a mixture of red latex and iodinate contrast underwent superior eyelid transorbital endoscopic approach, followed by interdural dissection of the cavernous sinus, extradural anterior clinoidectomy, and anterior petrosectomy, to expose the entire “transorbital” pathway of the ICA. Furthermore, the distance of each segment of the ICA explored by means of the superior eyelid endoscopic transorbital approach was quantitatively analyzed using a neuronavigation system.

RESULTS:

We exposed 4 distinct ICA segments and named the anatomic window in which they are displayed in accordance with the cavernous sinus triangles distribution of the middle cranial fossa: (1) clinoidal (Dolenc), (2) infratrochlear (Parkinson), (3) anteromedial (Mullan), and (4) petrous (Kawase). Critical anatomy and key surgical landmarks were defined to further identify the main danger zones during the different steps of the approach.

CONCLUSION:

A detailed knowledge of the reliable surgical landmarks of the course of the ICA as seen through an endoscopic transorbital route and its relationship with the cranial nerves are essential to perform a safe and successful surgery.
Deficiency of the Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein U locus leads to delayed hindbrain neurogenesis
Authors: Mastropasqua Francesca , Oksanen Marika , Soldini Cristina , Alatar Shemim , Arora Abishek , Ballarino Roberto , Molinari Maya , Agostini Federico , Poulet Axel , Watts Michelle , Rabkina Ielyzaveta , Becker Martin , Li Danyang , Anderlid Britt-Marie , Isaksson Johan , Lundin Remnelius Karl , Moslem Mohsen , Jacob Yannick , Falk Anna , Crosetto Nicola , Bienko Magda , Santini Emanuela , Borgkvist Anders , Bölte Sven , Tammimies Kristiina
Published: October 2023

Genetic variants affecting Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein U (HNRNPU) have been identified in several neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). HNRNPU is widely expressed in the human brain and shows the highest postnatal expression in the cerebellum. Recent studies have investigated the role of HNRNPU in cerebral cortical development, but the effects of HNRNPU deficiency on cerebellar development remain unknown. Here, we describe the molecular and cellular outcomes of HNRNPU locus deficiency during in vitro neural differentiation of patient-derived and isogenic neuroepithelial stem cells with a hindbrain profile. We demonstrate that HNRNPU deficiency leads to chromatin remodeling of A/B compartments, and transcriptional rewiring, partly by impacting exon inclusion during mRNA processing. Genomic regions affected by the chromatin restructuring and host genes of exon usage differences show a strong enrichment for genes implicated in epilepsies, intellectual disability, and autism. Lastly, we show that at the cellular level HNRNPU downregulation leads to an increased fraction of neural progenitors in the maturing neuronal population. We conclude that the HNRNPU locus is involved in delayed commitment of neural progenitors to differentiate in cell types with hindbrain profile.
Policy analysis on municipal solid waste management in Dhaka South City Corporation, Bangladesh: A qualitative study
Authors: Sultana Tangila , Azim Nafiul , Akuju Faridah , Joarder Taufique
Published: October 2023

Background: Inadequate and improper municipal solid waste (MSW) management is one of the significant reasons behind the environmental deterioration in Bangladesh. The projected daily waste generation for 2025 in Dhaka City is 47,665 tons, half of which remains uncollected despite door-to-door community-based waste collection. There are few studies on MSW management in Bangladesh, most focusing on household-level waste management, measurement of the amount of MSW, etc., but none applied a political economy lens to examine the policy issues related to MSW management. This study aimed to explore the context, actors, and processes regarding MSW management of policies in Dhaka City, Bangladesh, applying the policy-triangle-framework.

Methods: This study adopted an exploratory qualitative approach, and document reviews and key informant interviews were conducted from September 2016 to January 2017.

Results: We found that the issue of MSW slowly entered the policy documents starting with the Sixth-Five Year Plan (2011-2015), with some earlier sporadic policy initiatives. Due to its being a relatively new concept, stakeholders still lack the expertise to tackle the issue leading to donor dependence. MSW management demands multi-stakeholder involvement, which, in turn, depends on multi-ministerial and -departmental coordination, which is chronically deficient. MSW policies, like most other social policies, demand citizen involvement, without which both policy formulation processes and their proper implementation are compromised.

Conclusion: In order to overcome these policy challenges, the technical and financial capacity of the stakeholders for MSW management should be enhanced, high-level multi-ministerial coordination needs to be strengthened, and citizen empowerment and engagement must be ensured at every step of the MSW policy cycle.
CIViCutils: Matching and downstream processing of clinical annotations from CIViC
Authors: Rosano-Gonzalez María L. , Sreedharan Vipin T. , Hanns Antoine , Stekhoven Daniel J. , Singer Franziska
Published: October 2023

Background: With the advent of next-generation sequencing, profiling the genetic landscape of tumors entered clinical diagnostics, bringing the resolution of precision oncology to unprecedented levels. However, the wealth of information generated in a sequencing experiment can be difficult to manage, especially if hundreds of mutations need to be interpreted in a clinical context. Dedicated methods and databases are required that assist in interpreting the importance of a mutation for disease progression, prognosis, and with respect to therapy. Here, the CIViC knowledgebase is a valuable curated resource, however, utilizing CIViC in an efficient way for querying a large number of mutations needs sophisticated downstream methods.

Methods: To this end, we have developed CIViCutils, a Python package to query, annotate, prioritize, and summarize information from the CIViC database. Our package provides functionality for performing high-throughput searches in CIViC, automatically matching clinical evidence to input variants, evaluating the accuracy of the extracted variant matches, fully exploiting the available disease-specific information according to cancer types of interest, and in-silico predicting drug-target interactions tailored to individual patients.

Results: CIViCutils allows the simultaneous query of hundreds of mutations and is able to harmonize input across different nomenclatures. Moreover, it supports gene expression data, single nucleotide mutations, as well as copy number alterations as input. We utilized CIViCutils in a study on the bladder cancer cohort from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA-BLCA), where it helped to extract clinically relevant mutations for personalized therapy recommendation.

Conclusions: CIViCutils is an easy-to-use Python package that can be integrated into workflows for profiling the genetic landscape of tumor samples. It streamlines interpreting large numbers of variants with retrieving and processing curated CIViC information.
Efficacy of scapular and upper limb proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques on scapular alignment, upper limb function, and gait in subacute stroke: a randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors: Saklecha Akshaya , Quershi Moh’d Irshad , Raghuveer Raghumahanti , Harjpal Pallavi
Published: October 2023

Background: Stroke is a neurological disability produced by vascular-related acute focal injury to the central nervous system and is one of the leading causes of disability in adults, and it is frequently accompanied by motor skill loss. Patients suffering from hemiplegia after a stroke are more prone to have fall and are more likely to experience further injury due to irregular gait, diminished muscular strength, and functional impairment. In the affected upper limb of the hemiplegic stroke, spasticity in the shoulder girdle causes scapular malalignment, which reduces the functional mobility and stability of the upper limb. This is reflected as the reduced reciprocal arm swing during walking, which is further reinforced by an abnormal synergy pattern on the affected side. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is a treatment strategy that stimulates motor activity and enhances control and function of the neuromuscular system. This research protocol is intended to assess and evaluate the effects of applying scapular and upper limb PNF along with conventional physiotherapy treatment to subacute-stroke patients on their scapular alignment, upper limb function, and gait.

Methods: A total of 40 individuals in total will be allocated equally into two groups, group-A (experimental) and group-B (control). Both groups will be receiving treatment for six weeks with five sessions per week. Each patient will be examined both before and after therapy using the Palpation Meter (PALM), the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), 10-Meter Walk Test, Handheld dynamometer (10MWT), and Dynamic gait index (DGI). After six weeks of therapy, the results will be assessed and the data will be analyzed before and after the intervention using a paired t-test to discover within-group differences in measurements.

Conclusions: This physiotherapy method may be used in the management of stroke patients if our study's hypothesis is found to be valid.

Registration: CTRI (CTRI/2023/05/052930, 19/05/2023).
Evaluating community-wide temporal sampling in passive acoustic monitoring: A comprehensive study of avian vocal patterns in subtropical montane forests
Authors: Wu Shih-Hung , Ko Jerome Chie-Jen , Lin Ruey-Shing , Chang-Yang Chia-Hao , Chang Hsueh-Wen
Published: October 2023

Background: Passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) has become a popular tool for bird monitoring, with vocal activity rate (VAR) being a key metric to gauge bird populations. However, the effective temporal sampling design at the community level for representative VAR data remains underexplored. Methods: In this study, we used vocalizations extracted from recordings of 12 bird species, taken at 14 PAM stations situated in subtropical montane forests over a four-month period, to assess the impact of temporal sampling on VAR across three distinct scales: seasonal, diel, and hourly. For seasonal sampling analysis, we employed hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and the coefficient of variation (CV). Generalized additive models (GAMs) were utilized for diel sampling analysis, and we determined the average difference in VAR values per minute for the hourly sampling analysis. Results: We identified significant day and species-specific VAR fluctuations. The survey season was divided into five segments; the earliest two showed high variability and are best avoided for surveys. Data from days with heavy rain and strong winds showed reduced VAR values and should be excluded from analysis. Continuous recordings spanning at least seven days, extending to 14 days is optimal for minimizing sampling variance. Morning chorus recordings effectively capture the majority of bird vocalizations, and hourly sampling with frequent, shorter intervals aligns closely with continuous recording outcomes. Conclusions: While our findings are context-specific, they highlight the significance of strategic sampling in avian monitoring, optimizing resource utilization and enhancing the breadth of monitoring efforts.
Developing a core outcome set (COS) for Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB)
Authors: Grycuk Emilia , Eichenholtz Emily , Aarsland Dag , Betzhold Sara , Daly Gillian , Fitzpatrick Rachel , Folkerts Ann-Kristin , Kalbe Elke , Kane Joseph PM , Kinchin Irina , Saldanha Ian J , Smith Valerie , Taylor John-Paul , Thompson Rachel , Leroi Iracema
Published: October 2023

Background: Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is an important cause of dementia with a range of clinical manifestations, including motor, neuropsychiatric, and autonomic symptoms. Compared with more common forms of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease, DLB has been the focus of significantly fewer treatment studies, often with diverse outcome measures, making comparison and clinical implementation difficult. A core outcome set (COS) can address this by ensuring that data are comparable, relevant, useful, and usable for making the best healthcare decisions.

Methods: Using a multi-stage approach, development of the DLB-COS will include the following stages: (1) A systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines to create an initial long list of outcomes; (2) A two-round online Delphi including clinicians, scientists, policymakers, and individuals with lived experience of DLB and their representatives; (3) An online consensus meeting to agree on the final core list of outcomes (the final DLB-COS) for use in research and clinical practice; (4) A literature search to identify appropriate measurement instruments for the DLB-COS outcomes; (5) A final consensus meeting of the professional stakeholders who attended the online consensus meeting to agree on the instruments that should be used to measure the outcomes in the DLB-COS; and (6) Global dissemination.

Discussion: This is a multi-stage project to develop a COS to be used in treatment trials for DLB. A DLB-COS will ensure the selection of relevant outcomes and will identify the instruments to be used to measure DLB globally.
Communication partner training for student health and social care professionals engaging with people with stroke acquired communication difficulties: A realist review.
Authors: Fitzmaurice Yvonne , Beeke Suzanne , Isaksen Jytte , Cunningham Una , Jagoe Caroline , Shé Éidín Ní , McMenamin Ruth
Published: October 2023

Background: Stroke acquired communication impairments impede effective communication. Consequently, in stroke care, communicative interactions can be challenging for both patients and staff and can predispose patients to increased risk of preventable adverse events. Communication partner training (CPT) can mitigate such negative outcomes by optimising communicative interactions. Providing CPT to student health and social care professionals (SH&SCPs) has the potential to enhance their clinical expertise and experiences and enhance the future clinical care of patients with stroke acquired communication impairments. This research aims to expand our understanding of how CPT is operationalised for SH&SCPs in higher education institutions and determine: what works; for whom; in what contexts; how and why?

Methods: This review is phase 1 of a research project employing a realist approach with public and patient involvement (PPI). It incorporates five iterative steps: 1.) Clarifying the scope; 2.) Searching for evidence; 3.) Selecting and appraising evidence; 4.) Data extraction; 5.) Synthesising data and developing a middle range theory explaining how CPT is expected to work for SH&SCPs. An advisory group, including PPI advisors, content experts, SH&SCPs and realist experts has been set up to consult throughout the review and collaboratively agree the middle range theory.

Discussion: While there is an evolving evidence base for CPT, including stroke specific CPT for SH&SCPs, it is acknowledged that there are challenges to its implementation in complex real-world settings. In combining empirical evidence with theoretical understanding, realist review permits synthesis of data from diverse sources and goes beyond determining efficacy to explore generative causation and solutions for real world practice. A middle range realist programme theory that coherently explains how CPT is expected to work when teaching SH&SCPs to communicate with people with stroke acquired communication impairments will provide educators with new insights into CPT development and implementation in their higher education institutions.
The effect of mathematics self-beliefs on mathematics achievement: the case of undergraduate university students in Ethiopia
Authors: Woldemichael Belay , Semela Tesfaye , Tulu Abrham
Published: October 2023

Background: This study aimed at exploring the influence of mathematics self-beliefs on mathematics achievement.

Methods: Data was obtained on a random sample of 400 undergraduate students (M=245 and F=155) from three Ethiopian public Universities by using self-reported questionnaire. The instrument, which was adapted from Butler (2016), consists of measures of self-beliefs, expectancy-value, and achievement goal-related motivation. In addition, a 25-item Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT) was developed and validated to measure mathematics achievement. The internal consistency reliability of the MAT was found to be high (alpha =0.84). Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) were employed to assess systematic relationship between math self-beliefs and math achievement.

Results: Results reveal that mathematics self-beliefs have a significant influence on mathematics achievement, whereas expectancy-value and achievement goal have no significant influence on mathematics achievement.

Conclusions: Finally, the study outlines the implications for teaching and learning, and research.
METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO MOTIVATION AND STIMULATION OF THE PROJECT TEAM
Authors: Mitrofanova Aleksandra , Brikoshina Irina
Published: October 2023

The article substantiates the relevance of the issues of motivation and stimulation of the activities of project team members, due to the high significance of motivation and involvement of project team members from the point of view of achieving the final results of project activities. The staff is one of the most important resources of the team, because only the presence of employees with the necessary professional and personal qualities, united by common values, will ensure effective teamwork to achieve the goals of the team. The article examines the specifics of the motivation of project team members, considers the possibilities and limitations of using well-known motivational theories to motivate the project team; systematizes typical mistakes of project managers when motivating team members and ways to overcome them; offers recommendations for increasing the motivation of project team members; it is shown that the complex and multidimensional motivation of project team members necessitates the use of a full range of directions and methods of stimulating their activities, including material (monetary and non-monetary) and non-material incentives.
Navigating Economic Inclusion and Psychological Exclusion
Authors: Mleitat Ayman , Hamamra Bilal , Qabaha Ahmad
Published: October 2023

Drawing on Kristeva’s theory of abjection, Wallerstein’s world system theory, and Petras’ imperialist-centered model of capitalist accumulation, this article argues that the immigration of Changez from Pakistan to America in The Reluctant Fundamentalist demonstrates a structural shift from the periphery to the center as a highly educated and skilled human capital in the era of global capitalism. The article contends that Changez’s decision to accept a funded scholarship at Princeton University is a result of the lack of economic opportunities in Pakistan and the corrupt economic and political systems that impoverished his family. Furthermore, the article critically examines America’s paradoxical policies of inclusion and exclusion toward Changez. While he gains access to Princeton University and the Underwood Samson company, his economic inclusion is not accompanied by genuine acceptance. In the context of global capitalism, Changez is economically included but psychologically abjected due to his ethnic identity.
Confluencias y bifurcaciones entre La Rambla paralela y Casablanca la bella. Diálogos con las geografías irónicas y viscerales en la obra de Fernando Vallejo
Authors: Chaparro Mendivelso Jeffer
Published: October 2023

Esta aproximación geográfica en primera persona a la obra literaria de Fernando Vallejo está dividida en siete secciones. En la primera pretendo introducir la pesquisa y contextualizarla, aportando elementos sobre los aspectos centrales que definieron la investigación, incluyendo asuntos ligados al método que he seguido. La segunda, entrando ya de lleno en el análisis de las novelas La Rambla paralela y Casablanca la bella, es una discusión a partir de mis interpretaciones, perspectivas y hallazgos, respecto a algunos espacios y espacialidades personales identificadas. La tercera sección la dedico a escudriñar en los elementos que plantea el escritor en cuanto al tiempo y al devenir de las ciudades y los territorios. La siguiente, la cuarta, es una apuesta por la identificación de las formas de apropiación territorial presentes en su narrativa. En la quinta parte centro mi interés en la discusión sobre los conflictos y las tensiones en las zonas urbanizadas y en el mundo que Fernando Vallejo, de manera no sistemática ni ordenada, propone como provocación. La sexta parte la dedico a discutir las confluencias y las bifurcaciones narrativas identificadas. En la última porción planteo algunas ideas finales y recomendaciones en cuanto al vínculo entre la literatura y la geografía, como asunto a profundizar, y respecto a la escritura en primera persona en el ámbito geográfico.
Mary Wollstonecraft and Adam Smith on Gender and Self-Control
Authors: Kopajtic Lauren
Published: October 2023

abstract: Mary Wollstonecraft is an early and important critic of Adam Smith, engaging with his Theory of Moral Sentiments in her Vindication of the Rights of Woman . Given Wollstonecraft's arguments against moralists who "give a sex to virtue," what did she make of Smith's use of gender-coded language and the oft-cited passage where he claims that "humanity is the virtue of a woman, generosity of a man" ( TMS IV.2.10)? This paper revisits the scholarly debate over gender essentialism in Smith, arguing that Smith's view of virtue is not gender essentialist, and that Wollstonecraft saw this and did not target Smith with her critique. Instead, Wollstonecraft affirms Smith's claims, leveraging them in order to advocate for educational and social reform. Reading these texts together corrects the tenacious reading of Smith as a gender essentialist, while also illuminating the differences between Smith's and Wollstonecraft's conceptions of self-control.
The Norwegian-American Biography of Uncle Tom’s Cabin : The Memorial Edition of 1897
Authors: Bjørkøy Aasta Marie Bjorvand , Kaasa Janicke S.
Published: October 2023

Abstract: This article draws on and develops the already existing research on the Norwegian biography of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin . The novel was first published in Norway in 1852, followed by numerous editions until the 2016. In this article we pay attention to a particular edition, namely the edition entitled Onkel Toms hytte. Negerlivet i de Amerikanske Slavestater , published in 1897 with copyright by John C. Winston, Philadelphia. This edition was aimed at a Norwegian-American readership, and as such stands out in what we have elsewhere termed the “Norwegian biography” of Uncle Tom’s Cabin .
Reflective dual field-of-view optical system based on the Alvarez principle
Authors: Zettlitzer Lucas , Gross Herbert , Risse Stefan , Theska René
Published: October 2023

A novel, to the best of our knowledge, dual-state reflective optical
relay system based on the Alvarez system is proposed, which can be
used for remote sensing applications. By keeping the image and pupil
positions constant, it can be combined with a telescope to achieve two
different magnifications. As a compact structure with only two moving
parts, freeform optical mirrors and a nearly diffraction limited
performance for the infrared wavelength 8 µm make it an attractive
subsystem for space applications. Different design tradeoffs and the
preferred layout properties are discussed in detail.
Higher-speed PONs based on data center technology and optics [Invited]
Authors: Houtsma Vincent , van Veen Dora
Published: October 2023

Data center interconnects are currently the fastest growing market for optical interconnect technology and innovations. Data centers must upgrade their infrastructure regularly to keep up with increasing bandwidth demand from digital services. Successive Ethernet generations based on intensity-modulated direct-detection progressed to 50 GBd per lane and will reach 100 GBd per lane before the end of this decade. Also, the continued reduction in complexity, power consumption, and cost of coherent technologies will eventually lead to adoption of it in short-reach coherent in the intra-data center, which will further drive volumes of low-cost coherent technologies. Passive optical networks (PONs) depend mostly on the availability of high-volume, low-cost components. In this paper we will review the benefits as well as challenges to overcome in adoption of the Ethernet data center ecosystem as a low-power, cost-effective technology for next-generation time-division-multiplexed PONs.
Electromagnetism is Space Geometrodynamics Part 2
Authors: Barak Shlomo
Published: October 2023

Part 2: Our General Relativity Field Equation that Incorporates Electromagnetism
All past efforts to unify gravitation and electromagnetism failed because they considered energy/momentum to be the common denominator in this unification. Mass curves space, but nobody knew that charge, as we have shown in Part 1, also curves space. It was naively believed that if mass, namely energy, curves space then so will the electromagnetic energy and in the same way. We took an entirely different approach. Our common denominator, as we show, is the deformation (distortion, curving) of space by both mass and charge. This approach enables us to extend the general relativity field equation to incorporate both gravitation and electromagnetism.
All-optical generation, detection, and manipulation of picosecond acoustic pulses in 2D semiconductor/dielectric heterostructures
Authors: Xu Wenxiong , Li Yuanyuan , Cui Qiannan , Zhang He , Xia Chuansheng , Guo Hao , Zhou Guangquan , Chang Jianhua , Zhao Hui , Wang Jun , Gu Zhongze , Xu Chunxiang
Published: October 2023

Launching, tracking, and controlling picosecond acoustic (PA) pulses are fundamentally important for the construction of ultrafast hypersonic wave sources, ultrafast manipulation of matter, and spatiotemporal imaging of interfaces. Here, we show that GHz PA pulses can be all-optically generated, detected, and manipulated in a 2D layered MoS2/glass heterostructure using femtosecond laser pump–probe. Based on an interferometric model, PA pulse signals in glass are successfully decoupled from the coexisting temperature and photocarrier relaxation and coherent acoustic phonon (CAP) oscillation signals of MoS2 lattice in both time and frequency domains. Under selective interface excitations, temperature-mediated interfacial phonon scatterings can compress PA pulse widths by about 50%. By increasing the pump fluences, anharmonic CAP oscillations of MoS2 lattice are initiated. As a result, the increased interatomic distance at the MoS2/glass interface that reduces interfacial energy couplings can markedly broaden the PA pulse widths by about 150%. Our results open new avenues to obtain controllable PA pulses in 2D semiconductor/dielectric heterostructures with femtosecond laser pump–probe, which will enable many investigations and applications.