bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Utility of an Intervertebral Motion Metric for Deciding on the Addition of Instrumented Fusion in Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
Authors: Reijmer Joey F.H. , de Jong Lex D. , Kempen Diederik H.R. , Arts Mark P. , van Susante Job L.C.
Published: January 2024

Study Design.

A prospective single-arm clinical study.

Objective.

To explore the clinical utility of an intervertebral motion metric by determining the proportion of patients for whom it changed their surgical treatment plan from decompression only to decompression with fusion or vice versa.

Summary of Background Data.

Lumbar spinal stenosis from degenerative spondylolisthesis is commonly treated with decompression only or decompression with additional instrumented fusion. An objective diagnostic tool capable of establishing abnormal motion between lumbar vertebrae to guide decision-making between surgical procedures is needed. To this end, a metric based on the vertebral sagittal plane translation-per-degree-of-rotation calculated from flexion-extension radiographs was developed.

Materials and Methods.

First, spine surgeons documented their intended surgical plan. Subsequently, the participants’ flexion-extension radiographs were taken. From these, the translation-per-degree-of-rotation was calculated and reported as a sagittal plane shear index (SPSI). The SPSI metric of the spinal level intended to be treated was used to decide if the intended surgical plan needed to be changed or not.

Results.

SPSI was determined for 75 participants. Of these, 51 (68%) had an intended surgical plan of decompression only and 24 (32%) had decompression with fusion. In 63% of participants, the SPSI was in support of their intended surgical plan. For 29% of participants, the surgeon changed the surgical plan after the SPSI metric became available to them. A suggested change in the surgical plan was overruled by 8% of participants. The final surgical plan was decompression only for 59 (79%) participants and decompression with fusion for 16 (21%) participants.

Conclusion.

The 29% change in intended surgical plans suggested that SPSI was considered by spine surgeons as an adjunct metric in deciding whether to perform decompression only or to add instrumented fusion. This change exceeded the a priori defined 15% considered necessary to show the potential clinical utility of SPSI.
Breast-conserving surgery is associated with a lower incidence of suicide among females with breast cancer in the United States: a population-based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Guo Guiping , Li Junteng , Zheng Yongqiang , Liu Ze-Xian , Lin Huan
Published: January 2024

Background:

With comparable overall survival and local recurrence rates with mastectomy, breast-conserving surgery (BCS) has become the cornerstone of therapy for breast cancer; however, the difference in the incidence of suicide between BCS and mastectomy among breast cancer survivors remains unclear. This study evaluated the mortality risk from suicide among breast cancer survivors and compared suicide risk between BCS and mastectomy using a population-based cohort.

Materials and methods:

Female patients newly diagnosed with first primary breast cancer, recorded in the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database, were included. Standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and cumulative mortality rate from suicide among those who underwent BCS and mastectomy were compared.

Results:

A total of 1 190 991 patients with newly diagnosed first primary breast cancer were included in the study, of whom 56.5% underwent BCS and 36.1% underwent mastectomy. During the follow-up period, 667 suicides were recorded. Patients who underwent mastectomy exhibited significantly higher suicide mortality than the general population [mortality rate, 8.16 per 100 000 person-years; SMR 1.18 (95% CI 1.05–1.33)], while there was no significant difference in suicide rate between patients who underwent BCS and the general population [SMR 0.92 (95% CI 0.83–1.02)]. Multivariate Cox analysis revealed that BCS, compared with mastectomy, was associated with a significantly decreased risk of suicide among females with breast cancer [hazard ratio 0.80 (95% CI 0.68–0.95); P = 0.009].

Conclusion:

BCS was associated with a significantly lower incidence of suicide among females with breast cancer. BCS offers a compelling option for improving the quality of life and self-esteem of patients with cancer and provides a novel perspective on cancer management.
Serum ACSL4 levels in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and its association with one-year major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE): A prospective cohort study
Authors: Hu Yun , Li Qingye , Wang Yinglin
Published: January 2024

In the present prospective cohort research, we aimed to explore the serum levels of Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and its association with 1-year major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). This prospective cohort study recruited 507 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention for the treatment of STEMI at our hospital during August 2019 to July 2022. The serum ACSL4, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and C-reactive protein levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Demographic and clinical statistics were also collected. In addition, all patients were followed up for 1 year, and patients with MACE were defined as poor prognosis group. All data used SPSS 26.0 to statistical analyses. The poor prognosis group had significantly higher age and low-density leptin cholesterol (LDLC) levels compared to the favorable prognosis group (P < .05). STEMI patients exhibited significantly elevated serum levels of ACSL4, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and C-reactive protein (P < .05). Serum ACSL4 and IL-1β levels in the poor prognosis group were remarkably enhanced compared to the favorable prognosis group. Curvilinear regression analysis demonstrated that ACSL4 was associated with LDLC and IL-1β. Moreover, ACSL4 (B = 0.138, 95% CI 1.108–1.189, P < .001), LDLC (B = 2.317, 95% CI 5.253–19.603, P < .001), and IL-1β (B = 0.061, 95%CI 1.008–1.122, P = .025) levels were the risk factors for STEMI patients with 1-year MACE. This study showed that the serum ACSL4 levels was remarkably elevated in STEMI patients. This study might provide new targets and a comprehensive approach to cardiovascular protection in STEMI patients.
Polyphyllin Ⅲ regulates EMT of lung cancer cells through GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Liu Qian , Luo Zhuang , Yang Jiao
Published: January 2024

Background:

Some studies have found that the application of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of lung cancer has achieved satisfying results. Polyphyllin Ⅲ (PP Ⅲ) is a natural steroid saponin from P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis, and its analogs have played a wide role in anticancer research. This study aimed to investigate the effect of PP Ⅲ on the development of lung cancer and its molecular mechanism.

Methods:

A549 and NCI-H1299 cell lines were treated with PP Ⅲ in gradient concentration to detect the IC50 of the cells, and the optimal concentration was selected for subsequent experiments. The effects of PP III treatment on lung cancer were investigated in vitro and in vivo.

Results:

In vitro experiments, it was found that the proliferation, invasion, migration, and colony formation ability of cancer cells were significantly reduced after PP III treatment, while accompanied by a large number of cell apoptosis. Further detection showed that N-cadherin was significantly decreased, E-cadherin was increased, and Snail and Twist were decreased in A549 cells and NCI-H1299 cells, respectively. In addition, GSK-3β expression was increased, while β-catenin expression was reduced with PP III treatment. In the mouse model, it was demonstrated that the volume of transplanted tumors was significantly reduced after PP Ⅲ treatment.

Conclusions:

PP Ⅲ has the capacity to inhibit the progression of lung cancer and regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition through the GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway to suppress the malignant behavior of cancer cells. The application of PP Ⅲ is expected to be an effective method for the treatment of lung cancer.
Uncommon presentation of gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma in a 13-year-old girl: acute vomiting of blood as the initial symptom
Authors: Jin Xinyu , Jin Xin , Guo Piao , Lu Linjuan , Sheng Weisong , Zhu Danrong
Published: January 2024

Introduction and importance:

Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma (EMZL lymphoma), also known as mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, is a rare B-cell lymphoma that rarely affects children. The involvement of infectious agents, especially H. pylori, has been observed in the formation and progression of MALT lymphoma in the stomach. Hematemesis as the primary clinical manifestation is uncommon, highlighting the need for case studies with this presentation. This article uses SCARE2023 criteria as a framework to sort out a case report in order.

Case presentation:

A 13-year-old female patient was admitted in August 2022 with an episode of hematemesis. She had a prior diagnosis of anaemia and was found positive for H. pylori. Despite treatment, she developed symptoms of chronic non-atrophic gastritis and had recurring episodes of hematemesis. Physical and diagnostic examinations revealed B-cell lymphoma localized in the gastric antrum. The primary diagnosis was extranodal MALT lymphoma with unique plasma cell differentiation.

Clinical discussion:

The presentation of gastric MALT lymphoma can be variable, with definitive diagnosis often achieved via endoscopic biopsy. H. pylori plays a significant role in the onset and progression of this lymphoma, emphasizing the importance of its eradication for treatment. Effective outcomes can be achieved through anti-H. pylori treatment, although it is essential for clinicians to ensure its complete eradication post-treatment.

Conclusion:

Paediatric presentation of gastric MALT lymphoma, especially with hematemesis as the primary symptom, is rare and can be easily misdiagnosed. Compared to adults, children generally exhibit a better prognosis with effective H. pylori treatment. It is vital for medical professionals to recognize the differences in presentation between children and adults to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Myasthenic crisis-induced Takotsubo cardiomyopathy: a case report
Authors: Khadka Janak , Bhattarai Pravesh , Adhikari Apsara , Acharya Rajat , Rayamajhi Parash
Published: January 2024

Introduction and importance:

Myasthenic crisis (MC) is characterized by severe weakness in the bulbar and respiratory muscles. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is a rare clinical entity mainly associated with postmenopausal women. We report a case of both these conditions in a premenopausal woman.

Case presentation:

A 31-year-old woman with hypothyroidism presented with dyspnea. Bedside echocardiography in the ICU revealed an apical ballooning with an ejection fraction of 25%, and she was treated with losartan, furosemide, and spironolactone. She was intubated after 2 days as she developed respiratory distress and type II respiratory failure. Upon investigation, the patient tested positive for anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody. Treatment with five doses of IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) was given, and she made a remarkable recovery. Repeat echocardiography revealed her ejection fraction is normal and cardiac function is resolved.

Clinical discussion:

The association between TC and MC is unusual and not commonly observed. MC can be a natural progression of myasthenia gravis or due to stressors, such as infection, medicine, pregnancy, and surgery. Stressful events can lead to TC. This leads to the possibility of TC, along with other cardiac complications, in patients with MC.

Conclusion:

Patients with MC may be at potential risk of developing TC, thus careful cardiac monitoring is necessary while treating them for a better prognosis.
The science of joy: happiness among healthcare workers
Authors: Caraballo-Arias Yohama , Feola Daniela , Milani Simona
Published: January 2024

Purpose of review

Understanding the impact of healthcare workers’ (HCW) happiness on patient care is crucial. The aim of this review is to provide an update on recent advances in the field.

Recent findings

The article depicts the importance of HCW's happiness; the factors, the psychometric tests tools and methods to measure their happiness and well being, as well as interventions that organizations can implement to improve it, summarizing what have been published from January 2022 up to August 2023.

HCW often face demanding work environments, long working hours, and emotional challenges when dealing with patients’ suffering. The constant exposure to such stressors can lead to physical and mental health issues, and factors like job satisfaction, work-life balance, and support from colleagues and supervisor play a significant role in their happiness. Tools such as the Shorted Happiness at Work Scale (SHAW) and Eudemonic and Hedonic happiness investigation, and other surveys and qualitative methods have been used to assess overall well being. Organizational strategies have been implemented to promote a positive work culture, recognize and reward efforts, and create a supportive environment to improve happiness. Mindfulness-based techniques, web-based interventions, practice gratitude, peer support programs, and stress management training seem to be effective measures to enhance the well being of HCW.
Resection to Exploration Ratios and Associated Outcomes in Patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Malleo Giuseppe , Casciani Fabio , Lionetto Gabriella , Esposito Alessandro , Binco Alessandra , Solinas Dario , De Pastena Matteo , Pea Antonio , Paiella Salvatore , Salvia Roberto
Published: January 2024

Objective:

To investigate resection/exploration ratios (RER), reasons for omission of pancreatectomy, and survival outcomes in patients undergoing surgical exploration with resection intent for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Summary Background Data:

While surgical indications for PDAC are expanding, information about intraoperative attrition is lacking.

Methods:

The RER was calculated in PDAC patients undergoing exploration from 2018 through 2020. Factors associated with uncompleted resection and survival were identified using multivariable models.

Results:

In total, 681 patients were included. Upfront explorations were 296 (43.7%), and post-neoadjuvant explorations were 385 (56.3%). The overall RER was 89.7% (90.5% in the upfront setting and 89.1% post-neoadjuvant treatment). In this latter subgroup, the RER decreased from 96.1% in resectable disease to 86.6% in borderline resectable disease and 61.9% in locally advanced disease. The primary reasons for uncompleted resection were occult metastases in presumed resectable/borderline resectable disease (without difference between upfront and post-neoadjuvant operations) and local unresectability in locally advanced disease. No preoperative variable was associated with uncompleted resection in upfront explorations, while anatomical staging informed the likelihood of surgical attrition following neoadjuvant treatment. Uncompleted resection was invariably associated with a median survival of around one year. The median post-pancreatectomy survival was 36.9 months in the upfront setting and 29.5 months following neoadjuvant treatment. The median survival from diagnosis in patients receiving post-neoadjuvant resection was 34.5 months.

Conclusions:

This analysis provided contemporary information about resection rates, reasons for intraoperative attrition, and survival outcomes in the entire spectrum of PDAC patients selected for surgical exploration at an experienced institution.
Characterization of Pain Associated With Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Is Surgery the Answer?
Authors: Yuan Angela S. , Ferrando Cecile A. , Hickman Lisa C.
Published: January 2024

Importance

Data on the incidence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP)–related pain, risk factors for its development, and treatment effects of surgery remain sparse.

Objectives

The aims of the study were to evaluate the incidence and characteristics of POP-related pain in patients presenting with POP and assess the outcome of pain after surgery.

Study Design

This was a retrospective study of patients presenting for initial evaluation of POP from May 2019 to May 2020. Using a standardized questionnaire, patients were asked “Do you have pain associated with your prolapse (not pressure or fullness)?” and to indicate pain severity and location(s). Patients who underwent surgery were asked postoperatively if their POP-related pain resolved. Patient and perioperative characteristics were obtained from the medical record and used to evaluate relationships between the presence and resolution of POP-related pain.

Results

Of the 795 patients who met inclusion criteria, 106 (13.3%) reported POP-related pain. The mean age of all patients was 59.9 years, 38.1% had stage 3 or greater POP, and 52.1% were sexually active. Women with POP-related pain reported a median severity of 5 of 10. The most common pain locations were the vagina (46.6%), lower abdomen (27.4%), and back (9.6%). Fifty-seven women with pain (53.8%) underwent surgery, and 40 (70.2%) reported postoperative pain resolution. Of those who did not have resolution, pain improved or remained stable in severity. No patients reported worsening pain after surgery.

Conclusions

Pain is a symptom experienced by more than 1 in 8 women presenting with POP, with 70% reporting resolution of their pain postoperatively.
Using Oncolytic Virus to Retask CD19-Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells for Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer: Toward a Universal Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Strategy for Solid Tumor
Authors: Chen Courtney , Park Anthony K , Monroy Isabel , Ren Yuwei , Kim Sang-In , Chaurasiya Shyambabu , Priceman Saul J , Fong Yuman
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells targeting the B-cell antigen CD19 are standard therapy for relapsed or refractory B-cell lymphoma and leukemia. CAR T cell therapy in solid tumors is limited due to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and a lack of tumor-restricted antigens. We recently engineered an oncolytic virus (CF33) with high solid tumor affinity and specificity to deliver a nonsignaling truncated CD19 antigen (CD19t), allowing targeting by CD19-CAR T cells. Here, we tested this combination against pancreatic cancer.

STUDY DESIGN:

We engineered CF33 to express a CD19t (CF33-CD19t) target. Flow cytometry and ELISA were performed to quantify CD19t expression, immune activation, and killing by virus and CD19-CAR T cells against various pancreatic tumor cells. Subcutaneous pancreatic human xenograft tumor models were treated with virus, CAR T cells, or virus+CAR T cells.

RESULTS:

In vitro, CF33-CD19t infection of tumor cells resulted in >90% CD19t cell-surface expression. Coculturing CD19-CAR T cells with infected cells resulted in interleukin-2 and interferon gamma secretion, upregulation of T-cell activation markers, and synergistic cell killing. Combination therapy of virus+CAR T cells caused significant tumor regression (day 13): control (n = 16, 485 ± 20 mm3), virus alone (n = 20, 254 ± 23 mm3, p = 0.0001), CAR T cells alone (n = 18, 466 ± 25 mm3, p = NS), and virus+CAR T cells (n = 16, 128 ± 14 mm3, p < 0.0001 vs control; p = 0.0003 vs virus).

CONCLUSIONS:

Engineered CF33-CD19t effectively infects and expresses CD19t in pancreatic tumors, triggering cell killing and increased immunogenic response by CD19-CAR T cells. Notably, CF33-CD19t can turn cold immunologic tumors hot, enabling solid tumors to be targetable by agents designed against liquid tumor antigens.
Gaussian boson sampling at finite temperature
Authors: Bressanini Gabriele , Kwon Hyukjoon , Kim M. S.
Published: January 2024

Gaussian boson sampling (GBS) is a promising candidate for an experimental demonstration of quantum advantage using photons. However, sufficiently large noise might hinder a GBS implementation from entering the regime where quantum speedup is achievable. Here, we investigate how thermal noise affects the classical intractability of generic quantum optical sampling experiments, GBS being a particular instance of the latter. We do so by establishing sufficient conditions for an efficient simulation to be feasible, expressed in the form of inequalities between the relevant parameters that characterize the system and its imperfections. We demonstrate that the addition of thermal noise—modeled by (passive) linear optical interaction between the system and a Markovian thermal bath—has the effect of tightening the constraints on the remaining noise parameters, required to show quantum advantage. Furthermore, we show that there exists a threshold temperature, under the assumption of a uniform loss rate, at which quantum sampling experiments become classically simulable, and provide an intuitive physical interpretation by relating this occurrence with the disappearance of the quantum state's nonclassical properties.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
High-temperature superconductivity in
La4H23
below 100 GPa
Authors: Cross Sam , Buhot Jonathan , Brooks Annabelle , Thomas William , Kleppe Annette , Lord Oliver , Friedemann Sven
Published: January 2024

High-temperature superconductivity has been observed in binary hydrides such as LaH10 at pressures close to 180GPa, whereby hydrogen cagelike structures have been identified as a common motif beneficial for high critical temperatures Tc. Efforts are now focused on finding hydride high-temperature superconductors at lower pressures. We present evidence for high-temperature superconductivity in binary La4H23 at a pressure of P=95GPa, with A15-type arrangement of the lanthanum atoms in the type-I clathrate structure. We synthesize La4H23 from a lanthanum film capped with a palladium catalyst promoting the dissociation of hydrogen. In resistance measurements, we observe superconductivity with a transition temperature Tc∼90K. The A15-type lanthanum sublattice is identified in x-ray diffraction on the same sample, in agreement with previous x-ray diffraction and structure prediction studies. Our study reinforces the favorability of cagelike networks of the hydrogen lattice for high-temperature superconductivity.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Dynamically generated states from the
ηK*K¯*
,
πK*K¯*
, and
KK*K¯*
systems within the fixed-center approximation
Authors: Shen Qing-Hua , Zhang Xu , Liu Xiang , Xie Ju-Jun
Published: January 2024

The three-body systems ηK*K¯*, πK*K¯*, and KK*K¯* are further investigated within the framework of fixed-center approximation, where K*K¯* is treated as the fixed-center, corresponding to the possible scalar meson a0(1780) or the tensor meson f2′(1525). The interactions between η, π, K, and K* are taken from the chiral unitary approach. The resonance structures appear in the modulus squared of the three-body scattering amplitude and suggest that η/π/K−(K*K¯*)a0(1780)/f2′(1525) hadron state can be formed. By scattering the η meson on the fixed-center (K*K¯*)a0(1780), it is found that there is a distinct peak around 2100 MeV, as shown in the modulus squared of the three-body scattering amplitude, which can be associated with the meson π(2070). For the scattering of the η meson on the (K*K¯*)f2′(1525), a resonance structure around 1890 MeV is found and it can be associated with the η2(1870) meson. Other resonance structures are also found and can be associated with π2(1880) and η(2010).

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Topological interfaces crossed by defects and textures of continuous and discrete point group symmetries in spin-2 Bose-Einstein condensates
Authors: Baio Giuseppe , Wheeler Matthew T. , Hall David S. , Ruostekoski Janne , Borgh Magnus O.
Published: January 2024

We systematically and analytically construct a set of spinor wave functions representing defects and textures that continuously penetrate interfaces between coexisting, topologically distinct magnetic phases in a spin-2 Bose-Einstein condensate. These include singular and nonsingular vortices carrying mass or spin circulation that connect across interfaces between biaxial- and uniaxial nematic, cyclic and ferromagnetic phases, as well as vortices terminating as monopoles on the interface (“boojums”). The biaxial-nematic and cyclic phases exhibit discrete polytope symmetries featuring non-Abelian vortices and we investigate a pair of noncommuting line defects within the context of a topological interface. By numerical simulations, we characterize the emergence of nontrivial defect core structures, including the formation of composite defects. Our results demonstrate the potential of spin-2 Bose-Einstein condensates as experimentally accessible platforms for exploring interface physics, offering a wealth of combinations of continuous and discrete symmetries.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Synthesis and crystal structures of boryl ortho-silylaryl trifluoromethanesulfonates
Authors: Barnå Fredrik , Hribersek Matic , Orthaber Andreas , Pilarski Lukasz T.
Published: January 2024

We report the synthesis and structural characterization of three crystalline borylated ortho-silylaryl trifluoromethanesulfonates: 5-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)-2-(trimethylsilyl)phenyl trifluoromethanesulfonate, C16H24BF3O5SSi (1a), 4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)-2-(trimethylsilyl)phenyl trifluoromethanesulfonate, C16H24BF3O5SSi (1b), and 2-methyl-4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)-6-(trimethylsilyl)phenyl trifluoromethanesulfonate, C17H26BF3O5SSi (2), which are versatile aryne precursors. For all three compounds, the heteroatom substituents are almost coplanar with the central aromatic moiety. C—heteroatom bonding metrics are unexceptional and fall withing the typical range of C—B, C—Si, and C—O single bonds. Despite numerous electronegative sites, only weak intermolecular interactions are observed in the solid state.
The unaccounted effects of digital transformation: participatory accountability in a humanitarian organisation
Authors: Dinh Tami , O'Leary Susan
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study explores the evolving dynamics of participatory accountability within humanitarian contexts, where digitally connected crisis-affected populations demand better accountability from aid organisations, and as a result, shift traditional hierarchies and relationships between humanitarian agencies and beneficiaries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a case study approach, focussing on the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), to investigate how participatory accountability manifests outside formal practices and re-emerges in social media spaces. The study analyses internal organisational challenges and explores the implications of digital platforms on humanitarian practices. The authors employ Chouliaraki and Georgiou's (2015, 2019, 2022) networks of mediation, particularly intermediation and transmediation, to understand how digital expressions translate to offline contexts and reshape meanings and actions.

Findings

The study reveals that social media platforms enable beneficiaries to demand participatory accountability beyond traditional practices, democratising humanitarian response and challenging power structures. These effects are multifaceted, introducing enhanced democratic and inclusive humanitarian aid as well as new vulnerabilities. Digital intermediaries and gatekeepers play pivotal roles in curating and disseminating crisis-affected voices, which, when transmediated, result in nuanced meanings and understandings. Positive effects include capturing the potential of digital networks for democratic aid, while negative effects give rise to moral responsibilities, necessitating proactive measures from the ICRC.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the impact of digital technology, particularly social media, on participatory accountability. It expands the understanding of the evolving landscape of accountability within the humanitarian sector and offers critical insights into the complexities and dual purposes of participatory accountability in contexts of resistance. Employing Chouliaraki and Georgiou's networks of mediation adds depth to the understanding of digital technology's role in shaping participatory practices and introduces the concept of transmediation as a bridge between digital expressions and tangible actions.
Sleep arousal detection for monitoring of sleep disorders using one-dimensional convolutional neural network-based U-Net and bio-signals
Authors: Mishra Priya , Swetapadma Aleena
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Sleep arousal detection is an important factor to monitor the sleep disorder.

Design/methodology/approach

Thus, a unique nth layer one-dimensional (1D) convolutional neural network-based U-Net model for automatic sleep arousal identification has been proposed.

Findings

The proposed method has achieved area under the precision–recall curve performance score of 0.498 and area under the receiver operating characteristics performance score of 0.946.

Originality/value

No other researchers have suggested U-Net-based detection of sleep arousal.

Research limitations/implications

From the experimental results, it has been found that U-Net performs better accuracy as compared to the state-of-the-art methods.

Practical implications

Sleep arousal detection is an important factor to monitor the sleep disorder. Objective of the work is to detect the sleep arousal using different physiological channels of human body.

Social implications

It will help in improving mental health by monitoring a person's sleep.
Ethical hardware reverse engineering for securing the digital supply chain in critical infrastructure
Authors: Nygård Arne Roar , Katsikas Sokratis K.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the ethical aspects of hardware reverse engineering (HRE) and propose an ethical framework for HRE when used to mitigate cyber risks of the digital supply chain of critical infrastructure operators.

Design/methodology/approach

A thorough review and analysis of existing relevant literature was performed to establish the current state of knowledge in the field. Ethical frameworks proposed for other areas/disciplines and identified pertinent ethical principles have been used to inform the proposed framework’s development.

Findings

The proposed framework provides actionable guidance to security professionals engaged with such activities to support them in assessing whether an HRE project conforms to ethical principles. Recommendations on action needed to complement the framework are also proposed. According to the proposed framework, reverse engineering is neither unethical nor illegal if performed honourably. Collaboration with vendors and suppliers at an industry-wide level is critical for appropriately endorsing the proposed framework.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no ethical framework currently guides cybersecurity research, far less of cybersecurity vulnerability research and reverse engineering.
Financially supported nonprofits and IRS Form 990 expense reporting
Authors: Allen Arthur , Corradino Laurie , McAllister Brian
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The authors examine whether limitations in Form 990 result in zero or understated fundraising and administrative expenses for organizations supported by related organizations. Form 990 does not consolidate financial information of legally separate related organizations, resulting in fundraising and administrative expenses being reported by supporting organizations but not by the supported organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the IRS Statistics of Income Sample Data Files and compare charities receiving support from related organizations (supported) to non-supported charities.

Findings

The authors find evidence that supported organizations are likely to report zero or understated fundraising expenses and zero administrative expenses. Those receiving related donations are more likely to have zero or understated fundraising expense while those receiving related compensation are more likely to have zero and understated fundraising and administrative expenses. The authors also find evidence that supported organizations receiving greater amounts of related donations and related compensation are also more likely to report zero and understated fundraising expenses as well as zero administrative expenses while greater amounts of related compensation are also associated with understated administrative expense.

Practical implications

Since donors and other stakeholders use Form 990 to evaluate nonprofits, its unconsolidated nature could result in a lack of comparability across organizations and misinformed resource allocation (e.g. donation) decisions. The results also have implications for researchers who use zero and understated fundraising and administrative expenses as proxies for low quality reporting or interpret them as data errors.

Originality/value

The paper examines the extent to which zero or understated fundraising expense reporting (i.e. the fundraising expense puzzle) is associated with supported organizations receiving financial support from related organizations. The authors also expand their examination to zero and understated administrative expenses.
Leading collaborative change amid a crisis: a framework to liberate a team’s leadership skills and promote sales performance
Authors: Garrido Sol
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to introduce an alternative model, “volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA), Virtue and Vice” (3V’s), to unleash leadership skills, promote organisational collaborative change and impact sales performance during an unprecedented crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology outlines action research based on the 3V’s model and its application in an international business-to-business sales organisation during Covid-19. It explores alternative paths informed by play-at-work and Plato’s philosophy applied to work-based-learning. Each action/iteration adds to the model, which becomes more likely appropriate for various situations.

Findings

The 3V’s boosted change implementation and improved sales performance. The 3V’s conceptualised an invitation to immerse oneself in the constant “river of change” (VUCA) and a means of understanding the role of leadership in navigating this change by embracing simple rules: searching for justice (Virtue) and overcoming the barrier of public opinion (Vice).

Research limitations/implications

The 3V’s model is grounded in leadership literature and a sole application, providing real international data relevant to organisations and leaders. This has yet to be evaluated further.

Practical implications

3V’s can enhance the understanding of a leading collaborative change and re-frame team dynamics in post-pandemic times for the broader public.

Social implications

The approach advocated is a practice of “swimming alongside the team”, which should enable empowerment and collaboration rather than a top-down direction. Focussing on leaders who are moral people, this approach becomes a differentiator in a digital world.

Originality/value

This study examines Plato’s philosophy, play-at-work and other leadership theories in a model which prepares organisations to respond to crisis by providing the ability to reflect on human aspects and straightforward, transferable skills.
Predictive simulation of construction site noise emissions from heavy equipment
Authors: Babazadeh Nasim , Teizer Jochen , Bargstädt Hans-Joachim , Melzner Jürgen
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Construction activities conducted in urban areas are often a source of significant noise disturbances, which cause psychological and health issues for residents as well as long-term auditory impairments for construction workers. The limited effectiveness of passive noise control measures due to the close proximity of the construction site to surrounding neighborhoods often results in complaints and eventually lawsuits. These can then lead to delays and cost overruns for the construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes a novel approach to integrating construction noise as an additional dimension into scheduling construction works. To achieve this, a building information model, including the three-dimensional construction site layout object geometry, resource allocation and schedule information, is utilized. The developed method explores further project data that are typically available, such as the assigned equipment to a task, its precise location, and the estimated duration of noisy tasks. This results in a noise prediction model by using noise mapping techniques and suggesting less noisy alternative ways of construction. Finally, noise data obtained from sensors in a case study contribute real values for validating the proposed approach, which can be used later to suggest solutions for noise mitigation.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that the proposed approach can accurately predict construction noise given a few available parameters from digital project planning and sensors installed on a construction site. Proactively integrating construction noise control measures into the planning process has benefits for both residents and construction managers, as it reduces construction noise-related disturbances, prevents unexpected legal issues and ensures the health and well-being of the workforce.

Originality/value

While previous research has concentrated on real-time data collection using sensors, a more effective solution would also involve addressing and mitigating construction noise during the pre-construction work planning phase.
Can a change in the leadership of a populist radical right party be traced among voters? The case of the Finns Party
Authors: Söderlund Peter , Grönlund Kimmo
Published: January 2024

What happens to the electorate of a populist radical right party when the party splits? Finland provides an excellent case for an analysis of this nature. In 2017, the Finns Party split due to an internal rift. Party leadership was taken over by members of the party's anti‐immigrant faction, who, in the election of 2019, succeeded in replicating the party's previous electoral successes in 2011 and 2015. At the same time, the moderate faction that split from the party was wiped out in the election. In the election of 2023, the party gained yet another victory. Using the Finnish National Election Studies (2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023), we examine whether the party's transformation to a more anti‐immigrant populist radical right party is reflected in the policy positions and sociodemographic composition of the party's electorate. Our findings show that the electorate came to reflect the change in leadership after the party split. Furthermore, we are able to demonstrate that the pattern prevails in the newest election of 2023 under the leadership of Riikka Purra.
Engineers use a porcine heart scaffold to create a bio‐robotic model of the right ventricle
Authors: Han Jason J.
Published: January 2024

The simulator can provide a dynamic and sophisticated platform to further aid in the study of the right heart in an era where numerous technologies are rapidly emerging in this space.
Learning from errors versus explicit instruction in preparation for a test that counts
Authors: Metcalfe Janet , Xu Judy , Vuorre Matti , Siegler Robert , Wiliam Dylan , Bjork Robert A.
Published: January 2024

Background

Although the generation of errors has been thought, traditionally, to impair learning, recent studies indicate that, under particular feedback conditions, the commission of errors may have a beneficial effect.

Aims

This study investigates the teaching strategies that facilitate learning from errors.

Materials and Methods

This 2‐year study, involving two cohorts of ~88 students each, contrasted a learning‐from‐errors (LFE) with an explicit instruction (EI) teaching strategy in a multi‐session implementation directed at improving student performance on the high‐stakes New York State Algebra 1 Regents examination. In the LFE condition, instead of receiving instruction on 4 sessions, students took mini‐tests. Their errors were isolated to become the focus of 4 teacher‐guided feedback sessions. In the EI condition, teachers explicitly taught the mathematical material for all 8 sessions.

Results

Teacher time‐on in the LFE condition produced a higher rate of learning than did teacher time‐on in the EI condition. The learning benefit in the LFE condition was, however, inconsistent across teachers. Second‐by‐second analyses of classroom activities, directed at isolating learning‐relevant differences in teaching style revealed that a highly interactive mode of engaging the students in understanding their errors was more conducive to learning than was teaching directed at getting to the correct solution, either by lecturing about corrections or by interaction focused on corrections.

Conclusion

These results indicate that engaging the students interactively to focus on errors, and the reasons for them, facilitates productive failure and learning from errors.
Understanding the pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic effects in neurocysticercosis
Authors: Castillo Gino , Fustamante Lizbeth , Delgado‐Kamiche Ana D. , Camen‐Orozco Rogger P. , Clark Taryn , Bernal Edson , Morales‐Alvarez Jemima , Ferrufino Maria , Mamani‐Palomino Javier , Bustos Javier A. , Garcia Hector H. , Gavidia Cesar M. , Gilman Robert H. , Verastegui Manuela ,   Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru
Published: January 2024

Despite being a leading cause of acquired seizures in endemic regions, the pathological mechanisms of neurocysticercosis are still poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the impact of anthelmintic treatment on neuropathological features in a rat model of neurocysticercosis. Rats were intracranially infected with Taenia solium oncospheres and treated with albendazole + praziquantel (ABZ), oxfendazole + praziquantel (OXF), or untreated placebo (UT) for 7 days. Following the last dose of treatment, brain tissues were evaluated at 24 h and 2 months. We performed neuropathological assessment for cyst damage, perilesional brain inflammation, presence of axonal spheroids, and spongy changes. Both treatments showed comparable efficacy in cyst damage and inflammation. The presence of spongy change correlated with spheroids counts and were not affected by anthelmintic treatment. Compared to white matter, gray matter showed greater spongy change (91.7% vs. 21.4%, p < 0.0001), higher spheroids count (45.2 vs. 0.2, p = 0.0001), and increased inflammation (72.0% vs. 21.4%, p = 0.003). In this rat model, anthelmintic treatment destroyed brain parasitic cysts at the cost of local inflammation similar to what is described in human neurocysticercosis. Axonal spheroids and spongy changes as markers of damage were topographically correlated, and not affected by anthelmintic treatment.
Behandlung der Acne fulminans mit Tumornekrosefaktor‐α‐Inhibitoren – eine Übersicht klinischer Fälle und der Literatur
Authors: Taudorf Elisabeth Hjardem , Jensen Mikkel Bak , Bouazzi Dorra , Sand Carsten , Thomsen Simon Francis , Jemec Gregor Borut Ernst , Saunte Ditte Marie Lindhardt
Published: January 2024

Acne fulminans (AF) ist eine seltene, schwerwiegende, plötzlich auftretende und lang andauernde Hauterkrankung, die Vernarbungen im Gesicht und am Körper verursacht. Die Standardbehandlung mit langfristiger Verabreichung einer Kombination aus Isotretinoin und Prednisolon reicht nicht immer aus und kann unerwünschten Wirkungen haben. Es gibt daher einen ungedeckten Bedarf an besseren Therapien. Fallberichte lassen darauf schließen, dass Tumornekrosefaktor‐α (TNF‐α)‐Inhibitoren eine Rolle bei der Behandlung von AF spielen könnten. In einer 3 Jahre abdeckenden retrospektiven Datenerhebung aus zwei dermatologischen Zentren sowie einer Literaturübersicht klinischer Fälle von Acne fulminans, die mit Anti‐TNF‐α‐Therapie behandelt wurden, konnten drei klinische Fälle und zwölf Literaturfälle ermittelt werden. Insgesamt wurden fünf verschiedene TNF‐α‐Inhibitoren eingesetzt, am häufigsten Adalimumab. Klinisches Ansprechen wurde nach 1 Monat bei 2/3 (67%) der klinischen Fälle beziehungsweise 5/12 (42%) der Literaturfälle beobachtet. Nach einer medianen Dauer von 3–7 Monaten war die Behandlung bei 2/3 (67%) und 11/12 (92%) der Betroffenen erfolgreich. Alle berichteten unerwünschten Wirkungen waren leicht und reversibel. Die Anti‐TNF‐α‐Behandlung kann zu schneller Verbesserung bei Patienten mit AF führen, wenn die Erstbehandlung mit Isotretinoin und Prednisolon versagt. Allerdings fehlen randomisierte, kontrollierte Studien, und die exakte Dosierung sowie der exakte Zeitablauf müssen vor der klinischen Umsetzung genauer geprüft werden.
Prevalence of dental, oral, and maxillofacial traumatic injuries among domestic violence victims: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: de Souza Cantão Ana Beatriz Carvalho , da Silva Lima Thiago César , Fernandes Marina Izabelle Avelar Pires , Nagendrababu Venkateshbabu , Bastos Juliana Vilela , Levin Liran
Published: January 2024

Background/Aims

Domestic violence (DV) encompasses a series of abusive behaviors, perpetrated in a family environment, against individuals of all ages and genders. Injuries to the head, neck, and face are frequent findings among victims of abuse, negatively impacting their quality of life. Although oral and maxillofacial injuries (OMFI) and traumatic dental injuries (TDI) are commonly diagnosed among DV victims, their prevalence is still unknown. This systematic review was aimed to assess the prevalence of OMFI and TDI among victims of DV.

Methods

The protocol of the review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023424235). Literature searches were performed in eight electronic databases, up to August 7th, 2023. Observational studies published in the Latin‐roman alphabet and reporting the prevalence of OMFI and/or TDI were included. The Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tool, checklist for prevalence studies, was used for quality assessment. Results were presented as qualitative and quantitative syntheses.

Results

Seventeen studies, totaling 12,375 victims of domestic violence, were included. Meta‐analyses showed an overall prevalence of 29% (95% CI: 15%–48%, I2 = 99%) and 4% (95% CI: 1%–10%, I2 = 98%) for OMFI and TDI, respectively. Higher pooled prevalence for OMFI (41%, 95% CI: 13%–46%, I2 = 99%) was demonstrated in samples with only women. OMFI was less prevalent (20%) among DV victims under 18, while TDI was lower among adults (1%). Hospital samples presented higher pooled prevalence of OMFI (32%), and forensic data from fatal victims presented higher prevalence of TDI (8%).

Conclusion

The overall prevalence of OMFI and TDI in DV victims was 29% and 4%, respectively. Women victims of DV presented higher rates of OFMI (41%) and TDI (6%).