bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of admission hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus on mechanical thrombectomy outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Belge Bilgin Gokce , Bilgin Cem , Jabal Mohamed Sobhi , Kobeissi Hassan , Ghozy Sherief , Senol Yigit Can , Orscelik Atakan , Kadirvel Ramanathan , Brinjikji Waleed , Kallmes David F. , Rabinstein Alejandro A
Published: January 2025

Background

The impact of certain comorbidities on mechanical thrombectomy (MT) outcomes remains largely unexplored. Diabetes mellitus (DM) and admission hyperglycemia have been associated with poor clinical outcomes for patients treated with MT. In this study, we sought to investigate the effects of DM and admission hyperglycemia on MT outcomes.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature search was conducted in Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Data regarding successful recanalization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction [mTICI] ≥2b), functional independence (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 0–2), excellent outcomes (mRS 0–1), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and mortality were extracted from the included studies. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random effects model.

Results

Twenty-one studies comprising 9708 patients were included. A total of 2311 patients (24%) had a history of DM, and 2026 patients (21%) had admission hyperglycemia. Admission hyperglycemia was associated with significantly lower odds of mTICI ≥2b (OR = 0.7, 95% CI = 0.55–0.89), mRS 0–2 (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.41–0.53), and mRS 0–1 (OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.34–0.55) as compared to normoglycemic state. Patients with hyperglycemia had significantly higher rates of sICH (OR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.66–2.54) and mortality (OR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.58–2.52) than normoglycemic patients. Diabetes mellitus was associated with significantly high rates of mortality (OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.31–2.3) and lower rates of mRS 0–2 (OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.48–0.76) in sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that admission blood glucose levels and DM can negatively affect MT outcomes. Further research should focus on optimizing MT outcomes for these patients.
Association of distorted memories, psychiatric symptoms, and quality of life in postoperative ICU patients after 12 months: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Fukuda Tomohide , Watanabe Naoki , Miyazaki Satoko , Terachi Saori , Kinoshita Yoshiko
Published: January 2025

Intensive care unit patients often experience memory disturbances, including missing or delusional memories. These memory distortions can contribute to the development of psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and depression. In addition, distorted memories may adversely affect long-term quality of life. However, the association between distorted memories, psychiatric symptoms, and quality of life remains to be fully elucidated in intensive care unit patients. Accordingly, this study explored the relationship between memory distortion, psychiatric symptoms, and long-term quality of life in intensive care unit patients following scheduled surgery. Among 24 patients, 13 experienced memory distortions 12 months post–intensive care unit discharge. These patients exhibited significantly higher anxiety and depression symptoms 1 month after discharge. In addition, over 25% of patients reported low mental quality of life, and over 50% had low physical quality of life 1 year later. These findings suggest that memory distortions can negatively impact both mental and physical recovery, underscoring the need for interventions to preserve factual memory and enhance patient autonomy post–intensive care unit.
Becoming Un/Silenced: Whose Voices Are Heard in Media Coverage of Gender-Diversity in Australian Schools and Drag Story Time?
Authors: Kermode Aleasa , Phillips Louise Gwenneth
Published: January 2025

Through a new materialist inquiry, as a bounded review, we cartographically and diffractively read/plot media reports about genderdiverse, transgender and non-binary (GDTNB) students in education in Australia. We utilise diffractive analysis to explore the complexities of these representations, revealing how exclusions shape the public discourse around GDTNB people and why these exclusions matter in line with Barad’s agential realism theory. Further, diffractions map where the effects of differences appear, how differences are produced, how they matter, and the entangled effects these differences make. Thus, we seek out exclusions, differences and entanglements. Our inquiry creates a cartography mapping into ways GDTNB children materialise within the educational structures, media society and systems of which they are compulsorily enrolled. To set the scene, we discuss public debate on matters relating to children and gender diversity. We cartographically and diffractively analyse 117 mainstream media articles on gender diversity in schools and Drag Story Time in council libraries from 2021 to 2023, to locate what matters in public discourse on gender diversity, the silences, along with what is entangled and what diffracts. By entering identified relevant media titles and content into Voyant Tool’s Knots Tool, most frequently used words and their relation to each other present entanglements and diffractions to consider as we identify patterns and gaps in media discourse. It became repeatedly visible that conservative politicians who have no authority on gender diversity dominate media airplay on gender diversity and schooling and Drag Story Time for young children. Our analysis illustrates that coverage is often dominated by conservative political narratives and which pathologise GDTNB students or depict them as vulnerable rather than affirming their identities. The silences, differences and disentanglements point to the need for public education on the lived realities of gender diversity along with proactive counter-storying to folk devil narratives of transfolk.
The impacts on population health by China's regional health data centers and the potential mechanism of influence
Authors: Cai Jiaoli , Li Yue , Coyte Peter C
Published: January 2025

Background

China recently established a series of pilot regional health data centers with a mandate to acquire, consolidate, analyze, and translate data into evidence for health policy decision-making. This experiment with “big data” has the potential to influence population health and is the focus of this study.

Methods

This study used national longitudinal survey data from the China Family Panel Studies over the period 2014–2020 to empirically assess the impact of China's establishment of pilot regional health data centers on population health and health inequality. A difference-in-differences model was employed to investigate the policy effect on population health, with additional exploration of possible mechanisms of influence. The corrected concentration index was used to measure health inequality, while Wagstaff decomposition method was applied to examine the marginal influence of the policy effect on health inequality.

Results

Overall health status of local residents has improved after the establishment of the pilot regional health data centers. Using mechanism analysis, the findings demonstrated that improvements to population health were driven by promoting healthy lifestyles and innovations in medical practices. Furthermore, due to differences in individual e-health literacy, the pilot centers produced “pro-rich” health inequality where high-income groups benefited more from the establishment of the pilot centers in terms of health than low-income groups.

Conclusions

This study has highlighted the potential to improve population health, in general, with the advent of big data centers, but for these benefits be unevenly distributed among the resident population.
Evaluation of the Effect of Calcium Hydroxide Residues Including Different Vehicles on the Accuracy of Electronic Apex Locators
Authors: Koç Simay , Erkal Damla , Tekinarslan Dide , Er Kürs¸at
Published: January 2025

Aim:

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the residues of the calcium hydroxide (CH) dressings with different vehicles on the accuracy of two different electronic apex locators (EALs).

Materials and Method:

Endodontic access cavities were prepared at 120 single-rooted maxillary premolars. The actual length (AL) was determined under a stereomicroscope at ×15 magnification. After the preparation of the canals, electronic length (EL1) was measured using Propex Pixi and EndoRadar Pro. Samples were divided into one control (without CH) and five experimental groups according to the different CH vehicles (saline, mono propylene glycol, methylcellulose, silicone oil, and chlorhexidine), and calcium CH dressing was placed. After the removal of CH using 4 mL of 17% EDTA irrigation with EDDY, EL was measured again and recorded as EL2. The difference was calculated by subtracting AL from EL1 and EL2. The amount of CH residues was assessed using software.

Results:

There was no significant difference among the groups after removal of the CH dressing for both EALs ( p > .05). The type of vehicle did not affect the residual amount of CH. Due to the residual CH, the accuracy of both EALs was compromised. However, the success rate of Propex Pixi was significantly reduced in the presence of CH remnants.

Conclusion:

Propex Pixi and EndoRadar were more accurate in the measurements before the application of CH dressing than after. There was no discernible impact of vehicle type on the residual amount of CH. This study emphasizes the necessity of completely removing CH dressings prior to the use of EAL to enhance the accuracy of the working length determination in endodontic practice.
“See Me as Human:” Reflections on an Experiential Curriculum Led by People With Lived Experience of Incarceration
Authors: Bain Tiheba , Saunders Monya , Manbauman Craig , Straus Elana , Bundy Camille , Acquaye Amber , Harvey Tyler , Puglisi Lisa , Ostfeld-Johns Sharon , Black Carmen G.
Published: January 2025

Improving physical and mental healthcare delivery to incarcerated patients and people with carceral histories provides an opportunity to improve health equity more broadly. This article provides a medical curriculum perspective led by the firsthand narratives of two women with lived expertise of incarceration in collaboration with interdisciplinary health professions students and faculty. Together we state that recognizing the humanity of individuals with carceral involvement precedes the ability to provide ethical or equitable healthcare: this humanity begins with students and the community sharing places and spaces together. We herein detail our experiences in honoring community educators with lived expertise of incarceration while pioneering a grant-funded, interdisciplinary medical education event offering early exposure to experiential learning in hopes of preparing future clinicians to transcend the status quo of substandard care through individual-level and systems-level advocacy. By sharing humanity and building relationships directly with community experts, we endeavor to offer future clinicians the relational framework to inform their advocacy efforts to improve healthcare systems from the bottom up throughout their clinical training and lifelong careers. Most importantly, we highlight the reasons why we believe medical curricula aiming to dismantle inequities facing people with carceral histories must be taught alongside those with lived expertise.
Arv1; a “Mover and Shaker” of Subcellular Lipids
Authors: Corbalan J. Jose , Frietze Karla K. , Nickels Joseph , Sturley Stephen L.
Published: January 2025

The composition of eukaryotic membranes reflects a varied but precise amalgam of lipids. The genetic underpinning of how such diversity is achieved or maintained is surprisingly obscure, despite its clear metabolic and pathophysiological impact. The Arv1 protein is represented in all eukaryotes and was initially identified in the model eukaryote Sacccharomyces cerevisiae as a candidate transporter of lipids from the endoplasmic reticulum. Human Arv1 has been shown to directly bind cholesterol and fatty acid affinity probes. Murine in vivo studies point to a role for ARV1 in regulating obesity, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and brain function. Multiple human ARV1 variants have been associated with epileptic encephalopathy, cerebellar ataxia, and severe intellectual deficits. We hypothesize that Arv1 acts as an energy independent, lipid scramblase at the endoplasmic reticulum thereby modulating membrane lipid asymmetry and thus the trafficking of sterols and the substituents of glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol and sphingolipid biosynthesis.
TP53 Mutations are Associated with CD19 Negative Relapse and Inferior Outcomes after Blinatumomab in Adults with ALL
Authors: Aldoss Ibrahim , Li Shanpeng , Zhang Jianying , Clark Mary C , Agrawal Vaibhav , Pourhassan Hoda , Koller Paul B , Aribi Ahmed , Ali Haris , Blackmon Amanda , Otoukesh Salman , Sandhu Karamjeet S. , Ball Brian J. , Arslan Shukaib , Artz Andrew S. , Amanam Idoroenyi , Al Malki Monzr M. , Salhotra Amandeep , Kovacsovics Tibor J , Murphy Lindsey A , Afkhami Michelle , Ngo Dat , Tinajero Jose , Gu Zhaohui , Becker Pamela S. , Nakamura Ryotaro , Stein Anthony S. , Marcucci Guido , Forman Stephen J. , Pullarkat Vinod A.
Published: January 2025

Despite the success of the CD19xCD3 T cell engager blinatumomab in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), treatment failure is common and can manifest with antigen loss and extramedullary disease (EMD) relapse. To understand the impact of leukemia genetics on outcomes, we reviewed 267 adult patients with B-ALL treated with blinatumomab and used next generation sequencing to identify molecular alterations. Patients received blinatumomab for relapsed/refractory (R/R) disease (n=150), minimal residual disease (MRD+) (n=88), upfront as induction (n=10), or as consolidation in MRD- state (n=19). In the overall cohort, 50 (19%) patients had Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-positive ALL, 80 (30%) had Ph-like ALL, 35 (13%) had TP53 mutations (TP53m), 7 (3%) had KMT2A-rearrangement, and 8 (3%) had PAX5-alterations. For patients treated for R/R ALL, the overall complete remission (CR)/CR with incomplete hematological recovery (CRi) rate was 59%. Only pretreatment high disease burden (p<0.01) and active EMD (p<0.01) were associated with inferior CR/CRi rate. Of 169 patients in CR/CRi post-blinatumomab, 79 (47%) patients relapsed, including 22 (28%) with CD19- and 54 (68%) with CD19+ relapse. In multivariable analysis, TP53m was associated with increased risk of CD19- relapse (HR=6.84; 95%CI: 2.68-17.45, p<0.01). Post blinatumomab allogenic stem cell transplantation consolidation was associated with lower risk of CD19- relapse (HR=0.10; 95%CI: 0.03-0.37, p<0.01) and EMD relapse (HR=0.36; 95%CI: 0.18-0.73, p<0.01). In conclusion, leukemia genetics may predict patterns of blinatumomab failure, with TP53m associated with CD19- relapse.
Research on Mechanical Aging Behavior of Grease in Rolling Bearing
Authors: Yang Jialong , Zhang Yuhao , Wang Zongzheng , Pu Wei
Published: January 2025

Grease is extensively used in rolling bearings due to its inherent sealing properties. However, mechanical degradation typically occurs, resulting in a significantly shorter lifespan for the grease compared to the bearing. Investigating aging mechanisms is essential. This study utilized rolling bearings to obtain mechanically aged greases. The aged samples were then subjected to do rheological test, FTIR test and friction test to examine the effects of aging time, radial load, and rotational speed. An innovative disk-ball-disk device was developed to study the friction characteristics of aged grease in rolling bearings. Additionally, a grease lubrication and friction model were proposed to further evaluate the lubrication performance of aged grease, using measured rheological parameters and the kinematic velocities of the disk-ball-disk device as inputs. The calculated friction coefficients matched well with disk-ball-disk experimental results. FTIR analysis revealed that the non-soap thickener's structure remained stable, but additives depleted at high speeds. The structure of lithium soap thickener decomposed severely, leading to oil bleeding and a shortened replenishment duration. Over aging time, both greases had lower friction and viscosity due to gradual thickener breakdown, releasing bled oil and extending replenishment. Radial load minimally affected the properties of aged grease. This study may provide valuable insights into the aging mechanisms of grease and the enhancement of rolling bearing lubrication.
Anaesthetic efficacy of intraligamentary injection compared to incisive nerve block using 3% mepivacaine hydrochloride: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Salem Suzan , Saad Islam , Elmoazen Ramy , Khalifa Ghada Amin
Published: January 2025

Background

In dentistry, local anesthetic is frequently used to manage pain throughout several phases of dental treatments, including tooth extraction. The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two techniques for controlling pain during mandibular exodontia (tooth extraction), specifically focusing on the pain experienced during injection and extraction of mandibular anterior and premolars teeth. The two techniques being compared are the intraligamentary injection technique (ILI) and the incisive nerve block technique (INB).

Materials and methods

In this study, 100 mandibular anterior and premolars and teeth that were indicated for extraction were included. The effectiveness of the two local anaesthesia techniques, intraligamentary injection technique (ILI) and incisive nerve block (INB), were compared using Modified Dental Anxiety Scale for Dental Extraction Procedure (MDAS-DEP) and visual analogue scale (VAS) during the injection and extraction stages of the procedure.

Results

A total of 100 participants (42 females, 58 males) with a mean age of 50.97 ± 11.59 years took part in the study. The mean VAS score in the INB group was 6.14 after injection and 3.86 after extraction, while in the ILI group, it was 5.46 and 2.90, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups both after injection (p = 0.001) and extraction (p < 0.001), as well as within each group (Control: p < 0.001; Study: p < 0.001). For MDAS-DEP, the INB group had mean scores of 15.86 and 11.26 after injection and extraction, respectively, while the ILI group had scores of 15.68 and 10.94, showing a significant difference within each group after both injection (p < 0.001) and extraction (p = 0.001). However, no significant difference was found when comparing MDAS-DEP scores between the two groups from injection to extraction (p = 0.802).

Conclusion

The intraligamentary injection technique (ILI) appears less painful during injection and provides profound pain relief during extraction. The results suggest that ILI can be used as a sole anaesthetic technique during extraction of lower anterior and premolar teeth.

Trial registration

This trial was retrospectively registered on 27/01/2023 with the identifier ISRCTN83272316 in Isrctn.com.
Anterior mediastinal tracheostomy – a salvage procedure for tracheal necrosis after thyroidectomy for medullary thyroid cancer: a case-report
Authors: Hemead Hanan , Patel Akshay J. , Jesani Hannah , Kumar Sajith , Ahmed Irfan , Parmar Sat , Warner Robert , Sharma Neil , Kalkat Maninder S.
Published: January 2025

A 34-year-old male patient with recently diagnosed with medullary thyroid carcinoma underwent total thyroidectomy and radical neck dissection, requiring sharp dissection to separate the tumour from the trachea. He required post operative intubation due to bilateral vocal cord paralysis. He developed ischaemic necrosis of the upper two thirds of the trachea presenting with marked surgical emphysema and an infective wound. The wound was opened, drained and an endotracheal tube was negotiated through the sloughed trachea into the distal intrathoracic trachea with the cuff inflated just above the carina. This complication was managed with total pharyngo-laryngectomy, anterior deep mediastinal tracheostomy and construction of a neo-cervical oesophagus with a free lateral thigh fascio-cutaneous flap. This case highlights the potential complications of a procedure, perseverance, collaboration amongst various disciplines and teamwork for treating a rare and complex condition. The patient was discharged and has had an excellent recovery with good quality of life over two years of follow up.
Surgery for chronic pyothorax after failed amplatzer closure of bronchopleural fistula
Authors: Vincent Yohann , Lenzini Alessandra , Hanna Amir , Leymarie Nicolas , Le Picault Brendan , Fadel Elie
Published: January 2025

Background

Post-pneumonectomy bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is a life-threatening event whose treatment is not standardized.

Case presentation

We report the management of a 28-year-old patient with a 3-year history of BPF complicating right pneumonectomy for congenital emphysema. Despite closure by an Amplatzer device, the patient had chronic pyothorax and severely deteriorated general health and quality of life. An attempt at Amplatzer device removal through an open window thoracostomy failed. A median sternotomy was performed, the carina was resected, and the left main bronchus was anastomosed to the trachea. The thoracostomy was closed using fasciocutaneous pedicled flaps. At 9 months, the patient was doing well.

Conclusion

The utilisation of an Amplatzer device to close a broncho-pleural fistula can have adverse effects and potentially result in fatal sepsis in those cases where it is unsuccessful. The endoscopic treatment of BPF should be reserved for expert centers, considering the location, size, and stability of the fistula when choosing the treatment strategy. The surgical management of failed Amplatzer closure may be extremely complex, requiring a highly experienced team.
V-ATPase in glioma stem cells: a novel metabolic vulnerability
Authors: Storaci Alessandra Maria , Bertolini Irene , Martelli Cristina , De Turris Giorgia , Mansour Nadia , Crosti Mariacristina , De Filippo Maria Rosaria , Ottobrini Luisa , Valenti Luca , Polledri Elisa , Fustinoni Silvia , Caroli Manuela , Fanizzi Claudia , Bosari Silvano , Ferrero Stefano , Zadra Giorgia , Vaira Valentina
Published: January 2025

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a lethal brain tumor characterized by the glioma stem cell (GSC) niche. The V-ATPase proton pump has been described as a crucial factor in sustaining GSC viability and tumorigenicity. Here we studied how patients-derived GSCs rely on V-ATPase activity to sustain mitochondrial bioenergetics and cell growth.

Methods

V-ATPase activity in GSC cultures was modulated using Bafilomycin A1 (BafA1) and cell viability and metabolic traits were analyzed using live assays. The GBM patients-derived orthotopic xenografts were used as in vivo models of disease. Cell extracts, proximity-ligation assay and advanced microscopy was used to analyze subcellular presence of proteins. A metabolomic screening was performed using Biocrates p180 kit, whereas transcriptomic analysis was performed using Nanostring panels.

Results

Perturbation of V-ATPase activity reduces GSC growth in vitro and in vivo. In GSC there is a pool of V-ATPase that localize in mitochondria. At the functional level, V-ATPase inhibition in GSC induces ROS production, mitochondrial damage, while hindering mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and reducing protein synthesis. This metabolic rewiring is accompanied by a higher glycolytic rate and intracellular lactate accumulation, which is not exploited by GSCs for biosynthetic or survival purposes.

Conclusions

V-ATPase activity in GSC is critical for mitochondrial metabolism and cell growth. Targeting V-ATPase activity may be a novel potential vulnerability for glioblastoma treatment.
Teaching triage in disaster medicine – same subject, but different approach
Authors: Khorram-Manesh Amir
Published: January 2025

Background

Disaster management is an inter-, intra-, and cross-disciplinary task in which different specialties partake. Triage is a crucial part of disaster education. A synchronized approach and mutual understanding of triaging and agreement on priorities are essential for saving lives.

Case study

Educational initiatives in disaster medicine aim to address issues that highlight the differences between more routine multi-casualty incidents and rarer mass casualty incidents. These differences are characterized by the number of victims, available resources, and environmental factors that may jeopardize the safety of victims and healthcare providers. While routine triage algorithms are often used in multiple casualty emergencies, considering environmental factors in mass casualty incidents caused by natural or human-made hazards should be equally important.

Conclusions

The impacts of environmental factors are usually not discussed in disaster medicine education, resulting in professionals having difficulties understanding the limitations of implementing routine triage algorithms during disaster response.
Personalized neuron-specific enolase level based on EEG pattern for prediction of poor outcome after cardiac arrest
Authors: Pelle Juliette , Pruvost-Robieux Estelle , Dumas Florence , Ginguay Antonin , Charpentier Julien , Vigneron Clara , Pène Frédéric , Mira Jean Paul , Cariou Alain , Benghanem Sarah
Published: January 2025

Background

After cardiac arrest (CA), the European recommendations suggest to use a neuron-specific enolase (NSE) level > 60 µg/L at 48–72 h to predict poor outcome. However, the prognostic performance of NSE can vary depending on electroencephalogram (EEG). The objective was to determine whether the NSE threshold which predicts poor outcome varies according to EEG patterns and the effect of electrographic seizures on NSE level.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary CA center, using a prospective registry of 155 adult patients comatose 72 h after CA. EEG patterns were classified according to the Westhall classification (benign, malignant or highly malignant). Neurological outcome was evaluated using the CPC scale at 3 months (CPC 3–5 defining a poor outcome).

Results

Participants were 64 years old (IQR [53; 72,5]), and 74% were male. 83% were out-of-hospital CA and 48% were initial shockable rhythm. Electrographic seizures were observed in 5% and 8% of good and poor outcome patients, respectively (p = 0.50). NSE blood levels were significantly lower in the good outcome (median 20 µg/L IQR [15; 30]) compared to poor outcome group (median 110 µg/l IQR [49;308], p < 0,001). Benign EEG was associated with lower level of NSE compared to malignant and highly malignant patterns (p < 0.001). The NSE level was not significantly increased in patients with seizures as compared with malignant patterns (p = 0.15). In patients with a malignant EEG, a NSE > 45.2 µg/L was predictive of unfavorable outcome with 100% specificity and a higher sensitivity (70.8%) compared to the recommended NSE cut-off of 60 µg/l (Se = 66%). Combined to electrographic seizures, a NSE > 53.5 µg/L predicts poor outcome with 100% specificity and a higher sensitivity (77.7%) compared to the recommended cut-off (Se = 66.6%). Combined to a benign EEG, a NSE level > 78.2 µg/L was highly predictive of a poor outcome with a higher specificity (Sp = 100%) compared to the recommended cut-off (Sp = 94%).

Conclusion

In comatose patients after AC, a personalized approach of NSE according to EEG pattern could improve the specificity and sensitivity of this biomarker for poor outcome prediction. Compared to others malignant EEG, no significant difference of NSE level was observed in case of electrographic seizures.
Integrative analysis of the Aachen geothermal system (Germany) with an interdisciplinary conceptual model
Authors: Gómez-Díaz Esteban , Balza Morales Andrea , Kukla Peter A. , Brehme Maren
Published: January 2025

The comprehension of geothermal systems involves the efficient integration of geological, geophysical and geochemical tools that are crucial in unraveling the distinct features inherent in geothermal reservoirs. We provide a first approach to comprehending the geologically complex geothermal system in the Aachen area, which has been known for its natural thermal spring occurrences since Roman times. Through a comprehensive analysis involving geochemical interpretation of water samples, a review of 2D seismic profiles, stress analysis, and surface geology, a dynamic model has been built, which serves as a conceptual framework providing a clearer understanding of the system. The model characterizes a non-magmatic, detachment fault-controlled convective thermal system, wherein the reservoir exhibits mixed properties of the mainly Devonian carbonate rocks. NW–SE directed fault lines play a pivotal role in fluid transport, enabling the ascent of thermal waters without the need for additional energy. We additionally conducted magnetotelluric (MT) surveys and analyzed apparent resistivity and impedance values obtained through forward modeling, along with an assessment of noise levels. These findings contribute to evaluating the potential use of MT methods in further evaluating the study area and for geothermal energy exploration in general.
Improving timing resolution of BGO for TOF-PET: a comparative analysis with and without deep learning
Authors: Loignon-Houle Francis , Kratochwil Nicolaus , Toussaint Maxime , Lowis Carsten , Ariño-Estrada Gerard , Gonzalez Antonio J. , Auffray Etiennette , Lecomte Roger
Published: January 2025

Background

The renewed interest in BGO scintillators for TOF-PET is driven by the improved Cherenkov photon detection with new blue-sensitive SiPMs. However, the slower scintillation light from BGO causes significant time walk with leading edge discrimination (LED), which degrades the coincidence time resolution (CTR). To address this, a time walk correction (TWC) can be done by using the rise time measured with a second threshold. Deep learning, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs), can also enhance CTR by training with digitized waveforms. It remains to be explored how timing estimation methods utilizing one (LED), two (TWC), or multiple (CNN) waveform data points compare in CTR performance of BGO scintillators.

Results

In this work, we compare classical experimental timing estimation methods (LED, TWC) with a CNN-based method using the signals from BGO crystals read out by NUV-HD-MT SiPMs and high-frequency electronics. For

$${2 \times 2 \times 3}\,\hbox {mm}^{3}$$

2
×
2
×
3

mm
3

crystals, implementing TWC results in a CTR of 129 ± 2 ps FWHM, while employing the CNN yields 115 ± 2 ps FWHM, marking improvements of 18 % and 26 %, respectively, relative to the standard LED estimator. For

$${2 \times 2 \times 20}\,\hbox {mm}^{3}$$

2
×
2
×
20

mm
3

crystals, both methods yield similar CTR (around 240 ps FWHM), offering a

$$\sim$$

∼

15 % gain over LED. The CNN, however, exhibits better tail suppression in the coincidence time distribution.

Conclusions

The higher complexity of waveform digitization needed for CNNs could potentially be mitigated by adopting a simpler two-threshold approach, which appears to currently capture most of the essential information for improving CTR in longer BGO crystals. Other innovative deep learning models and training strategies may nonetheless contribute further in a near future to harnessing increasingly discernible timing features in TOF-PET detector signals.
Rabies-preventive health program for mothers in maternal and child health centers: quasi experimental study
Authors: Mabrouk Baraka Samia Ibrahim , Abo El Nour Rania Abd Elmohsen , Abdelzaher M. A. , Seif El–Nasr Eman Mahmoud
Published: January 2025

Background

Rabies spreads to people and animals via saliva, usually through bites, scratches, or direct contact with mucosa (e.g. eyes, mouth, or open wounds). Rabies remains a major public health problem in Egypt, with an estimated 60 people dying annually from the disease.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of preventive program on mothers' awareness for prevention of rabies.

Study design

Quasi-experimental research design was utilized in this study.

Setting

This study was conducted at three major Maternal and child centers (Botors, Embaby and Segar) in Tanta City.

Sample

A total sample of 150 mothers who attended the child clinic with children aged 6–12 years.

Tools

Researchers developed three tools for data collection. The tools underwent content validity assessment, and their internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Structured interviewing questionnaire for assessment of mothers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding rabies Tool I, Mothers' knowledge regarding rabies questionnaire. This tool consisted of two parts: demographic characteristics of the studied mothers and mothers’ knowledge about rabies. Tool II, Rabies attitudinal Likert scale. Tool III, Mothers reported practice Questionnaire.

Results

From the obtained results, it was found that, a statistically significant correlation was found between mothers' total knowledge scores, attitude and total practice scores, both before and after the implementation of the rabies prevention program.

Conclusion

It was concluded that the rabies- preventive health program had a positive impact on mother’s knowledge, attitude and practices regarding rabies. The mean knowledge score improved from 14.08 before preventive program to 20.90 one month posttest. Negative attitude of the studied mothers was 48% before program but it reduced to 1.3% one month after preventive program. Only 13.35% of the participants had satisfactory level of practice before program and increased to 83.30% one month posttest.

Recommendations

Dissemination of the program through mass media campaigns and community outreach activities to enhance public knowledge, improve attitudes, and promote better practices regarding rabies prevention and control measures.
Ouvrages patristiques dans la Bibliothèque de Patmos
Authors: GEROLYMATOU Maria
Published: January 2025

Η Βιβλιοθήκη της μονής Πάτμου είναι μία από τις παλαιότερες και πλουσιότερες μοναστηριακές βιβλιοθήκες. Ο πυρήνας της χρονολογείται τον 11ο αιώνα. Σήμερα σώζονται έξι βυζαντινοί κατάλογοι (από τις αρχές του 12ου έως τις αρχές του 14ου αιώνα), των ευρισκομένων στη Βιβλιοθήκη χειρογράφων. ´Στην παρούσα εργασία εξετάζεται η πιθανότητα να γίνουν ταυτίσεις μεταξύ των μνημονευομένων στους καταλόγους πατερικών έργων με πατερικά χειρόγραφα που σώζονται σήμερα στη Βιβλιοθήκη. Προκύπτει το συμπέρασμα ότι στις περισσότερες περιπτώσεις είναι πολύ δύσκολο να γίνουν ταυτίσεις.
Βιβλιοκρισία:Ν. Βρυζίδης, Π. Ανδρούδης, M. Martiniani-Reber (επιστ. επιμ.), Μετάξι και Πορφύρα. Ο κόσμος του βυζαντινού και μεταβυζαντινού υφάσματος, Αθήνα 2023
Authors: ΚΑΛΑΜΑΡΑ Παρή
Published: January 2025

Βιβλιοκρισία:Ν. Βρυζίδης, Π. Ανδρούδης, M. Martiniani-Reber (επιστ. επιμ.), Μετάξι και Πορφύρα. Ο κόσμος του βυζαντινού και μεταβυζαντινού υφάσματος, Αθήνα 2023
Factors associated with the use of rehabilitation services among people with disabilities in Chile: A population-based study
Authors: Paredes-Laguna Dania Silvia , Calderón-Curiñaupa William Romeo , Soto-Nuñez Sandra Liz , Espinoza-Hoempler Adriana Berenice , Alarco J. Jhonnel
Published: January 2025

Background Rehabilitation services are necessary for many people with disabilities to improve their functioning and be included in society. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with the use of rehabilitation services among people with disabilities in Chile in 2015. Methods This cross-sectional analysis of secondary data from Chile’s 2015 Second National Disability Study (ENDISC II) included people with disabilities aged ≥18 years. The dependent variable was the use of rehabilitation services in the previous year, and the exposure variables were sociodemographic and confounders. Poisson regression was used to determine associated factors, and prevalence ratios (PR) with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated. All results were weighted according to the ENDISC II complex sampling. Results A total of 2610 people with disabilities were included, and 19.1% used some rehabilitation services in the previous year. Educational level (PR 0.43; 95% CI 0.25–0.75), having a mental illness (PR 1.77; 95% CI 1.44–2.18), and caregiver assistance (PR 1.57; 95% CI 1.25–1.97) were factors associated with the use of rehabilitation services. Conclusions In 2015, one-fifth of people with disabilities in Chile used some rehabilitation services in the previous year. People with disabilities with lower educational levels were less likely to access these services. By contrast, people with mental illness and caregiver assistance were more likely to use rehabilitation services.
Examining the effects of anxiety and education level on mental health: The role of spiritual intelligence as an intervening variable in post COVID-19 patients in Indonesia
Authors: Ansyori Anis , Yunus Ahmad , Imam Sentot , Peristiowati Yuly
Published: January 2025

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected global health systems and daily life, exacerbating vulnerabilities, particularly in Indonesia. This study investigates the impact of anxiety and education level on mental health, with spiritual intelligence as an intervening variable among post-COVID-19 patients in Indonesia. Methods Utilizing a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 390 post-COVID-19 patients in Indonesia. Structured questionnaires assessed anxiety, education level, spiritual intelligence, and mental health. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the relationships among these variables. Results The findings indicate that anxiety significantly affects both spiritual intelligence and mental health, with spiritual intelligence acting as a mediating factor. Additionally, higher educational attainment is positively associated with enhanced spiritual intelligence and improved mental health outcomes. Conclusions The study underscores the importance of incorporating spiritual development practices into mental health interventions and educational programs to boost resilience and overall well-being in the post-pandemic era. While these findings are promising, the cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, and future research should consider longitudinal studies to examine these relationships over time. These practices can help mitigate the adverse effects of anxiety and educational disparities on mental health.
Diversity, Distribution, and Phenotypic Characterization of Cultivable Wild Yeasts Isolated from Natural Forest
Authors: Tadesse Teshome , Dese Degife , Dabassa Anbessa , Bacha Ketema
Published: January 2025

Background Yeasts are unicellular fungi that inhabit a variety of environments including plant surfaces, water, soil, and animal hosts. However, limited research has been conducted on soil and plant associated yeasts in Africa, with most studies originating from developed regions. Methods This study explored the diversity, distribution, and phenotypic characterization of cultivable wild yeast in samples from rhizosphere soil, leaves, litter, and tree bark collected from South West Ethiopia. Yeast isolates were characterized using morphological, physiological and biochemical methods, Stress-tolerant yeast species were identified using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF). Results Based on morphological, physiological, and biochemical analyses, a total of 15 yeast genera were identified from 23 plant species. Predominant yeast species included Candida spp., Saccharomyces spp., Meyerozyma spp., Pichia spp., Geotrichum spp., and Hanseniaspora spp. Plant species with the highest yeast diversity were Ficus vasta, Ficus exasperata, Ficus sycomorus, Cordia africana, and Ritchiea albersii. Bark samples yielded more yeast isolates than rhizosphere soil, litter, and leaves. Stress-tolerant species such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida pelliculosa, Meyerozyma guilliermondii, Pichia kluyveri, and Trichosporon asahii were identified using MALDI-TOF. Correlation analysis revealed no significant relationship between yeast populations in bark and leaf samples or between rhizosphere soil and leaves, though a weak positive correlation was found between rhizosphere soil and bark or litter. Seasonal analysis showed a strong positive correlation between yeast abundance in spring and summer, but no association between autumn and spring. Conclusion Ethiopian forests are home for various yeast species including the stress-tolerant wild yeasts. This study highlights the significant yeast diversity in Ethiopian forests, with potential applications in improving industrial fermentation processes that operate under stressful conditions.
Klerykalizm jako istotna przyczyna reformy kanonicznego prawa karnego
Authors: Jaszcz Adam
Published: January 2025

Powszechnie uważa się, że główną przyczyną nowelizacji Księgi VI KPK/83 stały się nadużycia seksualne w Kościele. Przestępstwa contra sextum cum minore wynikają często z wykorzystywania wyskokiem pozycji społecznej, jaką w wielu krajach posiadają duchowni. Specyfika tych przestępstw wiąże się ze zjawiskiem klerykalizmu, którego sprzeczność z istotą Kościoła ukazuje w swoim nauczaniu papież Franciszek. Autor stawia tezę, że klerykalizm jest istotną przyczyną nowelizacji Księgi VI, przytaczając argumenty o charakterze teologicznym i prawnokanonicznym. Ukazuje również, że na mens legislatoris ustawodawcy reformującego kanoniczne prawo karne miało wpływ myślenie jednego z największych współczesnych teologów H. de Lubaca.
“Voluntary and Unlawful Abandonment of the Sacred Ministry” in the Light of the Revised Provisions of Canon Penal Law in the 1983 Code of Canon Law
Authors: Kiełpiński Krzysztof Marek
Published: January 2025

The article aims to familiarize the reader with the legislative actions of the Pope. It is noteworthy that since the promulgation of the 1983 Code of Canon Law (CIC/83), no other amendment has been made to penal law that would be comparable in scale. Based on an analysis of Canon 1392 of the CIC, which was carried out to show the positive effects of the amendment, the article describes in detail the issue of interest. The author’s aim is to show the abandonment of the sacred ministry as an offence. Accordingly, key concepts are explained, and an analysis of the subject and object dimensions of the offence is carried out. Furthermore, in the last part of the study, criminal sanctions and actions of the ecclesiastical authority are presented. Various research methods have been used to create the narrative, including the dogmatic-legal method, the historical-legal method, the philological method, the analytical method, and the synthetic method.
Developing a Partnership for Internship Training at a Community-Based Animal Assisted Therapy Practice
Authors:   , Bugni Brooke R.
Published: January 2025

The effectiveness of a pre-graduation animal assisted therapy internship site was investigated through an ethnographic, phenomenological methodology with mixed-methods components. A total of 12 participants who fit into either the category of supervisor, intern, or administrator involved in the animal assisted therapy practice, were interviewed. A research team analyzed the qualitative interview data and researcher participant field notes and came to a consensus of eight major themes: ranch environment, ranch modalities, community impact, counselor development, relationships, partnership, sense of purpose, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Past historical client data were analyzed (n = 47) to investigate effectiveness of the AAT internship cite through the lens of the clients. Historical client data was divided into three categories, dependent on the client's age and the assessment taken: Adult Self Report (ASR), Youth Self Report (YSR), and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). A paired t-test was run for each assessment group to compare the means of the pre-assessment scores and the means of the post assessment scores for the total problems scale and anxiety problems scale. There was a statistically significant decrease in anxiety problems for the CBCL group. There was a marginally statistically significant decrease in total problems for the CBCL group. There were no significant results found for the YSR or ASR data. Client demographic findings and the statistically significant findings are discussed in relation to the qualitative themes. Implications for future research and counselor education are discussed.
"What kind of system have we built?": A Qualitative Analysis of the Asylum-Seeking System for Gender-Based Asylum Seekers in the United States
Authors:   , Byth Janice Kay
Published: January 2025

Many asylum seekers have experienced trauma that causes them to flee their home country. A large portion of asylum seekers are women and are fleeing gender-based violence or experiencing it while fleeing. Due to this trauma, the researcher and the Human Rights Initiative of North Texas, a non-profit legal and social services organization, developed a research project to examine how trauma-informed,the asylum-seeking system is in the United States, specifically for those who are fleeing gender-based violence. A trauma-informed care approach attempts to address trauma and retraumatization systematically for both traumatized persons and those who work with traumatized people. This research takes a qualitative approach because it would allow for more in-depth and detailed analysis through trauma-informed, governmentality, and necropolises lenses. I interviewed 18 experts who, either as a social or legal service, specialize in working with asylum seekers who have experienced gender-based violence. These interviews, ranging from thirty minutes to an hour and a half, were recorded, transcribed, and coded for themes such as gender, trauma, and social determinants of health. None of the participants found the United States asylum-seeking system to be trauma-informed. The asylum-seeking system in the United States is not set up to meet clients where they are, and it works against their needs in a way that retraumatizes them and makes arguing their cases more complicated.
Localization of UAVs Using Computer Vision in a GPS-Denied Environment
Authors:   , Aluri Ram Charan
Published: January 2025

The main objective of this thesis is to propose a localization method for a UAV using various computer vision and machine learning techniques. It plays a major role in planning the strategy for the flight, and acts as a navigational contingency method, in event of a GPS failure. The implementation of the algorithms employs high processing capabilities of the graphics processing unit, making it more efficient. The method involves the working of various neural networks, working in synergy to perform the localization. This thesis is a part of a collaborative project between The University of North Texas, Denton, USA, and the University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The localization has been divided into three phases namely object detection, recognition, and location estimation. Object detection and position estimation were discussed in this thesis while giving a brief understanding of the recognition. Further, future strategies to aid the UAV to complete the mission, in case of an eventuality, like the introduction of an EDGE server and wireless charging methods, was also given a brief introduction.