bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tuberculous Osteomyelitis of the Coracoid Process Presenting as Shoulder Pain: A Case Report
Authors:   Department of Orthopaedics, Sujay Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India,, Shah Rahul , Rao Aditya ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Rajarshee Chattrapati Shahu Maharaj Government Medical College and Chhatrapati Pramilatai Raje Hospital, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India,, Gunay Siddharth ,   Department of Orthopaedics, R.N. Cooper Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India,, Kulkarni Shradha ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Bombay Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Published: February 2025

Introduction: India accounts for more than 25% of the global cases of tuberculosis (TB). Skeletal TB accounts for approximately 15% of extra-pulmonary TB cases and up to 5% of all TB cases. Spine is the most common site for osteoarticular TB accounting for half of the total osteoarticular TB cases. TB osteomyelitis of flat bones such as the scapula is uncommon. The risk of TB among healthcare workers is significantly higher as compared to the general population. This is of particular concern, especially in endemic countries.

Case Report: A 26-year-old doctor presented with a 1-month history of dull-aching right shoulder pain without constitutional symptoms. The patient had tenderness over coracoid process on deep palpation with no other positive findings. Plain radiographs were unremarkable but magnetic resonance imaging revealed osteomyelitic changes in the coracoid process which was confirmed as TB on histopathology. The patient had excellent outcome after 18 months of anti-tuberculous therapy.

Conclusion: A high index of suspicion of TB is imperative in endemic countries, especially in healthcare workers, irrespective of the immunity, vaccination status, and radiographic appearance. Early diagnosis and timely treatment give excellent functional outcomes.

Keywords: Coracoid, tuberculosis, osteomyelitic, anti-tuberculous therapy, endemic.
Demographic Insights into One-Year Mortality Following Proximal Femur Fracture Surgery in India
Authors:   Department of Orthopaedics, Santosh Medical College and Hospital, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India,, Mittal Shivanshu , David Vivek Kumar ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Gouri Devi Institution of Medical Science and College, Durgapur, West Bengal, India.
Published: February 2025

Introductions: Proximal femur fractures are a significant public health issue and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. It poses a remarkable burden on healthcare resources.

Materials and Methods: Records of patients with proximal femur fracture operated during the study period (July 01, 2017–May 31, 2020) in our institution were obtained from hospital management system and analyzed retrospectively.

Results: Out of 1189 patients, 1101 met the inclusion criteria. About 66.21% were intertrochanteric, 28.52% were neck femur, and 5.26% were sub-trochanteric fractures. About 60.85% of patients were female. The mean age was 74.1 ± 9.22 years. Most injuries were domestic falls (89%) and left-sided (55%). The average delay in presentation to the hospital was 2.5 ± 6.62 days with mean length of stay being 11.34 ± 6.22 days and average pre-operative wait being 6.89 ± 3.34 days. Hypertension was the most common comorbid condition associated (45%) followed by diabetes (27%). About 4% also sustained other fractures; most common were distal end radius and proximal humerus fracture. Majority (63.7%) were operated between 3 and 7 days post-admission and the most common surgery performed was osteosynthesis with proximal femoral nail (39.69%). For mortality assessment, 34 patients died during hospital stay, 785 patients could be assessed and 282 were lost to follow-up. In-hospital mortality was 3.08%, 30-day mortality was 8.05% and 1-year mortality was 18.92%.

Conclusion: An integrated multidisciplinary approach with fall prevention awareness should be promoted to decrease the overall rate.

Keywords: One-year mortality, proximal femur fracture, demography.
MANAGEMENT OF VENTRICULAR ARRHYTHMIA INCIDENTALLY DETECTED DURING PERIODIC EXAMINATIONS IN POLISH AIR FORCE PILOTS
Authors:   Department of Internal Disease, Military Institute of Aviation Medicine, Warsaw, Poland, Kurek Michał
Published: February 2025

Abstract: Cardiac rhythm disorders are the most frequent reason for referring military pilots for hospital examinations to determine the cause, treatment, and control of arrhythmias, which directly affects their further service in the air. The article presents the procedure in the case of detecting ventricular extrasystoles during periodic examinations of pilots of the Polish Air Force, using the example of aviators who have recently been admitted to our department.
OPHTHALMIC RISKS DURING SPACE TRAVEL
Authors:   Grochowski Hospital, Warsaw, Poland, Chamernik Alan , Różycka Małgorzata ,   “Orbita” Medical Center, Warsaw, Poland, Różycka Katarzyna ,   “Orbita” Medical Center, Warsaw, Poland, Ulaszewska Katarzyna ,   “Orbita” Medical Center, Warsaw, Poland, Bakalarski Krystian ,   Faculty of Medicine, Lazarski University, Warsaw, Poland, Nesterowicz Piotr ,   Faculty of Medicine, Lazarski University, Warsaw, Poland, Różycki Radosław ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Military Institute of Aviation Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
Published: February 2025

Abstract: The aim of the following scientific paper is to address the ophthalmic issues and threats as sociated with human exposure to microgravity environments and radiation during space flights. We conducted a review of ophthalmic scientific literature related to space flights, focusing primarily on spaceflight related neuro ocular syndrome (SANS). NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration) considers SANS, along with other vision disorders, to be one of the major medical challenges that can significantly limit human ability for prolonged stays in space and on celestial bodies other than Earth [32 ]]. In this paper, we also present the latest methods for diagnosing and preventing SANS.
Radical Walking and the Avant-Garde Encounter
Authors: DeMay Timothy
Published: February 2025

Abstract: One of the motivations for the avant-garde impulse has been to break and make defamiliar a shared world that has become naturalized and stagnant. Through an analysis of the Situationist dérive and cases of "walking differently," this essay explores how such reimagining accords with policing, totalitarian actions of domination, and suppression. By focusing on three walks—an intentional dérive, a protest march, and a migrant getting lost in the Paris metro—and the literary representations of these walks in post–WWII Paris, the essay sketches the possibilities and threats of avant-garde experimentation. More generally, the essay advances a claim that the avant-garde is first a physical and material practice performed by nonartists before being taken up in representation.
In Pursuit of The Emerald City : Cable-Access Television and the Gay 1970S
Authors: Mills Robert J.
Published: February 2025

Abstract: This article works to unpack the sociocultural significance of The Emerald City , the world's first regularly scheduled gay television show (airing on Manhattan Cable's Channel J from late 1976 to 1978). Focusing primarily on the show's magazine format—its construction as a series of tenuously related segments spanning the humorous, the informative, the political, and the mundane—the article considers the relationship between this particular mode of televisual address and the cultures of gay liberation flourishing concurrently. Ultimately, it proposes that the show's digressive format enabled the communication of an expanded idea of what it meant to be gay in the late 1970s, establishing a queer political agenda both multiplicitous and coalitional.
Two Notions of Nonconceptuality in Buddhist Meditative Practice
Authors: Spackman John
Published: February 2025

This paper examines two accounts of how Buddhist meditative practice has been seen as cultivating nonconceptual mental states. The first, exemplified in recent work by Evan Thompson, drawing on Dharmakīrti, views the representational contents of certain meditative states as nonconceptual. The second, found in Yogācāra texts like the Mahāyānasaṃgraha, suggests that meditation cultivates a type of awareness that is nonconceptual (nirvikalpajñāna). I argue that while there are strong epistemological and phenomenological arguments against any representational contents being nonconceptual, the view that awareness itself is nonconceptual can avoid these problems. Nonconceptual awareness is best understood, I suggest, as having a reflexive structure akin to later notions of self-awareness (svasaṃvedana), which simultaneously establishes it as nonconceptual and vouchsafes it against the challenges facing nonconceptual content accounts. I thus offer a preliminary defense of the view that certain meditative practices cultivate an awareness in which the reflexive, nonconceptual nature of consciousness is revealed.
Biomedical Optics Express recognizes the 2024 best paper prize winners: editorial
Authors: Farsiu Sina , Wang Ruikang K.
Published: February 2025

The Editor-in-Chief and Deputy Editor of Biomedical Optics Express announce the prize for the best paper published in the Journal between 2021 and 2023.
Distinctive molecular configuration of nanostructured silica deposited at a glancing angle
Authors: Mireles Marcela , Hoffman Brittany N. , MacNally Sara , Smith Christopher C. , Rigatti Amy L. , Demos Stavros G.
Published: February 2025

Glancing-angle deposition (GLAD) produces nanostructured silica, showcasing form birefringence, an attractive alternative to traditionally used crystalline materials for polarization control. This work aims to enhance the understanding of its internal structure and associated defects in its native form and after laser processing. Our observations show, for the first time, that the GLAD silica exhibits a unique Raman signature that converges to a typical silica spectrum following laser melting. Defects were also investigated with fluorescence spectroscopy. The new insight provided by this work informs our understanding of this birefringent material and drives optimization of its performance in GLAD-based polarization control devices.
Exploring the upper limit of the number of vortices loaded onto a ring Airyprime vortex beam array to achieve the strongest auto-focusing ability
Authors: Liu Ziyuan , He Jian , Chen Jiahao , Gao Hongfei , Wang Fei , Zhou Yimin , Cai Yangjian , Chen Ruipin , Zhou Guoquan
Published: February 2025

An Airy-like vortex beam array achieves the encoding and transmission of information through its auto-focusing property and the carriage of orbital angular momentum. However, the study of its auto-focusing ability, especially how this ability is affected by the number of vortices uploaded, has rarely been explored. This study delves into the effect of the number of vortices loaded onto a ring Airyprime vortex beam array (RAPVBA) on its auto-focusing ability. Two types of vortices, namely vortices with identical and opposite vortices, are studied, respectively. Regardless of whether the identical or opposite vortices are uploaded, for the number of vortices loaded onto the RAPVBA to achieve the strongest auto-focusing ability exists an upper limit, which can be interpreted by the flow of energy fluxes (also known as the Poynting vector). Overloading and underloading of the number of vortices will not achieve the strongest auto-focusing ability. Finally, the RAPVBA is experimentally generated, and the effect of the number of vortices on auto-focusing ability is measured. The experimental results match the theoretical predictions closely, confirming the accuracy of the theoretical model. This study provides a scheme for accurately controlling the number of vortices to generate a vortex beam array with the strongest auto-focusing ability, which can be potentially used in atmospheric optical communication.
Learning-based polarization retrieval from intensity speckle of dense scattering media
Authors: Yang Bo , Tan Lining , Zhang Xuemin , Zhang Tong , Luo Xiyuan , Dong Xue , Xie Peiyue , Han Pingli , Liu Fei
Published: February 2025

Polarization information is vital for recovering the fine details and structure of the object in complex scattering environments. However, existing methods for acquiring polarization information typically rely on specialized imaging systems, limiting their broader applications. To simplify the imaging system and reduce computational complexity, we introduce a deep neural network-based approach capable of retrieving the polarization information directly from a single-intensity image captured by a conventional camera. The network integrates transformer and U-Net architectures, incorporating multi-level feature extraction, skip connections, and multi-head self-attention mechanism (MHSA), which facilitate information fusion and allow precise recovery of polarization information from intensity images in highly scattering environments. The proposed method effectively extracts the degree of polarization (DoP) and angle of polarization (AoP) from a single speckle intensity image without requiring a custom system. It achieves 98% accuracy in cosine similarity, demonstrating robust performance in interpreting polarization information in dense scattering media, offering what we believe is a novel solution for imaging through scattering environments.
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts: Integrating syndemics and intersectionality in tackling the HIV and mental health epidemics among Filipino gay and bisexual men
Authors: Pamoso Aron Harold G. , Rasmussen Mary Lou , Sutarsa I. Nyoman , Scholz Brett
Published: February 2025

Insufficient attention has been given to the social aspects of HIV and mental health in the Philippines despite their profound impact on Filipinos, particularly gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men. Past evidence shows that these health conditions are intertwined, amplified by the combined impact of power and oppression. Yet, scholarly works, programs, and interventions focusing on understanding the social, structural, and political aspects of HIV and mental health are still in the early stages in the Philippines, calling for urgency in tackling the ongoing epidemics these men face. Therefore, we have developed this essay with the following objectives: 1) to provide context for the overlapping of the two health epidemics faced by Filipino gay and bisexual men and men who have sex with men; 2) to illustrate how critical perspectives such as syndemics and intersectionality can deepen our understanding of these conditions; 3) to showcase strategies for integrating syndemics and intersectionality into research and practice. Our aim is to foster the discussion on the use of critical perspectives in addressing health conditions in the Philippines and to advocate for comprehensive, inclusive, and culturally informed research, programs, and interventions for these men in the broader Filipino community.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of romosozumab for severe postmenopausal osteoporosis at very high risk of fracture in Mexico
Authors: Diaz Martinez Juan Pablo , Aubry de Maraumont Therese , Natty Sánchez Elly , Camacho Cordero Luis Miguel , Yeh Eric
Published: February 2025

Introduction

This study aims to assess the cost effectiveness of romosozumab versus teriparatide, both sequenced to denosumab, for the treatment of severe postmenopausal osteoporosis at very high risk of fractures in Mexican women.

Methods

A Markov model was used to assess the relative cost effectiveness of 1 year of romosozumab versus 2 years of teriparatide, both sequenced to denosumab for a total treatment duration of 5 years. Outcomes for a cohort of women with a mean age of 74 years, a T-score ≤-2.5 and a previous fragility fracture were simulated over a lifetime horizon. The analysis was conducted from the perspective of the Mexican healthcare system and used a discount rate of 5% per annum. To inform relative fracture incidence, the bone mineral density (BMD) advantage of romosozumab over teriparatide was translated into relative risks of fracture, using relationships provided by a meta-regression of osteoporosis therapy trials. Outcomes were assessed in terms of lifetime costs (2023 Mexican pesos), quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and life-years gained (LYs).

Results

Base case results showed that, compared with teriparatide/ denosumab, romosozumab/ denosumab reduced costs by $51,363 MXN per patient and yielded 0.03 additional QALYs and 0.01 LYs. Scenario analyses and probabilistic sensitivity analyses confirmed that results are robust to uncertainty in model assumptions and inputs.

Conclusions

Results show that romosozumab/ denosumab produces greater health benefits at a lower total cost than teriparatide/ denosumab.
More than a feeling: A global economic valuation of subjective wellbeing damages resulting from rising temperatures
Authors: Dietrich Stephan , Nichols Stafford
Published: February 2025

When estimating economic and welfare effects from climate change, impact models must make broad assumptions because of a lack of data and the complexity of damage mechanisms. In this paper, we apply a novel approach to try and address this issue. We use an experienced utility approach to measure how extreme heat affects subjective wellbeing. The data comes from a life evaluation question collected on nationally representative surveys covering 160 countries, conducted annually for 13 years. We take advantage of 40 years of variation in daily land surface temperature data, finding that one additional exceptionally hot day significantly lowers wellbeing, by roughly 0.5% on average. This is equivalent to the wellbeing loss resulting from GDP decreasing by several percentage points. The effect size varies substantially between, and within, countries, highlighting the importance of having local data. Further, we analyze the source of wellbeing damages, by looking at income and non-income pathways. Suprisingly, we find that income pathways accounts for only a small proportion of wellbeing damages caused by extreme temperatures. This indicates current models that focus on income pathways are likely missing sources of climate-caused damages.
Investigation into the sero-molecular prevalence of Brucella melitensis in small ruminants in districts Mohmand and Charsadda Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan
Authors: Ul Hassan Sohaib , Khan Farhan Anwar , Shuaib Muhammad , Shahid Muhammad , Shah Said Sajjad Ali , Siddiqui Shahrood Ahmed , Pokoo-Aikins Anthony , Swelum Ayman A.
Published: February 2025

Globally, ruminants contribute largely to the livelihood and supply of quality food for human consumption. However, small ruminants face numerous problems, including infectious diseases, in lower- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Brucellosis is one of the important zoonotic diseases affecting the range of animals caused by Brucella species, including Brucella abortus and Brucella mellitensis. Although brucellosis caused by B. mellitensis in small ruminants has never been reported in the study areas, its zoonotic importance can never be underestimated. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the sero-molecular prevalence of B. mellitensis in small ruminants in districts Mohmand and Charsadda of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 400 blood samples were collected from sheep and goats (n = 200 from each species) and analyzed by Rose Bengal precipitation test (RBPT), the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (i-ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The findings of the study indicated 13.5% and 7% of sheep while 12.5% and 12.5% of goat’s samples by RBPT and (i-ELISA) respectively. The species-specific PCR confirmed B. abortus in 70% of sheep samples and 37.5% of goat’s samples and B. mellitensis in 25% of sheep and 62.5% of goat’s samples by targeting IS711. The findings of the study concluded that B. abortus and B. melitensis were circulating in sheep and goats with a higher prevalence in the study areas. This study detected the presence of B. mellitensis for the first time in small ruminants in the study areas.
SET ESG ratings and firm value: The new sustainability performance assessment tool in Thailand
Authors: Moolkham Mongkhol
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the influence of SET ESG ratings on firm value of companies listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), emphasizing the multifaceted relationships between ESG performance, third-party evaluations, and market reactions following SET ESG ratings announcements. The findings reveal that firms with higher SET ESG ratings experience significant enhancements in firm value due to their superior management of environmental and social risks, which reduces regulatory and reputational threats. Furthermore, the research uncovers the nuanced role of third-party ESG evaluations, indicating that while endorsements from reputable sources can amplify the positive effects of SET ESG ratings, more or conflicting assessments can lead to diminished firm value. Specifically, a single strong endorsement markedly enhances firm value, whereas evaluations from two to three third parties may introduce confusion, leading to increased information asymmetry. This finding challenges the assumption that multiple endorsements always translate to greater value, emphasizing the need for firms to strategically select their evaluators to optimize market perceptions. Moreover, the study illustrates that announcements of SET ESG ratings result in immediate and sustained increases in firm value, highlighting ESG performance as a critical determinant of long-term viability in the eyes of investors. These results provide actionable guidance for investors and policymakers, advocating for the integration of robust ESG practices to enhance market confidence and drive long-term value creation. This research contributes to the existing literature by elucidating the intricate dynamics between SET ESG ratings, third-party evaluations, and firm value, thereby offering valuable perspectives for firms navigating a sustainability-focused landscape.
Optimized fertilization patterns increase foxtail millet biomass on the distribution and transformation in Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Zhou Tianyou , Liu Qinhui , Yang Shuangshuang , Wang Zhihao , Zhang Panpan , Wang Xiaolin , Ji Xiaoling , Zhang Xiong
Published: February 2025

Organic manure or microbial fertilizers are essential sources of plant nutrients to supplement farmland soil, and organic and inorganic fertilizers are considered an effective way to achieve sustainable agriculture by improving the soil and increasing crop yields. This experimental material was used foxtail millet (Setaria italica) “Changsheng 07”and started in the growing season of 2017–2018 in a dry farming area of northern Shaanxi Province, with five different fertilizing patterns, and each four repetitions, including T1(N,45kg·hm-2),T2(N,60kg·hm-2; P2O5 30kg·hm-2),T3(N,90kg·hm-2;P2O5 45kg·hm-2),T4(N,60kg·hm-2;P2O5 40kg·hm-2,Organic matter 2000kg·hm-2),T5(N,60kg·hm-2;P2O5 40kg·hm-2; microbial fertilizer 5kg·hm-2). The results showed that: (1) the above-ground dry matter accumulation with T4 and T5 increased by 15.04% and 33.68% during the flowering and pustulation stages, and the root/shoot ratio of T4 increased by 9.32% and 12.46% over two experimental years, respectively. (2) the leaf water use efficiency (WUEL) of T4 increased by 15.61%, 0.51% in two stages, respectively, (3) the yields and water use efficiency (WUE) of T3 exhibited a significantly increased by 11.06% and 37.61%, 9.50% and 37.51%, and increased stably by 9.23%-35.17% and 8.73%-35.11% in T4 and T5 respectively, over two seasons. In summary, applying organic and inorganic manure could effectively regulate the accumulation and distribution of above-ground biomass of foxtail millet, and ensure the high and stable grain yield.
Cumulus cell expansion, nuclear maturation and embryonic development of bovine cumulus-oocyte complexes matured in varying concentrations of follicular fluid
Authors: Negrón-Pérez Verónica M. , Al Naib Abdullah , Zezeski Abigail L. , McCracken-Harlow Victoria L. , Perry George A. , Ealy Alan D. , Rhoads Michelle L.
Published: February 2025

In this study, we tested the overall hypothesis that CC expansion and early embryo development would be improved by including follicular fluid (FF) from small or large follicles in the oocyte maturation medium. In the first experiment, FF aspirated from bovine abattoir ovaries was added to the maturation medium at 0, 25, 50, 75 or 100%. Images of individual COCs were captured at 0, 6, 12 and 19 hours (h) of the maturation period and analyzed to calculate change in the total area over time. Cumulus cell expansion was greatest in COCs matured in 75% and 50% FF, and these differences were detectable at 12 (75% FF only) and 19 h (50% and 75% FF) of maturation. The improvement in CC expansion was greatest when FF from small follicles was used. Treatments for the subsequent experiments were selected based upon the results of the first experiment. Oocyte nuclear maturation rates were observed after supplementing the maturation medium with 0 or 75% FF and maturing for 19 h. The rate of nuclear maturation as determined by the presence or absence of the first polar body was similar between control (0% FF) and treated (75% FF) groups. In the final experiment, COCs were matured in 0%, 50% or 75% FF in preparation for IVF. Duration of the maturation period (12, 19 or 22 h) and size of the follicles from which FF was collected (small or large) also varied. In general, FF supplementation at 50% did not affect the zygotes’ developmental potential (neither increased nor decreased). Supplementation of maturation medium with 75% FF from small follicles consistently reduced measures of embryo development while 75% FF from large follicles yielded mixed results. It is concluded that FF supplementation improves CC expansion, but the greater CC expansion does not benefit subsequent embryo development. Notably, however, the 50% FF treatment did not reduce blastocyst rates, indicating that FF can be included in maturation media at concentrations of 50% or less with no detriment to IVF outcomes.
Nonlinear connectedness of conventional crypto-assets and sustainable crypto-assets with climate change: A complex systems modelling approach
Authors: Khan Mushtaq Hussain , Macherla Shreya , Anupam Angesh
Published: February 2025

Earlier studies used classical time series models to forecast the nonlinear connectedness of conventional crypto-assets with CO2 emissions. For the first time, this study aims to provide a data-driven Nonlinear System Identification technique to study the nonlinear connectedness of crypto-assets with CO2 emissions. Using daily data from January 2, 2019, to March 31, 2023, we investigate the nonlinear connectedness among conventional crypto-assets, sustainable crypto-assets, and CO2 emissions based on our proposed model, Multiple Inputs Single Output (MISO) Nonlinear Autoregressive with Exogenous Inputs (NARX). Intriguingly, the forecasting accuracy of the proposed model improves with the inclusion of exogenous input variables (conventional and sustainable crypto-assets). Overall, our results reveal that conventional crypto-assets exhibit slightly stronger connectedness with CO2 emissions compared to sustainable crypto-assets. These findings suggest that, to some extent, sustainable crypto-assets provide a solution to the environmental issues related to CO2 emissions. However, further improvements in sustainable crypto-assets through technological advances are required to develop more energy-efficient decentralised finance consensus algorithms, with the aim of reshaping the cryptocurrency ecosystem into an environmentally sustainable market.
Interplay between porin deficiency, fitness, and virulence in carbapenem-non-susceptible Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Mammeri Hedi , Sereme Youssouf , Toumi Eya , Faury Hélène , Skurnik David
Published: February 2025

The increasing resistance of Gram-negative bacteria to last resort antibiotics, such as carbapenems, is particularly of concern as it is a significant cause of global health threat. In this context, there is an urgent need for better understanding underlying mechanisms leading to antimicrobial resistance in order to limit its diffusion and develop new therapeutic strategies. In this review, we focus on the specific role of porins in carbapenem-resistance in Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which are major human pathogens. Porins are outer membrane proteins, which play a key role in the bacterial permeability to allow nutrients to enter and toxic waste to leave. However, these channels are also “Achilles’ heel” of bacteria as antibiotics can also pass through them to reach their target and kill the bacteria. After describing normal structures and pathways regulating the expression of porins, we discuss strategies implemented by bacteria to limit the access of carbapenems to their cytoplasmic target. We further examine the real impact of changes in porins on carbapenems susceptibility. Finally, we decipher what is the effect of such changes on bacterial fitness and virulence. Our goal is to integrate all these findings to give a global overview of how bacteria modify their porins to face antibiotic selective pressure trying to not induce fitness cost.
Film production and screen media: HyFlex practice and adaptive pedagogies in tertiary-level film education
Authors: Schleser Max , Ross Eloise , Boer-Endacott Alice
Published: February 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant global disruption at educational institutions which, to varying degrees in 2020 and beyond, were required to transition to online teaching delivery. However, as people started to trickle back onto campus, many institutions within the tertiary sector needed to make provision for students who were unable, for a variety of reasons, to physically attend classes. One of the dominant delivery modes implemented to facilitate this was HyFlex, which combines the synchronous delivery of classes for in-person and remote students alongside opportunities for students to engage with course content asynchronously. Staff at Swinburne University of Technology’s film and television course received some institutional support to implement this delivery mode as part of an Adobe Innovation Grant. This article reflects on the teaching practices adopted and applies a theoretical lens to evaluate the implementation of such a delivery mode and understand the key research question: ‘How can the Adobe Creative Suite be utilized to implement HyFlex learning and teaching in a tertiary film institution context?’ To interrogate this question, this article outlines five key pillars which guide the implementation of HyFlex delivery. These pillars have been derived from an overview of the literature in the field. Using a case-study approach, a studio class and a theory class were identified and its diverse results discussed. While this article is not aiming to generalize the HyFlex approach, these specific findings will inform teaching and learning and are of interest for those who would like to embrace a more dynamic approach to pedagogy.
The impact of modern band experiences on pre-service music teachers’ creative identity: A pre–post assessment
Authors: Xie Tiao , Randles Clint
Published: February 2025

This study explored the impact of a fifteen-week course in modern band practice on developing music teachers’ identities as creative music-makers. Modern band is a growing area of the research literature in music education. Composition, improvisation and popular music-making experiences constitute current band activity. The creative identity measure (CIM-measure) evaluates self-perceptions of abilities in these areas. The measure has been used and adopted in various research studies over the past decade. For this study, twelve pre-service music teachers enrolled in the course ‘Creative Performance Chamber Ensemble I’ at School of Music, University of South Florida, USA were assessed on their perceptions of their abilities associated with various creative musical activities. The CIM-in music was used as a pre-and post-assessment of modern band experiences at the beginning and the end of the fifteen-week class. There were significant positive changes between the pre- and post-assessments. Open-ended response items were also collected. Findings suggest that pre-service music teachers increased their confidence levels associated with their abilities to compose, improvise, be involved in ‘new’ music ensembles, and be involved with popular music ensembles as a result of taking this course. They are more likely to plan on teaching their students to do these musical activities in the future as a result of these experiences.
No relief from war: The use of humour in memes by the government of Ukraine and the limitation of laughter
Authors: Ochkhikidze Mariami , Wessel Jan , Spencer Alexander
Published: February 2025

The article is interested in the role of humour employed in memes on X by the government of Ukraine in the war following the invasion by Russia in 2022. It brings insights from cultural and humour studies as well as psychology into politics and shows how and what kind of humour the government around President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a professional comedian, uses in their meme communication via social media in order to communicate with the public, seek global legitimacy and support, as well as depict and attack the enemy. It shows that the government uses a broad set of different humour types, styles and theories while completely avoiding self-deprecation as a humour style and humour which corresponds to relief theory. While this absence may not seem surprising at first in a situation of war in which there is a need to maintain tension towards the enemy, to galvanize support and avoid emphasizing own faults which might make it appear weak, the void of such forms of humour should be reconsidered. While this absence may not seem surprising during a war – a time in which there is a need to maintain tension towards the enemy, to galvanize support and to avoid emphasizing one’s own faults so as not to give the appearance of weakness – the void of such forms of humour should be reconsidered. The article calls for further research on the benefits and limitations of laughter in war. It argues that both relief theory and self-deprecation can be effective tools of crisis communication as these forms of humour can contribute to the portrayal of confidence and strength, while also providing a means of dealing with the difficult and traumatic experiences the population is facing in times of war.
Not all refugees are framed equal: Explaining the difference between the news coverage in the Global North and the Global South
Authors: Fabregat Eduard , Severino Fernando
Published: February 2025

This study analyses 14,854 news articles about refugees from 72 English-language newspapers worldwide in 2016. Using a combination of topic modelling and network analysis, we inductively identify the frames used to depict refugees and then examine the factors that help shape the news framing of the issue between various countries. We unveiled five frames: cultural and everyday life, Global North politics, aid, violence and international conflict. We also identified significant correlations between distance to country of origin and political stability and news frame usage, giving insights into the political, economic and cultural contexts that interact in the frame-building stage of the coverage of refugees in different countries. From a theoretical perspective, this study advances the understanding of news coverage of refugees, particularly the differences emerging between the Global North and the Global South countries.
Shadow of the New Deal: The Victory of Public Broadcasting, Josh Shepperd (2023)
Authors: Pickard Victor
Published: February 2025

Review of: Shadow of the New Deal: The Victory of Public Broadcasting, Josh Shepperd (2023)

Champaign, IL: University of Illinois Press, 244 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-25208-725-7, p/bk, $28
Pakistani transgender activists on Instagram: The politics of postcolonial language appropriation and abrogation
Authors: Ali Fatima Zahid , Smets Kevin , De Cleen Benjamin
Published: February 2025

This study examines marginalized communities in postcolonial states, in particular transgender people, and attempts to understand the tension between globalized or transnational ‘queer’ language and local vernacular ‘Indigenous’ language. Drawing upon postcolonial concepts of appropriation and abrogation – typically only limited to the ‘literary studies’ tradition – this article analyses how colonial aesthetics are articulated and rejected on social media by multilingual transgender activists in the Pakistani context. By using the case study of the Indigenous khwajasira – Pakistan’s transgender community – we analyse 600 social media posts from public Instagram accounts of four activists including Mehrub Moiz Awan, Shahzadi Rai, Hina Baloch and Nayyab Ali. Using a multimodal critical discourse analysis combined with the theoretical framework of postcolonial appropriation and abrogation, we find that khwajasira activists deploy innovative linguistic and textual strategies such as code-switching, codemixing, metonymy, interlanguage and neologisms to negotiate their hybrid identities. We argue that contestation between ‘the global’ and ‘the vernacular’ is manifested through code-switching from one language to the other or between formal and informal registers, creating culture-specific neologisms or lexical items, colloquialisms, metaphors and slang. Through deploying visual modality, iconic global symbols, ‘trans’ colours, emojis and clothing artefacts, khwajasiras create new meanings on social media. Lastly, this study critically shows that transgender activists challenge and co-opt normative conventions as they draw on the past, Indigenous knowledge(s), spirituality, religious terminologies and historical allusions in their linguistic repertories to resist and dismantle dominant power relations.
Context for The Olurombi Musical
Authors: Patrick Leesi , Austen-Peters Bolanle
Published: February 2025

The Olurombi Musical was produced and directed by Bolanle Austin-Peters (BAP). It ran from 26 December to 29 December 2020 in Lagos State, Nigeria. Olurombi is a popular folk tale among the Yorùbá people in Nigeria. It tells the story of the beautiful and newly wedded Queen of Idi-Iroko, Olurombi, who desperately seeks the help of Iroko Oluwere (the forest tree spirit) to solve her life of misery due to barrenness. Against the vehement admonition from Iroko Oluwere, Olurombi forges ahead despite the caveat of huge consequences associated with the help she seeks.

The Olurombi Musical was produced against the backdrop of the ENDSARS protest. The ENDSARS protest was borne out of police brutality, extortion and torture by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) on innocent Nigerians. Despite pleas from citizens for the government to disband the group, SARS continued its brutality on the citizenry with impunity and mainly without consequences. Hence, the movement saw the rise of Nigerian youth seeking accountability from their leaders to keep to their words and promises of ending SARS.
La influencia de la música en la educación emocional del alumnado de la enseñanza obligatoria
Authors: Ruiz Fernández María
Published: February 2025

La música constituye una herramienta fundamental en la educación emocional del alumnado de Educación Primaria, contribuyendo así a su desarrollo integral. Específicamente, esta facilita la transmisión y expresión de emociones, fomenta las relaciones interpersonales, ayuda a la autorregulación emocional y a reducir el estrés, entre otros numerosos beneficios. De tal modo, el objetivo de este artículo se fundamenta en conocer la historia que subyace al estudio de las emociones y la influencia que puede tener la música en las mismas y, más específicamente, en la educación emocional del alumnado de Educación Primaria. Para ello, a través de una búsqueda basada en la revisión bibliográfica, se ha explorado el nacimiento y estudio de las emociones, la importancia de la inteligencia ligada a las mismas o los aspectos metodológicos más eficaces en relación a la educación emocional. Seguidamente, y en esta línea, se ha investigado la influencia que la música puede en este tipo de educación y sus beneficios para con el alumnado de Educación Primaria. Se concluye así que la música actúa sobre diversas áreas del cerebro resultando en una mayor autorregulación emocional y, en general, favoreciendo la educación emocional.
«Horn Over». Propuesta educativa para trabajar repertorio musical a través de la música de videojuegos
Authors: Jiménez García María Encarnación
Published: February 2025

Este artículo recoge dos aspectos unidos por un denominador común como es el tiempo empleado en actividades realizadas por el alumnado. Tiene su origen en el interés que suscitan en los estudiantes los videojuegos de cualquier índole. A través de esta propuesta didáctica, se pretende que los estudiantes aprendan los aspectos técnicos de la trompa, así como tener una visión más amplia de la importancia de la trompa en otros ámbitos de la vida.
Para ello se detallarán diversas sesiones, en las que se utilizarán elementos de temática concreta para que el aprendizaje sea más centralizado. El método con el que se trabajará será el de gamificar repertorio y trabajar de forma paralela música académica y música relacionada con videojuegos, realizando una instrumentación de uno de ellos, elegido por cada alumno.
A través de esta propuesta se ha conseguido que el alumnado tome responsabilidad a la hora de desempeñar su labor de estudio en casa, así como aprender a dosificarse el tiempo de estudio al igual que en el de ocio. Además, esta propuesta es una apuesta segura para llegar a conseguir que el alumnado conozca otros ámbitos donde la trompa puede desarrollarse, como es el caso de las bandas sonoras para videojuegos. Incluir los videojuegos en la dinámica de las Enseñanzas Profesionales de Música puede ser útil para mostrarles que el estudio de la trompa es algo tan cercano en su día a día como su ocio.
Insights from gene effects on agronomic, oleic acid and oil content using generation mean analysis in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
Authors: Lavudya S , Thiyagarajan K , Ramasamy S , Sankarasubramanian H , Muniyandi S , Bellie A , Venkatesh G , Ellandula A
Published: February 2025

Plant hybridization produces hybrids with desirable traits such as high oil content, oleic acid and yield, enhancing the significance of crops. Understanding genetic dominance is essential for studying gene action in breeding programs. Using four parental lines, this study assessed gene action, genetic advance with heritability and heterosis for oleic acid, oil content, agronomic and yield traits in sunflowers. The IR6 × HO-5-29 (P1 × P2) cross I population demonstrated superior performance, while the CMSB825B × COSF6B (P3 × P4) cross II population also performed well based on mean performance. Generation mean analysis revealed that additive and dominance gene actions influenced trait inheritance, with dominance effects being more pronounced. Additive × additive interactions played a key role in traits like days to flowering and maturity, palmitic acid content and oleic acid content in cross I and head diameter in cross II. Additive × dominance interactions significantly influenced head diameter, 100-seed weight and oleic acid content in cross I and plant height in cross II. Dominance × dominance interactions strongly influenced seed and oil yield per plant, oil content and linoleic acid content in cross I and seed and oil yield per plant and volume weight in cross II. Duplicate gene action was observed for head diameter and 100-seed weight, whereas complementary gene action was observed for seed and oil yield per plant in both crosses. These findings offer valuable insights for plant breeders and farmers, supporting the development of sunflower varieties and hybrids with enhanced oleic content, oil content and yield.
Evaluación de siete programas bioinformáticos para el análisis terciario de datos genómicos generados a partir de la secuenciación del exoma completo en un grupo piloto de pacientes
Authors: Bastida-Lertxundi Nerea , Martí-Carrera Itxaso , Laña-Ruíz Borja , Martínez-Múgica Barbosa Otilia , Muguerza-Iraola Raquel , Sáez-Villaverde Raquel , Crettaz Julien S.
Published: February 2025

Objetivos

Evaluar siete programas bioinformáticos de priorización y clasificación automática que utilizan algoritmos de inteligencia artificial.

Métodos

Se evaluaron 24 variantes genéticas que explicaran el fenotipo de 20 pacientes. Los archivos FASTQ se cargaron paralelamente en los siguientes programas bioinformáticos: Emedgene, eVai, Varsome Clinical, CentoCloud, y QIAGEN Clinical Insight (QCI) Interpret, SeqOne y Franklin. Para la priorización y clasificación automática, se utilizó el fenotipo de los pacientes, introduciéndolo en los programas mediante términos HPO. La clasificación de referencia se estableció siguiendo los criterios y recomendaciones de las guías clínicas de la American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) and Genomics, Association of Molecular Pathology y ACMG/ClinGen.

Resultados

SeqOne tuvo el mejor rendimiento en priorización, colocando 19 de 24 variantes en el Top 1, cuatro en el Top 5 y una en el Top 15, seguido por CentoCloud y Franklin. QCI Interpret no priorizó seis variantes y no detectó una, Emedgene no priorizó una y no detectó otra, y Varsome Clinical no priorizó cuatro variantes. Franklin clasificó correctamente el 75 % de las variantes evaluadas, seguido por Varsome Clinical (67 %) y QCI Interpret (63 %).

Conclusiones

Respecto a la priorización automática, tanto SeqOne, CentoCloud, como Franklin realizaron una priorización automática de calidad, priorizando todas las variantes. En cuanto a la clasificación automática, Franklin mostró mayor concordancia con la referencia y menos discordancias con implicación clínica. Como conclusión final, Franklin parece ser actualmente el programa con mejor rendimiento global, pero se requieren más estudios para confirmar estos resultados.
Advancements and challenges in high-sensitivity cardiac troponin assays: diagnostic, pathophysiological, and clinical perspectives
Authors: Clerico Aldo , Zaninotto Martina , Aimo Alberto , Padoan Andrea , Passino Claudio , Fortunato Antonio , Galli Claudio , Plebani Mario
Published: February 2025

Although significant progress has been made in recent years, some important questions remain regarding the analytical performance, pathophysiological interpretation and clinical use of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and T (cTnT) measurements. Several recent studies have shown that a progressive and continuous increase in circulating levels of cTnI and cTnT below the cut-off value (i.e. the 99th percentile upper reference limit) may play a relevant role in cardiovascular risk assessment both in the general population and in patients with cardiovascular or extra-cardiac disease. International guidelines recommend the use of standardized clinical algorithms based on temporal changes in circulating cTnI and cTnT levels measured by high-sensitivity (hs) methods to detect myocardial injury progressing to acute myocardial infarction. Some recent studies have shown that some point-of-care assays for cTnI with hs performance ensure a faster diagnostic turnaround time and thus significantly reduce the length of stay of patients admitted to emergency departments with chest pain. However, several confounding factors need to be considered in this setting. A novel approach may be the combined assessment of laboratory methods (including hs-cTn assay) and other clinical data, possibly using machine learning methods. In the present document of the Italian Study Group on Cardiac Biomarkers, the authors aimed to discuss these new trends regarding the analytical, pathophysiological and clinical issues related to the measurement of cardiac troponins using hs-cTnI and hs-cTnT methods.