bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Japanese nationwide questionnaire survey on delayed cerebral infarction due to vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Nishikawa Yusuke , Yamada Shigeki , Uchida Mitsuru , Yamanaka Tomoyasu , Hayashi Yuki , Katano Hiroyuki , Tanikawa Motoki , Iwama Toru , Iihara Koji , Morioka Motohiro , Mase Mitsuhito
Published: November 2023

Background and purpose

Various prophylactic drugs for cerebral vasospasm and delayed cerebral infarction (DCI) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) have been used in Japan. To investigate the treatment trends for cerebral vasospasm and frequency of DCI after SAH throughout Japan in 2021.

Methods

In 2021 we conducted an anonymous questionnaire survey on management for preventing cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmal SAH, and the frequency of DCI. The questionnaire was emailed to 955 certified neurosurgeons at 553 hospitals in Japan. Of them, 162 hospitals (29% response rate) responded to the questionnaire. Of these, 158 were included in this study, while four hospitals that responded insufficiently were excluded. The efficacy of treatments for reducing DCI were examined through a logistic regression analysis.

Results

Among 3,093 patients treated with aneurysmal SAH, 281 patients (9.1%) were diagnosed with DCI related to cerebral vasospasm. Coil embolization had significantly lower DCI frequency (6.9%), compared to microsurgical clipping (11.8%, odds ratio, 0.90; 95% confidential intervals, 0.84–0.96; P, 0.007). In addition, cilostazol administration was associated with significantly lower DCI frequency (0.48; 0.27–0.82; 0.026). The efficacy of cilostazol in reducing DCI remained unchanged after adjustment for covariates. The most effective combination of multiple prophylactic drugs in reducing DCI related to cerebral vasospasm was cilostazol, fasudil, and statin (0.38; 0.22–0.67; 0.005).

Conclusions

This study elucidated the trends in prophylactic drugs to prevent cerebral vasospasm and frequency of DCI after aneurysmal SAH in Japan. Coil embolization and cilostazol administration showed effectiveness in reducing DCI related to cerebral vasospasm in 2021.
Quality of life and its selected determinants in the group of patients with surgically treated spinal tumors
Authors: Barańska Beata , Bazaliński Dariusz , Guzik Grzegorz , Kózka Maria , Ślusarz Robert , Więch Paweł
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Spinal metastases are a common manifestation of advanced neoplastic disease. Destructive neoplastic lesions within the axial skeleton cause unrelieved pain and nervous system disorders involving spinal stenosis and other neural structures. The development of new systemic therapies, radiotherapy and minimally invasive spinal surgeries has increased patients’ quality of life by minimising pain and neurological disorders due to vertebral neoplastic infiltration. The aim of the study was to assess the patients’ quality of life before and after spine stabilisation surgery with spinal cord decompression to relieve the pressure associated with neoplastic destruction.

Materials and Methods

The study involved 115 subjects with spinal metastases in the preoperative period and 3–4 months after the surgery based on the inclusion criteria (metastatic spinal tumour, sensorimotor dysfunction). The data were collected using the following tools: the Rotterdam Symptom Checklist (RSCL-Rotterdam Symptom Checklist), Acceptance Illness Scale (AIS scale), Activities of Daily Living Scale (ADL scale) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The correlation coefficient was calculated using Spearman’s rho assuming the significance level at α = 0.05 (p<0.05).

Results

A higher quality of life was found after surgery (p<0.001) in terms of experiencing physical symptoms (30.7 ± 11.96 points before surgery vs. 20.91 ± 13.00 points after surgery) and psychological symptoms (43.98 ± 14.82 points before surgery vs. 31.35 ± 14.86 points after surgery). The activity level of the subjects also improved (p<0.001; 36.56 ± 22.43 points to 43.55 ± 20.40 points). The level of disease acceptance in the study group was higher after the surgery compared to the preoperative assessment. The subjects with a high level of disease acceptance presented a higher quality of life postoperatively. The independence of the subjects in performing everyday activities after the operation influenced the quality of life, in terms of somatic symptoms (p=0.006), mental symptoms (p=0.001) and activity (p<0.001). Along with the improvement in functional capacity, the quality of life in terms of symptoms and activity levels increased.

Conclusion

The study showed that spinal cord decompression surgery improves the quality of life of patients by reducing neurological dysfunction, increasing the acceptance of the disease and the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL). Sociodemographic variables did not affect the quality of life of the respondents.
Single-port-plus-one robot-assisted laparoscopic modified Lich-Gregoir direct nipple ureteral extravesical reimplantation in children with a primary obstructive megaureter
Authors: He Yufeng , Lin Shan , Xu Xinru , He Shaohua , Xu Huihuang , You Guangxu , Chen Jianglong , Xu Di
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To introduce a new technique of single-port-plus-one robotic laparoscopic-modified Lich-Gregoir direct nipple ureteral extravesical reimplantation and ascertain its validity in the treatment of pediatric primary obstructive megaureter.

Methods

Between January 2021 and November 2021, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 12 children with primary obstructive megaureter who were admitted to the Department of Pediatric Surgery of Fujian Provincial Hospital. All 12 children were treated with single-port-plus-one robotic laparoscopic Lich-Gregoir direct nipple ureteral extravesical reimplantation. Five of them were female and seven were male, including nine cases were simple obstructive type, while the remaining three cases were obstructive with reflux type. The mean age of the children was 17.33 ± 6.99 (10–36) months and the mean follow-up time was 14.16 ± 1.75 (12–17) months. Changes in preoperative and first-year postoperative parameters were compared.

Results

The mean operative time for all 12 children was 123.58 ± 10.85 (110–145) min, with a mean internal operative time of 101.42 ± 0.85 (90–120) min, a mean operative bleeding time of 2.42 ± 0.67 (2–4) ml, and a mean hematuria duration of 16.08 ± 1.44 (14–19) h. The mean indwelling catheterization time was 2.25 ± 0.45 (2–3) days and the mean hospitalization time was 3.83 ± 0.39 (3–4) days. At the postoperative first year, the ureteral diameter, calyceal diameter, and anterior–posterior renal pelvic diameter were found to be significantly smaller than at the preoperative period (18.83 ± 3.21 mm vs. 6.83 ± 1.27 mm, 13.99 ± 3.58 mm vs. 3.5 ± 2.90 mm, and 34.92 ± 4.25 mm vs. 10.08 ± 1.88 mm, P < 0.001). There was a significant increase in renal cortical thickness and the percentage of differential renal function (3.63 ± 1.66 mm vs. 5.67 ± 1.88 mm, 33.75 ± 2.77 mm vs. 37.50 ± 1.31 mm, P < 0.001). The resolution rate of obstruction was 100% and no child developed DeNovo vesicoureteral reflux.

Conclusion

The technique of modified Lich-Gregoir direct nipple ureteral extravesical reimplantation can help maintain the physiological direction of the ureter and at the same time enhance the effectiveness of antirefluxing in robotic surgery. The design of a single-port-plus-one wound can produce a cosmetic appearance by concentrating and hiding the wound around the umbilicus. This modified reimplantation procedure has the potential to become a promising technique in the robot-assisted treatment of primary obstructive megaureter.
Predictors of positive outcomes from ‘Early Intervention in Psychosis’: protocol for a national retrospective cohort study
Authors: Williams Ryan , Penington Ed , Gupta Veenu , Tsiachristas Apostolos , French Paul , Lennox Belinda , Bottle Alex , Crawford Mike J.
Published: November 2023

Background

Psychotic disorders are severe and prevalent mental health conditions associated with long-term disability, reduced quality of life, and substantial economic costs. Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) services aim to provide timely and comprehensive treatment for psychotic disorders, and EIP service input is associated with improved outcomes. However, there is limited understanding of the specific components of EIP care that contribute to these improvements. There is significant nationwide variability in the commissioning and delivery of EIP, with individuals receiving different packages of components from different services. In this study, we seek to explore associations between EIP components and clinically significant outcomes, in order to understand the mechanisms underlying improved psychosis care.

Methods

This national retrospective cohort study will utilize data from the 2019 National Clinical Audit of Psychosis (NCAP), examining the care received by 10,560 individuals treated by EIP services in England. Exposure data from the NCAP, capturing the components of care delivered by EIP services, will be linked with outcome data from routine NHS Digital datasets over a three-year follow-up period. This will be the first study to use this method to examine this population in England. The primary outcomes will be surrogate measures of relapse of psychosis (hospital admission and referral to community-based crisis intervention services). Secondary outcomes include duration of admissions, emergency hospital attendances, episodes of detention under the Mental Health Act, and all-cause mortality. We will use multilevel regression to examine associations between exposures and outcome events. We will handle missing data using appropriate imputation techniques.

Discussion

This study aims to provide valuable insights into the long-term effects of variations in EIP service delivery. The study involves a large, diverse cohort including individuals treated by every EIP service in England. While there are limitations inherent in the observational nature of the study, any associations identified will be of great relevance to clinicians, researchers, and policymakers seeking to optimize EIP care. The results will enable more targeted treatment planning, resource allocation, and potential innovations in EIP care, ultimately leading to improved prognoses for people experiencing psychosis.
Indoor air bacterial load and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of isolates at Adare General Hospital in Hawassa, Ethiopia
Authors: Atalay Yibeltal Assefa , Mengistie Embialle , Tolcha Alemu , Birhan Belete , Asmare Getachew , Gebeyehu Natnael Atnafu , Gelaw Kelemu Abebe
Published: November 2023

Background

Air is the agent of pathogenic microbes that cause significant problems in the hospital environment. Multidrug resistance poses a major therapeutic challenge to these airborne microorganisms in hospital indoor environments.

Method and materials

This study was conducted at Adare General Hospital in Hawassa City, Sidama, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted. The proportional allocation method was used to select the sampled 50 rooms from the total available rooms in each category of wards and staff offices. A total of 100 indoor air samples were collected using settle plates in all units twice a day, morning (9:00–4:00 a.m.) and afternoon (3:00–4:00 p.m.). The types and number of colonies were determined in the laboratory, and the pathogenic bacteria were isolated by appropriate bacteriological techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on Mueller-Hinton agar for each potentially pathogenic bacterium isolated. For each bacterium, a total of 12 antibiotics were tested using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. The test organism was adjusted to McFarland turbidity standards of 0.5. Data were entered and analyzed using the SPSS version 25 window. Descriptive analysis and one-way analysis of variance were performed.

Results

The indoor air bacterial load of Adare General Hospital was found in the range between 210 and 3,224 CFU/m3. The highest indoor air bacterial load was identified from the gynecology ward with a mean of 2,542.5CFU/m3 at p < 0.05. From 100 indoor air samples, a total of 116 bacterial pathogen isolates were obtained. Gram-positive isolates predominated at 72.4%, of which 37.1% were Staphylococcus aureus, 26.7% were coagulase-negative Staphylococci, and the rest 8.6% were Streptococcus pyogenes. The isolation of pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococci showed a high level of resistance to ampicillin.

Conclusion

A high bacterial load was found in the study area as compared to different indoor air biological standards. Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococci were the isolated predominant bacteria. Attention should be given to preventing and minimizing those environmental factors that favor the multiplication of bacteria in the indoor environment of a hospital for the safe health of patients, visitors, and staff.
Measure what matters: considerations for outcome measurement of care coordination for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and medical complexity
Authors: Materula Dércia , Currie Genevieve , Jia Xiao Yang , Finlay Brittany , Richard Catherine , Yohemas Meridith , Lachuk Gina , Estes Myka , Dewan Tammie , MacEachern Sarah , Gall Nadine , Gibbard Ben , Zwicker Jennifer D.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Care Coordination (CC) is a significant intervention to enhance family’s capacity in caring for children with neurodevelopmental disability and medical complexity (NDD-MC). CC assists with integration of medical and behavioral care and services, partnerships with medical and community-based supports, and access to medical, behavioral, and educational supports and services. Although there is some consensus on the principles that characterize optimal CC for children with NDD-MC, challenges remain in measuring and quantifying the impacts of CC related to these principles. Two key challenges include: (1) identification of measures that capture CC impacts from the medical system, care provider, and family perspectives; and (2) recognition of the important community context outside of a hospital or clinical setting.

Methods

This study used a multilevel model variant of the triangulation mixed methods design to assess the impact of a CC project implemented in Alberta, Canada, on family quality of life, resource use, and care integration at the broader environmental and household levels. At the broader environmental level, we used linked administrative data. At the household level we used quantitative pre-post survey datasets, and aggregate findings from qualitative interviews to measure group-level impacts and an embedded multiple-case design to draw comparisons, capture the nuances of children with NDD-MC and their families, and expand on factors driving the high variability in outcome measures. Three theoretical propositions formed the basis of the analytical strategy for our case study evidence to explore factors affecting the high variability in outcome measures.

Discussion

This study expanded on the factors used to measure the outcomes of CC and adds to our understanding of how CC as an intervention impacts resource use, quality of life, and care integration of children with NDD-MC and their families. Given the heterogeneous nature of this population, evaluation studies that account for the variable and multi-level impacts of CC interventions are critical to inform practice, implementation, and policy of CC for children with NDD-MC.
Evaluation of pilot community art-based workshops designed for Ukrainian refugee children
Authors: Lukito Steve , Wenkert Michaela , Hryhorovych Inna , Opanasenko Svitlana , Timms Laura , Yule William , Ougrin Dennis
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Approximately 8 million Ukrainians have been displaced by the war in Ukraine and five million children had their education disrupted. Here, we report an evaluation of (1) the feasibility (i.e., recruitment), (2) the acceptability (i.e., attendance, participants' views) and (3) the influence of a pilot community art-based project on the well-being, health behaviour and socialisation of Ukrainian refugee children in London, UK.

Methods

Twenty-two refugee children aged 4–14 years from St Mary's Ukrainian school in London took part in five weekly art workshop group sessions led by a team of volunteer independent artists based in a community art studio in West London in collaboration with Children and War UK. Analyses were conducted on measures of the children's psychological well-being, health behaviour, and socialisation; collected from participating children and their parents through the workshops.

Results

The community art workshops received sufficient interest from parents during recruitment. Child participants and their parents expressed overwhelmingly positive views and high satisfaction towards the workshops and their activities. While the workshops were conducted without a control group, changes in psychological well-being and health behaviour and socialisation were in the expected direction. The workshops were associated with reduced impact of intrusive re-experiencing of traumatic events (p = .021), negative emotion (ps = .006–.043; rated by children and by their parents, respectively), and sleep disturbance (p = .015). Mood and motivational states increase relative to before activities within sessions (ps = .001–.023).

Conclusions

The artist-led workshops are a valuable community project associated with high satisfaction and potentially increased well-being in Ukrainian refugee children. A provision for a larger number of participants should be considered.
Clinical and histopathological correlation of oral malignancy and potentially malignant disorders based on a screening program at high-risk population in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Iyer Kiran , Kumar Madan , Kannan Ranganathan , Narayanan Aswath , Moothedath Muhamood , Khanagar Sanjeev Balappa , Bijai Laliytha Kumar
Published: November 2023

Background

There is a high incidence of oral cancer and oral potential malignant disorder observed in southeast Asian countries such as India. Our study aimed to assess the correlation between screening and histopathological diagnosis and to predict the specificity and sensitivity of chair-side/field-based assessment of the oral lesion.

Materials and methods

A total of 40,852 subjects aged between 20 and 60 years were screened in the 1st phase of the study, suspected lesions were stained with toluidine blue (Manufactured by Otto Chemicals private limited, India) at two time points, those who stained positively during the two points were taken up for biopsy. Provisional diagnosis was later correlated with histopathological diagnosis.

Results

Subjects who underwent biopsy had a mean age of (49.01 ± 9.8 years), Leukoplakia (1.5%) was the most common lesion observed among tobacco users, interestingly it had the least correlation (39.6%) in diagnosis, Overall sensitivity (88%) and a positive predictive value (80%) was high for clinical diagnosis of OPMD in our study.

Conclusion

Correlation of clinical and histopathological diagnosis observed in our study confirms higher yield of true positives while screening in remote and vulnerable populations, which would assure a better quality of life for these subjects.
Emperor Penguins on Thin Sea Ice
Authors: Jenouvrier Stephanie , La Rue Michelle , Trathan Philip , Barbraud Christophe
Published: November 2023

Emperor penguins are tough birds that breed on sea ice, which is the frozen surface of the ocean. They are famous for walking across the sea ice, to and from the open ocean, to get food for their chicks. Their bodies and behaviors help them live in the cold, dark winters of Antarctica. However, though they live far away from people, human actions are not always good for emperor penguins. Humans are causing the world to warm. With warmer temperatures, sea ice around Antarctica will melt. For emperor penguins, this means their homes might disappear. We know so much about emperor penguins because scientists and explorers have been studying them for over 70 years. In this article, we will tell you about what is likely to happen to emperor penguins—and what their future can tell us about our own future.
The role of soil ecosystem services in the circular bioeconomy
Authors: Anikwe M. A. N. , Ife K
Published: November 2023

The concept of a circular bioeconomy focuses on the sustainable use of biological resources, minimizing waste and negative environmental impacts. Soil ecosystem services are crucial in this context as they support agricultural production, biodiversity conservation, and nutrient recycling. The circular bioeconomy offers benefits like resource efficiency, reduced waste, lower environmental impacts, and economic opportunities, with soil ecosystem services playing a significant role in achieving these benefits. Soil provides various services for human well-being, including security, protection from ecological shocks, access to balanced diets, clean water, clean air, and energy for temperature control. This review highlights the importance of soil ecosystem services in circular resource management and bio-based sustainable production systems. These services encompass provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting roles, providing resources like food, fibre, and fuel, controlling erosion and temperature, offering aesthetic value, and sustaining plant and animal diversity. The bioeconomy comprises knowledge, research, technology, and innovation related to biological resource production, use, conservation, and regeneration. The application of circular bioeconomy strategies benefits from the ecological services soil provides to bio-based industries. The policy that converts farming, grazing, and woodland systems into renewable operations is bound to protect soil functions while relieving pressure on other critical ecosystem functions. Overall, a holistic understanding of soil ecosystem services is crucial for successfully implementing circular practices across different bioeconomy sectors. Soil conservation, sustainable management, and the protection of soil resources are vital for maintaining the services that support a circular bioeconomy.
Food justice in public-catering places: mapping social-ecological inequalities in the urban food systems
Authors: Hoinle Birgit , Klosterkamp Sarah
Published: November 2023

Departing from reflections and observations raised by Food Policy Councils (FPCs) within North America specifically, this article explores the complex material, discursive, and governance aspects of food provision on the urban-regional scale by highlighting recent accounts of public food provision within state-funded public-catering places in Germany. Based on a fieldwork in Southern Germany, and grounded in a methodological approach guided by participatory action research (PAR), participatory observation, feminist GIS, and 17 interviews with different actors within the regional food systems involved we would like to form the basis for pushing these new approaches further toward more food democracy and food justice as we are elevating the key factors and rewards, but also the downsides and challenges of food provision in public catering places regarding social-ecological inequalities. In doing so, the global intimacies of the urban food system on the local scale, their different modes of inclusions and exclusions, and their intersections of inequalities are unpacked by also shifting the focus to the economic and political entanglements at stake within the global sphere of food provision. By amplifying how producers, meal providers, and consumers within the urban food systems perceive (and perhaps contradict) issues of food justice and by coalescing their perspectives about local food system transformations and desires toward food justice and sustainability, not only the challenges at place but also the promises of hope within public-catering places are illustrated.
Feasibility and safety of planned early discharge following laparotomy in gynecologic oncology with enhanced recovery protocol including opioid-sparing anesthesia
Authors: Kuznicki Michelle L. , Yasukawa Maya , Mallen Adrianne R. , Lam Clarissa , Eggers Erica , Regis Jefferson , Wells Ali , Todd Sarah L. , Robertson Sharon E. , Tanner Jean-Paul , Anderson Matthew L. , Rutherford Thomas J.
Published: November 2023

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and safety of planned postoperative day 1 discharge (PPOD1) among patients who undergo laparotomy (XL) in the department of gynecology oncology utilizing a modified enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol including opioid-sparing anesthesia (OSA) and defined discharge criteria.

Methods

Patients undergoing XL and minimally invasive surgery (MIS) were enrolled in this prospective, observational cohort study after the departmental implementation of a modified ERAS protocol. The primary outcome was quality of life (QoL) using SF36, PROMIS GI, and ICIQ-FLUTS at baseline and 2- and 6-week postoperative visits. Statistical significance was assessed using the two-tailed Student's t-test and non-parametric Mann–Whitney two-sample test.

Results

Of the 141 subjects, no significant demographic differences were observed between the XL group and the MIS group. The majority of subjects, 84.7% (61), in the XL group had gynecologic malignancy [vs. MIS group; 21 (29.2%), p < 0.001]. All patients tolerated OSA. The XL group required higher intraoperative opioids [7.1 ± 9.2 morphine milligram equivalents (MME) vs. 3.9 ± 6.9 MME, p = 0.02] and longer surgical time (114.2 ± 41 min vs. 96.8 ± 32.1 min, p = 0.006). No significant difference was noted in the opioid requirements at the immediate postoperative phase and the rest of the postoperative day (POD) 0 or POD 1. In the XL group, 69 patients (73.6%) were successfully discharged home on POD1. There was no increase in the PROMIS score at 2 and 6 weeks compared to the preoperative phase. The readmission rates within 30 days after surgery (XL 4.2% vs. MIS 1.4%, p = 0.62), rates of surgical site infection (XL 0% vs. MIS 2.8%, p = 0.24), and mean number of post-discharge phone calls (0 vs. 0, p = 0.41) were comparable between the two groups. Although QoL scores were significantly lower than baseline in four of the nine QoL domains at 2 weeks post-laparotomy, all except physical health recovered by the 6-week time point.

Conclusions

PPOD1 is a safe and feasible strategy for XL performed in the gynecologic oncology department. PPOD1 did not increase opioid requirements, readmission rates compared to MIS, and patient-reported constipation and nausea/vomiting compared to the preoperative phase.
Cathepsin W, T-cell receptor-associated transmembrane adapter 1, lymphotactin and killer cell lectin like receptor K1 are sensitive and specific RNA biomarkers of canine epitheliotropic lymphoma
Authors: Olayinka Jadesola Temitope , Nagarkar Akanksha , Ma Diana Junyue , Wong Neil B. , Romasco Andrew , Piedra-Mora Cesar , Wrijil Linda , David Clement N. , Gardner Heather L. , Robinson Nicholas A. , Hughes Kelly L. , Barton Bruce , London Cheryl A. , Almela Ramón M. , Richmond Jillian M.
Published: November 2023

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is an uncommon type of lymphoma involving malignant skin-resident or skin-homing T cells. Canine epitheliotropic lymphoma (EL) is the most common form of CTCL in dogs, and it also spontaneously arises from T lymphocytes in the mucosa and skin. Clinically, it can be difficult to distinguish early-stage CTCLs apart from other forms of benign interface dermatitis (ID) in both dogs and people. Our objective was to identify novel biomarkers that can distinguish EL from other forms of ID, and perform comparative transcriptomics of human CTCL and canine EL. Here, we present a retrospective gene expression study that employed archival tissue from biorepositories. We analyzed a discovery cohort of 6 canines and a validation cohort of 8 canines with EL which occurred spontaneously in client-owned companion dogs. We performed comparative targeted transcriptomics studies using NanoString to assess 160 genes from lesional skin biopsies from the discovery cohort and 800 genes from the validation cohort to identify any significant differences that may reflect oncogenesis and immunopathogenesis. We further sought to determine if gene expression in EL and CTCL are conserved across humans and canines by comparing our data to previously published human datasets. Similar chemokine profiles were observed in dog EL and human CTCL, and analyses were performed to validate potential biomarkers and drivers of disease. In dogs, we found enrichment of T cell gene signatures, with upregulation of IFNG, TNF, PRF1, IL15, CD244, CXCL10, and CCL5 in EL in dogs compared to healthy controls. Importantly, CTSW, TRAT1 and KLRK1 distinguished EL from all other forms of interface dermatitis we studied, providing much-needed biomarkers for the veterinary field. XCL1/XCL2 were also highly specific of EL in our validation cohort. Future studies exploring the oncogenesis of spontaneous lymphomas in companion animals will expand our understanding of these disorders. Biomarkers may be useful for predicting disease prognosis and treatment responses. We plan to use our data to inform future development of targeted therapies, as well as for repurposing drugs for both veterinary and human medicine.
Chemosensitivity of three patient-derived primary cultures of canine pericardial mesothelioma by single-agent and combination treatment
Authors: Nabeta Rina , Kanaya Ami , Elbadawy Mohamed , Usui Tatsuya , Furuya Tetsuya , Suzuki Kazuhiko , Uchide Tsuyoshi
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Canine mesothelioma is a rare malignant tumor that mostly affects body cavities, such as the pericardial and pleural cavities. Chemotherapy plays a crucial role in the treatment of canine mesotheliomas. We aimed to compare the antitumor effects of single-agent and combination chemotherapeutic agents on patient-derived primary cultures of canine pericardial mesothelioma established in this study. We planned to generate xenograft models for future studies.

Material and methods

Effusion samples were collected from three dogs with histologically diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma and used for primary culture. Cultured cells were characterized by immunostaining for pan-cytokeratin AE1/AE3, vimentin, Wilms' tumor suppressor gene 1 (WT1), and cytokeratin 5 (CK5). To assess the tumorigenic properties of cells in the effusion and generate a xenograft model, the cell suspension was injected into a severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mouse either subcutaneously (SC) or intraperitoneally (IP). Lastly, chemosensitivity of established primary cultures against four drugs, doxorubicin, vinorelbine, carboplatin, and gemcitabine, by single-agent treatment as well as combination treatment of carboplatin at a fixed concentration, either 10 or 100 μM, and gemcitabine at different concentrations ranging from 0–1000 μM was assessed by cell viability assay.

Results

Primary cultures were successfully generated and characterized by dual positivity for AE1/AE3 and vimentin and positive staining for WT-1 and CK5, confirming the mesothelial origin of the cells. In the xenograft models, SC mouse developed a subcutaneous mass, whereas IP mouse developed multiple intraperitoneal nodules. The masses were histopathologically consistent with mesotheliomas. The chemosensitivity assay revealed that carboplatin had the highest anti-tumor effects among the four tested single-agent treatments. Furthermore, carboplatin at 100 μM combined with gemcitabine at clinically relevant doses demonstrated the augmented anti-tumor effects compared to single-agent treatment.

Discussion and conclusion

Primary cultures and xenograft models generated in this study could be useful tools for in vitro and in vivo studies of canine mesothelioma. Carboplatin is a highly effective chemotherapeutic agent against canine mesothelioma when used as a sole agent and in combination with gemcitabine.
Donor-Derived Cell-Free DNA (dd-cfDNA) in Kidney Transplant Recipients With Indication Biopsy—Results of a Prospective Single-Center Trial
Authors: Benning Louise , Morath Christian , Fink Annette , Rudek Markus , Speer Claudius , Kälble Florian , Nusshag Christian , Beimler Jörg , Schwab Constantin , Waldherr Rüdiger , Zeier Martin , Süsal Caner , Tran Thuong Hien
Published: November 2023

Donor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cfDNA) identifies allograft injury and discriminates active rejection from no rejection. In this prospective study, 106 kidney transplant recipients with 108 clinically indicated biopsies were enrolled at Heidelberg University Hospital between November 2020 and December 2022 to validate the clinical value of dd-cfDNA in a cohort of German patients. dd-cfDNA was quantified at biopsy and correlated to histopathology. Additionally, dd-cfDNA was determined on days 7, 30, and 90 post-biopsy and analyzed for potential use to monitor response to anti-rejection treatment. dd-cfDNA levels were with a median (IQR) % of 2.00 (0.48–3.20) highest in patients with ABMR, followed by 0.92 (0.19–11.25) in patients with TCMR, 0.44 (0.20–1.10) in patients with borderline changes and 0.20 (0.11–0.53) in patients with no signs of rejection. The AUC for dd-cfDNA to discriminate any type of rejection including borderline changes from no rejection was at 0.72 (95% CI 0.62–0.83). In patients receiving anti-rejection treatment, dd-cfDNA levels significantly decreased during the 7, 30, and 90 days follow-up compared to levels at the time of biopsy (p = 0.006, p = 0.002, and p < 0.001, respectively). In conclusion, dd-cfDNA significantly discriminates active rejection from no rejection. Decreasing dd-cfDNA following anti-rejection treatment may indicate response to therapy.

Clinical Trial Registration: https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00023604, identifier DRKS00023604.
Investigation of Passive Pile Groups’ Responses Induced by Combined Surcharge-Induced and Excavation-Induced Horizontal Soil Loading
Authors: Li Tingting , Yang Min
Published: November 2023

Excessive lateral forces and the deformation of pile groups caused by adjacent surcharge loading and excavation can potentially lead to the failure or collapse of nearby pile foundations. This paper presents a simplified analytical method to investigate the lateral displacement of passive pile groups caused by combined surcharge-induced and excavation-induced horizontal soil loading and validates it by utilizing two published centrifuge tests and numerical modeling. Firstly, the passive load resulting from surcharge-induced horizontal soil loading is determined using the improved formula of Boussinesq and the theory of local plastic deformation. The additional horizontal force exerted on the pile axis subjected to excavation-induced horizontal soil loading is also taken into account using the Mindlin solution. Furthermore, the shielding effect between pile groups is also proposed to analyze the response of a laterally loaded pile group due to excavation unloading. Secondly, according to the Pasternak foundation model of soil–pile interaction, the equilibrium differential equations are solved by the finite difference method. Finally, parametric analyses are undertaken to evaluate the behavior of different constraints on the pile head and surcharge procedure. The results demonstrate that the capped-head pile groups can provide greater restraint compared to the free-head groups for the lateral displacement of pile groups. The front pile experiences greater forces than the rear one in passive pile groups as a result of the smaller soil pressure on the rear pile. Additionally, increasing the horizontal stiffness of the capped head with fully fixed ends can significantly decrease the horizontal deformation of the pile groups.
Special Issue: Childhood Brain Cancer Treatment
Authors: Mastrangelo Stefano
Published: November 2023

Brain cancer is the second most common childhood malignancy and is the leading cause of death among all pediatric cancers [...]
Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Thick 2219 Aluminum Alloy Welded Joints by Electron-Beam Welding
Authors: Chang Zhilong , Huang Minghui , Wang Xiaobo , Wang Houqin , Sun Guangda , Zhou Li
Published: November 2023

In this study, 2219 aluminum alloy thick plate was joined by electron beam welding. Defect-free joints with excellent surface formation were obtained. There were significant differences in the microstructure along the thickness direction of the weld zone (WZ). The upper region of the WZ was mainly striated grains, while the lower region was fine equiaxed grains. The WZ of 2219 joint is composed of α-Al and Al-Cu eutectic. Fine equiaxed grains were formed in the partially melted zone (PMZ) due to the existence of high-melting nucleation particles including Ti-Al and Ti-Zr compounds. The eutectic microstructure in the PMZ and the heat-affected zone (HAZ) presented net-like and block-shape distribution. Due to the formation of fine grains and high content of Al-Cu eutectic, the WZ showed the highest microhardness (80 HV). Therefore, the 2219 joint obtained excellent mechanical properties. The tensile strength of the 2219 joint was equal to that of the base metal (BM), but the elongation of the 2219 joint significantly decreased to 15.1%, about 67.7% of that of BM. The fracture mode of the 2219 joint presented typical ductile fracture.
Vesicovaginal Fistulas: Prevalence, Impact, and Management Challenges
Authors: Chinthakanan Orawee , Sirisreetreerux Pokket , Saraluck Apisith
Published: November 2023

Background and Objectives: Vesicovaginal fistulas (VVFs) are an abnormal communication between the vagina and bladder and the most common type of acquired genital fistulas. This review will address the prevalence, impact, and management challenges of VVFs. Materials and Methods: Epidemiologic studies examining VVFs are considered. In addition, publications addressing the treatment of VVFs are reviewed. Results: VVFs in developing countries are often caused by obstructed labor, while most VVFs in developed countries have iatrogenic causes, such as hysterectomy, radiation therapy, and infection. The reported prevalence of VVFs is approximately 1 in 1000 post-hysterectomy patients and 1 in 1000 deliveries. VVFs affect every aspect of quality of life, including physical, mental, social, and sexual aspects. Prevention of VVFs is essential. Early diagnosis is necessary to reduce morbidity. Nutrition, infection control, and malignancy detection are important considerations during evaluation and treatment. Conservative and surgical treatment options are available; however, these approaches should be customized to the individual patient. The success rate of combined conservative and surgical treatments exceeds 90%. Conclusions: VVFs are considered debilitating and devastating. However, they are preventable and treatable; key factors include the avoidance of prolonged labor, careful performance of gynecologic surgery, and early detection.
Blue-Noise-Based Disordered Photonic Structures Show Isotropic and Ultrawide Band Gaps
Authors: De Tommasi Edoardo , Romano Silvia , Zito Gianluigi
Published: November 2023

Spatially disordered but uniformly distributed point patterns characterized by so-called blue-noise long-range spatial correlations are of great benefit in computer graphics, especially in spatial dithering thanks to the spatial isotropy. Herein, the potential photonic properties of blue-noise disordered, homogeneous point processes based on farthest-point optimization are numerically investigated for silicon photonics. The photonic properties of blue-noise two-dimensional patterns are studied as a function of the filling fraction and benchmarked with photonic crystals with a triangular lattice. Ultrawide and omnidirectional photonic band gaps spanning most of the visible spectrum are found with estimates of gap–midgap ratios of up to 55.4% for transverse magnetic polarization, 59.4% for transverse electric polarization, and 32.7% for complete band gaps. The waveguiding effect in azimuthal defect lines is also numerically evaluated. These results corroborate the idea that long-range correlated disordered structures are helpful for engineering novel devices with the additional degree of freedom of spatial isotropy, and capable of bandgap opening even without total suppression of infinite-wavelength density fluctuations.
(Techno)Paganism: An Exploration of Animistic Relations with the Digital
Authors: Dos Santos Victoria
Published: November 2023

The aim of this paper is to examine and illustrate how the animistic ontology present in neopaganism allows embodied and sensuous interactions with virtual worlds. By considering animism as a strategy with which to rethink human cohabitation with the techno-digital otherness, I will show how neopagans who use computer technology for spiritual purposes experience the online context as an environment where lived religious practices can occur. To do so, I will particularly focus on religious practices taking place in digital games and 3D social virtual platforms due to their ability to induce immersive and interactive experiences. Because neopaganism recognizes the material living world as a central aspect of spiritual experiences, I will explore the ways that the spatial and material dimensions are articulated in neopagan’s online performances, the actions they make possible, and how they enable a more intimate relationship with virtual platforms. I will accompany the theoretical reflection with case studies and interviews with technopagan practitioners experiencing their religion with and within computer technology. This paper also aims to show how this new conception of animism connects to what Mikhail Bakhtin calls “dialogism”, a condition that recognizes the multiplicity of perspectives and voices and denies the possibility of not getting involved with the otherness. For such reasons, approaching the digital through an animistic ontology can help us acknowledge the convergence of humans with the techno-digital otherness and explore, on deeper levels, sensuous and embodied experiences taking place in the religious context.
Mapping the Social, Economic, and Ecological Impact of Floods in Brisbane
Authors: Hou Yuewei , Wei Yongping , Wu Shuanglei , Li Jinghan
Published: November 2023

Flooding has become one of the most dangerous and expensive disasters due to urbanization and climate change. Tools for assessing flood impact are required to support the shift of flood mitigation management from post-disaster recovery and reconstruction to community-driven pre-disaster warning and preparation. This study aims to develop an integrated approach to spatially assess the economic and social losses and ecological gain and identify the geographical factors of locations with high impacts of floods in Brisbane using the datasets collected from both the 2011 and 2022 flood events. Water depth, inundated area, land cover, ecosystem service value, mortality, and morbidity were considered to assess flood impacts. It is found that downstream (above 23,500 m from the upper stream) riverside communities (within 800 m of the river) with low altitudes (below 15 m) are more likely to experience significant flood damage. Flood impacts have bell-shaped developments with elevation and direct distance to the upstream river source and an exponential decline with distances to the river. These findings have implications for formulating future urban land use and community-tailored mitigation strategies, particularly for flood warning and preparation.
ECOLOGICAL STRUCTURE OF FLORA OF MEADOWS OF THE ROMENSKO-POLTAVSKY GEOBOTANICAL DISTRICT
Authors: Zhuk M.
Published: November 2023

The article paper deals with the ecological structure of the meadows flora of the Romensko-Poltavsky geobotanical district. The identified species were analysed according to 12 ecological factors, which belong to two groups – edaphic and climatic. In the first group, the plants of meadow lands were studied according to 7 ecological factors, among which sub-mesophytes (174 species or 28,9%) and mesophytes (149 species or 24,8%) prevail in relation to soil water regime. In relation to the soil moisture variability, the dominance of two ecogroups was revealed, they are hemi-hydrocontrastophiles (227 species or 37,8%) and hemi-hydrocontrastophobes (226 species or 37,6%). In terms of soil acidity, sub-acidophytes (275 species or 45,8%) and neutrophiles(244 species or 40,6%) were identified. In relation to the soil salinity of the soil in the studied meadow, phytocoenoses semi-eutrophes (288 species or 48%) are leading. In terms of carbonate content in the soil, hemi-carbonatophobes (235 species or 39,1%) and acarbonatophiles(203 species or 37,8%) prevailed. Hemi-nitrophiles (297 species or 49,4%) prevail in terms of nitrogen content in the soil, and sub-aerophiles (305 species or 50,7%) in terms of soil aeration. The meadow plants of the Romensko-Poltavsky geobotanical district were studied according to5 ecological factors of the climatic group, among which the most prominent were sub-mesotherms (309 species or 51,4%) and sub-microtherms (240 species or 39,9%) in relation to the thermal regime. In terms of climate humidity, sub-aridophytes dominate (233 species or 38,8%). In terms of climate continentality, hemi-continental (258 species or 42,9%) and hemi-oceanic (207 species or 34,4%) are dominant. Sub-cryophytes are the most numerous in relation to the cryo-regime(302 species or 50,2%). In relation to light conditions, sub-heliophytes are represented by the largest number of species (493 species or 82%).
A Domain Generalization and Residual Network-Based Emotion Recognition from Physiological Signals
Authors: Li Junnan , Li Jiang , Wang Xiaoping , Zhan Xin , Zeng Zhigang
Published: November 2023

Emotion recognition from physiological signals (ERPS) has drawn tremendous attention and can be potentially applied to numerous fields. Since physiological signals are nonstationary time series with high sampling frequency, it is challenging to directly extract features from them. Additionally, there are 2 major challenges in ERPS: (a) how to adequately capture the correlations between physiological signals at different times and between different types of physiological signals and (b) how to effectively minimize the negative effect caused by temporal covariate shift (TCS). To tackle these problems, we propose a domain generalization and residual network-based approach for emotion recognition from physiological signals (DGR-ERPS). We first pre-extract time- and frequency-domain features from the original time series to compose a new time series. Then, in order to fully extract the correlation information of different physiological signals, these time series are converted into 3D image data to serve as input for a residual-based feature encoder (RBFE). In addition, we introduce a domain generalization-based technique to mitigate the issue posed by TCS. We have conducted extensive experiments on 2 real-world datasets, and the results indicate that our DGR-ERPS achieves superior performance under both TCS and non-TCS scenarios.