bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of injuries in U.S. high school track and field throwing events from 2008 to 2019
Authors: Rhim Hye Chang , Afifi Toqa , Xu Raylin F. , Noble‐Taylor Kayle , Gureck Ashley E. , Barrack Michelle T. , Rauh Mitchell J. , Tenforde Adam S.
Published: May 2024

Background

Injury characteristics of high school track and field throwing athletes in the United States are not well studied. Understanding epidemiology of injuries is important to identify treatment and prevention strategies.

Objective

To describe injury rates and patterns in U.S. high school track and field throwing events from a longitudinal national sports injury surveillance system.

Design

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Setting

Data were provided by the National High School Sports Related Injury Surveillance System, High School RIO (Reporting Information Online).

Methods

Athletic trainers reported injury and exposure data through the High School RIO website on a weekly basis. An athlete exposure (AE) was defined as one athlete participating in one school‐sanctioned practice or competition. Throwing events of discus, shot put, and javelin were analyzed in this study.

Main Outcome Measures

Injury rate, rate ratios (RR), injury proportion ratios (IPR).

Participants

U.S. high school athletes.

Results

A total of 267 track and field throwing injuries occurred during 5,486,279 AEs. Overall, the rate of injuries in competition was higher than in practice (RR 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–1.80). In practice, the rate of injuries was higher for girls than boys (RR 1.53, 95% CI 1.12–2.08). The most frequently injured body part was the shoulder (21.7%), followed by the ankle (16.5%) and knee (12.0%). The most common types of injury were muscle strains (26.14%) and ligament sprains (25%). Recurrent injuries accounted for a higher proportion of chronic injuries compared to new injuries (IPR 1.85, 95% CI 1.16–2.97).

Conclusion

This study described injury characteristics of high school track and field throwing athletes from 2008 to 2019. Based on our results, injury prevention may be particularly important for female throwers with prior injury.
Structural Correlation of the Glass‐Forming Ability in a Cu–Zr‐Based Metallic Glass: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Kbirou Meryem , Trady Salma , Achik Imad , Mazroui M'hammed
Published: May 2024

The Cu–Zr‐based metallic glasses (MGs) have recently sparked great attention due to their outstanding properties and their improved glass‐forming ability (GFA). Therefore, a molecular dynamics study is performed to investigate the effect of composition on the structural analysis methods including the radial distribution function, Voronoi analysis, and coordination number of three Cu‐Zr‐Al alloys to predict the system having the much higher GFA. The T–V curves during the cooling process involve transitioning the liquid state to the glassy state, demonstrating that and are good glass formers. The findings reveal that the splitting of the second peak in the radial distribution function at results in more pronounced one. It is also indicated that with increasing Al content, the system undergoes a decrease toward the CN. Additionally, higher Al content contributes to the higher content of the full icosahedra as well as the distorted icosahedra, consequently, higher GFA. These structures, demonstrate various modes of linkage including vertex sharing, edge sharing, face sharing, and interpenetrating sharing, resulting in more dense atomic packing. Finally, strong correlations between the atomic compositions with the structural properties are shown, which can help to predict the much higher GFA system.
Glass‐Blowing‐Inspired Upcycling of Thermosetting Polymer to Neuron‐Like Hierarchical Carbon for Microwave Absorption and Conversion
Authors: Xie Yang‐Yang , Liu Qing‐Song , Zhu Guo‐Rui , Wu Gang , Chen Si‐Chong , Wang Yu‐Zhong
Published: May 2024

Upgrading thermosetting polymer waste and harvesting unwanted electromagnetic energy are of great significance in solving environmental pollution and energy shortage problems. Herein, inspired by the glass‐blowing art, a spontaneous, controllable, and scalable strategy is proposed to prepare hollow carbon materials by inner blowing and outside blocking. Specifically, hierarchically neuron‐like hollow carbon materials (HCMSs) with various sizes are fabricated from melamine‐formaldehyde sponge (MS) waste. Benefiting from the synergistic of the hollow “cell body” and the connected “protrusions” networks, HCMSs reveal superior electromagnetic absorption performance with a strong reflection loss of −54.9 dB, electromagnetic‐heat conversion ability with a high conversion efficiency of 34.4%, and efficient energy storage performance in supercapacitor. Furthermore, a multifunctional device integrating electromagnetic‐heat‐electrical energy conversion is designed, and its feasibility is proved by experiments and theoretical calculations. The integrated device reveals an output voltage of 34.5 mV and a maximum output power of 0.89 µW with electromagnetic radiation for 60 s. This work provides a novel solution to recycle polymer waste, electromagnetic energy, and unwanted thermal energy.
Manipulating 2D Materials through Strain Engineering
Authors: Yu Xiangxiang , Peng Zhuiri , Xu Langlang , Shi Wenhao , Li Zheng , Meng Xiaohan , He Xiao , Wang Zhen , Duan Shikun , Tong Lei , Huang Xinyu , Miao Xiangshui , Hu Weida , Ye Lei
Published: May 2024

This review explores the growing interest in 2D layered materials, such as graphene, h‐BN, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), and black phosphorus (BP), with a specific focus on recent advances in strain engineering. Both experimental and theoretical results are delved into, highlighting the potential of strain to modulate physical properties, thereby enhancing device performance. Various strain engineering methods are summarized, and the impact of strain on the electrical, optical, magnetic, thermal, and valleytronic properties of 2D materials is thoroughly examined. Finally, the review concludes by addressing potential applications and challenges in utilizing strain engineering for functional devices, offering valuable insights for further research and applications in optoelectronics, thermionics, and spintronics.
CO2‐Sourced Polymer Dyes for Dual Information Encryption
Authors: Niu Yajuan , Liu Qinbo , Ou Xu , Zhou Yingjie , Sun Zhe , Yan Feng
Published: May 2024

Large amounts of small molecule dyes leak into the ecosystems annually in harmful and unsustainable ways. Polymer dyes have attracted much attention because of their high migration resistance, excellent stability, and minimized leakage. However, the complex synthesis process, high cost, and poor degradability hinder their widespread application. Herein, green and sustainable polymer dyes are prepared using natural dye quercetin (Qc) and CO2 through a one‐step process. The CO2‐sourced polymer dyes show strong migration resistance, high stability, and can be degraded on demand. Additionally, the CO2‐sourced polymer dyes showed unique responses to Zn2+, leading to significantly enhanced fluorescence, highlighting their potential for information encryption/decryption. The CO2‐sourced polymer dyes can solve the environmental hazards caused by small molecule dye leakage and promote the carbon cycle process. Meanwhile, the one‐step synthesis process is expected to achieve sustainable and widespread utilization of CO2‐sourced polymer dyes.
Final‐year students: we've got you covered
Authors: Carlin Laura
Published: May 2024

BVA membership marketing manager Laura Carlin explains all the ways we support vet students in their final year.
Seasonal assessment of groundwater quality in the Al Hoceima region, northern Morocco: Physicochemical parameters and fecal contamination indicators
Authors: Mchiouer Fatiha , El Ouarghi Hossain , El Yousfi Yassine , Benyoussef Said , Bouadil Oumayma , Gueddari Hicham , Abioui Mohamed
Published: May 2024

This study focuses on assessing the seasonal variation in groundwater quality within the Al‐Hoceima region, specifically examining physicochemical parameters and bacteriological indicators of water fecal contamination. The sampling campaign took place during the wet and dry seasons of 2019 and 2021. In situ measurements were conducted on 37 groundwater samples to determine the physicochemical parameters, while bacteriological analyses were performed using Escherichia coli (E. coli) as a fecal contamination indicator. The findings demonstrate significant variations in physicochemical parameters across seasons and reveal fecal contamination of the groundwater, predominantly indicated by increased levels of E. coli during wet periods. Possible contributing factors include water surface runoff and percolation processes. Additionally, the result showed a high concentration of E. coli expected 240 CFU/100 mL. Pollution was higher in the dry season than in the wet season. These results underscore the poor quality of the water in the Al Hoceima region, necessitating treatment before consumption.
A Practical Approach to Using the Genomic Standards Consortium MIxS Reporting Standard for Comparative Genomics and Metagenomics
Authors: Eloe-Fadrosh Emiley A. , Mungall Christopher J. , Miller Mark Andrew , Smith Montana , Patil Sujay Sanjeev , Kelliher Julia M. , Johnson Leah Y. D. , Rodriguez Francisca E. , Chain Patrick S. G. , Hu Bin , Thornton Michael B. , McCue Lee Ann , McHardy Alice Carolyn , Harris Nomi L. , Reddy T. B. K. , Mukherjee Supratim , Hunter Christopher I. , Walls Ramona , Schriml Lynn M.
Published: May 2024

Comparative analysis of (meta)genomes necessitates aggregation, integration, and synthesis of well-annotated data using standards. The Genomic Standards Consortium (GSC) collaborates with the research community to develop and maintain the Minimum Information about any (x) Sequence (MIxS) reporting standard for genomic data. To facilitate the use of the GSC’s MIxS reporting standard, we provide a description of the structure and terminology, how to navigate ontologies for required terms in MIxS, and demonstrate practical usage through a soil metagenome example.
An Empirical Study on How Grit and Work Values Affect Generation’s Z Entrepreneurial Intention
Authors: Kargas Antonios , Tsaknis Panagiotis A. , Patitsa Christina D. , Gkika Eleni C. , Sahinidis Alexandros G.
Published: May 2024

Generation Z are the young people born and grown up in the age of social media and digital technology, within the Internet era and who are currently in the higher education-to-work transition phase. It is the generation that makes its first working steps in a global economic environment heavily affected by Covid-19 consequences and digital transformation’s influence. Empirical studies conducted provide results that vary across national cultures indicating the need for research in different countries, especially when it comes to Greek Generation Z for which little is known. This study contributes by providing a new approach when investigating entrepreneurial intention, by investigating Greek university students’ work values and grit. A convenience sample of 255 business administration students were surveyed in terms of their entrepreneurial intention. Grit, extrinsic and intrinsic work values, alongside social values are studied to understand student entrepreneurial intention, while results indicate that only grit has a positive and statistically significant effect on entrepreneurial intention. Results are useful for higher education’s stakeholders and for employers seeking to attract and to effectively integrate Generation’s Z employees to their organizations.
The Czech Republic and Non-governmental Non-profit Organizations After the Impact of the COVID-19 Crisis
Authors: Gottlichova Marcela
Published: May 2024

The period of the pandemic crisis in the Czech Republic significantly reflected the uncertainty of the time. It was characterized by the loss of the guarantee for the services of non-governmental non-profit organizations, which the public will demand and accept in the future. The period coincided with financial impacts on the running of these organizations, declining public confidence, and declining interest from supporters. The presented study, based on the secondary and mainly primary data reflecting the attitude of non-governmental non-profit organizations of the Zlin Region based on quantitative research aimed at the communication of organizations during the pandemic, has once again confirmed the still-persistent shortcomings demonstrably requiring necessary changes leading to the efficiency of the current form of communication on a professional basis. One of the ways to offer a solution to the ongoing unhappiness is the intensive cooperation of non-governmental non-profit organizations with students of marketing communications, as documented explicitly by the collaboration of the Faculty of Multimedia Communications of the Tomas Bata University in Zlin in cooperation with the Zlin Region, which enables significant assistance in the professionalization of non-governmental non-profit organizations’ communication in continuity with development of the Zlin Region on the one hand. On the other hand, it strengthens the interest in non-commercial marketing among university students in continuity with their future professional classification.
Island Hopping in the Ionian Sea: Exploring the Value of Monumental Olive Trees for Sustainable Tourism
Authors: Martinis Aristotelis , Minotou Charikleia , Botonis Athanasios , Kabassi Katerina
Published: May 2024

The monumental olive groves of the Ionian Islands constitute invaluable ecosystems with rich natural and cultural heritage, intertwined perennially with the region’s history. This research highlights the potential to contribute to the sustainable development and tourism of the Ionian Islands, by showcasing unique biodiversity and cultural traditions. Moreover, significant importance has the involvement of local communities in the promotion of sustainable development. The research integrates scientific research and practical applications, and proposes new prospects through the creation of innovative and sustainable initiatives, with immediate feedback to local communities. The proposals, challenges and applications are following the institutional framework and international practices for the preservation of natural and cultural wealth, particularly in NATURA 2000 areas. Design and digital mapping of ecotourism network trails have been conducted within the monumental olive groves of the Ionian Islands. These trails highlight the unique natural monuments that continue to produce olive oil of valuable nutrition. The visit to these natural open sculpture “eco-museums” offer the opportunity to interpret the unique dynamic of nature which connects the history, traditions, customs, and local communities and contributes to a sustainable rural tourism model. The interconnection of the trails of different islands in one holistic approach offers the possibility to enhance a common narrative which could be independent for each island or multiparametric for different islands. Island hopping promotes and interprets different characteristics of each island, in a common base, the monumental olive groves.
Exploring the Motivation to Follow Small Brands on Social Media
Authors: Grigoriadou Maria , Konidaris Agisilaos
Published: May 2024

Social media have impacted numerous aspects of consumers’ social life, including consumer behavior and the consumer—brand relationship. Consumer behavior is evolving though social platforms and is shaping the perceptions and the actions of customers towards brands. As a result, more and more brands are seeking visibility through social networks, establishing an online presence, trying to trigger interaction and engagement with consumers. This paper explores consumer motivation to interact and engage with small travel brands on social media and highlights elements of the brands that make them more appealing to consumers. The paper also identified consumer attributes that make them more willing to engage with small travel brands on social media. The findings of this paper help map the factors that play a key role on the intention of a consumer to follow and engage with a small brand, while there are clear strategies indicated on how a small brand can meet the consumers’ expectations and leverage on potential cross sell opportunities. The research outputs indicate that there are distinct follower groups in terms of interaction with travel brands with unique characteristics that can be leveraged for a more effective brand positioning. In addition, there are remarkable findings on the repetitive nature of buying behavior for people following small travel brands and the potential cross sell opportunities that arise. The findings of this paper may be considered as a roadmap for small brands to improve customer engagement and consumer buying behavior.
Wine Tourism: A Complex Tangible, Intangible and Experiential Marketing Matrix
Authors: Vrasida Maria
Published: May 2024

During the past decades, wine has been highly associated with tourism, as part of a fine dining and hospitality experience but also in the production phase and the wineries. Wine can present the link between agritourism referring to the actual cultivation process of grapes, to traditional productive activities in the wine production phase, to luxury and fine dining in the consumption phase. Food and wine production are closely linked to the culture and traditions of a particular local context and are the result of a know-how that has been developed locally and passed down over time. Wine is the product that allows for the strongest links and ties with the food and territory of origin. This is evident not only in terms of geography, but also includes the historical and cultural aspects, even aspects of the local climate. Realizing the multiple benefits that can be achieved via such linkages, many wine regions worldwide have encouraged the creation of synergies between the wine and the tourism industry. This mutual cooperation falls under a complex leisure experience comprising of tangible, intangible and experiential elements. The aim of this study is to identify the importance and the level of participation of tangible, intangible and experiential elements in the marketing of wine tourism experiences and the role of wine tourism for its wider region.
Unsteady free surface flow
Authors: Rapp Christoph
Published: May 2024

Chapter 14 covers unsteady free surface flows for which St. Venant’s differential equation is derived in the first step. The findings are used to consider up- and downsurge phenomena by experiments and examples that are again accompanied by open-source codes.
Essential mathematics
Authors: Rapp Christoph
Published: May 2024

Part I, Fundamentals and derivations, starts with Chapter 2, where mathematical basics that are elementary for the understanding of the content of the book as well as conventions are discussed. Its content covers a description of scalars, vectors and tensors and their mathematical combinations as well as Euler’s and Lagrange’s perspective on a problem. Some basics of functional analysis are described in the context of kinematics. Chapter 2 ends with fluid mechanical terminology.
Essential physics
Authors: Rapp Christoph
Published: May 2024

Chapter 3 covers basics of physics which are fundamental for the understanding of the following chapters. These are the aggregate states, the basic quantities with their units, Newton’s laws and selected properties of water.
Introduction to potential theory
Authors: Rapp Christoph
Published: May 2024

Chapter 4 gives a brief introduction into potential flow with derivations of the standard solutions of Laplace’s equation. The solutions for potential and stream functions plus the velocity fields are given for parallel flow, sources and sinks as well as the potential vortex.
Focus
Authors: Pyman Mark , Heywood Paul M.
Published: May 2024

This chapter explains the Focus element of the SFRA approach, explaining why it is essential to disaggregate specific corruption issues and providing a series of sector-based typologies to help do that. It then offers a range of analysis methodologies and emphasises the importance of building shared understanding of corruption issues.
Remediation: Broad Framing
Authors: Pyman Mark , Heywood Paul M.
Published: May 2024

This chapter introduces the concept of remediation, which entails choosing the strategies to get things done and have a practical effect. It explores how to identify the way that political context and judgement influence sequencing of changes and provides an introduction to a range of broad framing options.
Axion domain walls, small instantons, and non-invertible symmetry breaking
Authors: Córdova Clay , Hong Sungwoo , Wang Lian-Tao
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Non-invertible global symmetry often predicts degeneracy in axion potentials and carries important information about the global form of the gauge group. When these symmetries are spontaneously broken they can lead to the formation of stable axion domain wall networks which support topological degrees of freedom on their worldvolume. Such non-invertible symmetries can be broken by embedding into appropriate larger UV gauge groups where small instanton contributions lift the vacuum degeneracy, and provide a possible solution to the domain wall problem. We explain these ideas in simple illustrative examples and then apply them to the Standard Model, whose gauge algebra and matter content are consistent with several possible global structures. Each possible global structure leads to different selection rules on the axion couplings, and various UV completions of the Standard Model lead to more specific relations. As a proof of principle, we also present an example of a UV embedding of the Standard Model which can solve the axion domain wall problem. The formation and annihilation of the long-lived axion domain walls can lead to observables, such as gravitational wave signals. Observing such signals, in combination with the axion coupling measurements, can provide valuable insight into the global structure of the Standard Model, as well as its UV completion.
Nimodipine as Vasodilator in Guide Catheter Flush to Prevent Vasospasm During Endovascular Stroke Treatment
Authors: Sommer Louisa J. , Jesser Jessica , Nikoubashman Omid , Nguyen Thanh N. , Pinho Joao , Reich Arno , Wiesmann Martin , Weyland Charlotte S.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The clinical importance and management of vasospasm as a complication during endovascular stroke treatment (EVT) has not been well studied. We sought to investigate the effect of adding nimodipine to the guiding catheter flush (GCF) to prevent vasospasm during EVT.

Methods

This is a single-center retrospective analysis including patients with EVT (stent-retriever and/or distal aspiration) treated for anterior or posterior circulation intracranial vessel occlusion from January 2018 to June 2023. Exclusion criteria were intracranial or extracranial stenosis, intra-arterial alteplase, patient age over 80 years. Study groups were patients with (nimo+) and without (nimo−) nimodipine in the GCF. They were compared for occurrence of vasospasm as primary endpoint and clinical outcome in univariate analysis.

Results

477 patients were included in the analysis (nimo+ n = 94 vs. nimo− n = 383). Nimo+ patients experienced less vasospasm during EVT (e.g. vasospasm in target vessel n (%): nimo− = 113 (29.6) vs. nimo+ = 9 (9.6), p < 0.001; extracranial vasospasm, n (%): nimo− = 68 (17.8) vs. nimo+ = 7 (7.4), p = 0.017). Patients of the two study groups had a comparable clinical outcome (90 day mRS, median (IQR): 3 (1–6) for both groups, p = 0.896). In general, patients with anterior circulation target vessel occlusion (TVO) experienced more vasospasm (anterior circ. TVO 38.7% vs. posterior circ. 7.5%, p = 0.006).

Conclusion

Prophylactic adding of nimodipine reduces the risk of vasospasm during EVT without affecting the clinical outcome. Patients with anterior circulation TVO experienced more vasospasm compared to posterior circulation TVO.
Nachwuchsmangel in der Thoraxchirurgie
Authors: Rösch Romina Maria , Griffo Raffaella , Berger-Groch Josephine , Brendel Lena , Presotto Maria Ada , Metelmann Isabella , Winter Hauke , Klotz Laura Valentina
Published: May 2024

Hintergrund: Obwohl die Thoraxchirurgie ein anspruchsvolles und vielseitiges chirurgisches Fachgebiet ist, wird in den kommenden Jahren ein Mangel an qualifizierten und motivierten Assistenzärzten für die Thoraxchirurgie erwartet. Es wird mit einem Mangel von ca. 7300 Chirurgen in der stationären Versorgung gerechnet. Daher ist es dringend erforderlich, mehr interessierte junge Medizinstudierende zu gewinnen und die medizinische Ausbildung unserer nächsten Generation von Chirurgen zu verbessern.

Methoden: Eine Onlineumfrage mit 39 Fragen zur Demografie der Teilnehmer, medizinischen Ausbildung, zum Interesse an der chirurgischen Ausbildung und der thoraxchirurgischen Weiterbildung sowie zur Attraktivität der Facharztausbildung wurde erstellt, um den aktuellen bundesweiten Status quo unter Medizinstudierenden zu evaluieren.

Ergebnisse: Insgesamt konnten 224 Fragebögen zur Auswertung herangezogen werden. Grundsätzlich zeigte sich zu Beginn des Studiums ein hohes Interesse an der (Thorax-)Chirurgie. Hervorzuheben ist, dass ein Drittel nicht wusste, dass der „Thoraxchirurgische-Facharzt“ ein eigenständiger Facharzt ist. Diese Aussage wirft weitere Fragen bzgl. der Präsenz der Thoraxchirurgie im Medizinstudium auf. Gefragt nach typischen Eigenschaften, die die Studierenden mit der Thoraxchirurgie verbinden, wurde zum Großteil mit „einer hohen praktischen Tätigkeit“ geantwortet. Was sie von einer chirurgischen Weiterbildung abhält, wurde vorrangig mit der schlechten Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf begründet.

Schlussfolgerung: Die Studierenden wissen genau, was sie sich für ihre Zukunft wünschen und wo die Chirurgie ihre Schwachpunkte hat. Sie wünschen sich eine transparente und praxisorientierte Weitbildung, die Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf sowie die Anerkennung ihrer Arbeit und Person.
USP14 increases the sensitivity of retinoblastoma to cisplatin by mediating the ferroptosis
Authors: Liu Han , Gan Qiang , Lai Yongping , Pan Zhenhui , Jin Qifang , Li Jiayue , Wang Nanye , Jiao Shoufeng , Chai Yong
Published: May 2024

The aim of this study is to explore the function of USP14 on the sensitivity of retinoblastoma (RB) to cisplatin (DDP) and the underlying mechanism. USP14 was knockdown in Y79 cells by transfecting three siRNAs (si-USP14-1, si-USP14-2, and si-USP14-3), with si-USP14 NC as the negative control. si-USP14-3 was selected by results of Western blotting. The CCK-8 assay was used to detect the IC50 of Y79 cells and the growth curve. The cell cycle, cell apoptosis, and ROS level were measured by flow cytometry. The expression level of P-GP, ERCC1, survivin, GPX4, FTH1, ACSL4, NOX1, COX2, and FASN was determined by the Western blotting assay. CO-IP assay was utilized to evaluate the interaction between USP14 and FASN. The IC50 of DDP in Y79 cells and Y79/DDP cells was 7.83 µM and 24.67 µM, respectively. Compared to control and si-USP14 NC groups, increased apoptotic rate and ROS level, and arrested cell cycle in S phase were observed in USP14-knockdown Y79 cells. Compared to control and si-USP14 NC groups, increased apoptotic rate and arrested cell cycle in G0/G1 phase were observed in USP14-knockdown Y79/DDP cells. Compared to control, increased ROS level was observed in USP14-knockdown Y79/DDP cells. Compared to the si-USP14 NC groups, extremely downregulated P-GP, ERCC1, survivin, GPX4, FTH1, NOX1, COX2, and FASN were observed in USP14-knockdown Y79 cells or Y79/DDP cells, accompanied by the elevated expression of ACSL4. The interaction between USP14 and FASN was identified according to the result of CO-IP assay. By silencing USP14 in Y79 and Y79/DDP cells, levels of resistance-related proteins (P-GP, ERCC1, and survivin), ferroptosis-related proteins (FTH1 and GPX4), and lipid metabolism-related proteins (NOX1, COX2, and FASN) were dramatically reduced, accompanied by enhanced ROS level, increased apoptosis, and restrained DNA content, indicating that USP14 might suppress the DDP resistance in RB by mediating ferroptosis, which is an important target for treating RB.
An arterial map of the uterine artery - a tool for endovascular and gynecological procedures
Authors: Konarska-Włosińska Monika , Yika Alicia Del Carmen , Dziedzic Martyna , Bonczar Michał , Ostrowski Patryk , Wojciechowski Wadim , Walocha Jerzy , Koziej Mateusz
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The anatomy of the uterine artery (UA) is highly complex, demonstrating various patterns of origin and course. The main objective of the present study is to provide the first anatomical heat map of the UA, demonstrating the location of its origin and course in the pelvis.

Methods

In July 2022, an assessment was conducted on the findings from 40 consecutive female patients who had undergone computed tomography angiography of the abdomen and pelvis. Morphometric features of the UA and its associated anatomical area were gathered in 19 categories.

Results

The presented results are based on a total of 58 UAs. 40 UAs originated from the anterior trunk of the internal iliac artery (69.0%), 16 of the UAs originated from the umbilical artery (27.6%), and the remaining two originated from the inferior gluteal artery (3.4%). The median diameter of the UA at its origin was found to be 3.20 mm (LQ = 2.63; HQ = 3.89).

Conclusion

The anatomy of the UA is highly complex, showcasing variable topography, origin patterns, and morphometric properties. In the present study, a novel arterial map of this vessel was made, highlighting the diversity in its origin location and course. In our studied cohort, the UA originated most commonly from the anterior trunk of the internal iliac artery (69.0%), as described in the major anatomical textbooks. Having adequate knowledge about the anatomy of this artery is of immense importance in various gynecological and endovascular procedures, such as hysterectomies and embolizations.
Global burden of mesothelioma attributable to occupational asbestos exposure in 204 countries and territories: 1990–2019
Authors: Chen Zhiming , Cai Yikuan , Ou Tongyin , Zhou Hu , Li Huajie , Wang Zhizhi , Cai Kaican
Published: May 2024

Malignant mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer primarily caused by occupational asbestos exposure, has a poor prognosis. This study leverages the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 dataset to analyze the burden of mesothelioma linked to occupational asbestos exposure from 1990 to 2019. The analysis includes the number of mesothelioma deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to occupational asbestos exposure, focusing on trends in age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and age-standardized disability-adjusted life-year rate (ASDR) by year, age, sex, country, region, and Socio-demographic Index (SDI). In 2019, 91.7% of mesothelioma deaths and 85.2% of DALYs were attributable to occupational asbestos exposure, resulting in 26,820 (95% UI 24,312–28,622) deaths and 569,429 (95% UI 509,956–617,484) DALYs. Despite a decline in ASMR and ASDR from 1990 to 2019, the absolute number of deaths and DALYs almost doubled. The United States reported the highest number of mesothelioma deaths, while China had the highest number of DALYs. Age-specific mortality rates and DALYs decreased in the 25–74 age group but increased in the 75+ age group. In conclusion, occupational asbestos exposure remains the primary cause of mesothelioma worldwide, with an increasing number of deaths and DALYs. The highest incidence rates are observed in high-income areas, and rates are rising in low-income areas. It is crucial to raise awareness about the hazards of asbestos to reduce the global burden of mesothelioma linked to occupational exposure.
Lightweight diffusion models: a survey
Authors: Song Wei , Ma Wen , Zhang Ming , Zhang Yanghao , Zhao Xiaobing
Published: May 2024

Diffusion models (DMs) are a type of potential generative models, which have achieved better effects in many fields than traditional methods. DMs consist of two main processes: one is the forward process of gradually adding noise to the original data until pure Gaussian noise; the other is the reverse process of gradually removing noise to generate samples conforming to the target distribution. DMs optimize the application results through the iterative noise processing process. However, this greatly increases the computational and storage costs in the training and inference stages, limiting the wide application of DMs. Therefore, how to effectively reduce the resource consumption of using DMs while giving full play to their good performance has become a valuable and necessary research problem. At present, some research has been devoted to lightweight DMs to solve this problem, but there has been no survey in this area. This paper focuses on lightweight DMs methods in the field of image processing, classifies them according to their processing ideas. Finally, the development prospect of future work is analyzed and discussed. It is hoped that this paper can provide other researchers with strategic ideas to reduce the resource consumption of DMs, thereby promoting the further development of this research direction and providing available models for wider applications.
Pulmonary 4D-flow MRI imaging in landrace pigs under rest and stress
Authors: Faragli A. , Hüllebrand M. , Berendsen A. J. , Solà L. Tirapu , Lo Muzio F. P. , Götze C. , Tanacli R. , Doeblin P. , Stehning C. , Schnackenburg B. , Van der Vosse F. N. , Nagel E. , Post H. , Hennemuth A. , Alogna A. , Kelle Sebastian
Published: May 2024

4D-flow MRI is a promising technique for assessing vessel hemodynamics. However, its utilization is currently limited by the lack of reference values, particularly for pulmonary vessels. In this work, we have analysed flow and velocity in the pulmonary trunk (PT), left and right pulmonary arteries (LPA and RPA, respectively) in Landrace pigs at both rest and stress through the software MEVISFlow. Nine healthy Landrace pigs were acutely instrumented closed-chest and transported to the CMR facility for evaluation. After rest measurements, dobutamine was administered to achieve a 25% increase in heart rate compared to rest. 4D-flow MRI images have been analysed through MEVISFlow by two independent observers. Inter- and intra-observer reproducibility was quantified using intraclass correlation coefficient. A significant difference between rest and stress regarding flow and velocity in all the pulmonary vessels was observed. Mean flow increased 55% in PT, 75% in LPA and 40% in RPA. Mean peak velocity increased 55% in PT, 75% in LPA and 66% in RPA. A good-to-excellent reproducibility was observed in rest and stress for flow measurements in all three arteries. An excellent reproducibility for velocity was found in PT at rest and stress, a good one for LPA and RPA at rest, while poor reproducibility was found at stress. The current study showed that pulmonary flow and velocity assessed through 4D-flow MRI follow the physiological alterations during cardiac cycle and after stress induced by dobutamine. A clinical translation to assess pulmonary diseases with 4D-flow MRI under stress conditions needs investigation.
From one crisis to another: the European central bank’s role from the great recession to the Ukraine war
Authors: Chesini Giusy , Fauri Francesca
Published: May 2024

The paper examines the changing role of the European Central Bank over the last 15 years and holds that the ECB has gone through a process of learning by doing, relying on earlier crisis experiences in forming its response to successive crises. This learning process has enabled it to sustain the euro countries against various exogenous shocks both within the power of its mandate and beyond it, implementing novel reforms. We argue, in fact, that crises stimulated institutional innovations such as the introduction of Eurozone banking supervision and the European Banking Union. The latter was a particularly ground-breaking idea, not contemplated by the Treaties, and addressed to exceptional endogenous dynamics. During the last two emergencies, triggered by the pandemic and the war, the ECB seems finally to have learned how to manage crises via a synergic use of available tools.
Maternal Behavior in Sumatran Orangutans (Pongo abelii) is Modulated by Mother-Offspring Characteristics and Socioecological Factors
Authors: Revathe T. , Mundry Roger , Utami-Atmoko Sri Suci , Perawati Deana , Bürkner Paul-Christian , van Noordwijk Maria A. , Schuppli Caroline
Published: May 2024

Mammalian mothers flexibly invest in their offspring to maximize their lifetime fitness. Flexible maternal investment may be particularly important in large-brained species with prolonged maternal care, e.g., in great apes. We investigated the effects of socioecological factors and mother–offspring characteristics on nine maternal behaviors in wild Sumatran orangutans (Pongo abelii; N = 22 mother-offspring pairs; >11,200 hr of focal data from 2007–2022) using generalized linear mixed models. The behaviors fall under four maternal functions: locomotory support (carrying), skill acquisition support (feeding in proximity, food transfer), protective proximity maintenance (body contact and proximity initiation, following), and independence promotion (body contact and proximity termination, avoiding). Mother’s parity was not significantly associated with any maternal behavior. Mothers were more likely to show locomotory support, skill acquisition support, and protective proximity maintenance toward younger than older offspring, whereas they were more likely to promote independence in older than younger offspring. Mothers with male offspring were more likely to show skill acquisition support to their offspring than those with female offspring. With increasing food availability, skill acquisition support reduced. With increasing association size (i.e., the number of individuals within 50 m of each other), mothers were more likely to show protective proximity maintenance and less likely to promote independence. When males were present, mothers were more likely to show locomotory support to their offspring. Sumatran orangutan mothers thus flexibly adjust offspring-directed behavior in response to prevailing socioecological factors and mother–offspring characteristics. Our findings add support to the evolutionary theory that mammalian mothers flexibly invest in their offspring.
The Ariki–Koike algebras and Rogers–Ramanujan type partitions
Authors: Chern Shane , Li Zhitai , Stanton Dennis , Xue Ting , Yee Ae Ja
Published: May 2024

Ariki and Mathas (Math Z 233(3):601–623, 2000) showed that the simple modules of the Ariki–Koike algebras $$\mathcal {H}_{\mathbb {C},v;Q_1,\ldots , Q_m}\big (G(m, 1, n)\big )$$

H

C
,
v
;

Q
1

,
…
,

Q
m

(

G

(
m
,
1
,
n
)

)

(when the parameters are roots of unity and $$v \ne 1$$

v
≠
1

) are labeled by the so-called Kleshchev multipartitions. This together with Ariki’s categorification theorem enabled Ariki and Mathas to obtain the generating function for the number of Kleshchev multipartitions by making use of the Weyl–Kac character formula. In this paper, we revisit their generating function relation for the $$v=-1$$

v
=
-
1

case. In particular, this $$v=-1$$

v
=
-
1

scenario is of special interest as the corresponding Kleshchev multipartitions are closely tied with generalized Rogers–Ramanujan type partitions when $$Q_1=\cdots =Q_a=-1$$

Q
1

=
⋯
=

Q
a

=
-
1

and $$Q_{a+1}=\cdots =Q_m =1$$

Q

a
+
1

=
⋯
=

Q
m

=
1

. Based on this connection, we provide an analytic proof of the result of Ariki and Mathas for the above choice of parameters. Our second objective is to investigate simple modules of the Ariki–Koike algebra in a fixed block, which are, as widely known, labeled by the Kleshchev multiparitions with a fixed partition residue statistic. This partition statistic is also studied in the works of Berkovich, Garvan, and Uncu. Employing their results, we provide two bivariate generating function identities for the $$m=2$$

m
=
2

scenario.
Autism Detection in Early Childhood (ADEC) in a Low-Income Spanish-Speaking Population in Guayaquil (Ecuador)
Authors: Mata-Iturralde Susana , Alonso-Esteban Yurena , Alcantud-Marín Francisco , Young Robyn
Published: May 2024

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) must be present early in development, but may not fully manifest until social demands exceed capacities. In the absence of adequate biological or brain imaging markers to detect and diagnose autism, diagnosis relies on clinical judgment based on observation of symptoms. Many tools have been developed in English-speaking countries (questionnaires for parents, symptom checklists for professionals, observation systems, etc.). Screening in countries with other languages requires cultural and linguistic adaptation of these instruments. This paper presents the adaptation of the ADEC (Autism Detection in Early Childhood).

Methods: The original version of the ADEC was translated and culturally and linguistically adapted to the characteristics of the population of Guayaquil (Ecuador).

Participants: A pilot study was conducted with a sample of 613 children aged 18–48 months. Results: Cronbach’s alpha values (0.89) indicate high internal consistency. The correlation between the MCHAT-R/F follow-up interview and the ADEC (mean r = 0.93) indicates high construct validity. In terms of predictive validity, using the original cut-off points of the ADEC, they show excellent diagnostic ability. The sensitivity and specificity results (sensitivity 1.00; specificity 0.92; positive predictive value 0.83; negative predictive value 0.99) are even better than those obtained in a similar study in the Mexican population. Conclusions: Considering that the MCHAT R/F is a parent-reported instrument, the Guayaquil Spanish version of the ADEC (ADEC-GU) seems to be a suitable instrument to be used in a complementary way as a second-level screening instrument for autism, before resorting to a full diagnostic process.
New insights on the ecology and behavior of Machairodus aphanistus (Carnivora, Felidae, Machairodontinae) through the paleopathological study of the fossil sample from the Late Miocene (Vallesian, MN 10) of Cerro de los Batallones (Torrejón de Velasco, Madrid, Spain)
Authors: Salesa Manuel J. , Hernández Bárbara , Marín Pilar , Siliceo Gema , Martínez Irene , Antón Mauricio , García-Real María Isabel , Pastor Juan Francisco , García-Fernández Rosa Ana
Published: May 2024

The Late Miocene natural traps of Cerro de los Batallones (Madrid, Spain) have yielded thousands of fossils of vertebrates, mostly carnivoran mammals such as hyaenids, amphicyonids, ailurids, mustelids, ursids, and felids, especially Batallones-1 and Batallones-3. Among these carnivorans, the tiger-sized saber-toothed felid Machairodus aphanistus was the top predator of the association, and one of the most abundant taxa, represented by thousands of fossils, including several examples of bone pathologies that have never been studied. In this work, we carry out a paleopathological analysis of some of these pathologies from the Batallones sample of this large early machairodontine, with a description of the pathological changes that occurred in the affected bones, a possible diagnosis, and the ethological and ecological consequences of the presence of these diseases in the living animal. The pathological sample of M. aphanistus studied here included a calcaneus and a Mc III from Batallones-1, and a mandible from Batallones-3. The fossils were X-rayed, and their pathologies were described and compared to non-pathological bones. The calcaneus showed a bone callus indicative of osteitis/osteomyelitis or a tumor; the mandible had evidence of the development of an abscess located in the left mandibular body; and the Mc III shows a marked osteosclerosis. These injuries affected the hunting ability of these individuals and gradually weakened them, very likely contributing to their final entrapment in the Batallones cavities, where they were attracted by the presence of previously trapped animals.
Changes in Heterosexual Couples’ Sexuality During the First Two Years After Breast Cancer Surgery: A Longitudinal Descriptive Study
Authors: Cairo Notari Sarah , Mathieu Thierry , Favez Nicolas , Adam Françoise
Published: May 2024

The study aims to describe couples’ changes in sexuality after non-metastatic breast cancer from a longitudinal perspective. Our research question was: how do couples experience the cancer-induced change in sexual frequency and what are the reasons evoked to explain this kind of change over time? Forty heterosexual couples participated in a semi-structured interview three months and two years after surgery. A reflexive thematic analysis was conducted on a specific question about sexuality from a larger interview guide. The results showed that couples follow multiple trajectories regarding sexuality after the onset of oncological treatment. Most couples experienced temporary or more lasting changes, mainly associated with altered body image and pain. Some stopped having sexual activities at the beginning of treatment but resumed sexuality two years later; others were unable to restore sexuality. However, some couples stayed sexually active all along the cancer journey, showing that cessation of any sexual activity is not inevitable. Sexuality represents a significant long-term issue for breast cancer survivors and their partners. Prompt treatment can prevent sexual difficulties from crystallizing, while preserving the individual well-being and the quality of the couple’s relationship. Health professionals should be aware of the need to screen early for sexual changes, while reevaluating the couple’s situation regularly during care.
Anonymization of Faces
Authors: Hellmann Fabio , André Elisabeth , Benouis Mohamed , Buchner Benedikt , Mertes Silvan
Published: May 2024

This paper explores face anonymization techniques in the context of the General Data Protection Regulation
(GDPR) amidst growing privacy concerns due to the widespread use of personal data in machine learning. We
focus on unstructured data, specifically facial data, and discuss two approaches to assessing re-identification
risks: the risk- based approach supported by GDPR and the zero or strict approach. Emphasizing a process-oriented
perspective, we argue that face anonymization should consider the overall data processing context, including
the actors involved and the measures taken, to achieve legally secure anonymization under GDPR’s stringent
requirements.