bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Instytucja decyzji zobowiązującej w unijnym orzecznictwie – spór o zakres stosowania zasady proporcjonalności
Authors:   Uniwersytet Jagielloński, Mleczko Marcin
Published: January 2025

Autor prezentuje dotychczasowy dorobek orzeczniczy dotyczący unijnej instytucji decyzji zobowiązującej. W pierwszej kolejności nakreślony został ogólny zarys instytucji oraz przytoczone statystyki jej stosowania przez Komisję. Następnie zaprezentowano wyroki Trybunału Sprawiedliwości Unii Europejskiej dotyczące decyzji zobowiązujących. Sednem pracy była analiza obecnego podejścia
TSUE do stosowania zasady proporcjonalności na potrzeby wydawania decyzji zobowiązujących oraz zaprezentowanie potencjalnych implikacji tego podejścia dla egzekwowania reguł prawa konkurencji w UE. Poruszono także kwestie dopuszczalności odwołań od decyzji zobowiązujących oraz kontroli takich decyzji, a także inne kwestie poboczne, które były przedmiotem dotychczasowego orzecznictwa.
Pozasądowe rozwiązywanie sporów konsumenckich w sektorze energetycznym
Authors:   Wydział Prawa i Administracji Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego, Modzelewski Wojciech
Published: January 2025

Niniejszy artykuł dokonuje analizy nowej instytucji służącej do alternatywnego rozwiązywania sporów konsumenckich w sektorze energetycznym. Ustawa o pozasądowym rozwiązywaniu sporów konsumenckich wprowadziła do sektora energetycznego podmiot, odgrywający rolę mediatora między konsumentem a przedsiębiorstwem energetycznym, który jednocześnie zastąpił dotychczasową instytucję Stałego Polubownego Sądu Konsumenckiego.
Le groupe Maria’M : une pratique de dialogue entre féministes chrétiennes et musulmanes
Authors: Ollivry Florence
Published: January 2025

Cet article examine le dialogue interreligieux et féministe au sein du groupe Maria’M, composé de femmes chrétiennes et musulmanes au Québec. Il met en lumière la diversité des perspectives féministes et religieuses au sein du groupe, soulignant les efforts pour concilier ces identités multiples. Les discussions abordent des thèmes tels que la justice sociale, le féminisme, la place des femmes dans les traditions religieuses et la décolonisation du féminisme. Les membres du groupe réfléchissent également à la manière dont leurs croyances influencent leur engagement féministe et leur vision d’un monde plus juste. L’étude souligne le rôle crucial du dialogue interreligieux dans la création d’une solidarité entre les femmes de diverses traditions, favorisant ainsi une compréhension mutuelle et promouvant la diversité comme valeur centrale de leur engagement.
Right Table, Wrong Idioculture: Examining the Impacts of TTRPG-specific Media at the Player Table Level
Authors: Duddy Michael , Rosnau Benjamin
Published: January 2025

Over the past decade and a half, there has been an explosion in the quantity and availability of media focused on tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs). Episodes of highly-produced actual play series like Critical Role and Dimension 20 regularly get millions of views online and have spawned hundreds, if not thousands, of similar programs. Type in “Dungeons & Dragons” or “tabletop role playing” into your search engine of choice, and you will find copious amounts of meta content covering nearly every aspect of the hobby. This wide range of content caters to a broad audience — from the beginner player with zero real-world experience, all the way to the grizzled veteran Dungeon Master. The popularity of these media has brought more players to the game and has made it easier for new players to become socialized into the subculture. Currently, little research exists on the impacts of these media on the quality of players' games. Central to our discussion is Sidhu and Carter’s concept of “pivotal play,” wherein moments transcend the game and deeply impact the players even after they walk away from the table. We propose a framework necessary for moments of pivotal play to emerge, encompassing three layers of socialization crucial for each player: game competency, subcultural competency, and comradery. Through five qualitative, in-depth interviews with experienced TTRPG players, we sought to understand if this explosion of TTRPG-specific media has changed how players play TTRPGs. As a result of our research, we identify five key impact areas and suggest a new term (parasocial idioculture) to describe how actual play media may affect the process of player socialization.
Probe: Masha Gessen on Authoritarianism, and Walter J. Ong’s Thought
Authors: Farrell Thomas J.
Published: January 2025

First, I highlight Masha Gessen’s op-ed “The Seeds of This Political Disaster Were Sown Decades Ago” (dated July 20, 2024) in the New York Times. Next, I highlight certain points from the work of the American Jesuit Renaissance specialist and cultural historian and pioneering media ecology theorist Walter J. Ong (1912-2003; Ph.D. in English, Harvard University, 1955) of Saint Louis University. I style my short essay a “Probe” because it is fundamentally exploratory and tentative.
Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy effect and mechanism of vertically oriented MoS2 nanosheet composite with Ag substrate
Authors: DAI Shuo , LI Zhen , ZHANG Chao , YU Jing , ZHAO Xiaofei , WU Yang , MAN Baoyuan ,   School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Ji’nan 250358, China
Published: January 2025

Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) can provide rich molecular structure information about ultra-sensitive, non-destructive, and rapid detection, with accuracy down to the single-molecule level. It has been widely applied to physics, chemistry, biomedicine, environmental science, materials science and other fields. Combining the advantages of metals and two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, various 2D metal composite structures have been proposed for SERS. However, the contribution of 2D nanomaterials in Raman enhancement is often limited. In this work, vertically aligned MoS2 nanosheet composite with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) is proposed for SERS detection. Large-area vertically aligned MoS2 nanosheets, which are grown directly on molybdenum (Mo) foil by using hydrothermal method, can effectively enhance molecular adsorption, light absorption, and provide dual electromagnetic and chemical enhancement. Furthermore, annealing treatment of the MoS2 nanosheets significantly improves the efficiency of charge transfer between Ag NPs and MoS2, thereby increasing the chemical contribution to SERS. The results demonstrate that the annealed MoS2/Ag substrate exhibits outstanding SERS performance, with a detection limit for R6G molecules as low as 10–12 M, which is four orders of magnitude lower than that of the unannealed substrate. The enhancement factor (EF) is calculated to be approximately 1.08×109, approaching the sensitivity required for single-molecule detection. Additionally, the substrate has high signal reproducibility at low concentrations, enabling ultra-sensitive detection of pesticide residues in aquatic products.
Zero damping conditions of magnetic bilayer in microwave cavity
Authors: YIN Fan  , DAI Changjie  , ZHANG Ying  , YU Hailin  , XIAO Yang  ,   1 College of Physics, Nanjing university of aeronautics and astronautics, Nanjing, 210016;,   2 School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Changshu Institute of Technology, Changshu, 215500
Published: January 2025

Experimental and theoretical studies have demonstrated that single magnon mode and cavity photon can be coupled coherently and dissipatively, in which the interference between two types of coupling will give rise to zero damping condition. In magnetic bilayers or multilayers, there exist more than one magnon modes which could be directly coupled by interface exchange interaction. In this work, we extend single magnon mode to two magnon modes and study the effect of two magnon modes on zero damping condition. Using eigenfrequency analysis and microwave transmission spectra, we derive analytical expressions of zero damping condition and the frequency detuning. By comparing analytical results to numerical results, we obtain the dependence of zero damping condition on system parameters. In the absence of direct interface exchange magnon-magnon coupling, the zero damping condition occurs for dissipative coupling or hybrid coupling. As the coupling strength increases, the distance between two zero damping conditions increases. For hybrid coupling, the curves become asymmetric around the point of zero detuning, which is different from pure coupling. Moreover, we study the effect of interface exchange magnon-magnon interaction on zero damping condition. The interface exchange coupling results in the splitting of microwave transmission spectra, but the zero damping condition occurs for low-frequency mode only. As the interface exchange coupling strength increases, the frequency at which the zero damping condition happens will shift to lower frequency. Due to extremely narrow line-width of microwave transmission dip at the zero damping condition, our work is expected to be useful for the design of magnon-based quantum sensing devices.
Statistical learning beyond words in human neonates
Authors: Fló Ana , Benjamin Lucas , Palu Marie , Dehaene-Lambertz Ghislaine
Published: January 2025

Interest in statistical learning in developmental studies stems from the observation that 8-month-olds were able to extract words from a monotone speech stream solely using the transition probabilities (TP) between syllables (Saffran et al., 1996). A simple mechanism was thus part of the human infant’s toolbox for discovering regularities in language. Since this seminal study, observations on statistical learning capabilities have multiplied across domains and species, challenging the hypothesis of a dedicated mechanism for language acquisition. Here, we leverage the two dimensions conveyed by speech –speaker identity and phonemes– to examine (1) whether neonates can compute TPs on one dimension despite irrelevant variation on the other and (2) whether the linguistic dimension enjoys an advantage over the voice dimension. In two experiments, we exposed neonates to artificial speech streams constructed by concatenating syllables while recording EEG. The sequence had a statistical structure based either on the phonetic content, while the voices varied randomly (Experiment 1) or on voices with random phonetic content (Experiment 2). After familiarisation, neonates heard isolated duplets adhering, or not, to the structure they were familiarised with. In both experiments, we observed neural entrainment at the frequency of the regularity and distinct Event-Related Potentials (ERP) to correct and incorrect duplets, highlighting the universality of statistical learning mechanisms and suggesting it operates on virtually any dimension the input is factorised. However, only linguistic duplets elicited a specific ERP component, potentially an N400 precursor, suggesting a lexical stage triggered by phonetic regularities already at birth. These results show that, from birth, multiple input regularities can be processed in parallel and feed different higher-order networks.
Operation of spinal sensorimotor circuits controlling phase durations during tied-belt and split-belt locomotion after a lateral thoracic hemisection
Authors: Rybak Ilya A , Shevtsova Natalia A , Audet Johannie , Yassine Sirine , Markin Sergey N , Prilutsky Boris I , Frigon Alain
Published: January 2025

Locomotion is controlled by spinal circuits that interact with supraspinal drives and sensory feedback from the limbs. These sensorimotor interactions are disrupted following spinal cord injury. The thoracic lateral hemisection represents an experimental model of an incomplete spinal cord injury, where connections between the brain and spinal cord are abolished on one side of the cord. To investigate the effects of such an injury on the operation of the spinal locomotor network, we used our computational model of cat locomotion recently published in
eLife
(Rybak et al., 2024) to investigate and predict changes in cycle and phase durations following a thoracic lateral hemisection during treadmill locomotion in tied-belt (equal left-right speeds) and split-belt (unequal left-right speeds) conditions. In our simulations, the “hemisection” was always applied to the right side. Based on our model, we hypothesized that following hemisection, the contralesional (“intact”, left) side of the spinal network is mostly controlled by supraspinal drives, whereas the ipsilesional (“hemisected”, right) side is mostly controlled by somatosensory feedback. We then compared the simulated results with those obtained during experiments in adult cats before and after a mid-thoracic lateral hemisection on the right side in the same locomotor conditions. Our experimental results confirmed many effects of hemisection on cat locomotion predicted by our simulations. We show that having the ipsilesional hindlimb step on the slow belt, but not the fast belt, during split-belt locomotion substantially reduces the effects of lateral hemisection. The model provides explanations for changes in temporal characteristics of hindlimb locomotion following hemisection based on altered interactions between spinal circuits, supraspinal drives, and somatosensory feedback.
Mechanism of Dimer Selectivity and Binding Cooperativity of BRAF Inhibitors
Authors: Clayton Joseph , Romany Aarion , Matenoglou Evangelia , Gavathiotis Evripidis , Poulikakos Poulikos I , Shen Jana
Published: January 2025

Aberrant signaling of BRAF
V600E
is a major cancer driver. Current FDA-approved RAF inhibitors selectively inhibit the monomeric BRAF
V600E
and suffer from tumor resistance. Recently, dimer-selective and equipotent RAF inhibitors have been developed; however, the mechanism of dimer selectivity is poorly understood. Here, we report extensive molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the monomeric and dimeric BRAF
V600E
in the apo form or in complex with one or two dimer-selective (PHI1) or equipotent (LY3009120) inhibitor(s). The simulations uncovered the unprecedented details of the remarkable allostery in BRAF
V600E
dimerization and inhibitor binding. Specifically, dimerization retrains and shifts the αC helix inward and increases the flexibility of the DFG motif; dimer compatibility is due to the promotion of the αC-in conformation, which is stabilized by a hydrogen bond formation between the inhibitor and the αC Glu501. A more stable hydrogen bond further restrains and shifts the αC helix inward, which incurs a larger entropic penalty that disfavors monomer binding. This mechanism led us to propose an empirical way based on the co-crystal structure to assess the dimer selectivity of a BRAF
V600E
inhibitor. Simulations also revealed that the positive cooperativity of PHI1 is due to its ability to preorganize the αC and DFG conformation in the opposite protomer, priming it for binding the second inhibitor. The atomically detailed view of the interplay between BRAF dimerization and inhibitor allostery as well as cooperativity has implications for understanding kinase signaling and contributes to the design of protomer selective RAF inhibitors.
Dus Descriptors Based Characterization of Maize (Zea mays L.) Inbred Lines
Authors: Saritha A. , Umarani E. , Ramanjaneyulu A.V. , Sridevi S.
Published: January 2025

DUS testing is one of the important criteria to test inbred lines for distinctness, uniformity and stability. Effective plant breeding programme requires a basic understanding of the existence of genetic variability in a population. Characterization and evaluation of variability is prerequisite for the efficient use of genetic material. Maize is one of the economic crops of global importance. Hence, in the present investigation, morphological characterization of thirty-two maize inbred lines was carried out as per the DUS descriptors. Out of the twenty-seven traits under study, fourteen were found dimorphic and six characters were with trimorphic expression, indicating that all the traits were informative with respect to trait expression cum characterization. Presence of wide variation among the thirty-two maize inbreds would aid in selection of inbreds with desirable characters for further breeding programme. The present investigation was undertaken to characterize the thirty-two maize inbreds based on DUS descriptors.
Nanotechnology in COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2: Advances in Antiviral Therapies and Applications
Authors: Dehesh Erfan , Dehesh Fahad
Published: January 2025

Innovative diagnostics, therapeutics, and preventive strategies must be developed to combat the emergence of new viral pathogens and the resurgence of known viruses. Using nanotechnology to enhance antiviral therapeutic efficacy through improved drug delivery, targeted viral inhibition, and immune modulation has emerged as a transformative approach to addressing these viral threats. SARS-CoV-2, hemorrhagic viruses, and zoonotic pathogens can be combated with nanotechnology-based platforms, including nanogels, dendrimers, and metal-based nanoparticles. As a result of recent advances in nanoparticle engineering, "smart" systems can respond to viral infection markers, deliver therapeutics to specific sites, and control drug release profiles. Using nanotechnology to develop vaccines, such as mRNA vaccines for COVID-19, can enhance immune responses and accelerate vaccine rollout. Additionally, multifunctional nanomaterials enable early and accurate detection of viral pathogens using antiviral diagnostics. As well as discussing advances in addressing viral resistance, this review examines theranostic applications, integrating diagnostic and therapeutic functionalities within single nanostructures. This study highlights the potential for nanomedicine to revolutionize antiviral therapies, improve treatment outcomes, and develop rapid-response solutions to future viral threats by examining the recent applications of nanotechnology in viral disease management.
A Cross-Sectional Study On Correlation Between Knowledge, Attitude, And Practice (KAP) Towards Menstrual Hygiene Among Adolescent Girls In Rural Areas
Authors: Deekshitha Dr. K. , Vinod Dr. Sradha S , Ramaiah Dr. Balakeshwa
Published: January 2025

Background: Menstrual hygiene is crucial for women's health and well-being, yet it is often neglected,
particularly among adolescent girls in rural areas. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and
practices (KAP) related to menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in these regions.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 375 adolescent girls from rural areas near
Bangalore. Data were collected through structured interviews and analyzed using descriptive and inferential
statistics.
Results: The study found significant gaps in the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to menstrual
hygiene. Over half of the participants lacked prior knowledge about menstruation, nearly half had negative
attitudes, and a majority practiced poor menstrual hygiene. Strong positive correlations were observed between
knowledge and attitudes (0.75), knowledge and practices (0.70), and attitudes and practices (0.65), indicating
that improved knowledge positively influences attitudes and practices. Common menstrual symptoms reported
included backache (49.60%) and abdominal pain (25.8%).
Conclusion: The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive menstrual education programs to
enhance knowledge, foster positive attitudes, and improve hygiene practices. Addressing these gaps through
education, challenging cultural taboos, and providing access to sanitary products are essential for improving
the health and well-being of adolescent girls in rural areas. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and healthcare providers to develop effective menstrual hygiene management programs.
Endogenous Aspergillus thermomutatus Endophthalmitis in a Patient With Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Authors: Wang Xiaoning , Li Jing , He Pengcheng
Published: July 2023

This case report describes a diagnosis of Aspergillus thermomutatus endophthalmitis in a patient with a recent history of allogeneic stem cell transplant.
Epidemiology and Damage Accrual of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Central Sweden: A Single‐Center Population‐Based Cohort Study Over 14 Years From Östergötland County
Authors: Arkema Elizabeth V. , Saleh Muna , Simard Julia F. , Sjöwall Christopher
Published: July 2023

Objective

Variations in prevalence and incidence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) within a geographically defined area of central Sweden over a time period of 14 years were examined. Longitudinal differences in disease activity, laboratory test results, and damage accrual were investigated.

Methods

Adults (aged ≥18 years) residing in Östergötland County between 2008 and 2021 (mean adult population: 357,000 citizens) with confirmed SLE were identified and followed prospectively until death, December 31, 2021, or emigration. We estimated annual incidence per 100,000 inhabitants stratified by sex and age. Linear regression with year of diagnosis as the outcome assessed whether each clinical measurement at diagnosis varied over time.

Results

Prevalence on December 31, 2021, was 71.5 of 100,000 (87% female). One hundred twenty‐six new cases were identified during the study period, yielding a mean annual incidence of 3.0 of 100,000 inhabitants; this was higher in females (4.8/100,000) than in males (1.2/100,000). Mean age at diagnosis was 43.7 years (SD 17.3). Age at diagnosis and disease activity measures increased over the calendar year of diagnosis (P < 0.05) whereas disease manifestations, including lupus nephritis, did not vary significantly. Accrual of organ damage was demonstrated over time since diagnosis and stratified by sex, lupus nephritis, and corticosteroid‐related damage. Approximately 40% developed damage within 5 years.

Conclusion

SLE prevalence and incidence estimates remained constant over 14 years, and disease phenotypes at SLE onset were similar. SLE was diagnosed also among older individuals with a smaller female‐to‐male ratio. Estimates of prevalence and incidence were comparable to previous Scandinavian reports but lower than observed in registry data from the US and the UK.
Risk as a pattern over time: Delineation of time‐dependent risk factors in biological, psychological, and social variables in cancer patients
Authors: Knefel Matthias , Zeilinger Elisabeth L. , Lubowitzki Simone , Krammer Katharina , Unseld Matthias , Bartsch Rupert , Fuereder Thorsten , Jäger Ulrich , Kiesewetter Barbara , Krauth Maria , Raderer Markus , Staber Philipp B. , Valent Peter , Gaiger Alexander
Published: July 2023

Background

Survival in cancer patients is associated with a multitude of biological, social, and psychological factors. Although it is well established that all these factors add to overall mortality, it is not well understood how the predictive power of these parameters changes in a comprehensive model and over time.

Methods

Patients who attended the authors’ outpatient clinic were invited to participate. The authors followed 5180 mixed cancer patients (51.1% female; mean age, 59.1 years [SD = 13.8]) for up to 16 years and analyzed biological (age, sex, cancer site, anemia), psychological (anxiety, depression), and social variables (marital status, education, employment status) potentially predicting overall survival in a Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

The median survival time for the entire sample was 4.3 years (95% confidence interval, 4.0–4.7). The overall survival probabilities for 1 and 10 years were 76.8% and 38.0%, respectively. Following an empirical approach, the authors split the time interval into five periods: acute, subacute, short‐term, medium‐term, and long‐term. A complex pattern of variables predicted overall survival differently in the five periods. Biological parameters were important throughout most of the time, social parameters were either time‐independent predictors or tended to be more important in the longer term. Of the psychological parameters, only depression was a significant predictor and lost its predictive power in the long‐term.

Conclusions

The findings of this study allow the development of comprehensive patient‐specific models of risk and resilience factors addressing biopsychosocial needs of cancer patients, paving the way for a personalized treatment plan that goes beyond biomedical cancer care.
Hidden Markov movement models reveal diverse seasonal movement patterns in two North American ungulates
Authors: Paterson John Terrill , Johnston Aaron N. , Ortega Anna C. , Wallace Cody , Kauffman Matthew
Published: July 2023

Animal movement is the mechanism connecting landscapes to fitness, and understanding variation in seasonal animal movements has benefited from the analysis and categorization of animal displacement. However, seasonal movement patterns can defy classification when movements are highly variable. Hidden Markov movement models (HMMs) are a class of latent‐state models well‐suited to modeling movement data. Here, we used HMMs to assess seasonal patterns of variation in the movement of pronghorn (Antilocapra americana), a species known for variable seasonal movements that challenge analytical approaches, while using a population of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), for whom seasonal movements are well‐documented, as a comparison. We used population‐level HMMs in a Bayesian framework to estimate a seasonal trend in the daily probability of transitioning between a short‐distance local movement state and a long‐distance movement state. The estimated seasonal patterns of movements in mule deer closely aligned with prior work based on indices of animal displacement: a short period of long‐distance movements in the fall season and again in the spring, consistent with migrations to and from seasonal ranges. We found seasonal movement patterns for pronghorn were more variable, as a period of long‐distance movements in the fall was followed by a winter period in which pronghorn were much more likely to further initiate and remain in a long‐distance movement pattern compared with the movement patterns of mule deer. Overall, pronghorn were simply more likely to be in a long‐distance movement pattern throughout the year. Hidden Markov movement models provide inference on seasonal movements similar to other methods, while providing a robust framework to understand movement patterns on shorter timescales and for more challenging movement patterns. Hidden Markov movement models can allow a rigorous assessment of the drivers of changes in movement patterns such as extreme weather events and land development, important for management and conservation.
Phasmid species that inhabit colder environments are less likely to have the ability to fly
Authors: Emberts Zachary
Published: July 2023

A vast majority of insects can fly, but some cannot. Flight generally increases how far an individual can travel to access mates, enables the exploitation of additional food resources, and aids in predator avoidance. Despite its functional significance, much remains unknown about the factors that influence the evolution of flight. Here, I use phylogenetic comparative methods to investigate whether average annual temperature or wind speed, two components of the flying environment, is correlated with the evolution of flight using data from 107 species of stick and leaf insects (Insecta: Phasmatodea). I find no association between wind speed and flying ability in this clade. However, I find that colder temperatures are associated with the lack of flying ability. This pattern may be explained by the additional metabolic costs required for insects to fly when it is cold. This finding contradicts previous patterns observed in other insect groups and supports the hypothesis that cold temperatures can influence the evolution of flight.
Ex‐SPECTing success: Predictors of successful SPECT radiotracer injection during presurgical video‐EEG admissions
Authors: Cosentino Carmela , Al Maawali Said , Wittayacharoenpong Thanomporn , Tan Tracie , Au Yong Hue Mun , Shakhatreh Lubna , Chen Zhibin , Beech Paul , Foster Emma , O'Brien Terence J. , Kwan Patrick , Neal Andrew
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To determine predictors of successful ictal single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) injections during Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) admissions for patients undergoing presurgical evaluation for drug‐resistant focal epilepsy.

Methods

In this retrospective study, consecutive EMU admissions were analyzed at a single center between 2019 and 2021. All seizures that occurred during the admission were reviewed. “Injectable seizures” occurred during hours when the radiotracer was available. EMU‐level data were analyzed to identify factors predictive of an EMU admission with a successful SPECT injection (successful admission). Seizure‐level data were analyzed to identify factors predictive of an injectable seizure receiving a SPECT injection during the ictal phase (successful injection). A multivariate generalized linear model was used to identify predictive variables.

Results

125 EMU admissions involving 103 patients (median 37 years, IQR 27.0–45.5) were analyzed. 38.8% of seizures that were eligible for SPECT (n = 134) were successfully injected; this represented 17.4% of all seizures (n = 298) that occurred during admission. Unsuccessful admissions were most commonly due to a lack of seizures during EMU‐SPECT (19.3%) or no injectable seizures (62.3%). Successful EMU‐SPECT was associated with baseline seizure frequency >1 per week (95% CI 2.1–3.0, P < 0.001) and focal PET hypometabolism (95% CI 2.0–3.7, P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, the only factor associated with successful injection was patients being able to indicate they were having a seizure to staff (95% CI 1.0–4.4, P = 0.038).

Significance

Completing a successful ictal SPECT study remains challenging. A baseline seizure frequency of >1 per week, a PET hypometabolic focus, and a patient's ability to indicate seizure onset were identified as predictors of success. These findings may assist EMUs in optimizing their SPECT protocols, patient selection, and resource allocation.
Single‐ vs. combined‐category preference assessments for edible, leisure, and social‐interaction stimuli
Authors: Goldberg Nicole M. , Roscoe Eileen M. , Newman Zoe A. , Sedano Angelica J.
Published: July 2023

A concern when conducting combined‐category preference assessments is the potential for displacement effects, a shift in the preference ranking from highly preferred to moderately or less preferred for stimuli in two of three stimulus categories (e.g., edible, leisure, or social‐interaction). In this study, we evaluated potential displacement effects in combined‐category arrays of edible, leisure, and social‐interaction stimuli for five individuals with autism. First, single‐category paired‐stimulus preference assessments were implemented to identify two highly preferred stimuli from each category. When these stimuli were included in a combined‐category preference assessment, displacement effects were observed for three of five participants. During a subsequent reinforcer assessment, stimuli identified as less preferred in the combined‐category preference assessment functioned as reinforcers for two participants. Additionally, although social interaction was not identified as highly preferred for three of the five participants, it functioned as a reinforcer for four participants.
Altered dynamic functional network connectivity and topological organization variance in patients with white matter hyperintensities
Authors: Huang Chaojuan , Zhou Xia , Ren Mengmeng , Zhang Wei , Wan Ke , Yin Jiabin , Li Mingxu , Li Zhiwei , Zhu Xiaoqun , Sun Zhongwu
Published: July 2023

White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) of presumed vascular origin are important imaging biomarkers of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). Previous studies have verified abnormal functional brain networks in CSVD. However, most of these studies rely on static functional connectivity, and only a few focus on the varying severity of the WMHs. Hence, our study primarily explored the disrupted dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) and topological organization variance in patients with WMHs. This study included 38 patients with moderate WMHs, 47 with severe WMHs, and 68 healthy controls (HCs). Ten independent components were chosen using independent component analysis based on resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging. The dFNC of each participant was estimated using sliding windows and k‐means clustering. We identified three reproducible dFNC states. Among them, patients with WMHs had a significantly higher occurrence in the sparsely connected State 1, but a lower occurrence and shorter duration in the positive and stronger connected State 3. Regarding topological organization variance, patients with WMHs showed higher variance in local efficiency but not global efficiency compared to HCs. Among the WMH subgroups, patients with severe WMHs showed similar but more obvious alterations than those with moderate WMHs. These altered network characteristics indicated an imbalance between the functional segregation and integration of brain networks, which was correlated with global cognition, memory, executive functions, and visuospatial abilities. Our study confirmed aberrant dFNC state metrics and topological organization variance in patients with moderate‐to‐severe WMHs; thus, it might provide a new pathway for exploring the pathogenesis of cognitive impairment.
Nutrient limitation masks the dissolved organic matter composition effects on bacterial metabolism in unproductive freshwaters
Authors: Berggren Martin , Ye Linlin , Sponseller Ryan A. , Bergström Ann‐Kristin , Karlsson Jan , Verheijen Hendricus , Hensgens Geert
Published: July 2023

Aquatic microbial responses to changes in the amount and composition of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) are of fundamental ecological and biogeochemical importance. Parallel factor (PARAFAC) analysis of excitation–emission fluorescence spectra is a common tool to characterize DOC, yet its ability to predict bacterial production (BP), bacterial respiration (BR), and bacterial growth efficiency (BGE) vary widely, potentially because inorganic nutrient limitation decouples microbial processes from their dependence on DOC composition. We used 28‐d bioassays with water from 19 lakes, streams, and rivers in northern Sweden to test how much the links between bacterial metabolism and fluorescence PARAFAC components depend on experimental additions of inorganic nutrients. We found a significant interaction effect between nutrient addition and fluorescence on carbon‐specific BP, and weak evidence for influence on BGE by the same interaction (p = 0.1), but no corresponding interaction effect on BR. A practical implication of this interaction was that fluorescence components could explain more than twice as much of the variability in carbon‐specific BP (R2 = 0.90) and BGE (R2 = 0.70) after nitrogen and phosphorus addition, compared with control incubations. Our results suggest that an increased supply of labile DOC relative to ambient phosphorus and nitrogen induces gradually larger degrees of nutrient limitation of BP, which in turn decouple BP and BGE from fluorescence signals. Thus, while fluorescence does contain precise information about the degree to which DOC can support microbial processes, this information may be hidden in field studies due to nutrient limitation of bacterial metabolism.
X‐Chromosome Association Study in Latin American Cohorts Identifies New Loci in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Leal Thiago P. , Rao Shilpa C. , French‐Kwawu Jennifer N. , Gouveia Mateus H. , Borda Victor , Bandres‐Ciga Sara , Inca‐Martinez Miguel , Mason Emily A. , Horimoto Andrea R.V.R. , Loesch Douglas P. , Sarihan Elif I. , Cornejo‐Olivas Mario R. , Torres Luis E. , Mazzetti‐Soler Pilar E. , Cosentino Carlos , Sarapura‐Castro Elison H. , Rivera‐Valdivia Andrea , Medina Angel C. , Dieguez Elena M. , Raggio Víctor E. , Lescano Andrés , Tumas Vitor , Borges Vanderci , Ferraz Henrique B. , Rieder Carlos R. , Schumacher Schuh Artur , Santos‐Lobato Bruno L. , Velez‐Pardo Carlos , Jimenez‐Del‐Rio Marlene , Lopera Francisco , Moreno Sonia , Chana‐Cuevas Pedro , Fernandez William , Arboleda Gonzalo , Arboleda Humberto , Arboleda Bustos Carlos E. , Yearout Dora , Barbosa Maira T. , Cardoso Francisco E.C. , Caramelli Paulo , Cunningham Mauro C.Q. , Maia Débora P. , Lima‐Costa Maria F. , Tarazona‐Santos Eduardo , Zabetian Cyrus P. ,   International Parkinson Disease Genomics Consortium (IPDGC), Thornton Timothy A. , O'Connor Timothy D. , Mata Ignacio F. ,   the Latin American Research Consortium on the Genetics of Parkinson's Disease (LARGE‐PD)
Published: July 2023

Background

Sex differences in Parkinson's disease (PD) risk are well‐known. However, the role of sex chromosomes in the development and progression of PD is still unclear.

Objective

The objective of this study was to perform the first X‐chromosome–wide association study for PD risk in a Latin American cohort.

Methods

We used data from three admixed cohorts: (1) Latin American Research consortium on the Genetics of Parkinson's Disease (n = 1504) as discover cohort, and (2) Latino cohort from International Parkinson Disease Genomics Consortium (n = 155) and (3) Bambui Aging cohort (n = 1442) as replication cohorts. We also developed an X‐chromosome framework specifically designed for admixed populations.

Results

We identified eight linkage disequilibrium regions associated with PD. We replicated one of these regions (top variant rs525496; discovery odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.60 [0.478–0.77], P = 3.13 × 10−5 replication odds ratio: 0.60 [0.37–0.98], P = 0.04). rs5525496 is associated with multiple expression quantitative trait loci in brain and non‐brain tissues, including RAB9B, H2BFM, TSMB15B, and GLRA4, but colocalization analysis suggests that rs5525496 may not mediate risk by expression of these genes. We also replicated a previous X‐chromosome–wide association study finding (rs28602900), showing that this variant is associated with PD in non‐European populations.

Conclusions

Our results reinforce the importance of including X‐chromosome and diverse populations in genetic studies. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Disputing recent attempts to reject the evidence in favour of systematic phonics instruction
Authors: Brooks Greg
Published: July 2023

Two recent articles from authors in Britain have attempted to show that the evidence in favour of systematic phonics in initial literacy instruction is weak; here, their arguments are disputed. Bowers (‘Reconsidering the evidence that systematic phonics is more effective than alternative methods of reading instruction’, Educational Psychology Review, 32, 2020) attempts to show that there is little or no research evidence that systematic phonics instruction is more effective than other commonly used methods. Detailed inspection shows that his analysis appears flawed. Wyse and Bradbury (‘Reading wars or reading reconciliation’, Review of Education, 10, 2022) offer four strands of evidence which, they suggest, undermine the case for systematic phonics teaching. However, they themselves admit they cannot draw conclusions from two of those strands; their survey of teachers in primary schools in England is unrepresentative and therefore unreliable; and their analysis of previous systematic reviews adopts such unnecessarily restrictive criteria that its conclusions cannot be accepted.

Context and implications

Rationale for this study

Evidence in favour of using systematic phonics instruction as part of the teaching of initial literacy has grown steadily for decades, as shown by Brooks (2022). However, other specialists in the field have disputed whether the evidence on the effectiveness of systematic phonics is reliable.

Why this matters

If that evidence were proved inadequate, much official policy on, and widespread practice in, initial literacy teaching would be cast in doubt. This article therefore analyses two recent critiques from British authors (Bowers, 2020; Wyse & Bradbury, 2022), and attempts to demonstrate that those critiques fail in their attempts to show that the evidence on phonics is unreliable.

Implications

Given this, in the current state of knowledge the evidence in favour of systematic phonics seems robust, and the key implication for teachers of initial literacy is therefore that systematic phonics instruction should remain an essential element within their repertoire. Furthermore, institutions of teacher education should ensure that intending teachers of early years are trained to provide phonics teaching that is soundly based on research evidence.
Perioperative management of umbilical herniorrhaphy with ileal resection and anastomosis in a pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis)
Authors: O'Connor Luke , Downs Chris , Langan Jennifer N. , Chinnadurai Sathya K. , Adkesson Michael J. , Ivančić Marina , Aitken‐Palmer Copper
Published: July 2023

A 28‐year‐old 278 kg female pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis) with a chronic, static umbilical hernia presented acutely for lethargy and anorexia. Ultrasonography and abdominocentesis were consistent with an incarcerated umbilical hernia. An exploratory laparotomy, ileal resection and anastomosis, and herniorrhaphy were carried out via a ventral midline incision and the hippopotamus remained hospitalised for 9 weeks postoperatively. A second surgery was necessary to debride the incision site after the primary skin closure dehisced. Improved support to skin sutures was provided using sterilised plastic cable zip ties, which were better suited to the unique skin of the hippopotamus and tension associated with the animal's size and anatomy. Incisional closure is a recognised challenge in this species and significant reinforcement is required to prevent wound dehiscence. The novel use of cable zip ties provided stability where suture material had transected the incision and should be considered in hippopotamus surgery.
An outbreak of small ruminant lentivirus in a Swedish dairy goat herd
Authors: Persson Ylva , Salenstedt Emelie Hedlund , Andersson Ellen , Wensman Jonas Johansson
Published: July 2023

Small ruminant lentivirus causes severe economic losses, and negatively affects animal welfare in goat herds across the world. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and pathological consequences of the disease in an affected goat herd, as well as to sequence the virus in infected animals. Seventy‐six percent of the sampled animals were small ruminant lentivirus seropositive. The most prominent signs of disease were respiratory signs found in clinical examinations and chronic interstitial pneumonia found at postmortem examination. All animals with pneumonia also showed evidence of infection with Muellerius capillaris. The cell count in bulk milk was high and most likely related to the high small ruminant lentivirus seroprevalence within the herd. Small ruminant lentivirus was successfully detected in the lungs, bronchial lymph nodes and udder tissues using polymerase chain reaction. The phylogenetic analysis of the obtained sequences revealed the highest similarity with small ruminant lentiviruses in group C, which consists of viruses which have previously been found in Norwegian goats and sheep.
Familien mit Säuglingen und Kleinkindern in der COVID-19-Pandemie: Belastungserleben und Entwicklungsauffälligkeiten unter Berücksichtigung der sozialen Lage
Authors: Renner Ilona , Ulrich Susanne M. , Neumann Anna , Chakraverty Digo
Published: July 2023

Einleitung

Inzwischen ist empirisch belegt, dass Familien mit Kindern, die in der COVID-19-Pandemie Bildungs- und Betreuungseinrichtungen nicht besuchen konnten, Nachteile erlebten. Dies gilt insbesondere für Familien in Armutslagen. Über die Situation von Familien mit sehr jungen Kindern ist noch wenig bekannt. Es wird untersucht, inwieweit 1) Familien mit Säuglingen und Kleinkindern ihre Situation in der Pandemie als belastend erlebten und 2) ob es dabei Unterschiede nach der sozialen Lage gab, 3) wie sich die Pandemie aus Eltern- und Ärztesicht auf die Entwicklung der Kinder ausgewirkt hat und 4) inwieweit die soziale Lage auch bei pandemiebedingten Entwicklungsauffälligkeiten eine Rolle spielte.

Methoden

Das Nationale Zentrum Frühe Hilfen hat von April bis Dezember 2022 eine bundesweit repräsentative Erhebung bei Familien mit Kindern von 0 bis 3 Jahren durchgeführt, „Kinder in Deutschland 0‑3 2022“ (KiD 0‑3; N = 7818). Die Studie kombinierte eine Elternbefragung zu Belastungen und Ressourcen mit einer kinderärztlichen Dokumentation der kindlichen Entwicklung.

Ergebnisse

Auch Eltern mit sehr jungen Kindern haben ihre Situation in der COVID-19-Pandemie als belastend erlebt. Dabei zeigten sich deutliche Unterschiede je nach sozialer Lage. Sowohl aus Sicht der Eltern als auch im pädiatrischen Urteil hat sich die Pandemie bereits bei Kleinkindern negativ auf die soziale und affektive Entwicklung ausgewirkt. Diese Effekte sind bei Kindern aus armutsbelasteten Familien stärker ausgeprägt als bei Kindern aus Familien ohne Bezug staatlicher Leistungen zur Grundsicherung.

Diskussion

Um die pandemiebedingten psychosozialen Belastungen der Familien abzumildern und die Chancen der Kinder auf ein gesundes, entwicklungsförderliches Aufwachsen zu verbessern, ist es notwendig, Familien in Bedarfslagen stigmatisierungsfrei und niedrigschwellig zu unterstützen.
The scientific evidence for pre-adjusted edgewise attachments and mechanics
Authors: Hasan Aliya , Hania Mohamed , Mandall Nicky , Fleming Padhraig S.
Published: July 2023

Abstract

IntroductionFixed orthodontic appliance systems continue to evolve with a wealth of evidence emerging to underpin these refinements.

AimsTo present the evidence from comparative prospective research informing the selection of fixed appliance design and mechanics.

DesignDetailed literature review.

Materials and methodsAn electronic search to identify randomised controlled trials and clinical controlled trials was undertaken using pre-defined search terms.

ResultsBased on high-level evidence, no one bracket system has been proven superior in terms of efficiency or outcome. Similarly, a clear advantage associated with one wire type or dimension has not been shown. The effect of lacebacks in terms of anchorage management appears to be limited, while elastomeric chain and nickel titanium closing coils are associated with similar rates of space closure.

DiscussionA wealth of high-quality recent evidence to support the selection of fixed appliance attachments, archwires and auxiliaries, including lacebacks and space closing mechanics, was identified.

ConclusionsThere has been a considerable increase in the amount of high-quality evidence informing the choice of pre-adjusted edgewise mechanics in recent years. This information can be used to make evidence-based decisions in the selection and manipulation of fixed appliances during daily practice.