bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robotic filament winding of advanced composite frames with complex geometrical shapes
Authors: Mlýnek Jaroslav , Rahimian Koloor Seyed Saeid , Ryvolová Martina , Dickhut Tobias
Published: February 2025

Complex composite structure design is frequently practiced in today’s aerospace and automotive industries. This study deals with the winding optimization of polymer composite frames having complex 3D geometry using rovings, winding heads, and industrial robots. This problem is addressed mainly from a geometrical perspective using a novel mathematical model and approach. Attention is given to maintaining the required winding angles, avoiding gaps, minimizing roving overlaps during winding, and ensuring the homogeneity of the windings process. Determination of the optimal number of rovings used and their width during the winding process is solved first for the case of a straight frame, where the central axis of the wound roving forms a straight helix on the frame surface. The winding technology for curved parts of the frame is more complicated. In practice, the curved section of the frame often forms geometrically part of a ring torus. The central axis of the wound roving then forms a toroidal helix on the torus. Optimization procedures are also solved for this type of frame. The verification of the derived theoretical conclusions was done using practical examples is a part of the research.
Advanced mesh knitted curtain fabric for electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Ahmed Usman , Hussain Tanveer , Ahmad Hafiz Shehbaz
Published: February 2025

In modern society, a wide variety of electronic devices, such as those linked to Wi-Fi routers and power outlets, emit significant electromagnetic radiation. This radiation poses risks not only to human and animal health but also to data security, potentially serving as a source of sensitive information leakage. While short-term exposure to low-frequency radiation typically does not result in adverse effects, prolonged exposure has been associated with various health issues, including depression, nausea, anxiety, headaches, and, in some cases, miscarriages in women. The best solution to protect human from radiation is to cover human body with electromagnetic shielded textile fabrics. Author developed five different mesh-knitted structures and compared their properties with a plain single jersey structure. The purpose of developing mesh knitted fabric is to create curtains that can block or lessen electromagnetic radiation while still allowing light and air to pass through. Composite yarn containing stainless steel wire and carbon fiber was used. Fabric construction was carried out using a fully automatic flat knitting machine. The MH3 and MH5 mesh knitted structures were newly invented. The results showed that the MH3 mesh knitted structure exhibited the highest EMI SE among all the mesh knitted fabrics. The plain single jersey fabric (PJ0) included for the comparison with mesh knitted structures and it exhibited the highest value of electromagnetic interference shielding and UPF rating.
Cognitive Decline and Vitamins
Authors: Srivastava Sneha Baxi
Published: February 2025

Dementia and cognitive decline are concerning conditions, especially because they coincide with great uncertainty and have no cure. Scientists continue to explore these conditions in order to better understand their causes and identify potential treatments. Numerous interventions have been studied, from various diets to medications, supplements, and vitamins. There are many scientific and nonscientific articles that discuss what may lead to these conditions and how to address them. However, researchers are still trying to understand the actual and complex causes of dementia and cognitive decline; the available medications primarily focus on symptoms but do not “cure” the conditions (and also come with their own controversies); and much of the nonscientific literature contains recommendations that are not supported by strong empirical evidence. This article briefly reviews the data about how vitamin B and E in dementia and cognitive decline.
Absences and Silences in Critical Discourse Analysis: Methodological Reflections
Authors: Slemon Allie
Published: February 2025

Critical discourse analysis (CDA) is a qualitative methodology frequently taken up by researchers to explore complex questions of how discursive power drives inequities. Across approaches to CDA, the emphasis of methodological directions has consistently been centred on examining and illuminating dominant discourses in texts. This paper argues that alongside the analysis of dominant discourses, it is crucial to examine absences and silences that are located within and beyond the text. The exploration of absences and silences can support more fulsome analysis of discourse, and is essential for challenging power structures and illuminating discourses of resistance. In this paper, three analytic strategies for attending to absences and silences in CDA are presented: (i) the lens of the theoretical framework; (ii) interrelation between dominant and excluded discourses; and (iii) positionality and local knowledges. Across each analytic strategy, an exemplar from the author’s research is presented to illustrate the practice of engaging with absences and silences in CDA research. Ultimately, this paper contends that the analysis of absences and silences can support researchers in conducting inquiry that enacts resistance to power structures that perpetuate inequities, and envisioning possible paths toward equity and justice.
Online Reflective Essays: A Guide for Qualitative Researchers
Authors: Grigorovicius Mantas
Published: February 2025

Conducting research online is becoming more popular among researchers, especially qualitative researchers. As qualitative methodology gains more credibility and popularity, it is important to continue expanding and improving the qualitative research toolkit. This article offers a guide for qualitative researchers on how to methodologically use online reflective essays to collect rich qualitative data to answer their research questions. When developing a study, qualitative researchers should consider a set of factors, including the research question, the sensitivity of the research question, the amount of reflectivity required to answer the research question, the length it takes to answer the research question, and the type of population that will be used to answer the research question. This article discusses these factors and provides practical design suggestions using examples from a previous study that collected data using online reflective essays.
Beyond hierarchies: Emotional engagement and reimagined leadership in online social movements
Authors: Zhang Liwen
Published: February 2025

This study delves into the intricate relationship between leadership and followership within the context of online social movements, aligning with the Critical Leadership Studies (CLS) framework. In an era dominated by digital communication, social media platforms offer a unique vantage point to re-examine the pivotal, yet often overlooked, role of power in shaping leader-follower interactions. Through meticulous textual analysis, the research uncovers key themes such as the co-construction of leadership and the emergence of partnership relationships, both of which are facilitated by emotional engagement and projection. The findings illuminate a dialectical perspective on how leadership is collectively enacted in virtual spaces, challenging traditional notions of hierarchical authority. This work not only enriches the discourse on the meaning-making processes inherent in leadership but also highlights the broader implications for followership empowerment in the social media landscape.
Recovery in the symmetry of hand use after distal radius fracture
Authors: Iitsuka Terufumi , Kurumadani Hiroshi , Inagaki Yoshiyuki , Ota Hideyuki
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Hand use recovery after a distal radius fracture (DRF) depends on whether the injured hand is dominant or not, which can affect laterality and influence functional outcomes. This study aimed to investigate how the injured side impacts changes in laterality and its relationship to functional outcome, aiming to contribute to the development of future hand therapy strategies.

Methods

Patients with DRF were prospectively recruited. Triaxial accelerometers were wrist-mounted to collect data at 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively and examine the laterality index (LI), total hand use time, and total vector magnitude. Correlations between LI and functional outcomes were assessed at each time point.

Results

42 patients participated in this study. Among them, 19 and 23 had injured dominant (DI) and injured non-dominant (non-DI) hands, respectively. The LI showed a faster restoration of symmetry in the DI group than in the non-DI group at 8 and 12 weeks postoperatively. Moderate correlations between LI and functional outcomes were observed in wrist joints and grip strength in the DI and non-DI groups, respectively, at all time points.

Discussion

The change in LI in the DI group was considered recovery, as it was identical to the symmetry observed in healthy adults. Additionally, the non-DI group was considered to have adapted to a pattern of predominant use of the dominant hand. The correlation between LI and some functional outcomes appeared to depend on hand use patterns, specifically whether the injured hand was dominant or not. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring interventions.
Flecainide use in arrhythmic patients who have structural heart disease
Authors: Sangpornsuk Naruepat , Rungpradubvong Voravut , Tiensantisuk Tachawut , Leelapattana Pattranee , Chokesuwattanakul Ronpichai , Prechawat Somchai
Published: February 2025

Background:

Current guidelines recommend the use of only on a limited basis in patients with normal or minimal structural heart disease. The CAST study, the only randomized controlled trials, showed increased mortality from long-term flecainide use in post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). However, many later studies have revealed its safety when used in other structural heart diseases.

Objectives:

This study investigates the incidence of ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF) VT/VF in patients with structural heart disease compared to those with a normal heart when using flecainide.

Methods:

We retrospectively recruited patients who had received at least one dose of flecainide in the past 5 years. Baseline characteristics, indications for flecainide use, and echocardiography results were reviewed. After 1 year, we evaluated the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias and all-cause mortality.

Results:

After screening, 447 patients had received at least one dose of flecainide, and 336 patients were included in the study. Forty-seven patients (14%) had structural heart disease as defined by our protocols. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and impaired LVEF accounted for 28% and 25% of cases, respectively. There were five patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). After 1 year, ventricular arrhythmias occurred in two patients (4.7%) in the structural heart group; these patients had also experienced arrhythmias before receiving flecainide. In the non-structural heart group, ventricular arrhythmias were detected in three patients (1.1%). In multivariate analysis, structural heart disease was not associated with an increased incidence of ventricular arrhythmias (OR = 4.8 (0.6–38.44), p = 0.139).

Conclusion:

Our study showed that no patients died due to ventricular arrhythmia, and the incidence of VT/VF was not increased in patients with structural heart disease. A prospective study is needed to further evaluate the safety of flecainide in patients with structural heart disease other than ischemic heart disease.
Early disseminated cutaneous Lyme disease with SIADH, transaminitis, and pancytopenia: A case report
Authors: Deschênes Louis , Jutras Philippe , Bujold Janie
Published: February 2025

Lyme disease is a tick-borne disease predominantly caused by Borrelia burgdorferi in Canada. Early disseminated disease is challenging to diagnose and requires treatment to prevent severe sequelae. We report the case of a 71-year-old woman who was admitted for a fever. Her blood tests showed a syndrome of antidiuretic hormone secretion, transaminitis, and pancytopenia. During hospitalization, the patient was noted to have an initial annular patch, which was followed by multiple diffuse erythematous patches. After a comprehensive medical history by a dermatology consultant highlighting an exposure to a tick bite, early disseminated disease was diagnosed, and a complete remission was obtained with Doxycycline. Dermatologists must maintain a high clinical suspicion for Lyme disease.
Participant and Musical Diversity in Music Psychology Research
Authors: Jakubowski Kelly , Ahmad Nashra , Armitage James , Barrett Logan , Edwards Aliya , Galbo Elizabeth , Gómez-Cañón Juan S. , Graves Thomas A. , Jadzgevičiūtė Akvilė , Kirts Connor , Lahdelma Imre , Lennie Thomas M. , Ramatally Aliyah , Schlichting Joshua L. , Steliou Chara , Vishwanath Keerthana , Eerola Tuomas
Published: February 2025

Research on music psychology has increased exponentially over the past half century, providing insights on a wide range of topics underpinning the perception, cognition, and production of music. This wealth of research means we are now in a place to develop specific, testable theories on the psychology of music, with the potential to impact our wider understanding of human biology, culture, and communication. However, the development of more widely applicable and inclusive theories of human responses to music requires these theories to be informed by data that is representative of the global human population and its diverse range of music-making practices. The goal of the present paper is to survey the current state of the field of music psychology in terms of the participant samples and musical samples used. We reviewed and coded relevant details from all articles published in Music Perception, Musicae Scientiae, and Psychology of Music between 2010 to 2022. We found that music psychologists show a substantial tendency to collect data from young adults and university students in Western countries in response to Western music, replicating trends seen across psychology research as a whole. Even data collected in non-Western countries tends to come from a similar demographic to studies of Western participants (e.g., university students, young adults). Some positive trends toward increasing participant diversity have been evidenced over the past decade, although there is still much work to be done, and certain subtopics in the field appear to be more prone to these sampling biases than others. We discuss recent methodological developments in the field that promote further diversification of our research and highlight subsequent changes that will be needed at group or institutional levels.
From Past to Future of Financial Management Behaviour: A Systematic Literature Review and Future Research Issues
Authors: Kumar Jitender , Rani Garima
Published: February 2025

Financial management behaviour is an aspiration for individuals’ life aiming to achieve substantial financial success. Although several studies have examined this phenomenon, there still needs to be a comprehensive analysis that integrates diverse insights and provides a holistic perspective. To bridge this gap, the current research aim is to synthesize the study over 33 years (from 1992 to early 2024) and identify the current knowledge base, present research gaps and future research directions on systematic literature review. This research employed contemporary tools and software packages, that is, Excel, VOSviewer and R-studio, that assist in network visualization and systematic analysis. In the present review, it has been recognized that in the first half (1992–2008), only 47 (15.82%) research papers were published. However, in the second half (2009–2024), 250 research papers were published (84.18%), the more significant number of articles published in prestigious journals reflecting a rapid rise in the importance of finance among individuals. Furthermore, the United States is the leading nation, publishing 175 articles with 6,440 citations. A major finding of this review investigation is the identification of four knowledge clusters and comprehensive gap and research directions to guide future research. The study’s results help policymakers to make evidence-based strategies to strengthen the role of responsible financial management in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) and empower individuals and communities worldwide.
Enhancing Myocarditis Diagnosis Through Deep Learning and Data Augmentation: A Novel Framework Addressing Imbalance and Initialization Sensitivity
Authors: Guo Xiaowei , Ma Rui , Pang Qian , Zhu Ping , Gong Liheng , Yao Shanhu , Yan Chunmiao
Published: February 2025

Myocarditis poses a serious public health risk, with the potential to cause heart failure and sudden death. Traditionally, diagnosing myocarditis relies on non-invasive imaging, particularly cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), though MRI results can be vulnerable to operator bias. Our research addresses this by introducing an innovative deep-learning framework to tackle challenges frequently overlooked in past studies, including class imbalance, sensitivity to initial weight settings, and generalizability. Our model leverages convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to extract detailed feature vectors for highly precise classifying of myocarditis. Since the class imbalance problem is frequent in many training datasets, we will adopt a reinforcement learning (RL) strategy to shift more emphasis on the underrepresented classes for balanced learning. Additionally, our model involves a mutual learning-based artificial bee colony (ML-ABC) algorithm for efficient pretraining of weights. Improve training data diversity and volume further using online data augmentation with an improved version of the generative adversarial network (GAN). We further enhance the performance of the generator by considering the information provided by the features produced by the discriminator on which to base its output for making it realistic, hence increasing the accuracy of the generator. Our model, when applied to the Z-Alizadeh Sani myocarditis dataset, reaches an accuracy of 90.8%, outperforming previously reported techniques and reiterating its feasibility for clinical purposes. These results significantly advance early myocarditis detection and open new avenues for enhanced treatment strategies.
Antibacterial Activity of Polyethylene Nonwoven Wipes Treated With Essential Oils
Authors: Luu Thi Tho , Nguyen Tuan Anh
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the antibacterial activity of polyethylene nonwoven wipes treated with 13 types of commercially natural essential oils in Vietnam. The mechanical properties of 11 types of polyethylene nonwoven fabrics were examined to find a suitable material for antibacterial treatments. The findings of the inhibition zone on antibacterial treated samples against Gram-negative ( Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive ( Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria by the disk diffusion method indicated that essential oils from rosemary, clove, lilium, champak, Cinnamomum, melaleuca, and basil could completely inhibit both E. coli and S. aureus. The naturally treated products presented the highest antibacterial activities at 1%, 5%, and 7% of Cinnamomum, basil and clove essential oils, respectively. The antibacterial effects of Cinnamomum, basil, and clove on nonwoven fabrics increased with the liquid content, and the padding pressure should be adjusted to lower than 1.8 bar. Also, the survey results for skin allergy and fragrant feeling demonstrated that wipes treated with basil showed the most positive evaluations.
Development of a predictive model for severe peripartum hemorrhage in placenta accreta spectrum cases under neuraxial anesthesia: a multicenter retrospective analysis
Authors: Li Yanan , Li Liang , Song Xiao , Meng Fanqing , Zhang Meiling , Li Yarong , Chu Ran
Published: February 2025

Background:

The placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) represents a significant risk factor for severe postpartum hemorrhage. Recent studies have demonstrated the safety of neuraxial anesthesia (NA) in cesarean delivery (CD) for patients with PAS.

Objectives:

To evaluate the risk of severe peripartum hemorrhage in patients with PAS who underwent CD under NA.

Design:

A multicenter retrospective cohort study.

Methods:

This study analyzed 214 patients diagnosed with PAS. Logistic regression was used to identify factors increasing the risk of severe peripartum hemorrhage. A total of six machine learning (ML) algorithms were employed for model validation.

Results:

The predictive model includes the following risk factors: age at delivery >33 years ( p = 0.004), history of CD >1 ( p = 0.020), preoperative HGB ⩽ 100 g/L ( p = 0.013), placenta previa classification ( p = 0.001), vascular lacunae within the placenta ( p = 0.015), and labor duration ( p = 0.026). The validation of ML algorithms revealed that the model achieved an accuracy ranging from 0.68 to 0.71, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve between 0.75 and 0.79. A nomogram list and web-based calculator were constructed for clinical implementation, and a risk stratification system was established based on model scores.

Conclusion:

A prenatal risk assessment model was developed to estimate the likelihood of severe peripartum hemorrhage in PAS patients undergoing CD under NA. This model may provide preliminary support for clinicians in tailoring anesthetic management strategies for potentially high-risk cases, but further studies are needed to confirm its clinical utility.
On globalization in a post-globalization era: Reflections on the debate
Authors: Roudometof Victor
Published: February 2025

In this short commentary, the lead article's author offers his reflections on the response papers. These include an assessment of possible misunderstandings and/or departures from the lead article's main topic, as well as clarifications regarding the substantive argument. Next, the author addresses a series of remarks that address specific points in the response papers. Overall, this intellectual exchange is characterized by a bifurcation of perspectives between fellow travellers and critics of the globalization paradigm. Thus, the debate offers a snapshot of the current state of the art on globalization scholarship.
A Rural University’s Response to the Polycrisis Facing Special Education Teacher Preparation
Authors: Kervick Colby T. , Meyer Lori E. , Swindlehurst Kelly A. , Shepherd Katharine G.
Published: February 2025

The field of special education is currently in the grip of a pressing polycrisis, a convergence of multiple issues that collectively pose a significant threat. These issues, including a nationwide shortage of special education teachers, particularly in rural areas, declining enrollment in teacher preparation programs, and high teacher attrition rates due to stress and workload, are urgent and demand immediate attention. To address this polycrisis, the paper’s authors propose a novel approach to undergraduate special education teacher preparation in a rural university setting: a birth–age 21 program. Key features of the program’s design will be reviewed, such as (a) a unified curriculum aligned with competencies and standards from early childhood and K–21 special education; (b) an emphasis on culturally responsive, family-centered practices; and (c) the prioritization of undergraduate student well-being and mental health, allowing space for personal development and interests. This article will close with potential benefits of a birth–age 21 teacher preparation program and recommendations for the field of special education and teacher educators.
A comparison of short- and long-term prognoses between cases with and without antenatal corticosteroid administration in late preterm delivery: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Cho Geum Joon , Park Chan-Wook , Cho Kyu-Dong , Ha Sungyeon , Choi Suk-Joo , Oh Min-Jeong
Published: February 2025

Background

There is a paucity of information concerning the short- and long-term benefits and harm of antenatal corticosteroid administration and of expanded corticosteroid administration with dexamethasone in the late preterm period. Thus, we aimed to compare the effect on short-term respiratory complications, hypoglycemia, and long-term neurodevelopmental disorders in neonates born in the late preterm period between cases with and without corticosteroid administration and evaluate the difference in effects according to the type of corticosteroid administered.

Methods

This retrospective observational cohort study included all women who had a singleton delivery in the late preterm period between January 2007 and December 2015. We extracted data from Korea National Health Insurance claims and National Health Screening Program for Infants and Children databases. Primary short-term outcomes were in the late preterm period. Concerning short-term effectiveness for respiratory morbidity, dexamethasone administration in the late preterm period was associated with respiratory complications and hypoglycemia in neonates. Long-term outcomes were neurodevelopmental disorders in infants/children observed at follow-up among all neonates until the end of 2018.

Results

Of 57,963 women who delivered late preterm births during the study period, 1,255 (2.2%) had received antenatal corticosteroid administration in late preterm period. Dexamethasone administration was associated with a decreased risk of transient tachypnea (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.50–0.88) compared with no antenatal corticosteroid administration, but this effect was not observed in relation to betamethasone administration (aOR 0.69, 95% CI 0.42–1.14).

Conclusions

Dexamethasone administration in late preterm infants was associated with a decreased risk of transient tachypnea compared with no corticosteroid administration but this effect was not observed with betamethasone administration. However, antenatal corticosteroid administration in the late preterm period did not lower the risk of other respiratory complications nor increase the risk of hypoglycemia, with no effect on neurodevelopment regardless of the type used.
Diversity competence in medical education: short-term effectiveness of an interprofessional diversity-specific undergraduate learning
Authors: Linde Philipp , Hallal Houda , Charkina Polina , Adams Anne , Frank Julia , Wegen Simone , Fan Jiaqi , Nadjiri Lukas , Zims Heike , Stosch Christoph , Baues Christian
Published: February 2025

Background

Diversity competence, diversity itself, and a corresponding awareness of possible (intersectional) discrimination mechanisms have not been anchored in the German National Competence based Learning Objectives Catalogue for Medicine 2.0 (Nationaler Kompetenzbasierter Lernzielkatalog 2.0., NKLM) yet, highlighting a systemic gap in national competency frameworks. We present our first experience with a prospective diversity-specific intervention in medical students to assess its short-term impact on students' diversity acceptance (DA) and to develop actionable recommendations for integrating diversity into medical education.

Methods

We designed a prospective cohort study using a control group (CG) and intervention group (IG) design. The IG absolved a five-day diversity-specific intervention (50 h; field trip; seminar). Quantitative data were collected using the validated DWD-O5 scale at baseline (T0), three months (T3), and six months (T6), complemented by qualitative responses (diversity issues in the medical curriculum; perceptions and criticisms) categorized using Mayring’s content analysis. Descriptive and non-parametric statistics were performed.

Results

Thirty-one medical students (n = 10, IG vs n = 21, CG) were enrolled. The IG demonstrated a short-term improvement in diversity competence (+ 9.72%) across all DWD-O5 factors during the intervention. While scores slightly declined at T6, they remained above baseline levels. 35% (CG) vs. 56% (IG) have experienced discrimination in context of medical studies on their own. Participants in both groups stressed the importance of integrating diversity criteria into curricula at an early stage (100% agreement). Findings revealed three key themes: perceived inadequacies in current curricula, self-reported discrimination experiences, and a strong desire for practical diversity training, such as simulation-based learning.

Conclusion

The intervention shows promise as an initial step toward addressing diversity gaps in medical education. By combining historical, cultural, and experiential learning approaches, the program fosters essential competencies such as empathy, self-reflection, and bias recognition. More broadly, sustained improvements in diversity competence require longitudinal integration of diversity training across curricula and systemic reforms to national frameworks like the NKLM. Future research should explore the long-term impact of such interventions and strategies for institutionalizing equity-focused medical education.
Microbial lipases: advances in production, purification, biochemical characterization, and multifaceted applications in industry and medicine
Authors: Abdelaziz Ahmed A. , Abo-Kamar Amal M. , Elkotb Esraa Sobhy , Al-Madboly Lamiaa A.
Published: February 2025

Lipases are biocatalysts of significant industrial and medical relevance, owing to their ability to hydrolyze lipid substrates and catalyze esterification reactions under mild conditions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of microbial lipases’ production, purification, and biochemical properties. It explores optimized fermentation strategies to enhance enzyme yield, including using agro-industrial residues as substrates. The challenges associated with purification techniques such as ultrafiltration, chromatography, and precipitation are discussed, alongside methods to improve enzyme stability and specificity. Additionally, the review addresses the growing importance of genetic engineering approaches for improving lipase characteristics, such as activity, stability, and specificity.

Additionally, this review highlights the diverse applications of microbial lipases in industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and cosmetics. The enzyme’s role in bioremediation, biodegradation, and the synthesis of bioactive compounds is analyzed, emphasizing its potential in sustainable and eco-friendly technologies. The biocatalytic properties of lipases make them ideal candidates for the green chemistry initiatives in these industries. In the biomedical domain, lipase has shown promise in drug delivery systems, anti-obesity treatments, and diagnostics.

This review provides insights into the strategic development of microbes as microbial cell factories for the sustainable production of lipases, paving the way for future research and industrial innovations in enzyme technology.
Patient–ventilator synchrony under non-invasive ventilation is improved by an automated real time waveform analysis algorithm: a bench study
Authors: Renaud Yann , Auroi Jocelyne , Cabrio Davy , Lupieri Ermes , Chiche Jean-Daniel , Piquilloud Lise
Published: February 2025

Background

Because of inherent leaks, obtaining good patient–ventilator synchrony during non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is challenging. The IntelliSync + ® software (Hamilton medical, Bonaduz, CH), that can be used together with the NIV mode, performs real-time automated analysis of airway pressure- and flow-time curves to detect the transition between inspiration and expiration. It then controls the ventilator inspiratory and expiratory valves to improve patient–ventilator synchrony. The main goal of this NIV bench study was to evaluate the impact of IntelliSync + ® on synchrony in the presence of leaks of 9 and 20 L/min in the tested ventilator circuit (no face mask used), with normal, obstructive and restrictive respiratory mechanics and two levels of NIV pressure support (PS 8 and 14 cmH2O). For this, the time needed to trigger the ventilator (Td) and the difference between the end of the simulated breath and the termination of pressurization (Tiex) were measured. The number of classical asynchronies and the ventilator pressurization capacity were also assessed.

Results

Compared to NIV delivered with the classical NIV mode (compensating leaks and limiting inspiratory time to 2 s), activating IntelliSync + ® improved Tiex and, to a lesser extent, Td in clinically relevant setups. IntelliSync + ® also showed a trend towards reducing classical asynchronies, particularly directly after leak flow increase. The impact of the system was most significant with high PS levels and pathological respiratory mechanics. Especially, in the obstructive model, in the presence of large leak (20 L/min) and PS 14 cmH2O, Tiex decreased from 0.61 [0.56–0.64] to 0.16 [0.07–0.18] s and Td from 0.07 [0.06–0.08] to 0.06 [0.06–0.08] s. In less challenging situations, IntelliSync + ® was less beneficial. Overall, ventilator pressurization was improved when IntelliSync + ® was activated.

Conclusions

In this NIV bench model, IntelliSync + ®, used in addition to NIV-PS, improved both expiratory and inspiratory synchrony. It was particularly efficient in the presence of obstructive and restrictive respiratory mechanics and high-pressure support levels. These pre-clinical results tend to support the ability of IntelliSync + ® to improve patient–ventilator synchrony in the presence of leaks and provide pre-clinical data supporting a clinical evaluation of the automated algorithm during NIV.
Contestability Theory and the Deregulation of US Airlines
Authors: Button Kenneth
Published: February 2025

This essay discusses the development of the notion of contestable markets—the idea that optimal Pareto conditions can be induced by facilitating ultrafree entry into and exit from markets—set within the development of applied economics. The role of potential competition in influencing the behavior of incumbent suppliers had been discussed previously, but the work of William Baumol, Elizabeth Bailey, and others, they claimed, offered a more rigorous and internally consistent framework of analysis and a sounder basis for economic policymaking. This article outlines the history of the development of the theory and provides insights into the roles of key figures and institutions. It does this in the context of the role contestability played in influencing the deregulation of US airlines in the 1970s and in terms of the empirical findings of subsequent studies of the implications of this liberalization. Overall, it is also set against an intellectual background when applied and empirical research was becoming a more central part of political economy.
ATP and glutamate coordinate contractions in the freshwater sponge Ephydatia muelleri
Authors: Ho Vanessa R. , Goss Greg G. , Leys Sally P.
Published: February 2025

Sponges (phylum Porifera) are an early diverging animal lineage without nervous and muscular systems, and yet they are able to produce coordinated whole-body contractions in response to disturbances. Little is known about the underlying signalling mechanisms in coordinating such responses. Previous studies demonstrated that sponges respond specifically to chemicals such as l-glutamate and γ-amino-butyric acid (GABA), which trigger and prevent contractions, respectively. Genes for purinergic P2X-like receptors are present in several sponge genomes, leading us to ask whether ATP works with glutamate to coordinate contractions in sponges as it does in other animal nervous systems. Using pharmacological approaches on the freshwater sponge Ephydatia muelleri, we show that ATP is involved in coordinating contractions. Bath application of ATP caused a rapid, sustained expansion of the excurrent canals in a dose-dependent manner. Complete contractions occurred when ATP was added in the presence of apyrase, an enzyme that hydrolyses ATP. Application of ADP, the first metabolic product of ATP hydrolysis, triggered complete contractions, whereas AMP, the subsequent metabolite, did not trigger a response. Blocking ATP from binding and activating P2X receptors with pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2′,4′-disulfonic acid (PPADS) prevented both glutamate- and ATP-triggered contractions, suggesting that ATP works downstream of glutamate. Bioinformatic analysis revealed two P2X receptor sequences, one of which groups with other vertebrate P2X receptors. Altogether, our results confirm that purinergic signalling by ATP is involved in coordinating contractions in the freshwater sponge.
Metabolic responses reveal insight into interspecific variation in heat tolerance of three co-existing pest aphid species
Authors: Li Yuan-Jie , Ma Chun-Sen , Le Bris Nathalie , Colinet Hervé , Renault David
Published: February 2025

Global warming leads to an increase in extreme heat events, posing significant challenges for insects. Sitobion avenae, Metopolophium dirhodum, and Rhopalosiphum padi are important co-existing aphid species known to cause damage to cereal crops worldwide. The three species differ in thermal tolerance, with R. padi being much more heat tolerant than the other two species. However, it remains unclear whether interspecific variation in heat tolerance is due to differences in metabolic responses to heat stress. Here, we compared their metabolic signatures during and after recovery from the same injury level of heat stress (at 34°C for half and full durations to cause 50% mortality in each species), as well as the identical duration of heat stress. Using quantitative GC-MS, we found that after the same injury level of heat exposure, the three species showed similar changes in most metabolites. However, the heat-tolerant species, R. padi, had higher levels of polyols and amino acids, and uniquely accumulated glycerol. In addition, after the same duration of heat exposure, R. padi maintained a relatively stable metabolic profile, while the less tolerant species showed marked alterations with shift from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism. We suggest that polyols and amino acids play a pivotal role in protecting R. padi from heat damage, conferring its superior thermal tolerance. Overall, this comparative metabolomics study provides insight into the relationship between metabolic responses and heat tolerance of co-existing species, which helps to understand the underlying mechanism of heat tolerance.
Sexual dimorphism in jump kinematics and choreography in peacock spiders
Authors: Narendra Ajay , Seibel Anna , Ramirez-Esquivel Fiorella , Joshi Pranav , McLean Donald James , Robledo-Ospina Luis , Rao Dinesh
Published: February 2025

Jumping requires a rapid release of energy to propel an animal. Terrestrial animals achieve this by relying on the power generated by muscles, or by storing and rapidly releasing elastic energy. Jumping spiders are distinctive in using a combination of hydraulic pressure and muscular action to propel their jumps. Though males and females of jumping spiders vary in body mass, sex-specific differences in jumping have never been studied. Here, we investigated the sexual dimorphism in the jump choreography and kinematics of spiders. We used high-speed videography (5000 frames s−1) to record locomotory jumps of males and females of the Australian splendid peacock spider, Maratus splendens. Using micro-computed tomography (µCT) imaging, we identified the animals' centre of mass and tracked its displacement throughout the jump. Our study revealed that peacock spiders exhibited the fastest acceleration among all known jumping spiders. Males demonstrated significantly shorter take-off times and steeper jump take-off angles compared with females. Our findings suggest that the third pair of legs acts as the propulsive leg in both male and female spiders. As males of M. splendens use leg III as part of the courtship display, we discuss the extreme selection pressure on this leg that drives two significant functions.
Flight style and time-activity budgets of the smallest petrels
Authors: De Pascalis Federico , Grémillet David , Benvenuti Andrea , Ventura Francesco , Jennings Valeria , Rubolini Diego , Cecere Jacopo G.
Published: February 2025

Procellariforms are the most oceanic among birds, regularly embarking on the longest journeys in the animal kingdom to find food over an apparently featureless sea surface. To minimize energy expenditure, many species harness wind energy through dynamic soaring, extracting kinetic energy from the wind shear. The smallest members of this order, storm petrels, have functional traits that prevent this type of locomotion, and are predicted to rely on flapping flight despite their high motility. However, theoretical predictions have never been validated and their flight strategy and activity budgets are unclear. We hypothesized that, as the benefits of dynamic soaring are out of reach, these birds should rely on gliding to some extent to sustain their long-ranging movements and save energy. To test our hypothesis we used, for the first time, miniaturized Inertial Measurement Units on one of the world's smallest seabirds, the European storm petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus). We demonstrate that these small seafarers spend 78% of the time flying during their foraging trips, with wingbeat frequencies up to 15 Hz. During transiting, they flap wings at high frequency (mean±SD: 8.8±0.8 Hz) for 91% of the time, gliding sporadically and for instants only (mean±SD: 0.11± 0.17 sec). Flight activity was high during night and early morning, while they rest on the sea in the central hours of the day. Overall, our results reveal a peculiar locomotory strategy among procellariforms and raise questions about how they can energetically sustain foraging trips spanning hundreds of kilometres.
Metafeminism and Subjectivisation
Authors: Danadaki Evangelia
Published: February 2025

In this essay, I propose to consider the connection between performance and a feminine form of subjectivisation by indicating the borderlinking between contemporary performance and psychoanalysis. Performance will be approached as an event of co-becoming through the filter of the metafeminist theory of Bracha L. Ettinger. My intention is to contest the hegemonic model of a singular and autonomous subjectivity and undermine the phallocentric thinking that reproduces the binary logic of self/other to suggest that an alternative model of subjectivisation, rooted in the feminine, can be energised through performance-based practices. To do so, I will argue that performance is an embodied encounter-event that suggests a feminine model of becoming-with in order to contest the phallic logic of identity and desire that follows the paradigm of castration anxiety. The Ettingerian theory illuminates the constitution of a being-together and offers a feminine vision in the field of desire, subjectivity and art by opening the space of visibility with transconnecting and co-affecting qualities via artworking. Stressing the levels of malleability and jointness of the performing bodies, subjectivity will be approached as a participatory and ongoing process of performing and reforming the self to inform the oedipal model of identification, gendering and sexualisation. The matrixial sphere will be first analyzed and, on a second level, activated in practice by examining Tino Sehgal’s performance Kiss. Antigone will be revisited as a paradigm of subject-Woman which radically contests the phallic structures to shed light on another complex, a feminine supplementary perspective to Oedipus imbued by the mother-daughter relationship towards the emancipation of desire and the construction of new trans-connected worlds.
In vitro antitumor capacity of extracts obtained from the plants Plukenetia volubilis (Sacha inchi) and Moringa oleifera in gastric cancer
Authors: Vargas Jose , Arbelaez Natalia , Cardenas Denny , Murillo Javier , Ospina Victoria , Robledo Sara , Soto Javier
Published: February 2025

Background Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Perioperative or adjuvant chemotherapy improves survival in patients with stage 1B or higher cancers. Moringa oleifera and Plukenetia volubilis (Sacha inchi) have been reported to enhance various biological functions, including antitumor and antiproliferative activity. Methods In order to evaluate this potential present in crude extracts of the leaves of these plants, as well as the seed oil of P.volubilis, the antitumor activity was determined according to the effect of these derivatives on different biological parameters such as cytotoxicity, proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis (among others), in AGS cells (CRL-1739). Results All extracts tested were cytotoxic at 90 and 160 μg/ml concentrations. P. volubilis seed oil showed 95% mortality at 1% concentration (CC50 = 46.7%). Cell proliferation was inhibited, and all extracts affected the cell cycle, but the P. volubilis oil significantly induced an accumulation of AGS cells in the sub G1 phase, inducing DNA fragmentation as a mechanism of cell death. The ethanolic M. oleifera leaf extract also inhibited cell migration. Conclusion M. oleifera, P. volubilis leaf extracts and P. volubilis seed oil can potentially be antitumor products. Further validation in a murine model of gastric cancer is needed to investigate the antitumor potential of these extracts further and to continue the development of herbal products that can help in the management of this type of tumor.
Guideline recommendations on the role of the general practitioner in the diagnosis of dementia: a protocol for a scoping review of clinical practice guidelines
Authors: Cronin Mary , Jennings Aisling , Perry Marieke , Hartigan Irene , O'Dowd Séan , Cornally Nicola , Timmons Suzanne , Walsh Kieran , Foley Tony
Published: February 2025

Introduction A timely diagnosis of dementia offers the opportunity of earlier intervention and activation of coordinated care plans. General Practitioners (GPs) play a key role in dementia diagnosis, from symptom recognition to clinical assessment, investigation, diagnosis and onward referral for confirmation of the diagnosis and subtyping. Dementia clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) offer clinicians guidance on dementia care but often do not specifically address the role of the GP in the diagnostic process. This protocol outlines a scoping review to identify evidence-based dementia clinical practice guidelines and map the recommended role of GPs in the diagnosis of dementia. Method The scoping review will be conducted using the Arksey and O'Malley framework, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) will be used to guide the reporting. We will search five electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library) for dementia CPGs published since 2019. CPGs are often not published in peer-reviewed journals; therefore, a parallel search of relevant grey literature will be conducted. We will also search the websites of GP professional organisations and guideline developers. Two reviewers will independently screen all articles based on inclusion criteria, with conflicts resolved by a third reviewer. Conclusion This scoping review will examine up-to-date dementia CPGs to determine recommendations for the role of GPs in the assessment, investigation, diagnosis and onward referral of patients with suspected dementia to secondary care.