bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Party Organization and Presidential Activism: System- and Party-Level Determinants of Party “Presidentialization”
Authors: Koskimaa Vesa , Passarelli Gianluca
Published: December 2024

Political parties offer gateways to power for democratic leaders, but they also condition leaders’ activities. A “presidentialized” party organization enhances the operative capacity of leaders, including presidents that have been overlooked in European political science literature. Theoretically, two factors are expected to increase the “presidentiality” of parties: a president-centered regime type and party’s leader-centric “genetic” heritage. This study presents the first systematic effort to analyze causes of party presidentialization quantitatively in various national contexts and party types. Alongside full presidential systems, the study pays attention to semi-presidential systems that are most popular in European countries today and which present mixed incentives for parties by forcing them to facilitate several leader positions at the executive level simultaneously. To assess these relationships empirically, the study utilizes Political Party Database Project’s (PPDB) global dataset. We develop a conceptually robust and comparable measure for party presidentialization and apply it to 96 parties in 25 semi-presidential and presidential democracies. We explore the impacts of regime and party types and find considerable support for the former and more limited support for the latter. Our results suggest that parties’ organizational makeup can condition presidential activism.
Radical Realism and the Motivated Reasoning Connection
Authors: Kreutz Adrian
Published: December 2024

Advocates of radical realist theories of legitimacy propose that political legitimation narratives are often void where they show signs of motivated reasoning. In a recent critique of the method, example cases have been put forward in which an analysis and critique of flawed justification narratives seems urgently called for, and yet motivated reasoning is absent. This, critics suggest, should deflate the prominence of motivated reasoning within the radical realism. I argue here that those cases are misconstrued. Motivated reasoning can either be easily identified therein, or the cases are irrelevant to begin with. The issue with realism’s motivated reasoning connection is another: the explanatory direction of fit between epistemic circularity and motivated reasoning. The former explains the normative salience of the latter. Hence, I hope this intervention clarifies a misunderstood and underexplored aspect of contemporary radical realist theory and adds to the contextualisation of the psychology of motivated reasoning within normative social theory more broadly.
Nerve Complications with Regional Anesthesia in Foot and Ankle Surgery Avoiding the Popliteal Fossa
Authors: Gerwig Austin , Santoso Breanna , George Maximilian , Cheney Nicholas , O'Connor Patrick
Published: December 2024

Category:

Other

Introduction/Purpose:

Popliteal nerve blocks are often used to aid intraoperative general anesthesia and provide post-operative pain control for many foot and ankle surgeries. Unfortunately, there is conflicting data regarding complication rates from popliteal nerve blocks, specifically when comparing studies from (the) orthopedic and anesthesia literature. Orthopedic literature notes long term effects (foot drop/sensation deficits) whereas anesthesia literature focuses on immediate post-operative pain control. An approach to block more distal nerves and avoid the popliteal fossa altogether may provide equal anesthetic and pain relief with fewer motor and sensory complications. Our study seeks to address such complications by utilizing an alternative anesthetic approach that targets sensory distributions of nerves that may be affected during the procedure while avoiding major motor neve contributions within the popliteal fossa.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective chart review between 2019 and 2023, analyzing complications associated with regional anesthesia achieved via a distal ankle block rather than a popliteal nerve block. Two hundred thirty-seven patients who underwent a variety of foot and ankle procedures (e.g., ankle arthroscopy, ankle fracture repair, cavovarus foot reconstruction, hallux valgus arthrodesis, lateral ankle stabilization, calf tendon revision, midfoot fusion, metatarsal arthrodesis) were included in this study.

Results:

Out of 237 patients who received a distal ankle block, only three patients were found to have superficial peroneal neuropathy confirmed with EMG, yielding a complication rate of 1.3%. Additionally, six patients required post-operative rescue block for pain control. The remaining 234 patients recovered without complications caused by the distal nerve block approach.

Conclusion:

The low rate of complications, specifically motor complications, from the distal nerve blocks demonstrate a beneficial alternative to the popliteal nerve blocks for various foot and ankle orthopedic surgeries. This finding is important to consider when choosing an appropriate approach to augment intraoperative general anesthesia accompanying foot and ankle surgeries in the outpatient setting.
Osteotomy and Filling for Osteochondral Lesions of the Tibial Plafond: A Novel Morphology Based Surgical Technique
Authors: Rikken Quinten , Hollander Julian , Jari Dahmen Bsc , M.M.J. Kerkhoffs Gino M , Stufkens Sjoerd
Published: December 2024

Category:

Ankle

Introduction/Purpose:

Symptomatic primary (large) cystic and non-primary osteochondral lesions of the medial and central tibial plafond are challenging entities to treat. These lesions may benefit from a lesion specific treatment approach. In the present manuscript we describe the novel surgical technique by means of an osteotomy of the distal tibia and cancellous bone graft filling. The procedure involves an oblique distal tibia osteotomy which is made directly over the lesion. Hereafter, the defective lesion tissue is curetted and filled with autologous cancellous bone from the ipsilateral iliac crest, and compression by means of refixation of the osteotomy. The procedure provides provide surgeons an alternative option for OLTP.

Methods:

Indications: Symptomatic primary cystic and non-primary (i.e., failed prior surgical treatment for the OLTP) osteochondral lesions of the medial and central tibial plafond which failed to respond to a minimum 6 months of nonoperative treatment.

Results:

Surgical Technique: The procedure is started by means of a curved incision over the medial malleolus, and careful dissection until adequate visualization of the medial malleolus and anteromedial ankle joint is achieved. Hereafter, the screws for the fixation of the osteotomy are predrilled. Then, the OLTP is directly approached with an osteotomy using an oscillating saw directly through the lesion. The lesion is thereafter debrided with a curette until healthy bleeding bone is observed. Subsequently, microfracturing may be performed. Then, autologous cancellous bone is harvested from the ipsilateral iliac crest (or from the osteotomy site in small cysts) and the cyst is filled. Finally, the osteotomy is closed and fixated with two diverging 3.5mm cortical lag screws.

Conclusion:

Postoperative Management: Post-operatively, there is a period of 5-6 weeks in short leg cast non-weight bearing and 5-6 weeks of short leg cast with weightbearing as tolerated. Hereafter, a CT-scan is made to confirm osteotomy union and patients start a personalized rehabilitation under the guidance of a physical therapist.
GsMYB10 encoding a MYB-CC transcription factor enhances the tolerance to acidic aluminum stress in soybean
Authors: Yang Ce , Lu Xiang , Du Dan , Liang Zhongyi , Li Cheng , Hu Kang , Wang Hongjie , Cheng Yanbo , Lian Tengxiang , Nian Hai , Ma Qibin
Published: December 2024

Background

MYB transcription factors (TFs) play crucial roles in the response to diverse abiotic and biotic stress factors in plants. In this study, the GsMYB10 gene encoding a MYB-CC transcription factor was cloned from wild soybean BW69 line. However, there is less report on the aluminum (Al)-tolerant gene in this subfamily.

Results

The GsMYB10 gene was up-regulated by acidic aluminum stress and rich in the roots with a constitutive expression pattern in soybean. It was found that GsMYB10 protein contains the MYB and coiled-coil (CC) domains, localizes in the nucleus and holds transcriptional activity. The analysis of the transgenic phenotype revealed that the taproot length and root fresh weights of the GsMYB10-OE plants were greater than those of the wild type when subjected to AlCl3 treatments. While the accumulation of Al3+ in root tip of GsMYB10 transgenic plants (59.37 ± 3.59 µg/g) significantly reduced compared with that of wild type (80.40 ± 3.16 µg/g) which were shallowly stained by hematoxylin under the treatments of AlCl3. Physiological indexes showed that the proline content significantly increased 39–45% and the malondialdehyde content significantly reduced 37–42% in GsMYB10-OE plants compared with that of wild type. Transcriptomic analysis showed that overexpression of GsMYB10 induced a large number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with Al-treatment, which were related to wall modification related genes included PGs (such as Glyma.19g006200, Glyma.05g005800), XTHs (such as Glyma.12g080100, Glyma.12g101800, Glyma.08g093900 and Glyma.13g322500), NRAMPs and ABCs.

Conclusions

In summary, the data presented in this paper indicate that GsMYB10, as a new soybean MYB-CC TF, is a positive regulator and increases the adaptability of soybeans to acidic aluminum stress. The findings will contribute to the understanding of soybean response to acidic aluminum stress.
Experience of primary dental care teams in managing the oral health of oncology patients
Authors: Wemyss Callum , Abdulsalam Ahmed , Beaton Laura , Perry Kirsten , Scott Claire , Stirling Douglas , West Michele
Published: December 2024

Background

Estimates suggest that one in two people will experience cancer in their lifetime. Cancer and the treatment of cancer can have several impacts on oral health. It is therefore important that dental teams are supported in managing this group of patients especially in primary care dental settings, where most of these patients will first present to dental services. The aim of this study was to explore current practice and beliefs about managing patients with, or who have had, cancer in primary dental care settings.

Methods

Online focus groups consisting of dental professionals working in primary care dental settings in Scotland, were conducted. Areas explored included cancer types seen, perceived role, challenges, and areas where further support was desired. Data from focus group transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Four focus groups were conducted with a total of fifteen participants. Themes identified related to the types of cancers seen in primary care dental settings; communication between dental and medical teams; patient experience; mixed healthcare messages; patient engagement with their healthcare; challenges in treatment planning; apprehension about what can safety managed in primary care; and wider system factors influencing the management of patients with, or who have had, cancer. Areas where support exists but further support is desired were also identified.

Conclusions

Challenges appear to exist in the provision of oral healthcare for patients with, or who have had, cancer. This study has indicated several areas where further support could be targeted. The results should be validated by further research.
Endodontic emergency patients’ profile and treatment outcome – a prospective cohort study
Authors: Haug Sivakami Rethnam , Røegh Margrethe , Fristad Inge
Published: December 2024

Background

Toothache is a debilitating condition, often with mild to excruciating pain, swelling, eating difficulties and insomnia. This study aims to delineate the profiles of patients seeking emergency dental care, focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes following non-surgical root canal treatment.

Methods

This prospective cohort study was conducted from 2012 to 2021 at the Section for Endodontics, Department of Clinical Dentistry, University of Bergen, Norway. A total of 281 emergency patient forms were analyzed. Data registered included patient demographics, dental history, chief complaints, medications used, diagnostic results, treatments provided and outcome.

Results

A total of 272 patients (272 teeth) were included in the study. Pain was the predominant complaint (98.5%), where only 57.4% of the patients managed to localize pain to a specific tooth. The mean age of patients was 51.2 years with no significant gender differences. The maxillary right first molar (15.4%) was the most frequent tooth needing treatment. The majority of the patients had experienced pain for three days before they attended the emergency appointment. The most frequently used drug for pain management was paracetamol which was stated to have little effect. Teeth that needed endodontic treatment often had restorations rather than caries. The most frequent diagnoses were pulpitis (26.8%) followed by necrotic pulp (25.4%) and previously root filled teeth (22.8%). Root canal treatment was performed on 60% of the teeth and a success rate of 95% was registered at one-year recall.

Conclusions

There was no singular diagnostic cause leading patients to seek an emergency appointment, highlighting the necessity of a thorough diagnostic procedure. Over the counter pain medications have little effect on alleviating dental pain, often resulting in desperate measures of self-medication. 60% of the teeth needing emergency treatment had previous coronal restorations such as fillings or crowns, indicating that conservative treatment does not appear to fully protect against future pulpal disease. The good prognosis of root canal treatment for teeth with acute symptoms supports recommending dentists to attempt root canal treatment rather than opting for tooth extraction.
Indole-3-carbinol alleviates allergic skin inflammation via periostin/thymic stromal lymphopoietin suppression in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Kang Yun-Mi , Kim Hye-Min , Lee Junho , Baek Jong-Suep , Lee Minho , An Hyo-Jin
Published: December 2024

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic multifactorial inflammatory skin disorder with a complex etiology. Despite its increasing prevalence, treatment of AD is still limited. Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is found in cruciferous vegetables and is formed when these vegetables are cut, chewed, or cooked; it exerts diverse pharmacological activities.

Methods

HaCaT keratinocytes stimulated with tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ mixture and NC/Nga mice stimulated with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzen (DNCB) were used for AD models, in vitro and in vivo, respectively.

Results

The results showed that I3C reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and periostin in in vitro model. Oral administration of I3C alleviated AD-like skin inflammatory symptoms, including serum IgE levels, epidermal thickening, inflammatory cell infiltration, transepidermal water loss, and scratching behavior. Moreover, I3C decreased the expression of TSLP and periostin and recovered the expression of skin barrier proteins by regulating Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-κB pathways in the skin of DNCB-induced AD mice.

Conclusions

I3C is suggested as a potential therapeutic alternative for the treatment of AD by repressing allergic inflammatory pathways.
SPP1+ macrophages promote head and neck squamous cell carcinoma progression by secreting TNF-α and IL-1β
Authors: Liu Chun , Wu Kun , Li Chuwen , Zhang Zhen , Zhai Peisong , Guo Haiyan , Zhang Jianjun
Published: December 2024

Background

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a very aggressive disease characterized by a heterogeneous tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) constitute the major innate immune population in the TIME where they facilitate crucial regulatory processes that participate in malignant tumor progression. SPP1 + macrophages (SPP1 + Macs) are found in many cancers, but their effects on HNSCC remain unknown. This study aimed to identify and validate the role and function of SPP1 + Macs in the malignant progression of HNSCC.

Methods

In this study, we applied single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analyses of paired tumor and normal tissues from 5 HNSCC patients to identify tumor-specific SPP1 + Macs. RT-qPCR and multiplex immunohistochemical and multiplex immunofluorescence staining were used to verify the presence of SPP1 + Macs in the clinical samples. Gene set variation analysis suggested that SPP1 + Macs were actively involved in cytokine production. Thus, we constructed SPP1-OE macrophages and SPP1-KD macrophages (both differentiated from THP-1 cells), performed a Luminex liquid suspension chip detection assay to detect differential cytokines, and further assessed their biological functions and mechanisms in several HNSCC cell lines and adjacent macrophages. An in vivo experiment was used to verify the function of SPP1 + Macs in HNSCC progression.

Results

The scRNA-seq results revealed that myeloid cells were heterogeneous and strongly correlated with tumor cells in the TIME in HNSCC and identified tumor-specific SPP1 + Macs, which were positively correlated with poor prognosis of HNSCC patients. Gene set variation analysis (GSVA) suggested that SPP1 + Macs were actively involved in cytokine production. Luminex liquid suspension chip detection assay indicated that SPP1 + Mac-derived TNF-α and IL-1β played important roles. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments and the use of VGX-1027, an inhibitor of macrophage-derived TNF-α and IL-1β, confirmed that SPP1 + Mac-derived TNF-α and IL-1β promoted HNSCC progression by supporting tumor cell proliferation and migration. Mechanistically, we found that TNF-α and IL-1β were upregulated due to NF-kappa B signaling pathway activation in SPP1 + Macs. Moreover, SPP1 + Mac-derived TNF-α and IL-1β promoted the expression of OPN in both tumor cells and other adjacent macrophages through different signaling pathways.

Conclusions

SPP1 + Macs increase the secretion of TNF-α and IL-1β via the NF-kappa B pathway to promote HNSCC cell proliferation, and TNF-α and IL-1β in turn upregulate the expression of OPN in tumor cells and macrophages; thus, SPP1 + Macs may be a candidate target through which antitumor efficacy can be enhanced.
Plants used for the management of venereal diseases in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and critical assessment of their research status
Authors: Omogbene Temitope O. , Lawal Ibraheem O. , Amoo Stephen O. , Adam Anne A. , Gebashe Fikisiwe C. , Aremu Adeyemi O.
Published: December 2024

Background

Sub-Saharan Africa faces one of the highest burdens of venereal diseases (VDs) globally. This review aims to critically evaluate the existing literature on the diverse Indigenous knowledge and medicinal plants utilised for treating VDs in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol to guide the execution of the review. Relevant papers from scientific databases and search engines were assessed. The inclusion criteria included literature published from 2008 and May 16, 2024, and assessment of specific predetermined VDs. Medicinal plants based on certain ethnobotanical indices and data were recorded from each literature.

Results

Among the 131 studies included in this review, a total of 20 relevant ethnobotanical reports were identified, with Nigeria and South Africa having the highest contributions (25% each). A high diversity and richness of 445 ethnobotanically valued anti-venereal plants (99 families) from over 872 Indigenous knowledge holders were inventoried. Plants with the highest diversity of use in traditional treatment of VDs are Cassia abbreviata, Ziziphus mucronata, Ximenia caffra, Catharanthus roseus, and Terminalia prunioides. The most represented families are Fabaceae (15.8%), Cucurbitaceae (5.9%), Solanaceae (5.9%), Euphorbiaceae (5%), and Combretaceae (5%). Roots and leaves were highly utilised with frequencies of 41.5% and 26.3%, respectively. The most used method of preparation are decoctions (36.7%) and infusions (12.2%), whereas oral route (72.9%) dominated the mode of administration of the medicinal plants.

Conclusions

This review consolidated data from sub-Saharan Africa—notwithstanding a limited number of studies in quantitative synthesis—and identified a diverse array of ethnobotanically valued anti-venereal plants, enabling meaningful conclusions to be drawn for future ethnopharmacological assessments. Effective plant conservation and advancement of ethnobotanical research in the region require stringent regulations and cross-country collaborations.
Survival and mortality after extrapleural pneumonectomy versus pleurectomy/decortication for malignant pleural mesothelioma: a systematic review
Authors: Elsayed Hany Hasan , Abdel-Gayed Mohammed
Published: December 2024

Background

Surgery for malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) has always been a source of debate since no strong evidence exists for performing a radical surgical intervention. We aim to systematically review and compare different macroscopic resection procedures. A systematic Review on PUBMED/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and COCHRANE LIBRARY from Inception until March 2024 was performed to search for all studies comparing the 30-day mortality and overall survival after extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and Pleurectomy decortication or extended Pleurectomy decortication (PD/EPD). We excluded studies with less than 10 patients, case reports, and articles with no endpoints.

Main body

Our electronic search retrieved 18,124 citations of which 22 studies fulfilled our criteria. The median 30-day mortality for PD/EPD was 2.2% (range 0–4%) while the median overall survival was 21 months (range 10.4–36 months) while EPP has a median 30-day mortality of 6% (range 0–11.8%) with a median overall survival of 18.1 months (range 9.3–35 months).

Conclusion

Surgery for MPM should be for selected patients and performed in specialized centers after discussions in multidisciplinary team meetings. PD/EPD seems to be associated with a lower 30-day mortality rate and a superior overall survival and should be considered the first radical option if surgery is deemed appropriate for patients.
Application of high-strength ECC in the repair and reinforcement of deep vertical shaft lining
Authors: Cai Haibing , Zang Long , Hu Shi , Li Xiaofang , Pang Changqiang , Wu Qianqian
Published: December 2024

In this paper, river sand, fly ash, modified desulfurization gypsum, an expansion agent, and a water-reducing agent are incorporated into an engineered cementitious composite (ECC) to study the physical and mechanical properties and impermeability of the ECC. The mechanism of PVA fibers is also analyzed. Fiber grating sensing technology is used to monitor the shaft lining in real-time and assess its engineering application effectiveness. The results show that the optimal mix ratio of high-strength ECC is 20% silica fume, 4% desulfurization gypsum, 6% expansion agent, and 1.9% water-reducing agent. When the compressive strength of the ECC exceeds 60 MPa, the ultimate tensile strain reaches 2.84%, the ultimate bending strength reaches 14.06 MPa, and the impermeability grade reaches P8, indicating good flow performance. These properties meet the requirements of actual engineering for ECC strength and durability. The long-term monitoring results of the shaft lining concrete strain are significantly below the early warning value, indicating that shaft lining repair and reinforcement are effective. This study provides a research basis for the application of ECC in shaft lining repair engineering.
Perforation Evaluation Using Multiscale Traveltime Tomography: Insights from Borehole Data
Authors: Xu Song , Zou Zhihui
Published: December 2024

Perforation is essential for the development of unconventional oil and gas, hydrogen, geothermal energy, and deep subsurface exploration, yet an effective evaluation method has remained elusive. The Multiscale Tomography (MST) method is applied to analyze downhole perforation, improving inversion accuracy through multi-scale discretization of velocity model grids. Numerical experiments demonstrate the method's reliability in determining perforation depth intervals, radial penetration depth, and velocity variations outside the well. Simulations before and after perforation reveal significant travel time changes, supported by logging data showing delays and velocity shifts. A comparison of imaging results with various receiver configurations highlights the critical role of receiver arrangement in achieving accurate subsurface imaging. These findings validate MST as an effective tool for perforation assessment and velocity imaging around wells, with an emphasis on optimal receiver configuration.
METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH TO ENSURING THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ORGANIZATION OF CONSUMER COOPERATION IN THE RURAL SERVICES MARKET
Authors: Chistyakova Ol'ga
Published: December 2024

The sustainability of consumer cooperation is an important qualitative characteristic of the cooperative system, the features of which include a non-commercial nature, a social orientation to meet the needs of shareholders, and the predominant functioning in rural areas. Social responsibility is one of the indicators of competitiveness of consumer cooperation organizations, which allows us to consider social and economic sustainability as a significant type of sustainability. In order to form a strategy for ensuring the sustainability of consumer cooperation in the rural services market, it is important to have methodological tools that allow us to assess the level of socio-economic sustainability of consumer cooperation in the rural segment of the market, based on the structuring of the system of indicators of social responsibility of consumer cooperation. The proposed methodology takes into account the specifics of consumer cooperation activities and allows for assessing sustainability in general for the consumer cooperation system and for individual economic entities at the regional and local levels. During the implementation of the presented methodological approach, the level of ensuring social and economic sustainability of Novosibirsk regional consumer union was determined (in the amount of 93.6% of the target level), and a particularly important direction for ensuring sustainability of consumer cooperation social responsibility was identified - improving the standard of living of the rural population, among the factors significantly influenced by the cost of consumer cooperation services per person. The significance of the proposed approach lies in the possibility of its application to substantiate decisions on the interaction of consumer cooperation organizations operating in rural areas and focused on rural residents with local authorities in order to develop the rural services market.
Andalucía comANDALUSIA AS A SPACE FRAME FOR MERCEDES FORMICA’S NARRATIVE: CADIZ, SEVILLA, CORDOBA AND MALAGAo marco espacial de la narrativa de Mercedes Formica: Cádiz, Sevilla, Córdoba y Málaga.
Authors: Soler Gallo Miguel
Published: December 2024

En este artículo se analiza la ubicación en Andalucía de cuatro obras de
Mercedes Formica (1913-2002). Narradora andaluza de la generación del 36, su vida
estuvo marcada por cuatro ciudades, sobre todo: Cádiz, Sevilla, Córdoba y Málaga. La
trama argumental, las costumbres y los aspectos históricos necesitan de ese decorado
urbanístico; no es el típico paisaje que puede apreciarse en un folleto turístico o en la
literatura de viajes, sino que es un marco espacial que genera maneras de ser, actitudes e
identidades.
Nuevas alianzas entre la creatividad y la tecnología en los pódcast de ficción de las plataformas sonoras españolas. Estudio de casos. P
Authors: López Villafranca Paloma
Published: December 2024

El pódcast de ficción es la joya de la corona de las plataformas digitales. Se trata de
producciones en las que se requiere de una gran inversión económica y talento humano. Las
plataformas apuestan por recuperar el género dramático, pero intentando llegar más allá de lo
que en su día consiguió el radioteatro, gracias a un elaborado proceso creativo, guion con
aspectos muy cuidados, producción, un diseño sonoro impecable, dirección de actores,
interpretación adaptada al formato, postproducción con sonido binaural y otras tecnologías que
potencian la calidad del resultado final. En este artículo se realiza una revisión bibliográfica de
la evolución del audiodrama y un estudio de casos de los formatos más representativos de
plataformas privadas con una muestra significativa. El objetivo es analizar la simbiosis creativa
y la incorporación de las nuevas técnicas de narración junto a la tecnología en un formato que
nace gracias al radioteatro, pero evoluciona hacia lo que los nuevos teóricos denominan «cine
sonoro». El resultado de este estudio refleja la transformación y eclosión de lo sonoro en
España, con la apuesta de estas producciones en las plataformas especializadas y grupos de
comunicación. El audio y la ficción son industria de futuro, tal y como se aprecia en la apuesta
del Gobierno de España en 2023, que pone en marcha el Espacio Audio con un programa de
ayudas de 160 millones de euros.
From Anonymity to Accountability: How Virtual Identity Disclosure Changes the Quantity and Quality of “Likes”
Authors: Qian Bingjie , Koh Tat Koon , Zhang Xiaoquan (Michael)
Published: December 2024

An integral component of user participation in online communities is giving “likes” to content posted by others. Meanwhile, online users are often allowed to create a virtual identity unrelated to their real-world identity. The objective of this study is to identify the motivations behind users’ giving “likes” when their virtual identity (i.e., username) is hidden or shown. Specifically, we examine the impact of an exogenous policy change in an online community that made usernames publicly visible. Our results show that users “liked” fewer but higher-quality articles after the policy change, consistent with their protective self-presentation motivation. This study emphasizes the significance of virtual identity, arguing that a virtual identity devoid of real-world information should not be equated with anonymity. It also identifies “liking” as a key channel of self-presentation and underscores the importance of protective self-presentation. For platforms, understanding users’ motivations to give “likes” and the effects of virtual identity disclosure can help refine community policies to encourage quality content engagement. For content creators, our findings suggest they can enhance content engagement by aligning their offerings with the self-presentation goals of their audience.
Best practices and the evolution of HIV treatment
Authors: Patel Dil
Published: December 2024

With World AIDS Day having taken place on 1 December 2024, Dil Patel provides an overview of the evolution of AIDS and of HIV treatments over the years, as well as current best practices
Robert Fulton: Renaissance Man of Engineering
Authors: Smith Nick
Published: December 2024

Inventor of the first successful steamboat and arguably the first ever practical submarine, American engineer Robert Fulton was one of the profession’s more colourful characters.
Take It to The Ridge
Authors: Ford Jason
Published: December 2024

A dry air refrigerator rescued efforts to build a tunnel connecting two parts of Stockholm
Smart Stent to Warn of Restenosis
Authors: Ford Jason
Published: December 2024

Multinational collaboration to integrate the internet of things and health management
Wind of Change
Authors: Wade Andrew
Published: December 2024

In development for over 20 years, the Zephyr high-altitude platform station (HAPS) aircraft is now on the cusp of commercial service.
Scaling Up The Fuel Factories
Authors: Excell Jon
Published: December 2024

An expert panel outlines the projects and technologies that promise to accelerate the supply of sustainable aviation fuel.
Elijah McCoy: The name of Engineering Excellence
Authors: Smith Nick
Published: December 2024

Inventor of the eponymous lubrication system for train engines, Elijah McCoy held more patents than any African American of his time. He was ‘the real McCoy’.
Validation of Students' Green Behavior Instrument Based on Local Potential Using Structural Equation Modeling With Smart Partial Least Squares
Authors: Nurhidayati Siti , Safnowandi Safnowandi , Sanapiah Sanapiah , Khaeruman Khaeruman , Sukri Akhmad
Published: December 2024

This study aims to develop and validate a green behavior instrument based on local potential using structural equation modeling (SEM) with smart partial least squares (SmartPLS). The instrument consists of 40 statements covering five main indicators: environmental maintenance, waste reduction, saving natural resources, sustainable mobility and consumption, and community education. This study addresses a gap in existing research by creating a context-specific tool for assessing green behavior, incorporating local cultural and ecological factors. While prior studies emphasize global sustainability principles, they often overlook the significance of local practices and values, which are essential for effective environmental education. By integrating local potential, this instrument bridges global sustainability goals with regional contexts, enabling meaningful and practical student engagement. The instrument was validated through content validity testing, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and construct validity and reliability testing using SEM with SmartPLS. The results indicate strong content validity, with content validity index (CVI) values ranging from .80 to .90. After analysis, 34 valid items were retained from the initial 40. This study contributes to the literature by developing an instrument that aligns with global sustainability goals while integrating local cultural practices and ecological contexts. It offers insights into how local knowledge enhances sustainability education, providing a holistic framework for assessing green behavior across diverse regions.
A new parapamphiliin wasp (Hymenoptera: Sepulcidae) from the Middle Jurassic Yan’an Formation, China
Authors: JOUAULT CORENTIN
Published: December 2024

A new genus and species of Sepulcidae, Yananphilius peizhuangensis gen. et sp. nov., are described and illustrated from the Middle Jurassic Yan’an Formation of Yan’an City, China. The taxon is erected based on a forewing with key diagnostic preserved. The new taxon is easily distinguishable from the other Parapamphiliinae because its long Sc vein reaches R slightly distad 1r-rs. This discovery demonstrates the overall stability of the Parapamphiliinae diagnosis, which remained unchanged for decades, and shows that its slight emendation allows for a better understanding of sepulcid wasps diversity during the Jurassic. This new species is the first Sepulcidae described in a Jurassic deposit from China and the Yan’an Formation.
Discovery of Hemeroscopus baissicus (Odonata, Anisoptera, Hemeroscopidae) from the Lower Cretaceous Naijiahe Formation (Ningxia, NW China) and its stratigraphic significance
Authors: HUANG DI-YING , JI GAO-ZHE , GAO JIAN , CAI CHEN-YANG , NEL ANDRÉ
Published: December 2024

Several newly collected dragonfly wings from the Lower Cretaceous Naijiahe Formation (Kangjiawan locality, Tongxin County, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, NW China) have been identified as belonging to the widely distributed species Hemeroscopus baissicus, found in North China and South Korea at similar palaeolatitudes. This species shows potential for stratigraphic correlation. The findings suggest that the Shahai-Fuxin Formation (western Liaoning), Lushangfen-Xiazhuang Formation (western Beijing), Madongshan-Naijiahe Formation (Ningxia), and Zhonggou Formation (Jiuquan Basin) are likely of comparable ages.
Properties of winning Iterated Prisoner’s Dilemma strategies
Authors: Glynatsi Nikoleta E. , Knight Vincent , Harper Marc
Published: December 2024

Researchers have explored the performance of Iterated Prisoner’s Dilemma strategies for decades, from the celebrated performance of Tit for Tat to the introduction of the zero-determinant strategies and the use of sophisticated learning structures such as neural networks. Many new strategies have been introduced and tested in a variety of tournaments and population dynamics. Typical results in the literature, however, rely on performance against a small number of somewhat arbitrarily selected strategies, casting doubt on the generalizability of conclusions. In this work, we analyze a large collection of 195 strategies in thousands of computer tournaments, present the top performing strategies across multiple tournament types, and distill their salient features. The results show that there is not yet a single strategy that performs well in diverse Iterated Prisoner’s Dilemma scenarios, nevertheless there are several properties that heavily influence the best performing strategies. This refines the properties described by Axelrod in light of recent and more diverse opponent populations to: be nice, be provocable and generous, be a little envious, be clever, and adapt to the environment. More precisely, we find that strategies perform best when their probability of cooperation matches the total tournament population’s aggregate cooperation probabilities. The features of high performing strategies help cast some light on why strategies such as Tit For Tat performed historically well in tournaments and why zero-determinant strategies typically do not fare well in tournament settings.
Spatial associations of Hansen’s disease and schistosomiasis in endemic regions of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Stephens Jessica L. , Fraga Lucia A. O. , Ferreira José A. , De Mondesert Laura , Kitron Uriel , Clennon Julie A. , Fairley Jessica K.
Published: December 2024

Background

Brazil has the second highest case count of Hansen’s disease (leprosy, HD), but factors contributing to transmission in highly endemic areas of the country remain unclear. Recent studies have shown associations of helminth infection and leprosy, supporting a biological plausibility for increased leprosy transmission in areas with helminths. However, spatial analyses of the overlap of these infections are limited. Therefore, we aimed to spatially analyze these two diseases in a co-endemic area of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in order to identify potential epidemiologic associations.

Methods

An ecological study using public health surveillance records and census data was conducted to investigate whether the occurrence of HD -and specifically multibacillary (MB) disease- was associated with the presence of schistosomiasis in a community of 41 municipalities in eastern Minas Gerais, Brazil from 2011 to 2015. Multivariate logistic regression and spatial cluster analyses using geographic information systems (GIS) were performed.

Results

The average annual incidence of HD in the study area was 35.3 per 100,000 while Schistosoma mansoni average annual incidence was 26 per 100,000. Both HD and schistosomiasis were spatially distributed showing significant clustering across the study area. Schistosomiasis was present in 10.4% of the tracts with HD and thirteen high-high clusters of local bivariate autocorrelation for HD and schistosomiasis cases were identified. A multivariate non-spatial analysis found that census tracts with MB disease were more likely to have schistosomiasis when adjusted for population density, household density, and household income (aOR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.0, 2.7). This remained significant when accounting for spatial correlation (aOR = 1.1, 95% CI (1.0, 1.2)).

Conclusion

We found clustering of both HD and schistosomiasis in this area with some statistically significant overlap of multibacillary HD with S. mansoni infection. Not only did we provide an effective approach to study the epidemiology of two endemic neglected tropical diseases with geographic spatial analyses, we highlight the need for further clinical and translational studies to study the potential epidemiologic associations uncovered.
Dermatopathological findings of Bothrops atrox snakebites: A case series in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Albuquerque Barbosa Fabiane Bianca , Raad Rima de Souza , Santos Ibiapina Hiochelson Najibe , Freire dos Reis Monique , Neves Juliana Costa Ferreira , Andrade Rosilene Viana , Nascimento Thaís Pinto , Valle Fabio Francesconi , Casewell Nicholas R. , Sachett Jacqueline , Sartim Marco Aurélio , Monteiro Wuelton , Costa Allyson Guimarães , Lima Ferreira Luiz Carlos
Published: December 2024

Background

Bothrops venom consists primarily of metalloproteinase and phospholipase A2 toxins, which are responsible for the acute inflammatory, coagulant and hemorrhagic action following snakebite. The local effects of snakebite envenomation by Bothrops species are particularly prevalent yet poorly studied, but include pain, edema, erythema, blistering, bleeding, and ecchymosis.

Methods and findings

In this study, we describe the dermatopathological findings observed in a series of 22 patients diagnosed with Bothrops envenomation treated in a tertiary hospital of Manaus, in the Brazilian Amazon. Clinically, pain and edema were observed in all patients, followed by fang marks (63.6%), secondary infection (36.3%), ecchymosis (31.8%), erythema (22.7%), blister (13.6%), and necrosis (4.5%). Regarding histopathological findings, epidermal alterations such as spongiosis, acanthosis and hyperkeratosis were the most observed characteristics in our cases series, with isolated cases of hyperplasia, hemorrhagic intraepidermal blister and severe necrosis. Changes in dermis and hypodermis consisted mainly of hemorrhage, inflammatory infiltrate, edema, congestion, and vascular damage, whereas cases of collagen damage, necrosis, abscess, and signs of tissue repair, indicated by the presence of granulation tissue, were also observed, with a persistence of inflammatory and hemostatic alterations even days after antivenom administration. Therefore, the tissue damage resulting from Bothrops envenomation could be related to both direct venom activity as well as inflammatory response or presence of infectious process. The histopathological analysis of human skin injury can enlighten the pathological and endogenous effects of local envenomation and could underpin new strategies, including novel treatments, adjuvants or changes in clinical management, that lead to better outcomes in snakebite patients.
The disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), prevalence and incidence of scabies, 1990–2021: A systematic analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
Authors: Li Jiajia , Liu Zehu , Xia Xiujiao
Published: December 2024

Background

Current literature lacks a recent global analysis of scabies. This study aims to analyze the burden and epidemiological characteristics of scabies using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study.

Methodology/Principal findings

The analysis assessed disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), prevalence, and incidence of scabies from 1990 to 2021, stratified by geographic location, socio demographic index (SDI), gender, and age. In 2021, scabies caused 5.3 million DALYs, 206.6 million prevalence, and 622.5 million incidence, primarily affecting children and young people. The burden was heaviest in middle SDI regions and lowest in high SDI regions. Oceania, Tropical Latin America, and East Asia ranked as the top three regions in global scabies burden. Nationally, Fiji, Guam, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Northern Mariana Islands had the highest age-standardised DALY rates. From 1990 to 2021, global age-standardized rates (ASRs) of DALYs, prevalence, and incidence for scabies declined, while the absolute numbers increased. These ASRs showed an upward trend in high and high-middle SDI regions, with significant increases in Central Latin America and high-income North America. Larger burden increases were observed in Sri Lanka, the United States of America, and Mexico compared to other countries and territories. In terms of age, these ASRs increased from 40, particularly for women and the elderly.

Conclusions/Significance

The global scabies burden was higher in tropical regions, particularly among children and young people, in 2021. Between 1990 and 2021, the burden increased in higher SDI regions, Central Latin America, and high-income North America, warranting focused attention. Additionally, the rising burden among adults over 40, particularly women and the elderly, highlighted the need for targeted interventions.
Impact of polygeNic risk score for glaucoma on psycHosocial ouTcomes (INSiGHT) study protocol
Authors: Maxwell Giorgina , Allen Robert , Kelley Simone , Hodge Lucinda , Hollitt Georgina L. , Seviiri Mathias , Thomson Daniel , Schmidt Joshua , Craig Jamie E. , Cohen-Woods Sarah , Souzeau Emmanuelle
Published: December 2024

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness with early detection and intervention critical to slowing disease progression. However, half of those affected are undiagnosed. This is largely due to the early stages of disease being asymptomatic; current population-based screening measures being unsupported; and a lack of current efficient prediction models. Research investigating polygenic risk scores (PRS) for glaucoma have shown predictive ability to identify individuals at higher risk. Potential clinical applications include identification of high-risk individuals, resulting in earlier diagnosis and treatment to prevent glaucoma blindness, and adjusted monitoring for low-risk individuals. However, the psychological impact of receiving glaucoma PRS is unknown. There is a critical need to evaluate risk information communication and assess the impact of receiving results, to support clinical implementation of glaucoma PRS testing. In this prospective study, 300 individuals from the GRADE (Genetic Risk Assessment of Degenerative Eye disease) study will be recruited to investigate the psychosocial impact of disclosing polygenic risk results for glaucoma. GRADE aimed to apply PRS testing on 1,000 unexamined individuals aged 50 years or older from the general population and examine a subset of these individuals to assess the clinical validity of PRS to detect glaucoma. In this study, individuals each from the bottom decile (10%), top decile (10%), and middle (45–55%) of the PRS distributions will be invited to receive research glaucoma PRS results. Participants who choose to receive their results will complete up to four questionnaires (prior to receiving their results, and subsequently two-weeks, six- and 12-months after receiving their result). The questionnaires will include health belief model measures and assess glaucoma anxiety, general anxiety and depression, test-related distress, decisional regret, and recall and understanding of results. This research will provide guidance for the implementation of polygenic risk testing into clinical practice and inform delivery strategies.