bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining the Accessibility of Online Educational Content: A Case Study of Second-Language Learning Videos
Authors: González-Sordé Mariona , Pujadas-Farreras Marina
Published: August 2024

The digital age has transformed the ways we approach education, customizing learning experiences to cater to student preferences. However, this transition often neglects the needs of many learners, making both physical and online classrooms not fully accessible. Although experienced organizations have shared instructions on how to create accessible educational content and how to design inclusive learning platforms, when it comes to how this is put into practice, much remains to be done. This case study assesses the accessibility of online educational content, with a specific focus on second-language learning videos, specifically on those aimed at adult non-native Catalan learners and created by the Catalan Government. The study investigates two series: “Ep! Escolta i Parla” (‘Hey! Listen and Learn’) and “Màgia per conversar” (‘Magic to Conversation’). Five videos from each series were chosen for evaluation, culminating in around 20 min of analyzed material. The evaluation criteria encompass audio description, subtitles, subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing, language clarity, and speech rate. Our study successfully highlighted the aspects that make educational videos accessible or not accessible, and the fact is that there is a long way to go in terms of inclusive and public educational resources.
Enabling Digital Literacy Pedagogical Sessions (#DLPS): The Case of Portugal
Authors: Barbosa Sérgio
Published: August 2024

Since the increased digitization of everyday life, social media platforms have become key tools for how young people communicate and interact. However, there is little research on pedagogical initiatives that can bring digital literacy to stimulate critical thinking and public intervention on and with social media platforms. This chapter aims to foster an educational long-term campaign to bring digital literacy to the forefront of policymaking in Portugal and broader EU contexts. It showcases the Digital Literacy Pedagogical Sessions (#DLPS) designed to empower and nurture young people’s post-digital futures. The data in this chapter is derived from a participatory pedagogy approach adopted at Portuguese schools during two periods: 2021–2022 and 2022–2023. The chapter suggests policy recommendations to consider how young people can actively participate in shaping digital society. Additionally, it advocates for a long-term educational agenda to promote public values as a key component in building a fair digital future.
Exploring the Potential of Media Accessibility as a Pedagogical Tool: Students as Audio Describers
Authors: Brescia-Zapata Marta , McDonagh Sarah
Published: August 2024

There is growing recognition of Media Accessibility as an educational asset in the classroom. More specifically, recent research has demonstrated its potential as a didactic tool for foreign language learning (Bausells-Espín in J Audiovis Transl 5(2):152–75, 2022; Talaván in Int J English Stud 19:21–40, 2019) and developing students’ speaking, intercultural and digital literacy skills (Khanlou et al. in J Dev Phys Dis 33:1–25, 2021). In this chapter, we will focus on the creation of non-professional audio description (AD) by secondary students as part of a workshop carried out at Ítaca campus in Barcelona, Spain. During the workshops, students were asked to design and create an accessible, immersive story using the GreenVerse platform, developed as part of the GreenSCENT project (Smart Citizen Engagement for a Green Future, Nº 101036480). We begin this chapter locating this research within the growing body of work on the use of Media Accessibility as a pedagogical tool (Black in J Audiovis Transl 5:73–93, 2022; Herrero and Escobar in Transl Translanguaging Multilingual Contexts 4:30–54, 2018; Talaván in Int J Engl Stud 19:21–40, 2019), arguing the case for its integration in the classroom. We will then present the workshop methodology, followed by an analysis and comparison of the AD created by students. This analysis will assess where and how the AD aligns with or deviates from established guidelines and best practices, specifically following the ADLAB project recommendations (Remael et al. in ADLAB audio description guidelines, 2014) for English and the UNE 153020 Standard (AENOR, 2005) for Spanish. Our results show that students deviated from established guidelines in the areas of content selection, with students more prone to include evaluative statements in their ADs, owing to the purpose of the task at hand and students’ unfamiliarity with AD norms and conventions.
Academic Training in Media Accessibility in Audiovisual Translation at a University Level: The Case of the Spanish University System
Authors: Peromingo Juan Pedro Rica
Published: August 2024

In today’s digital era, media accessibility has emerged as a critical element for ensuring inclusivity in content creation and distribution. With the growing demand for accessible media, academic and professional approaches to training have become instrumental in bridging the gap between content creators and the diverse audience they aim to reach. Academic institutions play a pivotal role in fostering a deeper understanding of media accessibility (MA). Educational programs provide foundational knowledge and critical insights into various aspects of accessibility standards and practices. With the emergence of media accessibility services within the mass media (subtitling for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, SDH, and audio description for the blind and partially sighted, AD, basically), the need for training professionals in these areas has arisen. MA has traditionally been regarded as a subfield in audiovisual translation (AVT) that is focused on audiences with sensory disabilities, mostly persons with a hearing or a visual impairment (Romero Fresco in Accessible filmmaking: Integrating translation and accessibility into the filmmaking process. Routledge, 2019). MA may be seen to include AVT and to be just as close to Translation Studies as it is to Film Studies or to the broader area of Accessibility Studies (Greco inJournal of Audiovisual Translation, 1(1): 205–232, 2018). This paper will provide answers to how academic training is carried out, what required skills and competencies, together with curriculum design, methodological approaches, training materials, and assessment are needed, how AVT training at a university level is, using the Spanish context and the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) as an example. Finally, information about those research projects nowadays which investigate media accessibility training used by instructors as reference for their teaching contexts will be included.
Subjectivity and Creativity Versus Audio Description Guidelines
Authors: Colmenero María Olalla Luque
Published: August 2024

For decades, different international guidelines on the field of audio description (AD) have been edited and supposedly followed by practitioners. There is general agreement on what should be included in terms of form, movement, colour, sound, perspective, and supporting information. According to all the guidelines, the style of audio description should be objective, not interpretative, although they do not specify what they mean by “objectivity”. These guidelines are based on the fact that receivers interpret the work of art themselves. However, this idea is unconvincing, as the blind and partially sighted receivers are not on the same level as the sighted viewer in terms of visual and information selection. Moreover, the guidelines do not focus on the different strategies to create AD. This ambiguity is also reflected in the treatment of subjectivity and creativity, as they do not provide any clear definition and are untrustworthy, since they introduce subjective techniques while recommending being always objective. This incongruence, together with the view of art education at the centre of cultural mediation and accessibility nowadays, and its influence on access projects and AD programmes across Europe and beyond, is the base of this proposal. We aim to explore both the comprehensive role of subjectivity and creativity in the guidelines and some of the new trends on AD, such as metaphorical, synesthetic, with interpretative voices, and poetic in our museums, thanks to our practical research and practice during the past decade. This way, we may have a broader and more specific understanding of what their real subjective and aesthetic experience is.
Gaze-Led Audio Description (GLAD). Concept and Application to Accessibility of Architectural Heritage
Authors: Krejtz Krzysztof , Rutkowska-Siuda Daria , Krejtz Izabela
Published: August 2024

This chapter presents the concept of Gaze-Led Audio Description (GLAD) and its application for the accessibility of city space. Audio Description (AD) is created by domain experts who have deep knowledge of the audio-described matter but might have their own narrative biases. Many studies report that experts’ perception and attentional patterns over the objects of their expertise are different from the perception of non-experts. As an unintended result, audio descriptions of architectural heritage created by experts, art historians or architects, might lose accessibility to non-experts. For example, often experts’ views of historic buildings are based on reading diagrams of historic buildings, leading the description from a general presentation of the basic divisions of architectural structures. The descriptions then focus on the details leading from the lower to the upper parts. This type of audio description is useful in the analysis of monuments; however, it may not reflect the natural way of looking, which usually focuses initially on the dominant accent of the mass. In this chapter, we postulate that AD may benefit from adjusting it regarding the analysis of visual attention patterns of non-experts. We present some insights from empirical research.
Achieving Accessibility on a Budget: Aksaray University's Strategy for Supporting Students with Disabilities
Authors: Islek Önder , Uyanik Hatice
Published: August 2024

Much emphasis has been put on the inclusivity of educational opportunities in international agreements, conventions, and declarations, with the valuable work that continues to be done globally. However, one area needs more attention for disability-inclusive international development, that is, higher education, which is still limited and not fully inclusive or accessible for individuals with disabilities globally (Covas & de Luna, 2019). This chapter presents a case study of the Aksaray University in the  Republic of Türkiye. This chapter aims to deconstruct the Turkish social system with emphasis on education and employment first and show an example of how the current system is disrupted to ensure the proper application of international agendas that Türkiye is officially and legally a part of. For this chapter an eclectic approach is used combining a wicked problem frame with disability studies in education from a reconceptualist perspective. This chapter is arranged into four sections, including (a) background on education and employment in the Turkish legal and social system to understand the foundation of current systems that is a gateway or product of higher education for individuals with disabilities; (b) recent understanding of the inclusive, accessible, and nondiscriminatory higher education and where the Turkish higher education system stands in it for individuals with disabilities; (c) a case example of Aksaray University for how to disrupt the system by provision of the disability support services within the university; and (d) conclusion with future implications for policy, research, and practice.
Making Copyright Management Agile: Challenges and Opportunities in Audiovisual Translation and Media Accessibility for a New Digital Era
Authors: Oncins Estella , Serrat-Roozen Iris
Published: August 2024

Digital interactive accessibility services must enable human interaction with the media content beyond consumption, ensuring that people can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with the content and contribute to it. All these new types of interactions are also a field of study in audiovisual translation (AVT) and media accessibility (MA), as translation is a form of human–computer interaction (HCI) (O’Brien, Translation Spaces 1:101–122, 2012). Therefore, the role of technology in AVT/MA is a key aspect not only in the process of creation, but also for distribution, delivery, and consumption. This tendency is expected to grow in the coming years as “technology is also the basis of tools to translate or adapt content and tools to consume content” (Matamala in Accessibilitat i traducció audiovisual, 2019). The progressive transition from Web 2.0 to Web 3.0, with the irruption of recent technologies such as blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI), is opening up innovative forms of communication and interaction for users in the digital world. Yet, challenges in relation to intellectual property rights (IPR) management in AVT/MA remain a major concern (Orero et al., 2023; Serrat-Roozen & Oncins, 2023). The following chapter presents the results of a series of focus groups held with professionals and researchers from the different fields of the AVT and MA in the frame of the European project MediaVerse. This three-year project was aimed at designing and testing a framework to allow professionals and laymen to publish multimedia content that may be easily shared. Results presented highlight user’s needs and expectations from AVT/MA professionals in relation to copyright management, through the use of blockchain technology to protect and recognise IPR for professionals in these fields.
Review of Fracture Test Methods
Authors: Zhao Yu , Zheng Kun , Wang Chaolin
Published: August 2024

According to the engineering and experiment demands, different fracture testing approaches are proposed and modified, including mixed-mode I/II, ture mode-II, and mixed-mode I/III, the detailed introductions are as follows.
Ture Mode-II Fracture
Authors: Zhao Yu , Zheng Kun , Wang Chaolin
Published: August 2024

The HF (hydraulic fracturing) technique has received widespread recognition and applications in the extraction of shale oil/gas, coalbed methane, and geothermal system.
Mixed-Mode I/III Fracture
Authors: Zhao Yu , Zheng Kun , Wang Chaolin
Published: August 2024

Shale reservoirs are characterized by both ultralow porosity and permeability, the attached shale gas can be effectively extracted by hydraulic fracturing (also known as fracking) technique to optimize the energy structure.
SLC30A9: an evolutionarily conserved mitochondrial zinc transporter essential for mammalian early embryonic development
Authors: Ge Jing , Li Huihui , Liang Xin , Zhou Bing
Published: August 2024

SLC30A9 (ZnT9) is a mitochondria-resident zinc transporter. Mutations in SLC30A9 have been reported in human patients with a novel cerebro-renal syndrome. Here, we show that ZnT9 is an evolutionarily highly conserved protein, with many regions extremely preserved among evolutionarily distant organisms. In Drosophila melanogaster (the fly), ZnT9 (ZnT49B) knockdown results in acutely impaired movement and drastic mitochondrial deformation. Severe Drosophila ZnT9 (dZnT9) reduction and ZnT9-null mutant flies are pupal lethal. The phenotype of dZnT9 knockdown can be partially rescued by mouse ZnT9 expression or zinc chelator TPEN, indicating the defect of dZnT9 loss is indeed a result of zinc dyshomeostasis. Interestingly, in the mouse, germline loss of Znt9 produces even more extreme phenotypes: the mutant embryos exhibit midgestational lethality with severe development abnormalities. Targeted mutagenesis of Znt9 in the mouse brain leads to serious dwarfism and physical incapacitation, followed by death shortly. Strikingly, the GH/IGF-1 signals are almost non-existent in these tissue-specific knockout mice, consistent with the medical finding in some human patients with severe mitochondrial deficiecny. ZnT9 mutations cause mitochondrial zinc dyshomeostasis, and we demonstrate mechanistically that mitochondrial zinc elevation quickly and potently inhibits the activities of respiration complexes. These results reveal the critical role of ZnT9 and mitochondrial zinc homeostasis in mammalian development. Based on our functional analyses, we finally discussed the possible nature of the so far identified human SLC30A9 mutations.
PI3K couples long-term synaptic potentiation with cofilin recruitment and actin polymerization in dendritic spines via its regulatory subunit p85α
Authors: López-García Sergio , López-Merino Esperanza , Fernández-Rodrigo Alba , Zamorano-González Pablo , Gutiérrez-Eisman Silvia , Jiménez-Sánchez Raquel , Esteban José A.
Published: August 2024

Long-term synaptic plasticity is typically associated with morphological changes in synaptic connections. However, the molecular mechanisms coupling functional and structural aspects of synaptic plasticity are still poorly defined. The catalytic activity of type I phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) is required for specific forms of synaptic plasticity, such as NMDA receptor-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) and mGluR-dependent long-term depression (LTD). On the other hand, PI3K signaling has been linked to neuronal growth and synapse formation. Consequently, PI3Ks are promising candidates to coordinate changes in synaptic strength with structural remodeling of synapses. To investigate this issue, we targeted individual regulatory subunits of type I PI3Ks in hippocampal neurons and employed a combination of electrophysiological, biochemical and imaging techniques to assess their role in synaptic plasticity. We found that a particular regulatory isoform, p85α, is selectively required for LTP. This specificity is based on its BH domain, which engages the small GTPases Rac1 and Cdc42, critical regulators of the actin cytoskeleton. Moreover, cofilin, a key regulator of actin dynamics that accumulates in dendritic spines after LTP induction, failed to do so in the absence of p85α or when its BH domain was overexpressed as a dominant negative construct. Finally, in agreement with this convergence on actin regulatory mechanisms, the presence of p85α in the PI3K complex determined the extent of actin polymerization in dendritic spines during LTP. Therefore, this study reveals a molecular mechanism linking structural and functional synaptic plasticity through the coordinate action of PI3K catalytic activity and a specific isoform of the regulatory subunits.
An invitation to resolvent analysis
Authors: Rolandi Laura Victoria , Ribeiro Jean Hélder Marques , Yeh Chi-An , Taira Kunihiko
Published: August 2024

Resolvent analysis is a powerful tool that can reveal the linear amplification mechanisms between the forcing inputs and the response outputs about a base flow. These mechanisms can be revealed in terms of a pair of forcing and response modes and the associated energy gains (amplification magnitude) at a given frequency. The linear relationship that ties the forcing and the response is represented through the resolvent operator (transfer function), which is constructed through spatially discretizing the linearized Navier–Stokes operator. One of the unique strengths of resolvent analysis is its ability to analyze statistically stationary turbulent flows. In light of the increasing interest in using resolvent analysis to study a variety of flows, we offer this guide in hopes of removing the hurdle for students and researchers to initiate the development of a resolvent analysis code and its applications to their problems of interest. To achieve this goal, we discuss various aspects of resolvent analysis and its role in identifying dominant flow structures about the base flow. The discussion in this paper revolves around the compressible Navier–Stokes equations in the most general manner. We cover essential considerations ranging from selecting the base flow and appropriate energy norms to the intricacies of constructing the linear operator and performing eigenvalue and singular value decompositions. Throughout the paper, we offer details and know-how that may not be available to readers in a collective manner elsewhere. Towards the end of this paper, examples are offered to demonstrate the practical applicability of resolvent analysis, aiming to guide readers through its implementation and inspire further extensions. We invite readers to consider resolvent analysis as a companion for their research endeavors.
Price dispersion in dynamic competition
Authors: Guthmann Rafael R.
Published: August 2024

In product markets, substantial price dispersion exists for transactions of physically identical goods. Moreover, in these markets, incumbent firms sell at higher prices than entrants. This paper presents a theory of price formation under dynamic competition that explains these facts by assuming both that consumers have imperfect access to firms and that their degree of access depends on each firm’s sales history. The model has a unique equilibrium that features randomized pricing strategies, with incumbents always posting higher prices than entrants. For a fixed underlying environment, the equilibrium converges to a stationary equilibrium over time. As firms’ entry and exit rates approach zero, this stationary equilibrium converges to perfect competition.
How contaminated is flatfish living near World Wars’ munition dumping sites with energetic compounds?
Authors: Maser Edmund , Buenning Tobias H. , Strehse Jennifer S.
Published: August 2024

Seas worldwide are threatened by an emerging source of pollution as millions of tons of warfare materials were dumped after the World Wars. As their metal shells are progressively corroding, energetic compounds (EC) leak out and distribute in the marine environment. EC are taken up by aquatic organisms and pose a threat to both the marine ecosphere and the human seafood consumer because of their toxicity and potential carcinogenicity. Here, sediment samples and fish from different locations in the German North Sea of Lower Saxony were examined to determine whether EC transfer to fish living close to munition dumping areas. EC were found in sediments with a maximum concentration of 1.5 ng/kg. All analyzed fish muscle tissues/fillets and bile samples were positive for EC detection. In bile, the max. EC concentrations ranged between 0.25 and 1.25 ng/mL. Interestingly, while detected TNT metabolites in the muscle tissues were in concentrations of max. 1 ng/g (dry weight), TNT itself was found in concentrations of up to 4 ng/g (dry weight). As we found considerable higher amounts of non-metabolized TNT in the fish muscle, rather than TNT metabolites, we conclude an additional absorption route of EC into fish other than per diet. This is the first study to detect EC in the edible parts of fish caught randomly in the North Sea.
Empagliflozin-activated AMPK elicits neuroprotective properties in reserpine-induced depression via regulating dynamics of hippocampal autophagy/inflammation and PKCζ-mediated neurogenesis
Authors: Muhammad Radwa N. , Albahairy Mohammed A. , Abd El Fattah Mai A. , Ibrahim Weam W.
Published: August 2024

Rationale

Major depression has been an area of extensive research during the last decades, for it represents a leading cause of disability and suicide. The stark rise of depression rates influenced by life stressors, economic threats, pandemic era, and resistance to classical treatments, has made the disorder rather challenging. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis and plasticity are particularly sensitive to the dynamic interplay between autophagy and inflammation. In fact, the intricate balance between the two processes contributes to neuronal homeostasis and survival.

Objectives

Having demonstrated promising potentials in AMPK activation, a major metabolic sensor and autophagy regulator, empagliflozin (Empa) was investigated for possible antidepressant properties in the reserpine rat model of depression.

Results

While the reserpine protocol elicited behavioral, biochemical, and histopathological changes relevant to depression, Empa outstandingly hindered these pathological perturbations. Importantly, hippocampal autophagic response markedly declined with reserpine which disrupted the AMPK/mTOR/Beclin1/LC3B machinery and, conversely, neuro-inflammation prevailed under the influence of the NLRP3 inflammasome together with oxidative/nitrative stress. Consequently, AMPK-mediated neurotrophins secretion obviously deteriorated through PKCζ/NF-κB/BDNF/CREB signal restriction. Empa restored hippocampal monoamines and autophagy/inflammation balance, driven by AMPK activation. By promoting the atypical PKCζ phosphorylation (Thr403) which subsequently phosphorylates NF-κB at Ser311, AMPK successfully reinforced BDNF/CREB signal and hippocampal neuroplasticity. The latter finding was supported by hippocampal CA3 toluidine blue staining to reveal intact neurons.

Conclusion

The current study highlights an interesting role for Empa as a regulator of autophagic and inflammatory responses in the pathology of depression. The study also pinpoints an unusual contribution for NF-κB in neurotrophins secretion via AMPK/PKCζ/NF-κB/BDNF/CREB signal transduction. Accordingly, Empa can have special benefits in diabetic patients with depressive symptoms.

Limitations

The influence of p-NF-κB (Ser311) on NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and activation has not been investigated, which can represent an interesting point for further research.

Graphical abstract
Development, validation and application of an LC–MS/MS method quantifying free forms of the micronutrients queuine and queuosine in human plasma using a surrogate matrix approach
Authors: Pan Xiaobei , Chandrasekaran Swathine , Woodside Jayne V. , Riedel-Heller Steffi G. , Scherer Martin , Wagner Michael , Ramirez Alfredo , Green Brian D.
Published: August 2024

Queuosine (Q) is a hypermodified 7-deaza-guanosine nucleoside exclusively synthesized by bacteria. This micronutrient and its respective nucleobase form queuine (q) are salvaged by humans either from gut microflora or digested food. Depletion of Q-tRNA in human or mouse cells causes protein misfolding that triggers endoplasmic reticular stress and the activation of the unfolded protein responses. In vivo, this reduces the neuronal architecture of the mouse brain affecting learning and memory. Herein, a sensitive method for quantifying free q and Q in human blood was developed, optimised and validated. After evaluating q/Q extraction efficiency in several different solid-phase sorbents, Bond Elut PBA (phenylboronic acid) cartridges were found to have the highest extraction recovery for q (82%) and Q (71%) from pooled human plasma. PBS with 4% BSA was used as surrogate matrix for method development and validation. An LC–MS/MS method was validated across the concentration range of 0.0003–1 µM for both q and Q, showing excellent linearity (r2 = 0.997 (q) and r2 = 0.998 (Q)), limit of quantification (0.0003 µM), accuracy (100.39–125.71%) and precision (CV% < 15.68%). In a sampling of healthy volunteers (n = 44), there was no significant difference in q levels between male (n = 14; mean = 0.0068 µM) and female (n = 30; mean = 0.0080 µM) participants (p = 0.50). Q was not detected in human plasma. This validated method can now be used to further substantiate the role of q/Q in nutrition, physiology and pathology.

Graphical Abstract
Serious gaming as potential training tool for recognition of adverse drug reactions: side-effect exposure—medical education (SeeMe)
Authors: Bergs Ingmar , Bell Laura , Fedrowitz Sebastian , Krüger Tim , Lemos Martin , Stingl Julia C. , Just Katja S.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The recognition of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is an important part of daily clinical work. However, medical education in this field is mostly drug-based and does not address adequately the complexity of this field regarding individual risk factors and polypharmacy. This study investigates the potential of the web-based serious game SeeMe (side-effect exposure—medical education) in pharmacological education of medical students to improve the recognition of relevant ADRs.

Methods

One hundred fifty-seven medical students were recruited to evaluate the serious game SeeMe. SeeMe was developed to improve knowledge and recognition of ADRs in clinical practice. Players take on the role of a physician trying to understand fictional patients with ADRs. Before and after an 8-week playing period, an evaluation was carried out through a pre- and post-questionnaire and a pre- and post- knowledge test.

Results

The students achieved significantly better results in the knowledge test, as almost twice as many exam-relevant questions were answered correctly (p < 0.001). The serious game had a positive effect on the students’ perception of the importance of ADRs.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the potential of web- and case-based fictional serious games in medical education. The improved recognition of side effects represents a crucial step for education and training in clinical pharmacology. Future versions of the serious game may take this further and focus on training in the treatment of ADRs and their relevance in various healthcare professions.
In situ predator exposure creates some persistent anti-predator behaviours: insights from a common environment experiment
Authors: Moseby Katherine E. , Blumstein Daniel T. , Letnic Mike , Trenwith Baillie , Van der Weyde Leanne K.
Published: August 2024

Prey naiveté has been implicated in the global decline and reintroduction failure of many threatened species. A number of tools have been developed to combat prey naiveté including in situ predator exposure using live predators. However, determining the effectiveness and persistence of these interventions can be difficult, and requires comparisons of individual responses from predator-naïve and predator-trained populations. Even when this occurs, interpreting behavioural responses can be challenging because of the constraints of experimental design in large scale population manipulations. We used a common environment experiment and placed burrowing bettongs (Bettongia lesueur) from predator-free and predator-exposed populations together in an 8 ha fenced paddock. The predator-exposed population had been previously exposed to feral cats (Felis catus) under controlled wild conditions for up to six years and initial work suggested this exposure had led to physical and behavioural changes. Within our common environment experiment we compared a range of anti-predator behaviours including trap and feeding behaviour and response to predator scent and models. We found evidence for persistent trait changes up to 7 months, the latest time behaviours were tested, after bettongs were moved to the predator-free common environment and isolated from predators. These behaviours include reduced alarm rates, preference for open areas, and responses to predator scent and model stimuli. Additionally, high risk predator cues were more likely to elicit anti-predator responses than passive measures of anti-predator behaviour. Our design shows that predator exposure leads to persistent shifts in some, but not all, anti-predator behaviours. Identifying the proximate basis of anti-predator traits is important to develop successful tools to combat prey naiveté.
An Enhanced Method for Studying Wheat Stomata Physiology
Authors: Guo Ce , Tao Rongrong , Zhu Min , Zhou Meixue , Zhao Chenchen
Published: August 2024

High sensitivity and rapid closure of wheat stomata to environmental stimuli make it difficult and inconvenient when investigating stomatal physiology and morphology using epidermal peels. This is due to inevitable mechanical stress to stomatal guard cells when separating epidermis from mesophyll cells, which induced a vast majority of stomatal closure in wheat. Stomata are more open and active in detached leaves than in epidermal peels. Based on these observations, we proposed a simple method, which promotes stomatal opening using detached leaves rather than epidermis for physiological observations. Stomatal response to stimuli was significantly increased when using intact leaf segment. The method was used to investigate stomatal behaviours of two wheat genotypes with contrasting salt tolerance to salinity stress. The effects of salt stress and exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) treatment on stomatal behaviours were also assessed. The salt-tolerant genotype, H-135, demonstrated a greater stomatal closure rate than the salt-sensitive genotype, H-093, in response to exogenous ABA under salt stress, highlighting the potential of stomatal responsiveness as an indicator for breeding salt-resistant crops. This method not only facilitates the effective initiation of stomatal opening but also ensures the continued responsiveness of stomata to subsequent treatments in wheat.
Steady-state versus burst lasing techniques for thulium fiber laser
Authors: Sierra Alba , Solano Catalina , Corrales Mariela , Ventimiglia Eugenio , Panthier Frederic , Kwok Jia-Lun , Chicaud Marie , Keller Etienne Xavier , Traxer Olivier
Published: August 2024

Objective

To evaluate the stone ablation rate and direct thermal damage from thulium fiber laser (TFL) lithotripsy using continuous (C) and burst (B) lasing techniques on an in vitro ureteral model.

Methods

The TFL Drive (Coloplast, Humlebaek, Denmark) was used in an in vitro saline-submerged ureteral model. Ten participants, including five junior and five experienced urologists, conducted the experimental setup with 7 different settings comparing two lasing techniques: steady-state lasing (0.5 J/10 Hz = 5W for 300 s and 0.5 J/20 Hz = 10W for 150 s) and burst, intermittent 5 s on/off lasing (0.5 J/20 Hz, 0.5 J/30 Hz, 0.5 J/60 Hz, 0.1 J/200 Hz, and 0.05 J/400 Hz) with a target cumulative energy of 1500 J using cubic 125 mm3 phantom BegoStonesTM. Ureteral damage was graded 1–3 based on the severity of burns and holes observed on the surface of the ureteral model.

Results

The were no significant differences in stone ablation mass neither between C and B lasing techniques, nor between expertise levels. At C lasing technique had only mild ureteral lesions with no significant differences between expertise levels (p: 0.97) or laser settings (p: 0.71). At B lasing technique, different types of thermal lesions were found with no expertise (p: 0.11) or setting (p: 0.83) differences. However, B laser setting had higher grade direct thermal lesions than C (p: 0.048).

Conclusion

Regarding efficacy, C and B lasing techniques achieve comparable stone ablation rates. Safety-wise, B lasing mode showed higher grade of direct thermal lesions. These results should be further investigated to verify which of the lasing mode is the safest in vivo. Until then and unless proven otherwise, a C mode with low frequency should be recommended to avoid ureteral wall lesions.
Effect of emergent nephrostomy on long-term total and split renal function in patients with upper urinary tract obstruction due to pelvic malignant tumors
Authors: Nishimura Katsuhiro , Takenouchi Ayako , Komatsu Shugo , Kawaguchi Yunosuke , Kudo Wataru , Takiguchi Shota , Hishiki Tomoro
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the impact of nephrostomies on the outcome of total renal function (TRF) and split renal function (SRF) in patients with malignant pelvic tumors associated with upper urinary tract obstruction (UUTO).

Methods

Patients with pelvic tumors suffering severe unilateral hydronephrosis treated at our hospital from 2000 to 2022 were included. Data for nephrostomy placement, short- and long-term renal function, and radiological and nuclear imaging studies were collected. The TRF and SRF of patients who underwent nephrostomy were compared to those who did not.

Results

Seven patients were included (rhabdomyosarcoma: 5, ovarian germ cell tumor: 1, malignant rhabdoid tumor: 1). Nephrostomies were placed in four, which were successfully managed without severe infections. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was significantly improved at the end of treatment in patients with nephrostomy. In contrast, eGFR in patients who did not undergo nephrostomy was not improved. Nuclear imaging studies (renograms or renal scintigrams) revealed impaired SRF of the affected kidney compared to the contralateral kidney, even in patients whose eGFR was within normal levels. Notably, SRF showed a trend to improve over time in one patient treated with nephrostomy.

Conclusion

Nephrostomy for UUTO caused by pelvic tumors may improve renal outcome.
Precision and accuracy of four handheld blood lactate analyzers across low to high exercise intensities
Authors: Mentzoni Fredrik , Skaugen Martin , Eythorsdottir Ingrid , Roterud Stian , Johansen Espen Spro , Losnegard Thomas
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the precision and accuracy in measured blood lactate concentrations among four commonly used handheld lactate analyzers compared to two stationary analyzers.

Methods

Venous blood samples were taken at exercise intensities ranging from low to high. The blood lactate concentration was measured simultaneously with four pairs of handheld lactate analyzers (two new units of each brand: Lactate Plus, Lactate Pro2, Lactate Scout 4, and TaiDoc TD-4289), and compared with two stationary analyzers (Biosen C-Line and YSI Sport 1500). Measurements were repeated for a range of blood lactate concentrations (measured with Biosen) from 0.88 to 4.89 mM with a median difference between measurements of 0.10 mM.

Results

The mean relative differences to the Biosen analyzer were $$-$$
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7% (Plus), 7% (Pro), $$-$$
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10% (Scout), 42% (Tai), and $$-$$
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32% (Ysi). The residual standard errors after linear regression against Biosen were 0.18 mM (Plus), 0.20 mM (Pro), 0.22 mM (Scout), 0.15 mM (Tai), and 0.06 mM (Ysi). Accordingly, a blood lactate concentration of 3 mM measured with Biosen yielded 95% prediction intervals that were 0.72 mM (Plus), 0.80 mM (Pro), 0.87 mM (Scout), 0.60 mM (Tai), and 0.23 mM (Ysi) wide.

Conclusion

Compared to our two stationary analyzers, the precision of the four handheld lactate analyzers evaluated in this study was poor. Among the four, Tai was the most precise; however, this analyzer had low accuracy with a substantial mean difference to the reference analyzer.
A new vessel filled and heart-beating human corpse model for VATS lobectomy training
Authors: Verzeletti Vincenzo , Lione Luigi , Bonis Alessandro , Sella Nicolò , Cannone Giorgio , Melan Luca , Rebusso Alessandro , Faccioli Eleonora , Porzionato Andrea , Comacchio Giovanni Maria , Nicotra Samuele , Dell’Amore Andrea , Rea Federico
Published: August 2024

Background

Nowadays, video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lobectomy represents the treatment of choice for early-stage lung cancer. Over the years, different methods for VATS training have evolved. The aim of this study is to present an innovative beating-heart filled-vessel cadaveric model to simulate VATS lobectomies.

Methods

Via selective cannulation of the cadaver heart, the pulmonary vessels were filled with a gel to improve their haptic feedback. An endotracheal tube with a balloon on its tip then allowed movement of the heart chambers, transmitting a minimum of flow to the pulmonary vessels. A simulated OR was created, using all instrumentation normally available during surgery on living patients, with trainees constantly mentored by experienced surgeons. At the end of each simulation, the participants were asked 5 questions on a scale of 1 to 10 to evaluate the effectiveness of the training method (“1” being ineffective and “10” being highly effective).

Results

Eight models were set up, each with a median time of 108 min and a cost of €1500. Overall, 50 surgeons were involved, of which 39 (78%) were consultants and 11 (22%) were residents (PGY 3–5). The median scores for the 5 questions were 8.5 (Q1; IQR1–3 8-9), 8 (Q2; IQR1–3 7–9), 9 (Q3; IQR1–3 8–10), 9 (Q4; IQR1–3 8–10), and 9 (Q5; IQR1–3 8–10). Overall, the model was most appreciated by young trainees even though positive responses were also provided by senior surgeons.

Conclusions

We introduce a new beating-heart filled-vessel cadaveric model to simulate VATS lobectomies. From this initial experience, the model is cost effective, smooth to develop, and realistic for VATS simulation.
Perspectives on sustainability among surgeons: findings from the SAGES-EAES sustainability in surgical practice task force survey
Authors: Sathe Tejas S. , Alseidi Adnan , Bellato Vittoria , Ganjouei Amir Ashraf , Foroutani Laleh , Hall Ryan P. , Potapov Oleksii , Bello Ricardo J. , Johnson Shaneeta M. , Marconi Stefania , Francis Nader , Barach Paul , Sanchez-Casalongue Manuel , Nijhawan Sheetal , Oslock Wendelyn M. , Miller Benjamin , Samreen Sarah , Chung Jimmy , Marfo Nana , Huo Bright , Lim Robert B. , Vandeberg Jonathan , Alimi Yewande R. , Pietrabissa Andrea , Arezzo Alberto , Frountzas Maximos , Rems Miran , Eussen M. M. M. , Bouvy N. D. , Sylla Patricia
Published: August 2024

Background

Surgical care significantly contributes to healthcare-associated greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Surgeon attitudes about mitigation of the impact of surgical practice on environmental sustainability remains poorly understood. To better understand surgeon perspectives globally, the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons and the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery established a joint Sustainability in Surgical Practice (SSP) Task Force and distributed a survey on sustainability.

Methods

Our survey asked about (1) surgeon attitudes toward sustainability, (2) ability to estimate the carbon footprint of surgical procedures and supplies, (3) concerns about the negative impacts of sustainable interventions, (4) willingness to change specific practices, and (5) preferred educational topics and modalities. Questions were primarily written in Likert-scale format. A clustering analysis was performed to determine whether survey respondents could be grouped into distinct subsets to inform future outreach and education efforts.

Results

We received 1024 responses, predominantly from North America and Europe. The study revealed that while 63% of respondents were motivated to enhance the sustainability of their practice, less than 10% could accurately estimate the carbon footprint of surgical activities. Most were not concerned that sustainability efforts would negatively impact their practice and showed readiness to adopt proposed sustainable practices. Online webinars and modules were the preferred educational methods. A clustering analysis identified a group particularly concerned yet willing to adopt sustainable changes.

Conclusion

Surgeons believe that operating room waste is a critical issue and are willing to change practice to improve it. However, there exists a gap in understanding the environmental impact of surgical procedures and supplies, and a sizable minority have some degree of concern about potential adverse consequences of implementing sustainable policies. This study uniquely provides an international, multidisciplinary snapshot of surgeons’ attitudes, knowledge, concerns, willingness, and preferred educational modalities related to mitigating the environmental impact of surgical practice.
Risk factors for and treatment of anastomotic strictures after Ivor Lewis esophagectomy
Authors: Doran Sophie L. F. , Digby Maria G. , Green Sophie V. , Kelty Clive J. , Tamhankar Anand P.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Anastomotic strictures following esophagectomy occur frequently and impact on nutrition and quality of life. Although strictures are often attributed to ischemia and anastomotic leaks, the role of anastomosis size and pyloroplasty is not well evaluated. Our study aims to assess the rate of and risk factors for anastomotic stricture following esophagectomy, and the impact of treatment with regular endoscopic balloon dilatations.

Methods

Consecutive patients (n = 207) undergoing Ivor Lewis esophagectomy performed by two surgeons at our institution were included. Data on patient demographics, surgical outcomes and anastomotic strictures were recorded. Relationship of anastomotic strictures with circular stapler size, pyloroplasty and anastomotic leak was analyzed. Treatment of strictures with endoscopic balloon dilatation was reviewed and percentage weight loss at 1 year was evaluated.

Results

Anastomotic strictures occurred in 17.4% of patients. Patient demographics between those with and without stricture were similar. Stricture rate was similar in patients with or without pyloroplasty (13.9% vs 21.7%, respectively, p = 0.14) and in those with or without an anastomotic leak (25.0% vs 16.6%, respectively, p = 0.345). Stricture risk increased with smaller sized stapler (25 mm = 33.3%, 28 mm = 15.3%, 31 mm = 4.8%; p = 0.027).

The median number of dilatations required to fully treat strictures was 2 (IQR: 1–3). The median length of time from surgery to first dilatation was 2.9 months (IQR: 2.0–4.7) and to last dilatation was 6.1 months (IQR: 4.8–10.0). Median maximum dilatation diameter was 20 mm (IQR: 18.0–20.0). There were no complications from dilatations. Percentage weight loss at 1 year in patients with strictures was similar to those without strictures (8.7% vs 11.1%, respectively, p = 0.090).

Conclusions

Post-esophagectomy anastomotic strictures are common and not necessarily related to anastomotic leaks or absence of pyloroplasty. Smaller anastomosis size was strongly linked with stricture formation. A driven approach with regular endoscopic balloon dilation is safe and effective in treating these strictures with no excess weight loss at 1 year once treated.
The safety and efficacy of endoscopic approaches for the management of Zenker’s diverticulum: a multicentre retrospective study
Authors: Norton Benjamin , Siggens Katie , Papaefthymiou Apostolis , Telese Andrea , Duku Margaret , Murino Alberto , Johnson Gavin , Murray Charles , Mohammadi Borzoueh , Mughal Muntzer , Bisschops Raf , Bhandari Pradeep , Birchall Martin , Haidry Rehan
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Minimally invasive endoscopic options are safe and effective alternatives to surgery for the treatment of symptomatic Zenker’s diverticulum (ZD). However, there is no consensus on the gold-standard approach. We compared the safety and efficacy of Zenker’s peroral endoscopic myotomy (Z-POEM), flexible diverticulotomy (FD), and rigid diverticulotomy (RD) for the management of ZD.

Methods

Patients undergoing treatment for ZD at three UK tertiary referral centres were identified and analysed between 2013 and 2023. Patient demographics, procedural details, clinical success, and 30-day adverse events (AE) were recorded. The primary outcomes were technical and clinical success defined as a fall in Dakkak and Bennett dysphagia score to ≤ 1 without re-intervention.

Results

There was no difference in baseline characteristics amongst 126 patients undergoing intervention (50 RD, 31 FD, 45 Z-POEM). Technical success for RD, FD, and Z-POEM was 80%, 100%, and 100%, respectively (p < 0.001). Over a mean follow-up of 11.0 months (95% CI 8.2–13.9), clinical success amongst those treated was 85.3% (RD), 74.1% (FD), and 83.7% (Z-POEM; p = 0.48) with recurrence in 17.2% (RD), 20.0% (FD), and 8.3% (Z-POEM; p = 0.50). AEs were equivalent between groups (p = 0.98). During this time, 11 patients underwent surgical myotomy with low clinical success (36.4%) and high morbidity.

Conclusion

Endoscopic options for the treatment of ZD show equivalent rates of success, but failed RD often led to open myotomy with worse outcomes. Flexible endoscopic modalities are both safe and highly effective treatments that may be considered first-line in experienced centres and should be offered before surgery.

Graphical abstract