bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sexual, relational, and psychological functioning in male partners of women with reported Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome—a case–control study
Authors: Bleijenberg F , Weijenborg P T M , Kluivers K B , Both S 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

STUDY QUESTION
Do sexual, relational, and psychological functioning of male partners of women with Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser (MRKH) syndrome differ from male partners of women without MRKH syndrome?

SUMMARY ANSWER
Male partners of women with MRKH syndrome did not significantly differ in sexual functioning but reported higher relational satisfaction and less anxiety than the control group.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
To date, only a few studies have reported occasionally about sexual, psychological, and relational functioning of partners of women with MRKH syndrome. The results seem to suggest sexual satisfaction in these men, contrary to the more often reported insecurities in women with MRKH syndrome surrounding sexuality and relationships.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
In this case–control study, 42 male partners of women with MRKH syndrome and 40 partners of women without the condition were enrolled.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
All participants were recruited through women with MRKH syndrome and age-matched women without the condition who participated in a previous case–control study on sexual, psychological, and relational functioning. Participants live in a heterosexual relationship for at least in the last 6 months and have a basic understanding of the Dutch language. They were administered a set of online questionnaires to assess sexual, relational, and psychological functioning.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
Partners of women with MRKH syndrome did not differ significantly in overall sexual functioning and had similar percentages of sexual dysfunction and sexual distress as the control group. Partners of women with MRKH syndrome reported significantly less relational dissatisfaction (P = 0.01; Cohen’s d = 0.6) than partners of women without the condition. There was no significant difference in overall psychological functioning or the presence of clinically relevant anxiety and depression, but the men in the MRKH group had a significantly lower anxiety score (P = 0.01; Cohen’s d = 0.6).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
We were not able to reach a sample size needed for enough power to detect small to medium effect sizes. Confounding factors and selection bias cannot be excluded.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
The study offers new knowledge on a perspective that remains underexposed so far, which makes comparison to previous literature difficult. More research is needed to apply the results in clinical practice.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
This research was supported by the Dutch Scientific Society of Sexology (Nederlandse Wetenschappelijke Vereniging Voor Seksuologie). There was no involvement in the conduct of the research, and the funding was unrestricted. There are no conflicts of interest to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
N/A.
Predation by marine mammals explains recent trends in natural mortality of Pacific Herring (Clupea pallasii) and changes expectations for future biomass
Authors: Doherty Beau , Johnson Samuel D N , Benson Ashleen J , Cox Sean P , Cleary Jaclyn S , Lane Jim 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The recovery of marine mammals from historical over-exploitation in the 1970s represents one of the largest changes in trophic structure in the northeast Pacific Ocean over the last century, for which the impacts on key forage species such as Pacific Herring (Clupea pallasii) are poorly understood. This has prompted hypotheses that increasing marine mammal populations are the primary cause for productivity declines for some fish stocks and their lack of recovery to historical abundance levels. In this study, we evaluate such a hypothesis for Pacific Herring by quantifying historical predation rates by key predators, including cetaceans (Pacific Humpbacks, Grey Whales), pinnipeds (Steller Sea Lions, Harbour Seals), and piscivorous fish (Pacific Hake). Predation mortality is quantified via a novel approach that integrates a single-species catch-at-age model with estimates of predator consumption derived from bioenergetic models. We found that predator consumption, largely driven by Humpback Whales, explained increasing Pacific Herring natural mortality rates in recent years and could be used to forecast future mortality. Incorporating higher future natural mortality rates produced higher estimates of current stock status (1.09–1.2$B_0$) based on lower estimates of equilibrium unfished biomass (17.5–20.3 kt). Conversely, models that assumed mortality was more like the historical average had lower stock status (0.63$B_0$) and higher estimates of unfished biomass (32.4 kt). We demonstrate a practical approach for ecosystem modelling that can be used to develop operating model scenarios for management strategy evaluation, improving scientific defensibility by removing an element of analyst choice for future mortality scenarios. We discuss how simpler modifications to single-species model assumptions can be more pragmatic for providing fisheries management advice, while more complex multi-species or ecosystem models might provide more nuanced insights for exploring research questions related to multi-species ecosystems and fisheries interactions.
Surgical indications for pleurectomy/decortication in pleural mesothelioma based on the newly revised 9th edition of the tumour–node–metastasis classification
Authors: Kanayama Masatoshi , Takenaka Masaru , Manabe Takehiko , Yoshimatsu Katsuma , Oyama Rintaro , Matsumiya Hiroki , Mori Masataka , Kuroda Koji , Tanaka Fumihiro 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The MARS2 trial questioned the efficacy of curative intent surgery for pleural mesothelioma (PM), while real-world clinical data from Japan suggest a favourable prognosis in surgical cases, indicating survival benefits in selected patients. The newly revised 9th edition of the tumour–node–metastasis (TNM) classification introduces a novel indicator based on pleural thickness.

METHODS
We conducted a retrospective evaluation of patients with PM who underwent pleurectomy/decortication between 2012 and 2022. Patient characteristics, complications and treatment outcomes were assessed. Additionally, outcomes were analysed based on the 9th edition of the TNM classification.

RESULTS
A total of 62 patients were included in the analysis. The median overall survival (OS) was 37.3 months, with a median relapse-free survival (RFS) of 15.5 months. Patients with the epithelioid subtype (OS: 61.6 months; RFS: 26.0 months) and pStage IA (OS: not reached; RFS: 69.1 months) had significantly better outcomes. The 9th edition of the TNM classification showed a stronger prognostic correlation than the 8th edition, with a median OS of 77.0, 31.9, 20.4 and 25.3 months for stages I, II, IIIA and IIIB (P = 0.0016) and median RFS of 34.3, 12.3, 13.7 and 6.9 months for stages I, II, IIIA and IIIB (P = 0.013), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
Surgical intervention remains crucial in the treatment of PM, particularly for patients with epithelioid histology and early stages of the disease. This study evaluates surgical indications for PM using the newly revised 9th edition of the TNM classification, indicating that it enhances the precision of surgical candidate selection and potentially improves patient outcomes.
Benefit of minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation on minimally invasive aortic valve replacement through right lateral mini-thoracotomy using femoral cannulation: a propensity-matched analysis
Authors: Nakamura Yoshitsugu , Nakayama Taisuke , Niitsuma Kusumi , Higuma Yuka , Ushijima Masaki , Kuroda Miho , Yasumoto Yuto , Ito Yujiro , Hayashi Yujiro , Tsuruta Ryo , Yamauchi Naoya , Higashino Akihiro , Shikata Fumiaki 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation on blood transfusion and asymptomatic brain injury in comparison to conventional extracorporeal circulation in the context of minimally invasive aortic valve replacement through right lateral mini-thoracotomy surgery.

METHODS
This was a retrospective observational study. Patients who underwent isolated aortic valve replacement through right lateral mini-thoracotomy surgery were divided into two groups: the minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation group and the conventional extracorporeal circulation group. Propensity matching was employed for further analysis.

RESULTS
Of 242 patients, the minimally invasive group and conventional group comprised 166 patients and 76 patients, respectively. In the matched cohort of 71 pairs, the two groups had similar preoperative characteristics. Extracorporeal circulation time was similar between the minimally invasive and conventional groups: 113 and 115 min, respectively, as was aortic clamp time: 86 and 82 min, respectively. Estimated amount of haemodilution was lower in the minimally invasive group (16.8 vs. 18.8%, P = 0.006). Blood transfusion frequency during surgery was less than half of conventional in the minimally invasive group (12.7 vs. 31.0%, P = 0.01). There were no deaths or stroke in either group during the hospital stay. Asymptomatic brain injury rate was the same for the two groups (35.2 vs. 35.2%, P = 1.00).

CONCLUSIONS
Minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation was associated with fewer patients requiring transfusion than conventional extracorporeal circulation without an increase of asymptomatic brain injury in minimally invasive aortic valve replacement through right lateral mini-thoracotomy surgery.
Assessment of the financial gaps in cardiothoracic surgery in Africa
Authors: Nwalibe Cynthia , Effiom Victory Bassey , Anyinkeng Achanga Bill-Smith , James Michael Anayo , Genda Eben-Ezer , Irungu Wambui , Abaiweh Frank-Awat , Okonta Kelechi E 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study identified the challenges to financing cardiothoracic surgical care in Africa, highlighting the present state of funding and proffering probable solutions to adequate and effective funding in the region.

METHODS
In a literature review, the authors elaborated key points, such as areas of financial funding in cardiothoracic surgery; barriers to appropriate allocation of financial resources for cardiothoracic surgery in Africa; and the needs and available resources for cardiothoracic surgery in Africa. Multiple search engines and databases were used, including but not limited to PubMed, Medline, Cochrane, Scopus and Google Scholar. Sixty articles were identified, and 50 of the 60 were used for this review.

RESULTS
Operations to treat cardiovascular and thoracic diseases performed on the African continent are known to be expensive. They also tend to result in significant morbidity and mortality among the affected individuals because payment is largely out of pocket and the coverage by health insurance providers is low. The establishment of cardiothoracic surgical centres and the delivery of cardiothoracic surgical care are expensive endeavours that limit access to care of patients without comprehensive health insurance or philanthropic support. These poor outcomes are attributed mainly to inadequate funding.

CONCLUSIONS
We therefore have recommended advocating for increased funding and for support of policies designed to support the prioritization of cardiothoracic care within national and regional healthcare agendas in order to include cardiothoracic surgery in global and national healthcare plans. Non-governmental organizations and major industries (foreign and local) should be encouraged to invest substantial funds in building and developing cardiothoracic surgery centres in Africa.
Application research on deep learning algorithms supporting cross-border low-carbon IoT systems in manufacturing—taking Guangdong, China, as an example
Authors: Li Jianzhong , Wan Qiang , Zhang Juan , Zhang Liangrui , Ou Zhiming 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
With the rapid advancement of new quality productive forces, the manufacturing industry faces increasing pressure for green transformation. This study, focused on Dongguan City, explores the role of deep learning in enabling cross-border, low-carbon Internet of Things (IoT) systems to enhance global competitiveness. A novel CNN–GRU–Attention deep learning model processes logistics data, capturing spatial and temporal features while highlighting key information. Combined with a three-tier low-carbon IoT system, this approach optimizes energy consumption and reduces carbon emissions. Empirical analysis from Dongguan’s logistics data demonstrates improved prediction accuracy and efficiency.
Optimal error analysis of the normalized tangent plane FEM for Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equation
Authors: An Rong , Li Yonglin , Sun Weiwei 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The dynamics of the magnetization in ferromagnetic materials is governed by the Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equation, which is highly nonlinear with the nonconvex sphere constraint $|{\textbf{m}}|=1$. A crucial issue in designing numerical schemes is to preserve this sphere constraint in the discrete level. A popular numerical method is the normalized tangent plane finite element method (NTP-FEM), which was first proposed by Alouges and Jaisson and later, applied for solving various practical problems. Since the classical energy approach fails to be applied directly to the analysis of this method, previous studies only focused on the convergence and until now, no any error estimate was established for such an NTP-FEM. This paper presents a rigorous error analysis and establishes the optimal $H^{1}$ error estimate. Numerical results are provided to confirm our theoretical analysis.
Discontinuous Galerkin discretization of coupled poroelasticity–elasticity problems
Authors: Antonietti Paola F , Botti Michele , Mazzieri Ilario 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This work is concerned with the analysis of a space–time finite element discontinuous Galerkin method on polytopal meshes (XT-PolydG) for the numerical discretization of wave propagation in coupled poroelastic–elastic media. The mathematical model consists of the low-frequency Biot’s equations in the poroelastic medium and the elastodynamics equation for the elastic one. To realize the coupling suitable transmission conditions on the interface between the two domains are (weakly) embedded in the formulation. The proposed PolydG discretization in space is coupled with a dG time integration scheme, resulting in a full space–time dG discretization. We present the stability analysis for both semidiscrete and fully discrete formulations, and derive error estimates in suitable energy norms. The method is applied to various numerical test cases to verify the theoretical bounds. Examples of physical interest are also presented to investigate the capability of the proposed method in relevant geophysical scenarios.
China’s Soft Power: Views from Saudi Arabia and the UAE
Authors: Akbarzadeh Shahram , Saba Arif 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
China has emerged as a formidable actor in the Middle East, expanding its engagement with the region well beyond its quest for resources. It has adopted a multilayered approach and engaged with the region through diplomacy, economic investments, security, and cultural outreach. This complex web of engagement is designed to promote China as a reliable partner and role model in the Middle East. China has developed a conscious soft power projection plan that leverages its economic weight and promotes values associated with a strong state and social stability. The emphasis on economic development and a strong state resonates with many states in the Middle East. Public opinion surveys in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reveal a highly favorable perception of China and its role in the region. There is clear interest in China's economic model, with overwhelming support for trade and economic engagement. China's political system is also seen as attractive. This study reveals interest in closer political and cultural ties with China, suggesting that Chinese has achieved discernible soft power in the region.
Moving the Needle: Recommendation Precision and Compliance with Women’s Rights Recommendations
Authors: Haglund Jillienne , Hillebrecht Courtney 
Published: December 2024

Abstracts
International human rights institutions impose obligations on their member states that extend long past the ratification stage. Each year, states receive tens, or even hundreds, of recommendations from international human rights bodies. These recommendations demand that states change their human rights policies and practices. While recent scholarship has emphasized the important role of domestic institutions and civil society actors in facilitating compliance with these recommendations, comparatively little research examines how the quality of the recommendations themselves affects compliance outcomes. Using two novel datasets, this paper sets out to understand the nexus between recommendation quality and compliance. Our research suggests that highly precise recommendations move the needle away from inaction on international human rights institutions’ rulings and recommendations but make full compliance more difficult. This paper advances the existing literature on the dynamics of compliance and places some of the responsibility for compliance on the international human rights institutions themselves.
A novel generative multi-task representation learning approach for predicting postoperative complications in cardiac surgery patients
Authors: Shen Junbo , Xue Bing , Kannampallil Thomas , Lu Chenyang , Abraham Joanna 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objective
Early detection of surgical complications allows for timely therapy and proactive risk mitigation. Machine learning (ML) can be leveraged to identify and predict patient risks for postoperative complications. We developed and validated the effectiveness of predicting postoperative complications using a novel surgical Variational Autoencoder (surgVAE) that uncovers intrinsic patterns via cross-task and cross-cohort presentation learning.

Materials and Methods
This retrospective cohort study used data from the electronic health records of adult surgical patients over 4 years (2018-2021). Six key postoperative complications for cardiac surgery were assessed: acute kidney injury, atrial fibrillation, cardiac arrest, deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, blood transfusion, and other intraoperative cardiac events. We compared surgVAE’s prediction performance against widely-used ML models and advanced representation learning and generative models under 5-fold cross-validation.

Results
89 246 surgeries (49% male, median [IQR] age: 57 [45-69]) were included, with 6502 in the targeted cardiac surgery cohort (61% male, median [IQR] age: 60 [53-70]). surgVAE demonstrated generally superior performance over existing ML solutions across postoperative complications of cardiac surgery patients, achieving macro-averaged AUPRC of 0.409 and macro-averaged AUROC of 0.831, which were 3.4% and 3.7% higher, respectively, than the best alternative method (by AUPRC scores). Model interpretation using Integrated Gradients highlighted key risk factors based on preoperative variable importance.

Discussion and Conclusion
Our advanced representation learning framework surgVAE showed excellent discriminatory performance for predicting postoperative complications and addressing the challenges of data complexity, small cohort sizes, and low-frequency positive events. surgVAE enables data-driven predictions of patient risks and prognosis while enhancing the interpretability of patient risk profiles.
What the papers say
Authors: Bajwa Ali 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The Journal of Hip Preservation Surgery (JHPS) is not the only place where work in the field of hip preservation can be published. Although our aim is to offer the best of the best, we are continually fascinated by work, which finds its way into journals other than our own. There is much to learn from it, and so JHPS has selected six recent and topical subjects for those who seek a summary of what is taking place in our ever-fascinating world of hip preservation. What you see here are the mildly edited abstracts of the original articles, to give them what JHPS hopes is a more readable feel. If you are pushed for time, what follows should take you no more than 10 min to read. So here goes …
Purple non-sulfur bacteria for biotechnological applications
Authors: Morrison Hailee M , Bose Arpita 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

In this review, we focus on how purple non-sulfur bacteria can be leveraged for sustainable bioproduction to support the circular economy. We discuss the state of the field with respect to the use of purple bacteria for energy production, their role in wastewater treatment, as a fertilizer, and as a chassis for bioplastic production. We explore their ability to serve as single-cell protein and production platforms for fine chemicals from waste materials. We also introduce more Avant-Garde technologies that leverage the unique metabolisms of purple bacteria, including microbial electrosynthesis and co-culture. These technologies will be pivotal in our efforts to mitigate climate change and circularize the economy in the next two decades.

One-sentence summary
Purple non-sulfur bacteria are utilized for a range of biotechnological applications, including the production of bio-energy, single cell protein, fertilizer, bioplastics, fine chemicals, in wastewater treatment and in novel applications like co-cultures and microbial electrosynthesis.