bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surgeon perspectives on factors affecting intraoperative complexity in major emergency abdominal surgery: a Danish nationwide survey
Authors: Jensen Lasse Rehné , Kokotovic Dunja , Gormsen Johanne , Burcharth Jakob , Jensen Thomas Korgaard 
Published: November 2024

Summary

Background
The factors contributing to increased intraoperative complexity in major emergency abdominal surgery are not well documented. Several factors could influence surgeons’ expectations regarding intraoperative complexity in emergency settings. The purpose of this study was to investigate surgeons’ expectations regarding how prior and current factors may affect intraoperative complexity in emergency surgery.

Methods
The study was an anonymous, case-based questionnaire survey targeting a national cohort of general surgeons in Denmark. The questionnaire included four parts: (1) demographics; (2) rating of factors affecting intraoperative complexity in an emergency laparotomy; (3) ranking of factors by impact on intraoperative complexity; and (4) specification of factors necessitating a consultant’s presence at the start of surgery.

Results
The questionnaire was answered by 137 surgeons. Both in-house and on-call surgeons agreed that the prior factors of previous open abdomen and previous abdominal surgery described with difficult conditions had the highest impact on intraoperative complexity. The most important current factors were severe hemodynamic instability and suspected adhesional obstruction in computed tomography. Significant differences were found in the need for consultant presence: previous radiotherapy (3% in-house vs. 39% on-call; p < 0.001), previous open abdomen (23% in-house vs. 47% on-call; p < 0.002), severe hemodynamic instability (46% in-house vs. 65% on-call; p < 0.001), and suspected perforated diverticulitis (18% in-house vs. 33% on-call; p < 0.002).

Conclusion
This study revealed a consensus among in-house and on-call surgeons regarding the key factors influencing intraoperative complexity in emergency abdominal surgery, offering valuable insights from the perspective of Danish surgeons.
Calcific versus non-calcific plaque: a CAD-RADS and FFRCT study
Authors: Murphy David , Graby John , Hudson Benjamin , Lowe Robert , Carson Kevin , Kandan Sri Raveen , McKenzie Daniel , Khavandi Ali , Rodrigues Jonathan Carl Luis 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Coronary Artery Disease-Reporting and Data System (CAD-RADS) standardises Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography (CTCA) reporting. Coronary calcification can overestimate stenosis. We hypothesized where CADRADS category is assigned due to predominantly calcified maximal stenosis (Ca+), the CTCA-derived Fractional Flow Reserve (FFRCT) would be lower compared to predominantly non-calcified maximal stenoses (Ca-) of the same CAD-RADS category. Consecutive patients undergoing routine clinical CTCA (September 2018 to May 2020) with ≥1 stenosis ≥25% with FFRCT correlation were included. CTCA’s were subdivided into Ca+ and Ca-. FFRCT was measured in the left anterior descending (LAD), left circumflex (LCx) and right coronary artery (RCA). Potentially flow-limiting classified as FFRCT≤0.8. A subset had Invasive Coronary Angiography (ICA). 561 patients screened, 320 included (60% men, 69±10 years). Ca+ in 51%, 69% and 50% of CAD-RADS 2, 3 and 4 respectively. There was no difference in the prevalence of FFRCT≤0.8 between Ca+ and Ca- stenoses for each CAD-RADS categories. No difference was demonstrated in the median maximal stenoses FFRCT or end-vessel FFRCT within CAD-RADS 2 and 4. CAD-RADS 3 Ca+ had a lower FFRCT (maximal stenosis p= .02, end-vessel p= .005) vs Ca-. No difference in the prevalence of obstructive disease at ICA between predominantly Ca+ and Ca- for any CAD-RADS category. There was no difference in median FFRCT values or rate of obstructive disease at ICA between Ca+ and Castenosis in both CAD-RADS 2 and 4. Ca+ CAD-RADS 3 was suggestive of an underestimation based on FFRCT but not corroborated at ICA.
Assessing climate impacts of agroforestry system in LCA: case study in Zambia
Authors: Lahtinen Oskari J. J. , Kyttä Venla V. , Tuomisto Hanna L. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Agroforestry systems have the potential to reduce the carbon footprint (CF) of food production. One of the advantages of these systems is carbon removal from the atmosphere to biogenic carbon of trees. Nevertheless, there is not a common agreement on the method to include the climatic benefits of agroforestry systems in life cycle assessment (LCA). This study aims to evaluate methods for including biogenic carbon in the LCA of agroforestry systems.

Methods
We studied three different maize production systems in Zambia: Low-input, High-input, and Agroforestry scenario. In the Agroforestry scenario, we studied a maize–Faidherbia albida system by investigating three methodological approaches with a functional unit (FU) of 1 ha. In Methodological Approach 1, biogenic carbon in the above- and below-ground biomass of trees in the agroforestry system was considered as a temporary carbon dioxide (CO2) storage via correction flow. In Methodological Approach 2, the biomass of trees was used as an energy source. In Methodological Approach 3, the mass balance principle was employed. The system expansion method was utilized to make each production system comparable. Three sensitivity analyses with a FU of 1000 kg of dry matter maize grain were also conducted following the methodological approaches.

Results and discussion
The Agroforestry scenario had the lowest CF in all methodological approaches and in all sensitivity analyses when the maize grain yield level was the same as reported in the literature. Yet, uncertainty levels were high, as an IPCC tier 1 method was used. It was found that the biogenic carbon of the trees in agroforestry systems can be included in LCA by the currently available methods. The mass balance principle was a practical method for including the biogenic carbon of the trees in LCA. System expansion was another feasible method, wherein processes are added to the compared systems until they include the provision of the same functions.

Conclusions
Biogenic carbon in the biomass of trees in agroforestry systems can greatly contribute to decreasing the CF if it is considered in LCA. If the FU and allocation methods are selected accordingly, the biogenic carbon can be effectively included in LCA. Based on the results of this case study, the maize–F. albida agroforestry system has the potential for decreasing the CF of maize production in Zambia.
Comparative Quantitative Analysis of the Evolution of Precipitates in Inconel 625 Superalloy Manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion Subjected to High-Temperature Creep and Annealing
Authors: Staroń Sylwia , Pasiowiec Hubert , Gola Kewin , Ledwig Piotr , Dubiel Beata 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe aim of the study is to contribute to understanding how prolonged exposure to high temperature and stress affects the morphology, size, and distribution of secondary phase precipitates in Inconel 625 manufactured by laser powder bed fusion. Creep tests were performed under a constant stress of 100 MPa at temperatures of 600 °C, 700 °C, and 800 °C. Samples creep tested at 600 °C and 700 °C were terminated after 2000 hours, while at 800 °C, the creep test was carried out until rupture. Isothermal annealing was carried out at temperatures of 700 °C and 800 °C for the same duration as creep tests. Microstructural analysis of creep-deformed and annealed samples was performed with the use of light microscopy, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. The first-ever comparison of the evolution of precipitates in Inconel 625 LPBF after creep tests and annealing at 700 °C and 800 °C was shown. The qualitative and quantitative analysis revealed that the stress applied during creep tests leads to more pronounced nucleation of δ phase precipitates, although the growth of δ particles occurs more slowly compared to annealing. Furthermore, in creep-tested samples, the growth and coalescence of carbides and Laves phase particles were more intensive, compared to stress-free annealing, particularly at a temperature of 800 °C. Moreover, we show that the evolution of carbides and Laves phase particles along grain boundaries contributes to cavity and microcrack formation during high-temperature creep of Inconel 625 LPBF.
Incidence and risk factors of female sexual dysfunction in urban and rural China: a 4-year prospective cohort study
Authors: Pang Haiyu , Si Mingyu , Xu Tao , Li Zhaoai , Gong Jian , Liu Qing , Wang Yuling , Wang Juntao , Xia Zhijun , Zhu Lan 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors for female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in urban and rural China. A prospective cohort study was conducted from February 2014 to January 2016, with follow-up from June to December 2018. Women aged ≽20 years were recruited from urban and rural areas in six provinces of China using a multistage, stratified, cluster sampling method. Sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire. A total of 16 827 women without sexual dysfunction at baseline participated in this study, 9489 of them (urban, 5321; rural, 4168) who had complete information from baseline to follow-up were included in the final analysis. The rate of follow-up was 68.81%, and the median follow-up time was 4.13 years. The 4-year incidence of FSD was 43.07%, with an incidence density of 12.02 per 100 person-years. In particular, the 4-year incidence and incidence density of FSD were 41.03% and 11.88 per 100 person-years in the urban group and 45.68% and 12.17 per 100 person-years in the rural group. Among women with sexual dysfunction, difficulties in sexual desire, satisfaction, and arousal were the main symptoms. In urban women, the risk factors for FSD included age ≽45 years (adjusted relative risk 1.69, 95% confidence interval 1.57–1.81), hypertension (1.31, 1.14–1.49), previous delivery (1.26, 1.13–1.41), post-menopausal status (1.20, 1.10–1.32), pelvic inflammatory disease (1.13, 1.05–1.21), and multiparity (1.11, 1.03–1.19). In the rural group, the risk factors significantly associated with FSD were age ≽45 years (1.50, 1.40–1.61), previous delivery (1.39, 1.17–1.65), hypertension (1.18, 1.06–1.30), multiparity (1.16, 1.07–1.27), and post-menopausal status (1.15, 1.07–1.23). FSD is a hidden epidemic condition in China, and the development of prevention strategies should consider the distinct risk factors present in rural and urban areas.
Monitoring fossil fuel CO2 emissions from co-emitted NO2 observed from space: progress, challenges, and future perspectives
Authors: Li Hui , Qiu Jiaxin , Zhang Kexin , Zheng Bo 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDeveloping an anthropogenic carbon dioxides (CO2) emissions monitoring and verification support (MVS) capacity is essential to support the Global Stocktake (GST) and ratchet up Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The 2019 IPCC refinement proposes top-down inversed CO2 emissions, primarily from fossil fuel (FFCO2), as a viable emission dataset. Despite substantial progress in directly inferring FFCO2 emissions from CO2 observations, substantial challenges remain, particularly in distinguishing local CO2 enhancements from the high background due to the long atmospheric lifetime. Alternatively, using short-lived and co-emitted nitrogen dioxide (NO2) as a proxy in FFCO2 emission inversion has gained prominence. This methodology is broadly categorized into plume-based and emission ratios (ERs)-based inversion methods. In the plume-based methods, NO2 observations act as locators, constraints, and validators for deciphering CO2 plumes downwind of sources, typically at point source and city scales. The ERs-based inversion approach typically consists of two steps: inferring NO2-based nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions and converting NOx to CO2 emissions using CO2-to-NOx ERs. While integrating NO2 observations into FFCO2 emission inversion offers advantages over the direct CO2-based methods, uncertainties persist, including both structural and data-related uncertainties. Addressing these uncertainties is a primary focus for future research, which includes deploying next-generation satellites and developing advanced inversion systems. Besides, data caveats are necessary when releasing data to users to prevent potential misuse. Advancing NO2-based CO2 emission inversion requires interdisciplinary collaboration across multiple communities of remote sensing, emission inventory, transport model improvement, and atmospheric inversion algorithm development.
Preoperative mitral valve annulus area size is an important factor in avoiding functional mitral stenosis after mitral valve repair
Authors: Sasaki Haruka , Takaoka Hiroyuki , Yoshida Kazuki , Matsumoto Moe , Nishikawa Yusei , Noguchi Yoshitada , Aoki Shuhei , Suzuki Katsuya , Yashima Satomi , Kinoshita Makiko , Suzuki-Eguchi Noriko , Takanashi Shuichiro , Matsumiya Goro , Kobayashi Yoshio 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Functional mitral stenosis (FMS) following mitral valve (MV) repair for degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR) is known as a poor prognostic factor. The parameters for avoiding postoperative FMS in MV repair for DMR have not been established.

Methods
Two-hundred-and-twenty patients (mean age 61.1 ± 13.3 years, 144 males) who underwent MV repair for DMR were analyzed. MV annulus area was measured pre- and postoperatively using three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Trans-mitral pressure gradient (TMPG) was evaluated by postoperative transthoracic echocardiography and FMS was defined as a mean TMPG ≥ 5 mmHg.

Results
FMS was present in 14 patients (6.4%). Pre- versus postoperative MV annulus area change ratio was greater in the FMS group than in the non-FMS group (62.5 ± 7.2% vs. 48 ± 11.2%, p < 0.0001). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, MV annulus area change ratio was an independent predictor of FMS (odds ratio 1.19, 95% confidence interval 1.09–1.33, p < 0.0001), while receiver operating characteristics analysis showed that the optimal threshold for MV annulus area change ratio to predict FMS was 56.2% (area under the curve, 0.87; p < 0.0001).

Conclusion
The preoperative MV annulus area on TEE can be used to determine the postoperative MV annulus area to avoid FMS after MV repair.
Onboard background-oriented schlieren imaging using consumer-grade hardware
Authors: Quinn M. K. , Crowther W. J. , Wood K. , Kabbabe K. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractA demonstration of a fully onboard method for generating background oriented schlieren (BOS) data on a jet exhaust is presented. Readily available commercial camera equipment is used to capture in-flight imagery of a miniature jet engine exhaust mounted on a custom-built model aircraft. The setup for image acquisition and processing algorithms are described. A new process for registration of images to reduce the degrading effects of vibration and flexure of the airframe are developed and presented along with the underpinning BOS algorithm. Results show that jet flows can be visualised using this technique using a contained system on a single aircraft and demonstrate how a simple technique, such as BOS, can be democratised to such an extent that the cost of conducting in-flight jet measurements can be reduced to the budget of any model aircraft flyer.
What Is Spider-Man’s Real Name? Marvel Comics as Fictional Journalism
Authors: Cook Roy T. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
We develop and defend a novel interpretation of mainstream Marvel Comics—an interpretation we call the Fictional Journalism Interpretation. We then show how this interpretation of Marvel comics (i) challenges standard accounts of the manner in which fictional truths are generated by fictions and (ii) provides us with novel, interesting, and in some cases simpler explanations of, and understandings of, phenomena within these comics that are hard to deal with adequately on more traditional accounts, including both contradictions in the fiction and various metafictional storytelling strategies. We conclude by defending the view from a number of objections.
Changing Trends of Excess Self-protective Behavior, and Association with Belief in Prevention Myths During the COVID-19 Epidemic in China: A Panel Study
Authors: Peng Sihui , Yang Tingzhong , Rockett Ian R.H. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This prospective observational study examined changing trends of excess self-protective behavior (EPB), and their association with perceived risk, perceived severity, and irrational beliefs about prevention during the Chinese COVID-19 epidemic. Participants were recruited for an online panel survey. There are 150 participants for the baseline and 102 for the final survey. There were 5 waves of interviews. Perceptions of risk and disease severity were measured by single items. Irrational beliefs about prevention and EPB comprised 5 common prevention misconceptions. Descriptive statistics and the CATMOD program were used for data analysis. The prevalence of participants perceiving personal risk of contracting COVID-19 and severe consequences of the disease was 18.6% and 25.5%, respectively, at baseline, and declining to 4.9% and 17.6% at final observation. The 5 selected EPB also showed a diminishing trend. Belief in COVID-19 prevention myths trended upwards. Perceived risk was positively associated with each EPB, and perceived severity with disinfection of clothes and hoarding of products. Myth adherence was positively associated with disinfection of clothes and both hand washing and sanitization. This study yields new information about EPB among the Chinese public. Policy modifications and public education interventions are essential for minimizing the adverse health effects of subscribing to irrational beliefs.
Leveraging heterogeneous LiDAR data to model successional stages at tree species level in temperate forests
Authors: Bald Lisa , Ziegler Alice , Gottwald Jannis , Koch Tiziana L. , Ludwig Marvin , Meyer Hanna , Wöllauer Stephan , Zeuss Dirk , Frieß Nicolas 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
In the context of the ongoing biodiversity crisis, understanding forest ecosystems, their tree species composition, and especially the successional stages of their development is crucial. They collectively shape the biodiversity within forests and thereby influence the ecosystem services that forests provide, yet this information is not readily available on a large scale. Remote sensing techniques offer promising solutions for obtaining area-wide information on tree species composition and their successional stages. While optical data are often freely available in appropriate quality over large scales, obtaining light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data, which provide valuable information about forest structure, is more challenging. LiDAR data are mostly acquired by public authorities across several years and therefore heterogeneous in quality. This study aims to assess if heterogeneous LiDAR data can support area-wide modeling of forest successional stages at the tree species group level. Different combinations of spectral satellite data (Sentinel-2) and heterogeneous airborne LiDAR data, collected by the federal government of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, were utilized to model up to three different successional stages of seven tree species groups. When incorporating heterogeneous LiDAR data into random forest models with spatial variable selection and spatial cross-validation, significant accuracy improvements of up to 0.23 were observed. This study shows the potential of not dismissing initially seemingly unusable heterogeneous LiDAR data for ecological studies. We advocate for a thorough examination to determine its usefulness for model enhancement. A practical application of this approach is demonstrated, in the context of mapping successional stages of tree species groups at a regional level.
Exploring the Antifibrotic Mechanisms of Ghrelin: Modulating TGF-β Signalling in Organ Fibrosis
Authors: Li Mei , Zheng Chang , Wang Huiyi , Wang Shan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Fibrosis is a pathological condition that affects various organs by increasing fibrous connective tissue while reducing parenchymal cells. This imbalance can lead to compromised organ function and potential failure, posing significant health risks. The condition’s complexity necessitates the exploration of effective treatments to mitigate its progression and adverse outcomes.

Aims
This study aims to investigate the role of ghrelin, a peptide hormone known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties, in modulating fibrosis across different organs. By binding to the growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a (GHSR-1a), ghrelin has shown potential in attenuating the fibrotic process, particularly through its interaction with the TGF-β signalling pathway.

Methods
An extensive review of clinical and animal model studies focusing on liver, kidney, lung, and myocardial fibrosis was conducted. The primary focus was on examining how ghrelin influences the TGF-β signalling pathway, with an emphasis on the regulation of TGF-β expression and the suppression of Smad signalling molecules. The methodology involved analysing data from various studies to understand ghrelin’s molecular mechanisms in combating fibrosis.

Results
The findings from the reviewed studies indicate that ghrelin exerts significant anti-fibrotic effects across multiple organ systems. Specifically, ghrelin was found to downregulate TGF-β expression and suppress Smad signalling molecules, leading to a marked reduction in fibrous tissue accumulation and preservation of organ function. In liver fibrosis models, ghrelin reduced TGF-β1 levels and Smad3 phosphorylation, while in kidney and cardiac fibrosis, similar protective effects were observed. The data also suggest that ghrelin’s effects are mediated through both canonical and non-canonical TGF-β pathways.

Conclusions
Ghrelin presents a promising therapeutic agent in the management of fibrosis due to its potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic actions. Its ability to modulate the TGF-β signalling pathway underscores a vital molecular mechanism through which ghrelin can mitigate fibrotic progression in various organs. Future research should focus on further elucidating ghrelin’s molecular interactions and potential clinical applications in fibrosis treatment, offering new avenues for developing effective anti-fibrotic therapies.
Entropy of group actions beyond uniform lattices
Authors: HAUSER TILL , SCHNEIDER FRIEDRICH MARTIN 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Entropy of measure-preserving or continuous actions of amenable discrete groups allows for various equivalent approaches. Among them are those given by the techniques developed by Ollagnier and Pinchon on the one hand and the Ornstein–Weiss lemma on the other. We extend these two approaches to the context of actions of amenable topological groups. In contrast to the discrete setting, our results reveal a remarkable difference between the two concepts of entropy in the realm of non-discrete groups: while the first quantity collapses to 0 in the non-discrete case, the second yields a well-behaved invariant for amenable unimodular groups. Concerning the latter, we moreover study the corresponding notion of topological pressure, prove a Goodwyn-type theorem, and establish the equivalence with the uniform lattice approach (for locally compact groups admitting a uniform lattice). Our study elaborates on a version of the Ornstein–Weiss lemma due to Gromov.