bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sentientist Rights: A Third Conception?
Authors: Fasel Raffael N 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This chapter considers whether increasingly popular sentientist rights theories represent an attractive third conception that escapes the spectrum of fundamental rights conceptions. The chapter takes Alasdair Cochrane’s theory of sentient equality, summarized in Section 2, as a test case for the sentientist approach. Section 3 analyses whether Cochrane’s theory indeed represents a third conception or whether, as I argue, it is in fact a Meritocratic theory. The section then proposes that even if one were to reject this, the sentientist approach still faces problems that can make it unattractive to many human rights proponents. This is because sentience is not an ideal ground for equal status (Section 4) and because the sentientist approach allows for some humans to have no rights, and for animal rights to outweigh human rights (Section 5).
Opioid Usage Following Oculoplastic Procedures
Authors: Mei Frank , Garfinkel Victoria , Petroll Matthew , Mancini Ronald 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
With the rising toll of the opioid crisis, oculoplastic surgeons have been looking at methods to decrease opioid prescription.

Objectives
The aim of this study was to identify factors that correlate with opioid usage after oculoplastic surgery.

Methods
This was a prospective study conducted at University of Texas Southwestern. All patients who underwent an oculoplastic procedure were eligible for inclusion. Patients enrolled were provided 20 tablets of tramadol 50 mg, to take 1 tablet every 6 hours as needed for pain. At their postoperative week 1 appointment, participants had the remaining number of unused opioid tablets counted. The number of tablets taken were calculated by subtracting the remaining number of tablets from the original prescribed amount.

Results
A total of 310 patients were enrolled in our study. Of these, 129 patients met the inclusion criteria. There was a statistically significant difference in the number of tramadol tablets taken between procedures for upper eyelids, lower eyelids, and both eyelids (P &lt; .01). There were no statistically significant differences in tramadol usage when comparing procedures on eyelids with orbit procedures(P = .30), cosmetic with noncosmetic procedures (P = .52), males with females (P = .87), or patients naive to oculoplastic procedures with those undergoing reoperation (P = .58). Longer procedures were correlated with greater tramadol usage (R = 0.28, P &lt; .01).

Conclusions
This is the first study in the literature that has objectively quantified opioid usage after oculoplastic surgery in a prospective manner. Procedures that involve both upper and lower eyelids simultaneously and longer procedures resulted in higher opioid use. Orbital procedures, cosmetic procedures, sex, and procedural naivety were not found to be associated with higher opioid usage.

Level of Evidence: 4
Alterations in the brain functional network of abstinent male individuals with methamphetamine use disorder
Authors: Luo Dan , He Wanlin , Shen Danlin , Tang Bin , Tao Hongge , Tang Qiao , Lai Mingfeng , Liu Jun , Liu Yishan , Xu Jiajun , Meng Jinli , Li Jing 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Methamphetamine is a highly addictive psychostimulant drug that is abused globally and is a serious threat to health worldwide. Unfortunately, the specific mechanism underlying addiction remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the characteristics of functional connectivity in the brain network and the factors influencing methamphetamine use disorder in patients using magnetic resonance imaging. We included 96 abstinent male participants with methamphetamine use disorder and 46 age- and sex-matched healthy controls for magnetic resonance imaging. Compared with healthy controls, participants with methamphetamine use disorder had greater impulsivity, fewer small-world attributes of the resting-state network, more nodal topological attributes in the cerebellum, greater functional connectivity strength within the cerebellum and between the cerebellum and brain, and decreased frontoparietal functional connectivity strength. In addition, after controlling for covariates, the partial correlation analysis showed that small-world properties were significantly associated with methamphetamine use frequency, psychological craving, and impulsivity. Furthermore, we revealed that the small-word attribute significantly mediated the effect of methamphetamine use frequency on motor impulsivity in the methamphetamine use disorder group. These findings may further improve our understanding of the neural mechanism of impulse control dysfunction underlying methamphetamine addiction and assist in exploring the neuropathological mechanism underlying methamphetamine use disorder-related dysfunction and rehabilitation.
In situ pump-flow-probe XAFS study of photoexcited electron transfer over single atom-Pt/CoOOH photocatalysts
Authors: Cheng Weiren , Kido Daiki , Niwa Yasuhiro , Bo Shuowen , Kimura Masao , Ota Ryo , Shibayama Tamaki , Asakura Kiyotaka 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
We applied pump-flow-probe X-ray absorption fine structure (PFP-XAFS) spectroscopy to photoexcited electron transfer from semiconductor to cocatalyst in a single atom(SA)-Pt/CoOOH photocatalyst to trace the process with microsecond (μs) time resolution. Upon photoirradiation, photoexcited electrons in the CoOOH semiconductor are found to transfer into Pt 5d orbitals, reaching a maximum population at 10 μs delay time. The accumulation of photoelectrons in the Pt 5d and the following decay process are reasonably explained by sequential first-order kinetics with rate constants of k1 = 0.11 ± 0.03 μs−1 and k2 = 0.06 ± 0.01 μs−1.
Vaccination policy and mortality from COVID-19 in the European Union
Authors: Agostini Eleonora , Bloise Francesco , Tancioni Massimiliano 
Published: February 2024

Summary
This paper estimates the dynamic effect of vaccination on mortality from COVID-19 using weekly data from 26 European Union countries during 2021. Our analysis relies on the double machine learning method to control for multiple confounders, including nonpharmaceutical interventions, climate variables, mobility factors, variants of concern, country- and week-specific shocks. In our baseline specification, we show that a 10 percentage point increase in cumulative doses per hundred inhabitants averts 5.08 COVID-19 deaths per million inhabitants at the eight-week horizon and 26.41 deaths in the eight-week time window considered. The average reduction in mortality in this window is close to 50%. Further estimates reveal that the effect of doses administered to adults aged 18–59 does not statistically differ from that of doses received by people aged 60 and over. Finally, vaccine-specific estimates document that mRNA-1273 (Moderna) and Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) are more cost-effective in saving lives than Comirnaty (Pfizer), while we are unable to demonstrate any effect of Ad26.COV2.S (Johnson & Johnson).
Assessment of paravalvular regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve replacement using 2D multi-velocity encoding and 4D flow cardiac magnetic resonance
Authors: Rooijakkers Maxim J P , El Messaoudi Saloua , Stens Niels A , van Wely Marleen H , Habets Jesse , Brink Monique , Rodwell Laura , Giese Daniel , van der Geest Rob J , van Royen Niels , Nijveldt Robin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Aims
To compare the novel 2D multi-velocity encoding (venc) and 4D flow acquisitions with the standard 2D flow acquisition for the assessment of paravalvular regurgitation (PVR) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived regurgitant fraction (RF).

Methods and results
In this prospective study, patients underwent CMR 1 month after TAVR for the assessment of PVR, for which 2D multi-venc and 4D flow were used, in addition to standard 2D flow. Scatterplots and Bland–Altman plots were used to assess correlation and visualize agreement between techniques. Reproducibility of measurements was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients. The study included 21 patients (mean age ± SD 80 ± 5 years, 9 men). The mean RF was 11.7 ± 10.0% when standard 2D flow was used, 10.6 ± 7.0% when 2D multi-venc flow was used, and 9.6 ± 7.3% when 4D flow was used. There was a very strong correlation between the RFs assessed with 2D multi-venc and standard 2D flow (r = 0.88, P &lt; 0.001), and a strong correlation between the RFs assessed with 4D flow and standard 2D flow (r = 0.74, P &lt; 0.001). Bland–Altman plots revealed no substantial bias between the RFs (2D multi-venc: 1.3%; 4D flow: 0.3%). Intra-observer and inter-observer reproducibility for 2D multi-venc flow were 0.98 and 0.97, respectively, and 0.92 and 0.90 for 4D flow, respectively.

Conclusion
Two-dimensional multi-venc and 4D flow produce an accurate quantification of PVR after TAVR. The fast acquisition of the 2D multi-venc sequence and the free-breathing acquisition with retrospective plane selection of the 4D flow sequence provide useful advantages in clinical practice, especially in the frail TAVR population.
The association of lipoprotein(a) and coronary artery calcium in asymptomatic patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Martignoni Felipe Villa , RL Júnior José Eduardo , Marques Isabela R , Gomes Cintia , Moreira Vittoria Caporal S , de Souza Isabela A F , Miyawaki Isabele A , Silva Caroliny H , do Amaral Neto Augusto Barreto , Padrão Eduardo M H , Cardoso Rhanderson , de Vasconcellos Henrique Doria , Miedema Michael 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Aims
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an atherogenic lipid particle associated with increased risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) events. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score is a tool to diagnose subclinical atherosclerosis and guide clinical decision-making for primary prevention of CHD. Studies show conflicting results concerning the relationship between Lp(a) and CAC in asymptomatic populations. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the association of Lp(a) and CAC in asymptomatic patients.

Methods and results
We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane until April 2023 for studies evaluating the association between Lp(a) and CAC in asymptomatic patients. We evaluated CAC &gt; 0 Agatston units, and CAC ≥ 100. Lp(a) was analysed as a continuous or dichotomous variable. We assessed the association between Lp(a) and CAC with pooled odds ratios (OR) adopting a random-effects model. A total of 23 105 patients from 18 studies were included in the meta-analysis with a mean age of 55.9 years, 46.4% female. Elevated Lp(a) increased the odds of CAC &gt; 0 [OR 1.31; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.05–1.64; P = 0.02], CAC ≥100 (OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.01–1.65; P = 0.04; ), and CAC progression (OR 1.43; 95% CI 1.20–1.70; P &lt; 0.01; ). For each increment of 1 mg/dL in Lp(a) there was a 1% in the odds of CAC &gt; 0 (OR 1.01; 95% CI 1.01–1.01; P &lt; 0.01).

Conclusion
Our findings of this meta-analysis suggest that Lp(a) is positively associated with a higher likelihood of CAC. Higher Lp(a) levels increased the odds of CAC &gt;0. These data support the concept that Lp(a) is atherogenic, although with high heterogeneity and a low level of certainty.

Protocol registration
CRD42023422034

Key findings
Asymptomatic patients with elevated Lp(a) had 31% higher chances of having any coronary calcification (CAC &gt; 0) and 29% higher chances of having more advanced calcification (CAC &gt; 100). It increased the chances of having progression of coronary calcification over time by 43%. For each 1 mg/dL of Lp(a) there was an increment of 1% chance of having coronary calcification.
Genome report: chromosome-scale genome assembly of the West Indian fruit fly Anastrepha obliqua (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Sim Sheina B , Congrains Carlos , Velasco-Cuervo Sandra M , Corpuz Renee L , Kauwe Angela N , Scheffler Brian , Geib Scott M 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The West Indian fruit fly, Anastrepha obliqua, is a major pest of mango in Central and South America and attacks more than 60 species of host fruits. To support current genetic and genomic research on A. obliqua, we sequenced the genome using high-fidelity long-read sequencing. This resulted in a highly contiguous contig assembly with 90% of the genome in 10 contigs. The contig assembly was placed in a chromosomal context using synteny with a closely related species, Anastrepha ludens, as both are members of the Anastrepha fraterculus group. The resulting assembly represents the five autosomes and the X chromosome which represents 95.9% of the genome, and 199 unplaced contigs representing the remaining 4.1%. Orthology analysis across the structural annotation sets of high quality tephritid genomes demonstrates the gene annotations are robust, and identified genes unique to Anastrepha species that may help define their pestiferous nature that can be used as a starting point for comparative genomics. This genome assembly represents the first of this species and will serve as a foundation for future genetic and genomic research in support of its management as an agricultural pest.
Identification and application of an exocarp-preferential promoter for genetic engineering of tomato fruit
Authors: Ruan Xue-Ming , Xiong Xiangyu , Li Jian-Feng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a globally cultivated crop with great economic value. The exocarp determines the appearance of tomato fruit and protects it from various biotic and abiotic challenges at both pre-harvest and post-harvest stages. However, no tomato exocarp-specific promoter is currently available, which hinders exocarp-based genetic engineering. Here, we identified by RNA sequencing and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analyses that the tomato gene SlPR10 (PATHOGENESIS RELATED 10) was abundantly and predominantly expressed in the exocarp. A fluorescent reporter expressed by a 2087-bp SlPR10 promoter (pSlPR10) was mainly detected in the exocarp of transgenic tomato plants of both Ailsa Craig and Micro-Tom cultivars. This promoter was further utilized for transgenic expression of SlANT1 and SlMYB31 in tomato, which are master regulators of anthocyanin and cuticular wax biosynthesis, respectively. pSlPR10-driven SlANT1 expression resulted in anthocyanin accumulation in the exocarp, conferring gray mold resistance and extended shelf life to the fruit, while SlMYB31 expression led to waxy thickening in the fruit skin, delaying water loss and also extending fruit shelf life. Intriguingly, pSlPR10 and two other weaker tomato exocarp-preferential promoters exhibited coincided expression specificities in the gynophore of transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants, providing not only an inkling of evolutionary homology between tomato exocarp and Arabidopsis gynophore but also useful promoters for studying gynophore biology in Arabidopsis. Collectively, this work reports a desirable promoter enabling targeted gene expression in tomato exocarp and Arabidopsis gynophore and demonstrates its usefulness in genetic improvement of tomato fruit quality.
Relapse Rates With Paliperidone Palmitate in Adult Patients With Schizophrenia: Results for the 6-Month Formulation From an Open-label Extension Study Compared to Real-World Data for the 1-Month and 3-Month Formulations
Authors: Turkoz Ibrahim , Daskiran Mehmet , Siddiqui Uzma , Knight R Karl , Johnston Karen L , Correll Christoph U 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
The 3 paliperidone palmitate (PP) long-acting injectable antipsychotic formulations, PP 1-month (PP1M), PP 3-month (PP3M), and PP 6-month (PP6M), have shown to reduce the risk of relapse in schizophrenia. The current phase-4 study constructed external comparator arms (ECAs) using real-world data for PP3M and PP1M and compared relapse prevention rates with PP6M from an open-label extension (OLE) study in adult patients with schizophrenia.

Methods
PP6M data were derived from a single-arm, 24-month, OLE study (NCT04072575), which included patients with schizophrenia who completed a 12-month randomized, double-blind, noninferiority, phase-3 study (NCT03345342) without relapse. Patients in the PP3M and PP1M ECAs were identified from the IBM® MarketScan® Multistate Medicaid Database based on similar eligibility criteria as the PP6M cohort.

Results
A total of 178 patients were included in each cohort following propensity score matching. Most patients were men (&gt;70%; mean age: 39–41 years). Time to relapse (primary analysis based on Kaplan-Meier estimates) was significantly delayed in the PP6M cohort (P &lt; .001, log-rank test). The relapse rate was lower in the PP6M cohort (3.9%) vs PP3M (20.2%) and PP1M (29.8%) cohorts. Risk of relapse decreased significantly (P &lt; .001) by 82% for PP6M vs PP3M (HR = 0.18 [95% CI = 0.08 to 0.40]), 89% for PP6M vs PP1M (HR = 0.11 [0.05 to 0.25]), and 35% for PP3M vs PP1M (HR = 0.65 [0.42 to 0.99]; P = .043). Sensitivity analysis confirmed findings from the primary analysis. Although the ECAs were matched to mimic the characteristics of the PP6M cohort, heterogeneity between the groups could exist due to factors including prior study participation, unmeasured confounders, variations in data capture and quality, and completeness of clinical information.

Conclusions
In a clinical trial setting, PP6M significantly delayed time to relapse and demonstrated lower relapse rates compared with PP3M and PP1M treatments in real-world settings among adult patients with schizophrenia.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04072575; EudraCT number: 2018-004532-30
Multiple intussusceptions secondary to Peutz–Jegher’s syndrome in an adult male: a case report from Pakistan
Authors: Masood Waniyah , Ahmed Raheel , Fazlani Faizan Ahmed , Shakir Shaheryar , Al Hasibuzzaman Md 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Intussusception is a medical condition characterized by invagination of the intestinal segment, causing obstruction and leading to potential complications such as ischemia, necrosis and perforation. While paediatric intussusception is well documented with a peak in ages between 4 and 36 months, adult intussusception is a rare condition usually involving a lead point. In this article, we present an uncommon case of an adult male with worsening of his long-standing lower abdominal pain for the last 2 months. Radiological test reports revealed target-like lesions demonstrating two intestinal intussusceptions, for which he underwent a small bowel anastomosis, exploratory laprotomy and resection. On receiving the histopathology report, hamartomatous polyps with features favouring Peutz–Jegher’s syndrome were identified as a possible lead point.
Transoral balloon kyphoplasty in a myeloma patient with painful osseous destruction of the corpus vertebrae axis
Authors: Andresen Julian Ramin , Widhalm Harald , Andresen Reimer 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Multiple myeloma is the most common primary malignant disease of the spine, which can lead to pathological fractures with consecutive instability and immobilizing pain, due to osseous destruction of individual vertebral bodies. The different surgical care is challenging, although good stabilization should be achieved if possible. The resulting blocking of micro-movements leads to pain minimization. However, this is a symptomatic therapy and does not address the primary disease. In the following, we report on successful transoral balloon kyphoplasty for the treatment of myeloma-related osteolysis with a pathological fracture of vertebral body C2, which led to a significant clinical improvement.
Ruptured internal carotid artery aneurysm following surgery for chronic sinusitis: delayed presentation: a case report
Authors: Al-Domaidat Derar , Jawad Jamal 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Rupture of internal carotid artery aneurysm has high mortality rate and needs high index of suspicion for immediate management. Massive epistaxis after rupture of aneurysms in the petrous part of internal carotid artery is extremely rare. In this paper, we report the first case of delayed rupture of a petrous carotid aneurysm which developed because of chronic allergic sinusitis.
Incidental deep soft tissue leiomyoma of the groin – a case report and comprehensive review of literature
Authors: Nessenius Falk , Zucal Isabel , Allmann Jürgen-Klaus , Spreitzer Stefan , Marti Regula 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Leiomyomas are rare, benign tumors arising from smooth muscle cells. Due to the heterogeneous anatomical locations, as well as clinical and radiological findings, early and correct diagnosis is usually tricky. The clinical symptoms depend on the anatomical structure the tumors are compromising by their growth. We present a case of a 53-year-old male patient who suffered from swelling of the right foot and ankle. Initially, arthritis and deep vein thrombosis were ruled out. As the swelling progressed to the entire leg, CT scan was performed showing a tumor compressing the right femoral vein. However, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a biopsy did not show any conclusive findings. Tumor excision was planned and immunohistochemical staining confirmed leiomyoma. The authors conclude that unspecific, progressive symptoms should prompt further investigation and whenever planning a biopsy, a possible malignant finding should be considered and excision of the biopsy canal together with the tumor must be assured.
Radionuclide Angiography
Authors: Port Steven 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Radionuclide angiography (RNA) has played an important role in the evaluation and management of patients with heart disease, particularly those with CAD, chemotherapy-related heart disease, secondary pulmonary hypertension, and known or suspected intracardiac shunts. Its application has waned over the years, largely due to advances in cardiac ultrasound and cardiac MRI. However, practitioners of nuclear cardiology should continue to advocate for the technology and should train themselves, if necessary, teach others, and apply this robust technique in the appropriate circumstances. To date, no measurement from any other technique has surpassed the power of the first-pass RNA peak exercise LVEF for predicting cardiac death in patients with known or suspected stable CAD. Equilibrium RNA offers the unique, direct relationship between recorded counts in a chamber and the volume of that chamber. It is that relationship that makes ERNA an accurate and reproducible method for assessing systolic and diastolic function. It is considered superior to 2D echo for measuring LVEF and RVEF and should remain a test of choice for patients in whom an exact LVEF is critical, such as those being considered for an implantable defibrillator. Shunt detection and quantitation are strengths of FPRNA, and the study can be performed quickly and inexpensively with little operator interaction. Shunt quantitation is difficult with echocardiography and more time-consuming, more expensive, and less readily available with MRI. This chapter provides the information and references to essential literature that will introduce readers to or refamiliarize them with the rationale, technical aspects, and applications of RNA.