Chapter Reviews Research Articles

Disentangling the Neural Circuits of Arousal and Anxiety-Like Behavior.

Anxiety disorders are prevalent and debilitating conditions characterized by excessive concern and fear, affecting thoughts, behaviors, and sensations. A critical component of anxiety is arousal, a complex process involving alertness regulation and stimulus salience modulation. While arousal is adaptive in normal circumstances, dysregulation can lead to hypoarousal or hyperarousal, affecting response selection and threat perception. This chapter reviews challenges in studying arousal in preclinical anxiety models, emphasizing the need for multicomponent measurement and analysis. Novel methodologies integrating physiological measurement with activity tracking of neurons with single-cell resolution in awake animals are discussed, with emphasis in current challenges. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Competency-based medical education in interventional pulmonology: current state and future opportunities.

This chapter examines the evolution and current status of competency-based medical education (CBME) in interventional pulmonology, focusing on procedural skills assessment and training. Traditionally, interventional pulmonology training has used an apprenticeship model with case logs and director attestation, leading to inconsistent outcomes due to a lack of standardized curricula. CBME, established to address these issues, relies on outcome-based assessments to ensure trainees achieve necessary competencies. The chapter reviews various assessment tools, including global rating scales, checklists, and simulation-based methods, and their effectiveness in skill acquisition and clinical evaluation. It also covers specific procedures such as EBUS-TBNA, electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy, and rigid bronchoscopy, discussing their assessment tools and learning curves. The chapter emphasizes the need for standardized assessment tools and suggests using entrustable professional activities (EPAs) to improve competency evaluation. Future directions include integrating real-time artificial intelligence feedback, addressing high-risk low-volume procedures, and enhancing workplace-based assessments to improve interventional pulmonology training and patient care quality. This chapter reviews the transition from traditional apprenticeship models to CBME in interventional pulmonology, highlighting advancements in procedural skills assessment, the effectiveness of various assessment tools, and future directions for improving training and patient care.

What Is a Failed Shoulder Instability...It Includes More Than Recurrent Dislocation

Shoulder instability, particularly prevalent among athletes and military personnel, poses significant challenges in both diagnosis and treatment. This chapter explores the multifaceted nature of shoulder instability, distinguishing between dislocation and subluxation, and highlights the critical role of careful patient selection in achieving successful surgical outcomes. Risk factors contributing to failed shoulder stabilization, including patient-related factors, pathoanatomical conditions, and technical errors, are analyzed. Furthermore, this chapter reviews clinical outcomes for various revision procedures, such as arthroscopic and open Bankart repairs, Latarjet procedures, and bone block procedures, emphasizing the importance of addressing underlying risk factors to optimize recovery and return-to-play rates. Overall, effective management of failed shoulder instability repairs requires a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing recurrence and a tailored approach to each patient's unique situation.

Interoceptive and Bodily Processing in Prospective and Retrospective Timing.

This chapter reviews some directions along which Craig's proposal of subjective time as emergent from interoceptive and bodily dynamics allows to frame recent findings on prospective and retrospective time processing. Behavioral and neuroimaging evidence from prospective timing studies demonstrates that an interoceptive-insular system may support the development of a primary representation of time in the context of large-scale networks involved in duration processing. Studies showing a tight link between episodic memory and interoceptive, emotional, and sensorimotor states further provide insights on processes supporting retrospective timing. These lines of evidence show that acknowledging its dependence on bodily states is most likely a crucial step toward a mechanistic understanding of time perception.

Psychoanalysis

Abstract This chapter reviews five works of psychoanalytic scholarship published in 2023: The Poetry of the Word in Psychoanalysis: Selected Papers of Pere Folch Mateu, edited by J. O. Esteve and Jordi Sala; three books about Marion Milner: The Marion Milner Method: Psychoanalysis, Autobiography, Creativity by Emilia Halton-Hernandez, The Marion Milner Tradition, edited by Margaret Boyle Spelman and Joan Raphael-Leff, and Alberto Stefana and Alessio Gamba’s Marion Milner: A Contemporary Introduction; and Antisemitism and Racism: Ethical Challenges for Psychoanalysis by Stephen Frosh. Following a short introduction, the review is divided into three sections to discuss these works in turn.

QSAR: Using the Past to Study the Present.

Quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) is a method for predicting the physical and biological properties of small molecules; it is in use in industry and public services. However, as any scientific method, it is challenged by more and more requests, especially considering its possible role in assessing the safety of new chemicals. To answer the question whether QSAR, by exploiting available knowledge, can build new knowledge, the chapter reviews QSAR methods in search of a QSAR epistemology. QSAR stands on tree pillars, i.e., biological data, chemical knowledge, and modeling algorithms. Usually the biological data, resulting from good experimental practice, are taken as a true picture of the world; chemical knowledge has scientific bases; so if a QSAR model is not working, blame modeling. The role of modeling in developing scientific theories, and in producing knowledge, is so analyzed. QSAR is a mature technology and is part of a large body of in silico methods and other computational methods. The active debate about the acceptability of the QSAR models, about the way to communicate them, and the explanation to provide accompanies the development of today QSAR models. An example about predicting possible endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) shows the many faces of modern QSAR methods.

Exploring educational dynamics: Insights from the rhetoric and realities of leaders, teachers, students, and parents' contributions to improving educational quality

This issue presents the multifaceted dynamics shaping education and institutional development. Drawing on a diverse collection of ten research findings and one book chapter review, it explores factors influencing educational outcomes, such as social media use, parental involvement, teacher effectiveness, culturally responsive pedagogy, inclusive education challenges, strategic management, emotional intelligence, and the role of leadership in research productivity. Additionally, the current issue brings to light some factors that influence education quality, taken from studies that examine the contributions and impacts of key stakeholders, including educational leaders, teachers, students, and parents. This editorial provides insights that underscore the significance of addressing these interconnected issues to improve educational quality and promote institutional success in Ethiopia and beyond.

Biologic grafts for pelvic organ prolapse repairs: what have we learned in the last 20 years?

The ideal graft material for the augmentation of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) has yet to be discovered. While synthetic mesh offers durable repairs this can be at the expense of mesh complications. Biologic grafts have been considered an alternative. This chapter reviews biologic graft materials as applied to POP surgery. The heterogeneity of available graft materials and definitions of success in POP literature make comparisons difficult. There may be utility in the augmentation of apical prolapse with autologous grafts. There is also modest evidence to support anterior wall augmentation with biologic grafts. However, a 2024 Cochrane review concluded there is not enough evidence to support routine use of grafts for transvaginal repairs. Biologic grafts can be considered in certain cases. There continues to be a need for finding the ideal "graft-patient" combination. The field particularly needs more robust research in the recurrent POP patient population.

A review of cultural and social representations of islands: Implications for island destination marketing

Abstract Islands have always inspired human imagination, being associated with heroic journeys, myths, mysteries, and sacred quests, and often romanticised as ideal places to escape from ordinary life towards pleasant tourism destinations. Some studies have assessed island destination image, but only little attention has been paid to the social and cultural representations of islands and their role in island destination image formation. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to conduct in-depth research on the social and cultural meanings of islands and discuss practical implications for destination marketing. This work was based on an extensive literature review of scientific articles, books and chapters on island destinations to identify categories of such meanings assigned to islands over the centuries. The results reveal that islands are generally perceived as sacred and unique remote places, marked by a pristine environment and often associated with a romantic idyll. However, islands also face challenges, as there are several negative image elements, namely related to isolation, inaccessibility, and extreme weather events. Both attractive dimensions and those revealing islands’ vulnerability, visible in social representations, should be considered in destination image assessment, revealing potentialities and challenges for the marketing of island destinations.

Quality of English Textbook Work in Progress for SMA/SMK/MA Class X in Edition 2022: A Content Analysis

This research describes the quality of an English textbook “Work in Progress” for SMA/SMK/MA Class X, especially edition 2022. This research is content analysis. The analysis shows that the book consists of chapters, the topic of the chapter, instructional objectives, questions to think about, tasks (project), chapter review, enrichment, reflection, and assessment. The Theory of Quality book by Greene & Petty (1971), this book has good quality based on ten criteria including 1) attracting the students’ interest through games such as Bingo and board games. 2) motivating students by using audiovisuals (photos/videos) and doing the design project. 3) loading/containing interesting illustrations in cartoon/caricature. 4) considering linguistic aspects and telling about English skills including listening, speaking, reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar, and structures. 5) connecting to other subjects, such as related to subjects of sports, psychology (mental health), health, and nutrition. 6) stimulating students' activity, especially in doing individual tasks/projects. 7) Avoid vague concepts and use clear concepts, especially in instructions to do something based on the pictures given. 8) having a clear point of view, especially in the second-person point of view. 9) emphasizing the moral values to students/readers such as containing the story of Malin Kundang and Little Red Riding Hood. 10) respecting and appreciating the student's personality. The textbook is appropriate and suitable for its users (high school students). In terms of language, the book is communicative, easily understood by students, and does not contain a provocateur or anything like that.

Supracricoid laryngectomy

Surgery has been utilized as an approach for Organ Preservation of the Larynx since the late 19th century, decades prior to Madame Curie's discovery of radium. But with the discovery of radium the pendulum of surgical versus non-surgical organ preservation has swung one way or the other over the course of the 20th century. New procedures were developed during the 20th century such as the supraglottic laryngectomy to improve local control and functional outcomes. Supracricoid laryngectomy is one such procedure and can be a valuable option to preserve phonation, respiration, and swallowing function while maintaining excellent local oncologic control. This chapter reviews indications, contraindications, and anatomic considerations. Operative techniques are reviewed in detail, and outcomes and potential complications are discussed.

Between 'flight' and 'fight': does civilian resistance against rebels work?

Understanding the dynamics of nonviolent action in situations of armed conflict has been labelled as the 'new frontier' in resistance studies. This paper assesses the growing body of literature on civilian resistance against rebel groups. Drawn from a systematic review of academic articles, book chapters, and policy documents, examples of civilian resistance are ordered in three distinct categories of unarmed action: deception; dissent; and defiance. This classification provides the conceptual framework to tackle the main research question: does civilian resistance against rebels work to protect unarmed populations from violence and harm? By scrutinising the effectiveness of civilian resistance, the paper seeks to provide a necessary corrective to the dominant view expressed in the literature, which, as argued, is overly optimistic regarding the prospects of wringing substantial concessions from armed groups via nonviolent action. The paper concludes with a discussion of policy implications, focusing on normative challenges facing external actors eager to support civilian resisters.

Addressing inequities in medical care

Background: Health disparities and inequities persist globally, significantly affecting marginalized racial and ethnic groups. Medical institutions and educators must address these issues to foster a more equitable healthcare system. Aim: This chapter aims to explore the definitions and implications of health disparities and inequities, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding in medical education to address these challenges effectively. Methods: The chapter reviews definitions from leading health organizations and examines case studies from various countries to highlight the impact of historical, structural, and social determinants of health (SDOH) on health outcomes. Methodologies for measuring these disparities, including quantitative and qualitative approaches, are discussed. Results: Health disparities often arise from systemic and institutional biases, with historical injustices like colonialism and slavery continuing to influence modern health outcomes. Case studies from the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands illustrate ongoing inequities in maternal mortality and other health outcomes. Conclusion: Addressing health disparities requires an understanding of historical contexts, structural factors, and SDOH. Medical education must evolve to incorporate these elements to equip future healthcare professionals with the skills to combat these disparities effectively.

Basic considerations.

The chapter reviews certain topics in outline. It starts with a brief account of the nature of surgery. This is followed by a short account of modern management of cranial trauma including the evolution of notions of anatomy and pathophysiology. It is emphasized that these principles are and must be irrelevant to the management of cranial trauma in the period covered in this book from Hippocrates to the end of the 18th century. Historical errors arising from assuming modern principles applied in historical practice are mentioned. Finally, the risks inherent in accepting images without questioning their authorship and provenance is also mentioned.

Molecular Dynamics Simulations in Protein-Protein Docking.

Concerted interactions between all the cell components form the basis of biological processes. Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) constitute a tremendous part of this interaction network. Deeper insight into PPIs can help us better understand numerous diseases and lead to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. PPI interfaces, until recently, were considered undruggable. However, it is now believed that the interfaces contain "hot spots," which could be targeted by small molecules. Such a strategy would require high-quality structural data of PPIs, which are difficult to obtain experimentally. Therefore, in silico modeling can complement or be an alternative to in vitro approaches. There are several computational methods for analyzing the structural data of the binding partners and modeling of the protein-protein dimer/oligomer structure. The major problem with in silico structure prediction of protein assemblies is obtaining sufficient sampling of protein dynamics. One of the methods that can take protein flexibility and the effects of the environment into account is Molecular Dynamics (MD). While sampling of the whole protein-protein association process with plain MD would be computationally expensive, there are several strategies to harness the method to PPI studies while maintaining reasonable use of resources. This chapter reviews known applications of MD in the PPI investigation workflows.

Insight into vitamin D3 action within the ovary-Basic and clinical aspects.

Vitamin D3 is a fat-soluble secosteroid predominantly synthesized in the skin or delivered with a diet. Nevertheless, recently it is considered more as a hormone than a vitamin due to its pleiotropic function within the organism ensured by widely distributed vitamin D receptors and metabolic enzymes. Besides the main role in calcium and phosphorus homeostasis, vitamin D3 was shown to regulate many cellular and metabolic processes in normal and cancerous tissues within the immune system, the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system and the endocrine system. The ovary is an important extraskeletal tissue of vitamin D3 action and local metabolism, indicating its role in the regulation of ovarian functions upon physiological and pathological conditions. This chapter reviews firstly the updated information about vitamin D3 metabolism and triggered intracellular pathways. Furthermore, the basic information about ovarian physiology and several aspects of vitamin D3 effects within the ovary are presented. Finally, the special attention is paid into possible mechanism of vitamin D3 action within ovarian pathologies such as premature ovarian failure, polycystic ovary syndrome, and ovarian cancer, considering its clinical application as alternative therapy.

Advances in sepsis biomarkers.

Sepsis, a dysregulated host immune response to an infectious agent, significantly increases morbidity and mortality for hospitalized patients worldwide. This chapter reviews (1)the basic principles of infectious diseases, pathophysiology and current definition of sepsis, (2)established sepsis biomarkers such lactate, procalcitonin and C-reactive protein, (3)novel, newly regulatory-cleared/approved biomarkers, such as assays that evaluate white blood cell properties and immune response molecules, and (4)emerging biomarkers and biomarker panels to highlight future directions and opportunities in the diagnosis and management of sepsis.

Magnetic nanoparticles: An emerging nanomedicine for cancer immunotherapy.

Cancer immunotherapy is a revolutionised strategy that strikingly improves cancer treatment in recent years. However, like other therapeutic modalities, immunotherapy faces several challenges and limitations. Many methods have been developed to overcome those limitations; thus, nanomedicine is one of the emerging fields with a highly promising application. Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) have long been used for medical applications, for example, as a contrast medium, and are being investigated as a tool for boosting and synergizing the effects of immunotherapy. With known physicochemical properties and the interaction with the surroundings in biological systems, MNPs are used to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy in both cell-based and antibody-based treatment. This chapter reviews and discusses state-of-the-art MNPs as a tool to advance cancer immunotherapy as well as its limitations that need further investigation for a better therapeutic outcome in preclinical and clinical settings.

Chapter 18 - Economics of hematopoietic stem cell transplant in immune-mediated neurologic autoimmune diseases

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) is a therapeutic procedure for autoimmune diseases which suppresses inflammation and resets the immune system, thereby halting disease activity and disability progression in treatment-resistant patients. This chapter reviews existing guidelines and health economic evaluations of AHSCT for multiple sclerosis (MS) and presents a cost-utility analysis from the UK NHS and personal social services perspective comparing AHSCT with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in patients with highly active relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) based on the only published randomized controlled trial, "MIST," in this population. Over a 5-year time horizon, AHSCT was dominant (more effective and less costly) over the DMTs in MIST. At a threshold of £20,000 per QALY, there was a 100% probability that AHSCT was cost-effective. This result is explained by the high ongoing costs of DMTs compared with the up-front cost of AHSCT, combined with the high effectiveness of AHSCT. When compared with natalizumab, the result did not change; AHSCT remained dominant. These results support current guideline recommendations regarding AHSCT for highly active RRMS. The cost-effectiveness of AHSCT in progressive and aggressive MS and other immune-mediated neurologic diseases remains uncertain due to a lack of health economic analyses, reflecting the limited clinical evidence base.

Influence of Regular Physical Activity on Sleep.

Good sleep and adequate physical activity are essential to health. Yet, large numbers of people are chronically deficient in sleep and physical activity. About 1 in 3 Americans get less than 7h of sleep per night and only 1 of 4 adults regularly complete weekly physical activity in amounts recommended for good health. This chapter reviews research that has examined relationships between regular physical activity and sleep. The overall weight of evidence supports that regular physical activity is associated with better sleep quality among healthy adults, with epidemiological studies showing moderate-sized effects and more well-controlled randomized controlled trial experiments often showing larger effects. Large epidemiology studies suggest that the relationship between regular physical activity and better sleep quality may partially mediate the well-established associations between physical activity and reduced risk of mortality, cardiovascular diseases, and dementia. There is evidence that the completion of regular physical activity also is associated with better sleep quality among those with certain sleep disorders (i.e., insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome), mentalhealth disorders (i.e., depression and posttraumatic stress disorder), and medical illnesses (i.e., breast cancer survivors). The evidence is inadequate to support that regular physical activity substantially improves sleep quality either (i) in children, adolescents, and older adults, (ii) in those with cancers except for breast cancer, (iii) in those with fibromyalgia, or (iv) among those with chronic kidney disease. Also, there is inadequate evidence to conclude that sleep quality is disrupted during weeks when competitive athletes engage in periods of overtraining.