Original Publication Research Articles

Scientific Activity in German Thoracic Surgery, as Measured in Publication Output

Thoracic surgery in Germany is primarily provided in non-university centres with a clinical focus and less at university hospitals. The extent to which scientific activity can be achieved within these different structures is investigated on the basis of publication output.A PubMed analysis was carried out for selected authors (leader in thoracic surgery in Germany) between Jan 2012 to Dec 2021. University hospitals, DKG-certified lung cancer centres (DKG: German Cancer Society) and DGT-certified thoracic centres (DGT: German Society for Thoracic Surgery) were included.An analysis of n=54 non-university centres (DKG certificate n=50 and/or DGT certificate n=22) and n=36 university hospitals (n=9 autonomous clinic/department) was performed. A total of n=2414 publications were identified, with original papers (n=1776; 74%) and publications focussing on thoracic surgery (n=1501; 62%) being found most frequently. The publication performance of the non-university centres was n=599 publications (11/centre) and thus significantly lower than that of the university hospitals (n=902; 25/clinic; p≤0.001). Significantly higher publication output was confirmed for autonomous (n=560; 62/clinic) compared to non-autonomous university thoracic surgery (n=342; 13/clinic; p=0.003). A 10-year trend was recorded, with almost doubling of publication output from n=105 (university: n=63) to n=203 (university: n=124) publications/year. The cumulative impact factors (IF) resulted in 2845 IF (52.7 IF/clinic) for non-university centres, 6361 IF (235.6 IF/clinic) for non-autonomous and 2931 IF (325.7 IF/clinic) for autonomous university thoracic surgery.Scientific activities have increased in non-university centres, but above all in university thoracic surgery. These positive developments are in acute danger due to the upcoming political changes (Hospital Structure Act, minimum volumes). Structural changes such as independent university thoracic surgery or cooperation models with non-university centres could offer solutions.

Correction: Wang et al. Estimation of Aboveground Biomass for Different Forest Types Using Data from Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, ALOS PALSAR-2, and GEDI. Forests 2024, 15, 215

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Correction: Xu et al. Noise Characteristics and Denoising Methods of Long-Offset Transient Electromagnetic Method. Minerals 2023, 13, 1084

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The Orexin/Hypocretin System, the Peptidergic Regulator of Vigilance, Orchestrates Adaptation to Stress.

The orexin/hypocretin neuropeptide family has emerged as a focal point of neuroscientific research following the discovery that this family plays a crucial role in a variety of physiological and behavioral processes. These neuropeptides serve as powerful neuromodulators, intricately shaping autonomic, endocrine, and behavioral responses across species. Notably, they serve as master regulators of vigilance and stress responses; however, their roles in food intake, metabolism, and thermoregulation appear complementary and warrant further investigation. This narrative review provides a journey through the evolution of our understanding of the orexin system, from its initial discovery to the promising progress made in developing orexin derivatives. It goes beyond conventional boundaries, striving to synthesize the multifaceted activities of orexins. Special emphasis is placed on domains such as stress response, fear, anxiety, and learning, in which the authors have contributed to the literature with original publications. This paper also overviews the advancement of orexin pharmacology, which has already yielded some promising successes, particularly in the treatment of sleep disorders.

Correction: Tamadon et al. Development of Metallographic Etchants for the Microstructure Evolution of A6082-T6 BFSW Welds. Metals 2017, 7, 423

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A116 PREVALENCE OF EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERSHIP AMONG ORIGINAL RESEARCH PUBLISHED IN HIGH IMPACT GASTROENTEROLOGY-FOCUSED JOURNALS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYSIS

Abstract Background Editorial board members, as experts in their field, often publish relevant research in journals on which they serve. This combined role of “editor-as-author” may be a source for conflict of interest in the peer review process. In Gastroenterology-focused journals, the prevalence of instances for editor-as-author has not been explored. Aims To estimate the prevalence of editor-as-author among high impact factor (IF) Gastroenterology-focused journals. Methods We used a cross-sectional study design. We used InCites Journal reports to identify 30 Gastroenterology journals with the highest IF in 2020, wherein we included journals that had publicly accessible board membership that indicated the following: institution/city/country; and at least the first name initial and entire last name for editorial board members. We created a list of all editorial board members, excluding any emeritus editors and society representatives. Among these journals, we identified all original research articles using the Web of Science, wherein we excluded any editorial material, meeting abstracts, and clinical practice guidelines. Among these original publications, two authors then independently and in duplicate determined any instances of authors who had editorial board membership. The primary outcome measure was the prevalence of editors-as-authors. Secondary outcomes involved the number of editorial board members with first authorships and senior/corresponding authorships, as well as the number of articles that disclosed editorial board membership. Results Among the 30 Gastroenterology-focused journals that had the highest IF, 24 met the relevant inclusion criteria. These journals had a total of 6162 original publications, of which 992 (16.1%) had at least one instance of editor-as-author; 8 (0.1%) articles disclosed that there was editorial board membership among its authors. Among all 24 included journals, there were a total 2106 editorial board members. Of these members, 635 (30.2%) had at least one instance of editor-as-author, wherein 134 and 263 members were first authors and senior/corresponding authors, respectively. Conclusions Our study found that approximately one third of editorial board members among high IF Gastroenterology-focused journals were also authors in these same journals. Future analysis will focus on determining whether there is the difference in quality of published work compared to those without editorial board membership. Funding Agencies None

Reasons for Removal of Rigid Internal Fixation Devices in Craniofacial Surgery: A 20-year Update.

The hardware utilized for rigid internal fixation of the craniofacial skeleton has evolved over time. Thus, the reasons for the unplanned removal of hardware continue to change. The purpose of this study is to compare past (1989-1995) and present (2000-2020) patient cohorts to establish trends related to unplanned removal of craniofacial hardware. A retrospective review study was designed. Data from our institution's original publication describing the unplanned removal of craniofacial hardware (1989-1995) was obtained. Data related to patients who underwent unplanned removal of hardware from 2000 to 2020 was collected from the electronic medical record. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed to compare demographics, reasons for hardware placement, and reasons for unplanned hardware removal between cohorts. This study includes 55 patients treated from 1989 to 1995 and 184 patients treated from 2000 to 2020. The average age at hardware placement decreased from 32 years (1989-1995) to 28 years (2000-2020). The most common reason for hardware placement changed from motor vehicle accident (1989-1995) to congenital deformity (2000-2020). The length of time with hardware in situ increased from 13 months (1989-1995) to 25 months (2000-2020). The most common reason for hardware removal changed from prominent hardware (1989-1995) to hardware exposure (2000-2020). In summary, patients who underwent rigid internal fixation of the craniofacial skeleton from 2000 to 2020 retained their hardware 2 times longer than patients treated from 1989 to 1995. Factors potentially contributing to increased retention include improved surgical technique, decreased profile of hardware, and increased surgeon experience. Further studies are warranted to define preoperative risk factors for unplanned hardware removal.

Current aspects of vernal and atopic keratoconjunctivitis

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) are complex and rare diseases. Thus, their diagnosis and treatment are often achallenge. Discussion on the epidemiology, new pathogenetic concepts, interesting clinical findings, diagnostic possibilities and new treatment options and their side effects in severe ocular allergies. Analysis of the presentation of VKC in the internet. Evaluation of recent review articles, original publications, and case reports on the topics of VKC and AKC over the past 5years. Ocular allergies have significantly increased over the last decades. Recent concepts discussed in the pathogenesis of VKC and AKC are the role of the local and gut microbiome as well as the influence of neuroinflammation. Keratoconus is significantly more common in patients with VKC and AKC compared to the normal population. It is associated with faster progression and a more severe course of disease. Aconjunctival provocation test is only rarely necessary in the diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis. Treatment of atopic dermatitis with dupilumab, an interleukin 4 receptor alpha (IL-4Ra) antagonist, can cause ocular side effects. Unfortunately, information available on the internet for patients and parents on the topic of VKC is sometimes dangerously incorrect. From the abovementioned new pathogenetic concepts, preventive and personalized treatment options could be developed in the future. Keratoconus in AKC/VKC must be recognized and treated early. Official guidelines are now available for astandardized conjunctival provocation test in the diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis. The unwanted ocular side effects of dupilumab are often difficult to discriminate from the actual underlying AKC and respond well to anti-inflammatory treatment. Patients with VKC must be informed about the incorrect information on the internet regarding their disease.

Correction: Charitonidou (2021). Exhibitions in France as Symbolic Domination: Images of Postmodernism and the Cultural Field in the 1980s. Arts 10: 14

In the original publication (Charitonidou 2021), there was a mistake in the title [...]

Emerging trends in the blood spinal-cord barrier: A bibliometric analysis.

The blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) is a unique protective barrier located between the circulatory system and the central nervous system. BSCB plays a vital role in various diseases. However, there is little systematic research and recording in this field by bibliometrics analysis. We aim to visualize this field through bibliometrics to analyze the hotspots and trends of BSCB and in order to facilitate an understanding of future developments in basic and clinical research. To conduct a bibliometric study of original publications and their references, the keywords Blood Spinal-Cord Barrier and BSCB are searched and filtered from the Web of Science database (2000-2022), focusing on citations, authors, journals, and countries/regions. Additionally, clustering of the references and co-citation analysis was completed, including a total of 1926 articles and comments. From the results, 193 authors were identified, among which Sharma Hs played a key role. As far as the analysis result of the clustering of the references is concerned, the most common type in cluster analysis is spinal cord injury (SCI) which is a current and developing research field. The keywords are also the specific content under these clusters. The most influential organization is Univ Calif San Francisco, and "Proceedings of The National Academy of Sciences of The United States of America" magazine is the most cited magazine. The research on BSCB is booming focusing mainly on "BSCB in SCI" including "activation," "pathway," and "drug delivery" which is also the trend of future research.

„Za pierwszym wstąpieniem ucałowałem ziemię egipską”. J.F. Champollion w Aleksandrii (18 VIII – 14 IX 1828)

„Za pierwszym wstąpieniem ucałowałem ziemię egipską”. Jean-François Champollion in Alexandria (18 VIII – 14 IX 1828). Based on Jean-François Champollion’s letter to his brother Jacques-Joseph Champollion- Figeac dated 28 August 1828, his stay of a few weeks in Alexandria beginning with the arrival of the corvette Églée is discussed. J.-F. Champollion was in charge of a Franco-Tuscan expedition heading for Cairo and further up the Nile to the region of the Second Cataract. In his letter Champollion devoted much attention to the description of Alexandria and the monuments he saw: Pompey’s Pillar and two obelisks known as Cleopatra’s Needles. He also reported on an audience with the Viceroy of Egypt, Muhammad Ali. The letter in question (along with two others) was published in an anonymous translation in Volume VIII of „Dziennik Wileński” in 1829 (one year after the original publication in French).

Correction: Wu et al. A Universal Accelerated Coprocessor for Object Detection Based on RISC-V. Electronics 2023, 12, 475

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Correction: de Jesus et al. Voacanga globosa Spirobisindole Alkaloids Exert Antiviral Activity in HIV Latently Infected Cell Lines by Targeting the NF-κB Cascade: In Vitro and In Silico Investigations. Molecules 2022, 27, 1078

There was an error in the original publication [...]

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Associated Myocarditis: A Literature Review.

Recently in the field of oncology, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are being increasingly utilized both in clinical trials and in clinical practice. It is a form of biological therapy that targets tumors by activating the immune system, which in turn eliminates proliferating cancer cells. These have numerous immune-related adverse events (irAEs), one of which is myocarditis, which has high rates of mortality. This article was a narrative review of myocarditis related to ICI use. Studies from the PubMed, Cochrane, and American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) databases were used in writing this review. The databases were searched for original publications for adverse effects related to ICI use and myocarditis specifically.There are numerous published instances of cancer immunotherapy causing myocarditis. ICI therapy has numerous benefits, as it upregulates the immune system to target cancer cells, utilizing the body's own defense mechanisms to target proliferating cells. Myocarditis is a serious side effect, however. Therefore, on balance, these monotherapies are worth using. While this literature review primarily identifies cross-reaction as the main mechanism of myocarditis, there are other possible mechanisms. One proposed mechanism involves a shared antigen between the myocardial tissue and the tumor. This mechanism is called molecular mimicry, where the monoclonal antibody attacks both the myocardial tissue and the tumor cell. Management of ICI-induced myocarditis has not been studied by randomized controlled trials or prospective studies, but based on previous case reports and case series it is mostly treated with steroids initially. An ICI rechallenge after temporary discontinuation appears conceivable in many cases, especially given its therapeutic effects, but only limited data are available on the safety of a rechallenge after an irAE. The lack of RCTs regarding rechallenge with an ICI after irAE, more so specifically about myocarditis, along with the overall results and the complexity involved in such cases once again emphasize the need to make decisions on an individual basis by a multidisciplinary expert working group. At the same time, the focus should also be on publishing more data as the need will grow along with the indications for ICI therapies.

Correction: Mohd Azmi et al. Application of Plant Proteases in Meat Tenderization: Recent Trends and Future Prospects. Foods 2023, 12, 1336

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Correction: Antón-García et al. TGFβ1-Induced EMT in the MCF10A Mammary Epithelial Cell Line Model Is Executed Independently of SNAIL1 and ZEB1 but Relies on JUNB-Coordinated Transcriptional Regulation. Cancers 2023, 15, 588

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Correction: Liang et al. Study on the Rapid Degradation Performance of Salix/Wheat Straw Fiber Degradable Film. Coatings 2023, 13, 1803

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Correction: Mon, Y.-J. Simulation and Implementation of Signal Processing for LFM Radar Using DSK 6713. Electronics 2023, 12, 3682

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Correction: Tsakalidis et al. Design and Implementation of a Versatile OpenHAB IoT Testbed with a Variety of Wireless Interfaces and Sensors. Telecom 2023, 4, 597–610

There was an error in the original publication [...]

Correction: Liao et al. A Comparison of the Fine-Grinding Performance between Cylpebs and Ceramic Balls in the Wet Tumbling Mill. Minerals 2022, 12, 1007

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