bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iatrogenic Air Embolisms During Endovascular Interventions: Impact of Origin and Number of Air Bubbles on Cerebral Infarctions
Authors: Schaefer Tabea C. , Greive Svenja , Mencl Stine , Heiland Sabine , Kramer Martin , Möhlenbruch Markus A. , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Bendszus Martin , Vollherbst Dominik F.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Cerebral infarctions caused by air embolisms (AE) are a feared risk in endovascular procedures; however, the relevance and pathophysiology of these AEs is still largely unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of the origin (aorta, carotid artery or right atrium) and number of air bubbles on cerebral infarctions in an experimental in vivo model.

Methods

In 20 rats 1200 or 2000 highly calibrated micro air bubbles (MAB) with a size of 85 µm were injected at the aortic valve (group Ao), into the common carotid artery (group CA) or into the right atrium (group RA) using a microcatheter via a transfemoral access, resembling endovascular interventions in humans. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a 9.4T system was performed 1 h after MAB injection followed by finalization.

Results

The number (5.5 vs. 5.5 median) and embolic patterns of infarctions did not significantly differ between groups Ao and CA. The number of infarctions were significantly higher comparing 2000 and 1200 injected MABs (6 vs. 4.5; p < 0.001). The infarctions were significantly larger for group CA (median infarction volume: 0.41 mm3 vs. 0.19 mm3; p < 0.001). In group RA and in the control group no infarctions were detected. Histopathological analyses showed early signs of ischemic stroke.

Conclusion

Iatrogenic AEs originating at the ascending aorta cause a similar number and pattern of cerebral infarctions compared to those with origin at the carotid artery. These findings underline the relevance and potential risk of AE occurring during endovascular interventions at the aortic valve and ascending aorta.
A Law of Redundancy Compounds the Problem of Cancer and Precision Medicine
Authors: Singh Rama S.
Published: September 2023

Genetics and molecular biology research have progressed for over a century; however, no laws of biology resembling those of physics have been identified, despite the expectations of some physicists. It may be that it is not the properties of matter alone but evolved properties of matter in combination with atomic physics and chemistry that gave rise to the origin and complexity of life. It is proposed that any law of biology must also be a product of evolution that co-evolved with the origin and progression of life. It was suggested that molecular complexity and redundancy exponentially increase over time and have the following relationship: DNA sequence complexity (Cd) < molecular complexity (Cm) < phenotypic complexity (Cp). This study presents a law of redundancy, which together with the law of complexity, is proposed as an evolutionary law of biology. Molecular complexity and redundancy are inseparable aspects of biochemical pathways, and molecular redundancy provides the first line of defense against environmental challenges, including those of deleterious mutations. Redundancy can create problems for precision medicine because in addition to the issues arising from the involvement of multiple genes, redundancy arising from alternate pathways between genotypes and phenotypes can complicate gene detection for complex diseases and mental disorders. This study uses cancer as an example to show how cellular complexity, molecular redundancy, and hidden variation affect the ability of cancer cells to evolve and evade detection and elimination. Characterization of alternate biochemical pathways or “escape routes” can provide a step in the fight against cancer.
RETRACTED: Validation of the Aldosteronoma Resolution Score as a Predictive Resolution Score of Hypertension After Unilateral Adrenalectomy for Primary Aldosteronism in a North‐African Population
Authors: Saadi Ahmed , Bedoui Mohamed Ali , Zaghbib Selim , Boussaffa Hamza , Mokaddem Seif , Nacef Ibtissem Ben , Ayed Haroun , Bouzouita Abderrazek , Derouiche Amine , Khiari Karima , Chakroun Marouene , Slama Riadh Ben
Published: September 2023

Background

Unilateral primary aldosteronism (UPA) is the most frequent surgically curable form of endocrine hypertension. Adrenalectomy is the cornerstone of treatment for UPA, but outcomes after surgery are variable. Aldosteronoma Resolution Score (ARS) is a four‐item predictive score for the cure of hypertension after adrenalectomy for UPA and has been demonstrated to be valid in different populations. We aimed in this study to validate the accuracy of this score in a North‐African population.

Methods

Between 2000 and 2021, the charts of 71 Tunisian patients who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy for UPA were retrospectively reviewed. Postoperative outcomes were assessed using the primary aldosteronism surgical outcome (PASO) criterion. The accuracy of the ARS was determined retrospectively by receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve.

Results

Thirty‐four patients (48%) had complete clinical success according to the PASO criteria. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the main determinants of complete clinical success were the absence of diabetes (OR: 5.205), a BMI <30 (OR: 4.930), a number of antihypertensive medications ≤2 (OR: 8.667), a plasma ARR >332 (OR: 4.554) and an ARS score ≥3 (OR: 2.056). Cure rates were, respectively, 21.1, 51.6, and 66.6% for patients with a score ARS 0–1, 2–3, and 4–5. The AUC of the ARS was 0.837.

Conclusion

The ARS is a sufficiently predictive score in our North‐African population. It may be used preoperatively to predict the outcome after adrenalectomy in these populations.
Environmental and nutritional assessment of young children’s diets in Norway: comparing the current diet with national dietary guidelines and the EAT-Lancet reference diet
Authors: Wright Ellen Cecilie , van Oort Bob , Bjøntegaard Marie Michaelsen , Carlsen Monica Hauger , Andersen Lene Frost
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Introducing healthy and sustainable diets early in life can promote lifelong healthy dietary patterns with a low environmental impact. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the environmental and nutritional consequences of a dietary change for 2-year-old children in Norway towards healthier dietary patterns.

Methods

Environmental impacts of the current habitual diet among 2-year-olds (n = 1413) were estimated for six impact categories and compared with scenario diets based on the Norwegian food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG) and the EAT-Lancet Commission reference diet. Last, we evaluated the nutritional adequacy of the diets against the Norwegian nutrition recommendations for children aged 2–5 years. The current diet was assessed by an FFQ.

Results

Environmental impacts of the current habitual diet were up to two times higher than those of the scenario diets. Compared with the current diet, impacts from the FBDG scenario diet were reduced by 35% for water use and 18% for terrestrial acidification, whereas impacts from the EAT-Lancet scenario diet were reduced by 51% for water use, 57% for terrestrial acidification, 36% for global warming potential and 27% for freshwater eutrophication. Milk and dairy products were the main contributors to environmental impacts in both the current diet and the FBDG scenario diet. The scenario diets were nutritionally adequate and improved the dietary quality among Norwegian 2-year-olds.

Conclusion

Compared to current diets among young children, more plant-based dietary patterns in line with national FBDG or the EAT-Lancet Commission reference diet can improve the nutritional adequacy of diets and simultaneously reduce environmental impacts.
One-year efficacy of a lifestyle behavioural intervention on physical and mental health in people with severe mental disorders: results from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Luciano M. , Sampogna G. , D’Ambrosio E. , Rampino A. , Amore M. , Calcagno P. , Rossi A. , Rossi R. , Carmassi C. , Dell’Osso L. , Bianciardi E. , Siracusano A. , Della Rocca Bianca , Di Vincenzo M. ,   LIFESTYLE Working Group, Del Vecchio Valeria , Malangone Claudio , Mancuso Emiliana , Toni Claudia , Volpicelli Antonio , Andriola Ileana , Selvaggi Pierluigi , Belvederi Murri Martino , Di Stefano Ramona , Pacitti Francesca , Dell’Oste Valerio , Fantasia Sara , Pedrinelli Virginia , Di Lorenzo Giorgio , Niolu Cinzia , Fiorillo A.
Published: September 2023

This multicentric randomized controlled trial (RCT), carried out in six Italian University mental health sites, aims to test the efficacy of a six-month psychosocial intervention (LYFESTYLE) on Body Mass Index (BMI), body weight, waist circumference, fasting glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, Framingham and HOmeostasis Model Assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) indexes in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. Moreover, the efficacy of the intervention has also been tested on several other physical and mental health domains. Patients were randomly allocated to receive the six-month experimental intervention (LIFESTYLE) or a behavioural control intervention. All enrolled patients were assessed at baseline and after one year. We recruited 401 patients (206 in the experimental and 195 in the control group) with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorder (29.9%), bipolar disorder (43.3%), or major depression (26.9%). At one year, patients receiving the experimental intervention reported an improvement in body mass index, body weight, waist circumference, HOMA-IR index, anxiety and depressive symptoms and in quality of life. Our findings confirm the efficacy of the LIFESTYLE intervention in improving physical and mental health-related outcomes in patients with severe mental illnesses after one year.
Surgeon’s narcissism, hostility, stress, bullying, meaning in life and work environment: a two-centered analysis
Authors: El Boghdady Michael , Ewalds-Kvist Béatrice Marianne
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Disruptive physician behaviour can affect patients’ safety. If surgical trainees throughout higher education experience disruptive behaviour, impaired work-life may follow. Therefore, we aimed to study surgeons' level of narcissism (N), hostility, and stress in relation to their work environment and potential experience of bullying. We also scrutinized search for or presence of meaning in life.

Methods

General surgeons in UK National Health Service from 2 hospitals participated with 3 levels of training: junior trainees (JT), senior trainees (ST), and consultants (CONS). Participants completed 52 VAS-formed questions plus demographics. Modified questionnaires were used for assessments of ‘hostility’, ‘narcissism’, meaning in life, quality of work-life, and bullying.

Results

Altogether 33% of surgeons displayed narcissism and 22% could exhibit disruptive behaviour. By MANOVA significant differences between low, medium, and high narcissism groups were revealed in hostility (p<.01), perceived stress (p=.001), and presence of meaning in life (p<.05). Regression analyses explained hostility both by N-scale (p=.000) and ‘being bullied during training’(p=.009) but negatively by ‘presence of meaning in life’(p=.004). Surgeons’ perceived stress was explained both by N-scale (p=.000) followed by ‘seeing others bullied during training (p=.000) and negatively by ‘working extra days beyond schedule’ (p=.007). The presence of meaning in life was explained mostly by good beneficial stress (p= .000) but negatively both by ‘doing extra work beyond schedule’ (p= .016) and hostility (p= .003).

Conclusion

Surgeons may exhibit disruptive behaviour in a challenging situation. The narcissim-scale was the best predictor of hostility and perceived stress. Being bullied during surgical training predicted hostility. Seeing others being bullied during surgical training predicted stress. Beneficial stress is explained best by surgeons’ experience of the presence of meaning in life.
Impact of mental health components on the development of back pain in young adults with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Lau Kenney Ki Lee , Kwan Kenny Yat Hong , Cheung Jason Pui Yin , Law Karlen Ka Pui , Cheung Kenneth Man Chee
Published: September 2023

Background

Back pain occurs commonly in adults and is multifactorial in nature. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and intensity of back pain during young adulthood in subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), as well as factors that may be associated with its prognosis.

Methods

Subjects with AIS aged 20–39 treated conservatively were included in this study. Patient-reported outcome measures in adulthood involved episodes of back pain, and scales of self-image, depression, anxiety, and stress. Additionally, pain, self-image, and mental health scores were retrieved at the first clinic consultation. Occurrence of back pain was defined as a numeric pain rating scale ≥ 6.

Results

101 participants were enrolled. The prevalence of back pain in the lifetime, past 12 months, past 6 months, past 1 month, past 7 days, and past 24 h were 37%, 35%, 31%, 27%, 23%, and 20%, respectively. Male, self-image, and depression were significant associated factors for the development of back pain at all time points. Furthermore, the analyses of the initial presentation of participants have shown that participants with back pain in adulthood were characterised by poor self-image and mental health during their adolescence.

Conclusion

The present study addressed the natural history of back pain in young adults with conservatively treated AIS. Psychological makeup has been shown to constitute the development of back pain and is strongly hinted as an early sign of having back pain in adulthood among subjects with AIS.
Effect of Tube-to-Pellet Diameter Ratio on Turbulent Hydrodynamics in Packed Beds: A Magnetic Resonance Velocity Imaging Study
Authors: Elgersma Scott V. , Sederman Andrew J. , Mantle Michael D. , Guédon Constant M. , Wells Gary J. , Gladden Lynn F.
Published: September 2023

The hydrodynamics in packed reactors strongly influences reactor performance. However, limited experimental techniques are capable of non-invasively measuring the velocity field in optically opaque packed beds at the turbulent flow conditions of commercial relevance. Here, compressed sensing magnetic resonance velocity imaging has been applied to investigate the hydrodynamics of turbulent flow through narrow packed beds of hollow cylindrical catalyst support pellets as a function of the tube-to-pellet diameter ratio, $$N$$
N
, for $$N=$$

N
=

2.3, 3.7, and 4.8. 3D images of time-averaged velocity for the gas flow through the beds were acquired at constant Reynolds number, $$R{e}_{\mathrm{p}}=$$

R

e
p

=

2500, at a spatial resolution of 0.70 mm ($$\tt x$$
x
) $$\times$$
×
0.70 mm ($$\tt y$$
y
) $$\times$$
×
1.0 mm ($$\tt z$$
z
). The resulting flow images give insight into the bed and pellet scale hydrodynamics, which were systematically compared as a function of $$N$$
N
. Some changes in hydrodynamics with $$N$$
N
were observed. Namely, the near-wall hydrodynamics changed with $$N$$
N
, with the $$N=$$

N
=

4.8 bed showing higher velocity at the wall compared to the $$N=$$

N
=

2.3 and $$N=$$

N
=

3.7 beds. Further, in the $$N=$$

N
=

3.7 bed, channels of high velocity, termed flow lanes, were found 1.3 particle diameters from the wall, possibly due to the bed structure in this particular bed. At the pellet scale, the hydrodynamics were found to be independent of $$N$$
N
. The results reported here demonstrate the capability of magnetic resonance velocity imaging for studying turbulent flows in packed beds, and they provide fundamental insight into the effect of $$N$$
N
on the hydrodynamics.
Daily mood and cognitive performance of women with and without bipolar disorder: role of menopausal status
Authors: Liu Yanlin , Ng Hui Xin , Klaus Federica , Young Jared W. , Eyler Lisa T.
Published: September 2023

We examined the role of menopausal status in daily mood and cognitive performance among women with bipolar disorder (BD) compared to healthy comparison women. We analyzed the association of menopausal status, bipolar diagnosis, and their interaction on daily mood assessed by mobile surveys and attentional performance measured multiple times over 2 weeks. Menopausal status was associated with more daily negative affect in women with BD, but not related to attentional performance.
Sinus- und Kortikalvenenthrombose: das Chamäleon des sekundären Kopfschmerzes
Authors: Kellermair Lukas
Published: September 2023

Die zerebrale Sinusvenen- und Kortikalvenenthrombose (CSVT) ist eine seltene, aber lebensbedrohliche Erkrankung, und ihre Diagnose bleibt eine Herausforderung. Sie manifestiert sich mit einem breiten Spektrum von Symptomen wie Kopfschmerzen, Sehstörungen, fokal neurologischen Ausfällen oder epileptischen Anfällen. Die Dynamik, Prognose und das Ausmaß der Erkrankung hängen maßgeblich von der Beteiligung kortikaler Venen sowie von der Effizienz venöser Kollateralkreisläufe ab. Ätiologisch stehen orale Kontrazeption, Schwangerschaft und insbesondere die Postpartumperiode, aber auch genetische Thrombophilien und Krebserkrankungen in Mitteleuropa am häufigsten mit einer CSVT in Zusammenhang. Intrazerebrale Blutungen bei CSVT stellen keine Kontraindikation für eine Vollheparinisierung dar. Im Verlauf erfolgt die Umstellung auf eine orale Antikoagulation, wobei sich die Therapiedauer an der zugrunde liegenden Ätiologie der CSVT orientiert.
Mineralization and morphology of peri-implant bone around loaded and unloaded dental implants retrieved from the human mandible
Authors: Zamparini Fausto , Gandolfi Maria Giovanna , Spinelli Andrea , Ferri Mauro , Iezzi Giovanna , Botticelli Daniele , Prati Carlo
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Limited data is reported regarding the bone mineralization around dental implants in the first months from insertion. The study analyzed the peri-implant bone around loaded and unloaded implants retrieved from human mandible after 4 months from placement.

Method

The composition and mineralization of human bone were analyzed through an innovative protocol technique using Environmental-Scanning-Electron-Microscopy connected with Energy-Dispersive-X-Ray-Spectroscopy (ESEM/EDX). Two regions of interest (ROIs, approximately 750×500 μm) for each bone implant sample were analyzed at the cortical (Cortical ROI) and apical (Apical ROI) implant threads. Calcium, phosphorus, and nitrogen (atomic%) were determined using EDX, and the specific ratios (Ca/N, P/N, and Ca/P) were calculated as mineralization indices.

Results

Eighteen implant biopsies from ten patients were analyzed (unloaded implants, n=10; loaded implants, n=8). For each ROI, four bone areas (defined bones 1–4) were detected. These areas were characterized by different mineralization degree, varied Ca, P and N content, and different ratios, and by specific grayscale intensity detectable by ESEM images. Bony tissue in contact with loaded implants at the cortical ROI showed a higher percentage of low mineralized bone (bone 1) and a lower percentage of remodeling bone (bone 2) when compared to unloaded implants. The percentage of highly mineralized bone (bone 3) was similar in all groups.

Conclusion

Cortical and apical ROIs resulted in a puzzle of different bone “islands” characterized by various rates of mineralization. Only the loaded implants showed a high rate of mineralization in the cortical ROI.
Antiplatelet therapy in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: an updated meta-analysis
Authors: Lee Keng Siang , Lee Cheyenne , Dhillon Permesh S. , Kirollos Ramez , Nga Vincent D.W. , Yeo Tseng Tsai , Henkes Hans , Arthur Adam S. , Yeo Leonard L.L. , Bhogal Pervinder
Published: September 2023

Antiplatelet therapy (AT) may serve to reduce the effects of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH)-induced pro-coagulant state in the cerebral circulation. Several studies, however, have delivered conflicting conclusions on the efficacy of AT post aSAH. Systematic searches of Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Central were undertaken on 27th March 2023. The primary outcome was delayed cerebral ischaemia (DCI). Secondary outcomes were symptomatic and angiographic vasospasm, good functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] with scores 0–2), hemorrhagic events, and in-hospital mortality. Twenty-two studies reporting 4378 patients with aSAH were included in the meta-analysis. AT was associated with lower rates of DCI (RR=0.62, 95% CI: 0.43; 0.89), symptomatic vasospasm (RR=0.63, 95% CI: 0.46; 0.86), and moderate/severe angiographic vasospasm (RR=0.74, 95% CI: 0.65; 0.84), with no effect on hemorrhagic complications (RR=1.36, 95% CI: 0.77; 2.41). When analyzing only post-ictal use of AT, AT additionally favored rates of good functional outcomes (RR=1.18, 95% CI: 1.10; 1.26) and in-hospital mortality (RR=0.56, 95% CI: 0.39; 0.80). In the subgroup treated with cilostazol, AT was associated with lower rates of DCI (RR=0.40, 95% CI: 0.32), symptomatic vasospasm (RR=0.47, 95% CI: 0.33; 0.65), moderate/severe angiographic vasospasm (RR=0.75, 95% CI: 0.57; 0.98) and good functional outcome (RR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.08; 1.43). In the surgically treated aSAH subgroup, AT favored rates of symptomatic vasospasm (RR=0.55, 95% CI: 0.30; 0.98), moderate/severe angiographic vasospasm (RR=0.70, 95% CI: 0.54; 0.90) and good functional outcome (RR=1.23, 95% CI: 1.09; 1.41). In the endovascularly treated aSAH subgroup, AT was associated with lower rates of in-hospital mortality (RR=0.60, 95% CI: 0.41; 0.88). In aSAH patients, post-ictal AT is associated with benefits in terms of rates of DCI, vasospasm, good functional outcomes, and in-hospital mortality without an increased risk of hemorrhagic events.
From accessibility to inclusion in the theatre: exploring the spectrum between traditional audio introductions and mainstream theatre podcasts
Authors: Hermosa-Ramírez Irene , Reviers Nina
Published: September 2023

Theatres are creating a growing audiovisual ecosystem outside the physical venue, including podcasts and audio introductions (AI), marketed as content for the general public, as an accessibility service or both. This article explores these genres and discusses their potential contribution to the existing “cluster” (Roofthooft in Theaterervaring bij blinden en slechtzienden: een cluster van mogelijkheden: een praktijkgericht onderzoek naar toegankelijkheidsmodaliteiten die bijdragen tot een inclusieve theaterervaring, 2021) of accessibility options that create achievement spaces (Neves in The Palgrave handbook of audiovisual translation and media accessibility. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham, 2020) for all. Four episodes of podcasts–AIs are analysed, applying systemic functional linguistics (Halliday and Matthiessen in Halliday’s introduction to functional grammar. London and New York, Routledge, 2014) as a framework. The analysis suggests that “mainstream” podcasts focus on the piece, while AIs refer mostly to the production. The AI communicative functions (Reviers in J Special Transl 35:69–95 8:334–338, 2021) experience a noticeable shift in the mainstream podcasts, as the foreshadowing function (disclosing visual elements of a play) is minimised in favour of informative and certain aesthetic functions. The institutional and expert roles of the speakers in the podcasts allow them to introduce poetic language and address the audience more explicitly, in a similar vein to integrated audio description (Fryer in J of Audiov Transl 1(1):170–186, 2018). Unlike traditional AIs, podcasts include music and ad-libs, incorporating another layer of texture to the text. Mainstream podcasts have the potential to become a complementary access modality to AIs, since they minimise ocular-centric practices present in AI and AD (Chottin and Thompson in L’Esprit Créateur 61(4):32–44, 2021). Furthermore, the hybrid podcast type could be an inclusive solution that targets a wider audience.
Soft computing techniques for biomedical data analysis: open issues and challenges
Authors: Houssein Essam H. , Hosney Mosa E. , Emam Marwa M. , Younis Eman M. G. , Ali Abdelmgeid A. , Mohamed Waleed M.
Published: September 2023

In recent years, medical data analysis has become paramount in delivering accurate diagnoses for various diseases. The plethora of medical data sources, encompassing disease types, disease-related proteins, ligands for proteins, and molecular drug components, necessitates adopting effective disease analysis and diagnosis methods. Soft computing techniques, including swarm algorithms and machine learning (ML) methods, have emerged as superior approaches. While ML techniques such as classification and clustering have gained prominence, feature selection methods are crucial in extracting optimal features and reducing data dimensions. This review paper presents a comprehensive overview of soft computing techniques for tackling medical data problems through classifying and analyzing medical data. The focus lies mainly on the classification of medical data resources. A detailed examination of various techniques developed for classifying numerous diseases is provided. The review encompasses an in-depth exploration of multiple ML methods designed explicitly for disease detection and classification. Additionally, the review paper offers insights into the underlying biological disease mechanisms and highlights several medical and chemical databases that facilitate research in this field. Furthermore, the review paper outlines emerging trends and identifies the key challenges in biomedical data analysis. It sheds light on this research domain’s exciting possibilities and future directions. The enhanced understanding of soft computing techniques and their practical applications and limitations will contribute to advancing biomedical data analysis and support healthcare professionals in making accurate diagnoses.
The effect of aquatic and land exercise on the mental well-being of women following breast cancer surgery-comparative study
Authors: Czenczek-Lewandowska Ewelina , Szeliga Ewa , Leszczak Justyna
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Women after surgical treatment of breast cancer are less likely to engage in physical activity and may exhibit depressive symptoms even for many years post-treatment. The aim of the study was to compare the impact of 6 months aquatic and land exercise on mental well-being of women after breast cancer surgery.

Methods

The study was based on a survey which involved a total of 90 women ≥ 50 years of age (including 60 subjects after treatment of breast cancer ≥ 2 years after surgery and 30 healthy control). The study participants were divided into three groups, i.e. women attending general exercise sessions in a gym (A, n = 30), participating in aquatic exercise (B, n = 30), as well as healthy female peers reporting no regular physical exercise for the period of 6 months (C, n = 30). The present data were acquired using standardized questionnaires designed to assess physical activity (IPAQ-SF), mental well-being (WHO-5) and level of anxiety, i.e., Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7).

Results

Both the aquatic and land exercise had positive effect on mental well-being of woman after breast cancer surgery and there were no significant differences between them. Analysis of the anxiety level (GAD-7) confirms that women after breast cancer treatment were more exposed to a feeling of generalised anxiety disorder, i.e. 8.67 vs. 6.73, 4.5 (p = 0.001). The results of WHO-5 index were significantly higher in the A and B groups comparing to healthy control, i.e. 13.27 vs. 14.18; 10.10 (p < 0.001), but the obtained results still indicate the low self-esteem of the study group. Women after breast cancer surgery who regularly participated in aquatic exercise were engaged in more vigorous physical activity compared to the other groups, i.e. 1049.33 vs. 521.33; 860.00 MET min/week (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Regardless of the type of physical activity, 6 months aquatic and land exercise contributed to improved mental well-being and ensured adequate levels of moderate physical activity of woman after BC surgery. Regular physical activity is crucial in the rehabilitation after mastectomy and can be an effective treatment to achieve beneficial mental outcomes.
Connecting the domains: an investigation of internet domains found in Covid-19 conspiracy tweets
Authors: Moffitt J. D. , King Catherine , Carley Kathleen M.
Published: September 2023

Conspiracy theories (CTs) have thrived during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to spread on social media despite attempts at fact-checking. The isolation and fear associated with this pandemic likely contributed to the generation and spread of these theories. Another possible factor is the high rate of Twitter users linking to off-platform alternative news sources through URL sharing (Moffitt et al. 2021). In this paper, we compare URLs and their parent domains linked in CT and non-CT tweets. First, we searched the parent domains of URLs shared in conspiracy theory and non-conspiracy theory classified tweets for the presence of Google tracking codes. We then constructed meta-networks linking domains, tracking codes, and Twitter users to find connections between domains and evidence of an eco-system that may have contributed to the cultivation and spread of conspiracy theories during the pandemic.
Hate Crime Investigation and Sentencing in Sweden: What Have We Learned in the Past 20 Years?
Authors: Hagerlid Mika , Granström Görel
Published: September 2023

Twenty years ago, the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention presented a report that highlighted serious problems with regard to identifying, investigating, and sentencing offenders for hate crimes. The same problems have also been described in international research from several other countries. Since then, several measures have been taken to remedy these problems, but it remains unknown whether these measures have been successful. The aim of the present study is therefore to trace developments over time, using Sweden as a case study, and to evaluate the extent to which the problems identified earlier have been remedied. The results show that the problems identified by the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention still remain despite a continuous process of reform. Theoretical links and parallels to international research are discussed throughout the article.
Bringing girls and women into STEM?: Girls’ technological activities and conceptions when participating in an all-girl technology camp
Authors: Sultan Ulrika , Axell Cecilia , Hallström Jonas
Published: September 2023

Bringing more girls and women into science, technology, engineering and mathematics, STEM, is often highlighted as an aim in education and industry. A constantly growing body of research on engagement is driven by equity concerns caused by the unbalanced gender distribution in STEM. In this study, Swedish teenage girls on a three-day technology camp are in focus. The camp was an initiative with three goals: “Get girls interested, keep girls interested and provide knowledge about futures within technology professions”. We explored the participating girls’ technological activities and conceptions of technology at the camp. Data collection was conducted through participant observations and a focus group interview. Data were analysed using thematic analysis and a gender theoretical framework. Results show the camp presented uncertain notions of what technology can be, and traditionally male-oriented domains were “girlified”. However, girlified activities might not have been constructive in this context since the girls expressed interest in technology before the camp and showed few signs of gendering technology – they liked all kinds of technology. Girlified technology can, at its worst, give a false image of the future industrial work life that the camp organiser aimed to inspire. Despite this, the camp activities were still meaningful and relevant to the girls. The camp created opportunities for the girls to develop their sense of being technical and a feeling of belonging. Implications for technology classroom settings and future camps are to value practical work and improvisational design without leaving the teaching unreflected. This could be a way of engaging and familiarising girls with the multifaceted world of technology without girlifying it. In addition, a broad conception of technology could make gender codes less relevant and open new opportunities.
A European equivalence scale for public in-kind transfers
Authors: Aaberge Rolf , Langørgen Audun , Lindgren Petter Y.
Published: September 2023

This paper introduces a theory-based equivalence scale for public in-kind transfers, which justifies comparison of distributions of extended income (cash income plus the value of public services) between European countries. We demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed equivalence scale in an empirical analysis of the effects of public health care, long-term care, education and childcare expenditure on estimates of income inequality and poverty for 24 European countries. The empirical results show significant effects of public in-kind transfers on the level of income inequality and poverty for all countries. Over the period 2006–2018, inequality and poverty estimates display rather different trends across European countries.
Zn-Salphen Acrylic Films Powered by Aggregation-Induced Enhanced Emission for Sensing Applications
Authors: Enríquez-Palacios Ernesto , Robledo-Patiño Ana Victoria , Zelada-Guillén Gustavo A.
Published: September 2023

Zn(II) complexes possess attractive characteristics for supramolecular chemistry, catalysis, and optoelectronic applications, while Zn-Salphen counterparts are also suitable as chemical sensors, although limited by solution-based to date. In this study, we report the synthesis of new polymers from methyl methacrylate, n-butyl acrylate, and a non-symmetrical Zn-Salphen complex. We show that this low-fluorescent complex exhibits aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) properties and that, the incorporation of AIEE complexes into a polymeric matrix make it possible to achieve fluorescent films with enhanced fluorescence suitable for sensing applications. As a proof of concept, these films could detect acetic acid, showing a decrease of up to 73% in the original fluorescence. Host/guest studies showed a subtle disruption of the emission in aggregates upon treatment with anion guests. These results indicate that an interaction between the guest and Zn-Salphen complex may occur, stabilizing or destabilizing the complex and causing a concomitant increase or decrease in emission.
Composite and Pristine Silver Bismuth Sulphide: Synthesis and Up-to-Date Applications
Authors: Ajiboye Timothy O. , Mafolasire Abolaji A. , Lawrence Sawunyama , Tyhali Nandipha , Mhlanga Sabelo D.
Published: September 2023

Silver bismuth sulphide is a ternary material that has attracted attention due to its good properties and several applications. Here, the detailed methods of synthesizing silver bismuth sulphide including successive ionic layer and reaction, Bridgman, microwave, mechanical milling, pyrolysis, deposition, sol–gel and chemical methods are discussed. To understand the properties of the silver bismuth sulphide, characterization tools are required, some of these tools are highlighted. Its photocatalytic, sensing, photovoltaic, photothermal, hydrogen generation, usage in the treatment of cancer and other medical applications are also comprehensively reviewed. Lastly, future perspectives on the synthesis and applications of silver bismuth sulphide are suggested.
Deep Learning Based Hybrid Intrusion Detection Systems to Protect Satellite Networks
Authors: Azar Ahmad Taher , Shehab Esraa , Mattar Ahmed M. , Hameed Ibrahim A. , Elsaid Shaimaa Ahmed
Published: September 2023

Despite the fact that satellite-terrestrial systems have advantages such as high throughput, low latency, and low energy consumption, as well as low exposure to physical threats and natural disasters and cost-effective global coverage, their integration exposes both of them to particular security challenges that can arise due to the migration of security challenges from one to another. Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) can also be used to provide a high level of protection for modern network environments such as satellite-terrestrial integrated networks (STINs). To optimize the detection performance of malicious activities in network traffic, four hybrid intrusion detection systems for satellite-terrestrial communication systems (SAT-IDSs) are proposed in this paper. All the proposed systems exploit the sequential forward feature selection (SFS) method based on random forest (RF) to select important features from the dataset that increase relevance and reduce complexity and then combine them with a machine learning (ML) or deep learning (DL) model; Random Forest (RF), Long Short-Term memory (LSTM), Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), and Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU). Two datasets—STIN, which simulates satellite networks, and UNSW-NB15, which simulates terrestrial networks—were used to evaluate the performance of the proposed SAT-IDSs. The experimental results indicate that selecting significant and crucial features produced by RF-SFS vastly improves detection accuracy and computational efficiency. In the first dataset (STIN), the proposed hybrid ML system SFS-RF achieved an accuracy of 90.5% after using 10 selected features, compared to 85.41% when using the whole dataset. Furthermore, the RF-SFS-GRU model achieved the highest performance of the three proposed hybrid DL-based SAT-IDS with an accuracy of 87% after using 10 selected features, compared to 79% when using the entire dataset. In the second dataset (UNSW-NB15), the proposed hybrid ML system SFS-RF achieved an accuracy of 78.52% after using 10 selected features, compared to 75.4% when using the whole dataset. The model with the highest accuracy of the three proposed hybrid DL-based SAT-IDS was the RF-SFS-GRU model. It achieved an accuracy of 79% after using 10 selected features, compared to 74% when using the whole dataset.
Loneliness, Spirituality, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Hispanic English-Speaking Cancer Caregivers: A Qualitative Approach
Authors: King Jennifer J. , Badger Terry A. , Segrin Chris , Thomson Cynthia A.
Published: September 2023

Hispanic caregivers experiencing higher caregiving burden than their non-Hispanic cohorts, due in part to contextual factors, such as barriers to accessing health care, challenging employment environments, low education and income, immigration issues, and minority stress. Spirituality may serve as a coping strategy for Hispanic caregivers that influences health-related quality of life (HRQoL), possibly by modifying loneliness associated with caregiving. We explored these concepts using semi-structured interviews (N = 10 Hispanic caregivers). Participants shared perceptions of loneliness, spirituality, and how these factors related to HRQoL. Five themes emerged: caregiver experience, coping strategies, loneliness, religion and spirituality to gain strength. Findings suggested that spirituality and religion improved HRQoL partially by reducing loneliness. Future programs to improve HRQoL in Hispanic English-speaking cancer caregivers should address spirituality.
Human Rights Penality and Violence Against Women: The Coloniality of Disembodied Justice
Authors: Tapia Tapia Silvana
Published: September 2023

Despite the persistence of violence inside and around prisons, and the dubious adequacy of criminal law to respond to victim–survivors, international human rights (IHR) discourse increasingly promotes the mobilisation of the state’s penal apparatus to respond to human rights violations, including violence against women (VAW). Using an anticolonial feminist approach, this article scrutinises the ontological and epistemological commitments underlying ‘human rights penality,’ by analysing features of the Western-colonial register vis-a-vis more relational worldviews. Separateness, abstraction, and transcendence broadly underpin the exclusion of embodied experience, context, and material reality from the juridical field. In the second part, through discourse analysis of Inter-American and European case law, the author shows the deployment of human rights penality, the displacement of experience, and the disregard of context in IHR discourse. VAW is construed as a procedural and penal matter: it is the absence of a penal process that courts regard as failure to protect women, rather than the state’s inability/unwillingness to address structural subordination. Moreover, the ‘virtues’ attributed to the penal system justify its expansion, which facilitates the continuity of penal violence and debilitates alternative approaches to justice. Finally, the author posits penal abolition as an anticolonial praxis, pointing at examples of anti-carceral feminist work.
Long-term treatment outcomes of temozolomide-based chemoradiation in patients with adult-type diffuse IDH-mutant grade 2 astrocytoma
Authors: Minniti Giuseppe , Paolini Sergio , Antonelli Manila , Gianno Francesca , Tini Paolo , Lanzetta Gaetano , Arcella Antonella , De Pietro Raffaella , Giraffa Martina , Capone Luca , Romano Andrea , Bozzao Alessandro , Esposito Vincenzo
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To report the long-term outcomes in adult patients with grade 2 IDH-mutant astrocytoma treated with temozolomide (TMZ)-based chemoradiation. Methods: One hundred and three patients with histologically proven grade 2 astrocytoma received radiation therapy (RT), 50.4–54 Gy in 1.8 Gy fractions, and adjuvant TMZ up to 12 cycles. Fifty-two patients received RT at the time of tumor progression and 51 in the early postoperative period for the presence of at least one high-risk feature (age > 40 years, preoperative tumor size > 5 cm, large postoperative residual tumor, tumor crossing the midline, or presence of neurological symptoms). Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated from the time of diagnosis.

Results

With a median follow-up time of 9.0 years (range, 1.3–15 years), median PFS and OS times were 9 years (95%CI, 6.6–10.3) and 11.8 years (95%CI, 9.3–13.4), respectively. Median PFS was 10.6 years in the early treatment group and 6 years in delayed treatment group (hazard ratio (HR) 0.30; 95%CI 0.16–0.59; p = 0.0005); however, OS was not significantly different between groups (12.8 vs. 10.4 years; HR 0.64; 95%CI 0.33–1.25; p = 0.23). Extent of resection, KPS, and small residual disease were associated with OS, with postoperative tumor ≤ 1 cc that emerged as the strongest independent predictor (HR: 0.27; 95%CI 0.08–0.87; p = 0.01).

Conclusions

TMZ-based chemoradiation is associated with survival benefit in patients with grade 2 IDH-mutant astrocytoma. For this group of patients, chemoradiation can be deferred until time of progression in younger patients receiving extensive resection, while early treatment should be recommended in high-risk patients.
Vitamin D status and supplementation before and after Bariatric Surgery: Recommendations based on a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Giustina Andrea , di Filippo Luigi , Facciorusso Antonio , Adler Robert A. , Binkley Neil , Bollerslev Jens , Bouillon Roger , Casanueva Felipe F. , Cavestro Giulia Martina , Chakhtoura Marlene , Conte Caterina , Donini Lorenzo M. , Ebeling Peter R. , Fassio Angelo , Frara Stefano , Gagnon Claudia , Latella Giovanni , Marcocci Claudio , Mechanick Jeffrey I. , Minisola Salvatore , Rizzoli René , Santini Ferruccio , Shaker Joseph L. , Sempos Christopher , Ulivieri Fabio Massimo , Virtanen Jyrki K. , Napoli Nicola , Schafer Anne L. , Bilezikian John P.
Published: September 2023

Bariatric surgery is associated with a postoperative reduction of 25(OH) vitamin D levels (25(OH)D) and with skeletal complications. Currently, guidelines for 25(OH)D assessment and vitamin D supplementation in bariatric patients, pre- and post-surgery, are still lacking. The aim of this work is to analyse systematically the published experience on 25(OH)D status and vitamin D supplementation, pre- and post-surgery, and to propose, on this basis, recommendations for management. Preoperatively, 18 studies including 2,869 patients were evaluated. Prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency as defined by 25(OH)D < 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L) was 85%, whereas when defined by 25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L) was 57%. The median preoperative 25(OH)D level was 19.75 ng/mL. After surgery, 39 studies including 5,296 patients were analysed and among those undergoing either malabsorptive or restrictive procedures, a lower rate of vitamin D insufficiency and higher 25(OH)D levels postoperatively were observed in patients treated with high-dose oral vitamin D supplementation, defined as ≥ 2,000 IU/daily (mostly D3-formulation), compared with low-doses (< 2,000 IU/daily). Our recommendations based on this systematic review and meta-analysis should help clinical practice in the assessment and management of vitamin D status before and after bariatric surgery. Assessment of vitamin D should be performed pre- and postoperatively in all patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Regardless of the type of procedure, high-dose supplementation is recommended in patients after bariatric surgery.
Sustainable Development Goals for Textiles and Fashion
Authors: Thakker Alka Madhukar , Sun Danmei
Published: September 2023

In this paper, each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is discussed in the context of textiles and fashion. The necessity of collaborative efforts is accentuated to overcome the climate crisis and human health concerns encountered by the textiles and fashion industry. The concerns over poverty faced by cotton farmers, soil depletion, and toxicity to aquatic life due to microfibres and heavy metals are presented. The paper underlines numerous corrective practises such as the utilisation of African Organic Cotton, Better Initiative Cotton, and others that could enable curtailing poverty and hunger. The requirement for a more corporate and socially responsible textiles and fashion business that would propel SDGs is described with inspiring examples of Inditex, Culthread, Saint Basics, Flamingo’s Life, etcetera. More, the greenwashing and ardent necessity of transparency across the fashion value chain is emphasised herein. The importance of reducing inequalities and working in partnership for innovation and justice is highlighted such as apple leather, algal foam, and others. Even more, the production waste and landfill disputes are reviewed. Eventually, the paper concludes with an appeal for mindful and diligent efforts from textiles and fashion consumers, designers, manufacturers, and traders to continually adapt to SDGs even after 2030 as there is no planet B. Also, abiding by the laws of nature as listed herein is found to be the key to reaching SDGs.