bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of the German version of the state mindfulness scale for physical activity in a clinical sample
Authors: Wallner Jan , Kind Leona , Donath Carolin , Kornhuber Johannes , Luttenberger Katharina
Published: December 2024

Background

Mindfulness has been studied as a treatment option for a large range of psychological disorders and is associated with a multitude of positive psychological outcomes. There are now several scales for measuring mindfulness as both a trait and a state. As mindfulness potentially plays a critical role in maintaining physical activity habits, the State Mindfulness Scale for Physical Activity (SMS-PA) was developed to specifically measure mindfulness in a physical activity context. This study aimed to provide validity evidence for a German version of the SMS-PA (henceforth called SMS-PA-G) in a clinical sample.

Methods

We used baseline data from 129 participants in the randomised controlled trial ‘New Ways to Cope with Depression’. The sample, which was screened for clinical depression symptoms, completed the SMS-PA-G and several other psychometric scales for capturing state mindfulness, self-efficacy, sense of coherence, anxiety, depression, and physical activity. We conducted reliability and item analyses and ran a confirmatory factor analysis. Also, we assessed construct validity through correlations with the abovementioned scales and through differences in SMS-PA scores between physically active and nonactive participants.

Results

The mean SMS-PA-G score in our sample was 25.3 with a standard deviation of 8.5. The item and reliability analyses provided satisfactory Cronbach’s alpha and discriminatory power values. The confirmatory factor analysis showed that physical activity mindfulness can best be described via a bifactor model, with specific mind and body factors and a general mindfulness factor. We found the expected relationships with the attention subscale of state mindfulness, self-efficacy, and sense of coherence but did not find them with the awareness subscale of state mindfulness, depression, and anxiety. As hypothesised, physically active participants exhibited higher SMS-PA-G values than nonactive participants.

Conclusions

The SMS-PA-G is an internally consistent test instrument that captures respondents’ general physical activity mindfulness and their attention to mental and bodily events. Whereas validity evidence was generally supportive of the SMS-PA-G, its relationships with other constructs require further investigation.

Trial registration

ISRCTN, ISRCTN12347878. Registered 28 March 2022, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN12347878.
Sinking bone flap with ipsilateral hemiparesis: the neurosurgical paradox—a case report and literature review
Authors: Goyal Pawan , Gaonkar Vishwa Bharathi , Gupta Aditya
Published: December 2024

Background

One of the less known complications following cranioplasty is the sinking bone flap syndrome which usually occurs in patients with an accompanying ventriculo-peritoneal shunt which leads to intracranial hypotension. This condition is rarely seen in patients without a draining VP shunt. In this article, we describe the case of a patient who developed sinking bone flap syndrome without a VP shunt.

Case presentation

A 44-year-old gentleman with chronic liver disease developed altered sensorium following trivial falls and was diagnosed with an acute right fronto-temporo-parietal SDH for which he underwent decompressive craniectomy. Autologous cranioplasty was done three months following the procedure and patient was discharged with no deficits. He developed ipsilateral hemiparesis three years after cranioplasty and on evaluation was found to have a sinking bone flap. Redo cranioplasty was done with patient specific implant following which he improved neurologically.

Conclusion

Sinking bone flap syndrome can occur in the absence of VP shunt and patients should be regularly followed after cranioplasty to avoid development of neurological deficits.
Investigating the relationship between manual dexterity and auditory spatial processing
Authors: Jargar Ritwik , Upadhya Sushmitha , Bhattacharyya Rohit , Nisha K. V.
Published: December 2024

Background

Manual dexterity, referring to fine motor skills and hand–eye coordination, has been suggested to influence various cognitive processes, including attention. Attention has been shown to be strongly related to auditory spatial processing, which primarily involves the perception and interpretation of sound locations in the environment. This study aimed to investigate the potential association between manual dexterity and auditory spatial processing abilities.

Method

A total of 30 participants, aged 19–25 years (mean age: 22.06 ± 1.85 years), were assessed for handedness using the Edinburgh Handedness Questionnaire (EHQ). They were divided into 2 groups: 15 right-handed (RH) and 15 left-handed (LH) individuals based on their EHQ scores. The virtual auditory space identification (VASI) test was administered for the assessment of auditory spatial skills. It consists of presenting a series of virtually presented sounds from 8 azimuths (0°, R45°, R90°, R135°, 180°, L90°, L135°, and L45°) randomly through TDH HDA 200 headphones. Correct responses and biased responses along with their corresponding reaction times were calculated.

Results

Results revealed that although the RH group displayed a slightly stronger leftward bias in both degrees of error and reaction compared to the LH group and vice-versa, these differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

The study concluded that there is little to no association between handedness and an individual’s auditory spatial ability. The absence of a significant difference in auditory spatial performance between RH and LH individuals may contribute to more inclusive and equitable approaches in fields where auditory spatial abilities are important.

Trial registration

SH/IRB/RP/08. Registered 12 January 2023.
Characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis at Abbassia Chest Hospital
Authors: Nofal Ibrahim Mostafa Mohamed , AbdelHalim Hesham Atef , Almaraghy Ashraf Abbass , Awad Amr Mohammed , Farrag Mohamed Ali
Published: December 2024

Background

Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) remains a significant health concern. This study analyzes patients admitted to Abbassia Chest Hospital, focusing on their characteristics, drug resistance patterns, treatment outcomes, and risk factors for poor prognosis.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 121 patients admitted to the MDR unit at Abbassia Chest Hospital. TB diagnosis was confirmed using sputum smear microscopy, microbiological culture and sensitivity testing, and molecular methods (GeneXpert). Patient data were extracted from hospital records for statistical analysis.

Results

The mean age of MDR-TB patients was 40 years, with 75.21% being male. Key risk factors included prior TB interrupted treatment, smoking, and contact with MDR-TB patients. Resistance rates exceeded 90% for cycloserine, ethionamide, pyrazinamide, and levofloxacin, while 71.9% were resistant to amoxicillin. Sputum conversion occurred in 95.04% of patients, with a mean conversion time of 2.21 ± 1.44 months. Successful treatment was achieved in 84.3% of cases, while 45.45% experienced side effects, the most common being hyperuricemia (28.1%), gastritis, and ototoxicity (11.57% each). Bad prognosis was associated with comorbidities like ischemic heart disease (OR 15.34, p = 0.02) and delayed sputum conversion (OR 1.63/month, p = 0.03). Side effects were not linked to bad outcomes.

Conclusion

While most MDR-TB patients achieved successful treatment outcomes, certain factors, such as comorbidities (particularly ischemic heart disease) and delayed sputum conversion, significantly contributed to bad prognosis.
Adoption of a sustainable land management practice for invasive
Prosopis juliflora
in East Africa
Authors: Eschen René , Kaaya Omega Emmanuel , Kilawe Charles Joseph , Malila Barnabas Philip , Mbwambo John Richard , Mwihomeke Mickfanaka Steven , Nunda Winnie
Published: December 2024

Background

Woody invasive alien species are among the world’s worst invaders, significantly affecting ecosystem services, increasing the cost of farming and reducing access to land.
Prosopis juliflora
(“prosopis”), a spiny shrub or tree, was introduced from its native Latin America into Eastern Africa to reduce dust and sandstorms and provide wood and fodder for livestock, but it has spread from the original areas of introduction and invaded large areas of land, thereby replacing grazing and arable land with impenetrable thickets. Stakeholders in two invaded regions of Kenya and Tanzania selected and tested, through an inclusive and participatory process guided by the Woody Weeds project, one sustainable land management (SLM) practice to manage prosopis through uprooting and subsequent use of the cleared land for continuous crop and fodder production. The practice was successful and was adopted by stakeholders in the communities where it was tested.

Methods

We assessed reasons why people adopted the practice or not, as well as whether there was an effect of the Woody Weeds project on the adoption, through in-person interviews with 154 household heads in Baringo, Kenya, and 148 in Kahe, Tanzania.

Results

About 75% of the respondents implemented the practice, 76 didn’t implement the practice and ten respondents no longer implemented the practice. We found that the likelihood of people adopting was higher for male than female respondents and was positively related to farm size. Results of a choice experiment revealed that almost all respondents prefer the SLM over a situation where their land is invaded by prosopis, even if the investment is high, which confirms that people prefer farming over prosopis, and that their perception of the SLM became more positive over time. Altogether, our results illustrate the beneficial effects of the SLM practice, despite high initial investment and risk of injury while uprooting prosopis. The results further indicate the value of communal meetings for dissemination, as many people learn about new practices through observation of their neighbours’ activities and during public barazas and village meetings.

Conclusions

We recommend awareness raising about these SLM practices and their benefits and upscaling of the practices to other areas infested by prosopis.
Entrustable professional activities in postgraduate psychiatric training
Authors: Varvari Ioana , Duddu Venugopal , Ranjith Gopinath
Published: December 2024

Entrustable professional activities (EPAs) have gained traction in the medical education field as a means of assessing competencies. Essentially, an EPA is a profession-specific task that a trainee is entrusted to conduct unsupervised, once deemed competent by their supervisor through prior evaluations and discussions. The integration of EPAs into postgraduate assessment strategies enhances the delivery of capability-based curricula. It strategically bridges the theoretical–practical divide and addresses existing issues associated with workplace-based assessments (WBPAs). This article aims to (a) provide an overview of EPAs, (b) review the application of EPAs in postgraduate psychiatry so far, exploring their conceptual framework, implementation, qualities and potential benefits and concerns, and (c) propose a theoretical framework for their integration into the UK psychiatry curriculum.
Efficacy of esketamine nasal spray over quetiapine extended release over the short and long term: sensitivity analyses of ESCAPE-TRD, a randomised phase IIIb clinical trial
Authors: Young Allan H. , Llorca Pierre-Michel , Fagiolini Andrea , Falkai Peter , Cardoner Narcís , Nielsen René E. , Blomqvist Ola , Godinov Yordan , Rive Benoît , Diels Joris , Mulhern-Haughey Siobhán , Reif Andreas
Published: December 2024

Background

In patients with treatment resistant depression (TRD), the ESCAPE-TRD study showed esketamine nasal spray was superior to quetiapine extended release.

Aims

To determine the robustness of the ESCAPE-TRD results and confirm the superiority of esketamine nasal spray over quetiapine extended release.

Method

ESCAPE-TRD was a randomised, open-label, rater-blinded, active-controlled phase IIIb trial. Patients had TRD (i.e. non-response to two or more antidepressive treatments within a major depressive episode). Patients were randomised 1:1 to flexibly dosed esketamine nasal spray or quetiapine extended release, while continuing an ongoing selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor/serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. The primary end-point was achieving a Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale score of ≤10 at Week 8, while the key secondary end-point was remaining relapse free through Week 32 after achieving remission at Week 8. Sensitivity analyses were performed on these end-points by varying the definition of remission based on timepoint, threshold and scale.

Results

Of 676 patients, 336 were randomised to esketamine nasal spray and 340 to quetiapine extended release. All sensitivity analyses on the primary and key secondary end-point favoured esketamine nasal spray over quetiapine extended release, with relative risks ranging from 1.462 to 1.737 and from 1.417 to 1.838, respectively (all p < 0.05). Treatment with esketamine nasal spray shortened time to first and confirmed remission (hazard ratio: 1.711 [95% confidence interval 1.402, 2.087], p < 0.001; 1.658 [1.337, 2.055], p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Esketamine nasal spray consistently demonstrated significant superiority over quetiapine extended release using all pre-specified definitions for remission and relapse. Sensitivity analyses supported the conclusions of the primary ESCAPE-TRD analysis and demonstrated robustness of the results.
Influence of Nucleophosmin (
NPM1
) Genotypes on Outcome of Patients With AML: An AIEOP-BFM and COG-SWOG Intergroup Collaboration
Authors: Tregnago Claudia , Benetton Maddalena , Ries Rhonda E. , Peplinski Jack H. , Alonzo Todd A. , Stirewalt Derek , Othus Megan , Duployez Nicolas , Sonneveld Edwin , Abrahamsson Jonas , Fogelstrand Linda , von Neuhoff Nils , Hasle Henrik , Reinhardt Dirk , Meshinchi Soheil , Locatelli Franco , Pigazzi Martina
Published: December 2024

PURPOSE

Several genomic subsets of
NPM1
mutations with varying sequences (type A, B, D, etc) have been identified. Despite molecular heterogeneity,
NPM1
mutations cumulatively portend a more favorable outcome, but biology and prognostic implications of different genomic subsets have not been extensively studied. In this multicentric study, we investigated the impact of
NPM1
genotypes on patient's outcomes and interrogated the underlying biology of the different subtypes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Of more than 4,000 patients enrolled in multiple pediatric cooperative (AIEOP, BFM, ELAM02, NOPHO, DCOG, and COG trials), or adult (SWOG) trials, 348 pediatric and 75 adult AML patients with known
NPM1
genotype and available outcome were selected for this study. Diverse
NPM1
variants were correlated with the probabilities of overall survival (OS) and event-free survival. Nuclear localization and translational efficiency of the
NPM1
variants was studied.

RESULTS

Evaluation of clinical outcome on the basis of
NPM1
genotypes showed that patients with type A, B, and other rare variants had similarly favorable outcomes, whereas those with type D had a significantly worse outcome (OS of 63% for type D
v
86% for type non-D,
P
= .005). Multivariate analysis confirmed type D as an independent prognostic factor associated with inferior OS (hazard ratio, 3;
P
= .005). In vitro, we demonstrated that in type D versus type A synonymous variants, codon optimality plays major roles in determining gene expression levels, and translation efficiency, which resulted in a more expressed
NPM1-D
mRNA and protein, mediating peculiar mitochondrial gene expression.

CONCLUSION

The evaluation of specific
NPM1
genotypes identified AML patients with type D mutations being significantly associated with inferior outcomes, suggesting a reclassification of D cases to higher-risk groups.
Παρασκευή υπερσυμπυκνωμένων αιωρημάτων νανοσωματιδίων αργύρου και οξειδίου του χαλκού για τη χρήση τους σε εκτυπώσιμα αγώγιμα μελάνια
Authors: Δημητρίου Ευγενία
Published: December 2024

Ο σκοπός της παρούσας διατριβής είναι να συνεισφέρει στην υπάρχουσα γνώση για την προσθετική κατασκευή προϊόντων μικροηλεκτρονικής με συμπεράσματα τα οποία θα συμβάλουν στην ανάπτυξη προηγμένων υλικών και διεργασιών. Η μελέτη στοχεύει σε ερευνητικές προκλήσεις που δεν έχουν διερευνηθεί πλήρως από την επιστημονική κοινότητα, όπως την παρασκευή αγώγιμων μελανιών με ιδιότητες που στοχεύουν σε εφαρμογές Πρόσθιας Εκτύπωσης με Laser (Laser-Induced Forward Transfer, LIFT) και την παρασκευή μελανιών βασισμένων σε πρόδρομη ένωση χαλκού, κατάλληλων για τη LIFT, ως οικονομικής εναλλακτικής έναντι μελανιών βασισμένων σε νανοσωματίδια ευγενών μετάλλων, και χημικά σταθερότερης εναλλακτικής έναντι μελανιών νανοσωματιδίων χαλκού. Η έρευνα επικεντρώνεται στην παρασκευή αιωρημάτων – μελανιών υψηλού περιεχομένου σε νανοσωματίδια αργύρου και οξειδίου του χαλκού, με ιδιότητες (μέγεθος και σχήμα σωματιδίων, ρεολογία, χημική σταθερότητα και θερμικές ιδιότητες) κατάλληλες για τις παραμέτρους της LIFT. Για την ανάπτυξη των μελανιών ακολουθούνται δύο προσεγγίσεις. Η πρώτη χρησιμοποιεί εμπορικά αιωρήματα χαμηλής περιεκτικότητας σε νανοσωματίδια αργύρου και οξειδίου του χαλκού, ως πρώτη ύλη για την παρασκευή πυκνών μελανιών, εφαρμόζοντας απλές εργαστηριακές τεχνικές, τόσο χημικές (π.χ. ρύθμιση pH), όσο μηχανικές (π.χ. φυγοκέντρηση). Η δεύτερη βασίζεται στην άμεση σύνθεση των αντίστοιχων πυκνών μελανιών σωματιδίων, υπό την επίδραση μικροκυματικής ακτινοβολίας. Η χρήση ακτινοβολίας μικροκυμάτων στοχεύει στην ταχεία και ομοιόμορφη θέρμανση του αντιδρώντος μίγματος, για την εξασφάλιση της απαραίτητης ενέργειας για την υλοποίηση της αντίδρασης σύνθεσης.
Consumer choice, market concentration, and wealth distribution in connected and disconnected economic structures
Authors: Τσιάτσιος Γεώργιος-Άλκης
Published: December 2024

Αυτή η διατριβή χρησιμοποιεί μοντέλα βασισμένα σε πράκτορες (Agent-Based Models - ABMs) για να διερευνήσει τη δυναμική της καταναλωτικής επιλογής, της συγκέντρωσης της αγοράς και της κατανομής του κεφαλαίου σε τεχνητές οικονομίες, με στόχο την παροχή γνώσεων για τη συμπεριφορά σε μικροεπίπεδο και την επιρροή της στα μακροοικονομικά αποτελέσματα. Απομακρυνόμαστε από την κλασική θεωρία ζήτησης ενσωματώνοντας την ετερογένεια μεταξύ των πρακτόρων, τη μερική ορθολογικότητα και πολυπαραμετρικές συναρτήσεις ζήτησης, σε αντίθεση με το πλαίσιο του αντιπροσωπευτικού πράκτορα. Μέσω προσεγγίσεων που βασίζονται σε προσομοιώσεις και ενσωματώνοντας διάφορες οικονομικές θεωρίες και έννοιες, όπως η δυναμική των επιχειρήσεων, η κεντρική τραπεζική, ο σχηματισμός τιμών και η μεγιστοποίηση του κέρδους, αναλύουμε τις σύνθετες αλληλεπιδράσεις μεταξύ καταναλωτών, επιχειρήσεων και συνθηκών της αγοράς. Μελετώντας οικονομίες με πολλαπλά αγαθά και πράκτορες που διαφοροποιούνται ως προς τις προτιμήσεις και τα εισοδήματά τους, αντλούμε δυναμικές σχέσεις και αποκτούμε βαθύτερη κατανόηση του τρόπου με τον οποίο οι ατομικές επιλογές επηρεάζουν το συνολικό σύστημα. Τα ευρήματά μας συμβάλλουν στη βιβλιογραφία για τη μοντελοποίηση βασισμένη σε πράκτορες στην οικονομία και προσφέρουν πολύτιμες γνώσεις για τους φορείς χάραξης πολιτικής και τους ερευνητές που ενδιαφέρονται να κατανοήσουν τη σύνθετη δυναμική των οικονομικών συστημάτων.
Purification and valorization of biogas for hydrogen production
Authors: Γεωργιάδης Αμβρόσιος
Published: December 2024

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή έχει διττό στόχο: Αρχικά, να βελτιώσει την καθαρότητα και την ποιότητα του βιοαερίου μέσω της απομάκρυνσης του υδρόθειου (H₂S) με τη χρήση τεχνικών ξηρής προσρόφησης και, δεύτερον, να αξιοποιήσει αυτό το εξευγενισμένο βιοαέριο για την παραγωγή υδρογόνου μέσω ξηρής αναμόρφωσης, μια διαδικασία που περιλαμβάνει την αντίδραση του μεθανίου (CH₄) με το διοξείδιο του άνθρακα (CO₂) για την παραγωγή αερίου σύνθεσης, δηλαδή υδρογόνου (H₂) και μονοξειδίου του άνθρακα (CO).Στο πρώτο μέρος της διατριβής (Μέρος Α) δίνεται έμφαση στον καθαρισμό του βιοαερίου μέσω της απομάκρυνσης του H₂S με τη χρήση ξηρής προσρόφησης με ένα βιομηχανικό μοριακό κόσκινο, ζεολιτικού τύπου. Η έρευνα περιλαμβάνει πειραματικές και θεωρητικές προσεγγίσεις για την κατανόηση της διαδικασίας προσρόφησης, εξετάζοντας παράγοντες όπως η θερμοκρασία, η συγκέντρωση H₂S, το μίγμα των αερίων στην τροφοδοσία και οι κύκλοι προσρόφησης/εκρόφησης. Τα ευρήματα έχουν ως στόχο να συμβάλουν στη θεμελιώδη κατανόηση των διεργασιών προσρόφησης H₂S και να παράσχουν πληροφορίες για πιθανές βιομηχανικές εφαρμογές. Το δεύτερο μέρος της διατριβής (Μέρος Β) επικεντρώνεται στην αξιοποίηση του καθαρισμένου βιοαερίου για την παραγωγή υδρογόνου μέσω ξηρής αναμόρφωσης. Η έρευνα περιλαμβάνει πειραματικές μελέτες με τη χρήση κατά κύριο λόγο καταλυτών που προέρχονται από περοβσκίτη, διερευνώντας τροποποιήσεις για την ενίσχυση της καταλυτικής δραστικότητας και σταθερότητας. Επιπλέον, αναπτύσσεται ένα θεωρητικό μοντέλο για την προσομοίωση της διεργασίας ξηρής αναμόρφωσης, παρέχοντας πολύτιμες πληροφορίες για τη βελτιστοποίηση της διεργασίας. Η συμπερίληψη λανθανίδων όπως η σαμάρια στους καταλύτες και η διερεύνηση νέων συνθέσεων καταλυτών συμβάλουν μεταξύ άλλων στην καινοτομία της έρευνας.Επιπλέον, η διατριβή επιδεικνύει δέσμευση σε πρωτοβουλίες ανοικτού κώδικα, παραθέτοντας δημόσια αποθετήρια στο git hut με πακέτα Python τόσο για την προσρόφηση όσο και για την ξηρή αναμόρφωση βιοαερίου. Αυτά τα αποθετήρια παρέχουν πολύτιμα εργαλεία για τους ερευνητές του τομέα, προωθώντας τη συνεργασία και επιταχύνοντας την καινοτομία.
Διερεύνηση της επίδρασης του pH στην αποτελεσματικότητα της δινοπροστόνης (PGE2) στην πρόκληση τοκετού
Authors: Παναγιωτόπουλος Μιχαήλ
Published: December 2024

Σκοπός της μελέτης: Υπάρχουν αντικρουόμενα δεδομένα σχετικά με το αν η οξινοποίηση του κόλπου μπορεί να βελτιώσει την αποτελεσματικότητα των κολπικών προσταγλανδινών για την πρόκληση τοκετού, με την έρευνα να επικεντρώνεται κυρίως στη μισοπροστόλη. Η παρούσα μελέτη στοχεύει να αξιολογήσει την επίδραση αυτής της παρέμβασης στην πρόκληση τοκετού με κολπικό υπόθετο δινοπροστόνης (PGE2). Μέθοδοι: Αυτή η προοπτική, διπλά τυφλή, τυχαιοποιημένη μελέτη με δύο παράλληλες, ισομερείς ομάδες διεξήχθη από τον Οκτώβριο του 2021 έως τον Δεκέμβριο του 2022 στο Γενικό Νοσοκομείο «Αλεξάνδρα» στην Αθήνα, Ελλάδα. Συνολικά 230 γυναίκες με μονήρη, τελειόμηνη κύηση που είχαν προγραμματιστεί για πρόκληση τοκετού τυχαιοποιήθηκαν σε δύο ομάδες: στην Ομάδα Α, οι οποίες έλαβαν κολπική πλύση με όξινο διάλυμα (οξικό οξύ 5%), και στην Ομάδα Β, οι οποίες έλαβαν κολπική πλύση με διάλυμα φυσιολογικού ορού. Στη συνέχεια, οι συμμετέχουσες έλαβαν κολπικό υπόθετο 3 mg δινοπροστόνης κάθε 6 ώρες (μέγιστη δοσολογία 6 mg). Αποτελέσματα: Δεν υπήρχαν στατιστικά σημαντικές διαφορές στον τρόπο τοκετού, στη συνολική διάρκεια του τοκετού ή στη διάρκεια των επιμέρους σταδίων του, στις αλλαγές στο Bishop score και στις πιθανές επιπλοκές. Οι συμμετέχουσες στην ομάδα A χρειάστηκαν λιγότερο συχνά ενίσχυση του τοκετού με ωκυτοκίνη και επισκληρίδιο αναισθησία (p = 0.03). Συμπεράσματα: Η οξινοποίηση του κόλπου δεν φαίνεται να έχει επίδραση στην αποτελεσματικότητα του κολπικού υπόθετου δινοπροστόνης. Ακόμα και στην περίπτωση που μειώνει την ανάγκη ωδινοποίησης με χορήγηση σχήματος ωκυτοκίνης, δεν υπάρχει εμφανές όφελος στα κλινικά αποτελέσματα, όπως η μείωση των ποσοστών καισαρικής τομής ή η συντόμευση της διάρκειας του τοκετού. Απαιτείται περισσότερη έρευνα στο μέλλον για την επιβεβαίωση αυτών των ευρημάτων.
Systems Policy Analysis for Antimicrobial Resistance Targeted Action (SPAARTA): A Research Protocol
Authors: Ahmad Raheelah , Zhu Nina , Jain Rishabh , Joshi Jyoti , Mpundu Mirfin , Gutierrez Paola Amigo , Holmes Alison , Weyde Tillman , Atun Rifat
Published: December 2024

Background The majority of countries (64%) have an Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) National Action Plan (NAP V.1.0), but many remain unimplemented, and lack funding for interventions. Intervention selection requires a systematic approach to explain and predict progress. Looking beyond AMR is important to ensure the capture of systemic factors at the country level, which can impede or accelerate success. Aim To provide innovative policy analysis to allow country comparison and refine targeted action, while developing and implementing NAPs (V.2.0). Methods Mixed-method multi-country case study of policies and implementation strategies to address AMR across One Health. Starting with 17 countries, the sample includes each WHO region and emerging economies. This investigation of structures, processes, and outcomes has three components: a. Textual analysis of peer-reviewed literature, policy documents, global and national progress reports, validated by global and in-country experts. An all-language article search conducted for 2000-2024, using broad search terms: ‘Antimicrobial resistance policies’, ‘national action plan’, ‘surveillance’, ‘AMR systems’ supplemented by hand searches. Deductive analysis using multi-disciplinary frameworks including the Expert Consensus for Implementation Research (ERIC). b. Longitudinal quantitative analysis assessing country contextual determinants and Antimicrobial Use (AMU) and AMR outcomes. Data from global health indicator repositories and international and national AMU and AMR surveillance networks are analysed using econometrics and machine learning approaches. c. Interactive Tableau dashboard development to display insights from a & b to allow visualisation and comparison of case-country AMR intervention context and components. Discussion This protocol provides a systematic, transparent approach for countries to benchmark their own AMR strategies. The interactive dashboard will allow comparisons between country clusters by geography or economy, and enable rapid knowledge mobilisation among strategic and operational stakeholders including policy makers and planners. This protocol facilitates others to perform this structured assessment and nominate their country for the next wave of analysis.
The genome sequence of the minke whale, Balaenoptera acutorostrata Lacépède, 1804
Authors: Brownlow Andrew , Davison Nicholas J. , Morin Phillip A. ,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: December 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Balaenoptera acutorostrata (the minke whale; Chordata; Mammalia; Artiodactyla; Balaenopteridae). The genome sequence has a total length of 2,772.90 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 22 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.42 kilobases in length.
Delaying Informed Consent: An Empirical Investigation of Mobile Apps’ Upgrade Decisions
Authors: Mayya Raveesh , Viswanathan Siva
Published: December 2024

In response to users’ evolving desire for choice and control over their personal data, numerous platforms across sectors have been updating privacy policies. Unlike public regulations that mandate uniform compliance, many platforms grant a more flexible time window for complementors to adopt privacy policies. Although several studies have examined the impact of privacy policies, the consequences of delayed policy adoption under time flexibility remain largely unexplored. This study is among the first to investigate the impact of apps delaying policy adoption in the context of a privacy policy change. The context of our research is the upgrade to Android version 6.0, which gave consumers more control over their personal data. Apps were given a three-year grace period to adopt the new privacy policy, during which apps that did not adopt the policy could still run on the latest Android version. We leverage this variation in policy adoption by apps to examine its impact on apps’ marketplace outcomes. By installing over 13,691 popular apps on emulators, we detect exactly when each app upgrades to version 6.0. We combine this unique data set with multiple data sets to quantify the impact of delaying the upgrade. We find that delaying the upgrade results in a significant loss of downloads and user ratings for apps. Frequently maintaining the apps without upgrading can only partially mitigate these declines. In further examining who delays upgrades and why, we find that apps that display in-app advertising and overreach for permissions are more likely to delay upgrading, suggesting a strategic trade-off between marketplace outcomes and the ability to collect data continuously. The findings of our study highlight the need to carefully consider participants’ potential strategic behaviors in designing policy implementation. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our findings.

This paper was accepted by Chris Forman, information systems.

Funding: Financial support from the Ed Snider Center for Enterprise and Markets at the University of Maryland is gratefully acknowledged.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.00334 .
Osteoporosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review of Current Understanding and Practice
Authors: Kirkham-Wilson Fiona , Dennison Elaine
Published: December 2024

This review presents a current perspective on the association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoporosis. Many factors contribute to the increased risk of osteoporosis and fracture in RA patients. These factors include advanced age, duration of disease, long-term glucocorticoid use, and poor inflammation control inflammation in RA. This review discusses current guidelines and their limitations in assessing bone health in RA-related osteoporosis. Available anti-osteoporotic treatments, their mechanisms of action, and their potential benefits in managing the interaction between RA and osteoporosis are discussed. We also consider potential advancements, including areas of future development in RA and osteoporosis diagnosis and management.
Impact of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on Neonatal Birth Outcomes
Authors: Liu Ying , Wang Meixia , Zhou Jin
Published: December 2024

Aims/Background The purpose of this study is to investigate the risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during pregnancy and its impact on neonatal birth outcomes.

Methods A total of 2010 cases of mothers with GDM who underwent routine prenatal examinations and delivered at The Fourth Hospital of Shijiazhuang from June 2021 to April 2022, and their newborns were selected as the GDM group. For comparison, 2087 cases of mothers with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and their newborns during the same period were selected as the NGT group. Birth outcomes of both groups were compared.

Results Pregnant women in the GDM group exhibited significantly higher proportions of advanced age, higher body mass index (BMI), and irregular dietary habits compared to the NGT group (p < 0.05). Conversely, the GDM group had significantly lower proportions of nutrient supplementation and prenatal exercise compared to the NGT group (p < 0.05). The incidences of macrosomia, neonatal hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) were significantly higher in the GDM group compared to the NGT group (p < 0.05 for all). Among GDM women with adverse outcomes, significant differences were observed in pre-pregnancy BMI, insufficient or excessive weight gain during pregnancy, and poor glycemic control during pregnancy compared to those without adverse outcomes (p < 0.05 for all). Poor glycemic control during pregnancy, pre-pregnancy BMI, and inadequate or excessive weight gain were significant factors influencing adverse pregnancy outcomes in GDM patients (p < 0.05).

Conclusion The risk factors for GDM include advanced maternal age, being underweight, overweight, or obese prior to pregnancy, irregular eating habits, dietary nutritional deficiencies, and lack of prenatal exercise. The incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes is higher in GDM patients compared to those without GDM. Poor glycemic control during pregnancy and higher pre-pregnancy BMI are significant factors that contribute to negative outcomes for both GDM patients and their newborns.
The dilemma of wounds in chronic oedema/lymphoedema
Authors: Keast David H , Burian Ewa A , Moffatt Christine J , Nørregaard Susan , Karlsmark Tonny
Published: December 2024

Recent research on an international level has reported a high prevalence of wounds of diverse aetiology in patients with chronic leg oedema/lymphoedema. Multiple factors contribute to the development of wounds, delayed wound healing, and/or to the development of oedema in these patients. Due to the complex nature of these conditions, they can present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for the clinician. Despite the efforts and recommendations over the past decades that support compression therapy as the core intervention to reduce oedema and stimulate wound healing, a substantial percentage of the patients have been shown not to have well-controlled oedema. In this clinical paper, we provide the link between wounds and chronic oedema/lymphoedema, and highlight important factors to remember in the assessment and management of these patients, to provide a holistic, individualised and realistic care plan. Generating research is challenging and requires research design for complex interventions to achieve an evidence-based approach for this complex group of patients.
Prediction of the Mechanism of Action for Buguzhi in Vitiligo Treatment through Network Pharmacology Analysis: Focusing on the Regulation of Tumor Protein p53
Authors: Han Do Kyung
Published: December 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to predict the mechanism underlying the effects of buguzhi (補骨脂) on vitiligo through network pharmacology analysis and molecular docking.Methods: The active compounds of buguzhi and its related genes were collected through traditional chinese bank (TCM Bank) and encyclopedia of traditional chinese medicine (ETCM) databases. Vitiligo-related genes were collected using Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD), DisGenet, and Gene Cards. The overlapping genes between buguzhi-related genes and vitiligo-related genes were designated target genes. Protein-protein interaction analysis was performed using the STRING for target genes. The top 10 genes and top 3 compounds with high association in the target gene networks were selected as hub genes and compounds using CytoHubba. Functional enrichment analysis was conducted using an the science and research online plot, categorized by biological process (BP), cellular component (CC), and molecular function (MF). Molecular docking was performed using AutoDockTools.Results: Fifty-six target genes were collected. Three hub compounds (uvadex, psoralen, and stearic acid) and 10 hub genes (TP53, BCL2, IL1B, TNF, NFKB1, CASP3, ACTB, INS, FOS, and PTGS2) were revealed. The top-ranked hub gene was TP53. Functional enrichment revealed that the hub genes with the highest enrichment scores in the biological process were those that regulate reactive oxygen species metabolism, nuclear membrane in the cellular component, and tumor necrosis factor superfamily binding and cytokine receptor binding in the molecular function. Psoralen and uvadex stably interacted with tumor protein p53 (TP53) with affinity energies of −4.7 and −4.867 kcal/mol.Conclusions: Buguzhi is predicted to treat vitiligo by regulating p53 to scavenge reactive oxygen species and protect melanocytes from various immune responses induced by oxidative stress, promoting melanogenesis.
Anti-Diabetic Effects of Cordyceps Militaris Extract on Weight, Blood Glucose, and Insulin Resistance in Diabetic Model Mice
Authors: Kim Hyo Jeong
Published: December 2024

Objectives: This study investigates the anti-diabetic effects of Cordyceps militaris extract on diabetic model mice (db/db mouse).Methods: Diabetic mice (db/db) were compared to normal control group (NC). The positive control group received Metformin (Met), while other groups received Cordyceps militaris extract, including ARA301_L. Body weight, fasting blood glucose levels (FBGL), oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT), insulin tolerance tests (ITT), blood lipid profiles, and tissue analysis were conducted.Results: Diabetic mice showed significantly higher body weight compared to normal mice. The positive control group maintained stable weight over 56 days, while the Cordyceps militaris extract groups showed slight weight decreases, with a marked reduction in the ARA301_L group. FBGLs were significantly lower in treated groups than in control groups. OGTT indicated better glucose regulation in treated groups, though differences among them were not significant. ITT showed lower blood glucose levels in treated groups, indicating improved insulin resistance. Blood lipid profiles revealed significant reductions in total cholesterol (TC) and AST in the ARA301_L group. Liver tissue analysis showed decreased expression of lipid metabolism and inflammation-related genes, particularly PPARγ and SREBP-1c. Muscle and adipose tissues displayed increased GLUT4 protein and reduced inflammatory gene expression.Conclusions: Cordyceps militaris extract has more positive effects than metformin on body weight, insulin resistance, sugar metabolism, fatty liver, and inflammation in diabetic mice. It also has a similar positive effect as metformin on blood lipid concentration and liver damage. This suggests the potential of diabetes management in Cordyceps militaris extract.
Morphology of porang (Amorphophallus muelleri) in the Citarum Watershed, West Java, Indonesia
Authors: MUTAQIN ASEP ZAINAL , KHRISNAN MARZHAVIRA AZLIKA , KUSMORO JOKO , ISKANDAR JOHAN , BUDIONO RULY , MADIHAH MADIHAH , NURZAMAN MOHAMAD , SETIAWATI TIA , RUSDI RUSDI
Published: December 2024

Abstract. Mutaqin AZ, Khrisnan MA, Kusmoro J, Iskandar J, Budiono R, Madihah, Nurzaman M, Setiawati T, Rusdi. 2024. Morphology of porang (Amorphophallus muelleri) in the Citarum Watershed, West Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 2656-2662. The porang plant (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume) is a plant from the Araceae family that grows widely in various regions in Indonesia, including West Java Province. The porang plant contains various compounds, especially glucomannan, which can be used as food, cosmetics, medicines, etc., making it a prospective agricultural commodity widely cultivated by farmers. Like other plants, the characteristics of the porang plant are dependent on the environmental growing conditions. This research aims to determine the morphological characteristics of porang plants in several locations under various growing environments in the Citarum watershed, West Java Province. This research makes use of qualitative and quantitative approaches. The sampling technique was exploratory, with observation and interviews as additional data sources. Exploration was carried out to find the growing porang locations. Observations were carried out to observe or record the morphological characteristics and growing environment of porang. Interviews were conducted with competent community groups regarding the porang plant, such as farmers, to enrich information, especially regarding morphology and the growing environment. The research shows that porang are found in several locations, including the Citarum watershed. Unfortunately, this research observed intensively porang grown in Soreang Sub-district, Bandung District, Cipatat Sub-district, West Bandung District, and East Cikalong Sub-district, West Bandung District. Furthermore, specific observations of porang showed morphological differences in different growing environments in several locations, such as differences in light intensity, temperature, and soil pH.
Longitudinal association between social participation and trajectories of life satisfaction in late middle-aged Korean adults with physical disabilities
Authors: Bae Suyeong , Brown Ted , Hong Ickpyo
Published: December 2024

Late middle-aged adults (50–64 years of age) who have physical disabilities often experience a decline in life satisfaction due to those bodily limitations. It is crucial to understand how their life satisfaction can be enhanced to support the social participation, health and wellbeing of this age group. This study examined the association between social participation and life satisfaction over time in Korean adults 50–64 years of age with physical disabilities. Data on 545 adults with physical disabilities aged 50–64 years from the 2016–2021 Korea Panel Survey of Employment for the Disabled (PSED) were extracted. The dependent variable was self-reported life satisfaction while social participation was the time-varying independent variable which was measured with a single question. The latent growth model (LGM) was used to examine the association between social participation and life satisfaction at each time point. The sample was composed of 313 (57.43 per cent) males and 232 (42.57 per cent) females from Korea having an average age of 57.42 years. A piecewise LGM demonstrated good model fit. Social participation was positively associated with life satisfaction at each time point for over the course of six years, with standardised coefficients ranging from 0.154 to 0.275 (p<0.001). Social participation contributed significantly to life satisfaction in Korean adults 50–64 years of age with physical disabilities. The findings indicate the need for social participation that could improve the life satisfaction of those with physical disabilities.
Polyethylene terephthalate cubic nonlinearity coefficient measurement with a modified Z-scan technique
Authors: Poteomkin Anatoly , Martyanov Mikhail , Poezzhalov Daniil , Kuzmin Igor , Gacheva Ekaterina , Mironov Sergey , Khazanov Efim
Published: December 2024

A modified Z-scan technique was used to measure the polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
cubic nonlinearity coefficient n2 at two different wavelengths (1030
and 515 nm). The proposed technique was benchmarked with the
well-studied fused silica (FS) sample. The obtained n2 values for fused silica n2(FS,1030nm)=1.72, n2(FS,515nm)=3.1 and for PET n2(PET,1030nm)=11.5 in the units of 10−7cm2/GW agree well with the previously
published data. The nonlinear coefficient for PET at the wavelength of
515 nm n2(PET,515nm)=26.5⋅10−7cm2/GW was obtained in this work,
presumably, for the first time, and demonstrates high nonlinearity of
PET in the visible band. The proposed modified Z-scan technique
exhibits a factor of three better sensitivity with respect to the
traditional one, which was crucial for PET measurements due to its low
damage threshold.
Homogeneous-Like Nonlinear Discrete Optical Vortices in a Nonlinear Multicore Fiber with Unequal Coupling for Two Polarizations
Authors: Khushhali Shamaem , Marini Andrea , Roy Samudra
Published: December 2024

We study homogeneous-like nonlinear discrete optical vortices (NL-DOVs) in a nonlinear multicore fiber with unequal coupling for both polarizations C11 ≠ C22 for a magnetized core in presence of an external magnetic field.
Adiabatic Nanofocusing Resolving Hot Electron Dynamics in Gold Nano-Tips
Authors: Kane Elizabeth , Whetten Ben , Kravtsov Vasily , Menges Fabian , Belyanin Alexey , Rashcke Markus
Published: December 2024

Combined four wave mixing and hot electron photoluminescence signals from plasmonic nanotips are observed in adiabatic nanofocusing of ultrafast pulses. From decoherence and hot electron evolution we infer the different few-fs dissipation pathways.
Coherence synthesis with quadratic nonlinear photonic crystals
Authors: Pang Zihao , Arie Ady
Published: December 2024

We show that that the spatial coherence of a second harmonic beam can be synthesized by shaping the fundamental beam. Our method is experimentally validated by synthesizing, in a second harmonic generation process, the coherence of vortex beams and Airy beams.
Polymer Waveplate Enabled Polarization Independent-LCoS Adaptive Optic System
Authors: Zhang Qirui , Zachmann Isaac , Ji Lianhua , Mao Chongchang
Published: December 2024

We propose a PI-LCoS phase modulator based adaptive optic system in FSO transceivers to mitigate atmospheric turbulence and simplify polarization management, enhancing overall performance and optical power coupling efficiency.
Polarimetric Second-Harmonic Imaging of Collagen Fibrils in the Lamina Cribrosa of the Eye
Authors: Babu Aishwarya Chanady , Vohnsen Brian , Sigal Ian A
Published: December 2024

The collagen-rich lamina cribrosa of the eye provides mechanical support to the neural tissues connecting the retina and brain. Here, we present second harmonic optical imaging of the lamina cribrosa using polarimetric sensing for orientational analysis to better understand lamina cribrosa architecture.
3DChoroidSwin: advancing 3D choroid segmentation in OCT images through Swin Transformer and morphological guidance
Authors: Okamoto Takayuki , Tamachi Shingo , Iwase Takehito , Niizawa Tomohiro , Kawamata Yuto , Yokouchi Hirotaka , Baba Takayuki , Haneishi Hideaki
Published: December 2024

The choroid is a dense vascular layer that lies between the retina and the sclera and contributes to the blood supply of the outer retina. In recent years, optical coherence tomography (OCT), which enables non-destructive acquisition of cross-sectional images of the choroid, has revealed the relationship between morphological changes in the choroid and eye diseases. In this context, automatic and accurate segmentation of OCT images is critical, but many existing methods face challenges, as they 1) rely on convolutional neural network (CNN)-based architectures, which struggle to capture long-range dependencies, and 2) primarily focus on two-dimensional OCT images and thus have difficulty identifying the complex three-dimensional (3D) structure of the choroid. In this study, we propose an automatic choroid segmentation method, 3DChoroidSwin, which incorporates 3D CNN and 3D Swin Transformer frameworks, achieving both short- and long-distance learning. Furthermore, our method uses a combined loss function that includes the boundary loss, which leverages morphological information, achieving shape-aware training and decreasing unnatural false positives. Experimental results using clinical data demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms comparison methods, delivering performance comparable to ground truth; moreover, it achieves smooth and continuous 3D segmentation with reduced segmentation errors at the choroid margins.
High-efficiency low-noise optomechanical crystal photon-phonon transducers
Authors: Sonar Sameer , Hatipoglu Utku , Meesala Srujan , Lake David P. , Ren Hengjiang , Painter Oskar
Published: December 2024

Optomechanical crystals (OMCs) enable coherent interactions between optical photons and microwave acoustic phonons, and represent a platform for implementing quantum transduction between microwave and optical signals. Optical-absorption-induced thermal noise at cryogenic (millikelvin) temperatures is one of the primary limitations of performance for OMC-based quantum transducers. Here, we address this challenge with a two-dimensional silicon OMC resonator that is side-coupled to a mechanically detached optical waveguide, realizing a six-fold reduction in the heating rate of the acoustic resonator compared to prior state-of-the-art, while operating in a regime of high optomechanical-backaction and millikelvin base temperature. This reduced heating translates into a demonstrated phonon-to-photon conversion efficiency of 93.1±0.8% at an added noise of 0.25±0.01 quanta, representing a significant advance toward quantum-limited microwave-optical frequency conversion and optically controlled quantum acoustic memories.