bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drivers of resource allocation for breeding under variable environments in a bet hedger
Authors: Oro Daniel , Waldrep Cassidy , Bertolero Albert , Genovart Meritxell
Published: September 2023

The evolutionary theory of life histories predicts that there is a trade‐off between survival and reproduction: since adult survival in long‐lived organisms is high, then breeding investment is more variable and more dependent on conditions (e.g. food availability and individual experience). Clutch features influence fitness prospects, but how a bet hedger builds its clutch in temporally varying environments is quite unknown. Using 27‐year data on 2847 clutches of known‐age breeders, we analyse how Audouin's gulls (Larus audouinii), a species showing a combination of conservative and adaptive bet‐hedging breeding strategies, can allocate energy by laying clutches and eggs of different sizes. Results show that both food availability and age influenced clutch size and total egg volume in a clutch. Interestingly, we found an interaction between food and age on egg parameters: total volume in two‐egg clutches, laid mostly by younger breeders, did not significantly change with food availability and the quadratic pattern in clutch size over the range of ages was less marked as long as food conditions became harsher. With increased food, females invested more by building larger first eggs, whereas they were more conservative on second and third eggs. Furthermore, asymmetries in egg volume within three‐egg clutches increased with food availability for old females. Egg size profiles of two‐egg clutches suggest that gulls should exhibit progressive reduction of the size of the third egg before shifting to a two‐egg clutch size. Food availability influenced all parameters studied, whereas age affected the amount of energy allocated for producing eggs (their size and number) but not the way of allocating those energies (i.e. asymmetries within the clutch). Despite the range of factors affecting the clutch, results suggest that females can allocate the amount of resources in a clutch optimally to increase their fitness under variable environments via bet‐hedging.
A database of detrital zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotope of Precambrian strata in South China
Authors: Luo Chengzhang , Qi Liang , Xia Tianle
Published: September 2023

Detrital zircon U–Pb chronology database of Precambrian deposits provides a context for the interpretation of the origin and evolution of ancient crust. Here, we tried to summarize the published literature containing detrital zircon U–Pb ages and Hf isotope data of Precambrian deposits in South China and then established a database, which contains details of information, such as reference, sample ID, locality, rock type, research institution, GPS coordinates, U–Pb ages and εHf(t) values. The data statistics of this paper rely on the OneSediment Working Group of The Deep‐time Digital Earth program (DDE). By November 2022, 610 samples with 38,278 U–Pb ages and 8,798 Lu‐Hf isotope data were collected from 136 papers, and these data can be downloaded from DDE Data Publish & Repository website, https://repository.deep‐time.org/. The purpose of the establishment of the dataset is to provide guidance and convenience for the research direction of future generations in South China and to improve the previous studies through the integrated data to avoid the waste of resources caused by a large number of repeated studies.
Human iPSC‐derived endothelial cells promote CNS remyelination via BDNF and mTORC1 pathway
Authors: Ma Dan , Zhang Huiyuan , Yin Le , Xu Hao , Wu Lida , Shaji Rahul , Rezai Fatema , Mulla Ayesha , Kaur Sukhteerath , Tan Shengjiang , Kysela Boris , Wang Yilong , Chen Zhiguo , Zhao Chao , Gu Yuchun
Published: September 2023

Damage of myelin is a component of many diseases in the central nervous system (CNS). The activation and maturation of the quiescent oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) are the crucial cellular processes for CNS remyelination, which is influenced by neuroinflammation in the lesion microenvironment. Endothelial cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC‐ECs) have shown promise in restoring function in various preclinical animal models. Here we ask whether and whether transplantation of hiPSC‐ECs could benefit remyelination in a mouse model of CNS demyelination. Our results show that in vitro, hiPSC‐ECs increase OPC proliferation, migration and differentiation via secreted soluble factors including brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). hiPSC‐ECs also promote the survival of oligodendrocyte lineage cells in vitro and in vivo. Transplantation of hiPSC‐ECs into a toxin‐induced demyelination lesion in mouse corpus callosum (CC) leads to increased density of oligodendrocyte lineage cells and level of myelin in demyelinated area, correlated with a decreased neuroinflammation and an increased proportion of pro‐regenerative M2 phenotype in microglia/macrophages. The hiPSC‐EC‐exposed oligodendrocyte lineage cells showed significant increase in the level of phosphorylated S6 ribosomal protein (pS6) both in vitro and in vivo, indicating an involvement of mTORC1 pathway. These results suggest that hiPSC‐ECs may benefit myelin protection and regeneration which providing a potential source of cell therapy for a wide range of diseases and injuries associated with myelin damage.
Public support for obesity prevention policies in Western Australia from 2012 to 2020: Findings from cross‐sectional surveys
Authors: Humphreys Lauren , O'Flaherty Ciara , Ambrosini Gina L.
Published: September 2023

Issue Addressed

This study explored trends in public support for obesity prevention policies in Western Australia (WA).

Methods

A series of cross‐sectional surveys of a representative sample of WA adults aged 25–49 years (N = 11 534) were undertaken between 2012 and 2020 as part of an evaluation of the LiveLighter® mass media campaign, a component of a statewide healthy lifestyle education and promotion programme. Computer‐assisted telephone interviews were used to gauge support for a range of obesity prevention initiatives that could be implemented by government.

Results

A majority of respondents supported a range of obesity prevention policies, including taxes on sugary drinks, urban planning regulations, food labelling and packaging regulations, restrictions on advertising and sponsorship, bans on the sale and marketing of unhealthy food and drink in retail environments and support for education and campaigns. Obesity prevention policies were highly supported by women, people with a healthy weight, and those who had completed secondary school. Support for regulation was high compared to other studies. Notably, there were significant increases in support between baseline and 2020 for ‘taxing soft drinks and using the money to reduce the cost of healthy food’ (72% cf. 80%) and ‘restricting junk food promotions/advertisements on public transport’ (73% cf. 83%).

Conclusions

There is substantial public support for regulatory action on obesity prevention in WA, providing strong rationale for government interventions to improve nutrition and reduce obesity. The LiveLighter® programme may have contributed to increases in support for obesity prevention policies in WA.

So What?

There is potential to implement robust obesity prevention policies in WA.
Promoting equitable health workforce distribution through improved migration governance: A mixed methods study of African health professionals' perceptions in Australia
Authors: Yakubu Kenneth , Campain Anna , Abimbola Seye , Bouckley Tristan , Peiris David , Joshi Rohina , Shanthosh Janani
Published: September 2023

Background

This study examined skilled health worker (SHW) migration governance in African countries and Australia, with an emphasis on areas of influence for achieving an equitable global health workforce distribution.

Methods

We used a mixed‐methods research design with African SHW migrants in Australia. An institutional and rights‐based framing of governance guided thematic analysis of the interviews, which was mapped to survey findings from a Bayesian Exploratory Factor Analysis.

Results

The findings imply that Australian state actors enforce laws that attract SHW migrants and promote safe clinical practice, but do not adequately address their integration concerns or role in health system strengthening. Non‐state actors in Australia make donations to African health institutions but rarely promote health workforce equity. African state actors respond to increased SHW migration trends by increasing health worker training and limiting migration, but they lack a comprehensive governance framework for involving citizens and engaging foreign governments. There is limited evidence of a shared community definition of SHW migration governance in many African countries.

Conclusion

When stakeholders in both sending and receiving countries recognise the indivisibility of the rights at stake (for example, SHW rights as migrants and the right to health), support for an equity‐focused SHW migration governance system may increase. Promoting these rights can result in policies that enhance health system strengthening in destination and source countries. Similarly, growing adoption of these rights in sending countries should help inspire a coordinated plan for strengthening health system and SHW migration governance.
A heterodimer of α and β hemoglobin chains functions as an innate anticancer agent
Authors: Chelladurai Maharrish , Xu Dan , Izraely Sivan , Ben‐Menachem Shlomit , Bengaiev Roman , Sagi‐Assif Orit , Yuan Weirong , Pasmanik Chor Metsada , Hoon Dave S. , Lu Wuyuan , Witz Isaac P.
Published: September 2023

Metastatic (as well as tumor) microenvironments contain both cancer‐promoting and cancer‐restraining factors. The balance between these opposing forces determines the fate of cancer cells that disseminate to secondary organ sites. In search for microenvironmental drivers or inhibitors of metastasis, we identified, in a previous study, the beta subunit of hemoglobin (HBB) as a lung‐derived antimetastatic factor. In the present study, exploring mechanisms regulating melanoma brain metastasis, we discovered that brain‐derived factors restrain proliferation and induce apoptosis and necrosis of brain‐metastasizing melanoma cells. Employing various purification procedures, we identified a heterodimer composed of hemoglobin alpha and beta chains that perform these antimetastatic functions. Neither the alpha nor the beta subunit alone was inhibitory. An alpha/beta chain dimer chemically purified from human hemoglobin inhibited the cell viability of primary melanomas, melanoma brain metastasis (MBM), and breast cancer cell lines. The dimer‐induced DNA damage, cell cycle arrest at the SubG1 phase, apoptosis, and significant necrosis in four MBM cell lines. Proteomic analysis of dimer‐treated MBM cells revealed that the dimer downregulates the expression of BRD4, GAB2, and IRS2 proteins, playing crucial roles in cancer cell sustainability and progression. Thus, we hypothesize that the hemoglobin dimer functions as a resistance factor against brain‐metastasizing cancer cells.
Efficacy and safety of apatinib combined with dose‐dense paclitaxel and carboplatin in neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced triple‐negative breast cancer: A prospective cohort study with propensity‐matched analysis
Authors: Liu Jiaxuan , He Maiyue , Ou Kaiping , Wang Xin , Wang Yipeng , Qi Liqiang , Chai Yue , Jiang Mingxia , Ma Fei , Luo Yang , Yuan Peng , Zhang Pin , Xu Binghe , Li Qiao
Published: September 2023

Optimizing neoadjuvant therapy for triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is still an urgent problem to be solved in the clinic. In this prospective cohort study, we investigated the efficacy and safety of apatinib combined with dose‐dense paclitaxel and carboplatin (Apa+ddTCb) vs dose‐dense paclitaxel plus carboplatin regimens alone (ddTCb) in neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced TNBC. TNBC patients with clinical stage I‐IIIC were enrolled to receive neoadjuvant Apa+ddTCb therapy. Enrolled patients who underwent surgery were matched with TNBC patients who received neoadjuvant ddTCb therapy by propensity score matching. 25 locally advanced TNBC patients were enrolled for neoadjuvant Apa+ddTCb therapy. The overall clinical ORR achieved 88.00% and DCR achieved 100.0% after 6 cycles. For 23 patients who received surgery, 69 TNBC patients who received neoadjuvant ddTCb therapy were matched. The pCR rate (60.9% vs 30.4%, P = .009) and the BCS rate (47.8% vs 21.7%, P = .016) were significantly improved in the Apa+ddTCb group. The incidence of adverse events, especially those related to antiangiogenic therapy, was higher in the Apa+ddTCb group. Further immunohistochemical analysis suggested that the expression levels of VEGF, EGFR, p‐VEGFR2 and CK17 were significantly decreased after receiving neoadjuvant therapy in the Apa+ddTCb group, and the baseline CK17 expression level in non‐pCR patients was significantly higher than those in the pCR patients. Progression‐free survival was not reached yet. Apa+ddTCb regimen achieved an improved efficacy and acceptable adverse events compared with ddTCb regimen, which might be a promising strategy in the neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced TNBC.
Impact of resident participation on surgical outcomes in laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy
Authors: Lee A. Jin , Kim Seo‐Yeon , Jang Eun Bi , Hyun Jeong‐Ah , Yang Eun Jung , So Kyeong A. , Lee Sun Joo , Lee Ji Young , Kim Tae Jin , Kang Soon‐Beom , Shim Seung‐Hyuk
Published: September 2023

Objective

To compare surgical outcomes in patients with benign diseases who underwent laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) to determine the association between surgical outcomes and resident participation in the gynecologic field.

Methods

A single‐center retrospective study was conducted of patients diagnosed with benign gynecologic diseases who underwent LAVH between January 2010 and December 2015. Clinicopathologic characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared between the resident involvement and non‐involvement groups. The primary endpoint was the 30‐day postoperative morbidity. Observers were propensity matched for 17 covariates for resident involvement or non‐involvement.

Results

Of the 683 patients involved in the study, 165 underwent LAVH with resident involvement and 518 underwent surgery without resident involvement. After propensity score matching (157 observations), 30‐day postoperative morbidity occurred in 6 (3.8%) and 4 (2.5%) patients in the resident involvement and non‐involvement groups, respectively (P = 0.501). The length of hospital stay differed significantly between the two groups: 5 days in the resident involvement group and 4 days in the non‐involvement group (P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, Charlson Comorbidity Index >2 (odds ratio [OR] 8.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.68–23.96; P < 0.001), operative time (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.03; P < 0.001), and estimated blood loss (OR 1.00, 95% CI 1.00–1.00; P < 0.001) were significantly associated with 30‐day morbidity, but resident involvement was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in the 30‐day morbidity rate when residents participated in LAVH. These findings suggest that resident participation in LAVH may be a viable approach to ensure both residency education and patient safety.
Impact of prior use of topical hemostatic agents on trial of labor after cesarean: Insights from a multicenter cohort study
Authors: Levy Romi , Sela Hen Y. , Weiss Ari , Rotem Reut , Grisaru‐Granovsky Sorina , Rottenstreich Misgav
Published: September 2023

Objective

To evaluate the association between a topical hemostatic agent used at the time of cesarean delivery and uterine scar disruption (rupture or dehiscence) at the subsequent trial of labor after cesarean (TOLAC).

Methods

A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted (2005–2021). Parturients with a singleton pregnancy in whom a topical hemostatic agent was placed during the primary cesarean delivery were compared with patients in whom no such agent was placed. We assessed the uterine scar disruption rate after the subsequent TOLAC and the rate of adverse maternal outcomes. Univariate analyses were followed by multivariate analysis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]; 95% confidence interval [CI]).

Results

During the study period, 7199 women underwent a trial of labor and were eligible for the study; 430 (6.0%) had prior use of a hemostatic agent, 6769 (94.0%) did not. In univariate analysis, a history of topical hemostatic agent use was not found to be significantly associated with uterine scar rupture, dehiscence, or failed trial of labor. This was also confirmed on multivariate analysis for uterine rupture (aOR 1.91, 95% CI 0.66–5.54; P = 0.23), dehiscence of uterine scar (aOR 1.62, 95% CI 0.56–4.68; P = 0.37), and TOLAC failure (aOR 1.08, 95% CI 0.79–1.48; P = 0.61).

Conclusion

A history of hemostatic agent use is not associated with an increased risk for uterine scar disruption after subsequent TOLAC. Further prospective studies in other settings are needed to strengthen these findings.
Partial N‐acetyl glutamate synthase deficiency presenting as postpartum hyperammonemia: Diagnosis and subsequent pregnancy management
Authors: Abou Haidar Lea , Pachnis Panayotis , Gotway Garrett K. , Ni Min , DeBerardinis Ralph J. , McNutt Markey C.
Published: September 2023

N‐acetyl glutamate synthase (NAGS) deficiency (OMIM #: 237310) is a rare urea cycle disorder that usually presents early in life with hyperammonemia. NAGS catalyzes the synthesis of N‐acetyl glutamate (NAG) which functions as an activator of the carbamoyl phosphate synthetase‐1 mediated conversion of ammonia to carbamoyl phosphate. The absence of NAG results in a proximal urea cycle disorder which can result in severe neurologic sequelae secondary to hyperammonemia and even death. Unlike the other urea cycle disorders, a specific pharmacological treatment for NAGS deficiency exists in the form of carglumic acid, an analog of NAG. Here we present a 29‐year‐old previously healthy female who presented with hyperammonemia and obtundation just after the birth of her first child. Exome sequencing revealed two novel variants in the NAGS gene, and plasma metabolomics revealed extremely low levels of NAG. Carglumic acid treatment led to prompt resolution of her biochemical abnormalities and symptoms. She tolerated two subsequent pregnancies, 2 years and 6 years after her initial presentation, while taking carglumic acid, and breastfed her third child, all without complications in the mother or children. This case report emphasizes the importance of considering urea cycle disorders in previously‐healthy adults presenting with neurological symptoms during periods of metabolic stress, including the postpartum period. It also highlights the efficacious and safe use of carglumic acid during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
The isolation of benzo[a]pyrene‐degrading strain and its cometabolic bioremediation with salicylic acid of long‐term PAH‐polluted soil
Authors: Xie Huanhuan , Zhang Xinying , Liu Xiaoyan , He Lihong , Jiao Anxing
Published: September 2023

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are typical contaminants in soil, and the high‐molecular‐weight (HMW) PAHs are especially recalcitrant to remove. Microbial degradation as a promising approach has been used in PAH‐polluted soil remediation; however, the removal of HMW PAHs still needs to be further explored. In order to isolate more HMW‐PAH‐degrading strains and improve the removal of HMW PAHs in long‐term contaminated soil. Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), as a representative HMW PAH was selected to explore the removal of HMW PAHs from soil. A BaP‐degrading strain named Achromobacter xylosoxidans B‐2 was isolated, and its degradation ability was explored in mineral salt medium (MSM) and PAH‐contaminated soil. Cosubstrates were added to enhance the removal of PAHs in soil. The results showed that A. xylosoxidans B‐2 could remove 87% of BaP at a concentration of 1 mg/L within 15 days in MSM. The average removal efficiency of HMW PAHs in soil was 19.92% after 30‐day bioremediation by A. xylosoxidans B‐2. Salicylic acid as cosubstrate increased the removal efficiency by 11.32%–14.66% for five‐ring PAHs and 9.72%–13.02% for six‐ring PAHs, respectively. The addition of cosubstrate not only improved the soil properties but also stimulated the soil microbial activity to enhance the removal of HMW PAHs. This study may provide new insights into bioremediation for HMW‐PAH‐contaminated soil.
Recent Scenario of Surfactants Modified Graphene and Its Derivatives‐Based Polymer Nanocomposites—Review
Authors: Yeole Shreya P. , Jadhav Pratibha S. , Joshi Girish M.
Published: September 2023

Influence of surfactants on polymer nanocomposites has revealed noteworthy performance and the properties of mechanical, thermal, optical, and electrical. Incorporating graphene loading (wt%) in polymer system, matrices demonstrated enhancement of properties and antiflocculation of graphene particles. Here, various methodologies are examined comprehensively synthesis of surfactant‐modified graphene and subsequently incorporating it into polymer matrices. A consolidated overview of these approaches is provided in detail. Parameters required for the dispersion of nanofiller graphene are also emphasized. Surfactant‐modified graphene poured into polymer composites is preferred for applications in the domain of electrical, sensing technology, and high elevated temperature regions. Prospects and challenges required for the functionalized graphene modifications for polymer–graphene nanofillers are exhibited.
Partially Bio‐Based Polyester Bead Foams via Extrusion Foaming of Poly(butylene terephthalate)/Poly(butylene furanoate) Blends
Authors: Mielke Christian , Pospiech Doris , Kuhnigk Justus , Korwitz Andreas , Komber Hartmut , Bernhardt Ricardo , Krebs Nico , Boldt Regine , Ruckdäschel Holger , Voit Brigitte
Published: September 2023

The interest in bio‐based alternatives to classical polyesters such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) is steadily growing to achieve a more sustainable approach to polymer materials. In this study, PBT/poly(butylene furanoate) (PBF) blends are prepared, characterized and extrusion foamed. PBF as a bio‐based polyester offers two advantages. The ecological footprint of the material is reduced, and additionally, it can be used in Diels‐Alder reactions at the blend surface to support fusion of the foamed beads. The blending behavior of the polyesters is investigated using samples prepared in a microcompounder, particularly focused on the miscibility of the blends and transesterification reactions. The blends are thermodynamically immiscible but show a certain degree of transesterification according to nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The morphology of blend beads produced by an extrusion foaming process is analyzed regarding their cell density, cell size distribution, and open‐cell content. It is shown that PBF has a positive effect on the bead foam morphology. The use of a bifunctional linker designed for chemical fusion of the bead surfaces allows to obtaining of molded parts, in contrast to beads containing pure PBT.
Identification of a novel COL7A1 variant associated with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa pruriginosa responding effectively to dupilumab
Authors: Zhao Caichou , Cao Shuanglin , Gao Xinghua , Xu Xuegang , Gu Lixiong
Published: September 2023

Background

Variants in COL7A1 cause an extremely rare and clinically heterogeneous syndrome known as dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa pruriginosa (DEB‐Pr). Duplilumab, a fully humanized anti‐IL‐4Ra monoclonal antibody, can inhibit IL‐4 and IL‐13‐driven signaling.

Methods

Ethical Compliance: Following our Institutional Review Board, genetic testing has been made available after completing a signed informed consent form. This article presents the case study of a DEB‐Pr patient who received dupilumab therapy. Genomic DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood of the patient.

Results

The findings showed that a unique COL7A1 mutation was discovered in the patient who underwent genetic testing. As a result of the patient receiving dupilumab treatment, the individual reported experiencing significantly less itching and considerably improved erythema, less severe scales, crusts, and flattening of plaques.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the current investigation showed that to the best of our knowledge, this is the first DEB‐Pr patient with heterozygous COL7A1 (NM_000094.3:c.8110G>A [p. Gly2704Arg]) who responded positively to dupilumab treatment without experiencing any serious side effects.
The stability of perception threshold tracking for long session evaluation of Aβ‐ and Aδ‐fiber function
Authors: Borbjerg Mette Krabsmark , Antonsson Elin , Røikjer Johan , Ejskjaer Niels , Mørch Carsten Dahl
Published: September 2023

Introduction/Aims

Research has proven that epidermal and transcutaneous stimulation can identify the function of Aβ and Aδ fibers (i.e., in diabetes) individually using different electrodes. In this study we aimed to determine the stability of perception thresholds when using such electrodes.

Methods

Twenty healthy volunteers participated in this study. The perception threshold of Aβ fibers (patch electrode) and Aδ fibers (pin electrode) was estimated 30 times during a period of 60 minutes. A threshold was established every other minute, alternating between the two electrodes. The stimulus duration was 1 millisecond and the interstimulus interval was 1.5 to 2.5 seconds. Linear regressions of the perception threshold as a function of time were performed. The slopes were used as an estimate of habituation and were compared between the electrodes.

Results

The slope was significantly larger when assessed by the pin electrode (median: 0.020 [0.009 to 0.030] mA/trial) than when assessed by the patch electrode (median: 0.005 [0.001 to 0.018] mA/trial) (P = .017, paired t test). During the session, total increases in perception threshold of approximately 55% and 1% were seen for the pin and patch electrodes, respectively.

Discussion

The two fiber types assessed showed significant perception threshold increases. The higher slope of the pin electrode indicated that the Aδ fibers were more prone to habituation than the Aβ fibers, and that habituation should be considered during prolonged experiments. This assessment is valuable for future research on nerve fiber function using the technique for long session experiments.
The effectiveness of behavior‐based safety observation program (BSOP) in the chemical manufacturing industry
Authors: Zakaria Junaidah , Che Hassan Che Rosmani , Hamid Mahar Diana , Sukadarin Ezrin Hani
Published: September 2023

In 2022, there were 4514 reported cases of occupational accidents in Malaysian manufacturing industry, which is the highest among the sectors. Although governmental regulations mandate the use of personal protective equipment and safe working procedures, workers still take risks while completing their job. Behavioral‐based safety (BBS) approach has become a reliable way for correcting workers' behavior and improving their safety performance. This article presents findings from the BBS safety intervention program and reports its effectiveness in increasing the number of workers performing safe acts. The developed program, namely BSOP (behavior‐based safety observation program), use four basic principles: (i) goal‐setting, (ii) behavioral observation, (iii) constructive feedback, and (iv) reward and celebration. During execution, behavioral observation was conducted daily by appointed observers for 4 months. Results showed that the program reduced at‐risk behavior (measured by the percent increase of safe acts) from 61% during baseline to 73% and 82% during the first and second behavioral observation cycles toward 14 identified targeted behavior. This study presents a comprehensive and structured process of developing safety interventions. It contributes to our understanding of the significant effects of changes in targeted behavior due to the success of the safety intervention program.
Obsessive‐compulsive disorder symptoms and intrusive thoughts in the postpartum period: Associations with trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms
Authors: Drake Margaret H. , Friesen‐Haarer Alexa J. , Ward Marissa J. , Miller Michelle L.
Published: September 2023

In a community sample of trauma‐exposed postpartum individuals (N = 167; mean age = 30, 90% White; 61.7% completed bachelor's degree or higher) longitudinally completed self‐report measures on PTSD, depressive, and Obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms (specifically checking, ordering, washing, and obsessing symptoms), preoccupation with intrusive postpartum thoughts/neutralising strategies, and trauma exposure at 4 and 12 weeks postpartum. PTSD symptoms were strongly associated with all OCD symptoms (r = 0.32‐ 0.49, p < 0.001), preoccupation with postpartum‐specific intrusive thoughts (r = 0.32−0.45, p < 0.001), and preoccupation with neutralising strategies (r = 0.21−0.29, p < 0.05) at both time points. PTSD symptoms were also predictive of checking and obsessing symptoms. This study identified PTSD symptoms as a new correlate for preoccupation with postpartum‐specific intrusive thoughts and neutralising strategies in the postpartum period in a community sample. These findings add to the evidence suggesting a strong association between PTSD and OCD symptoms across the lifespan, including in non‐clinical samples. Future research should examine best practices to assess and treat a variety of postpartum psychopathology symptoms, not just depression.
Haze‐Suppressed Wideband Light Shutter from Near Ultraviolet to Infrared Rays Utilizing Electrophoretic Carbon Black Particles
Authors: Lim Young Jin , Jeon Hyun Soo , Han Yeon Jin , Kim Tae Hyung , Kim MinSu , Lee Seung Hee
Published: September 2023

Carbon black (CB) particles that can absorb from near ultraviolet to infrared rays are well dispersed into an isotropic dielectric liquid and their optical properties can be kept even under exposure to sunlight over a long time. The shutter which controls the position of CB particles by electrophoretic force can be applied to switchable light shutters for windows in buildings and automobiles for the purpose of energy savings. Here, a wideband light shutter with three terminal electrodes is proposed, exhibiting excellent dark (transmittance ≈1.4%) and transparent state (transmittance >60%). The device operates at a low field intensity of about 1 V µm−1 to obtain transparent state and its wide temperature range operation from −50 to 120 °C is confirmed while conventional liquid crystal‐based shutter cannot perform such levels due to a limited temperature range in the nematic phase. In addition, haze is minimized in a transparent state by adopting an insulation layer over electrodes and a solution is found to keep a transparent state without applying power. It is believed that the proposed broadband shutter with fast response time could open a new chapter in switchable windows owing to its low power consumption and working in a wide temperature range.
Non‐similar heat transfer analysis of magnetized flow of Ag‐Mgo/water hybrid nanofluid flow through darcy porous medium
Authors: Farooq Umer , Jadoon Amina , Hussain Muzamil , Sheremet Mikhail
Published: September 2023

This study aims to examine the magnetized flow of Ag–MgO/water hybrid nanofluid over an extending sheet implanted in Darcy porous medium. Thermal radiations, Joule and viscous dissipations are incorporated into energy equation to account for heat transfer. The convective heat flux boundary condition is imposed at sheet surface. Using non‐similar conversions, governing equations are converted to a system of dimensionless partial differential equations (PDEs). These equations are transformed into ordinary ones by using local non‐similar method. MATLAB's bvp4c function is used to numerically simulate the ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The velocity and thermal profiles for positive variation of essential parameters are illustrated graphically. It was concluded that the velocity profile increases for the rising Darcy number. On the other hand, the temperature profile increased for the positive variation of magnetic number, volume fraction, radiation parameter, Eckert number and Biot number while decreasing for all other parameters. The skin friction coefficient and heat transfer rates are thoroughly investigated and findings are reported through tables. It was found that the magnitude of skin friction coefficient rises with an increase in volume fraction, suction and magnetic parameters while the heat transfer is enhanced by increases in Darcy number, suction parameter, radiation parameter, and Biot number. As per the author's knowledge, no work has previously been published on the current model using the local non‐similarity method. This work may provide insight to researchers interested in thermal systems and solar energy harvesting.
Leading directions in the SMEFT
Authors: Greljo Admir , Palavrić Ajdin
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Short-distance new physics at (or slightly) above the TeV scale should not excessively violate the approximate flavor symmetries of the SM in order to comply with stringent constraints from flavor-changing neutral currents. In this respect, flavor symmetries provide an effective organizing principle for the vast parameter space of the SMEFT. In this work, we classify all possible irreducible representations under U(3)5 flavor symmetry of new heavy spin-0, 1/2, and 1 fields which integrate out to dimension-6 operators at the tree level. For a general perturbative UV model, the resulting flavor-symmetric interactions are very restrictive and, in most cases, predict a single Hermitian operator with a definite sign. These leading directions in the SMEFT space deserve particular attention. We derive an extensive set of present experimental constraints by utilizing the existing global SMEFT fits, which incorporate data from top quark, Higgs boson, and electroweak measurements, along with constraints on dilepton and 4-lepton contact interactions. The derived set of bounds comprehensively summarises the present knowledge from indirect searches of flavor-blind new physics mediators.
Starobinsky inflation from string theory?
Authors: Brinkmann Max , Cicoli Michele , Zito Pietro
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Starobinsky inflation is currently one of the best models concerning agreement with cosmological data. Despite this observational success, it is still lacking a robust embedding into a UV complete theory. Previous efforts to derive Starobinsky inflation from string theory have been based on the derivation of higher derivative curvature terms from the low-energy limit of ten-dimensional string theory. This approach is however known to fail due to the difficulty to tame the effect of contributions proportional to the Ricci scalar to a power larger than two. In this paper we investigate an alternative attempt which exploits instead the ubiquitous presence of scalar fields in string compactifications combined with the fact that Starobinsky inflation can be recast as Einstein gravity coupled to a scalar field with a precise potential and conformal coupling to matter fermions. After showing that the dilaton does not feature the right Yukawa coupling to matter, we focus in particular on type IIB Kähler moduli since they have shown to lead to exponential potentials with a Starobinsky-like plateau. We consider three classes of moduli with a different topological origin: the volume modulus, bulk fibre moduli, and blow-up modes. The only modulus with the correct coupling to matter is the volume mode but its potential does not feature any plateau at large field values. Fibre moduli admit instead a potential very similar to Starobinsky inflation with a natural suppression of higher curvature corrections, but they cannot reproduce the correct conformal coupling to matter. Blow-up modes have both a wrong potential and a wrong coupling. Our analysis implies therefore that embedding Starobinsky inflation into string theory seems rather hard. Finally, it provides a detailed derivation of the coupling to matter of fibre moduli which could be used as a way to discriminate Starobinsky from fibre inflation.
Investigating the impact of breast positioning control on physical treatment parameters in multi-catheter breast brachytherapy
Authors: Karius Andre , Strnad Vratislav , Lotter Michael , Kreppner Stephan , Fietkau Rainer , Bert Christoph
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To assess the effects of a workflow for reproducible patient and breast positioning on implant stability during high-dose-rate multi-catheter breast brachytherapy.

Methods

Thirty patients were treated with our new positioning control workflow. Implant stability was evaluated based on a comparison of planning-CTs to control-CTs acquired halfway through the treatment. To assess geometric stability, button–button distance variations as well as Euclidean dwell position deviations were evaluated. The latter were also quantified within various separated regions within the breast to investigate the location-dependency of implant alterations. Furthermore, dosimetric variations to target volume and organs at risk (ribs, skin) as well as isodose volume changes were analyzed. Results were compared to a previously treated cohort of 100 patients.

Results

With the introduced workflow, the patient fraction affected by button–button distance variations > 5 mm and by dwell position deviations > 7 mm were reduced from 37% to 10% and from 30% to 6.6%, respectively. Implant stability improved the most in the lateral to medial breast regions. Only small stability enhancements were observed regarding target volume dosimetry, but the stability of organ at risk exposure became substantially higher. D0.2ccm skin dose variations > 12.4% and D0.1ccm rib dose variations > 6.7% were reduced from 11% to 0% and from 16% to 3.3% of all patients, respectively.

Conclusion

Breast positioning control improved geometric and dosimetric implant stability for individual patients, and thus enhanced physical plan validity in these cases.
Radiation therapy for cancer is potentially associated with reduced growth of concomitant abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Becker von Rose Aaron , Kobus Kathrin , Bohmann Bianca , Lindquist-Lilljequist Moritz , Eilenberg Wolf , Kapalla Marvin , Bassermann Florian , Reeps Christian , Eckstein Hans-Henning , Neumayer Christoph , Brostjan Christine , Roy Joy , von Heckel Korbinian , Hultgren Rebecka , Schwaiger Benedikt J. , Combs Stephanie E. , Busch Albert , Schiller Kilian
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Co-prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and cancer poses a unique challenge in medical care since both diseases and their respective therapies might interact. Recently, reduced AAA growth rates were observed in cancer patients that received radiation therapy (RT). The purpose of this study was to perform a fine-grained analysis of the effects of RT on AAA growth with respect to direct (infield) and out-of-field (outfield) radiation exposure, and radiation dose-dependency.

Methods

A retrospective single-center analysis identified patients with AAA, cancer, and RT. Clinical data, radiation plans, and aneurysm diameters were analyzed. The total dose of radiation to each aneurysm was computed. AAA growth under infield and outfield exposure was compared to patients with AAA and cancer that did not receive RT (no-RT control) and to an external noncancer AAA reference cohort.

Results

Between 2003 and 2020, a total of 38 AAA patients who had received well-documented RT for their malignancy were identified. AAA growth was considerably reduced for infield patients (n = 18) compared to outfield patients (n = 20), albeit not significantly (0.8 ± 1.0 vs. 1.3 ± 1.6 mm/year, p = 0.28). Overall, annual AAA growth in RT patients was lower compared to no-RT control patients (1.1 ± 1.5 vs. 1.8 ± 2.2 mm/year, p = 0.06) and significantly reduced compared to the reference cohort (1.1 ± 1.5 vs. 2.7 ± 2.1 mm/year, p < 0.001). The pattern of AAA growth reduction due to RT was corroborated in linear regression analyses correcting for initial AAA diameter. A further investigation with respect to dose-dependency of radiation effects on AAA growth, however, revealed no apparent association.

Conclusion

In this study, both infield and outfield radiation exposure were associated with reduced AAA growth. This finding warrants further investigation, both in a larger scale clinical cohort and on a molecular level.
Facial expressions of pain: the role of the serotonergic system
Authors: Kunz Miriam , Bär Karl-Jürgen , Karmann Anna J. , Wagner Gerd , Lautenbacher Stefan
Published: September 2023

Rationale

Although interest in the neurobiology of facial communication of pain has increased over the last decades, little is known about which neurotransmitter systems might be involved in regulating facial expressions of pain.

Objectives

We aim to investigate whether the serotonergic system (5-HT), which has been implicated in various aspects of pain processing as well as in behavioral response inhibition, might play a role in facial expressions of pain. Using acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) to manipulate 5-HT function, we examined its effects on facial and subjective pain responses.

Methods

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled within-subject design, 27 participants received either an ATD or a control drink in two separate sessions. Approximately 5-h post-oral consumption, we assessed pain thresholds (heat, pressure) as well as facial and subjective responses to phasic heat pain. Moreover, situational pain catastrophizing and mood were assessed as affective state indicators.

Results

ATD neither influenced pain thresholds nor self-report ratings, nor catastrophizing or mood. Only facial responses were significantly affected by ATD. ATD led to a decrease in pain-indicative as well as in pain-non-indicative facial responses to painful heat, compared to the control condition.

Conclusions

Decrease in brain 5-HT synthesis via ATD significantly reduced facial responses to phasic heat pain; possibly due to (i) diminished disposition to display social behavior or due to (ii) decreased facilitation of excitatory inputs to the facial motor neuron.
Adjusting the range of cell–cell communication enables fine-tuning of cell fate patterns from checkerboard to engulfing
Authors: Schardt Simon , Fischer Sabine C.
Published: September 2023

During development, spatio-temporal patterns ranging from checkerboard to engulfing occur with precise proportions of the respective cell fates. Key developmental regulators are intracellular transcriptional interactions and intercellular signaling. We present an analytically tractable mathematical model based on signaling that reliably generates different cell type patterns with specified proportions. Employing statistical mechanics, We derived a cell fate decision model for two cell types. A detailed steady state analysis on the resulting dynamical system yielded necessary conditions to generate spatially heterogeneous patterns. This allows the cell type proportions to be controlled by a single model parameter. Cell–cell communication is realized by local and global signaling mechanisms. These result in different cell type patterns. A nearest neighbor signal yields checkerboard patterns. Increasing the signal dispersion, cell fate clusters and an engulfing pattern can be generated. Altogether, the presented model allows us to reliably generate heterogeneous cell type patterns of different kinds as well as desired proportions.
Modifiable risk factors for multiple sclerosis have consistent directions of effect across diverse ethnic backgrounds: a nested case–control study in an English population-based cohort
Authors: Jacobs Benjamin M. , Tank Pooja , Bestwick Jonathan P. , Noyce Alastair J. , Marshall Charles R. , Mathur Rohini , Giovannoni Gavin , Dobson Ruth
Published: September 2023

Background

Multiple sclerosis is a leading cause of non-traumatic neurological disability among young adults worldwide. Prior studies have identified modifiable risk factors for multiple sclerosis in cohorts of White ethnicity, such as infectious mononucleosis, smoking, and obesity during adolescence/early adulthood. It is unknown whether modifiable exposures for multiple sclerosis have a consistent impact on risk across ethnic groups.

Aim

To determine whether modifiable risk factors for multiple sclerosis have similar effects across diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Methods

We conducted a nested case–control study using data from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Multiple sclerosis cases diagnosed from 2001 until 2022 were identified from electronic healthcare records and matched to unaffected controls based on year of birth. We used stratified logistic regression models and formal statistical interaction tests to determine whether the effect of modifiable risk factors for multiple sclerosis differed by ethnicity.

Results

We included 9662 multiple sclerosis cases and 118,914 age-matched controls. The cohort was ethnically diverse (MS: 277 South Asian [2.9%], 251 Black [2.6%]; Controls: 5043 South Asian [5.7%], 4019 Black [4.5%]). The age at MS diagnosis was earlier in the Black (40.5 [SD 10.9]) and Asian (37.2 [SD 10.0]) groups compared with White cohort (46.1 [SD 12.2]). There was a female predominance in all ethnic groups; however, the relative proportion of males was higher in the South Asian population (proportion of women 60.3% vs 71% [White] and 75.7% [Black]). Established modifiable risk factors for multiple sclerosis—smoking, obesity, infectious mononucleosis, low vitamin D, and head injury—were consistently associated with multiple sclerosis in the Black and South Asian cohorts. The magnitude and direction of these effects were broadly similar across all ethnic groups examined. There was no evidence of statistical interaction between ethnicity and any tested exposure, and no evidence to suggest that differences in area-level deprivation modifies these risk factor-disease associations. These findings were robust to a range of sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions and relevance

Established modifiable risk factors for multiple sclerosis are applicable across diverse ethnic backgrounds. Efforts to reduce the population incidence of multiple sclerosis by tackling these risk factors need to be inclusive of people from diverse ethnicities.