bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The new Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE2 and SCORE2-OP) estimates the risk of arterial occlusive events in chronic myeloid leukemia patients treated with nilotinib or ponatinib
Authors: Mulas Olga , Abruzzese Elisabetta , Luciano Luigiana , Iurlo Alessandra , Attolico Immacolata , Castagnetti Fausto , Galimberti Sara , Bonifacio Massimiliano , Annunziata Mario , Gozzini Antonella , Orlandi Ester Maria , Stagno Fabio , Binotto Gianni , Pregno Patrizia , Fozza Claudio , Loi Maurizio , Trawinska Malgorzata Monika , De Gregorio Fiorenza , Cattaneo Daniele , Albano Francesco , Iezza Miriam , Baratè Claudia , Scaffidi Luigi , Elena Chiara , Giai Valentina , Scalzulli Emilia , Breccia Massimo , La Nasa Giorgio , Caocci Giovanni
Published: November 2023

Patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treated with nilotinib or ponatinib may experience arterial occlusive events (AOEs). It is currently recommended to thoroughly assess cardiovascular risk factors before treating CML. We identified 455 consecutive CML adult patients, 335 treated with nilotinib and 120 with ponatinib; 380 patients without previous cardiovascular diseases or diabetes were stratified according to the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE2) and SCORE2-Older Persons (SCORE2-OP). This updated algorithm from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) estimates a 10-year risk of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular diseases. It is based on sex, age, smoking habits, systolic blood pressure, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and European geographical region of cardiovascular risk. The SCORE2/SCORE2-OP algorithm translated more patients (50.2%) to the high–very high cardiovascular risk category than the previous SCORE (25.3%). Patients with a high to very high SCORE2/SCORE2-OP risk showed a significantly higher incidence rate of AOEs (69.2% vs. 46.5%, p < 0.001). The older SCORE was less specific in estimating AOEs in patients classified as low-intermediate risk (69.8 vs. 54.2%). In multivariate analysis, no associations were found between AOEs and gender, age, and type or dose of tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Only the SCORE2/SCORE2-OP risk was confirmed as a significant predictive factor (p = 0.028; hazard ratio = 2.2; 95% confidence interval = 1.1–4.5). Patients with AOEs required, in most cases, imaging diagnostic tests, additional drugs, and sometimes invasive procedures, increasing access to visits and hospital management. This real-life study suggested that the SCORE2 and SCORE2-OP charts could help identify cardiovascular fragility in CML patients providing them with more attention and a proper TKI selection.
Modelling microtube driven invasion of glioma
Authors: Hillen Thomas , Loy Nadia , Painter Kevin J. , Thiessen Ryan
Published: November 2023

Malignant gliomas are notoriously invasive, a major impediment against their successful treatment. This invasive growth has motivated the use of predictive partial differential equation models, formulated at varying levels of detail, and including (i) “proliferation-infiltration” models, (ii) “go-or-grow” models, and (iii) anisotropic diffusion models. Often, these models use macroscopic observations of a diffuse tumour interface to motivate a phenomenological description of invasion, rather than performing a detailed and mechanistic modelling of glioma cell invasion processes. Here we close this gap. Based on experiments that support an important role played by long cellular protrusions, termed tumour microtubes, we formulate a new model for microtube-driven glioma invasion. In particular, we model a population of tumour cells that extend tissue-infiltrating microtubes. Mitosis leads to new nuclei that migrate along the microtubes and settle elsewhere. A combination of steady state analysis and numerical simulation is employed to show that the model can predict an expanding tumour, with travelling wave solutions led by microtube dynamics. A sequence of scaling arguments allows us reduce the detailed model into simpler formulations, including models falling into each of the general classes (i), (ii), and (iii) above. This analysis allows us to clearly identify the assumptions under which these various models can be a posteriori justified in the context of microtube-driven glioma invasion. Numerical simulations are used to compare the various model classes and we discuss their advantages and disadvantages.
Uncertainties in the Arctic Ocean response to CO$$_2$$: a process-based analysis
Authors: Saenko Oleg A. , Gregory Jonathan M. , Tandon Neil F.
Published: November 2023

Using an ensemble of atmosphere–ocean general circulation models (AOGCMs) in an idealized climate change experiment, this study evaluates the contribution of different ocean processes to Arctic Ocean warming. On the AOGCM-mean, the Arctic Ocean warming is greater than the global ocean warming, both in the volume-weighted mean, and at most depths within the upper 2000 m. However, the uncertainty of Arctic Ocean warming is much larger than the uncertainty of global ocean warming. The Arctic warming is greatest a few 100 m below the surface and is dominated by the import of extra heat, which is added to the ocean at lower latitudes and is conveyed to the Arctic mostly by the large-scale barotropic ocean circulation. The change in strength of this circulation in the North Atlantic is relatively small and not correlated with the Arctic Ocean warming. The Arctic Ocean warming is opposed and substantially mitigated by the weakening of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC), though the magnitude of this effect has a large model spread. By reducing the northward transport of heat, the AMOC weakening causes a redistribution of heat from high latitudes to low latitudes. Within the Arctic Ocean, the propagation of heat anomalies is influenced by broadening of cyclonic circulation in the east and weakening of anticyclonic circulation in the west. On the model-mean, the Arctic Ocean warming is most pronounced in the Eurasian Basin, with large spread across the AOGCMs, and accompanied by subsurface cooling by diapycnal mixing and heat redistribution by mesoscale eddies.
Advancing nutrition science to meet evolving global health needs
Authors: Neufeld Lynnette M. , Ho Emily , Obeid Rima , Tzoulis Charalampos , Green Marina , Huber Luke G. , Stout Michelle , Griffiths James C.
Published: November 2023

Populations in crisis!

A global overview of health challenges and policy efforts within the scope of current nutrition issues, from persistent forms of undernutrition, including micronutrient deficiency, to diet-related chronic diseases. Nutrition science has evolved from a therapeutic and prevention emphasis to include a focus on diets and food systems. Working and consensus definitions are needed, as well as guidance related to healthy diets and the emerging issues that require further research and consensus building. Between nutrient deficiency and chronic disease, nutrition has evolved from focusing exclusively on the extremes of overt nutrient deficiency and chronic disease prevention, to equipping bodies with the ability to cope with physiologic, metabolic, and psychological stress. Just what is ‘optimal nutrition’, is that a valid public health goal, and what terminology is being provided by the nutrition science community? Nutrition research on ‘healthspan’, resilience, and intrinsic capacity may provide evidence to support optimal nutrition. Finally, experts provide views on ongoing challenges of achieving consensus or acceptance of the various definitions and interventions for health promotion, and how these can inform government health policies.

Nutrition topics that receive particular focus in these proceedings include choline, NAD-replenishment in neurodegenerative diseases, and xanthophyll carotenoids. Choline is a crucial nutrient essential for cellular metabolism, requiring consumption from foods or supplements due to inadequate endogenous synthesis. Maternal choline intake is vital for fetal and infant development to prevent neural tube defects. Neurodegenerative diseases pose a growing health challenge, lacking effective therapies. Nutrition, including NAD-replenishing nutrients, might aid prevention. Emerging research indicates xanthophyll carotenoids enhance vision and cognition, potentially impacting age-related diseases.
Clinical predictors of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and suicide death in depressive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Riera-Serra Pau , Navarra-Ventura Guillem , Castro Adoración , Gili Margalida , Salazar-Cedillo Angie , Ricci-Cabello Ignacio , Roldán-Espínola Lorenzo , Coronado-Simsic Victoria , García-Toro Mauro , Gómez-Juanes Rocío , Roca Miquel
Published: November 2023

Patients with depressive disorders are especially prone to suicide risk. Among the clinical predictors of suicidality, those specifically related to depressive disorders have not been accurately detailed. Our aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting longitudinal predictors of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and suicide death within depression, including diagnostic subtypes, symptoms, clinical course, and assessment scales. A systematic search of the literature between 2001 and 2022 identified 4422 references, among which 19 studies providing 45 different predictors of suicidality met the inclusion criteria. Random effects meta-analyses were performed for 22 predictors, three for suicidal ideation, eleven for suicide attempts and eight for suicide death. Heterogeneity and publication bias were inspected through I2 tests and Egger’s tests respectively. Meta-analysis results showed that severity of hopelessness predicted suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. History of suicide attempts, suicidal ideation, severe depression, and psychotic symptoms predicted subsequent suicide attempts and suicide death. Time to full remission and sleep disturbances were also found as relevant predictors of future suicide behaviours. This review specifies which predictors of suicidality within the clinical features of depression will help clinicians and policy makers to better prevent suicide risk in patients with depressive disorders. Further longitudinal studies are needed to reliably assess the predictive ability of our results and to analyse other possible clinical predictors to prevent suicidality, especially with regard to suicidal ideation.
Early versus delayed EUS-guided drainage for postoperative pancreatic fluid collections: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mukai Tsuyoshi , Nakai Yousuke , Hamada Tsuyoshi , Matsubara Saburo , Sasaki Takashi , Ishiwatari Hirotoshi , Hijioka Susumu , Shiomi Hideyuki , Takenaka Mamoru , Iwashita Takuji , Masuda Atsuhiro , Saito Tomotaka , Isayama Hiroyuki , Yasuda Ichiro ,   for the WONDERFUL Study Group in Japan, Sato Tatsuya , Nakagawa Keito , Suda Kentaro , Nakano Ryota , Ota Shogo , Takeshita Kotaro , Omoto Shunsuke , Akihiko Senju , Tezuka Ryuichi , Uemura Shinya , Tsujimae Masahiro , Sakai Arata , Okuno Mitsuru , Iwasa Yuhei , Iwata Keisuke , Yoshida Kensaku , Maruta Akinori , Fujisawa Toshio , Takahashi Sho , Hayashi Nobuhiko
Published: November 2023

Background

Postoperative pancreatic fluid collections (POPFCs) are common adverse events (AEs) after pancreatic surgery and may need interventions. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage for POPFCs is increasingly reported, but its appropriate timing has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate treatment outcomes of POPFCs according to the timing of EUS-guided drainage.

Methods

Using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane database, we identified clinical studies published until December 2022 with data comparing outcomes of early and delayed EUS-guided drainage for POPFCs. We pooled data on AEs, mortality, and technical and clinical success rates, using the random-effects model.

Results

From 1415 papers identified in the initial literature search, we identified 6 retrospective studies, including 128 and 107 patients undergoing early and delayed EUS-guided drainage for POPFCs. The threshold of early and delayed drainage ranged from 14 to 30 days. Distal pancreatectomy was the major cause of POPFCs, ranging from 44 to 100%. The pooled odds ratio (OR) for AEs was 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.40–1.64, P = 0.55) comparing early to delayed drainage. There was no procedure-related mortality. Technical success was achieved in all cases and a pooled OR of clinical success was 0.60 (95% CI 0.20–1.83, P = 0.37).

Conclusion

POPFCs can be managed by early EUS-guided drainage without an increase in AEs.
Therapeutic use of medical Cannabis in neurological diseases: a clinical update
Authors: Hidding Ute , Mainka Tina , Buhmann Carsten
Published: November 2023

The use of medical Cannabis has increased in recent years due to changing legal circumstances in many countries. Approval exists only for a few neurological conditions such as rare forms of epilepsy or spasticity in multiple sclerosis. Beyond that, however, medical Cannabis is used for a wide range of neurological conditions and symptoms. In Germany, in parallel with new legislation that has simplified the prescription of medical Cannabis, an accompanying survey has been implemented for which initial data are now available. In this context, our review provides an overview of the evidence for the therapeutic use of medical Cannabis in neurology, the potential benefits, and side effects.
Efficacy and trade-offs of an innovative hyperthermia device to control Varroa destructor in honeybee colonies
Authors: Sandrock Christoph , Wohlfahrt Jens , Brunner Willi , Brunner Pascal
Published: November 2023

For decades, the honeybee, Apis mellifera, has suffered from severe colony losses due to the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor. Various strategies based on chemicals fail to adequately control varroa mite populations, and often comprise side-effects on the host, parasite resistance and residues in hive products. Reduced temperature tolerance of V. destructor compared to its host has long been recognised and accordingly, the potential of hyperthermia to disrupt mite reproduction within honeybee brood cells or even kill adult parasites. Yet, earlier studies on hyperthermia remain largely anecdotal, and readily implementable solutions have so far been lacking. This study investigates autonomously controlled interval heating from within brood combs throughout the season compared to control colonies maintained according to good apicultural practice. We documented treatment-dependent colony growth dynamics and honey production at three apiaries, complemented by regular monitoring of varroa mite levels and comprehensive digital assessments of brood development over time. Our one-year field trial suggests the evaluated hyperthermia device efficiently suppresses mite populations below critical thresholds until autumn. Whilst a general winter reference-curing revealed similar mite infestations of colonies previously treated with hyperthermia versus formic acid (control), only the latter imposed substantial overwintering burdens indirectly through frequent late-season queen supersedure. However, relative to targeted pupae, increased mortality particularly of heat-treated non-target brood stages (eggs and larvae) appeared to trigger compensatory colony-level responses, translating into temporarily decreased numbers of adult workers coupled with increased pollen foraging and overall lower honey harvests. Valuable insights into previously unrecognised side-effects of hyperthermia and mitigation thereof may ultimately permit successful routine applications of this chemical-free approach to combat the major threat to honeybees worldwide.
Sexual Consent Norms in a Sexually Diverse Sample
Authors: Harris Emily A. , Morgenroth Thekla , Crone Damien L. , Morgenroth Lena , Gee Isabel , Pan Harry
Published: November 2023

Sexual consent has received increased attention in mainstream media, educational, and political settings since the rise of the #MeToo movement in 2017. However, long before #MeToo, sexual consent has been a core practice among people who engage in Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, Sadism, and Masochism (BDSM). This study examined sexual consent norms among a sexually diverse sample, including people who practice BDSM (n = 116), people who identify with another sexual minority group, such as swingers and sex workers (n = 114), and people who did not identify with a sexual minority group, termed sexual majority group members (n = 158). Explicit consent for both BDSM- and non-BDSM-related activities was rated as more common (descriptively normative) among people who were a member of the BDSM community compared to majority participants. Further, BDSM participants rated consent discussions as less sexually disruptive compared to majority participants. We found no significant group differences in the extent to which people thought sexual consent should be discussed. We also discuss findings from an open-ended question asking participants to recall a recent sexual experience with a new partner. This study demonstrates variability in consent norms between groups and points to the potential to shift sexual consent behaviors among majority participants.
Not one but two: examining the genetic origin and characterization of the non-native spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus) in Florida
Authors: Parks Andrew J. , Godfrey Sidney T. , Gross Brandon A. , Balaguera-Reina Sergio A. , Smith Nicholas G. , Mazzotti Frank J. , Densmore Llewellyn D.
Published: November 2023

The US state of Florida is home to an alarmingly large number of invasive species, many of which have proven detrimental to native ecosystems. Biological invasions of reptiles in particular have been a major concern in recent years. The spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus) was first introduced from Latin America to Florida in the 1950’s. Given there are now established breeding populations across southern Florida, there are ongoing efforts to control them. Therefore, there is a need to understand this species’ natural history and introduction pathways. Previous studies have cited the Caribbean Coastal region of Colombia as a primary, and possibly exclusive, origin of C. crocodilus in Florida, and the species was identified as belonging to the C. c. fuscus molecular lineage. However, previous genetic sampling has been limited and may have been biased by small sample sizes and limited geographic scale. We collected 27 genetic samples from caimans captured in Florida, and sequenced the mitochondrial genes, Cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and Cytochrome B (CytB) for comparison with homologous gene fragments available for the species at GenBank. We found genetic evidence for multiple introduction events and the taxonomic classification of the Florida caimans as two distinct molecular lineages (C. c. fuscus and C. c. crocodilus) originating from at least two different regions: the Magdalena River Basin in Colombia and the Upper Branco River Basin in northern Brazil. This study helps to elucidate the genetic history of Florida caimans and provides valuable insight for population management of the species in Florida.
Resilience in Adolescent Girls in Child Welfare: Reliability and Validity of the RS-14
Authors: Auslander Wendy , Cheng Shih-Ying , Edmond Tonya E.
Published: November 2023

Adverse childhood experiences, such as abuse and neglect, have been shown to have longstanding negative consequences on a child’s development and outcomes. Studies have noted that there is variation in how youth in child welfare respond to adversity, yet few studies have examined the psychometrics of measures of resilience in this population. In particular, the 14-item Resilience Scale (RS-14) is a widely used instrument yet has not been evaluated for use with adolescents in child welfare populations. The purpose of the study was to describe the levels of resilience reported by adolescent girls involved in the child welfare system and to evaluate the reliability, validity, and factor structure of this scale in this population. Participants were 249 adolescent girls, ages 12–19, who were involved in the child welfare system. Interviews assessed resilience, symptoms of post-traumatic stress, depression, social problem-solving, and demographic variables. Results indicated that levels of resilience among the participants were in the moderate range. The RS-14 demonstrated evidence of good internal consistency and test–retest reliability. Convergent and discriminant validity were established. Confirmatory factor analysis testing a single-factor solution resulted in a weak model fit. A follow-up exploratory factor analysis supported a two-factor solution. Findings suggest this instrument is an appropriate tool for use in child welfare populations.
Detecting non-verbal speech and gaze behaviours with multimodal data and computer vision to interpret effective collaborative learning interactions
Authors: Zhou Qi , Suraworachet Wannapon , Cukurova Mutlu
Published: November 2023

Collaboration is argued to be an important skill, not only in schools and higher education contexts but also in the workspace and other aspects of life. However, simply asking students to work together as a group on a task does not guarantee success in collaboration. Effective collaborative learning requires meaningful interactions among individuals in a group. Recent advances in multimodal data collection tools and AI provide unique opportunities to analyze, model and support these interactions. This study proposes an original method to identify group interactions in real-world collaborative learning activities and investigates the variations in interactions of groups with different collaborative learning outcomes. The study was conducted in a 10-week long post-graduate course involving 34 students with data collected from groups’ weekly collaborative learning interactions lasting ~ 60 min per session. The results showed that groups with different levels of shared understanding exhibit significant differences in time spent and maximum duration of referring and following behaviours. Further analysis using process mining techniques revealed that groups with different outcomes exhibit different patterns of group interactions. A loop between students’ referring and following behaviours and resource management behaviours was identified in groups with better collaborative learning outcomes. The study indicates that the nonverbal behaviours studied here, which can be auto-detected with advanced computer vision techniques and multimodal data, have the potential to distinguish groups with different collaborative learning outcomes. Insights generated can also support the practice of collaborative learning for learners and educators. Further research should explore the cross-context validity of the proposed distinctions and explore the approach’s potential to be developed as a real-world, real-time support system for collaborative learning.
Seasonal evaluation and mapping of aboveground biomass in natural rangelands using Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 data
Authors: Rapiya Monde , Ramoelo Abel , Truter Wayne
Published: November 2023

Rangelands play a vital role in developing countries’ biodiversity conservation and economic growth, since most people depend on rangelands for their livelihood. Aboveground-biomass (AGB) is an ecological indicator of the health and productivity of rangeland and provides an estimate of the amount of carbon stored in the vegetation. Thus, monitoring seasonal AGB is important for understanding and managing rangelands’ status and resilience. This study assesses the impact of seasonal dynamics and fire on biophysical parameters using Sentinel-1 (S1) and Sentinel-2 (S2) image data in the mesic rangeland of Limpopo, South Africa. Six sites were selected (3/area), with homogenous vegetation (10 plots/site of 30m2). The seasonal measurements of LAI and biomass were undertaken in the early summer (December 2020), winter (July–August 2021), and late summer (March 2022). Two regression approaches, random forest (RF) and stepwise multiple linear regression (SMLR), were used to estimate seasonal AGB. The results show a significant difference (p < 0.05) in AGB seasonal distribution and occurrence between the fire (ranging from 0.26 to 0.39 kg/m2) and non-fire areas (0.24–0.35 kg/m2). In addition, the seasonal predictive models derived from random forest regression (RF) are fit to predict disturbance and seasonal variations in mesic tropical rangelands. The S1 variables were excluded from all models due to high moisture content. Hence, this study analyzed the time series to evaluate the correlation between seasonal estimated and field AGB in mesic tropical rangelands. A significant correlation between backscattering, AGB and ecological parameters was observed. Therefore, using S1 and S2 data provides sufficient data to obtain the seasonal changes of biophysical parameters in mesic tropical rangelands after disturbance (fire) and enhanced assessments of critical phenology stages.
Climate change, traditional ecological knowledge, and riverine biodiversity conservation: a case in Aklan, Central Philippines
Authors: Maliao Ronald J. , Cahilig Ritchel C. , Cahilig Richard R. , Jaspe Beverly T.
Published: November 2023

We framed climate change (CC) discourse through its disruptions to local culture and livelihood in a subsistence riverine fishing community in Central Philippines. Our main goal was contextualizing how local communities' traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) related to climate, fisheries, and taboos can strengthen freshwater fisheries management and biodiversity conservation. We adopted a mixed-method purposive sampling of the 126 fishing households in the Nabaoy River Watershed in the municipality of Malay in Aklan province. The high CC awareness was associated with the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme climatological events and erratic weather patterns. These CC-driven perturbations were primarily attributed to the ballooning human population and deforestation. These threats, in turn, were linked to the diminishing state of the Nabaoy River, heralded by the perceived marked decline of frog and dragonfly populations believed to be indicators of river health. Riverine biodiversity was also perceived as dwindling, with fish catch and their sizes shrinking. Furthermore, the observed fishing taboos guiding local informal (de facto) institutions corroborated formal (de jure) temporal and spatial fisheries management measures. Indeed, local communities have relevant long-term knowledge of management (e.g., TEK) and development-oriented structures and systems (e.g., informal institutions). These invaluable social capital assets are crucial in building resilient governance systems to address local conservation issues and concerns, particularly in data-deficient areas or lacking formal management contexts. Hence, formal management interventions should integrate TEK and the informal institution in which it is embedded and engage local TEK holders as partners in freshwater conservation efforts.
Akt/mTOR Pathway Agonist SC79 Inhibits Autophagy and Apoptosis of Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cells Associated with Neonatal White Matter Dysplasia
Authors: Li Zhongni , Zhang Feng , Huang Li , Deng Jiehong , Pan Yutong , Xu Ting , Liu Jingyi , Gao Na , Duan Rongrong , Shao Chunyan , Wu Chan , Wang Minrong , Lu Liqun
Published: November 2023

White matter dysplasia (WMD) in preterm infants due to intrauterine inflammation is caused by excessive apoptosis of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). In recent years, studies have found that excessive autophagy and apoptosis are highly interconnected and important in infection and inflammatory diseases in general. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to confirm whether regulation of autophagy by using the Akt phosphorylation agonist SC79 can inhibit abnormal apoptosis of OPCs and promote myelin maturation and white matter development in neonatal rats with WMD. We investigated the effect of inflammation on oligodendrocyte development in P0 neonatal rats by intracerebellar injection of LPS, and collected brain tissue at P2 and P5. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining were used to evaluate white matter damage, while immunofluorescence staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling analysis (TUNEL), and western blotting were used to evaluate autophagy and apoptosis. First, we observed that white matter development was arrested and white matter fiber maturation was impaired in LPS-inflicted pups compared with those in the sham-operated group. Second, treatment with SC79 reduced the levels of LC3II, caspase 3, caspase 9, and Bax/Bcl-2 and increased the levels of p62, p-Akt, and p-mTOR in the brain tissue of neonatal rats. Finally, SC79 treatment inhibited OPC apoptosis by increasing the binding of Beclin 1 to Bcl-2, which promoted OPC differentiation and maturation. However, the opposite results were observed after rapamycin administration. Taken together, our results suggest that SC79 can inhibit the abnormal apoptosis of OPCs caused by excessive autophagy through the Akt/mTOR pathway and that SC79 is a potential therapeutic agent for WMD in preterm infants.
Entrepreneurship in religious organizations: How the Church of England developed an entrepreneurial orientation
Authors: van Werven Ruben
Published: November 2023

Prior research established that religion shapes country-level entrepreneurial activity as well as individual-level entrepreneurial decisions. The organizational level has received less research attention. It is particularly unclear how the combination of entrepreneurship and religion is forged in established religious organizations. Through a historical case study of the Church of England’s efforts toward developing an entrepreneurial orientation (EO), my paper sheds light on that issue. The findings indicate that, in religious settings, an entrepreneurial orientation materializes through a lengthy, contested process. Two mutually reinforcing mechanisms – polysemy dynamics and idea sedimentation – play an important role in this process. I theorize that these mechanisms, despite delaying EO development, address resistance and thereby drive progress toward a comprehensive entrepreneurial orientation.
Empathy with Future Generations?
Authors: Schramme Thomas
Published: November 2023

In this paper, I analyse whether empathy with future generations is feasible and whether it is a potentially useful instrument in effectively providing resources for future generations. I argue that empathy with future generations is possible, that it likely leads to a form of minimal concern, and that it can help in solving the relevant motivational problem. The most significant hurdle is not so much to do with achieving the required normative recognition of future generations, but with epistemic problems regarding the right actions in protecting future interests and needs. Empathy can again be of help in this regard, but it would need to be successfully trained and supported. We need to stretch our empathy to non-existing people and we need to constrain our imagination in adequate ways to achieve a sufficient understanding of the perspectives of future people.
An assessment of the condition of flowing waters in predominantly urban areas of the conterminous U.S. and its relationship to measures of environmental justice
Authors: Herlihy Alan T. , Kuntz Kerry L. , Benkendorf Donald J. , Holdsworth Susan
Published: November 2023

Urbanization often leads to environmental degradation and there is a growing concern that these impacts are inequitably distributed. We assessed the condition of urban flowing waters across the conterminous US using data from EPA’s National Rivers and Streams Assessment and tested whether degradation was related to metrics of environmental justice (EJ). We found that urban flowing waters are more degraded than their non-urban counterparts. Indeed, the proportion of the length of the nation’s urban flowing waters in poor condition, based on common environmental quality indicators, was often nearly twice as high as the proportion for the nation’s flowing waters as a whole. The majority of urban waters were in poor ecological condition for water quality integrity, nutrient concentrations, and riparian disturbance although, most were in good ecological condition for riparian vegetation, instream cover, bed sediment, enterococci, and dissolved oxygen. For biological indicators, urban flowing water was mostly in poor condition for both fish (52% of total length) and macroinvertebrate biotic integrity (80% of total length). Despite widespread degradation, we did not find that flowing water degradation was strongly related to the two EJ measures we analyzed (% low income and % minority). The highest correlations we observed (|r|=0.3) were between fish biotic integrity and % low income, and between riparian disturbance and % low income. To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the pervasiveness of urban flowing water degradation and its relationship to EJ on a national scale. While this study did not uncover a compelling association between the studied environmental parameters and income and minority status in the surrounding human population, more research is needed to assess access to healthy rivers and streams for all communities.
Hands-on tasks make learning visible: a learning analytics lens on the development of mechanistic problem-solving expertise in makerspaces
Authors: Davis Richard Lee , Schneider Bertrand , Rosenbaum Leah F. , Blikstein Paulo
Published: November 2023

This study investigated the impact of participating in a year-long digital-fabrication course on high-school seniors’ problem-solving skills, with a focus on problems involving mechanistic systems. The research questions centered on whether working in a makerspace impacted students’ abilities to solve such problems and whether the process data generated during problem-solving activities could be used to identify the different problem-solving approaches taken by the participants. A novel set of hands-on, mechanistic problems were created to answer these questions, and the results showed that after taking part in the course students performed significantly better on these problems, with the post-course students making more progress towards the solutions than the pre-course students. The process data revealed two distinct problem-solving approaches for each problem, one adopted primarily by experts (the expert approach) and one by pre-course students (the novice approach). The post-course students were more likely to adopt the expert approaches, which were strongly associated with better performance on each problem. The study found that participation in the course made the high-school students better able to “see” the various components and their ways of interacting, making them more like expert engineers.
Governments as borrowers and regulators
Authors: Betz Timm , Pond Amy
Published: November 2023

The ability to borrow is important for government survival. Governments routinely resort to policies that privilege their own debt on financial markets, exploiting their dual role as borrowers and regulators. We label such policies as borrowing privileges. These borrowing privileges nudge investors to hold the government’s own debt. They share similarities with prudential regulation, but skew the market in favor of the government’s debt; and they share similarities with financial repression, but are less severe and thus consistent with the growth of financial markets. Introducing the first systematic dataset documenting the use of such policies across countries and over time, we demonstrate that governments implement borrowing privileges when their interactions with the global economy heighten fiscal needs: when borrowing costs indicate tightened access to credit, when trade liberalization undercuts revenue, and where fixed exchange rates increase the value of fiscal space. Despite the mobility of financial assets and constraints from global markets, governments retain latitude in regulating domestic markets to their own fiscal benefit.
ADHD/CD-NET: automated EEG-based characterization of ADHD and CD using explainable deep neural network technique
Authors: Loh Hui Wen , Ooi Chui Ping , Oh Shu Lih , Barua Prabal Datta , Tan Yi Ren , Acharya U. Rajendra , Fung Daniel Shuen Sheng
Published: November 2023

In this study, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a childhood neurodevelopmental disorder, is being studied alongside its comorbidity, conduct disorder (CD), a behavioral disorder. Because ADHD and CD share commonalities, distinguishing them is difficult, thus increasing the risk of misdiagnosis. It is crucial that these two conditions are not mistakenly identified as the same because the treatment plan varies depending on whether the patient has CD or ADHD. Hence, this study proposes an electroencephalogram (EEG)-based deep learning system known as ADHD/CD-NET that is capable of objectively distinguishing ADHD, ADHD + CD, and CD. The 12-channel EEG signals were first segmented and converted into channel-wise continuous wavelet transform (CWT) correlation matrices. The resulting matrices were then used to train the convolutional neural network (CNN) model, and the model’s performance was evaluated using 10-fold cross-validation. Gradient-weighted class activation mapping (Grad-CAM) was also used to provide explanations for the prediction result made by the ‘black box’ CNN model. Internal private dataset (45 ADHD, 62 ADHD + CD and 16 CD) and external public dataset (61 ADHD and 60 healthy controls) were used to evaluate ADHD/CD-NET. As a result, ADHD/CD-NET achieved classification accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and precision of 93.70%, 90.83%, 95.35% and 91.85% for the internal evaluation, and 98.19%, 98.36%, 98.03% and 98.06% for the external evaluation. Grad-CAM also identified significant channels that contributed to the diagnosis outcome. Therefore, ADHD/CD-NET can perform temporal localization and choose significant EEG channels for diagnosis, thus providing objective analysis for mental health professionals and clinicians to consider when making a diagnosis.
Effect of Deformation on the Magnetic Properties of C + N Austenitic Steel
Authors: Torres-Mejía Laura Gabriela , Paredes-Gil Katherine , Parra Vargas Carlos Arturo , Lentz Jonathan , Weber Sebastian , Mujica-Roncery Lais
Published: November 2023

In this investigation, the effect of deformation on magnetic properties at low temperatures of FeCr18.2Mn18.9–0.96C + N high interstitial steel was studied. Tensile tests were carried out at room temperature and interrupted at 10, 20, and 30 pct deformation. Magnetic measurements were performed through the vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) technique from 50 K to 370 K. Microstructural, morphological, and crystalline structural analyses by means of XRD and SEM showed that the material consisted of a homogenous and stable austenitic structure with no presence of α-martensite or ε-martensite. Twinning and dislocation cells are suggested as main deformation mechanisms. The material exhibits a paramagnetic–antiferromagnetic (TNéel) transition below 235 K. The Néel temperature of the material tends to increase due to the deformation. A decrease of the magnetization and magnetic susceptibility for the deformed material was measured. Ab initio calculations were performed and showed that the FCC phase is more stable when carbon and nitrogen are added as interstitial elements compared with the free C + N system, additionally, the critical transition temperature was calculated, with a value in agreement with the experimental data. An influence of the magnetic contribution on the SFE was established, being in the order of 5 mJ/m2.
Visual and chemical cues in the host plant selection of the melon ladybird Chnootriba elaterii (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Saitta Valerio , Rebora Manuela , Piersanti Silvana , Salerno Gianandrea
Published: November 2023

Phytophagous insects employ various sensory cues in the host plant location such as visual, olfactory, gustatory, and tactile stimuli, which are perceived by sensory systems and integrated in higher brain centres to trigger the correct behavioural responses. In the present study, the host location process of the oligophagous species Chnootriba elaterii (melon ladybird) is investigated in controlled conditions using both a Y-Tube olfactometer and an open Y-Track olfactometer. Olfactory and visual cues from the host plant act synergistically to lead the ladybirds towards the host plant. Females of C. elaterii are not able to discriminate between host and non-host plants using either olfactory or visual cues alone. Visual cues, particularly those associated with the colour green, are of higher relative importance compared to olfactory cues in the host location process. Green dummy plants made of cardboard represent strong supernormal stimuli for C. elaterii females. The results of the present study can shed light on the host location process of Coccinellidae and can help to develop visual or chemical traps which can be useful in monitoring and controlling this important crop pest of the Mediterranean Basin.
Lipid Lowering Drugs in Acute Coronary Syndromes (ACS)
Authors: Arnold Natalie , Koenig Wolfgang
Published: November 2023

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to critically discuss whether more aggressive lipid-lowering strategies are needed in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

Recent Findings

Currently, available data on early (in-hospital/discharge) administration of potent lipid-lowering drugs, such as proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors in patients during the vulnerable post-ACS phase, have clearly demonstrated clinical efficacy of the “strike early and strike strong” approach not only for rapid reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) to unprecedentedly low levels, but also for associated favorable composition of coronary plaque.

Intensive lipid-lowering therapy with rapid achievement of the LDL-C treatment goal in ACS patients seems reasonable. However, whether such profound LDL-C reduction would result in additional benefit on the reduction of future CV events still has to be established. Thus, data addressing CV outcomes in such vulnerable patients at extreme CV risk are urgently needed.
Application of Platelet-Rich Gel in Repairing Scalp Defects Combined with Skull Exposure: A Case Series Analysis
Authors: Wang Pan , Wang Jianbai , Xu Yanan
Published: November 2023

Clinical treatment of exposed skull injuries becomes extremely challenging. The current treatment methods for exposed skull injuries are mainly surgical treatments. However, these treatments are not suitable for elderly patients who cannot tolerate anaesthesia. This research aimed to assess the effectiveness of platelet-rich gel (PRG) as a non-surgical option for repairing exposed skull injuries. In this study, twelve patients who presented to our hospital with scalp defects between September 2018 and March 2022 were included. Patients were evaluated before and three days after treatment using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, inflammatory markers, and topical skin temperature. Additionally, the length of the platelet-rich gel, number of dressing changes, wound-healing time, local scarring, and hair growth were recorded. The average wound area was 17.08 SD5.49 cm2. The platelet-rich gel exhibited a length of 3.09 SD0.09 cm and showed a significant increase in platelet concentration by a factor of 2.43 SD0.07. all 12 patients achieved complete healing, requiring average number of 8.3 SD2.0 dressing changes and resulting in an average wound healing time of 25.0 SD5.8 days. There were no statistically significant differences in the Visual Analog Scale scores, inflammatory markers, or topical skin temperatures before and after treatment. Follow-up assessments conducted 4–10 months after treatment revealed minimal local scars and sparse hair growth. The one-step preparation of platelet-rich gel in reconstructing scalp defects is a simple, safe, and effective non-surgical method. Its advantages include speedy preparation, painless treatment, and small local scars.
Inflammation, Anti-inflammatory Interventions, and Post-stroke Cognitive Impairment: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Human and Animal Studies
Authors: Tack Reinier W. P. , Amboni Claudia , van Nuijs Danny , Pekna Marcela , Vergouwen Mervyn D. I. , Rinkel Gabriel J. E. , Hol Elly M.
Published: November 2023

The pathophysiology and treatment of post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) are not clear. Stroke triggers an inflammatory response, which might affect synapse function and cognitive status. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess whether patients with PSCI have increased levels of inflammatory markers and whether anti-inflammatory interventions in animals decrease PSCI. We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, and PsychInfo for studies on stroke. For human studies, we determined the standardized mean difference (SMD) on the association between PSCI and markers of inflammation. For animal studies, we determined the SMD of post-stroke cognitive outcome after an anti-inflammatory intervention. Interventions were grouped based on proposed mechanism of action. In patients, the SMD of inflammatory markers for those with versus those without PSCI was 0.46 (95% CI 0.18; 0.76; I2 = 92%), and the correlation coefficient between level of inflammation and cognitive scores was − 0.25 (95% CI − 0.34; − 0.16; I2 = 75%). In animals, the SMD of cognition for those treated with versus those without anti-inflammatory interventions was 1.43 (95% CI 1.12; 1.74; I2 = 83%). The largest effect sizes in treated animals were for complement inhibition (SMD = 1.94 (95% CI 1.50; 2.37), I2 = 51%) and fingolimod (SMD = 2.1 (95% CI 0.75; 3.47), I2 = 81%). Inflammation is increased in stroke survivors with cognitive impairment and is negatively correlated with cognitive functioning. Anti-inflammatory interventions seem to improve cognitive functioning in animals. Complement inhibition and fingolimod are promising therapies on reducing PSCI.
Time changes of customer behavior on accommodation reservation: a case study of Japan
Authors: Ito Koichi , Kanemitsu Shunsuke , Kimura Ryusuke , Omori Ryosuke
Published: November 2023

The forecasting of demand or cancellations is highly important for efficient revenue management in the hotel industry. Previous studies have mainly focused on the accuracy of the prediction of reservation number or cancellation rate on a specific accommodation or hotel chain; therefore, the application of the prediction to different accommodations or under the behavioral change of customers in response to natural or human events is difficult without the re-estimation of the prediction model. Information of the customer behavioral trend on the accommodation reservations is necessary for the construction of a general forecasting model. In this study, we focus on one of the general trends of customer behavior, that is, the reservation timing and the time changes of the cancellation probability using the big data of the reservation records provided by an online trip agency in Japan. We showed that the reservation timing and cancellation probability can be decomposed by five and six exponential functions of the days until the stay and the days from the reservations. We also showed that the significant factors influencing the time changing patterns are the guest numbers per room for both reservation and cancellation, composition of guests in terms of the number and gender of guests, and the stay length for reservation. These findings imply that the customer behavior during accommodation reservation could be categorized into multiple motivational factors toward reservations or cancellations. Our results contribute to the construction of a general forecasting model on the accommodation reservations.