bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tissue Doppler ultrasound of arm muscles to assess myotonia in myotonic dystrophies: An exploratory study
Authors: Svačina Martin K. R. , Sprenger‐Svačina Alina , Kohle Felix , Wunderlich Gilbert , Lehmann Helmar C. , Schneider Christian
Published: August 2024

Introduction/Aims

Myotonia is a key symptom of myotonic dystrophies (DM), and its quantification is challenging. This exploratory study evaluated the utility of tissue Doppler ultrasound (TDU) to assess myotonia in DM.

Methods

Twelve DM patients (seven type‐1 DM [DM1] and five type‐2 DM [DM2]) and 20 age‐matched healthy subjects were included in this cross‐sectional study. After measuring cross‐sectional areas of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) and extensor digitorum communis (EDC) muscles in a resting state, muscle contraction/relaxation time, time to peak tissue velocity, peak tissue velocity and velocity gradients of these muscles were measured via TDU while performing forced fist unclenching after fist closure. Additionally, grip strength, Medical Research Council Sum score and patient‐reported myotonia severity scores were assessed.

Results

DM1 and DM2 patients had a lower grip strength than healthy subjects (p = .0001/p = .002). Patient‐reported myotonia did not differ between DM1 and DM2 patients. DM1 patients revealed FDS and EDC atrophy compared to DM2 patients and healthy subjects (p = .003/p = .004). TDU revealed prolonged muscle contraction and relaxation times in both DM subtypes, with prolonged time to reach FDS peak relaxation velocity and altered peak FDS relaxation velocity only in DM1 patients (p = .03/p = .003). Peak FDS relaxation velocity correlated inversely with C(C)TG repeat numbers in DM patients. Sensitivity of TDU parameters to detect myotonic dystrophy varied between 50% and 75%, with a specificity of 95%.

Discussion

Our exploratory study suggests that TDU could serve as a novel tool to quantify myotonia in DM patients, but larger follow‐up studies are warranted to validate its diagnostic accuracy.
Outcome measures used in peripheral nerve surgery for symptomatic neuroma in upper extremity amputations: A scoping review
Authors: Yang Borum , Suresh Rachana , Nam Jon , Mayo Amanda L. , Hitzig Sander L. , Wong Alison
Published: August 2024

Novel surgical treatments for painful neuromas are increasingly used, but determining which provides the greatest benefit has been difficult due to the inconsistent use of outcome measures. We mapped the current literature of outcome measures used to evaluate peripheral nerve surgery for the management of symptomatic neuromas in patients who underwent an adult‐acquired upper extremity amputation (UEA). Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and CINAHL were searched for primary research written in the English language from inception to February 2023. The search yielded 1137 articles, of which 35 were included for final analysis. Studies varied in their assessment of pain, health‐related quality of life (HRQOL), neurotrophic measures, psychological and sensorimotor function, highlighting a consensus on crucial domains but also revealing significant heterogeneity in the use and application of outcome measures among primary studies. Our findings highlight the need to establish common standards that reflect the best evidence and unique needs of the UEA population. This includes developing a core outcome set, utilizing multi‐center trials, and maintaining flexibility to adapt to ongoing advancements in patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) research.
Multinational Corporations and Their Corporate Citizenships: Exploring Their Effects on Corporate Performance Under Different Legal Traditions
Authors: Camoletto Stefania , Montes‐Sancho María J. , Santini Erica
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we focus on the conceptualization of corporate citizenship and examine the effects of its tangible manifestation, in the form of corporate philanthropy, on company performance recognizing the importance of the institutional contexts where companies are embedded. Based on a sample of 752 multinational companies that have joined the UN Global Compact, we explore the derived benefits, using as a moderator the legal environment where companies operate. The results of the random‐effect regression analysis show the existence of a positive relationship between corporate citizenship and corporate market valuation over the study period (2016–2022). Findings on corporate citizenship are consistent with previous studies, and the role of the legal tradition emerges as a salient avenue for future investigation. Companies that highly leverage the philanthropic dimension of corporate citizenship and are primarily embedded in a common‐law tradition benefit more than those operating in a civil‐law system.
Childhood pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms: A national experience
Authors: Courtel Tiphaine , Orbach Daniel , Lacour Brigitte , Roumy Marianne , Hescot Ségolène , Desandes Emmanuel , Philippe‐Chomette Pascale , Sarnacki Sabine , Irtan Sabine , Dijoud Frédérique , Kubicek Pierre , Brisse Hervé , Fresneau Brice , Pire Aurore , Réguerre Yves , Mallebranche Coralie
Published: August 2024

Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNENs) diagnosed in childhood are very rare, with few data available. The aim was to describe the clinical presentation and behavior of children with pNENs at a national level.

Methods

National multicenter retrospective study of all patients, aged from 0 to 17 years at diagnosis, treated from 2011 to 2020 for a pNEN and registered in the French National Registry of Childhood Cancers or FRACTURE database.

Results

Fifteen patients, 13 well‐differentiated pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) and two neuroendocrine carcinomas (pNECs), were selected. Median age at diagnosis was 14 years (range, 7–17). Eight patients, all with localized disease, had a cancer predisposition syndrome (CPS), including five cases diagnosed during systematic screening. Five (31%) had metastatic disease at diagnosis: three grade 2 pNETs and two pNECs. First line therapy included exclusive pancreatectomy (seven cases, all M0), active surveillance (three cases, all M0), medical therapies (somatostatin analogues, chemotherapy; four cases, all M1), and surgery with medical therapy (one M1 case). Three‐year progression‐free survival was 57% (confidence interval [CI] 95%: 27–78) and was significantly better for patients with low‐grade well differentiated (73 vs. 0%; p < 10−4) and localized (76 vs. 20%; p = .02) tumors. The two patients with pNECs died. Three‐year overall survival was 92% (CI95%: 59–99) and was significantly better in patients with low‐grade tumor (100 vs. 50%; p = 10−4).

Conclusion

Childhood pNENs occur more frequently in adolescents with CPS. Localized low‐grade pNETs in children have a very good prognosis, whereas the treatment of high‐grade and metastatic pNETs/pNECs should be better defined.
Epsilon‐negative materials with lower percolation threshold derived from segregated structures
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Yang Pengtao , Wang Zongxiang , He Qifa , Sun Kai , Fan Runhua
Published: August 2024

Epsilon‐negative materials (ENM) at radio frequency, usually designed based on percolation theory, recently drew much attention because of their potential applications in capacitors, transistors, and antennas. However, randomly distributed conductive functional materials cannot achieve directional long‐range electron transportation within the material, resulting in decreased utilization efficiency. The morphology design of the substrate material can change the distribution state and electron transfer pathway of conductive fillers. By controlling the size of the polystyrene (PS) and the content of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), PS/MWCNTs composites with random structures and segregated structures were designed, both of which exhibited negative permittivity with increasing MWCNTs content. Further investigation revealed that negative permittivity behavior is due to the establishment of the conductive network and the plasma oscillation of free electrons. Moreover, components with segregated structures have lower percolation thresholds, as directional electron transport is achieved and conductive fillers are efficiently utilized. This work provides a new method for guiding the electron transport pathway and effectively changing the distribution state of conductive fillers in ENM.

Highlights

Negative permittivity is achieved by plasma oscillation at radio frequency.

The segregated structure leads to a decrease in the percolation threshold.

Epsilon‐negative materials have good prospects in inductive components.
Growth parameters and food frequently consumed by Basotho children aged 6–24 months old at Maseru and Leribe districts of Lesotho: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Nyofane Mothusi , Rapotsane Malebusa , Moshao Mohlotsane
Published: August 2024

Undernutrition in children remains a public health concern. Despite the global efforts to address undernutrition, Lesotho continues to bear the highest burden of childhood undernutrition. The study assessed the anthropometric measurements and dietary intake of children aged 6–24 months. A descriptive cross‐sectional study was conducted among 113 mother–child dyads attending clinic visits at Makoanyane Military Hospital (Maseru district); n = 50 and Motebang Hospital (Leribe district); n = 63. A structured sociodemographic and feeding practices questionnaires based on adapted World Health Organization (WHO) questionnaires were used. The usual food consumption was collected using an unquantified food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements and z scores computation were done as per WHO standard guidelines. Statistics included percentages for categorical variables and means for continuous variables. The percentage of continued breastfeeding was 54.0% in Maseru and 28.6% in Leribe districts. Complementary feeds were introduced at the mean age of 5.3 ± 1.0 (Maseru) and 5.2 ± 1.3 months (Leribe). In Leribe, 84.1% of children were consuming maize porridge every day while in Maseru, 68.0% of children were consuming commercial baby cereal every day. The prevalence of wasting was 10.0% (Maseru) and 20.6% with 14.3% of severe wasting (Leribe). A higher percentage of stunting was observed in Leribe (36.5%) than in Maseru (20.0%) (p < 0.001). The prevalence of moderate and severe stunting was 8.0% and 12.0% in Maseru and 20.6% and 15.9% in Leribe, respectively. The prevalence of stunting is alarmingly high in Leribe. The findings suggest an urgent need to strengthen maternal and child health and nutrition programs to ameliorate feeding practices and nutritional status.
Collagen composite fibers with various functionalized carbon nanotubes fabricated via microfluidic spinning
Authors: Ding Changkun , Wang Hua , Zhang Yu , Zeng Xu , Qin Xiwen
Published: August 2024

Collagen (Col) composite fibers containing various functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were prepared via microfluidic spinning, and the influences of MWNT content and type on the performances of the composite fibers were investigated by transmission electron microscope, UV–vis, SEM, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer, differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray diffraction, and tensile testing. The Col composite fibers showed tightly packed bundle structures on surfaces originated from the high shear rates in the microfluidic channels, and MWNT facilitates the self‐assembly of Col molecules, leading to the ordered arrangement of Col fibrils along the fiber axis. When the loading of carboxylated MWNT (cMWNT) was 0.5 wt%, the tensile strength of Col/cMWNT achieved the maximum of 1.94 cN/dtex owing to the excellent hydrogen bond and electrostatic interactions between the carboxyl groups in cMWNT and amino groups in Col molecules, which is significantly higher than those composite fibers made from unfunctionalized and hydroxylated MWNT. Moreover, with the incorporation of MWNT the thermal stability and water resistance of Col fibers were improved due to the enhanced interfacial interactions between Col and MWNT. The fabrication method in this work enables the controlled formation of Col fibers and demonstrates huge potential for use in Col‐based biomaterials.

Highlights

Novel collagen (Col)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) composite fibers were prepared via microfluidic spinning.

The Col composite fibers showed tightly packed bundle surface structures.

Col/carboxylated MWNT achieved the maximum tensile strength of 1.94 cN/dtex.

MWNT enhanced thermal stability and water resistance of Col fibers.
Fabrication and characterization of deuteration‐rich polymer microsphere for high‐yield neutron source
Authors: Liu Meifang , Chen Qiang , Liu Yiyang , Li Jie , Yang Xiaoyu , Du Jie , Tan Xinxin
Published: August 2024

A new type of deuterated polymer microspheres with a much higher deuterium/carbon (D/C) atom ratio was designed and fabricated to produce high‐yield thermonuclear neutrons. Supramolecular deuterated polycyclooctene (D‐PCOE) with ~1.7 D/C atom ratio was synthesized, which well meets the requirements including higher D/C atom ratio, good solubility for processability, and excellent mechanical properties. Monodispersed D‐PCOE microspheres including shells and beads are fabricated by a microfluidic technique. The properties of the D‐PCOE materials and corresponding microspheres are analyzed and compared with those of the deuterated polystyrene microspheres (~1 D/C atom ratio), which have been widely used in laser‐driven spherically convergent plasma fusion experiments. This work expands the category of deuterated polymeric materials and provides a new type of deuterated polymer microspheres in the forthcoming high‐yield neutron experiments.

Highlights

Supramolecular D‐PCOE with ~1.7 D/C atom ratio was successfully synthesized.

Monodispersed D‐PCOE microspheres were successfully fabricated.

The quality of D‐PCOE microspheres is also investigated.
Teleassessment using five times sit‐to‐stand test in older adults with and without Parkinson's disease: Guidelines and barriers
Authors: Figueiredo Caroline Santos , Pinto Camila , Bevilacqua Isabela Possebon , Cortez Ivan Lima , Pereira Francisca , do Pinho Alexandre Severo , Pagnussat Aline Souza
Published: August 2024

Background and Purpose

Assessing lower limb strength, balance, and fall risk are crucial components of rehabilitation, especially for the older adult population. With the growing interest in telehealth, teleassessment has been investigated as an alternative when in‐person assessments are not possible. The Five Times Sit‐to‐Stand test (5TSTS) provides a quick measure of balance during chair transfers, muscle power, endurance, and the hability to change and maintain body position, and is highly recommended by guidelines. However, the literature is unclear about the viability and safety of teleassessment using the 5TSTS in older adults with and without Parkinson's disease (PD). This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of teleassessment using the 5TSTS and to determine its feasibility and safety for older adults with and without PD.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included older adults with and without PD who were evaluated remotely through a videoconference platform. To ensure effective and comprehensive instructions for the test, we developed a guideline called OMPEPE (an acronym for: Objective; Materials; Position‐Start; Execution; Position‐End; Environment). We assessed the 5TSTS intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability by comparing scores obtained from the same examiner and from different examiners, respectively. Participants and examiners completed online surveys to provide information about feasibility and safety.

Results

Twelve older adults with PD and 17 older adults without PD were included in this study (mean ages 69.0 and 67.6 years, respectively). Based on the participants' perspectives and the absence of adverse effects, teleassessment using the 5TSTS is feasible and safe for older adults with and without PD. Excellent intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.90) was found for all measurements of the 5TSTS.

Discussion

This study demonstrated the feasibility, safety, and reliability of teleassessment using the 5TSTS. The guidelines developed may help health professionals minimize barriers and safely conduct an online assessment that includes a physical test such as the 5TSTS in older adults with or without PD. In addition to addressing technological barriers, the OMPEPE guideline might ensure the optimal execution of evaluations.

Conclusion

Teleassessment using the 5TSTS for older adults with and without PD is feasible and safe. Both synchronous (i.e., live) and asynchronous (i.e., recorded) online 5TSTS tests demonstrate excellent intra‐ and inter‐rate reliability.
Donor Defect Induced Ferromagnetism in Nb‐Doped ZnO Thin Films Grown by RF Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Sukumaran Arya , Gopalakrishnan Nammalvar
Published: August 2024

The effect of Nb doping concentration (0, 1, 2, and 4 at. %) on donor defect‐induced ferromagnetism in ZnO thin films is investigated. The films are deposited on Si(111) substrates utilizing the radio frequency magnetron sputtering. X‐ray diffraction pattern unveils that the films show a pronounced orientation along the (002) direction. The relative intensities of defect‐related bands with that of the ultraviolet band from photoluminescence (PL) spectra show that 2 at. % Nb doping results in a greater number of donor defects (Zni+ and VO+) in the ZnO lattice. The parameters extracted from the electron paramagnetic resonance spectra follow a similar trend. The results from vibrating sample magnetometer measurement indicate that pure ZnO displays diamagnetic nature, whereas Nb‐doped ZnO exhibits a ferromagnetic nature. The saturation magnetization value is found highest for 2 at. % Nb doping, which correlates with the presence of a greater number of donor defects, as supported by the PL and electron paramagnetic resonance results. Images obtained from atomic force microscopy show that the surface roughness of the ZnO thin film reduces upon Nb doping. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy validates that Nb is doped in 2 at. % Nb‐doped ZnO thin film with Nb oxidation state of +5.
New CUSUM and EWMA charts with simple post signal diagnostics for two‐parameter exponential distribution
Authors: Munir Waqas , Haq Abdul
Published: August 2024

The two‐parameter exponential distribution (TPED) is often used to model time‐between‐events data. In this paper, we propose CUmulative SUM and exponentially weighted moving average charts for simultaneously monitoring the parameters (location and scale) of the TPED. A key feature of the proposed charts is their straightforward post‐signal diagnostics. Monte Carlo simulations are used to estimate the zero‐state and steady‐state average run‐length (ARL) profiles of the proposed charts. The ARL performances of existing and proposed charts are assessed in terms of expected weighted run‐length and relative mean index. It is found that the proposed charts outperform the existing charts. A real dataset is used to illustrate the implementation of the proposed charts.
Bimetallic Sulfide Hollow Nanocubes Heterostructure Promotes Dual Coupling of Conversion and Alloying/Dealloying Reactions to Achieve Durable Potassium‐Ion Battery Anode
Authors: Iqbal Sikandar , Wang Lu , Kong Zhen , Zhai Yanjun , Sun Xiuping , Wang Fengbo , Jing Zhongxin , He Xiyu , Mamoor Muhammad , Xu Liqiang
Published: August 2024

Conversion and alloying‐type transitional metal sulfides have attracted significant interests as anodes for Potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) and Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) due to their high theoretical capacities and low cost. However, the poor conductivity, structural pulverization, and high‐volume expansions greatly limit the performance. Herein, Co1‐xS/ZnS hollow nanocube‐like heterostructure decorated on reduced graphene oxide (Co1‐xS/ZnS@rGO) composite is fabricated through convenient hydrothermal and post‐heat vulcanization techniques. This unique composite can provide a more stable conductive network and shorten the diffusion length of ions, which exhibits a remarkable initial charge capacity of 638.5 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 for SIBs and 606 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 for PIBs, respectively; It is worth noting that the composite presents remarkable long stable cycle performance in PIBs, which initially delivered 274 mA h g−1 and sustained the charge capacity up to 245 mA h g−1 at high current density of 1 A g−1 after 2000 cycles. A series of in situ/ex situ detections and first principle calculations further validate the high potassium ions adsorption ability of Co1‐xS/ZnS anode materials with high diffusion kinetics. This work will accelerate the fundamental construction of bimetallic sulfide hollow nanocubes heterostructure electrodes for energy storage applications.
Decorrelated nearest shrunken centroids for tensor data
Authors: Ren Shaokang , Yang Munwon , Mai Qing
Published: August 2024

The nearest shrunken centroids (NSC) method is an efficient and accurate classifier. However, it is incapable of modelling correlation among predictors. Moreover, many contemporary datasets have tensor predictors that cannot be directly handled by NSC. We tackle these challenges by proposing a new distance‐based classifier, tensor decorrelated NSC (TDNSC). TDNSC leverages the popular separable covariance structure on tensor data to decorrelate data and allow easy application of NSC afterwards. Unlike existing tensor classifiers that often rely on complicated iterative algorithms, TDNSC has analytical solutions. The theoretical properties and empirical results suggest that TDNSC is a promising method for tensor classification.
Advancement in Synthetic Strategies of Phosphorus Heterocycles: Recent Progress from Synthesis to Emerging Class of Optoelectronic Materials
Authors: Thakur Deepika , Sushmita  , Meena Shivam A. , Verma Akhilesh K.
Published: August 2024

Organophosphorus heterocycles have long been acknowledged for their significant potential across diverse fields, including catalysis, material science, and drug development. Incorporating phosphorus functionalities into organic compounds offers a means to effectively tailor their medicinal properties, augment biological responses, and enhance selectivity and bioavailability. The distinctive physical and photoelectric characteristics of phosphorus‐containing conjugated compounds have garnered considerable interest as promising materials for organic optoelectronics. These compounds find extensive utility in various applications such as light‐emitting diodes, photovoltaic cells, phosphole‐based fluorophores, and semiconductors.
Rising with the Tides of Change Through Community Based Literacies
Authors: Arya Diana J. , González Estefanía Pihen , Christman Devon M. , Ozgen Dogukan , Cano John , Muller Alexandria , Shackley Matthew J. , Meier Valerie , Mottus Rae
Published: August 2024

Community Based Literacies (CBL) connects faculty, undergraduates, and graduate students from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with school-age children from the central coast of California. This chapter presents an account of how our intergenerational university-community team pulled together during intersecting challenges of COVID, sociopolitical upheaval, and extreme environmental conditions to connect with and engage in meaningful experiences with our local community of youth and families. Our efforts involved major shifts from in-person to virtual explorations and collaborative projects (e.g., an anthology coauthored by youth) with an even greater emphasis on social activism and celebrating the experiential knowledge of youth that is often overlooked. Hence, this chapter offers readers a ‘spotlight tour’ of CBL programming during a tumultuous period. We share parallel tales of perseverance and transformation of three key CBL programs—LEAFY (Literacies for Environmental Awareness and Farming for Youth), Curie-osity Project, and CBL in the Schools (a partnership with Santa Barbara Unified School District) to show what possibilities abound when we give young students access to knowledge about key societal issues and a platform by which they can contribute to the transformations needed for a socially just and equitable society.
Forming Authentic Civic Partnerships While Creating Joyful, Equitable Cities
Authors: Buss Shirl , McKoy Deborah
Published: August 2024

Berkeley Y-PLAN (Youth-Plan, Learn, Act, Now!) connects faculty, undergraduate and graduate mentors at the University of California, Berkeley, with young people in public schools. Together they tackle challenges posed by city leaders in their communities. Using the Y-PLAN educational strategy, children and youth engage in city planning and design projects focused on four areas of the civic domain: transportation, housing, public space, and schools/services. In the process, young people use their personal experiences and fresh insights to improve their neighborhoods and cities, while civic leaders are challenged to integrate those perspectives into civic policies and practices. This chapter shines a spotlight on elementary school children who respond eagerly when adults ask them to engage in the challenges of climate change and sea-level rise. Using the Y-PLAN five-step methodology, the students learn about and use professional tools to grapple with tough issues. They then study innovative best practices, and generate recommendations for how to respond to those challenges. With the support and scaffolding of adults and university mentors this case study shows that elementary age students are capable of being powerful agents of design and policy change, moving their community affirmatively toward justice and joy for everyone.
Software Mention Recognition with a Three-Stage Framework Based on BERTology Models at SOMD 2024
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thuy , Nguyen Viet Anh , Dang Van Thin , Luu-Thuy Nguyen Ngan
Published: August 2024

This paper describes our systems for the sub-task I in the Software Mention Detection in Scholarly Publications shared-task. We propose three approaches leveraging different pre-trained language models (BERT, SciBERT, and XLM-R) to tackle this challenge. Our best-performing system addresses the named entity recognition (NER) problem through a three-stage framework. (1) Entity Sentence Classification - classifies sentences containing potential software mentions; (2) Entity Extraction - detects mentions within classified sentences; (3) Entity Type Classification - categorizes detected mentions into specific software types. Experiments on the official dataset demonstrate that our three-stage framework achieves competitive performance, surpassing both other participating teams and our alternative approaches. As a result, our framework based on the XLM-R-based model achieves a weighted F1-score of 67.80%, delivering our team the 3rd rank in Sub-task I for the Software Mention Recognition task. We release our source code at this repository (https://github.com/thuynguyen2003/NER-Three-Stage-Framework-for-Software-Mention-Recognition).
Microsite preferences of three conifers in calcareous and siliceous treeline ecotones in the French alps
Authors: Ramírez Lirey A. , Flinspach Lukas , Nikolić Nada , Toivonen Johanna , Bader Maaike Y.
Published: August 2024

Seedling establishment is crucial for elevational advance of tree species above the treeline ecotone, but the characteristics and availability of safe sites for tree regeneration in alpine ecosystems are not well understood. To better understand the potential of treeline ecotones to show infilling or upward shifts, we assessed microsite preferences of the conifers Larix decidua, Pinus uncinata, and Pinus cembra in upper treeline ecotones with different bedrock chemistry in the French Alps. At each of two sites on calcareous and two on siliceous bedrock, we compared microsites of 50 tree individuals to 50 randomly-selected reference microsites, considering substrate, ground cover, topography, and shelter proximity. In addition, we related these characteristics with the health of the individuals. We found that the three species were established in similar microsites, usually with some shelter. The occupied microsites reflected the available microsites in the area, but certain extreme microsite types remained unoccupied. Most individuals had a krummholz form or were bent, while only a small proportion presented signs of recent mechanical damage, desiccation, snow mold or herbivory, independent of microsite characteristics. Our study shows that the availability of safe sites unlikely limits the establishment of these conifers in the studied sites, suggesting that, instead, seed availability may be a major limitation for tree establishment in these alpine-treeline ecotones. Even in safe sites, the harsh alpine conditions limit the development of tree-species individuals into tree stature, but the strong recent length growth observed suggests favorable conditions for eventual tree expansion in and above current treeline ecotones.
Benthic Incubation Chamber (BIC) for in-situ assessment of primary productivity in different canopy-forming communities
Authors: Reis Bianca , Franco João N. , Peiffer Friederike , Gómez Oscar Babé , Meyer Hugo Sainz , Sousa-Pinto Isabel , Arenas Francisco
Published: August 2024

Accurately quantifying primary productivity in highly dynamic subtidal rocky habitats, particularly those with high canopy-forming macroalgae, is inherently challenging, leading to a scarcity of information. Kelp primary productivity has primarily been assessed through (1) quantification of carbon standing stock and biomass, which provides limited information on rates of primary productivity; (2) ex-situ incubations in the laboratory, in which the obtained values may not represent the actual productivity of a community; and (3) in-situ incubations in detached plants or including only the fronds. To address this issue, we describe a versatile methodology—the Benthic Incubation Chamber (BIC); and tested it along the morphologically diverse Portuguese continental coast. BIC is designed to assess in-situ primary productivity in a variety of benthic communities (high and low canopy), fulfilling the existing need to measure productivity in highly dynamic, shallow subtidal habitats. The method involves incubation chambers where total oxygen flux, temperature, and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) are simultaneously recorded. From those measurements, Net Community Productivity (NCP) and community respiration (CR) for a given biomass and water volume were derived for each chamber. Incubations performed in the Portuguese continental coast demonstrated the feasibility of this technique to obtain reliable in-situ net primary productivity values in a range of subtidal habitats. This method contributes to a comprehensive approach to sustaining and protecting vital marine ecosystems, supporting biodiversity and addressing environmental issues.
Analysis of the shorter drug survival times for Janus kinase inhibitors and interleukin-17 inhibitors compared with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors in a real-world cohort of axial spondyloarthritis patients - a retrospective analysis from the RHADAR network
Authors: Strunz Patrick-Pascal , Englbrecht Matthias , Risser Linus Maximilian , Witte Torsten , Froehlich Matthias , Schmalzing Marc , Gernert Michael , Schmieder Astrid , Bartz-Bazzanella Peter , von der Decken Cay , Karberg Kirsten , Gauler Georg , Wurth Patrick , Späthling-Mestekemper Susanna , Kuhn Christoph , Vorbrüggen Wolfgang , Heck Johannes , Welcker Martin , Kleinert Stefan
Published: August 2024

In recent years Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) have joined tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) and interleukin (IL)-17 inhibitors (IL-17i) as approved disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD) for moderate to severe forms of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Drug survival in axSpA patients has not been well studied in a real-world outpatient scenario since the approval of JAKi. We aimed to analyze the three drug classes based on modes of actions (MoA) for their persistence rates among German axSpA outpatients. A retrospective analysis of the RHADAR database for axSpA patients with a new initiation of TNFi, IL-17i, or JAKi treatment between January 2015 and October 2023 was conducted. Analyses included Kaplan-Meier curves and adjusted Cox regressions for drug discontinuation. 1222 new biological DMARD (TNFi [n = 954], IL-17i [n = 190]) or JAKi (n = 78) treatments were reported. The median drug survival was 31 months for TNFi, 25 for IL-17i, and 18 for JAKi. The corresponding 2-year drug survival rate was 79.6%, 72.6%, and 62.8% for TNFi, IL-17i, and JAKi, respectively. The probability for discontinuation for JAKi was significantly higher compared with TNFi (HR 1.91 [95% CI 1.22–2.99]) as well as for IL-17i compared with TNFi (HR 1.43 [95% CI 1.02–2.01]), possibly related to more frequent use of TNFis as first-line therapy. IL-17i and JAKi discontinuation probabilities were similar. Primary non-response was the reason for drug discontinuation in most cases across all MoA. TNFi treatment might persist longer than JAKi and IL-17i in German axSpA outpatients, possibly related to more severe or refractory disease in patients with JAKi-treated or IL-17i-treated axSpA.
Epidemiologic and clinical features of multisystem atrophy: a population-based study in Navarre, Spain
Authors: Erro M. E. , Arrondo P. , Gastón I. , Clavero P. , de Gordoa J. Sánchez Ruiz , Martí Andrés G. , Valentí R. , Delfrade J. , Vicente E.
Published: August 2024

Background

Epidemiological studies on multisystem atrophy (MSA) are scarce. Our aim has been to analyse 10-year incidence, point prevalence, survival, and the time to diagnosis of MSA in Navarre, a northern Spanish region.

Methods

This is a population-based observational retrospective study, from 2012 to 2021, which covered the population of Navarre (followed until 31 December 2021). Data from various sources of health information were reviewed in order to identify all potential diagnoses of MSA, that were validated from medical records. Patients were included if they fulfilled the new Movement Disorder Society criteria.

Results

We observed a crude average annual incidence rate (IR) of 0.49/100,000 person-years, with the highest occurring in the age group of 60–69 years. No significant IR differences by sex or subtype were observed. Point prevalence in December 2021 was 2.43/100,000 inhabitants. Joinpoint analysis for global incidence and prevalence experienced stable annual rates during the whole period, showing an upward trend for prevalence without a statistically significant slop. The median age at symptom onset was 65 years (range 47–76). The median time to diagnosis was 36 months, without statistically significant differences between sex, age at diagnosis or subtypes. Median time of survival from clinical onset was 7 years. Age of onset above 70 years and autonomic onset were associated with reduced survival.

Conclusions

This is the first population-based epidemiological study on MSA in Spain. It provides detailed incidence and prevalence data for MSA that may be useful for appropriate management of health resources.
Responsiveness of the Oswestry Disability Index and Zurich Claudication Questionnaire in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis: evaluation of surgically treated patients from the NORDSTEN study
Authors: Indrekvam Kari , Myklebust Tor Åge , Austevoll Ivar Magne , Hermansen Erland , Banitalebi Hasan , Bånerud Ingrid Fjeldheim , Weber Clemens , Brisby Helena , Brox Jens Ivar , Hellum Christian , Storheim Kjersti
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the responsiveness of the original low back pain specific Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the spinal stenosis specific Zürich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ), and to investigate cut-off values for clinical “success” for ODI and ZCQ in surgically treated patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).

Methods

We included 601 LSS patients (218 with, 383 without degenerative spondylolisthesis) from the NORDSTEN trials. Outcome measures included ODI and ZCQ (symptom severity and physical function scales) with three alternative response parameters: scores at follow-up, absolute and relative changes from baseline to two-year follow-up. Effect size and standardised response mean evaluated internal responsiveness. External responsiveness was assessed by the Spearman rank correlation between patient-reported global perceived effect scale (GPE) and ODI and ZCQ, and receiver operating characteristics (ROC). We evaluated which cut-off values could maximise the percentage of correctly classified patients according to the GPE-anchor “completely recovered” / “much improved” for each parameter.

Results

Internal and external responsiveness were high for all three indices with effect sizes, standardized response means, ROC and corresponding area under the curve > 0.8. Correlations with GPE responses were moderate (> 0.50) for absolute change and strong (> 0.67) for relative change and follow-up scores. The 30% ODI relative change cut-off correctly classified 81% of patients to “success”, within a range of accurate cut-offs according to the GPE-anchor.

Conclusion

ODI and ZCQ demonstrate comparable responsiveness in evaluating outcomes for surgically treated LSS patients. The 30% ODI threshold was consistent with treatment “success” in NORDSTEN trials.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT02007083 10/12/2013, NCT02051374 31/01/2014 and NCT03562936 20/06/2018.
Comprehensive analysis of bone tissue in extraction sockets of third molars after leukocyte and platelet rich fibrin and photobiomodulation applications
Authors: Demirok Sevgi Ozan , Eroglu Cennet Neslihan , Koc Alaettin
Published: August 2024

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) and photobiomodulation (PBM) applications, which have been repeatedly reported to be superior to control groups, in terms of pain, soft tissue and bone healing in tooth extraction sockets.

Materials and methods

This double-blind, randomized clinical study was completed with 34 patients, who had an indication for extraction of their bilaterally impacted teeth. The right and left teeth of the patients were randomly divided into L-PRF and PBM groups. L-PRF group was treated with the blood product centrifuged for 12 min at 2700 rpm, and the PBM group was treated with a diode laser at different points for 60 s with a wavelength of 940 nm in repeated sessions. Postoperative pain was evaluated using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), soft tissue healing with Landry Index (LI), tissue healing in the distal region of mandibular second molar by probing depth measurement, and bone healing via panoramic x-ray using the Image J program.

Results

No statistically significant difference was found for any variable compared between the groups.

Conclusion

L-PRF and PBM applications provide similar support in the healing of extraction sockets. Nevertheless, the advantages and disadvantages of both methods determine their usage areas.

Clinical relevance

While L-PRF is advantageous in the early healing of extraction sockets, PBM may be preferred in terms of bone trabeculation in the long term.
Removal of black tattoos by Picosecond Q-switched Nd-YAG laser in the middle eastern skin type IV: prospective study
Authors: Ismail Mayada A. , Elgarhy Lamiaa H. , Hassan Ghada F. R. , Hawwam Soha Abdallah
Published: August 2024

Tattoo removal is considered a challenging field in cosmetic dermatology. Picosecond Q-switched Nd-YAG lasers targeting unique chromophores effectively manage this condition without serious complications. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Picosecond Q-switched Nd-YAG laser in the treatment of black tattoos in the skin of middle eastern mostly skin type IV. The study was carried out on 20 patients with skin type IV the most common in middle eastern area with professional black tattoos. They were treated by Picosecond Nd-YAG laser (2 sessions 8 weeks apart). The percentage of improvement ranged from 20.0 to 95.0 (with a mean of 61 ± 24.6). 8 patients (40%) showed excellent improvement, 4 patients (20%) showed marked improvement, 4 patients (20%) showed moderate improvement, and 4 patients (20%) showed mild improvement. No severe side effects were detected. Picosecond Nd-YAG laser was an effective and safe technique in the treatment of professional black tattoos; with only 2 sessions most patients reached excellent to moderate response with minimal side effects.
Usefulness of color Doppler and strain elastography adjunctive to B-mode ultrasonography in the diagnosis of non-mass abnormalities of the breast: results of the BC-07 multicenter study of 385 cases
Authors: Okuno Toshitaka , Watanabe Takanori , Yamaguchi Takuhiro , Konno Sachiyo , Takaki Rie , Watanabe Ryoji , Ban Kanako , Hirokaga Koichi , Tsuruoka Masahiko , Morita Takako
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The concept of non-mass abnormalities of the breast has been employed in Japan for approximately 20 years. Although B-mode findings are classified as non-mass abnormalities, the usefulness of adding color Doppler ultrasonography (US) and strain elastography to B-mode US is unclear. Therefore, we conducted a multicenter study (JABTS BC-07) to establish the diagnostic criteria for breast US, including color Doppler and elastography, for non-mass abnormalities of the breast and verify their diagnostic usefulness.

Methods

We registered US images of non-mass abnormalities of the breast and their clinical and histopathological data from 13 institutions (202 malignant and 183 benign non-mass lesions). Furthermore, we evaluated the centralized image interpretation usefulness of the diagnostic criteria for B-mode and color Doppler US, as well as the sensitivity and specificity when color Doppler US and elastography were added to B-mode US.

Results

Echogenic foci in the mammary gland (odds ratio 3.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.92–6.19, p < 0.0001) and the configuration of internal solid components of the ducts (odds ratio 0.056, 95% CI 0.005–0.591, p < 0.0165) significantly differentiated benign and malignant non-mass abnormalities. The sensitivity of B-mode alone (83.7%) was significantly improved by adding color Doppler US (93.1%) (p = 0.0004); however, adding color Doppler US and elastography to B-mode US made no significant difference in either sensitivity or specificity.

Conclusion

Although adding color Doppler US and elastography to B-mode US improved sensitivity, the diagnostic significance was limited. Therefore, a comprehensive diagnostic method comprising mammography and magnetic resonance imaging is warranted.
Deciphering Arabic question: a dedicated survey on Arabic question analysis methods, challenges, limitations and future pathways
Authors: Essam Mariam , Deif Mohanad A. , Elgohary Rania
Published: August 2024

This survey reviews different research on question analysis, including other comparative studies of question analysis approaches and an evaluation of the questions by different NLP techniques that are used in question interpretation and categorization. Among these key findings noted includes the assessment of deep learning models such as M-BiGRU-CNN and M-TF-IDF, which come with high precision and accuracy when applied with the effectiveness of use in dealing with the complexities involved in a language. Some of the most mature machine learning algorithms, for example, SVM or logistic regression, remain powerful models, especially on the classification task, meaning that the latter continues to be relevant. This study further underlines the applicability of rule-based or hybrid methodologies in certain linguistic situations, and it must be said that custom design solutions are required. We could recommend, on this basis, directing future work towards the integration of these hybrid systems and towards the definition of more general methodologies of evaluation that are in line with the constant evolution of NLP technologies. It revealed that the underlying challenges and barriers in the domain are very complex syntactic and dialectic variations, unavailability of software tools, very critical standardization in Arabic datasets, benchmark creation, handling of translated data, and the integration of Large Language Models (LLMs). The paper discusses the lack of identity and processing of such structures through online systems for comparison. This comprehensive review highlights not only the diversified potential for the capabilities of NLP techniques in refining question analysis but also the potential way of great promises for further enhancements and improvements in this progressive domain.
CD24 flags anastasis in melanoma cells
Authors: Vasileva Martina H. , Bennemann Anette , Zachmann Karolin , Schön Michael P. , Frank Jorge , Ulaganathan Vijay Kumar
Published: August 2024

Anastasis is a phenomenon observed in cancer cells, where cells that have initiated apoptosis are able to recover and survive. This molecular event is increasingly recognized as a potential contributor to cancer metastasis, facilitating the survival and migration of tumor cells. Nevertheless, the identification of a specific surface marker for detecting cancer cells in anastasis remained elusive. Here we report our observation that the cell surface expression of CD24 is preferentially enriched in a non-adherent FSClowSSChigh melanoma subpopulation, which is generally considered a non-viable population in cultivated melanoma cell lines. More than 90% of non-adherent FSClowSSChighCD24+ve metastatic melanoma cells exhibited bonafide features of apoptosis on the cell surface and in the nucleus, marking apoptotic or seemingly apoptotic subpopulations of the in vitro cultivated metastatic melanoma cell lines. Unexpectedly, however, the CD24+ve subpopulation, despite being apoptotic, showed evidence of metabolic activity and exhibited proliferative capacities, including anchorage-independent growth, when inoculated in soft agarose growth medium. These findings indicate that apoptotic FSClowSSChighCD24+ve melanoma subpopulations are capable of reversing the progression of apoptosis. We report CD24 as the first novel cell surface marker for anastasis in melanoma cells.
The Effects of Moral Intensity and Moral Disengagement on Rule Violations: Occupational Safety in UK-based Construction Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mann Claire , Clarke Sharon , Johnson Sheena
Published: August 2024

We take an ethics theory perspective to examine rule violations and workarounds in the UK construction industry in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The UK construction sector remained largely operational during lockdowns in the UK, providing an opportunity to explore the ways in which construction workers made ethical decisions in situ, related to health and safety at work, and COVID-19 rules. We conducted 22 semi-structured interviews with participants from 11 organisations (3 major construction companies and 8 subcontractors) during November 2021 to January 2022. Our qualitative analysis focused on coding responses based on the use of moral disengagement tactics, and the dimensions of moral intensity (magnitude of consequences, social consensus, probability of effect, temporal immediacy, proximity and, concentration of effect). We found instances of ethical dilemmas, including conflicts between compliance with organisational health and safety rules, and following COVID-19 rules. Our analysis showed that rule violations were often justified based on moral disengagement tactics, particularly cognitive reconstrual, obscuring personal agency, disregarding consequences and vilification of the victims. Furthermore, moral intensity played a significant role in making ethical decisions about violating rules. Moral intensity was most influential (across dimensions) for moral disengagement based on cognitive reconstrual (e.g., justifications for choosing to follow one set of rules over another). Social context was highly influential in workers’ ethical decisions, including organisational and group social norms, but wider societal attitudes towards the COVID-19 pandemic, also played a significant role. We discuss the implications for business ethics theory, policy and practice, including recommendations for businesses and policymakers.