bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compressive behavior of sustainable rubberized concrete‐filled steel tube columns having various recycled tire rubber aggregate contents and developing a predictive design model
Authors: Güneyisi Esra Mete , İpek Süleyman , Güneyisi Erhan
Published: July 2024

As a sustainable solution, employing recycled tire rubber aggregates in the production of concrete is of considerable interest. However, the applicability of rubberized concretes in construction is restricted due to their relatively low mechanical performance. Using rubberized concrete as a filling material in a steel tube provides a suitable solution for overcoming this issue and for using it effectively as a load‐bearing element. The objective of this study is to examine the impact of the material characteristics of the sustainable rubberized concrete‐filled steel tube (Ru‐CFST) and develop a design model based on ultimate strength prediction for the axially loaded Ru‐CFST stub columns with varying contents of tire rubber aggregate. The model was developed through the gene expression programming (GEP) technique by employing the experimental test results to determine the ultimate compressive strength of Ru‐CFST columns. Based on the principal component analysis, the sectional properties of the load‐bearing element (such as outer diameter, thickness, and length), material strengths (such as rubberized concrete and steel tube strengths), and rubber content were determined as statistically significant parameters affecting the ultimate axial strength of Ru‐CFST stub columns and thus, they were considered in the stage of the model generation. Furthermore, the proposed model's performance was compared to that of available models suggested for traditional CFST columns by commonly employed design codes, namely, ACI, AIJ, AISC, CSA, EC4, and GB. Based on the statistical analysis of the results, it can be concluded that the existing formulations have a relatively acceptable randomness and scatter of observations within the distribution, while the proposed design model gives a more accurate prediction for the ultimate bearing capacity of axially loaded Ru‐CFST columns with the highest R‐squared value of about 0.99 and the comparatively lowest mean absolute percent error of 7.54. It can be stated that the proposed GEP‐based design model will encourage engineers to use such sustainable structural members in their designs and constructions.
The value of supply chain orientation in entrepreneurship: Implications for opportunity evaluation and Lean Startup
Authors: Schwieterman Matthew A. , Welter Chris
Published: July 2024

Supply chain management (SCM) research and entrepreneurship research rarely overlap, which is unfortunate because incorporating SCM thinking may be a key element enabling an entrepreneurial firm to succeed at becoming a long‐term, profitable entity. The entrepreneurial process occurs in three distinct, overlapping, and iterative phases: identification, evaluation, and exploitation. Often, SCM is an afterthought for entrepreneurs, occurring only in the final phase of the entrepreneurial process. This article makes the case for an earlier focus on SCM within the entrepreneurship process. Specifically, we outline how an entrepreneur's supply chain orientation (SCO) may be especially important in the opportunity evaluation phase where Lean Startup processes take place. SCO may enable entrepreneurs to make more accurate assessments and more efficient allocation of limited capital. SCO may lead an entrepreneur to be more aware of how planning, sourcing and production, and logistics may impact the attractiveness of a given opportunity and may facilitate a more accurate evaluation of opportunities, as well as value co‐creation with potential supply chain partners. The result would be a more efficient entrepreneurial process with less waste in terms of time and resources and more value from incorporating supply chain partners in evaluation decisions.
A novel design of recurrent neural network to investigate the heat transmission of radiative Casson nanofluid flow consisting of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) across a curved stretchable surface
Authors: Shahbaz Hafiz Muhammad , Ahmad Iftikhar , Raja Muhammad Asif Zahoor , Ilyas Hira , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Shoaib Muhammad
Published: July 2024

This study aims to develop a supervised learning artificial recurrent neural network algorithm supported by Bayesian regularization called (ARNN‐BR) to analyze the impact of physical parameters, including radius of curvature (), Casson parameter (), heat generation parameter () and radiation parameter () on velocity fʹ(η), and temperature profiles θ(η) in Casson nanofluid consisting of carbon nanotubes (CNTs‐CNF) model for single and multiwalled CNTs across a curved stretched surface. The numerical dataset of the proposed model has been constructed by varying various parameters for five scenarios that are used in a Bayesian regularization‐based intelligent computing method to build networks for approximating the numerical solutions of CNTs‐CNF model. It is observed that increment in the dimensionless radius of curvature () causes to rise an increase in the velocity profile fʹ(η) for both SWCNTs and MWCNTs. However, a contrasting trend is observed when the Casson parameter () is increased to higher values. The temperature θ(η) of fluid increases as the heat generation parameter () and radiation parameter () increase. However, an opposite behavior is noticed when the dimensionless radius of curvature () varies. The effectiveness and significance of designed Bayesian regularization based artificial recurrent neural networks (ARNN‐BR) is demonstrated through regression index measurements, error histogram studies, auto‐correlation analysis and convergence curves showing a minimal level of mean square error (E‐11 to E‐04) for the comprehensive simulations of CNTs‐CNF model. The designed ARNN‐BR algorithm is employed in many domains such as voice recognition, machine translation, identification of neurological brain illnesses as well as for automated translation of texts across different languages.
Overcoming the Long Shadow of the Past: Defense AI in Japan
Authors: Tsuchiya Motohiro
Published: July 2024

Since the end of World War II, Japan has not had a full-fledged military, but only Self-Defense Forces (SDF) for the sole purpose of “exclusively defensive defense.” Hesitancy exists in society, especially in academia, to research and develop technologies that could be diverted to military use. This has created a long shadow of the past in which public opinion, strategic culture, and the academic-industrial ecosystem mutually reinforce each other not to directly address defense technologies, though Japan is often recognized as one of the most technologically advanced countries. However, with the recent deterioration of the national security environment around Japan, such hesitance is weakening, and research and development of technologies that can be applied to defense purposes is now being conducted, also in cooperation with partners like the United States, the United Kingdom, and others. Discussions about artificial intelligence (AI) for defense purposes began in earnest around 2022, with descriptions found in government and defense documents, and budget appropriations beginning to be made. However, the budget size is miniscule and no special organization for defense AI exists. In addition, there is no plan to use defense AI in earnest in defense operations, and it is merely positioned as one of the technologies that are attracting widespread attention. The defense industry is working on AI across the board, but Japan’s defense industry has a large proportion of civilian demand, and there are aspects of the industry that are not necessarily for defense use. If necessary, they will be applied to defense applications, but they are not actively promoted as AI for defense. Attempts to deepen the knowledge of AI among SDF personnel have only just begun.
Reimagining Defense Innovation: Defense AI in Singapore
Authors: Raska Michael
Published: July 2024

This chapter explores conceptual, organizational, and technological development of AI in Singapore’s defense and military innovation paths and patterns. It argues that Singapore’s thinking about defense AI is driven through broader technological innovation and defense management imperatives, not only in meeting the Singapore Armed Forces future operational requirements but perhaps more importantly, sustainment of these technologies and capabilities in synergistic applications within Singapore’s civil-military innovation ecosystem. In the process, the development of AI in defense is conditioned by policy imperatives for responsible innovation and AI governance—responsible, reliable, robust, and safe AI in defense innovation and military use. These are embedded in Singapore’s ‘Ops-Tech’ model of defense innovation, which fosters a deep operational understanding, technology expertise, and collaborative culture between the varying actors in Singapore’s defense ecosystem. Equally important are also organizational aspects such as collaborative defense planning that relies on diverse networks within and outside the defense ecosystem– the military, government agencies, and increasingly private tech companies sharing data and best practices to tackle Singapore’s complex security challenges and risks in novel ways. Finally, the chapter highlights Singapore’s implementation of AI-oriented defense and military innovation, focusing on specific examples of SAF’s digitization, robotization, and sensor revolution in the context of the SAF 2040 transformation.
When the Teeth Eat the Tail: Defence AI in Canada
Authors: Engen Robert C.
Published: July 2024

Canada is in trouble when it comes to defence artificial intelligence (AI) and is positioned to become a cautionary tale of the early AI years. Although Canada is well-placed globally for AI research, development, funding, and implementation, the country’s defence force is badly positioned to embrace digital transformation. This is a consequence of the organization’s structure, history, and culture, rather than of technical shortcomings. Without remedy, Canada’s AI systems will be small-scale projects, spread throughout siloes within the military complex, with almost no cross-pollination between them. These AI systems will be focused on hyper-specific operational and tactical uses cases faced by the various commands. Currently, Canada focuses primarily on data analytics, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, mine clearing, targeting and medical services. Defence AI research is supported by significant government funding. However, the Canadian Armed Forces face an uphill struggle in their attempts to both recruit new talent as well as make proper use of the existing talent within the armed forces in defence AI.
Biomarking Life
Authors: Hofmann Bjørn
Published: July 2024

Boenink and Molen help us reflect on how biomarkers come to change our conceptions of disease and patient care in the future. However, whether biomarkers make disease more physiological and anticipatory and medicine more person centred may need more research. Clearly, biomarkers can decouple medicine and healthcare from what matters to people (such as pain, dysfunction, and suffering), reducing the moral relevance of medicine. Hence, putting biomarkers at the center of medicine may not mean that we set persons at the center of medicine, as they claim. On the contrary, a biomarkerization of medicine may make us all diseased, as there are no healthy persons left, only persons that have not been sufficiently biomarkerized. Biomarkers may do more than detecting or anticipating disease. They may come to define “the good life” and how we feel and fare.
The Bodily Deficit in Contemporary Healthcare
Authors: Slatman Jenny
Published: July 2024

In her chapter ‘Pragmatism in the Fray’, Monica Greco convincingly argues that ‘somatization’ is the iatrogenic product of Western medicine (Greco, Chap. 17, this volume). The term somatization is used for the phenomenon that people still suffer from physical complaints even after doctors have been unable to find pathology. For example, you have suffered from pain in your joints for a long time, but all diagnostic tests are negative (the blood values are good, nothing shows up on scans). When somatization occurs, there is an illness without a disease. Because no underlying pathology is found in the biological body, it is assumed that the reason for, or cause of the complaints must be psychological. After all, within Western medicine we assume a distinction between body and mind. If there is not something wrong in the body, there must be something wrong in the mind. People who somatize are then said to be unable to psychologize—they resist a psychological explanation. Greco shows that this somatization is systemic within Western medicine. Doctors are trained to search for pathology in the biological body with the purpose of providing a pathological explanation for every condition. Physicians are not well prepared for situations where pathological explanations are not so obvious. Uncertainty is no part of the doctor’s habitus.
Nature and Culture in Health and Disease: Historical Strategies in Medical Diagnostics for Navigating Between Critical Dichotomies
Authors: Fangerau Heiner
Published: July 2024

Theories of medical diagnosis have been debated since at least the early eighteenth century. They were closely linked to different understandings of health and disease. In general, naturalistic and ontological understandings were confronted with nominalistic and constructivist interpretations of signs and symptoms. The foundations of today’s understanding of diagnosis were laid in the nineteenth century, which brought new ideas about the differentiation of individual diseases. The article reconstructs this development of concepts of medical diagnosis and discussions about the production of diagnostic signs. It then presents two approaches from the 1920s that attempted to reconcile nominalism and essentialism. The focus is on the approaches of the physicians Richard Koch and Francis Crookshank. Their concepts are compared and linked to Hans Vaihinger’s As-If philosophy, which was very prominent at the beginning of the twentieth century. The paper argues that Koch, in particular, sought to give an intentional and relational orientation to the idea of diagnosis, seeing nature and culture in diagnosis not as opposites but as interrelated elements, and that Koch’s and Vaihinger’s approaches still offer much insight into contemporary thinking about the theory of diagnosis.
The Variety of Historiographical Medical Relativism
Authors: Kusch Martin
Published: July 2024

This paper offers an analysis of three types of relativism in the historiography of medicine. Three authors—Andrew Cunningham, Nicholas Jewson, and Annemarie Mol—are presented as paradigmatic instances of these three versions. I first present thumbnail sketches of some of the mentioned authors’ best-known work. Subsequently, I situate them both relative to familiar relativistic positions in the philosophy and sociology of the (natural) sciences, and relative to a ‘spectrum of relativistic positions’ that I outline. The main upshot of the paper is do identify the main differences and commonalities of the three varieties of ‘historiographical medical relativism’. I defend the authors only insofar as I show that they are not per se committed to “equal-validity relativism”.
Prenylation of aromatic amino acids and plant phenolics by an aromatic prenyltransferase from Rasamsonia emersonii
Authors: Chunkrua Pimvisuth , Leschonski Kai P. , Gran‐Scheuch Alejandro A. , Vreeke Gijs J. C. , Vincken Jean-Paul , Fraaije Marco W. , van Berkel Willem J. H. , de Bruijn Wouter J. C. , Kabel Mirjam A.
Published: July 2024

Dimethylallyl tryptophan synthases (DMATSs) are aromatic prenyltransferases that catalyze the transfer of a prenyl moiety from a donor to an aromatic acceptor during the biosynthesis of microbial secondary metabolites. Due to their broad substrate scope, DMATSs are anticipated as biotechnological tools for producing bioactive prenylated aromatic compounds. Our study explored the substrate scope and product profile of a recombinant RePT, a novel DMATS from the thermophilic fungus Rasamsonia emersonii. Among a variety of aromatic substrates, RePT showed the highest substrate conversion for l-tryptophan and l-tyrosine (> 90%), yielding two mono-prenylated products in both cases. Nine phenolics from diverse phenolic subclasses were notably converted (> 10%), of which the stilbenes oxyresveratrol, piceatannol, pinostilbene, and resveratrol were the best acceptors (37–55% conversion). The position of prenylation was determined using NMR spectroscopy or annotated using MS2 fragmentation patterns, demonstrating that RePT mainly catalyzed mono-O-prenylation on the hydroxylated aromatic substrates. On l-tryptophan, a non-hydroxylated substrate, it preferentially catalyzed C7 prenylation with reverse N1 prenylation as a secondary reaction. Moreover, RePT also possessed substrate-dependent organic solvent tolerance in the presence of 20% (v/v) methanol or DMSO, where a significant conversion (> 90%) was maintained. Our study demonstrates the potential of RePT as a biocatalyst for the production of bioactive prenylated aromatic amino acids, stilbenes, and various phenolic compounds.

Key points

• RePT catalyzes prenylation of diverse aromatic substrates.

• RePT enables O-prenylation of phenolics, especially stilbenes.

• The novel RePT remains active in 20% methanol or DMSO.

Graphical abstract
New Aesthetic Unit (NAU) Method: A Comprehensive Method Based on Accurate Anatomical Assessment and Precise Multilayering Panfacial Treatment for Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Authors: Alizadeh Navid
Published: July 2024

Background

Recent progress in anatomy enables a more sophisticated approach to treat patients with facial aesthetic concerns (PFAC) with HA fillers. Furthermore, advances in rheology have offered a range of HA fillers with different biomechanical properties adapted to different indications.

Methods

Based on recent anatomical and rheological progresses, the author has developed a new methodology that couples an accurate patient assessment tool and a panfacial precise treatment instrument. In the presented method, the face is divided into 6 units called New Aesthetic Units (NAU). NAUs are classified on the extent of volume deficiency and asymmetry, ranging from none to moderate to severe deficiencies. After discussion with the patient regarding the assessment findings, a customized treatment plan, including timelines and number of sessions, is recommended. The modalities of the treatment are exhaustively described for each NAU based on multilayering, best practice medicine, and expert consensus available in the literature.

Results

Before-and after-case studies are presented to illustrate how the NAU method is used in routine practice for the treatment of two patients with HA fillers.

Conclusion

The NAU method is not only a practical and accurate roadmap for the assessment and treatment of PFAC with HA fillers, but also facilitates communication between injectors and patients and data analysis.

Level of Evidence IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors http://www.springer.com/00266.
Micronutrient intake and status in young vegans, lacto-ovo-vegetarians, pescatarians, flexitarians, and omnivores
Authors: Groufh-Jacobsen Synne , Larsson Christel , Margerison Claire , Mulkerrins Isabelle , Aune Dagfinn , Medin Anine Christine
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Whether youth who follow plant-based diets in Nordic countries meet their dietary needs for micronutrients remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate micronutrient intake and status in Norwegian youth following vegan, lacto-ovo-vegetarian, pescatarian, flexitarian and omnivore diets.

Methods

Cross-sectional design, with healthy 16-to-24-year-olds (n = 165). Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire and four 24-hour dietary recalls. Dried blood spots (DBS) and spot-urine samples were collected for analysis of methyl malonic acid (MMA) (n = 65), haemoglobin (Hb) (n = 164) and urinary iodine concentration (UIC) (n = 163).

Results

Vegans reported highest habitual supplement usage of multivitamin (58%), B12 (90%) and macroalgae consumption (32%), while flexitarians reported highest habitual usage of omega-3 supplements (56%). For daily supplement usage, vegans reported highest use of multivitamins (42%), B12 (79%), iodine (37%) and iron (63%). Increased risk of inadequate intake (energy-adjusted) were found for vitamin D (60% within lacto-ovo-vegetarians), selenium (70% within lacto-ovo-vegetarians, 65% within omnivores), and iodine (63% within vegans). Median MMA levels suggest low risk of insufficient B12 status across all groups (MMA 0.04‒0.37µmol/l) and 2% had MMA levels indicating possible B12 deficiency and 8% had elevated levels. Median Hb levels indicated low risk of anemia across all groups (≥ 12.0 females, ≥ 13.0 g/dl males), though 7% had Hb values indicating risk of mild anemia and 4% risk of moderate anemia. The median UIC indicates mild iodine deficiency in all groups (UIC < 100 µg/l), except vegans, who were moderately iodine deficient (UIC < 50 µg/l).

Conclusions

Our study indicated that the participating youth had low risk of inadequate intake of most micronutrients, partly due to high supplement usage. However, for iodine, vitamin D, and selenium higher risk of inadequate intake was found. UIC corroborated the low iodine intake among vegans. Thus, we suggest iodine status of youth in Norway should be monitored, especially among young fertile women who omits dietary iodine sources, until a mandatory iodine fortification program is implemented. Furthermore, we suggest that food education on how to secure sufficient nutrients from food in general should be provided to the Norwegian youth population, especially how to secure adequate intake of vitamin D, selenium and iodine.
Volume phase transition of NIPAM based copolymer microgels with non-thermoresponsive comonomers
Authors: Krüger Jannis , Kakorin Sergej , Hellweg Thomas
Published: July 2024

We analyze the swelling behavior of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM)-based microgels incorporating the non-thermoresponsive comonomer N-tert-butylacrylamide (NtBAM) using photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Previous thermodynamic analysis of PNIPAM-co-NtBAM microgel swelling relied on the classical Flory-Rehner theory. However, this approach struggled to accurately describe swelling curves at higher NtBAM content. Our present work combines the original expression for the Flory-Huggins interaction parameter $$\chi _{FH}$$

χ

FH

for NtBAM with a recently adapted Hill-like model for the interaction parameter $$\chi _{Hill}$$

χ

Hill

that accounts for cooperative effects in the volume phase transition in poly(NIPAM) microgels. This approach outperforms other methods in fitting quality. The observed results are revealing an exponential decrease in hydrodynamic radius upon increasing NtBAM content for swollen microgels. In addition, an exponential decay of the number of water molecules leaving the polymer chain during the volume phase transition is found, which can be attributed to the steric influence of one NtBAM monomer on the hydration of neighboring NIPAM monomers. The molar interaction enthalpy $$\Delta H_{SP}= \text {-49 kJ / mol}$$

Δ

H

SP

=
-49 kJ / mol

and entropy $$\Delta S_{SP} = \text {-177 J /( mol K)}$$

Δ

S

SP

=
-177 J /( mol K)

were obtained from the fits of the swelling curves.

Graphical Abstract
Tendon graft through the coracoid tunnel versus under the coracoid for coracoclavicular/acromioclavicular reconstruction shows no difference in radiographic or patient-reported outcomes
Authors: Ranne Juha O. , Kainonen Terho U. , Kanto Kari J. , Lehtinen Janne T. , Niemi Pekka T. , Scheinin Harry
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The purpose of this prospective study was to report the outcomes of two different methods in CC and AC reconstruction for the treatment of AC separation using a tendon graft and knot-hiding titanium clavicular implant.

Materials and methods

Twenty-seven patients with Rockwood grade III and V acromioclavicular (AC) separations were randomized into two groups. The primary outcome was whether taking the tendon graft through the coracoid risked a fracture. The following were secondary outcomes: follow-up of clavicular wound healing and Nottingham Clavicle score, Constant score, and Simple Shoulder Test results obtained preoperatively and 24 months postoperatively. The anteroposterior radiographic change between the clavicular and coracoid cortexes and the clavicular tunnel diameter was measured postoperatively and 24 months postoperatively. General patient satisfaction with the outcome (poor, fair, good, or excellent) was assessed 2 years postoperatively.

Results

No coracoid fractures were detected. No issues in clavicular wound healing were detected. The mean Nottingham Clavicle score increased from a preoperative mean of 42.42 ± 13.42 to 95.31 ± 14.20 (P < 0.00). The Constant score increased from a preoperative mean of 50.81 ± 17.77 to 96.42 ± 11.51 (P < 0.001). The Simple Shoulder Test score increased from a preoperative mean of 7.50 ± 2.45 to 11.77 ± 1.18 (P < 0.001). The changes were significant. The coracoclavicular distance increased from 11.88 ± 4.00 to 14.19 ± 4.71 mm (P = 0.001), which was significant. The clavicular drill hole diameter increased from 5.5 to a mean of 8.00 ± 0.75 mm. General patient satisfaction was excellent.

Conclusions

There were no significant differences between the two groups. There were no implant related complications in the clavicular wound healing. The results support the notion that good results are achieved by reconstructing both the CC and AC ligaments with a tendon graft.

Study registration

This clinical trial was registered on Clinicaltrials.gov.
MRI-confirmed cochlear artery infarct clinically diagnosed in a patient with sickle cell disease: a case report
Authors: Risoud Michaël , Toulemonde Philippine , Beck Cyril , Charley Quentin , Suzzoni Édouard , Vincent Christophe , Dubrulle Frédérique
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To corroborate the vascular etiology of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) utilizing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Patient

A 24-year-old male with a history of sickle cell disease experienced sudden SNHL and right horizontal nystagmus, without accompanying vertigo.

Intervention

Audiometric evaluation revealed left-sided SNHL, predominantly affecting high frequencies. Video head impulse testing demonstrated isolated dysfunction of the left posterior semicircular canal. An urgent brain MRI identified a recent punctiform ischemic stroke in the frontal region. A subsequent MRI, conducted with a 4-hour delay and post-contrast enhancement, highlighted a hyperintense signal within the left cochlear region and the left posterior semicircular canal.

Conclusion

The investigative results substantiate an infarction in the territory of the cochlear artery, precipitated by a vaso-occlusive event, thereby reinforcing the vascular hypothesis of cochleovestibular artery syndrome. This case underscores the congruence between clinical observations and delayed post-contrast MRI findings.
Ambulatory isolated diastolic hypertension and risk of left ventricular hypertrophy in children with primary and secondary hypertension
Authors: Myette Robert L. , Obrycki Łukasz , Litwin Mieczysław , Seeman Tomáš , Šuláková Terezie , Feber Janusz
Published: July 2024

Background

Pediatric blood pressure (BP) assessment and management is increasingly important. Uncontrolled systolic and combined hypertension leads to hypertension-mediated organ damage. The impact of isolated diastolic hypertension is less clearly understood.

Methods

We analyzed the prevalence of ambulatory isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH) in primary (PH) and secondary (SH) hypertension, and associations with BMI Z-score (BMIz) and left ventricular mass index adjusted to the 95th percentile (aLVMI) in a large, multicenter cohort of hypertensive children. Hypertensive children were divided and analyzed in three ambulatory hypertension subgroups: 24-h, daytime, and nighttime. Specifically, we sought to determine the prevalence of ambulatory 24-h, daytime, or nighttime IDH.

Results

Prevalence of IDH varied based on ambulatory phenotypes, ranging from 6 to 12%, and was highest in children with SH. Children with IDH tended to be more likely female and, in some cases, were leaner than those with isolated systolic hypertension (ISH). Despite previous pediatric studies suggesting no strong association between diastolic blood pressure and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), we observed that children with IDH were equally likely to have LVH and had comparable aLVMI to those with ISH and combined systolic-diastolic hypertension.

Conclusions

In summary, ambulatory IDH appears to be a unique phenotype with a female sex, and younger age predilection, but equal risk for LVH in children with either PH or SH.

Graphical abstract
Increasing trend of childhood type 1 diabetes incidence: 20-year observation from Greater Poland Province, Poland
Authors: Niechciał Elżbieta , Michalak Michał , Skowrońska Bogda , Fichna Piotr
Published: July 2024

Aim

Type 1 diabetes is one of the fastest-growing chronic health conditions. Estimating the incidence rate of childhood type 1 diabetes will allow to aid in adequate planning of health care resources. The study’s aim was to assess the incidence rate of type 1 diabetes in children below 15 years of age from Greater Poland (Poland) between 2006 and 2018, and then to compare obtained data to records collected between 1998 and 2003 in pediatric population aged 0–14 years from the same area.

Methods

In this cohort study covering the period from January 1998 to December 2018, data were collected for children and adolescents below 14 years of age with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes living in Greater Poland. The overall population size was taken from the Statistical Office of Poland. Total, sex-, and age-specific incidence rates per 100,000 person-years were calculated for each calendar year.

Results

Over a 20-year period, the incidence rate of type 1 diabetes in children aged 0–14 years rose around 3.6-fold, from 8.4/100,000 in 1998 to 30.8/100,000 in 2018, with the peak incidence recorded in last year of the study. A clear male predominance of type 1 diabetes was seen in all ages. The rate of type 1 diabetes incidence growth was comparable between all age groups, while the highest incidence rate was mostly observed in children aged 5–9 and 10–14 years.

Conclusions

The incidence of type 1 diabetes in children aged 0–14 years is rapidly increasing in Greater Poland.
Beyond the Surface: Non-Invasive Low-Field NMR Analysis of Microbially-Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation in Shale Fractures
Authors: Willett Matthew R. , Bedey Kayla , Crandall Dustin , Seymour Joseph D. , Rutqvist Jonny , Cunningham Alfred B. , Phillips Adrienne J. , Kirkland Catherine M.
Published: July 2024

Microbially-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) is a biological process in which microbially-produced urease enzymes convert urea and calcium into solid calcium carbonate (CaCO3) deposits. MICP has been demonstrated to reduce permeability in shale fractures under elevated pressures, raising the possibility of applying this technology to enhance shale reservoir storage safety. For this and other applications to become a reality, non-invasive tools are needed to determine how effectively MICP seals shale fractures at subsurface temperatures. In this study, two different MICP strategies were tested on 2.54 cm diameter and 5.08 cm long shale cores with a single fracture at 60 ℃. Flow-through, pulsed-flow MICP-treatment was repeatedly applied to Marcellus shale fractures with and without sand (“proppant”) until reaching approximately four orders of magnitude reduction in apparent permeability, while a single application of polymer-based “immersion” MICP-treatment was applied to an Eagle Ford shale fracture with proppant. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) and X-Ray computed microtomography (micro-CT) techniques were used to assess the degree of biomineralization. With the flow-through approach, these tools revealed that while CaCO3 precipitation occurred throughout the fracture, there was preferential precipitation around proppant. Without proppant, the same approach led to premature sealing at the inlet side of the core. In contrast, immersion MICP-treatment sealed off the fracture edges and showed less mineral precipitation overall. This study highlights the use of LF-NMR relaxometry in characterizing fracture sealing and can help guide NMR logging tools in subsurface remediation efforts.
PBAT is biodegradable but what about the toxicity of its biodegradation products?
Authors: Martínez Ana , Perez-Sanchez Emiliano , Caballero Alexis , Ramírez Rodrigo , Quevedo Esperanza , Salvador-García Diana
Published: July 2024

Context

Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) is a biodegradable plastic. It was introduced to the plastics market in 1998 and since then has been widely used around the world. The main idea of this research is to perform quantum chemical calculations to study the potential toxicity of PBAT and its degradation products. We analyzed the electron transfer capacity to determine its potential toxicity. We found that biodegradable products formed with benzene rings are as good electron acceptors as PBAT and OOH•. Our results indicate that the biodegradation products are potentially as toxic as PBAT. This might explain why biodegradation products alter the photosynthetic system of plants and inhibit their growth. From this and other previous investigations, we can think that biodegradable plastics could represent a potential environmental risk.

Methods

All DFT computations were performed using the Gaussian16 at M062x/6–311 + g(2d,p) level of theory without symmetry constraints. Electro-donating (ω-) and electro-accepting (ω +) powers were used as response functions.
Current status and progress of PD-L1 detection: guiding immunotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Qi Chang , Li Yalun , Zeng Hao , Wei Qi , Tan Sihan , Zhang Yuanyuan , Li Weimin , Tian Panwen
Published: July 2024

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths and represents a substantial disease burden worldwide. Immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with chemotherapy are the standard first-line therapy for advanced NSCLC without driver mutations. Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is currently the only approved immunotherapy marker. PD-L1 detection methods are diverse and have developed rapidly in recent years, such as improved immunohistochemical detection methods, the application of liquid biopsy in PD-L1 detection, genetic testing, radionuclide imaging, and the use of machine learning methods to construct PD-L1 prediction models. This review focuses on the detection methods and challenges of PD-L1 from different sources, and discusses the influencing factors of PD-L1 detection and the value of combined biomarkers. Provide support for clinical screening of immunotherapy-advantage groups and formulation of personalized treatment decisions.
Serum Cytokeratin-18 levels as a prognostic biomarker in advanced liver disease: a comprehensive meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Xin , Li Jiangguo , Jiang Li , Deng Yuexia , Wei Licheng , Li Xing
Published: July 2024

Cytokeratin-18 (CK-18) is a marker of hepatic cell death. Serum CK-18 could serve as a prognostic marker for patients with advanced liver disease (ALD). This meta-analysis aims to explore the association between total CK-18 (M65) and caspase-cleaved CK-18 (M30) levels with the prognosis of ALD patients. Relevant longitudinal observational studies were identified through comprehensive searches of the Medline, Web of Science, and Embase databases. A random-effects model was utilized to synthesize the findings, accommodating heterogeneity among studies. The analysis included 14 datasets from 11 studies. Elevated serum CK-18 levels at admission were linked to a higher risk of death or liver transplantation during follow-up. This association was consistent for both M65 (risk ratio [RR] 1.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.65 to 2.40, p < 0.001; I2 = 43%) and M30 (RR 1.94, 95% CI 1.57 to 2.40, p < 0.001; I2 = 46%). Subgroup analysis revealed that the relationship between serum M65 levels and adverse outcomes was attenuated in studies using multivariate analysis compared to those using univariate analysis (RR 1.78 vs. 2.80, p for subgroup difference = 0.03). Further subgroup analyses indicated that the prognostic significance of CK-18 for ALD patients was not significantly influenced by study design, methods of determining CK-18 cutoff values, or follow-up durations. Elevated serum CK-18 levels at admission indicate a poor prognosis in patients with ALD. This finding holds for both M65 and M30.
Impact of social prescribing intervention on people with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a primary healthcare context: a systematic literature review of effectiveness
Authors: Oliveira Dulce , Henriques Adriana , Nogueira Paulo , Costa Andreia
Published: July 2024

Aim

To identify social prescribing intervention for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the context of primary healthcare and evaluate their impact on improving health, behavior, and economic outcomes.

Subject and Methods

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a literature search was conducted in SCOPUS database (MEDLINE) and via EBSCO Host (CINHAL, MEDLINE, and Psychology, and Behavioral Sciences Collection). Review studies were included and excluded on the basis of defined criteria. A comprehensive quality appraisal was conducted by analyzing the risk of bias according to each study design. Narrative synthesis was performed by analyzing the social prescribing intervention, with the outcomes sorted into categories.

Results

Eleven papers were selected with 19,202 participants describing nine social prescribing intervention domains with a positive contribution to health-related outcomes (improvement in quality of life, psychological and mental well-being, physical activity, and modestly reduced HbA1c), less evidence for health-related behavior outcomes (self-care management slow growth) and less evidence for health-related economic evaluation (small decline in care costs and primary care visits). Social prescribing intervention delivery in a face-to-face mode, performed for longer periods and involving fewer professionals in the referral and accompaniment of the person, demonstrated greater effectiveness. Quality methodology evaluation revealed concerns about the low quality of some studies and a high risk of bias.

Conclusion

The analyzed studies suggest that social prescribing interventions can play an important role in producing related health, behavioral, and economic outcomes for people with T2DM. However, interventions targeted specifically at people with T2DM are needed to increase their robustness.
Integration of ecological indicators to assess a multitemporal impact of cement industries
Authors: Cocozza Claudia , Parisi Francesco , Chiari Massimo , Loppi Stefano , Munzi Silvana , Ravera Sonia
Published: July 2024

The present study evaluated an integrated biomonitoring approach based on three different bioindicators: tree rings, lichens, and beetles in a complex environment (urban-industrial-forest). In Central Italy, four sampling sites were selected to assess the anthropogenic impact of cement plants taking into account (1) long-term exposure (1988–2020) through the analysis of trace elements in tree rings of Quercus pubescens; (2) medium-term exposure (2020–2021) through the analysis of trace elements in thalli (outermost portions) of the lichen Xanthoria parietina; (3) short-term exposure in spring 2021 through the bioaccumulation and evaluation of sample vitality in transplants of the lichen Evernia prunastri and a periodic survey of entomological biodiversity carried out during spring and summer 2021. Trace elements of industrial origin were found in tree rings, with different levels of accumulation between 1988 and 2020 and a maximum in 2012. Native thalli of the lichen X. parietina showed an overall low bioaccumulation of trace elements except for Cr, probably reflecting the influence of national lockdown measures. The transplants of E. prunastri showed a weak stress response in the industrial and urban sites, but not in the forest, and identified Tl and V as the main elements contributing to atmospheric contamination, with peaks at the industrial sites. Concerning the beetles, a significantly lower number of species was found at the Semonte industrial site.
A Primary Health Care Program and COVID-19. Impact in Hospital Admissions and Mortality
Authors: García-Marichal Cristina , Aguilar-Jerez Manuel Francisco , Delgado-Plasencia Luciano Jonathan , Pérez-Hernández Onán , Armas-González José Fernando , Pelazas-González Ricardo , Martín-González Candelaria
Published: July 2024

Background

Most patients with mild or moderate COVID infection did not require hospital admission, but depending on their personal history, they needed medical supervision. In monitoring these patients in primary care, the design of specific surveillance programs was of great help. Between February 2021 and March 2022, EDCO program was designed in Tenerife, Spain, to telemonitor patients with COVID infection who had at least one vulnerability factor to reduce hospital admissions and mortality.

Objective

The aim of this study is to describe the clinical course of patients included in the EDCO program and to analyze which factors were associated with a higher probability of hospital admission and mortality.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Patients

We included 3848 patients with a COVID-19 infection age over 60 years old or age over 18 years and at least one vulnerability factor previously reported in medical history.

Main Measures

Primary outcome was to assess risk of admission or mortality.

Key Results

278 (7.2%) patients required hospital admission. Relative risks (RR) of hospital admission were oxygen saturation ≤ 92% (RR: 90.91 (58.82–142.86)), respiratory rate ≥ 22 breaths per minute (RR: 20.41 (1.19–34.48), obesity (RR: 1.53 (1.12–2.10), chronic kidney disease (RR:2.31 (1.23–4.35), ≥ 60 years of age (RR: 1.44 (1.04–1.99). Mortality rate was 0.7% (27 patients). Relative risks of mortality were respiratory rate ≥ 22 breaths per minute (RR: 24.85 (11.15–55.38), patients with three or more vulnerability factors (RR: 4.10 (1.62–10.38), oxygen saturation ≤ 92% (RR: 4.69 (1.70–15.15), chronic respiratory disease (RR: 3.32 (1.43–7.69) and active malignancy (RR: 4.00 (1.42–11.23).

Conclusions

Vulnerable patients followed by a primary care programme had admission rates of 7.2% and mortality rates of 0.7%. Supervision of vulnerable patients by a Primary Care team was effective in the follow-up of these patients with complete resolution of symptoms in 91.7% of the cases.
Thermal Conductivity of AlSi12/Al2O3-Graded Composites Consolidated by Hot Pressing and Spark Plasma Sintering: Experimental Evaluation and Numerical Modeling
Authors: Sequeira Anil , Węglewski Witold , Bochenek Kamil , Hutsch Thomas , Jain Amrita , Weissgaerber Thomas , Basista Michał
Published: July 2024

Functionally graded metal matrix composites have attracted the attention of various industries as materials with tailorable properties due to spatially varying composition of constituents. This research work was inspired by an application, such as automotive brake disks, which requires advanced materials with improved wear resistance on the outer surface as combined with effective heat flux dissipation of the graded system. To this end, graded AlSi12/Al2O3 composites (FGMs) with a stepwise gradient in the volume fraction of alumina reinforcement were produced by hot pressing and spark plasma sintering techniques. The thermal conductivities of the individual composite layers and the FGMs were evaluated experimentally and simulated numerically using 3D finite element (FE) models based on micro-computed X-ray tomography (micro-XCT) images of actual AlSi12/Al2O3 microstructures. The numerical models incorporated the effects of porosity of the fabricated AlSi12/Al2O3 composites, thermal resistance, and imperfect interfaces between the AlSi12 matrix and the alumina particles. The obtained experimental data and the results of the numerical models are in good agreement, the relative error being in the range of 4 to 6 pct for different compositions and FGM structure. The predictive capability of the proposed micro-XCT-based FE model suggests that this model can be applied to similar types of composites and different composition gradients.
Linking Cerebral Malaria Pathogenesis to APOE-Mediated Amyloidosis: Observations and Hypothesis
Authors: Kioko Mwikali , Mwangi Shaban , Njunge James M. , Berkley James A. , Bejon Philip , Abdi Abdirahman I.
Published: July 2024

Although most children with cerebral malaria fully recover, more than a fifth of the survivors develop post-discharge neurodevelopmental sequelae suggestive of advanced neuronal injury. However, the cerebral molecular processes initiating neurological dysfunction in cerebral malaria are still debatable. In this article, we explore available data and hypothesise that cerebral malaria might be linked to APOE-mediated amyloidosis, one of the pathological processes associated with Alzheimer’s disease. If our hypothesis is tested and found to be true, it could have far-reaching implications for what we know about cerebral malaria pathogenesis.
The Velocity of Money and Lessons for Monetary Policy in Nigeria: An Application of the Quantile ARDL Approach
Authors: Oyadeyi Olajide O.
Published: July 2024

The paper investigates the determinants and stability of the income velocity of money while accounting for structural breaks in its approach from the period Q1 1981 to Q4 2023 in Nigeria. The paper extends previous works by accounting for four velocities of money functions having accounted for structural breaks in its approach. The study adopted the Bai and Perron breakpoint test, the Zivot and Andrews, and Perron and Vogelsang structural break unit root tests to determine the break dates and the variables’ stationary properties. In analyzing the main results, the study used the quantile ARDL method to establish the determinants of income velocity of money in Nigeria, while it used the CUSUM tests to establish the stability of money velocity in Nigeria. The study found that the determinants of the velocity of money are per capita income, the exchange rate, financial development, inflation, and the interest rate across the four models. Furthermore, the four velocities of money functions were unstable for Nigeria using the cumulative sum and cumulative sum of squares tests. Consequently, the study recommends effective monitoring and the provision of sound monetary policies to ensure a stable and predictable velocity of money. This can be achieved by understanding and focusing on these key determinants and crafting informed strategies to manage economic growth and stability. This holistic approach ensures that the benefits of economic policies are felt broadly across the economy, ultimately bolstering overall financial health and enhancing the velocity of money, which is crucial for sustained economic progress.