bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic accuracy of anti-3-[18F]-FACBC PET/MRI in gliomas
Authors: Karlberg Anna , Pedersen Lars Kjelsberg , Vindstad Benedikte Emilie , Skjulsvik Anne Jarstein , Johansen Håkon , Solheim Ole , Skogen Karoline , Kvistad Kjell Arne , Bogsrud Trond Velde , Myrmel Kristin Smistad , Giskeødegård Guro F. , Ingebrigtsen Tor , Berntsen Erik Magnus , Eikenes Live
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The primary aim was to evaluate whether anti-3-[18F]FACBC PET combined with conventional MRI correlated better with histomolecular diagnosis (reference standard) than MRI alone in glioma diagnostics. The ability of anti-3-[18F]FACBC to differentiate between molecular and histopathological entities in gliomas was also evaluated.

Methods

In this prospective study, patients with suspected primary or recurrent gliomas were recruited from two sites in Norway and examined with PET/MRI prior to surgery. Anti-3-[18F]FACBC uptake (TBRpeak) was compared to histomolecular features in 36 patients. PET results were then added to clinical MRI readings (performed by two neuroradiologists, blinded for histomolecular results and PET data) to assess the predicted tumor characteristics with and without PET.

Results

Histomolecular analyses revealed two CNS WHO grade 1, nine grade 2, eight grade 3, and 17 grade 4 gliomas. All tumors were visible on MRI FLAIR. The sensitivity of contrast-enhanced MRI and anti-3-[18F]FACBC PET was 61% (95%CI [45, 77]) and 72% (95%CI [58, 87]), respectively, in the detection of gliomas. Median TBRpeak was 7.1 (range: 1.4–19.2) for PET positive tumors. All CNS WHO grade 1 pilocytic astrocytomas/gangliogliomas, grade 3 oligodendrogliomas, and grade 4 glioblastomas/astrocytomas were PET positive, while 25% of grade 2–3 astrocytomas and 56% of grade 2–3 oligodendrogliomas were PET positive. Generally, TBRpeak increased with malignancy grade for diffuse gliomas. A significant difference in PET uptake between CNS WHO grade 2 and 4 gliomas (p < 0.001) and between grade 3 and 4 gliomas (p = 0.002) was observed. Diffuse IDH wildtype gliomas had significantly higher TBRpeak compared to IDH1/2 mutated gliomas (p < 0.001). Adding anti-3-[18F]FACBC PET to MRI improved the accuracy of predicted glioma grades, types, and IDH status, and yielded 13.9 and 16.7 percentage point improvement in the overall diagnoses for both readers, respectively.

Conclusion

Anti-3-[18F]FACBC PET demonstrated high uptake in the majority of gliomas, especially in IDH wildtype gliomas, and improved the accuracy of preoperatively predicted glioma diagnoses.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04111588, URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04111588
Stakeholder Perceptions on Landscape Governance in Northern Ghana: A Q-Study to Identify Common Concern Entry Points for Integrated Landscape Approaches
Authors: Bayala Eric Rega Christophe
Published: September 2023

In a landscape, perceptions can influence people’s actions and behavior toward natural resource use. Improving landscape governance, therefore, requires understanding the different concerns of stakeholders operating within the landscape. This paper analyzes the perceptions of local stakeholders—local landscape users, practitioners engaged in conservation and sustainable resource use, and private actors—regarding the landscape governance system, using the Q-methodology to identify common concern entry points for the implementation of a landscape approach in the Western Wildlife Corridor (WWC) in northern Ghana. To this end, individual interviews and focus groups were conducted with local communities and organizations operating in three Community Resource Management Areas (CREMAs). They identified destructive livelihood activities, constrained livelihoods, and a weak governance system as the main challenges, and the need to balance livelihoods with conservation, strengthening landscape governance through the CREMA initiative, and awareness raising as the main solutions. Thus, the Q-method allowed identifying common concern entry points regarding landscape challenges, governance issues, and potential solutions. I argue that consensus among stakeholders regarding these challenges and solutions could lay the groundwork for a multi-stakeholder process in the area, which could help foster the implementation of an integrated landscape approach in the WWC landscape. It is crucial to support the livelihoods of local people to reduce pressures on natural resources. It is also important to strengthen the functioning of local CREMA management bodies with technical, logistical, and financial support. Implementing a participatory monitoring and evaluation mechanism is critical in this regard.
Machine‐Based Learning Hierarchical Cluster Analysis: Sex‐Based Differences in Prognosis Following Resection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Resende Vivian , Tsilimigras Diamantis I. , Endo Yutaka , Guglielmi Alfredo , Ratti Francesca , Aldrighetti Luca , Marques Hugo P. , Soubrane Olivier , Lam Vincent , Poultsides George A. , Popescu Irinel , Alexandrescu Sorin , Gleisner Ana , Martel Guillaume , Hugh Tom , Endo Itaru , Shen Feng , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: September 2023

Background

Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) may have a heterogeneous presentation, as well as different long‐term outcomes following surgical resection. We sought to use machine learning to cluster patients into different prognostic groups based on preoperative characteristics.

Methods

Patients who underwent curative‐intent liver resection for HCC between 2000 and 2020 were identified from a large international multi‐institutional database. A hierarchical cluster analysis was performed based on preoperative factors to characterize patterns of presentation and define disease‐free survival (DFS).

Results

Among 966 with HCC, 3 distinct clusters were identified: Cluster 1 (n = 160, 16.5%), Cluster 2 (n = 537, 55.6%) and Cluster 3 (n = 269, 27.8%). Cluster 1 (n = 160, 16.5%) consisted of female patients (n = 160, 100%), low inflammation‐based scores, intermediate tumor burden score (TBS) (median: 4.71) and high alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) levels (median 41.3 ng/mL); Cluster 2 consisted of male individuals (n = 537, 100%), mainly with a history of HBV infection (n = 429, 79.9%), low inflammation‐based scores, intermediate AFP levels (median 26.0 ng/mL) and lower TBS (median 4.49); Cluster 3 was comprised of older patients (median age 68 years) predominantly male (n = 248, 92.2%) who had low incidence of HBV/HCV infection (7.1% and 8.2%, respectively), intermediate AFP levels (median 16.8 ng/mL), high inflammation‐based scores and high TBS (median 6.58). Median DFS worsened incrementally among the three different clusters with Cluster 3 having the lowest DFS (Cluster 1: median not reached; Cluster 2: 34 months, 95% CI 23.0–48.0, Cluster 3: 19 months, 95% CI 15.0–29.0, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Cluster analysis classified HCC patients into three distinct prognostic groups. Cluster assignment predicted DFS following resection of HCC with the female cluster having the most favorable prognosis following HCC resection.
Impact of Frailty and Sarcopenia on Short‐ and Long‐Term Outcomes in Elderly Patients Undergoing Radical Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Osaki Tomohiro , Tatebe Shigeru , Orihara Junpei , Uchinaka Ei , Ashida Keigo , Hirooka Yasuaki , Fujiwara Yoshiyuki
Published: September 2023

Background

The impact of frailty and sarcopenia in patients with gastric cancer is unclear. This study aimed to comprehensively examine the impact of frailty and sarcopenia on the short‐ and long‐term outcomes in elderly patients undergoing radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively assessed 246 patients aged ≥ 65 years who underwent radical gastrectomy. Frailty and sarcopenia were assessed using the modified frailty index (mFI) and psoas muscle mass index (PMI), respectively.

Results

There were 30 (12.2%) and 60 (24.4%) patients with High‐mFI and Low‐PMI, respectively. As the age increased, both sexes showed significant correlations with PMI and mFI (r = − 0.238, 0.322, P = 0.003 and 0.002, respectively). High‐mFI and Low‐PMI did not affect the short‐term outcomes. However, High‐mFI was an independent risk factor for non‐home discharge (P = 0.004) and was a significant predictor of 3‐ and 5‐year overall survival (OS) (HR = 2.76 and 2.26; P = 0.002 and 0.005, respectively) and 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year non‐cancer‐specific survival (non‐CSS) (HR = 4.88, 8.05, and 4.01; P = 0.017, < 0.001, < 0.001, respectively). Low‐PMI was a significant predictor of only 5‐year OS (HR = 2.03, P = 0.003) and non‐CSS (HR = 2.10, P = 0.020).

Conclusions

Frailty is significant predictor of non‐home discharge and 1‐, 3‐, 5‐year OS and 3‐ and 5‐year non‐CSS. Sarcopenia is a significant predictor of 5‐year OS and non‐CSS. Preoperative assessment of both frailty and sarcopenia can help surgeons to select adequate treatment strategies for the elderly population.
Sonics: develop intuition on biomechanical systems through interactive error controlled simulations
Authors: Mazier Arnaud , El Hadramy Sidaty , Brunet Jean-Nicolas , Hale Jack S. , Cotin Stéphane , Bordas Stéphane P. A.
Published: September 2023

We describe the SOniCS (SOFA + FEniCS) plugin to help develop an intuitive understanding of complex biomechanics systems. This new approach allows the user to experiment with model choices easily and quickly without requiring in-depth expertise. Constitutive models can be modified by one line of code only. This ease in building new models makes SOniCS ideal to develop surrogate, reduced order models and to train machine-learning algorithms for enabling real-time patient-specific simulations. SOniCS is thus not only a tool that facilitates the development of surgical training simulations but also, and perhaps more importantly, paves the way to increase the intuition of users or otherwise non-intuitive behaviors of (bio)mechanical systems. The plugin uses new developments of the FEniCSx project enabling automatic generation with FFCx of finite-element tensors, such as the local residual vector and Jacobian matrix. We verify our approach with numerical simulations, such as manufactured solutions, cantilever beams, and benchmarks provided by FEBio. We reach machine precision accuracy and demonstrate the use of the plugin for a real-time haptic simulation involving a surgical tool controlled by the user in contact with a hyperelastic liver. We include complete examples showing the use of our plugin for simulations involving Saint Venant–Kirchhoff, Neo-Hookean, Mooney–Rivlin, and Holzapfel Ogden anisotropic models as supplementary material.
Ocular drug delivery systems: glaucoma patient perceptions from a German university hospital eye clinic
Authors: Weber Constance , Quintin Philipp , Holz Frank G. , Fea Antonio , Mercieca Karl
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to report on glaucoma patients’ beliefs and illness perceptions and to investigate their opinion on ocular drug delivery devices (ODD).

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study in a large tertiary-referral outpatient glaucoma clinic, with 102 patients. Validated anonymized questionnaires were used. We investigated the awareness and acceptance regarding ODD (contact lenses (CLs), punctal plugs (PPs), subconjunctival implants, anterior chamber (AC) injections, and drug-emitting stents) and looked at factors that could influence a patient’s decision for having an ODD.

Results

Sixty-three patients (61.8%) confirmed they would rather have ODD than keep their eye-drops (38.2%). The most important factors influencing their decision were effectiveness and long-lasting effect. A large proportion of patients reported a preference for CLs (48.0%), PPs (52.9%), or drug-emitting stents (44.1%). When comparing patients who preferred ODD (group-1) versus eye-drops (group-2), significantly more patients in group-1 were worried (p < 0.001) or felt disrupted (p < 0.001) by their use of eye-drops. A significantly greater share of patients in group-1 showed acceptance towards CLs (60.3% vs. 38.5%; p = 0.032), AC injections (38.1% vs. 12.8%, p = 0.006), or drug-emitting stents (54% vs. 28.2%, p = 0.023), whilst there were no significant differences regarding the acceptance of PPs (p = 0.363) or subconjunctival implants (p = 0.058).

Conclusion

ODD for the treatment of glaucoma were broadly deemed acceptable by patients in this study. Effectiveness and long-lasting effect were the most important factors for a decision towards having an ODD. The majority of patients who preferred an ODD felt severely affected by their disease and were negatively influenced by their glaucoma medication intake.
School children brief training to save foreign body airway obstruction
Authors: Martínez-Isasi Santiago , Carballo-Fazanes Aida , Jorge-Soto Cristina , Otero-Agra Martín , Fernández-Méndez Felipe , Barcala-Furelos Roberto , Izquierdo Verónica , García-Martínez María , Rodríguez-Núñez Antonio
Published: September 2023

Foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO) is a relatively common emergency and a potential cause of sudden death both in children and older people; bystander immediate action will determine the victim’s outcome. Although many school children’s basic life support (BLS) training programs have been implemented in recent years, references to specific training on FBAO are lacking. Therefore, the aim was to assess FBAO-solving knowledge acquisition in 10–13-year-old school children. A quasi-experimental non-controlled simulation study was carried out on 564 ten-to-thirteen-year-old children from 5 schools in Galicia (Spain). Participants received a 60-min training led by their physical education teachers (5 min theory, 15 min demonstration by the teacher, and 30 min hands-on training) on how to help to solve an FBAO event. After the training session, the school children’s skills were assessed in a standardized adult’s progressive FBAO simulation scenario. The assessment was carried out by proficient researchers utilizing a comprehensive checklist specifically designed to address the variables involved in resolving a FBAO event according with current international guidelines. The assessment of school children’s acquired knowledge during the simulated mild FBAO revealed that 62.2% of participants successfully identified the event and promptly encouraged the simulated patient to cough actively. When the obstruction progressed, its severity was recognized by 86.2% and back blows were administered, followed by abdominal thrusts by 90.4%. When the simulated victim became unconscious, 77.1% of children identified the situation and immediately called the emergency medical service and 81.1% initiated chest compressions. No significant differences in performance were detected according to participants’ age.

  Conclusion: A brief focused training contributes to prepare 10–13-year-old school children to perform the recommended FBAO steps in a standardized simulated patient. We consider that FBAO should be included in BLS training programs for school children.

What is Known:• Kids Save Lives strategy states that school children should learn basic life support (BLS) skills because of their potential role as first responders.• This BLS training does not include content for resolving a foreign body airway obstruction (FBAO).

What is New:• Following a 60-min theoretical-practical training led by physical education teachers, 10–13-year-old school children are able to solve a simulated FBAO situation.• The inclusion of FBAO content in BLS training in schools should be considered.
Influence of phylogenetic diversity of plant communities on tri-trophic interactions
Authors: Alavez Verónica , Santos-Gally Rocio , Gutiérrez-Aguilar Manuel , del-Val Ek , Boege Karina
Published: September 2023

Phylogenetic diversity of plant communities can influence the interaction between plants, herbivores, and their natural enemies. Plant communities with phylogenetically distant species tend to present a wide variety of functional traits and ecological niches, which in turn can influence competitive interactions among plants as well as food and habitat quality for herbivores and their natural enemies. To assess some different mechanisms by which phylogenetic diversity of plant communities can influence herbivores and their natural enemies, we established 12 experimental plots of tropical trees with two treatments: high and low phylogenetic diversity. We measured plant growth and anti-herbivore defenses, herbivore foliar damage, and predator activity in seven species that were present in both treatments. We found significant differences in the expression of plant traits as a function of species identity and their life history, but also depending on the phylogenetic context in which they grew. Pioneer species had higher growth and produced more phenolics in plots with high phylogenetic diversity versus plants in plots with low phylogenetic diversity. Accordingly, herbivore damage in these species was greater in plots with low phylogenetic diversity. Finally, predator activity on caterpillar clay models placed on plants was greater within the low phylogenetic diversity treatment, but only for non-myrmecophytic species. These results suggest that plant phylogenetic diversity can influence the expression of growth and defensive traits and further modify the interaction between plants, herbivores, and their natural enemies. However, such effects depend on plant life history and the presence of mutualistic interaction with ants.
Understanding evolving user choices: a neural network analysis of TAXI and ride-hailing services in Barcelona
Authors: Guillén-Pujadas Miguel , Vizuete-Luciano Emili , Alaminos David , Carmen Gracia-Ramos M.
Published: September 2023

Urban mobility stands as a fundamental element worthy of consideration by both society and its leaders. Often, decisions in this realm are made by governing figures without duly factoring in the preferences and needs of citizens. In our study, we delve into the changes that have unfolded within Barcelona from the standpoint of its users. The primary aim of this article is to observe the preferences that these users hold regarding the array of mobility options available to them in the urban environment. To this end, we’ve incorporated various aspects of significant relevance and contemporary presence in today’s society, such as mobility and sustainability, focusing specifically on the two most frequently used types of commercial passenger vehicles (CPV) within urban contexts: taxis and ride-hailing services. To gather the necessary sample data, a survey was conducted with a significance level of 95%. Following an exhaustive examination of the existing literature surrounding these concepts, we proceeded with the analysis of the sample using neural networks. The outcomes garnered encompass user receptiveness to the technological evolution shaping the sector, the utilization of mobile applications, a predisposition to opt for fixed tariffs, and the pivotal role of new blockchain-based technologies (NFTs and fan tokens) in influencing user decision-making.
The clinical importance of the host anti-tumour reaction patterns in regional tumour draining lymph nodes in patients with locally advanced resectable gastric cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Budginaite Elzbieta , Kloft Maximilian , van Kuijk Sander M. J. , Canao Pedro A. , Kooreman Loes F. S. , Pennings Alexander J. , Magee Derek R. , Woodruff Henry C. , Grabsch Heike I.
Published: September 2023

Background

The status of regional tumour draining lymph nodes (LN) is crucial for prognostic evaluation in gastric cancer (GaC) patients. Changes in lymph node microarchitecture, such as follicular hyperplasia (FH), sinus histiocytosis (SH), or paracortical hyperplasia (PH), may be triggered by the anti-tumour immune response. However, the prognostic value of these changes in GaC patients is unclear.

Methods

A systematic search in multiple databases was conducted to identify studies on the prognostic value of microarchitecture changes in regional tumour-negative and tumour-positive LNs measured on histopathological slides. Since the number of GaC publications was very limited, the search was subsequently expanded to include junctional and oesophageal cancer (OeC).

Results

A total of 28 articles (17 gastric cancer, 11 oesophageal cancer) met the inclusion criteria, analyzing 26,503 lymph nodes from 3711 GaC and 1912 OeC patients. The studies described eight different types of lymph node microarchitecture changes, categorized into three patterns: hyperplasia (SH, FH, PH), cell-specific infiltration (dendritic cells, T cells, neutrophils, macrophages), and differential gene expression. Meta-analysis of five GaC studies showed a positive association between SH in tumour-negative lymph nodes and better 5-year overall survival. Pooled risk ratios for all LNs showed increased 5-year overall survival for the presence of SH and PH.

Conclusions

This systematic review suggests that sinus histiocytosis and paracortical hyperplasia in regional tumour-negative lymph nodes may provide additional prognostic information for gastric and oesophageal cancer patients. Further studies are needed to better understand the lymph node reaction patterns and explore their impact of chemotherapy treatment and immunotherapy efficacy.
Effects of time-delayed vibration absorber on bandwidth of beam for low broadband vibration suppression
Authors: Sun Xiuting , Qu Yipeng , Wang Feng , Xu Jian
Published: September 2023

The effects of time-delayed vibration absorber (TDVA) on the dynamic characteristics of a flexible beam are investigated. First, the vibration suppression effect of a single TDVA on a continuous beam is studied. The first optimization criterion is given, and the results show that the introduction of time-delayed feedback control (TDFC) is beneficial to improving the vibration suppression at the anti-resonance band. When a single TDVA is used, the anti-resonance is located at a specific frequency by the optimum design of TDFC parameters. Then, in order to obtain low-frequency and broad bands for vibration suppression, multiple TDVAs are uniformly distributed on a continuous beam, and the relationship between the dynamic responses and the TDFC parameters is investigated. The obtained relationship shows that the TDVA has a significant regulatory effect on the vibration behavior of the continuous beam. The effects of the number of TDVAs and the nonlinearity on the bandgap variation are discussed. As the multiple TDVAs are applied, according to the different requirements on the location and bandwidth of the effective vibration suppression band, the optimization criteria for the TDFC parameters are given, which provides guidance for the applications of TDVAs in practical projects such as bridge and aerospace.
Renewables, taxes and competitive markets: the role of energy policies on the EU’s sustainable energy consumption
Authors: García-Álvarez María Teresa , Pineiro-Villaverde Gustavo , Soares Isabel
Published: September 2023

In recent years, the European Union has made sustainable consumption and production a political priority, to address economic and social development within the capacity of the ecosystem. To this end, it has put in place several actions related to resource efficiency, energy taxation and the promotion of renewable energies. This has been positive in terms of production, but less progress has been achieved in consumption. Greater understanding of the factors that influence sustainable energy consumption is particularly important. This paper investigates the effects of energy demand policies (energy taxes) and energy supply policies (renewable energies development, competitive energy markets and eco-innovation) on sustainable energy consumption in the EU-28 from 2008 to 2019. This research employs a panel data model to investigate the study’s hypotheses. Our results show that energy tax policies and clean energy have reduced energy intensity. However, electricity prices have been the greatest determinant in reducing total energy consumption. In light of its findings, this paper makes recommendations for several crucial measures for sustainable energy consumption to policymakers.

Graphical abstract
Population genetic diversity and connectivity of the kelp species Ecklonia cava from the Korean coast
Authors: Choi Dong Mun , Hong Seokwoo , Yang Kwon Mo , Ko Young Wook , Kim Jeong Ha
Published: September 2023

Genetic connectivity of kelp populations can provide essential information for estimating their dispersal capability and related perspectives on persistence. We examined population genetic variability to identify connectivity and potential drivers shaping population genetic clusters of Ecklonia cava, a foundation kelp species in the northwest Pacific region. Using microsatellite markers, we analyzed 11 local populations along the Korean coastline from Jeju Island to Ulleungdo. We found that entire study populations were segregated into two genetic groups, inner (south coast populations) and outer (Jeju Island and Ulleungdo) coastal regions, in accordance with current patterns around South Korea and geographical topography. Genetic similarity between the furthest populations (Jeju Island and Ulleungdo) suggest that the dispersal range of E. cava could be largely expanded by the prevalent current. Inter-population genetic structure in the perspectives of isolation-by-distance (IBD) and isolation-by-environment (IBE) revealed that distance and turbidity gradient were both contributors to the gene flow of E. cava. However, different results appeared for a few populations, suggesting that effects of these factors could vary depending on geographic range of populations and surrounding oceanographic conditions. This study suggests that gene flow of E. cava could be driven by multiple seascape factors (ocean currents, coastal topography, distance and sediments) and the interplay among them at a regional scale, which is applicable to other kelp species with diverse scales.
Effects of cooking on the composition of volatiles, total phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity of three Chilean seaweeds
Authors: Figueroa Valentina , Holdt Susan Løvstad , Jacobsen Charlotte , Aguilera José Miguel
Published: September 2023

Seaweed consumption is increasing around the world due to consumer demands for sustainable food sources, health benefits derived from bioactive compounds, and a source of novel flavors. Despite all the benefits that come with eating seaweed, consumers still resent of their sensorial properties. Seaweed is traditionally consumed raw or cooked, but there is still not enough information on how the sensory descriptors and bioactive compounds change when cooked. The aim of this study was to determine the change in total polyphenol content (TPC), antioxidant capacity (e.g., DPPH and ORAC values) and changes in volatile compounds of three Chilean seaweeds: Durvillaea antarctica, Pyropia spp. and Ulva lactuca when subjected to traditional cooking for 15 min at 100°C. In all three seaweeds, TPC decreased with cooking and so did the measured antioxidant capacity. Altogether, 46 volatile cpmpounds were identified in D. antarctica, 49 in Pyropia spp. and 47 in U. lactuca. The concentration of these volatile compounds was correlated with aroma sensory descriptors of the same samples. Consumer preferences may be attracted by the herbal notes of U. lactuca or the sweet, caramel, and umami flavors of D. antarctica and Pyropia.
Effects of a Soft Baby Carrier on Fathers’ Behavior and Hormones: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Verhees Martine W. F. T. , Lotz Anna M. , de Moor Marleen H. M. , van IJzendoorn Marinus H. , Fidder Annabeth A. E. J. , Buisman Renate S. M. , Bakermans-Kranenburg Marian J.
Published: September 2023

Increased father–infant physical contact may promote early paternal caregiving. This randomized controlled trial, preregistered on https://osf.io/qwe3a, tested the effects of a soft baby carrier intervention on fathers’ parenting behavior and hormonal levels. Eighty first-time fathers of 2- to 4-month-old infants were randomly assigned to a baby carrier intervention group (n = 41 fathers) or a control group receiving an infant seat (n = 39 fathers). Fathers were instructed to use the baby carrier or seat for 3 weeks. Fathers’ sensitive parenting behavior, involvement, salivary oxytocin and cortisol basal levels and reactivity to interacting with the infant were assessed at pre-test (on average 2 weeks before the intervention) and at post-test (on average 1 week after the intervention period ended). The results showed that the intervention did not enhance fathers’ sensitive parenting or involvement. Involvement operationalized as hours spent with the infant decreased over time for fathers in the carrier condition compared to fathers in the control condition. The baby carrier intervention had no effect on fathers’ basal oxytocin or cortisol levels, nor did it affect fathers’ oxytocin or cortisol reactivity to interacting with their infant. Our findings indicate that 3 weeks of using a baby carrier does not have immediate beneficial effects on fathers’ parenting behavior or hormonal functioning as assessed here. Future research may examine whether infant carrying has beneficial effects on the longer term or in different groups of fathers, and how fathers’ infant carrying affects their infants.
Pulsed-field vs. cryoballoon vs. radiofrequency ablation: a propensity score matched comparison of one-year outcomes after pulmonary vein isolation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Authors: Maurhofer Jens , Kueffer Thomas , Madaffari Antonio , Stettler Robin , Stefanova Anita , Seiler Jens , Thalmann Gregor , Kozhuharov Nikola , Galuszka Oskar , Servatius Helge , Haeberlin Andreas , Noti Fabian , Tanner Hildegard , Roten Laurent , Reichlin Tobias
Published: September 2023

Background

Pulsed-field ablation (PFA) has shown favourable data in terms of safety and procedural efficiency for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). We sought to compare procedural and 1-year follow-up data of patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing PVI using PFA, cryoballoon ablation (CBA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

Methods

Consecutive patients with paroxysmal AF undergoing a first PVI with PFA at our institution were included. For comparison, patients with paroxysmal AF undergoing a first PVI with CBA and RFA were selected using a 1:2:2 propensity score matching. The PFA group followed the standard 32-applications lesion-set protocol, the CBA group a time-to-effect plus 2-min strategy, and the RFA group the CLOSE protocol. Patients were followed with 7d-Holter ECGs 3, 6, and 12 months after ablation. The primary endpoint was recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia (ATa) following a blanking period of 3 months.

Results

A total of 200 patients were included (PFA n = 40; CBA n = 80; RFA n = 80). Median procedure times were shortest with CBA (75 min) followed by PFA (94 min) and RFA (182 min; p < 0.001). Fluoroscopy dose was lowest with RFA (1.6Gycm2) followed by PFA (5.0Gycm2) and CBA (5.7Gycm2; p < 0.001). After a 1-year follow-up, freedom from ATa recurrence was 85.0% with PFA, 66.2% with CBA and 73.8% with RFA (p = 0.12 PFA vs. CBA; p = 0.27 PFA vs. RFA).

Conclusion

In a propensity score matched analysis of patients with paroxysmal AF, freedom from any ATa 1 year after PVI using PFA was favourable and at least as good as for PVI with CBA or RFA.

Graphical Abstract
Air-Jet Levitation of Continuum Robots: Stable Head Floating by Passive Thrust Vectoring for Enhancing Mobility
Authors: Ambe Yuichi , Kamio Shuta , Yamauchi Yu , Konyo Masashi , Tadakuma Kenjiro , Maruyama Shigenao , Tadokoro Satoshi
Published: September 2023

Flexible, continuum-type robots can access narrow spaces in debris areas during search-and-rescue missions. However, their current problem is the lifting capability of the head, which is necessary to surmount the rubble. This study proposes a passive-thrust vectoring method to stabilize head levitation for air-jet-actuated, long, continuum robots, and thus enhance their step-climbing abilities. An air jet can generate a thrust force that is sufficient for head levitation. A critical issue in levitation involves the backward bending of the head without using any air-jet control; however, thrust control is inappropriate because of the delay caused by the long channel. Therefore, the proposed method maintains the thrust direction constant. Sufficient conditions for global stability are derived and confirmed via dynamic simulations. The proposed method is simple and can be mechanically realized with a passive head-bending mechanism, thus contributing to a lightweight design. Experiments demonstrated that the developed air-floating-type, 7-m long robot, can achieve stabilized head levitation, and that the robot can climb a step with a height of 250 mm. Robot demonstrations in rubble justify the robot’s capacity to surmount the rubble. This passive-thrust vectoring method is expected to contribute to the future enhancement of the mobility of continuum robots owing to its simplicity and practicality.
Thermoelectric analysis of (Bi0.98In0.02)2Te2.7Se0.3/polyaniline and (Bi0.98In0.02)2Se2.7Te0.3/polyaniline composites
Authors: Hegde Ganesh Shridhar , Prabhu A. N. , Putran Suchitra , Bhat Megha Y. , Babu P. D.
Published: September 2023

The present study examines the thermoelectric (TE) properties of Polyaniline (PANI) in (Bi0.98In0.02)2Te2.7Se0.3 (BIT) and (Bi0.98In0.02)2Se2.7Te0.3 (BIS), compounds created using solid-state reaction in the temperature interval 10 to 350 K. The XRD study reveals hexagonal crystal structure with a space group of $$R\stackrel{-}{3}m$$

R

3
-

m

. The composite samples have grains that resemble hair like structure because size of the grains above the surfaces has expanded irregularly, and selenium has been shown to concentrate at the grain borders. Electrical resistivity in BIS/PANI has found decreased by 6 times compared to BIT/PANI. The decrease in overall thermal conductivity is strongly influenced by the interface scattering effect of PANI composites and the BIT/BIS grain boundaries. The thermal conductivity of pure BIT is found to decrease by 1.5 and 1.4 times, respectively, than that of BIT/PANI and BIS/PANI. In comparison to pure BIT and BIS samples, the ZT value of BIT/PANI has been raised by a factor of 20.
Endorsement of Masculine-Typed Behaviors Decreases During Middle Adolescence: The Contextualizing Role of Peer Experiences for Adolescents Living in the United States
Authors: Shawcroft Jane , Rogers Adam A. , Nielson Matthew G.
Published: September 2023

While more research is emerging about the development of masculinity during adolescence, not much is known about how masculine-type behaviors develop over time in middle to late adolescence within the context of friendships and peer experiences. This study examined trajectories of masculine-typed behavior from ages 14 to 17. Multilevel modeling was used to account for cross-time and within-time variability in masculine-typed behavior and examined the role of positive and negative peer experiences in predicting this variability. This was done in a sample of 334 U.S. adolescents (51% boys; 50% White, 19% Black, 15% Latina/o/e). At the between-person level, boys and girls decreased in masculine-typed behavior over time. At the within-person level, negative peer experiences predicted fluctuations toward greater masculine-typed behavior, whereas friend support predicted fluctuations toward less masculine-typed behavior. Adolescence is a key period for navigating masculinity norms, and peer experiences are a key context for the development of masculine-typed behavior.
Development and evaluation of the utility of GenoBaits Peanut 40K for a peanut MAGIC population
Authors: Sun Ziqi , Zheng Zheng , Qi Feiyan , Wang Juan , Wang Mengmeng , Zhao Ruifang , Liu Hua , Xu Jing , Qin Li , Dong Wenzhao , Huang Bingyan , Han Suoyi , Zhang Xinyou
Published: September 2023

Population and genotype data are essential for genetic mapping. The multi-parent advanced generation intercross (MAGIC) population is a permanent mapping population used for precisely mapping quantitative trait loci. Moreover, genotyping-by-target sequencing (GBTS) is a robust high-throughput genotyping technology characterized by its low cost, flexibility, and limited requirements for information management and support. In this study, an 8-way MAGIC population was constructed using eight elite founder lines. In addition, GenoBaits Peanut 40K was developed and utilized for the constructed MAGIC population. A subset (297 lines) of the MAGIC population at the S2 stage was genotyped using GenoBaits Peanut 40K. Furthermore, these lines and the eight parents were analyzed in terms of pod length, width, area, and perimeter. A total of 27 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were revealed to be significantly associated with peanut pod size-related traits according to a genome-wide association study. The GenoBaits Peanut 40K provided herein and the constructed MAGIC population will be applicable for future research to identify the key genes responsible for important peanut traits.
School closure policies and student reading achievement: evidence across countries
Authors: Kennedy Alec I. , Strietholt Rolf
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted education worldwide as educational systems made the decision to close schools to contain the spread of the virus. The duration of school closures varied greatly internationally. In this study, we use international variation in school closure policies to examine the effects of school closures on student achievement. Specifically, we use representative trend data from more than 300,000 students in 29 countries to examine whether the length of school closures is related to changes in student achievement before and after the outbreak of COVID-19. We observe a significant and substantial negative effect of school closures on student reading achievement. This school closure effect remains even after controlling for measures of pandemic severity such as infection rates, vaccination policies, and a measure of lockdown stringency. The estimated effect implies that a year of school closures corresponds roughly to the loss of a little more than half a school year of learning. This effect is even more pronounced for socioeconomically disadvantaged students and those without home computer access.
Why Cross-Country Convergence of Income is Unsustainable: Evidence from Inclusive Wealth in 140 Countries
Authors: van Krevel Charan
Published: September 2023

Recent economic convergence studies show that cross-country income inequalities have declined since the 1990s. However, this study finds that this episode of income convergence is unsustainable in the long run because countries' capacity to earn income diverges. Specifically, the paper analyses the convergence of per-capita Inclusive Wealth, which comprises all capital assets that contribute to the production of goods and services and the well-being of its society. Utilizing a diverse array of techniques to estimate convergence in a sample of 140 countries between 1990 and 2010, the paper demonstrates the simultaneity of unconditional convergence of GDP and unconditional divergence of Inclusive Wealth. Natural-resource-rich countries that lack human capital, in particular, appear unable to match the global per capita Inclusive Wealth growth rate. A trend emerges towards a bimodal Inclusive Wealth distribution with a substantial low-wealth peak. Thus, although swift income convergence appears promising for developing nations, I caution against optimism. When considering a more appropriate measure of future well-being, such as Inclusive Wealth, the economic outlook for many countries is bleaker than recent studies suggest.
Urban refugia sheltering biodiversity across world cities
Authors: Gentili Rodolfo , Quaglini Lara A. , Galasso Gabriele , Montagnani Chiara , Caronni Sarah , Cardarelli Elisa , Citterio Sandra
Published: September 2023

Over the last years, world cities have emerged as multiple and complex habitats hosting numerous and varied urban refugia for biodiversity. Therefore, the published literature was systematically reviewed to investigate the increasingly acknowledged role of many urban habitats to function as refugia for species. Many plants and animals were reported to colonize a variety of urban environments: Urban forest/grassland (natural/seminatural), City park, Historical park (villa garden, botanical gardens, cemeteries, etc.), Green spaces (abandoned areas, railways, line of trees, etc.), Water body, and Built area. Refugia were found in over a hundred world cities, especially in medium- to very big-size cities. The number of papers focusing on animals (n = 66) were higher than those regarding plants and mushrooms (n = 19 and n = 1, respectively); however, the number of species recorded within refugia were the highest for plants. Plants exhibited the highest frequency (7 out of 19 papers) in Historical park, while animals in Urban forest/grassland (20 out of 66 papers). In most studies (25.9%), urban refugia were linked to Urban forest/grassland that is terrestrial natural and seminatural sites widespread within or around cities. The 22.3% of studies referred to generic Green spaces of several types interspersed within cities, both public and private. The 14.1% of refugia were found in Built area (artificial). About the 33% of studies reported the presence of species worthy of conservation (rare, endemic, endangered, or protected) for a total of 365 species. The 20% of investigated papers reported the presence of alien species for a total of 879 species. Invasive alien species recorded within refugium areas should be subjected to control measures to prevent degradation to refugia. Overall, the capability for urban areas to host a huge amount of biodiversity needs to be acknowledged by city planners so that management practices that maintain and support such diversity can be pursued. Recording and monitoring species along with their refugial habitats is fundamental to achieve this goal.
Rainwater and Greywater as Alternative Water Resources: Public Perception and Acceptability. Case Study in Twelve Countries in the World
Authors: Stec Agnieszka
Published: September 2023

The aim of the paper was to identify factors that influence the public perception of the possibility of replacing tap water with rainwater or greywater. In order to check whether a geographical location and water resources of a region affect the public's attitude toward alternative water systems, the surveys were carried out among respondents from twelve countries. The surveys identified the level of awareness among respondents about their country's water resources, ways to save water at home, and their attitudes to rainwater and greywater as additional sources of water in a building. The results showed that only 39% of respondents would not be afraid to use treated greywater in their household. The situation was better in case of replacement of tap water with rainwater, where more than 54% of the respondents were not concerned. The use of alternative sources of water for body washing and cleaning works was the biggest concern among the respondents. In case of greywater recycling, this was indicated by 56% (personal hygiene) and 34% (cleaning works) of respondents. People in the countries with low water resources view alternative water sources more favourably. They are also more aware of, and more likely to accept the use of rainwater or greywater even in uses where they will come into contact with the human body. The research also showed that for more than 3/4 of respondents, funding to install these systems would encourage their use in their household.
DUSP1/MKP-1 represents another piece in the P2X7R intracellular signaling puzzle in cerebellar cells: our last journey with Mª Teresa along the purinergic pathways of Eden
Authors: Gil-Redondo Juan Carlos , Queipo María José , Trueba Yaiza , Llorente-Sáez Celia , Serrano Julia , Ortega Felipe , Gómez-Villafuertes Rosa , Pérez-Sen Raquel , Delicado Esmerilda G.
Published: September 2023

The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) stands out within the purinergic family as it has exclusive pharmacological and regulatory features, and it fulfills distinct roles depending on the type of stimulation and cellular environment. Tonic activation of P2X7R promotes cell proliferation, whereas sustained activation is associated with cell death. Yet strikingly, prolonged P2X7R activation in rat cerebellar granule neurons and astrocytes does not affect cell survival. The intracellular pathways activated by P2X7Rs involve proteins like MAPKs, ERK1/2 and p38, and interactions with growth factor receptors could explain their behavior in populations of rat cerebellar cells. In this study, we set out to characterize the intracellular mechanisms through which P2X7Rs and Trk receptors, EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) and BDNFR (brain-derived neurotrophic factor receptor), regulate the dual-specificity phosphatase DUSP1. In cerebellar astrocytes, the regulation of DUSP1 expression by P2X7R depends on ERK and p38 activation. EGFR stimulation can also induce DUSP1 expression, albeit less strongly than P2X7R. Conversely, EGF was virtually ineffective in regulating DUSP1 in granule neurons, a cell type in which BDNF is the main regulator of DUSP1 expression and P2X7R only induces a mild response. Indeed, the regulation of DUSP1 elicited by BDNF reflects the balance between both transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. Importantly, when the regulation of DUSP1 expression is compromised, the viability of both astrocytes and neurons is impaired, suggesting this phosphatase is essential to maintain proper cell cytoarchitecture and functioning.
Behaviour of synthetic musk fragrances in freshwaters: occurrence, relations with environmental parameters, and preliminary risk assessment
Authors: Tasselli Stefano , Rogora Michela , Orrù Arianna , Guzzella Licia
Published: September 2023

The aims of this study were to investigate the presence, possible sources, and potential ecological risks of synthetic musk fragrances in freshwaters and sediments of the main tributaries of a deep subalpine lake in Northern Italy. The total musk concentrations ranged from few ng L−1 up to values > 500 ng L−1, depending on river characteristics: water flow and the presence of wastewater effluents proved to be the main factors affecting fragrance concentrations. The water flow may indeed dilute fragrance input mainly deriving from treated wastewaters. Good correlations (determination coefficients > 0.60) between synthetic fragrances concentrations and parameters related to anthropogenic impacts confirmed this hypothesis: synthetic fragrances were mainly detected in most polluted rivers crossing urbanized areas. Sediment analysis highlighted accumulation of fragrances in this matrix. Concentrations of synthetic fragrances up to 329 ng g−1 organic carbon were measured in sediments of the most contaminated rivers Boesio and Bardello, which also show the highest nutrient content. The preliminary environmental risk assessment revealed that present levels of synthetic musk fragrances do not pose any risk to the studied environmental compartments. However, a probable medium risk level was evidenced during the dry season in the most contaminated rivers Boesio and Bardello. For these reasons, small rivers draining urbanized watersheds and affected by wastewater effluents should be considered synthetic musk contamination hotspots that warrant further research.