bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological and Molecular Characteristics of Perineuronal Nets in the Human Prefrontal Cortex—A Possible Link to Microcircuitry Specialization
Authors: Banovac Ivan , Prkačin Matija Vid , Kirchbaum Ivona , Trnski-Levak Sara , Bobić-Rasonja Mihaela , Sedmak Goran , Petanjek Zdravko , Jovanov-Milosevic Natasa
Published: July 2024

Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are a type of extracellular matrix (ECM) that play a significant role in synaptic activity and plasticity of interneurons in health and disease. We researched PNNs’ regional and laminar representation and molecular composition using immunohistochemistry and transcriptome analysis of Brodmann areas (BA) 9, 14r, and 24 in 25 human postmortem brains aged 13–82 years. The numbers of VCAN- and NCAN-expressing PNNs, relative to the total number of neurons, were highest in cortical layers I and VI while WFA-binding (WFA+) PNNs were most abundant in layers III–V. The ECM glycosylation pattern was the most pronounced regional difference, shown by a significantly lower proportion of WFA+ PNNs in BA24 (3.27 ± 0.69%) compared to BA9 (6.32 ± 1.73%; P = 0.0449) and BA14 (5.64 ± 0.71%; P = 0.0278). The transcriptome of late developmental and mature stages revealed a relatively stable expression of PNN-related transcripts (log2-transformed expression values: 6.5–8.5 for VCAN and 8.0–9.5 for NCAN). Finally, we propose a classification of PNNs that envelop GABAergic neurons in the human cortex. The significant differences in PNNs’ morphology, distribution, and molecular composition strongly suggest an involvement of PNNs in specifying distinct microcircuits in particular cortical regions and layers.
Integrating molecular pathway with genome-wide association data for causality identification in breast cancer
Authors: Li Yan-Shuang , Jiang Hong-Chuan
Published: July 2024

Objective

The study purpose was to explore the causal association between pyruvate metabolism and breast cancer (BC), as well as the molecular role of key metabolic genes, by using bioinformatics and Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Methods

We retrieved and examined diverse datasets from the GEO database to ascertain differentially acting genes (DAGs) in BC via differential expression analysis. Following this, we performed functional and pathway enrichment analyses to ascertain noteworthy molecular functions and metabolic pathways in BC. Employing MR analysis, we established a causal association between pyruvate metabolism and the susceptibility to BC. Additionally, utilizing the DGIdb database, we identified potential targeted medications that act on genes implicated in the pyruvate metabolic pathway and formulated a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network in BC.

Results

We collected the datasets GSE54002, GSE70947, and GSE22820, and identified a total of 1127 DEGs between the BC and NC groups. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the molecular functions of these DEGs mainly included mitotic nuclear division, extracellular matrix, signaling receptor activator activity, etc. Metabolic pathways were mainly concentrated in PI3K−Akt signaling pathway, Cytokine−cytokine receptor binding and Pyruvate, Tyrosine, Propanoate and Phenylalanine metabolism, etc. In addition, MR analysis demonstrated a causal relationship between pyruvate metabolism and BC risk. Finally, we constructed a regulatory network between pathway genes (ADH1B, ACSS2, ACACB, ADH1A, ALDH2, and ADH1C) and targeted drugs, as well as a ceRNA (lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA) regulatory network for BC, further revealing their interactions.

Conclusions

Our research revealed a causal association between pyruvate metabolism and BC risk, found that ADH1B, ACSS2, ACACB, ADH1A, ALDH2, and ADH1C takes place an important part in the development of BC in the molecular mechanisms related to pyruvate metabolism, and identified some potential targeted small molecule drugs.
A Qualitative Analysis About Sexual Health of Foster Teenagers: What Concerns Do Their Caregivers Have?
Authors: Gil-Llario María Dolores , Estruch-García Verónica , Ortas-Barajas Francisco , Fernández-García Olga , Morell-Mengual Vicente
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The social environment of children in foster care is one of the factors that impact on their sexual and reproductive development. Understanding these aspects is essential for the development of effective prevention strategies informed by research. Our aim is to explore the primary concerns of caregivers regarding the sexual development of teenagers in foster care.

Methods

The participants, 24 teenage foster caregivers, aged 32 to 55 years, were recruited through a social service network collaborating with foster families.Three focus groups’ discussion was conducted with foster caregivers using a semi-structured interview between April and June 2023. A qualitative reflexive thematic analysis was employed, focusing on themes related to foster caregivers’ concerns and challenges regarding the sexual development of the foster teenagers. Researchers conducted line-by-line coding inductively using NVIVO 14 software.

Results

The findings revealed that caregivers are concerned about teenagers’ exposure to sexual risks, challenges in establishing healthy relationship boundaries, dominant behaviors, and early expressions of sexuality. However, certain inaccuracies in attribution and interpretation were identified, which may be attributed to a lack of knowledge and information about normative sexual development, attachment, resilience, and insufficient training as an affective-sexual educator. The participating foster caregivers often linked sexual behaviors and distorted thoughts of teenagers with past childhood experiences.

Conclusions

The gathered information contributes to a deeper understanding of the needs and deficiencies of this group.

Policy Implications

This data lays the groundwork for designing more targeted interventions tailored to the needs identified by caregivers, which demand an immediate response.
Trans Rights and Safety, Political Self-efficacy, and Well-Being
Authors: Rothbaum Beatrice , Etengoff Chana , Luong Emily
Published: July 2024

Introduction

This mixed-methods study contributes to a growing body of research on trans political engagement by examining the interaction between trans political self-efficacy, political fatigue, and mental health. A total of 141 trans individuals completed an online mixed-methods survey assessing trans rights and safety concerns, political self-efficacy, and well-being.

Methods

Participants were asked to describe the reasons for their level of political engagement. Data was collected between June 2019 and August 2021, with a brief pause for COVID-19.

Results

Narrative analyses indicate that participants engaged with the political system due to concern for their trans rights and safety (35%), their sense of the personal (55%), communal relevance (26%), their mistrust of the political system (26%), and their political self-efficacy beliefs (26%). Though quantitative analyses indicate that participants’ well-being was significantly, positively correlated with both political security and political self-efficacy, some participants described their political engagement as being related to political fatigue (21%). Moreover, participants who reported political fatigue demonstrated significantly lower political self-efficacy than participants who did not report political fatigue.

Conclusions

These results suggest that trans political engagement can provide important benefits for well-being, via political self-efficacy, as well as risk factors for psychological harm, via political fatigue.

Policy Implications

Thus, it is recommended that social policy makers promote safe pathways for trans individuals to engage with the political system and reduce activists’ exposure to anti-trans stigma.
How to integrate youth in regional sustainability transformation processes: Tools, structures, and effects
Authors: Fischer Cornelia , Radinger-Peer Verena
Published: July 2024

This study examines young people’s involvement in regional sustainability transformation processes based on a real-world experiment in a community of 5700 inhabitants on the southern outskirts of city of Vienna, Austria. The eight-month experiment aimed to explore methods and tools for transdisciplinary co-creation with youth, the impact of structural conditions on their participation and the effects of their integration. Findings highlight the crucial roles of topics relevant to youth, a trusted intermediary like a youth worker, and structural conditions such as political support and resource allocation in enhancing youth engagement success. Collaborative decision making with policymakers and direct communication were also key to effective participation. The real-world experiment laid the groundwork for future participatory methods and had an impact on youth–community relations. It affirmed the role of youth in regional development, with effects that extended beyond the immediate scope of the experiment in terms of time, space, and topic.
Reliability and validity study of the Chinese version of the Cerebellar Cognitive Affective Syndrome Scale in patients with cerebellar injury
Authors: Guo Jing , Zhang Yi , Chen Lu , Wang Chaolan , Yuan Xiaofang , Xie Fan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To preliminarily investigate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Cerebellar Cognitive Affective Syndrome Scale (CCAS scale) in the cerebellar injury population.

Methods

In this study, 40 patients with cerebellar injury and 39 normal individuals hospitalized in a stroke center were assessed using the Chinese version of the CCAS scale A, MMSE, and PHQ2, and the results were analyzed using content validity, structural validity, internal consistency, inter- rater agreement, and test–retest reliability.

Results

The correlation coefficients of semantic fluency, phonemic fluency, category switching, digit span forward, digit span backward, cube, verbal recall, similarities and Go No-Go subscores in the Chinese version of the CCAS scale A were 0.586–0.831 (P ≤ 0.05) with the total score, but there was no significant correlation between the affect and the total score (P = 0.110). The total cognitive score of the Chinese version of the CCAS scale A was correlated with the (r = 0.807, P ≤ 0.01), and the total score of the Chinese version of the CCAS scale A affect was correlated with the total score of PHQ2 (r = 0.884, P ≤ 0.01). The 2 factors were extracted using principal component analysis, and the cumulative variance contribution rate was 59.633%. The factor loadings of each of the corresponding factors were > 0.5, indicating good structural validity of the Chinese version of the CCAS scale A. Cronbach α = 0.827 indicated good internal consistency, and inter-rater reliability (ICC > 0.95) and test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.717–0.895)indicated that the Chinese version of the CCAS scale A had good inter-rater reliability and test–retest reliability.

Conclusion

The Chinese version of the CCAS scale A has good reliability and validity in the cerebellar injury population and is useful for screening cerebellar cognitive-emotional syndrome.
Twenty-one Years of Undergraduate Medical Student Research Training at the University of the Free State (UFS), South Africa
Authors: Joubert Gina , Steinberg Wilhelm J. , van Rooyen Francois C.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Since 2001, undergraduate medical students at the University of the Free State (UFS), South Africa, plan, perform, and report on their research projects during semesters 2–5 of their ten-semester training. We describe the research modules and review the projects of the first 21 years.

Methods

This cohort study included all undergraduate medical student projects that formed part of the first 21 presentations of the research modules. Information was obtained from material archived by the module leaders. Students’ 2020 feedback on the modules was summarised.

Results

In total, 607 projects were planned (range 22–35 per year) and involved 229 supervisors. Only four projects were not completed. Thirty-nine Faculty departments/divisions/units provided supervision with Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Paediatrics and Child Health each supervising 60 or more groups. Projects were predominantly quantitative (99.7%); only 4.9% of projects involved an intervention or experiment. Main topics were infectious diseases (10.5%), mental health (8.9%), and cancer (8.7%). Data subjects were mainly patients (61.9%) and undergraduate students (12.0%), and data collection was mostly performed at the faculty’s training hospitals or laboratories (71.4%). The most positive aspect indicated by students was the exposure to and learning about research; the most negative aspects were group work and supervisors.

Conclusion

The projects received support from a broad spectrum of supervisors and covered a wide variety of topics. Given the timing of the projects in the training programme, the mainly quantitative and observational nature of the projects was appropriate. Attention to supervision and group work is required.
Systems-Informed PERMA + 4: Measuring Well-being and Performance at the Employee, Team, and Supervisor Levels
Authors: Donaldson Scott I. , Donaldson Stewart I. , McQuaid Michelle , Kern Margaret L.
Published: July 2024

Past research has relied on employees to self-report their levels of well-being and performance in the workplace. Systems-informed positive psychology has been proposed to understand the dynamic interrelationships of the employee in their social and environmental context. PERMA + 4 is a comprehensive framework designed to measure the building blocks of well-being at work. Using an international sample of employees (N=2000), this study developed a systems-informed (i.e., at the individual (I), team (T), and supervisor (S) levels) PERMA + 4 measure and examined the associations with well-being and work performance. Full-time employees who worked on a team of two or more individuals, and had a direct supervisor were recruited to take an online survey assessing their work-related well-being and performance. Findings supported convergent, discriminant, and incremental validity of individual, team, and supervisor PERMA + 4 with well-being and work performance outcomes. Scholars and practitioners may consider using a systems-informed PERMA + 4 approach to measure and evaluate workplace programs and interventions that target the well-being of individuals, teams, and leaders. Such a systems-level approach may contribute to improved work performance.
Two-Part Mixed Effects Mixture Model for Zero-Inflated Longitudinal Compositional Data
Authors: Rodriguez Viviana A. , Mahon Rebecca N. , Weiss Elisabeth , Mukhopadhyay Nitai D.
Published: July 2024

Compositional data (CD) is mostly analyzed using ratios of components and log-ratio transformations to apply known multivariable statistical methods. Therefore, CD where some components equal zero represents a problem. Furthermore, when the data is measured longitudinally, and appear to come from different sub-populations, the analysis becomes highly complex. Our objective is to build a statistical model addressing structural zeros in longitudinal CD and apply it to the analysis of radiation-induced lung damage (RILD) over time. We propose a two-part mixed-effects model extended to the case where the non-zero components of the vector might come from a two-component mixture population. Maximum likelihood estimates for fixed effects and variance components were calculated by an approximate Fisher scoring procedure base on sixth-order Laplace approximation. The expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm estimates the mixture model’s probability. This model was used to analyze the radiation therapy effect on tissue change in one patient with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), utilizing five CT scans over 24 months. Instead of using voxel-level data, voxels were grouped into larger subvolumes called patches. Each patch’s data is a CD vector showing proportions of dense, hazy, or normal tissue. Proposed method performed reasonably for estimation of the fixed effects, and their variability. However, the model produced biased estimates of the nuisance parameters in the model.
Management and breeding for rust resistance in legumes
Authors: Osuna-Caballero Salvador , Rispail Nicolas , Barilli Eleonora , Rubiales Diego
Published: July 2024

Rust diseases are a major concern in legume production worldwide causing heavy losses especially in developing countries that depend on grain legumes as staple food. Fungal species from Uromyces, Phakopsora and Puccinia genera are the main causal agents of the various legume rust diseases. They induce up to 100% yield losses on susceptible cultivars and are emerging as a substantial threat to global food security. Developing durable resistance to rust has thus become a critical breeding objective alongside efforts to improve cultural and disease management practices. This review specifically focuses on the recent advances in understanding and enhancing genetic rust resistance across diverse legume crops. Key topics covered include: (i) the diversity and host range of the rust species affecting legumes; (ii) the disease management strategies from cultural practices to chemical control; (iii) the available screening methods for identifying new sources of resistance; (iv) the genetic basis of resistance, encompassing both major resistance genes and quantitative trait loci; (v) insights into gene regulation and effector molecules leading to legume-rust interactions; and (vi) emerging genomic-assisted breeding techniques that can accelerate the development of durable rust resistance in legumes. Overall, this review highlights the progress made to date and the remaining challenges in sustainably managing rust diseases across diverse legume crops through integrated approaches spanning pathogen biology, advanced phenotyping, genetic resistance, and molecular breeding.
Properties of flyash-dolomite powder-mangalore tile waste powder based alkali-activated binder cured in ambient condition
Authors: Kumble Pooja , Prashant Shreelaxmi , H M Jagadisha
Published: July 2024

This research addresses the slower reaction rate of flyash based alkali activated binders by investigating the use of dolomite powder (DP) and Mangalore Tile waste powder (MTWP) to enhance the reaction rate and improve binder properties. The study evaluates the feasibility of combining these materials with flyash to develop effective alkali activated binders. Material characterization was performed to access their suitability as precursors in alkali activation. The proportions of these precursors were varied while maintaining a constant rate of alkali activators such as sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate. Tests for initial and final setting times, flowabilty, pH, electrical conductivity and compressive strength of the binders were conducted. Microanalysis supported the findings by providing detailed insights. Results indicate that the alkali activated FA-DP-MTWP binder exhibited faster setting and hardening with decreased flow ability. The pH of all FDT binder mixes provides necessary alkaline environment for forming stable reaction products like CSH, CASH, NASH and MSH, as identified by SEM, EDS, and XRD studies. This higher level of these activation products also lead to increased electrical conductivity. Optimal precursor utilization was achieved with 5% MTWP and 10% DP in the total binder, beyond which DP and MTWP acted only as fillers. Mechanical, mineralogical, and morphological analyses confirmed the binder's satisfactory performance and cementitious properties, demonstrating its potential value for construction applications. The study concludes that incorporating these materials can effectively enhance the properties of flyash based alkali activated binders.

Graphical abstract
An Experimental Evaluation of Summarisation-Based Frequent Subgraph Mining for Subgraph Searching
Authors: Wangmo Chimi , Wiese Lena
Published: July 2024

The subgraph searching is a fundamental operation for the analysis and exploration of graphs. Nowadays, molecular databases are nearing close to one hundred million molecules. Since finding all the data graphs in a graph database that contain the query graph using subgraph isomorphism is an NP-complete problem, indexes are built and processed. Further, to assist the formulation of the query by a user, the visual exploratory subgraph query paradigm proposes a graphical user interface and leverages exploration time to reduce query processing time. However, state-of-the-art approaches need to scale better to dynamic graph databases and suffer from efficiency problems. In addition, the existing Summarisation-based frequent subgraph mining for visual exploratory subgraph searching (SuMExplorer) is lacking implementation and evaluation study for handling visual subgraph similarity search and modify operations. In this paper, we present a novel index structure, which aids the subgraph searching using the summarised-based weighted frequent subgraph mining on data graphs. By the structure-preserving, we exploit the indexes to support similarity and modify operations. We conduct extensive performance studies on both real-world and synthetic datasets to evaluate the overall performance of the extended SuMExplorer to the recent visual exploratory FERRARI and traditional subgraph search algorithms (such as the gIndex and the GRAPES-DD). Our results showed that our indexes can query up to 3 times faster in comparison to the FERRARI while reducing the storage footprint by 2 orders of magnitude.
Cleaning ECG with Deep Learning: A Denoiser Tested in Industrial Settings
Authors: Dias Mariana , Probst Phillip , Silva Luís , Gamboa Hugo
Published: July 2024

As the popularity of wearables continues to scale, a substantial portion of the population has now access to (self-)monitorization of cardiovascular activity. In particular, the use of ECG wearables is growing in the realm of occupational health assessment, but one common issue that is encountered is the presence of noise which hinders the reliability of the acquired data. In this work, we propose an ECG denoiser based on bidirectional Gated Recurrent Units (biGRU). This model was trained on noisy ECG samples that were created by adding noise from the MIT-BIH Noise Stress Test database to ECG samples from the PTB-XL database. The model was initially trained and tested on data corrupted with the three most common sources of noise: electrode motion artifacts, muscle activation and baseline wander. After training, the model was able to fully reconstruct previously unseen signals, achieving Root-Mean-Square Error values between 0.041 and 0.023. For further testing the model’s robustness, we performed a data collection in an industrial work setting and employed our model to clean the noisy data, acquired from 43 workers using wearable sensors. The trained network proved to be very effective in removing real ECG noise, outperforming the available open-source solutions, while having a much smaller complexity compared to state-of-the-art Deep Learning approaches.
Efficacy of GnRH Pulses in Hypogonadism Secondary to Primary Empty Sella: Case Report
Authors: Ran Chenxi , Peng Guiliang , Shen Rufei , Liao Qian , Liao Mingyu , Wang Qixian , Zhou Ling , Zheng Hongting , Long Min
Published: July 2024

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of pulsed gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) micropump replacement therapy in the treatment of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) caused by primary empty sella (PES).The efficacy of pulsed GnRH replacement therapy using the micropump was evaluated in a middle-aged male patient with HH who had experienced the loss of his only child. Relevant literature was also consulted to compare the differences between pulse GnRH treatment and conventional treatment in terms of the development of secondary sexual characteristics, sex hormone levels, sperm production rate, and sperm activity rate in male patient with HH.In this report, a 45-year-old male diagnosed with HH and PES presented with fatigue and decreased libido. The main characteristics included decreased follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels of 0.03 mIU/mL, luteinizing hormone (LH) levels of 0.02 mIU/mL, and testosterone (T) levels of 0.72 nmol/L. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an empty sella. Semen analysis showed a small number of normal sperm with reduced motility. During treatment with the micropump pulse GnRH, the patient experienced no side effects and showed improvements in fatigue, reduced libido, sexual urge, anxiety, and feelings of inferiority. LH, FSH, and T levels returned to normal, while sperm activity rate increased to 79.9%. Ultimately, the patient's spouse achieved a natural pregnancy.Pulsed gonadotropin delivery using the micropump demonstrates good efficacy and tolerability, and aligns more closely with the physiological rhythm of GnRH secretion in the human body.
Efficiency of eSource Direct Data Capture in Investigator-Initiated Clinical Trials in Oncology
Authors: Yaegashi Hiroko , Hayashi Yukikazu , Takeda Makoto , Chiu Shih-Wei , Nakayama Haruhiko , Ito Hiroyuki , Takano Atsushi , Tsuboi Masahiro , Teramoto Koji , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Kato Tatsuya , Yasui Hiroshi , Nagamura Fumitaka , Daigo Yataro , Yamaguchi Takuhiro
Published: July 2024

Background

Clinical trials have become larger and more complex. Thus, eSource should be used to enhance efficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the multisite implementation of eSource direct data capture (DDC), which we define as eCRFs for direct data entry in this study, on efficiency by analyzing data from a single investigator-initiated clinical trial in oncology.

Methods

Operational data associated with the targeted study conducted in Japan was used to analyze time from data occurrence to data entry and data finalization, and number of visits to the site and time spent at the site by clinical research associates (CRAs). Additionally, simulations were performed on the change in hours at the clinical sites during the implementation of eSource DDC.

Results

No difference in time from data occurrence to data entry was observed between the DDC and the transcribed data fields. However, the DDC fields could be finalized 4 days earlier than the non-DDC fields. Additionally, although no difference was observed in the number of visits for source data verification (SDV) by CRAs, a comparison among sites that introduced eSource DDC and those that did not showed that the time spent at the site for SDV was reduced. Furthermore, the simulation results indicated that even a small amount of data to be collected or a small percentage of DDC-capable items may lead to greater efficiency when the number of subjects per site is significant.

Conclusions

The implementation of eSource DDC may enhance efficiency depending on the study framework and type and number of items to be collected.
Exploring Behaviour Change of Healthcare Professionals while Implementing a Complex Nursing Intervention: A Survey Study
Authors: Jordens Y. J. , Ettema R. G. A. , Van Limpt G. J. C. , Bleijenberg N. , Schuurmans M. J. , Schoonhoven L.
Published: July 2024

In this study we explore the change in behaviour in terms of capability, opportunity and motivation of all healthcare professionals involved in the implementation of the complex nursing intervention PREDOCS in twelve cardiac surgery centres in the Netherlands. A multicentre survey in twelve Dutch cardiac surgery centres, implementing a complex nursing intervention: the PREDOCS consultation. Convenience samples of involved healthcare professionals completed the questionnaire, in 2018 (n = 92) and 2019 (n = 73). The COM-B-QP questionnaire based on COM-B items, MIDI items and open fields was developed and adapted to context-specific factors of every participating hospital. Depending on their role, participants rated their level of agreement with 14–26 predefined statements. The median and interquartile range and the difference/delta in medians at two-time points were calculated. At both moments in time, high scores were identified with no significant difference in five COM-B items: psychological capability, physical and social opportunity and reflective and automatic motivation. Professionals were generally well informed about the PREDOCS consultation and the PREDOCS consultation fits within their current work and profession. Staff shortages, staff turnover and insufficient insight into the effect were reported as reasons that hindered further implementation. We measured no significant change in the behaviour of healthcare professionals over time. It is unclear to what extent staff shortages, staff turnover and insufficient insight into effect influenced behaviour. Given the complexity of implementation, repeated monitoring of behaviour seems useful, so that continuous adjustment of the implementation strategy can take place.
Removal of lead in water by potassium hydroxide-activated biochar developed from Syzygium cumini stem
Authors: Sharma Prabhakar , Abhilasha  , Abhishek Kumar , Bhattacharya Sayan , Sengupta Shubhalakshmi , Seth Chandra Shekhar
Published: July 2024

Lead (Pb) contamination in water poses a significant threat to public health across the globe which requires effective remediation strategies. The main objective of this study is to achieve a removal efficiency of Pb(II) ions from aqueous media using activated Syzygium cumini (java plum) stem biochar. It was prepared by slow pyrolysis at 400 °C after treating the biomass with potassium hydroxide for activation. These biochars were characterized thoroughly (SEM, SEM–EDX, TEM, FTIR, XRD, elemental analyses, and SBET) to conduct a set of batch experiments. The effect of several parameters such as pH, temperature, contact time, adsorbent dosage, initial lead concentrations, and co-existing ions were explored. The decrease in starting lead concentrations from 50 to 10 mg L−1 resulted in improved removal efficiency. The removal effectiveness of activated biochar was 97%, but non-activated biochar was just 19%. Lead adsorption increased considerably as pH increased from 3 to 5. Further, the activated biochar was optimized through various isotherms models, kinetic equations, and thermodynamic analysis. It was observed that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Temkin isotherms were the best-fitted models that identify the mechanism of chemisorption and monolayer sorption. According to this study, activated biochar is a promising biosorbent for removing lead from an aqueous solution.

Graphical Abstract
Evaluating the St. George’s respiratory questionnaire in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a systematic review with meta-analysis of psychometric properties using COSMIN
Authors: Mohamed Rowida , Mbous Yves Paul Vincent , Kamal Khalid M. , LeMasters Traci J. , Rudisill Toni Marie , Sangani Rahul G. , Wen Sijin , Scott Virginia G. , Kelley George A.
Published: July 2024

Background

The St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and its idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) version (SGRQ-I) are widely used to assess health-related quality of life in IPF. However, the psychometric properties of these questionnaires in the IPF population have not been thoroughly evaluated. This systematic review assessed and summarized the available evidence on the psychometric properties of the SGRQ and SGRQ-I in IPF patients.

Methods

Seven electronic databases were searched to identify relevant studies. The eligibility criteria included full-text studies focusing on the psychometric properties of the SGRQ and SGRQ-I in patients with IPF. The risk of bias, criteria for good measurement properties, and strength of evidence were assessed based on the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN). The inverse-variance heterogeneity (IVhet) model was used to pool results for construct validity.

Results

A total of 24 studies were included; 19 assessed the psychometric properties of the SGRQ, and seven evaluated the SGRQ-I. Structural validity was assessed in one study for the SGRQ-I. Most domains of the SGRQ and SGRQ-I, except for the symptom domain of the SGRQ, had acceptable internal consistency. Both questionnaires demonstrated adequate test–retest reliability, known-groups validity, and responsiveness. Regarding construct validity, there were moderate to strong correlations with respiratory-specific measures, yet weaker correlations were observed with pulmonary function tests. Interpretability analysis revealed minor floor and ceiling effects.

Conclusion

The SGRQ and SGRQ-I have the potential to capture essential dimensions of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in IPF. However, further research should focus on ensuring that the items and domains of these questionnaires truly reflect the unique challenges and experiences faced by patients with IPF through content validity studies.
On Common Borel Direction of Entire Function f and Its q-Difference Operator
Authors: Qin Zhigao , Long Jianren , Wang Ling
Published: July 2024

The common Borel direction of entire function f(z) and its q-difference operator is studied by using Nevanlinna theory. Some conditions of the existence of common Borel direction for entire function f(z) and its q-difference operator are obtained in this paper.
Evolution of heritage and development in Liverpool's waterfront over 40 years
Authors: Hole James , Alsalloum Ataa
Published: July 2024

The recent delisting of Liverpool’s World Heritage Site has highlighted the adverse impacts of ongoing urban developments on the city’s heritage. This study aims to address the critical question of how Liverpool can safeguard its heritage following the loss of its World Heritage status. As this status withdrawal implies a lack of international policy consideration, it raises important questions: What additional measures should be implemented? How could we reassess Liverpool's heritage in this new context? To tackle these issues, we investigate the changing relationship between safeguarding heritage and urban development on Liverpool Waterfront’s Historic Urban Landscape over the past 40 years. This study analyses the impact of developments on Liverpool’s heritage values, specifically focusing on Integrity, Authenticity, and Outstanding Universal Value. By employing a novel, top-down heritage impact assessment methodology, we evaluate the influence of urban and architectural developments on these values. This methodology is distinguished by its comprehensive comparative analysis of diverse elements drawn from heritage policy documents, spanning both tangible and intangible domains. In addition, we conducted interviews with experts familiar with Liverpool's heritage context to deepen our understanding of developmental impacts. The analysis framework comprises three case study areas and their associated developments: the adaptive reuse of the Albert Dock Complex (1981–1988), the Pier Head Developments (2007–2013), and the Stanley Dock Conservation Area (2021 onwards). The findings indicate that adaptive reuse schemes have been reasonably successful in preserving heritage values, whereas certain urban interventions have had detrimental effects. This study underscores the need for stricter regulations and broader stakeholder involvement to protect Liverpool's heritage. Further research is recommended, incorporating more development case studies and examining successful urban interventions in other heritage cities, to strengthen Liverpool’s heritage safeguarding strategies amidst evolving urban development pressures.
Dopamine-refractory restless arms syndrome: a case report
Authors: Moser Ulrich , Westarp Martin Egon
Published: July 2024

Background

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological disorder characterised by an uncontrollable urge to move the lower limbs, often accompanied by unpleasant sensations. It typically occurs in the evening and at night and improves with exercise. Restless arm syndrome (RAS) mainly affects the arms and rarely the legs. RAS appears to be very rare, as very few cases have been described. However, RAS may be underdiagnosed, especially when symptoms are mild or transient. A supportive feature for the diagnosis of Restless legs/arms Syndrome (RLS/RAS) is evidence of successful dopaminergic therapy.

Case report

This report describes the case of a patient with RAS who failed treatment with L-dopa, dopamine agonists and opioids. Only with the administration of gabapentin was it possible to achieve almost complete freedom from symptoms.

Conclusions

Clinicians should be aware of this rare condition, even if treatment with dopaminergic agonists is unsuccessful. A trial of calcium channel 2 ligands may still prove effective.
Differential spatial plasticity response in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) root architecture under water stress is driven by increased root diameter, surface area and volume at deeper layers
Authors: Riyaz Ishrat , Shafi Sadiah , Zaffar Aaqif , Wani M. Altaf , Zargar Sajad Majeed , Djanaguiraman M. , Prasad P. V. Vara , Sofi Parvaze A.
Published: July 2024

Root plasticity enables plants to adapt to spatial and temporal changes in soil resources. In this study, 40 common bean genotypes evaluated for two root and shoot traits under irrigated and water stress. Three genotypes WB-216, WB-N-2, and WB-966 with contrasting plasticity responses were used for in-depth study. Highest positive plasticity for most root traits was found in case of WB-N2 and WB-216, whereas, WB-966 had negative plasticity for all the traits recorded. In terms of spatial plasticity for root traits in three root length sections, WB-216 was positively plastic for root diameter with progressive decrease from top to bottom sections. WB-N2 had positive plasticity values for root diameter, root surface area and root volume. WB-966 had negative plasticity for all the traits. For WB-216, the root diameter increased under drought in S1 but was almost same in bottom sections. In case of WB-N2, there was increase in root diameter in S2 and S3, but for WB-966, root diameter decreased in all sections. Similar trend was observed in all three genotypes for root surface area and volume. We report that major drivers of spatial plasticity of root architectural traits are increased root diameter, surface area and volume at deeper layers.
New insights into the glacial and relative sea-level history of the western Fraser Lowland based on sediment cores from geotechnical drilling for the Evergreen Tunnel, British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Jackson Lionel E. , Ward Brent C. , Hicock Stephen R. , Gromig Raphael , Clague John J. , Turner Derek G.
Published: July 2024

Geotechnical drilling for a tunnel between Port Moody and Burnaby, BC, Canada, uncovered a buried fjord. Its sedimentary fill has a thickness of at least 130 m and extends more than 37 m below present mean sea level. Recovered sediments record cyclical growth and decay of successive Cordilleran ice sheets. The oldest sediments comprise 58 m of almost stoneless silt conformably overlying ice-proximal sediments and till, which in turn overlie bedrock. These sediments may predate Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 4. Glacial sediments assigned to MIS 4 overlie this basal succession and, in turn, are overlain by MIS 3 interstadial sediments and sediments from two MIS 2 glacial advances. Indicators of relative sea-level elevations that bracket glacial deposits of MIS 4 and 2 indicate the cyclic existence of moat-like isostatic depressions in the front of expanding ice sheets. Compared with present sea level, these depressions were at least 160 m during the onsets of MIS 4 and MIS 2. Assuming a maximum eustatic drawdown of 120 m during MIS 2, isostatic depression may have exceeded 200 m during retreat of glacial ice from the Evergreen tunnel area. This is consistent with region-specific low mantle viscosity and rapid Cordilleran Ice Sheet buildup and wasting.
From the Editor
Authors: R.L.K.
Published: July 2024

Few would disagree that ideology is a loaded term. Some who see the title of this special issue may toss it aside as a waste. Others may reach gladly for it, thinking “At last the Review has seen the light.” I don't think either reaction will prove justified based on my reading of the papers here. What you will find in these pages is a careful attempt to identify and demonstrate both the potential in and confusion surrounding this gadfly of a word.
Experiences of patient organizations’ involvement in medicine appraisal and reimbursement processes in Finland – a qualitative study
Authors: Tran Minh Mirjami , Airaksinen Marja , Lahti Tuuli
Published: July 2024

Background

This study investigated how patient representatives have experienced their involvement in medicines appraisal and reimbursement processes with the Council for Choices in Health Care in Finland (COHERE) and the Pharmaceuticals Pricing Board (PPB) and how authorities perceive the role of patient organizations’ input.

Methods

Semi-structured thematic individual and pair interviews were conducted in 2021 with representatives (n = 14) of patient organizations and government officials (n = 7) of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. The interview data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Patient representatives expressed their appreciation for the PPB and the COHERE in creating consultation processes and systematic models that support involvement. However, there were many challenges: patient representatives were uncertain about how their submissions were utilized in official processes and whether their opinions had any significance in decision-making. Patients or patient organizations lack representation in appraisal and decision-making bodies, and patient representatives felt that decision-making lacked transparency. The importance of patient involvement was highlighted by the authorities, but they also emphasized that the patient organizations’ contributions were complementary to the other materials. Submissions regarding the medications used to treat rare diseases and those with limited research evidence were considered particularly valuable. However, the submissions may not necessarily have a direct impact on decisions.

Conclusions

The interviews provided relevant input for the development of involvement processes at the PPB and COHERE. The interviews confirmed the need for increased transparency in the medicines assessment, appraisal, and decision-making procedures in Finland.
An EMDR-based intervention for the ‘Golfers’ Yips’: A case series
Authors: van Wensen Erik , Nijenhuis Beorn , Zwerver Johannes , Bogaard Pieter-Jan
Published: July 2024

Abstract: Introduction: The yips in golfers is a task-specific movement disorder. Anxiety might play a role in its emergence and persistence. The objective was to report on the effect of an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) based intervention on the yips by reducing anxiety. Methods: We present a case-series with seven golfers with observed right-handed yips. The participants were treated with EMDR in one or two sessions and were followed for one year. A bespoke Yips Rating Scale (YRS) was determined and golfing skills were assessed at baseline and after one year. Results: All participants completed treatment without complications. Follow-up data from six golfers after the intervention showed a positive effect of the EMDR based intervention on their yips symptoms. YRS scores improved after the intervention in 6 golfers (p=0.04) and golfers’ performance appeared to improve by an average of 20%. Conclusion: Anxiety might play a crucial role in the emergence and cultivation of the yips in golfers. The reduction of accompanying and anticipatory anxiety by means of EMDR in golfers seems safe and could be beneficial in diminishing the yips. Larger and better studies are needed to further evaluate the effect of EMDR in the golfer’s yips and other sport-related task-specific movement disorders.
Characteristics of the Fault Damage Zone From High‐Resolution Seismic Imaging Along the Palos Verdes Fault, California
Authors: Alongi Travis , Brodsky Emily E. , Kluesner Jared , Brothers Daniel
Published: July 2024

The distribution and intensity of fault damage zones provides insight into fault activity and its relationship to fluid flow in the crust. Presently, measures of the in‐situ distribution of fault damage remain limited and along‐strike studies are rare. This study focuses on an offshore section Palos Verdes Fault damage zone that spans 28 km, near Los Angeles, California. To investigate the previously unresolved shallow (∼400 m below the seafloor) fault damage zone we use densely spaced (∼500 m line separation) newly collected sparker multichannel seismic lines and sub‐bottom profiles. The combination of high‐resolution acquisition methods and specialized seismic processing workflows provide improved imaging of shallow faulting. We apply a multi‐trace similarity technique to identify discontinuities in the seismic data that may be attributed to faults and fractures. This fault detection approach reveals diverse fault damage patterns on adjacent seismic profiles. However, a discernible damage zone pattern emerges by stacking multiple damage detection profiles along strike. We find that peak damage identified in this way corresponds to the active main fault strand, confirmed in this study, and thus the technique may be useful for identifying active fault strands elsewhere. Additionally, we observe that the variable width of the damage zone along strike is controlled by fault obliquity. Furthermore, our observations reveal a correlation between fault damage and seafloor fluid seeps visible in the water column, suggesting that damage plays a role in controlling fluid flow around the fault.
Energetic Proton Losses Reveal Io's Extended and Longitudinally Asymmetrical Atmosphere
Authors: Huybrighs H. L. F. , van Buchem C. P. A. , Blöcker A. , Dols V. , Bowers C. F. , Jackman C. M.
Published: July 2024

Along the I24, I27, and I31 flybys of Io (1999–2001), the Energetic Particle Detector (EPD) onboard the Galileo spacecraft observed localized regions of energetic protons losses (155–1,250 keV). Using back‐tracking particle simulations combined with a prescribed atmospheric distribution and a magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) model of the plasma/atmosphere interaction, we investigate the possible causes of these depletions. We focus on a limited region within two Io radii, which is dominated by Io's SO2 atmosphere. Our results show that charge exchange of protons with the SO2 atmosphere, absorption by the surface and the configuration of the electromagnetic field contribute to the observed proton depletion along the Galileo flybys. In the 155–240 keV energy range, charge exchange is either a major or the dominant loss process, depending on the flyby altitude. In the 540–1,250 keV range, as the charge exchange cross sections are small, the observed decrease of the proton flux is attributed to absorption by the surface and the perturbed electromagnetic fields, which divert the protons away from the detector. From a comparison between the modeled losses and the data we find indications of an extended atmosphere on the day/downstream side of Io, a lack of atmospheric collapse on the night/upstream side as well as a more global extended atmospheric component (>1 Io radius). Our results demonstrate that observations and modeling of proton depletion around the moon constitute an important tool to constrain the electromagnetic field configuration around Io and the radial and longitudinal atmospheric distribution, which is still poorly understood.