bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deutsche Vergleichsportale für Hebammensuche: ein hilfreiches Entscheidungsinstrument für Schwangere?
Authors: Kast Kristina , Oderbein Anja , Karch Julia , Schöffski Oliver
Published: March 2024

Hintergrund und Zielsetzung

Vergleichsportale können helfen, einen geeigneten medizinischen Leistungserbringer, wie z.B. eine Hebamme, zu finden. Das Ziel dieser Arbeit ist, solche Portale in Deutschland zu analysieren und ihren Nutzen für Schwangere zu beurteilen.

Methodik

Über die Suchmaschine Google wurden 25 deutsche Webseiten mit Hilfe der PRISMA-Systematik identifiziert, die eine Hebammensuche in Deutschland ermöglichen. Anhand einer Stichprobe aus 550 Hebammenprofilen wurden dort der Inhalt (Struktur-, Prozess- und Ergebnisqualität gemäß dem Qualitätsmodell von Avedis Donabedian) und die Funktionen der Webseiten (z.B. Filtern, Sortieren, Vergleichen) untersucht sowie der Nutzen der Vergleichsportale anhand einer Checkliste mit fünf Kategorien (z.B. Sozialkompetenz) evaluiert.

Ergebnisse

Die Webseiten konzentrieren sich in den meisten Fällen ausschließlich auf Hebammensuche (92 %) und werden durch Hebammen (60 %) oder ihre Verbände (16 %) mit Informationen versorgt. Ein Drittel (n = 8) der Webseiten gibt keine Informationsquelle an. Überwiegend sind Elemente der Strukturqualität und Möglichkeiten zum Suchen und Filtern von Informationen vorhanden. Mehrere bedeutende Informationen (z.B. Qualifikation, Ergebnisqualität) und Funktionen (z.B. Vergleichen, Bewerten) sind ungenügend vorhanden. Bei der Nutzenbewertung erreichten die Webseiten insgesamt 114 von 400 möglichen Punkten, was einem Abdeckungsgrad von weniger als 30% entspricht.

Diskussion und Fazit

Insgesamt konnte festgestellt werden, dass Vergleichsportale in der aktuellen Form für Schwangere bei der Suche nach einer geeigneten Hebamme nicht hilfreich sind und nicht das Potenzial haben, die Versorgung zu verbessern. Für eine adäquate Qualitätsberichterstattung auf Vergleichsportalen, müssen Informationen aus unabhängigen Quellen konsequent dargelegt werden. Neben strukturellen Informationen müssen auch „harte Fakten“ veröffentlicht werden und Bewertungen durch Patientinnen sollten möglich sein. Darüber hinaus sollten für eine bessere Handhabung der Informationen weitere Komplexität reduzierende Funktionen eingebaut werden.
Effect of Corrective Exercise on Static Balance, Food Consumption, and Body Composition in the Early Period After Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Cetin Dilara , Kucuk Yetgin Meral , Turkcapar Ahmet Gokhan , Koksalan Burke , Durmaz Sena
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To determine the impact of corrective exercise program applied during the period of rapid weight loss following bariatric surgery on static balance, dietary intake, and body composition.

Materials and Methods

Participants who had undergone Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG) surgery were divided into as Corrective Exercise Group (CEG), and Control Group (CG). CEG underwent a 12-week supervised corrective exercise program. Body composition and static balance of all participants were assessed before and after the study. Their physical activity levels and dietary intake were also evaluated.

Results

Following of the corrective exercise program, both groups exhibited significant reductions in body weight, BMI, fat mass, fat percentage, muscle mass, waist circumference-to-height ratio, and visceral adiposity values (p < 0.05). Additionally, the CEG showed increase in lean body mass percentage (p < 0.001). In measurements related to static balance, values for eyes-closed perimeter (p = 0.015), eyes-closed (p = 0.006), eyes-open (p = 0.028) ellipses area, average F-B speed, and eyes-open center of pressure in the X-axis (C.O.P.X.) sway distance significantly decreased in both groups (p = 0.025). However, the difference in eyes-open C.O.P.X. sway distance was found to be higher in the CG (mean difference = 8.67; p = 0.034). Postoperatively, there were significant decreases in energy, protein, fat, CHO (carbohydrate), CHO percentage, fiber, and iron values, while protein percentage (p < 0.001), vitamin D (p = 0.003), and B12 (p < 0.001) values increased.

Conclusion

It has been observed that the corrective exercise program implemented in the early postoperative period following SG surgery had a positive impact on eyes-open static balance.

Graphical Abstract
α-Tocopherol mediates alleviation of salt stress effects in Glycine max through up-regulation of the antioxidant defense system and secondary metabolites
Authors: Taie Hanan A. A. , Rady Mostafa M.
Published: March 2024

α-Tocopherol (αT) has been reported to overcome the adverse effects of many environmental stresses, including salinity. A pot experiment was performed to investigate the response of salt-stressed soybean plants to the foliar application using 50, 100, or 200 mg αT L–1. The stress was applied by irrigation with three different dilutions of seawater [e.g., EC = 0.23 (tap water as a control), 3.13, or 6.25 dS m–1]. The gradual increase in salinity level gradually increased net carbon dioxide (CO2) assimilation, relative growth rate, antioxidant capacity, secondary metabolites (total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins), enzymatic activities, and DNA fragmentation due to the gradual increase in lipid peroxidation as a result of an increase in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). On the contrary, yield components (number and weight of seeds plant–1) and photosynthetic pigment (total chlorophyll and carotenoids) contents gradually decreased with increasing salinity level. However, leaf treatment with αT, especially at 200 mg αT L‒1, preserved the highest antioxidant activities (antioxidant capacity, secondary metabolites, and enzymes), which were associated with the preservation of soybean yield and leaf pigments. These positive results occurred due to the reduction in lipid peroxidation as a result of a significant decrease in the level of H2O2. Therefore, our results recommend the use of 200 mg αT L–1 as a commercial formula for soybeans grown under saline irrigation of no more than 6.25 dS m–1.
Potential use of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors during acute illness: a systematic review based on COVID-19
Authors: Tisch Carmen , Xourgia Eleni , Exadaktylos Aristomenis , Ziaka Mairi
Published: March 2024

Objective

SGLT-2i are increasingly recognized for their benefits in patients with cardiometabolic risk factors. Additionally, emerging evidence suggests potential applications in acute illnesses, including COVID-19. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effects of SGLT-2i in patients facing acute illness, particularly focusing on SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, medRxiv, Research Square, and Google Scholar identified 22 studies meeting inclusion criteria, including randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted independently.

Results

Out of the 22 studies included in the review, six reported reduced mortality in DM-2 patients taking SGLT-2i, while two found a decreased risk of hospitalization. Moreover, one study demonstrated a lower in-hospital mortality rate in DM-2 patients under combined therapy of metformin plus SGLT-2i. However, three studies showed a neutral effect on the risk of hospitalization. No increased risk of developing COVID-19 was associated with SGLT-2i use in DM-2 patients. Prior use of SGLT-2i was not associated with ICU admission and need for MV. The risk of acute kidney injury showed variability, with inconsistent evidence regarding diabetic ketoacidosis.

Conclusion

Our systematic review reveals mixed findings on the efficacy of SGLT-2i use in COVID-19 patients with cardiometabolic risk factors. While some studies suggest potential benefits in reducing mortality and hospitalizations, others report inconclusive results. Further research is needed to clarify optimal usage and mitigate associated risks, emphasizing caution in clinical interpretation.
Ecosymbiotic Complementarity, an Old Theory Applicable in Today’s Ethnobiological Studies
Authors: Lotero-Velásquez Elisa , Martínez-Ballesté Andrea , Casas Alejandro , Vega Peña Ernesto Vicente
Published: March 2024

Ethnobiology analyzes the interactions between people and their surrounding environments from various perspectives. Some studies have been criticized by social scientists, who argue that ethnobiologists have insufficiently considered the conflicts between the dominant economic and political model and rural communities’ lives, which are often idealized. However, several ethnobiological studies have increasingly considered these aspects, and important initiatives in this direction have emerged from interactions with other research fields and frameworks, such as sustainability science, political ecology, agroecology, and social-ecological systems. To address criticism on what has been considered ethnobiological utopianism, it is valuable to theorize, develop methodological tools, and construct explanatory models. From such perspective, this work aims to recover an old theory called ecosymbiotic complementarity, which we propose can strengthen analytical approaches in the social-ecological systems framework. We recover the original proposal of the ecosymbiotic complementarity theory, emphasizing the relationships between rural communities and economic and political variables. We consider that the ecosymbiotic complementarity theory can contribute to the contextualization of rural societies analyzed in ethnobiological research.
Nutrition fragility in isolation: Food insecurity in Small Island Developing States
Authors: Atzori Delia , Sonneveld Ben G. J. S. , Alfarra A. , Merbis Max D.
Published: March 2024

High reliance on food imports, unbalanced diets, limited cultivable land, scarce fresh water resources and remoteness are typical food security constraints for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Calls for evidence-based food policy interventions are, therefore, justified. Yet, SIDS studies on food security are often outdated, focus on one country and use exclusive data and dedicated methodologies that cannot be applied elsewhere. This study standardized its methodology to assess availability of food groups and micronutrients at a SIDS-wide level. We use the latest release from FAO’s harmonized Food Balance Sheets and improve actual intake by correcting for food waste and lower micronutrient thresholds for under-fives. We make results interpretable with geo-visualization techniques and infographics that map food group and micronutrient availability per country against required needs. A great share of countries (94%) fails to meet food group requirements; 43% does not meet the requirement of five or more of the eight food groups. None of the SIDS meet the required doses for micronutrients and only 14% meets requirements of 13 or 14 of the 15 micronutrients, yet, 31% of the SIDS misses 6 to 8 micronutrients. Overweight prevalence is closely correlated to food group availability while stunting can be largely explained by income level. The findings prioritize policy actions by identifying absence of dietary diversity. The approach is adequate and cost-efficient based on existing databases that are regularly updated. Timeliness and country coverage of SIDS in some international databases need serious improvement.
LncRNA XIST promotes bladder cancer progression by modulating miR-129-5p/TNFSF10 axis
Authors: Kong Yu-Lin , Wang Hui-Dan , Gao Meng , Rong Sheng-Zhong , Li Xiao-Xia
Published: March 2024

Background

The differential expression, biological function, and ceRNA regulatory mechanism of lncRNA XIST in bladder cancer (BC) were investigated, and its clinical values for the early diagnosis of bladder cancer patients were elucidated.

Methods

qRT-PCR was employed to detect the expression patterns of lncRNA XIST, miR-129-5p and TNFSF10. The biological functions were measured by CCK8 assay, wound healing assay and transwell assay. Bioinformatics analysis and Dual-Luciferase reporter assay were employed to evaluate the interactions between the lncRNA XIST, miR-129-5p and TNFSF10.

Results

LncRNA XIST and TNFSF10 were highly expressed and miR-129-5p was low expressed (P < 0.05) in bladder cancer cell line. The depletion of lncRNA XIST inhibited BC proliferation, migration and invasion. Mechanistically, lncRNA XIST could sponge miR-129-5p to regulate TNFSF10 expression in bladder cancer. Furthermore, compared with adjacent tissues, lncRNA XIST and miR-129-5p were lowly expressed (P < 0.01) in bladder cancer tissues, and TNFSF10 was highly expressed (P < 0.001). miR-129-5p and TNFSF10 were associated with the risk of bladder cancer (P < 0.05); the difference in AUC values for the diagnosis of bladder cancer by lncRNA XIST (AUC = 0.739), miR-129-5p (AUC = 0.850) and TNFSF10 (AUC = 0.753) was statistically significant (P < 0.01), and the three genes combined AUC was 0.900, 95%CI was 0.842–0.958 with a sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 86.7%.

Conclusion

XIST, an elevated lncRNA in bladder cancer, inhibition of which could suppress the progression of BC. LncRNA XIST and miR-129-5p could form ceRNA to regulate the expression of TNFSF10.
Identification of gene variation feature for targeted therapy of non-small cell lung cancer through combined method of DNA and RNA sequencing
Authors: Pang Wenguang , Gong Longlong , Shi Wangpan , Zheng Hongbo , Ye Min , Chen Jiarong , Li Ronggang , Zhang Xin , Ren Dong , Wang Zheng
Published: March 2024

Next generation sequencing (NGS) is typically used to reveal tumor gene variation feature for targeted therapy of various types of human cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we report the role and potential applicable value of combining DNA and RNA sequencing in gene variation detection in NSCLC. 386 NSCLC patients with stage II-IV were enrolled and detected using NGS sequencing of DNA and RNA panels that covered all well-documented target driver genes from the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO). The rate of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) single nucleotide variation (SNV)/indel, mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) copy number variation (CNV) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion were 52.1%, 4.1% and 6.0% in the NSCLC cohort. The landscapes of SNV/indel, CNV and gene fusion in the cohort were depicted as well. Meanwhile, we assessed detection efficacy of DNA and RNA sequencing in gene fusion. Detected number and types of gene fusion using the RNA sequencing were better than those using the DNA sequencing. Gene fusion with intergenic region was only detected by DNA sequencing and MET exon 14 skipping (METΔex14) was more easily identified by RNA sequencing. Finally, we investigated clinical correlations of SNV/indel/CNV/fusion with clinicopathologic features in the NSCLC cohort. Taken together, RNA sequencing significantly complements deficiency of DNA sequencing for gene fusion, which cooperatively presents comprehensive and reliable gene variation features and facilitate the identification of potential drug targets for NSCLC patients.
Integrating Shared Decision-Making into Undergraduate Oncology Education: A Pedagogical Framework
Authors: Lawson McLean Aaron , Lawson McLean Anna C.
Published: March 2024

The integration of shared decision-making (SDM) into undergraduate oncology education represents a critical evolution in medical pedagogy, reflecting the growing complexity and patient-centric focus of contemporary healthcare. This paper introduces a comprehensive pedagogical framework designed to embed SDM within the undergraduate medical curriculum, particularly in oncology, where the multiplicity of treatment options and their profound impact on patient life underscore the necessity of this approach. Grounded in a systematic literature review and aligned with established educational theories, this framework proposes twelve strategic approaches to cultivate future physicians proficient in both clinical acumen and patient-collaborative decision-making. The framework emphasizes real-world clinical experience, role-playing, case studies, and decision aids to deepen students’ understanding of SDM. It advocates for the development of communication skills, ethical deliberation, and cultural competence, recognizing the multifaceted nature of patient care. The inclusion of patient narratives and evidence-based decision-making further enriches the curriculum, offering a holistic view of patient care. Additionally, the integration of digital tools within the SDM process acknowledges the evolving technological landscape in healthcare. The paper also addresses challenges in implementing this framework, such as curricular constraints and the need for educator training. It underscores the importance of continual evaluation and adaptation of these strategies to the dynamic field of medical education and practice. Overall, this comprehensive approach aims not only to enhance the quality of oncological care but also to prepare medical students for the complexities of modern medicine, where patient involvement in decision-making is both a necessity and an expectation.
Impact of high-pressure processing on the bioactive compounds of milk - A comprehensive review
Authors: Siddiqui Shahida Anusha , Khan Sipper , Bahmid Nur Alim , Nagdalian Andrey Ashotovich , Jafari Seid Mahdi , Castro-Muñoz Roberto
Published: March 2024

High-pressure processing (HPP) is a promising alternative to thermal pasteurization. Recent studies highlighted the effectivity of HPP (400–600 MPa and exposure times of 1–5 min) in reducing pathogenic microflora for up to 5 logs. Analysis of modern scientific sources has shown that pressure affects the main components of milk including fat globules, lactose, casein micelles. The behavior of whey proteins under HPP is very important for milk and dairy products. HPP can cause significant changes in the quaternary (> 150 MPa) and tertiary (> 200 MPa) protein structures. At pressures > 400 MPa, they dissolve in the following order: αs2-casein, αs1-casein, k-casein, and β-casein. A similar trend is observed in the processing of whey proteins. HPP can affect the rate of milk fat adhering as cream with increased results at 100–250 MPa with time dependency while decreasing up to 70% at 400–600 MPa. Some studies indicated the lactose influencing casein on HP, with 10% lactose addition in case in suspension before exposing it to 400 MPa for 40 min prevents the formation of large casein micelles. Number of researches has shown that moderate pressures (up to 400 MPa) and mild heating can activate or stabilize milk enzymes. Pressures of 350–400 MPa for 100 min can boost the activity of milk enzymes by up to 140%. This comprehensive and critical review will benefit scientific researchers and industrial experts in the field of HPP treatment of milk and its effect on milk components.

Graphical abstract
Analyzing and identifying predictable time range for stress prediction based on chaos theory and deep learning
Authors: Li Ningyun , Zhang Huijun , Feng Ling , Ding Yang , Li Haichuan
Published: March 2024

Propose

Stress is a common problem globally. Prediction of stress in advance could help people take effective measures to manage stress before bad consequences occur. Considering the chaotic features of human psychological states, in this study, we integrate deep learning and chaos theory to address the stress prediction problem.

Methods

Based on chaos theory, we embed one’s seemingly disordered stress sequence into a high dimensional phase space so as to reveal the underlying dynamics and patterns of the stress system, and meanwhile are able to identify the stress predictable time range. We then conduct deep learning with a two-layer (dimension and temporal) attention mechanism to simulate the nonlinear state of the embedded stress sequence for stress prediction.

Results

We validate the effectiveness of the proposed method on the public available Tesserae dataset. The experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms the pure deep learning method and Chaos method in both 2-label and 3-label stress prediction.

Conclusion

Integrating deep learning and chaos theory for stress prediction is effective, and can improve the prediction accuracy over 2% and 8% more than those of the deep learning and the Chaos method respectively. Implications and further possible improvements are also discussed at the end of the paper.
Reclaiming Political Rights During a Rule of Law Crisis: The Role of the UN Human Rights Committee
Authors: Almqvist Jessica
Published: March 2024

How should democratic states approach and respond to secessionist movements using tactics contrary to the constitution to achieve their goals? What is the role of international human rights mechanisms in these processes? This article sheds light on these questions by examining how the UN Human Rights Committee approached and assessed two complaints that came before it in the wake of the Catalan Declaration of Independence in 2017. The aim is to discuss the Committee’s examination of the merits in the two cases and the procedural hurdles faced. Specifically, it will analyse the effects of examining the merits in hindsight and the extent to which this perspective may have influenced its views. It will further reflect on the potential costs of acting with procedural flexibility towards the two complaints which, while driven by a sense of urgency, did not meet the threshold for irreparable harm. It is concluded that, while a protective stance towards petitioners is the bedrock of its mandate related to individual complaints, acting with such degree of flexibility risks undermining its procedural effectiveness and the integrity of its individual complaint procedure. It also made it come too close to act as a fourth instance in relation to facts that had already been examined by domestic courts by the time of its assessment. At the same time, it did not challenge Spain’s rule of law approach as such.
Teilhabe nach dem Renteneintritt
Authors: Hoffmann Madlain
Published: March 2024

Erwerbstätigkeit und die Teilnahme an non-formalen Bildungsaktivitäten werden als bedeutende nicht-monetäre Teilhabemöglichkeiten im Alter diskutiert. Nach dem Renteneintritt ist die Ausübung einer Erwerbstätigkeit allerdings eingeschränkt. Der Wunsch, auch in der Rentenphase erwerbstätig zu sein, kann daher nicht immer realisiert werden. Folglich müssen alternative Teilhabemöglichkeiten in Betracht gezogen werden. Bislang gibt es keine Studien, in denen untersucht wird, ob Rentnerinnen und Rentner, die ohne monetäre Motive erwerbstätig sein wollen, die Teilnahme an non-formalen Bildungsaktivitäten als Möglichkeit der Teilhabe realisieren. Konkret wird in der vorliegenden Studie untersucht, ob sich unmittelbar nach dem Renteneintritt die Teilnahme an non-formalen Bildungsaktivitäten zwischen Personen, die ohne monetäre Motive erwerbstätig sein wollen, und Personen, die keinen Erwerbswunsch haben, und Personen, die aus monetären Motiven erwerbstätig sein wollen, unterscheidet. Mit Daten des Nationalen Bildungspanels (NEPS) und logistischen Regressionsanalysen zeigt sich, dass Personen, die ohne monetäre Motive erwerbstätig sein wollen, eine höhere Wahrscheinlichkeit haben, an einer non-formalen Bildungsaktivität teilzunehmen, als Personen, die einen Erwerbswunsch mit monetären Motiven haben, und als Personen, die nicht den Wunsch haben, erwerbstätig zu sein. Die Unterschiede bleiben auch unter Berücksichtigung des Einkommens und weiterer Merkmale bestehen. Die Ergebnisse tragen zur bisherigen Forschung zu Aktivitäten im Alter bei und werden vor dem Hintergrund des aktiven Alterns und nicht-monetärer Motive diskutiert. Weitere Forschung muss klären, ob non-formale Bildungsaktivitäten unerfüllte Erwerbswünsche in der Rentenphase kompensieren oder langfristig dazu beitragen, eine Erwerbstätigkeit realisieren zu können.
Effects of proactive healthcare on pain, physical and activities of daily living functioning in vulnerable older adults with chronic pain: a pragmatic clinical trial with one- and two-year follow-up
Authors: Dong Huan-Ji , Peolsson Anneli , Johansson Maria M.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To investigate the changes in pain, physical and activities of daily living (ADL) functioning in vulnerable older adults with chronic pain after proactive primary care intervention.

Methods

This study was embedded in a prospective, pragmatic, matched-control multicenter trial at 19 primary care practices in Sweden, with proactive medical and social care (Intervention Group, IG, n = 134) in comparison with usual care (Control Group, CG, n = 121). Patients with chronic pain, defined as pain experienced longer than 3 months, were included in this subgroup analysis. Data on pain aspects, physical and ADL functioning were collected in the questionnaires at baseline, one- and two-year follow-up (FU-1 and FU-2). Data on prescribed pain medications was collected by local health authorities.

Results

Mean age was 83.0 ± 4.7 years with almost equal representation of both genders. From baseline until FU-2, there were no significant within-group or between-group changes in pain intensity. Small adjustments of pain medication prescriptions were made in both groups. Compared to FU-1, the functional changes were more measurable at FU-2 as fewer participants had impaired physical functioning in IG (48.4%) in comparison to CG (62.6%, p = 0.027, Effect Size φ = 0.14). Higher scores of ADL-staircase (more dependent) were found in both groups (p < 0.01, Effect Size r = 0.24 in CG and r = 0.16 in IG).

Conclusion

Vulnerable older adults with chronic pain seemed to remain physical and ADL functioning after proactive primary care intervention, but they may need tailored strategies of pain management to improve therapeutic effects.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov 170608, ID: NCT03180606.
Engineering β-catenin-derived peptides for α-catenin binding
Authors: Uddin S. M. Nasir , Rasool Saad , Geethakumari Anupriya M. , Ahmed Wesam S. , Biswas Kabir H.
Published: March 2024

The complex formed by the β-catenin and α-catenin adaptor proteins acts as a molecular bridge that enables E-cadherin-based cell–cell adhesion assembly and maintenance in the epithelial tissue. This occurs through the interaction between the intracellular domain of E-cadherin and β-catenin on the one hand and between F-actin and α-catenin on the other hand. In addition to its role in cell–cell adhesion formation, it has been reported that E-cadherin mediates breast cancer cell metastasis to distant organs. Therefore, development of biomaterials such as peptides with ability to modulate the interaction between β-catenin and α-catenin presents an opportunity to modulate cell–cell adhesion. Here, we have performed computational and experimental analysis to develop β-catenin-derived peptides with the ability to bind α-catenin. Specifically, we analyzed the available β- and α-catenin complex structure and identified residues on β-catenin having potential to form new interactions upon mutation. We tested the wild-type (WT) and mutant β-catenin-derived peptides for their binding to α-catenin using conventional and steered molecular dynamics simulations, revealing an increased interaction of P128E and M131E mutant peptides. We then designed a Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer (BRET)-based assay to monitor binding of the β-catenin-derived peptides with α-catenin, which revealed similar binding affinities of the WT and mutant β-catenin-derived peptides. Further, expression of the WT and the M131E mutant peptide resulted in a change in the aspect ratio of the cells suggestive of their ability to affect cell–cell adhesion. We envisage that the β-catenin-derived peptides engineered here will find application in blocking the interaction between β-catenin and α-catenin and, thus, modulate E-cadherin adhesion, which may lead to potential therapeutic avenue in abrogating E-cadherin-mediated metastasis of invasive breast cancer cells.
Models for Estimating Intrinsic r and the Mean Age of a Population at Stability: Evaluations at the National and Sub-national Level
Authors: Swanson David A.
Published: March 2024

Using Canada’s provinces and territories in conjunction with the “Cohort Change Ratio” approach to generating a stable population, I test the accuracy of two regression models constructed from national-level data designed to estimate two factors of a population at stability from initial conditions at the sub-national levels: (1) its constant rate of change, denoted here by r'; and (2) mean population age. In a test of accuracy at the national level I find that these models provide reasonably accurate estimates. In the tests at the subnational level, the accuracy, as expected, is less, but the results indicate that the national level models provide estimates that are useful. The models are useful because they are tractable and provide information not available from the traditional analytical approaches. Evaluating these models also provides the opportunity to look at Canada’s provinces and territories from a stable population perspective. The findings support the use of: (1) The Cohort Change Ratio approach in examining stable population concepts; and (2) the two regression models for estimating r' and the mean age of a population at stability. They also show that there are connections between initial conditions and stability that have been overlooked. This knowledge gap may be due to the fact that widespread knowledge and acceptance of the ergodic nature of the “age structure factor,” have served to mask the possibility that ergodicity does not always apply to other factors. Further exploration of these potential linkages appears to be in order.
Collision rates of small solid particles with rigid spherical and spheroidal bubbles in laminar flow
Authors: Sommerfeld Martin , Taborda Manuel A.
Published: March 2024

The interaction and impact of solid particles from a dilute suspension with fixed spherical and deformed bubbles (i.e., oblate spheroids) with rigid interface was analysed numerically, a situation found for example in flotation or three-phase chemical reactors. The flow field about the bubbles was computed for laminar flow and the particles were considered as point masses incorporating all forces as there are drag, added mass, fluid inertia, transverse shear-lift, and gravity/buoyancy. Particle sizes were varied up to about 200 µm allowing for a wide range of interaction Stokes numbers. The impact efficiency was evaluated for a wide range of bubble Reynolds numbers and bubbles having different shape and size, as well as eccentricity and orientation. The volume equivalent diameter of the bubbles was between 2 and 4 mm. The bubble deformation was varied up to an eccentricity of 1.8 and the bubble orientation was modified until 45 degrees. The effect of different forces on the impact efficiency was studied in detail. Added mass, fluid inertia (part of the pressure term), and slip-shear transverse lift force cannot be neglected in liquid environments, especially for larger particles. The obtained results were also compared to the composite model of Schulze (1989), well established in the field of flotation. Finally, also the particle impact statistics (i.e., location and velocity) was evaluated.
Biochar affects compressive strength of Portland cement composites: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Zhihao , El-Naggar Ali , Kau Johnson , Olson Chris , Tomlinson Douglas , Chang Scott X.
Published: March 2024

One strategy to reduce CO2 emissions from cement production is to reduce the amount of Portland cement produced by replacing it with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). Biochar is a potential SCM that is an eco-friendly and stable porous pyrolytic material. However, the effects of biochar addition on the performances of Portland cement composites are not fully understood. This meta-analysis investigated the impact of biochar addition on the 7- and 28-day compressive strength of Portland cement composites based on 606 paired observations. Biochar feedstock type, pyrolysis conditions, pre-treatments and modifications, biochar dosage, and curing type all influenced the compressive strength of Portland cement composites. Biochars obtained from plant-based feedstocks (except rice and hardwood) improved the 28-day compressive strength of Portland cement composites by 3–13%. Biochars produced at pyrolysis temperatures higher than 450 °C, with a heating rate of around 10 C min-1, increased the 28-day compressive strength more effectively. Furthermore, the addition of biochar with small particle sizes increased the compressive strength of Portland cement composites by 2–7% compared to those without biochar addition. Biochar dosage of < 2.5% of the binder weight enhanced both compressive strengths, and common curing methods maintained the effect of biochar addition. However, when mixing the cement, adding fine and coarse aggregates such as sand and gravel affects the concrete and mortar's compressive strength, diminishing the effect of biochar addition and making the biochar effect nonsignificant. We concluded that appropriate biochar addition could maintain or enhance the mechanical performance of Portland cement composites, and future research should explore the mechanisms of biochar effects on the performance of cement composites.

Graphical Abstract
Monolithic Convex Limiting for Legendre-Gauss-Lobatto Discontinuous Galerkin Spectral-Element Methods
Authors: Rueda-Ramírez Andrés M. , Bolm Benjamin , Kuzmin Dmitri , Gassner Gregor J.
Published: March 2024

We extend the monolithic convex limiting (MCL) methodology to nodal discontinuous Galerkin spectral-element methods (DGSEMS). The use of Legendre-Gauss-Lobatto (LGL) quadrature endows collocated DGSEM space discretizations of nonlinear hyperbolic problems with properties that greatly simplify the design of invariant domain-preserving high-resolution schemes. Compared to many other continuous and discontinuous Galerkin method variants, a particular advantage of the LGL spectral operator is the availability of a natural decomposition into a compatible subcell flux discretization. Representing a high-order spatial semi-discretization in terms of intermediate states, we perform flux limiting in a manner that keeps these states and the results of Runge-Kutta stages in convex invariant domains. In addition, local bounds may be imposed on scalar quantities of interest. In contrast to limiting approaches based on predictor-corrector algorithms, our MCL procedure for LGL-DGSEM yields nonlinear flux approximations that are independent of the time-step size and can be further modified to enforce entropy stability. To demonstrate the robustness of MCL/DGSEM schemes for the compressible Euler equations, we run simulations for challenging setups featuring strong shocks, steep density gradients, and vortex dominated flows.
Geospatial analysis of soil resistivity and hydro-parameters for groundwater assessment
Authors: Javed Umar , Kumar Pradeep , Hussain Sajjad , Nawaz Taufiq , Fahad Shah , Ashraf Shahbaz , Ali Karamat
Published: March 2024

Groundwater is a precious resource for irrigating the crops in developing countries. This research was governed in Faisalabad District of Pakistan to assess the groundwater strata using GIS cum geoelectric resistivity method approach. The IX1D computer model was calibrated with root mean square error (up-to 5%), to obtain true soil layers’ resistivities and thicknesses model for each VES point based on apparent resistivity data collected by ABEM SAS 4000 Terrameter using the most common Schlumberger electrode array setting. Knowledge of geo-hydraulic parameters (hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, and porosity) aids in identifying the quality and potential of groundwater repositories, estimated based on modeling results (soil layers resistivities and thicknesses). Most common interpolation (inverse distance weighted) method in ArcGIS Pro was used for mapping the soil aquifer layers resistivities/thicknesses and geo-hydraulic parameters. Transmissivity, Porosity, and hydraulic conductivity values ranged from 365.46 to 1888.503 m2/day, 31.84 to 39.72% and 4.05 to 15.27 m/day for all surveys, respectively. Based on these results, aquifer layers with thicknesses 30 to 103.5 m, were distinguished as comprised of saline to low marginal quality (fine sand and clay formation), marginal to fresh quality (fine sand and gravel formation) and fresh quality groundwater (coarse sand and gravel formation).

Graphical Abstract
Roles of MAPK and Nrf2 signaling pathways in quercetin alleviating redox imbalance induced by hydrogen peroxide in mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Li Yongxin , Han Ning , Hou Pengfei , Zhao Feng-Qi , Liu Hongyun
Published: March 2024

Oxidative stress is a risk factor for mammary health, resulting in decreased milk yield and milk quality. Application of exogenous bioactive compounds has been a research focus of antioxidation of animals in the mammary gland. Quercetin is a flavonoid extracted from vegetables, fruits and tea and has been shown to have a variety of biological activities, but the effect of quercetin on redox imbalance in mammary epithelial cells is unclear. In this study, cells of HC11, a mouse mammary epithelial cell line, were treated with quercetin, and the effects and molecular mechanisms of quercetin protection on hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress were studied. Results showed that 20 μΜ quercetin attenuated hydrogen peroxide-induced lactate dehydrogenase release and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and alleviated the reduction of cell viability and antioxidant capacity. Quercetin significantly restored the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathways induced by hydrogen peroxide. Importantly, the inhibitors of p38 MAPK and extracellular regulated protein pathways affected the activation of Nrf2 pathway. All inhibitors of MAPK and Nrf2 pathways reduced the protective effects of quercetin on cell proliferation, the activity of catalase and the expression of glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit. Meanwhile, the effects of quercetin on the production of ROS and expression of glutamate/cystine reverse transporter light chain were mainly dependent on Nrf2 pathway. In summary, the protective effect of quercetin in mammary epithelial cells was mediated via MAPK and Nrf2 pathways.
Validation of the Passive Surveillance Stroke Severity Score in Three Canadian Provinces
Authors: Yu Amy Y. X. , Austin Peter C. , Park Alison L. , Fang Jiming , Hill Michael D. , Kamal Noreen , Field Thalia S. , Joundi Raed A. , Peterson Sandra , Zhao Yinshan , Kapral Moira K.
Published: March 2024

Background:

Stroke outcomes research requires risk-adjustment for stroke severity, but this measure is often unavailable. The Passive Surveillance Stroke SeVerity (PaSSV) score is an administrative data-based stroke severity measure that was developed in Ontario, Canada. We assessed the geographical and temporal external validity of PaSSV in British Columbia (BC), Nova Scotia (NS) and Ontario, Canada.

Methods:

We used linked administrative data in each province to identify adult patients with ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage between 2014-2019 and calculated their PaSSV score. We used Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate the association between the PaSSV score and the hazard of death over 30 days and the cause-specific hazard of admission to long-term care over 365 days. We assessed the models’ discriminative values using Uno’s c-statistic, comparing models with versus without PaSSV.

Results:

We included 86,142 patients (n = 18,387 in BC, n = 65,082 in Ontario, n = 2,673 in NS). The mean and median PaSSV were similar across provinces. A higher PaSSV score, representing lower stroke severity, was associated with a lower hazard of death (hazard ratio and 95% confidence intervals 0.70 [0.68, 0.71] in BC, 0.69 [0.68, 0.69] in Ontario, 0.72 [0.68, 0.75] in NS) and admission to long-term care (0.77 [0.76, 0.79] in BC, 0.84 [0.83, 0.85] in Ontario, 0.86 [0.79, 0.93] in NS). Including PaSSV in the multivariable models increased the c-statistics compared to models without this variable.

Conclusion:

PaSSV has geographical and temporal validity, making it useful for risk-adjustment in stroke outcomes research, including in multi-jurisdiction analyses.
Organizational Improvisation, Architectural “Piggybacking,” and Masonic Networking in the International Settlement, Shanghai: Building an Anglican Cathedral, 1864–1869
Authors: Ding Ying Yong , McKinstry Sam , Su Peiran
Published: March 2024

This study provides a business history of the construction project to build a large Anglican church in colonial Shanghai in the 1860s. Employing three theoretical lenses, it focusses on the project’s management, setting it in its social, political, economic and architectural contexts. As well as analysing the project’s progress in detail, the paper discloses circumstances that were being faced more generally by resident British and international traders in Shanghai at this unsettled time. It also identifies forces which would in due course influence the long process of change leading to the eventual transformation both of Shanghai and of China itself, enhancing our understanding of the region’s economic history.
Non-integrability of the restricted three-body problem
Authors: YAGASAKI KAZUYUKI
Published: March 2024

The problem of non-integrability of the circular restricted three-body problem is very classical and important in the theory of dynamical systems. It was partially solved by Poincaré in the nineteenth century: he showed that there exists no real-analytic first integral which depends analytically on the mass ratio of the second body to the total and is functionally independent of the Hamiltonian. When the mass of the second body becomes zero, the restricted three-body problem reduces to the two-body Kepler problem. We prove the non-integrability of the restricted three-body problem both in the planar and spatial cases for any non-zero mass of the second body. Our basic tool of the proofs is a technique developed here for determining whether perturbations of integrable systems which may be non-Hamiltonian are not meromorphically integrable near resonant periodic orbits such that the first integrals and commutative vector fields also depend meromorphically on the perturbation parameter. The technique is based on generalized versions due to Ayoul and Zung of the Morales–Ramis and Morales–Ramis–Simó theories. We emphasize that our results are not just applications of the theories.
Race and Colonialism in Hegel's Philosophy of Religion
Authors: Goggin W. Ezekiel
Published: March 2024

Scholars have paid limited attention to the crucial relationship between Hegel's racism, his support for colonialism and his views on religion. This essay offers a critical reconstruction of how race and coloniality shape the question of religion (and vice versa) throughout Hegel's attempts to critique and ultimately vindicate European modernity. Paying special attention to the seminal role of ‘fetishism’ in his works, I argue that Hegel's intellectual concerns are racialized from the inception of his project. I conclude by suggesting an alternative philosophical approach to the concept of the ‘fetish’ and ‘fetishism’ to resist Hegel's racist and pro-colonial tendencies.
Skew Ornstein–Uhlenbeck processes with sticky reflection and their applications to bond pricing
Authors: Song Shiyu , Xu Guangli
Published: March 2024

We study a skew Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process with zero being a sticky reflecting boundary, which is defined as the weak solution to a stochastic differential equation (SDE) system involving local time. The main results obtained include: (i) the existence and uniqueness of solutions to the SDE system, (ii) the scale function and speed measure, and (iii) the distributional properties regarding the transition density and the first hitting times. On the application side, we apply the process to interest rate modeling and obtain the explicit pricing formula for zero-coupon bonds. Numerical examples illustrate the impacts on bond yields of skewness and stickiness parameters.
Credence and Belief: Distance- and Utility-Based Approaches
Authors: Wang Minkyung , Kim Chisu
Published: March 2024

This paper investigates the question of how subjective probability should relate to binary belief. We propose new distance minimization methods, and develop epistemic decision-theoretic accounts. Both approaches can be shown to get “close” to the truth: the first one by getting “close” to a given probability, and the second by getting expectedly “close” to the truth. More specifically, we study distance minimization with a refined notion of Bregman divergence and expected utility maximization with strict proper scores. Our main results reveal that the two ways to get “close” to the truth can coincide.
Mitigating the effects of water-deficit stress on potato growth and photosynthesis using mycorrhizal fungi and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria
Authors: Nemati Ahmad , Aboutalebian Mohammad Ali , Chaichi Mehrdad
Published: March 2024

Biofertilizers, such as arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), have been reported to enhance plant growth under water stress conditions. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different biofertilizers on potato photosynthesis and growth under water deficit stress. The experiment was conducted over two crop years (2019 and 2020) using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Four irrigation intervals (70, 90, 110 and 130 mm of cumulative evaporation) and six biofertilizer treatments (PSB, Funneliformis mosseae [FM], Rhizoglomus fasciculatum [RF], PSB + FM, PSB + RF and no use) were applied. Severe moisture stress (130 mm evaporation) compared to no stress (70 mm evaporation) increased substomatal carbon dioxide concentration. The application of biofertilizers improved tuber yield under severe moisture stress, with FM showing the highest increase (62.9%), followed by RF (59.8%) and PSB (48.4%). The use of PSB along with mycorrhizae led to a significant decrease in mycorrhizal colonization percentage at all irrigation levels. The highest percentage of colonization and net photosynthesis was obtained from the application of both mycorrhizal species under irrigation conditions after 70 mm of evaporation. The application of PSB alone resulted in a 14.6% increase in the transpiration rate, additionally, the use of mycorrhiza led to an 18.7% increase in stomatal conductivity compared to no-biofertilizer. The results suggest that the simultaneous use of PSB and mycorrhizae can be effective in mild moisture stress, but in severe moisture stress, the use of mycorrhizal species alone is more effective.