bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association between educational status and colorectal neoplasia: results from a screening cohort
Authors: Wernly Sarah , Semmler Georg , Schaffler-Schaden Dagmar , Flamm Maria , Aigner Elmar , Datz Christian , Wernly Bernhard
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Educational status is used as a proxy for socioeconomic status. While lower levels of education are generally associated with poorer health, the data on the relationship between educational status and colorectal neoplasia is heterogenous. The aim of our study was to examine this relationship and to adjust the association between educational status and colorectal neoplasia for other health parameters.

Methods

We included 5977 participants undergoing a screening colonoscopy in Austria. We split the cohort into patients with lower (n = 2156), medium (n = 2933), and higher (n = 459) educational status. Multivariable multilevel logistic regression models were fitted to evaluate the association between educational status and the occurrence of any or advanced colorectal neoplasia. We adjusted for age, sex, metabolic syndrome, family history, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking status.

Results

We found that the rates of any neoplasia (32%) were similar between the educational strata. However, patients with higher (10%) educational status evidenced significantly higher rates of advanced colorectal neoplasia compared to medium (8%) and lower (7%) education. This association remained statistically significant after multivariable adjustment. The difference was entirely driven by neoplasia in the proximal colon.

Conclusion

Our study found that higher educational status was associated with a higher prevalence of advanced colorectal neoplasia compared to medium and lower educational status. This finding remained significant even after adjusting for other health parameters. Further research is needed to understand the underlying reasons for the observed difference, especially with regard to the specific anatomical distribution of the observed difference.
Electrophysiological and calcium-handling development during long-term culture of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Seibertz Fitzwilliam , Sutanto Henry , Dülk Rebekka , Pronto Julius Ryan D. , Springer Robin , Rapedius Markus , Liutkute Aiste , Ritter Melanie , Jung Philipp , Stelzer Lea , Hüsgen Luisa M. , Klopp Marie , Rubio Tony , Fakuade Funsho E. , Mason Fleur E. , Hartmann Nico , Pabel Steffen , Streckfuss-Bömeke Katrin , Cyganek Lukas , Sossalla Samuel , Heijman Jordi , Voigt Niels
Published: April 2023

Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) are increasingly used for personalised medicine and preclinical cardiotoxicity testing. Reports on hiPSC-CM commonly describe heterogenous functional readouts and underdeveloped or immature phenotypical properties. Cost-effective, fully defined monolayer culture is approaching mainstream adoption; however, the optimal age at which to utilise hiPSC-CM is unknown. In this study, we identify, track and model the dynamic developmental behaviour of key ionic currents and Ca2+-handling properties in hiPSC-CM over long-term culture (30–80 days). hiPSC-CMs > 50 days post differentiation show significantly larger ICa,L density along with an increased ICa,L-triggered Ca2+-transient. INa and IK1 densities significantly increase in late-stage cells, contributing to increased upstroke velocity and reduced action potential duration, respectively. Importantly, our in silico model of hiPSC-CM electrophysiological age dependence confirmed IK1 as the key ionic determinant of action potential shortening in older cells. We have made this model available through an open source software interface that easily allows users to simulate hiPSC-CM electrophysiology and Ca2+-handling and select the appropriate age range for their parameter of interest. This tool, together with the insights from our comprehensive experimental characterisation, could be useful in future optimisation of the culture-to-characterisation pipeline in the field of hiPSC-CM research.
Polygenetic risk scores and phenotypic constellations of obsessive–compulsive disorder in clozapine-treated schizophrenia
Authors: Morgenroth Carla Lou , Kleymann Philipp , Ripke Stephan , Awasthi Swapnil , Wagner Elias , Oviedo-Salcedo Tatiana , Okhuijsen-Pfeifer Cynthia , Luykx Jurjen J. , van der Horst Marte Z. , Hasan Alkomiet , Bermpohl Felix , Gutwinski Stefan , Schreiter Stefanie
Published: April 2023

Obsessive–compulsive symptoms (OCS) are frequently observed in individuals with schizophrenia (SCZ) treated with clozapine (CLZ). This study aimed to analyze prevalence of OCS and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) in this subgroup and find possible correlations with different phenotypes. Additionally, this is the first study to examine polygenetic risk scores (PRS) in individuals with SCZ and OCS. A multicenter cohort of 91 individuals with SCZ who were treated with CLZ was recruited and clinically and genetically assessed. Symptom severity was examined using the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS), Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI), the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF) and Yale–Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS). Participants were divided into subgroups based on phenotypic OCS or OCD using Y-BOCS scores. Genomic-wide data were generated, and PRS analyses were performed to evaluate the association between either phenotypic OCD or OCS severity and genotype-predicted predisposition for OCD, SCZ, cross-disorder, and CLZ/norclozapine (NorCLZ) ratio, CLZ metabolism and NorCLZ metabolism. OCS and OCD were frequent comorbidities in our sample of CLZ-treated SCZ individuals, with a prevalence of 39.6% and 27.5%, respectively. Furthermore, the Y-BOCS total score correlated positively with the duration of CLZ treatment in years (r = 0.28; p = 0.008) and the PANSS general psychopathology subscale score (r = 0.23; p = 0.028). A significant correlation was found between OCD occurrence and PRS for CLZ metabolism. We found no correlation between OCS severity and PRS for CLZ metabolism. We found no correlation for either OCD or OCS and PRS for OCD, cross-disorder, SCZ, CLZ/NorCLZ ratio or NorCLZ metabolism. Our study was able to replicate previous findings on clinical characteristics of CLZ-treated SCZ individuals. OCS is a frequent comorbidity in this cohort and is correlated with CLZ treatment duration in years and PANSS general psychopathology subscale score. We found a correlation between OCD and PRS for CLZ metabolism, which should be interpreted as incidental for now. Future research is necessary to replicate significant findings and to assess possible genetic predisposition of CLZ-treated individuals with SCZ to OCS/OCD. Limitations attributed to the small sample size or the inclusion of subjects on co-medication must be considered. If the association between OCD and PRS for CLZ metabolism can be replicated, it should be further evaluated if CYP1A2 alteration, respectively lower CLZ plasma level, is relevant for OCD development.
Distribution and pattern of hand fractures in children and adolescents
Authors: Arneitz Christoph , Bartik Claudia , Weitzer Claus-Uwe , Schmidt Barbara , Gasparella Paolo , Tschauner Sebastian , Castellani Christoph , Till Holger , Singer Georg
Published: April 2023

Hand fractures represent commonly encountered injuries in pediatric patients. However, due to modern means of mobility and product safety, the occurrence and distribution of these fractures have changed during the last decades. Therefore, it was the aim of this study to present an update of the epidemiology, pattern, and treatment of hand fractures in a large pediatric cohort. All patients aged between 0 and 17 years treated in our Department in 2019 with fractures of the phalanges, metacarpus, or carpus were included. The medical records were reviewed for age, gender, injury mechanism, fracture localization, season, and treatment. Patients were divided into three different age groups (0–5, 6–12, and 13–17 years). A total of 731 patients with 761 hand fractures were treated during the 1-year study period. The mean age was 11.1 ± 3.5 years, and the majority was male (65%). Male patients were significantly older compared to female patients (p = 0.008). Also, 78.7% of the fractures affected the phalanges, 17.6% the metacarpals, and 3.7% the carpal bones. The proximal phalanges were the most commonly fractured bones (41.5%). Patients with fractures of the carpus were significantly older compared to children sustaining fractures of the metacarpus or phalangeal bones (p < 0.001). Sixteen percent of our patients were treated surgically; these patients were significantly older compared to conservatively treated patients (p = 0.011).

  Conclusion: The epidemiology, mechanisms of injury, distribution, and treatment of hand fractures significantly varies among different age groups. This knowledge is of importance for educational purposes of younger colleagues entrusted with care of children and adolescents as well as development of effective prevention strategies.

What is Known:• Pediatric hand fractures represent the second most common fractures in children.• The epidemiology of pediatric hand fractures has changed during the last decades and therefore there is a need for an update regarding distribution and epidemiology of pediatric hand fractures.

What is New:• In this retrospective cohort study, 761 pediatric hand fractures of 731 patients were analyzed in detail.• The main mechanisms of younger patients were entrapment injuries, older children most commonly sustained their fractures due to ball sport injuries. There was an increasing rate of metacarpal and carpal fractures with increasing age, and these fractures had to be treated operatively more often than phalangeal fractures.
No difference in mobile and fixed bearing partial knee arthroplasty in octogenarians: a clinical trial
Authors: D’Ambrosi Riccardo , Valli Federico , Nuara Alessandro , Mariani Ilaria , Di Feo Fabrizio , Ursino Nicola , Formica Matteo , Mangiavini Laura , Hantes Michael , Migliorini Filippo
Published: April 2023

Background

A clinical trial comparing MB (mobile-bearing) versus FB (fixed-bearing) in medial partial knee arthroplasty (PKA) in octagenarians has been conducted. The focus of the present study was on PROMs, range of motion (ROM), implant positioning and implants survivorship. The hypothesis of the present study was that MB implants performed better than FB in PKA in octogenarians.

Methods

The first group received FB PKA-PPK®; the second received MB PKA-Oxford. Patients were not randomly allocated. The following PROMs were administered at T0 (pre-operatively), T1 (1 year after surgery), and T2 (3 years after surgery): visual analogue scale (VAS), Knee Society Score (KSS) and Oxford Knee Score (OKS). Data regarding the implant survivorship and ROM were also collected. Furthermore, the following radiographic parameters were measured: Femoral component varus/valgus; Tibial component varus/valgus; Anteroposterior slope.

Results

At T0, 28 patients were included in the FB and 33 in the MB group. The surgical time was shorter in the FB group (p < 0.001). No difference between FB and MB in ROM, VAS, KSS, and OKS at each follow-up (p > 0.05). No difference was found in implant positioning (p > 0.05). At last follow-up, FB group reported three failures caused by aseptic loosening. Four failures were observed in the MB cohort: two for bearing dislocation and two for aseptic loosening. The Kaplan–Meier Curve found no differences in implant survivorship.

Conclusions

According to the main findings of the present clinical trial, MB implants performed similar to FB in PKA in octogenarians. The FB group demonstrated shorted surgical time. No difference was found in patient reported outcome measures, ROM, implant positioning, and survivorship.

Level of evidence

Level II, prospective study.
Fatigue, sleepiness and sleep quality are SARS-CoV-2 variant independent in patients with long COVID symptoms
Authors: Percze Anna Reka , Nagy Alexandra , Polivka Lorinc , Barczi Eniko , Czaller Ibolya , Kovats Zsuzsanna , Varga Janos Tamas , Ballai Judit H. , Muller Veronika , Horvath Gabor
Published: April 2023

Acute infections with SARS-CoV-2 variants of concerns (VOCs) differ in clinical presentation. Discrepancies in their long-term sequelae, commonly referred to as long COVID, however, remain to be explored. We retrospectively analyzed data of 287 patients presented at the post-COVID care of the Pulmonology Department, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary, and infected with SARS-CoV-2 during a period of 3 major epidemic waves in Hungary (February–July 2021, VOC: B.1.1.7, Alpha, N = 135; August–December 2021, VOC: B.1.617.2, Delta, N = 89; and January–June 2022, VOC: B.1.1.529, Omicron; N = 63), > 4 weeks after acute COVID-19. Overall, the ratio of long COVID symptomatic (LC) and asymptomatic (NS) patients was 2:1. Self-reported questionnaires on fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale, FSS), sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale, ESS) and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI) showed higher scores for LC (4.79 ± 0.12, 7.45 ± 0.33 and 7.46 ± 0.27, respectively) than NS patients (2.85 ± 0.16, 5.23 ± 0.32 and 4.26 ± 0.29, respectively; p < 0.05 for all vs. LC). By comparing data of the three waves, mean FSS and PSQI scores of LC patients, but not ESS scores, exceeded the normal range in all, with no significant inter-wave differences. Considering FSS ≥ 4 and PSQI > 5 cutoff values, LC patients commonly exhibited problematic fatigue (≥ 70%) and poor sleep quality (> 60%) in all three waves. Comparative analysis of PSQI component scores of LC patients identified no significant differences between the three waves. Our findings highlight the importance of concerted efforts to manage both fatigue and sleep disturbances in long COVID patient care. This multifaceted approach should be followed in all cases infected with either VOCs of SARS-CoV-2.
A Study of Abraham’s Effective Hydrogen Bond Acidity and Polarity/Polarizability Parameters, A and S, Using Computationally Derived Molecular Properties
Authors: Waghorne Earle
Published: April 2023

Abraham’s hydrogen bond donor and polarity/polarizability parameters, A and S, respectively, are correlated with molecular properties derived from computational chemistry. The analyses show that A, like Kamlet and Taaft’s α, correlates only with the charge on the most positive hydrogen atom of the molecule but that there are marked steric effects. In contrast, S correlates with the molecular dipole moment, the partial charge on the most negative atom in the molecule and with the polarizability of single ring aromatic compounds but not those of aliphatic compounds. These results are compared with those for corresponding Kamlet and Taft parameters, α and π* and Reichardt’s ET(30) and discussed in terms of the experimental methods used to determine the parameters.
Like Father, Like Son: Empirical Insights into the Intergenerational Continuity of Masculinity Ideology
Authors: Perales Francisco , Kuskoff Ella , Flood Michael , King Tania
Published: April 2023

Scholarly work and public commentary point to the persistence of masculinity models characterized by a sense of entitlement, the exertion of dominance, and the justification of abusive behaviors. While there is abundant theoretical work on men and masculinities, fewer empirical studies have examined how young men develop their masculine ideals. In this study, we theorize the role of fathers’ adherence to masculinity ideology in influencing the development of young men’s masculine ideals. We then provide novel empirical evidence on intergenerational congruence between fathers’ and sons’ masculinities using unique data from an Australian national probability survey. Our results reveal moderate, positive associations between fathers’ and sons’ adherence to masculinity ideology. This pattern holds for an overall measure of masculinity, as well as for each of its subscales. Fathers’ religiosity amplified the magnitude of the intergenerational correlation. These findings suggest that interventions aimed at encouraging the development of healthy masculinities amongst young men should engage their paternal figures.
Solar Electron Beam Velocities That Grow Langmuir Waves in the Inner Heliosphere
Authors: Lorfing Camille Y. , Reid Hamish A. S.
Published: April 2023

Solar accelerated electron beams, a component of space weather, are emitted by eruptive events at the Sun. They interact with the ambient plasma to grow Langmuir waves, which subsequently produce radio emission, changing the electrons’ motion through space. Solar electron beam–plasma interactions are simulated using a quasilinear approach to kinetic theory to probe the variations in the maximum electron velocity [$\Xi $
Ξ
] responsible for Langmuir wave growth between the Sun’s surface and 50 R⊙ above the surface. We find that it peaks at 5 R⊙ at 0.38 c and decreases as $r^{-0.5}$

r

−
0.5

to 0.16 c at 50 R⊙. The role of the initial beam density [$n_{\mathrm{beam}}$

n
beam

] and velocity spectral index [$\alpha $
α
] on the energy density of the beam and $\Xi $
Ξ
is extensively studied. We show that a high spectral index yields a lower $\Xi $
Ξ
, while a high $n_{\mathrm{beam}}$

n
beam

yields a higher $\Xi $
Ξ
, and vice versa. We observe at different energy channels that below 60 keV, electrons arrive up to 0.75 minutes earlier than expected at 13 R⊙ while higher energy electrons propagate scatter free in the plasma. A special focus on the associated Type III radio burst shows that the energy range [$\Delta E$
Δ
E
] of electrons producing Langmuir waves evolves from 7 keV to 1 keV between 0 and 28 R⊙. Understanding the transport effect on the electron beam kinetics and arrival time at Earth has space weather implications. The results of this simulation can be tested against readily available in-situ data from Solar Orbiter and Parker Solar Probe.
Heat and Mass Transfer in Hygroscopic Porous Media: Consequences of Invoking Tóth’s Sorption Isotherm
Authors: Thorpe Graham
Published: April 2023

The thermal performance of ventilated beds of hygroscopic porous media depends strongly on the sorption properties of the solid phase. Furthermore, the published literature shows that the predicted performance of ventilated beds of hygroscopic porous media is extremely sensitive to the form and accuracy of the sorption isotherm. This is particularly apparent under idealized conditions when thermodynamic equilibrium is deemed to exist between the solid and fluid phases. When Tóth’s isotherm is invoked in an equilibrium model used to analyse the performance of a bed of initially warm and dry silica gel ventilated with cool, humid air, it is predicted that a shock wave develops downstream of air entering the bed. In contrast, it is shown that non-equilibrium solutions result in a transfer wave, the width of which decreases as the velocity of the interstitial air decreases. The Tóth isotherm gives rise to erroneous values of the integral heat of wetting of silica gel. Previously published studies of simultaneous heat and mass transfer in beds of hygroscopic materials refer to conceptual difficulties in interpreting the results, and some published mathematical analyses are somewhat terse. A secondary aim of this work is to assuage these difficulties by detailing the analyses in Supplementary Information.
P2Y11/IL-1 receptor crosstalk controls macrophage inflammation: a novel target for anti-inflammatory strategies?
Authors: Klaver Dominik , Thurnher Martin
Published: April 2023

Although first cloning of the human ATP receptor P2Y11 was successful 25 years ago, the exact downstream signaling pathways of P2Y11 receptor, which can couple to Gq and Gs proteins, have remained unclear. Especially the lack of rodent models as well as the limited availability of antibodies and pharmacological tools have hampered examination of P2Y11 expression and function. Many meaningful observations related to P2Y11 have been made in primary immune cells, indicating that P2Y11 receptors are important regulators of inflammation and cell migration, also by controlling mitochondrial activity. Our recent studies have shown that P2Y11 is upregulated during macrophage development and activates signaling through IL-1 receptor, which is well known for its ability to direct inflammatory and migratory processes. This review summarizes the results of the first transcriptomic and secretomic analyses of both, ectopic and native P2Y11 receptors, and discusses how P2Y11 crosstalk with the IL-1 receptor may govern anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic processes in human M2 macrophages.
Maximizing projects’ profitability, environmental score, and quality: a multi-project scheduling and material ordering problem
Authors: Habibi Farhad , Chakrabortty Ripon Kumar , Abbasi Alireza
Published: April 2023

The proper trade-off between various project costs is often disregarded when planning projects. This leads to several detrimental effects, such as inaccurate planning and higher total cost, far more significant in a multi-project environment. To overcome this limitation, this study proposes a combined approach for the multi-project scheduling and material ordering problem (MPSMOP), which maintains the proper trade-off among various costs. Moreover, the environmental impact and project quality objectives are optimized alongside the economic criterion. The proposed methodology involves three stages: (a) quantifying the environmental performance of suppliers; (b) measuring the activities’ quality through the Construction Quality Assessment System approach; and (c) building and solving the mathematical model of the MPSMOP. The MPSMOP is modeled as a tri-objective optimization approach aiming to determine project scheduling and material ordering decisions so that the net present value, environmental score, and total quality of implemented projects are maximized simultaneously. As the proposed model comes into the nondeterministic polynomial optimization problem category, two powerful metaheuristics are customized and used to solve the problem. The efficiency of both algorithms was assessed on several datasets. The proposed framework is applied to railway construction projects in Iran as a case study, which presents the validity of the model and the decision-making options provided to managers.
Source apportionment of PM10 and health risk assessment related in a narrow tropical valley. Study case: Metropolitan area of Aburrá Valley (Colombia)
Authors: Ramos-Contreras Carlos , Piñeiro-Iglesias María , Concha-Graña Estefanía , Sánchez-Piñero Joel , Moreda-Piñeiro Jorge , Franco-Uría Amaya , López-Mahía Purificación , Molina-Pérez Francisco , Muniategui-Lorenzo Soledad
Published: April 2023

This study investigates spatio-temporal variations of PM10 mass concentrations and associated metal(oid)s, δ13C carbon isotope ratios, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), total organic carbon (TOC) and equivalent black carbon (eBC) concentrations over a half year period (from March 2017 to October 2017) in two residential areas of Medellín (MED-1 and MED-2) and Itagüí municipality (ITA-1 and ITA-2) at a tropical narrow valley (Aburrá Valley, Colombia), where few data are available. A total of 104 samples were analysed by using validated analytical methodologies, providing valuable data for PM10 chemical characterisation. Metal(oid)s concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after acid digestion, and PAHs concentrations were measured by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) after Pressurised Hot Water Extraction (PHWE) and Membrane Assisted Solvent Extraction (MASE). Mean PM10 mass concentration ranged from 37.0 µg m−3 to 45.7 µg m−3 in ITA-2 and MED-2 sites, respectively. Al, Ca, Mg and Na (from 6249 ng m−3 for Mg at MED-1 site to 10,506 ng m−3 for Ca at MED-2 site) were the major elements in PM10 samples, whilst As, Be, Bi, Co, Cs, Li, Ni, Sb, Se, Tl and V were found at trace levels (< 5.4 ng m−3). Benzo[g,h,i] perylene (BghiP), benzo[b + j]fluoranthene (BbjF) and indene(1,2,3-c,d)pyrene (IcdP) were the most profuse PAHs in PM10 samples, with average concentrations of 0.82–0.86, 0.60–0.78 and 0.47–0.58 ng m−3, respectively. Results observed in the four sampling sites showed a similar dispersion pattern of pollutants, with temporal fluctuations which seems to be associated to the meteorology of the valley. A PM source apportionment study were carried out by using the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model, pointing to re-suspended dust, combustion processes, quarry activity and secondary aerosols as PM10 sources in the study area. Among them, combustion was the major PM10 contribution (accounting from 32.1 to 32.9% in ITA-1 and ITA-2, respectively), followed by secondary aerosols (accounting for 13.2% and 23.3% ITA-1 and MED-1, respectively). Finally, a moderate carcinogenic risk was observed for PM10-bound PAHs exposure via inhalation, whereas significant carcinogenic risk was estimated for carcinogenic metal(oid)s exposure in the area during the sampling period.
Pest thrips do not set field margins aside: preferred wildflowers sustain pest Frankliniella spp. (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) and their migration in commercial strawberry
Authors: Canovas Morgane , Guay Jean-Frederic , Fournier Valerie , Cloutier Conrad
Published: April 2023

Wildflowers in uncultivated field margin are important resources supporting both pest and non-pest thrips populations in agroecosystems. Environmental factors related to wildflowers have never been used as predictors to model pest thrips density in adjacent crops. Wild and cultivated flowers were sampled in strawberry field agroecosystem in Orléans Island, near Quebec City, Canada. Pest flower thripsFrankliniella intonsaandF. triticihad a wide wildflower host range, with preferences towardLeucanthemum vulgare,Trifolium pratense,Sonchus asper, andCichorium intybus. Regression modeling revealed significant positive relationships between pest thrips density on specific wildflowers (Vicia cracca,Sinapis arvensis,S. asper,C. intybus,L. vulgare) and their density in strawberry flowers. Furthermore, thrips density within the crop decreased with distance from uncultivated field margin. Regarding crop management, knowing the associations between thrips pests and preferred wild flora as well as their spatial distribution in strawberry fields is an undeniable advantage.
Dental age estimation: development and testing of a reference data set for Qatari children, adolescents, and young adults aged between 5 and 25 years
Authors: Al-Obaidli Noof , Al-Hashimi Najat , Lucas Victoria S. , Roberts Graham
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this study is to establish and test a reference data set of dental development of Qatari subjects aged between 5 and 25 years. Radiographs of individuals aged between 5 and 25 years were re-used to establish a reference data set (RDS). A scheme comprising 8 tooth development stages (TDS) was used to assess all the teeth on the left side of the maxilla and mandible. The accuracy of dental age estimation (DAE) was tested with a separate sample of radiographs – the validation sample (VS) comprised 50 females and 50 males of known chronological age (CA). Dental panoramic tomographs (DPT) of 1,597 Qataris were assessed. The summary data for the individual TDS comprising the number (n-tds), mean ($$\overline{\mathrm{x} }$$

x
¯

-tds), standard deviation (sd-tds), 0th%-ile (the minimum), 25th%-ile, 50th%-ile (the median), 75th%-ile, and 100th%-ile (the maximum) were used to estimate the age of the VS subjects using the simple average method (SAM). There is a significant difference in dental age of 4.8 months in the female group when compared to the CA. The difference in the male group is 4.5 months. This shows similar differences to assessments of other ancestral or ethnic groups.
Long-time follow-up of patients with untreated peripheral T cell lymphoma following chidamide combined with cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, vindesine, prednisone, and etoposide therapy: a single-center propensity score-matching study
Authors: Wei Chong , Zhao Danqing , Zhang Yan , Wang Wei , Zhou Daobin , Zhang Wei
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This is a retrospective, single-center PSM study evaluating the efficacy and safety of chidamide combined with the CHOEP (C-CHOEP) regimen versus the single CHOEP regimen in patients with untreated peripheral T cell lymphomas (PTCL).

Patients

Patients newly diagnosed with PTCL between January 2015 and June 2021 were recruited, and were 1:1 divided into C-CHOEP and CHOEP groups according to their first-line chemotherapy regimens. The PSM method was used to match the baseline variables to balance the confounding factors.

Results

A cohort of 33 patients each in the C-CHOEP and CHOEP groups was generated after propensity score-matching (PSM). The complete remission (CR) rates of the C-CHOEP regimen were higher than that of the CHOEP regimen (56.3 vs. 25.8%, p = 0.014), whereas the duration of response of the C-CHOEP group was shorter (median DOR 30 vs. 57 months), resulting in roughly similar progression-free survival (PFS) and (overall survival) OS between the two groups. The responding patients who received chidamide maintenance therapy showed a trend of superior PFS and OS compared with patients who did not receive maintenance therapy.

Conclusions

The C-CHOEP regimen was well tolerated but failed to show advantages over the CHOEP regimen in patients with untreated PTCL; however, the chidamide maintenance may contribute to a more durable response and stable long-term survival.
Concealed Canyons Delineation and Depositional Elements Analysis Applying a Multidisciplinary Geological and Geophysical Approach: A Case Study of the Pliocene Turbidites, West El-Burullus Area, Offshore Nile Delta, Egypt
Authors: Saleh Ahmed H. , Ghoneimi Ashraf , El-Sadany Mahmoud , Nabih Muhammad
Published: April 2023

A detailed geological-depositional model and a clear understanding of the depositional elements of reservoirs decrease the drilling risks in the development of oil and gas fields. Building an effective geological model is a challenge in West El-Burullus (WEB) area because of its complicated reservoir, which consists of turbidite incised canyons system of Pliocene shales intercalated with sands. These canyons have occurred due to turbidity currents associated with the basin slope forming Kafr El-Sheikh Formation. Deducting the geological-depositional model and basins architecture is carried out utilizing the integration of seismic geomorphology, seismic facies analysis, sequence stratigraphy, and petrophysical analysis. The available datasets comprise a 3D seismic cube and logs of the WEB-1 well. Analyses of these data revealed various lithological facies relations and their paleo-depositional environments. This study demonstrated that Kafr El-Sheik Formation comprises a third-order sequence of turbidite units in-filling a canyon named WEB canyon with five sedimentary facies components: basal lobe through the incised old canyon, amalgamated channels fill, followed by splays, lobes, levees either proximal or distal facies, then the last plugged channels. Time–frequency spectral decomposition of time slices at the base and the top of the WEB canyon assisted the description of the litho-morphological and facies distribution of the concealed Kafr El-Sheikh Formation turbidity incisions and recognized reservoir trending and the canyon fairway. The turbidity facies with high reservoir quality was found in the overbank sedimentary distribution channels such as proximal levees and splays that reflected good to excellent petrophysical reservoir characteristics.
Smart Utilities IoT-Based Data Collection Scheduling
Authors: Sayed Heba Allah , Said Adel Mounir , Ibrahim Ashraf William
Published: April 2023

The Internet of Things is an ecosystem that connects billions of smart devices, meters, and sensors. These devices and sensors collect and share data for use and evaluation by organizations in different industry sectors. Humans may use the IoT to live and work more intelligently and gain total control over their lives. Consequently, IoT can be used to connect devices and integrate them with new digital technologies for customers. On the other hand, smart utility companies in the electric, gas, and water sectors need to deliver services more efficiently and analyze their operations in a way that can help optimize performance, detect growing problems in real time, and initiate fixes to avoid unplanned service interruptions. Building actual smart metering networks is costly and time-consuming. Therefore, in this paper, a new Smart Utilities Traffic Scheduling Algorithm (SUTSA) is proposed. To minimize the system complexity, the model is based on narrowband power line communication, in which a wired hidden network sends data across power lines. A simulation is performed using OPNET Modeler 14.5 to evaluate the proposed model. The results proved that the proposed model is highly scalable and achieves full network-bandwidth utilization in different situations based on different application requirements.
Subjektives Wohlbefinden von Einsatzkräften im Rettungsdienst mit unterschiedlichem arbeitsbezogenem Verhaltens- und Erlebensmuster
Authors: Löffler Christiane , Schumann Heiko , Schürmann Jutta , Lux Anke , Böckelmann Irina
Published: April 2023

Hintergrund

Im Rettungsdienst (RD) sind psychische Belastungen im Arbeitsalltag im besonderen Maße vertreten. Für einen umfassenden Blick auf die mentale Gesundheit und um Gesundheitsbeeinträchtigungen durch arbeitsbezogene Belastungen zu erkennen, ist das Wohlbefinden eine wichtige Größe. In dieser Befragung sollten Zusammenhänge zwischen subjektivem Wohlbefinden und dem arbeitsbezogenen Verhaltens- und Erlebensmuster untersucht werden. Ziel war es, Interventionsbereiche für die Gesundheitsförderung aufzuzeigen und einen Beitrag zur Primärprävention im RD zu leisten.

Methodik

In einer Online-Umfrage wurden 508 Einsatzkräfte im RD befragt. Das Durchschnittsalter der teilnehmenden Personen betrug 32,8 ± 9,16 Jahre. Mit Hilfe des AVEM-Fragebogens (arbeitsbezogenes Verhaltens- und Erlebensmuster) konnten 381 der befragten Einsatzkräfte einem der 4 AVEM-Muster (A, B, G und S) und 127 (25,5 %) keinem Muster zugeordnet werden. Anhand dieser Eingruppierung wurden Unterschiede in der Ausprägung des Wohlbefindens mit dem WHO-5-Fragebogen analysiert.

Ergebnisse

In der Gesamtstichprobe ergab sich für mehr als 83,9 % (426) der befragten Personen ein gutes subjektives Wohlbefinden. Es ließen sich jedoch signifikante Unterschiede zwischen dem subjektiven Wohlbefinden der 4 AVEM-Muster nachweisen. Hierbei gaben besonders Einsatzkräfte mit dem gesundheitsförderlichen Muster G signifikant besseres Wohlbefinden an, als solche mit gesundheitsbeeinträchtigenden Musterausprägungen (B und A). Persönliche Eigenschaften wie das Alter und Dienstjahre zeigten keine signifikanten Zusammenhänge zum Wohlbefinden.

Diskussion

In der Betrachtung der Zusammenhänge des subjektiven Wohlbefindens mit den AVEM-Muster-Ausprägungen der befragten Personen ergaben sich deutliche Interventionsbereiche für die Gesundheitsförderung bei den Risikomustern A und B.
Social Networking Site Use, Personality, User Habit, and Subjective Wellbeing: A Kazakhstani Pilot Study
Authors: Mahmood Monowar , Uddin Md. Aftab , Hwang Ha Jin , Ostrovskiy Alexandr , Orazalin Nurlan , Griffiths Mark D.
Published: April 2023

Considering the prevalence and increased use of online social networking sites (SNSs), the present study investigated the association between visiting SNSs and users’ subjective wellbeing. Data were collected from 251 participants and were analyzed using partial least square-based structural equation modeling. The findings showed that there was no significant direct influence of SNS use on users’ subjective wellbeing. Additionally, the study found a significant mediating influence of passion on the association between SNS visits and subjective wellbeing. Moreover, the study did not find any significant negative mediating impact of obsession with SNS visits and association with subjective wellbeing. Among various personality traits, openness to experience had a positive moderating impact and neuroticism had a negative moderating impact on the association between SNS visits and subjective wellbeing among SNS users. The study provides implications for managers and parents regarding improved SNS use and increased subjective wellbeing.
Exploring the bioactivity of a novel pine wood distillate (PWD) for plant growth and protection
Authors: Giannini Vittoria , Moro Gabriele , Marche Maria Giovanna , Hamze Rim , Ruiu Luca
Published: April 2023

Exploiting plants by-product properties for combined crop growth regulation and pest management could represent a strategy for a more sustainable agriculture. The present study investigated the potential activity (at different product concentrations) of a novel pine wood distillate (PWD) obtained as an industrial by-product, on multiple targets in the agroecosystem. In the weed species, Sylibum marianum, PWD stimulated a more than twofold increase of seed germination and seedling development, while it was able to inhibit by up to 70% the growth of the soil-borne plant pathogen Fusarium culmorum on durum wheat seedlings. PWD was also able to induce behavioural changes in mature females of the fruit fly Ceratitis capitata, with a significant reduction in the visit and oviposition rate on treated orange fruits (53% and 62% less, respectively). Analysis of PWD chemical composition suggested a role of phenolic compounds in the observed species-specific effects. Taken together, these results support a multivalent exploitation of wood distillates in the management of important crops of the Mediterranean area, aligning with both circular economy and environmental protection principles.Please confirm if the author names are presented accurately and in the correct sequence (given name, middle name/initial, family name). Author 3 Given name: [Maria Giovanna] Last name [Marche]. Also, kindly confirm the details in the metadata are correct.Yes, it is correct
Prosecutors, Voters and the Criminalization of Corruption in Latin America
Authors: Gonzalez-Ocantos Ezequiel A. , Chirinos Paula Muñoz , Pavão Nara , Hidalgo Viviana Baraybar
Published: April 2023

Lava Jato, a transnational bribery case that started in Brazil and spread throughout Latin America, upended elections and collapsed governments. Why did the investigation gain momentum in some countries but not others? The book traces reforms that enhanced prosecutors' capacity to combat white-collar crime and shows that Lava Jato became a full-blown anti-corruption crusade where reforms were coupled with the creation of aggressive taskforces. For some, prosecutors' unconventional methods were necessary and justified. Others saw dangerous affronts to due process and democracy. Given these controversies, how did voters react to a once-in-a-generation attempt to clean politics? Can prosecutors trigger hope, conveying a message of possible regeneration? Or does aggressive prosecution erode the tacit consensus around the merits of anti-corruption? Prosecutors, Voters and The Criminalization of Corruption in Latin America is a study of the impact of accountability through criminalization, one that dissects the drivers and dilemmas of resolute transparency efforts.
A generalization of Kruskal’s theorem on tensor decomposition
Authors: Lovitz Benjamin , Petrov Fedor
Published: April 2023

Kruskal’s theorem states that a sum of product tensors constitutes a unique tensor rank decomposition if the so-called k-ranks of the product tensors are large. We prove a ‘splitting theorem’ for sets of product tensors, in which the k-rank condition of Kruskal’s theorem is weakened to the standard notion of rank, and the conclusion of uniqueness is relaxed to the statement that the set of product tensors splits (i.e., is disconnected as a matroid). Our splitting theorem implies a generalization of Kruskal’s theorem. While several extensions of Kruskal’s theorem are already present in the literature, all of these use Kruskal’s original permutation lemma and hence still cannot certify uniqueness when the k-ranks are below a certain threshold. Our generalization uses a completely new proof technique, contains many of these extensions and can certify uniqueness below this threshold. We obtain several other useful results on tensor decompositions as consequences of our splitting theorem. We prove sharp lower bounds on tensor rank and Waring rank, which extend Sylvester’s matrix rank inequality to tensors. We also prove novel uniqueness results for nonrank tensor decompositions.
State of the art of participatory and user-led research in mental health in Brazil: A scoping review
Authors: Florence Ana Carolina , Bocalini Mateus , Cabrini Daniela , Tanzi Rita , Funaro Melissa , Jordan Gerald , Davidson Larry , Drake Robert , Montenegro Cristian , Yasui Silvio
Published: April 2023

Participatory research denotes the engagement and meaningful involvement of the community of interest across multiple stages of investigation, from design to data collection, analysis, and publication. Traditionally, people with first-hand experience of psychiatric diagnoses, service users, and those living with a psychosocial disability have been seen objects rather than agents of research and knowledge production, despite the ethical and practical benefits of their involvement. The state of the art of knowledge about participatory research in mental health Brazil is poorly understood outside of its local context. The purpose of this article was to conduct a scoping review of participatory and user-led research in mental health in Brazil. We identified 20 articles that met eligibility criteria. Participation in research was not treated as separate from participation in shaping mental health policy, driving care, or the broader right to fully participate in societal life and enjoy social and civil rights. Studies identified several obstacles to full participation, including the biomedical model, primacy of academic and scientific knowledge, and systemic barriers. Our extraction, charting, and synthesis yielded four themes: power, knowledge, autonomy, and empowerment. Participation in this context must address the intersecting vulnerabilities experienced by those who are both Brazilian and labeled as having a mental illness. Participatory research and Global South leadership must foreground local epistemologies that can contribute to the global debate about participation and mental health research.
Convergence for the fractional p-Laplacian and its application to the extended Nirenberg problem
Authors: Zhao Zhiwen
Published: April 2023

The main objective of this paper is to establish the convergence for the fractional $p$-Laplacian of sequences of nonnegative functions with $p>2$. Furthermore, we show the blow-up phenomena for solutions to the extended Nirenberg problem modelled by fractional $p$-Laplacian with the prescribed negative functions.
Dual Evolutionary Foundations of Political Ideology Predict Divergent Responses to COVID-19
Authors: Fischer Kyle , Chaudhuri Ananish , Atkinson Quentin D.
Published: April 2023

Political conservatives' opposition to COVID-19 restrictions is puzzling given the well-documented links between conservatism and conformity, threat sensitivity, and pathogen aversion. We propose a resolution based on the Dual Foundations Theory of ideology, which holds that ideology comprises two dimensions, one reflecting trade-offs between threat-driven conformity and individualism, and another reflecting trade-offs between empathy-driven cooperation and competition. We test predictions derived from this theory in a UK sample using individuals' responses to COVID-19 and widely-used measures of the two dimensions – ‘right-wing authoritarianism’ (RWA) and ‘social dominance orientation’ (SDO), respectively. Consistent with our predictions, we show that RWA, but not SDO, increased following the pandemic and that high-RWA conservatives do display more concerned, conformist, pro-lockdown attitudes, while high-SDO conservatives display less empathic, cooperative attitudes and are anti-lockdown. This helps explain paradoxical prior results and highlights how a focus on unidimensional ideology can mask divergent motives across the ideological landscape.
Regenerative agriculture v. conservation agriculture: potential effects on soil quality, crop productivity and whole-farm economics in Mediterranean-climate regions
Authors: Musto G. A. , Swanepoel P. A. , Strauss J. A.
Published: April 2023

Small-grain farming systems in Mediterranean climatic regions are characterized by poor quality soils, high climate variability, and resulting heavy agrochemical reliance. The adoption of Conservation Agriculture, based on minimum tillage, permanent soil cover, and crop rotations, has improved soil quality, enhanced crop productivity, and help mitigate financial risk. However, emerging issues that threaten sustainability, such as herbicide resistance, inputs costs rising disproportionately to product prices, and increasing climate variability and unpredictability, drive the need for innovation in small-grain Mediterranean-based CA systems. The aim of the review was to evaluate a set of agroecological practices which constitute a Regenerative Agriculture (RA) concept, for their potential to address these challenges from a soil quality, crop productivity and whole-farm economics perspective. Organic soil amendments derived from agro-wastes, offer promising perspectives for supplying appropriate quantities of nutrients to reduce or replace mineral fertilisers and offset their economic and agroecological costs. Although the viability of microbial bioeffectors in small-grain agroecosystems was largely under question, non-microbial bioeffectors and certain combination options represent more efficient and cost-effective uses of this technology. Their widely reported abiotic stress priming functions and crop productivity enhancement under poor growing conditions may improve yield stability and financial resilience in small-grain Mediterranean CA systems. Finally, multi-species cover crops subjected to adaptive multi-paddock (AMP) grazing as a phase within the crop rotation may reduce weed pressure, enhance soil multi-functionality, and resilience against environmental stresses. To validate the potential of these technologies in Mediterranean small-grain systems, more long-term and context-specific research is called for.
Options Trading and Stock Price Informativeness
Authors: Cao Jie , Goyal Amit , Ke Sai , Zhan Xintong
Published: April 2023

We document the causal effects of single-name options trading on the absolute level of information content of prices (stock price informativeness) by exploiting the Penny Pilot Program as an exogenous shock to options trading volume. We find that options trading increases underlying stock price informativeness and information acquisition by both option and stock investors, consistent with the framework of Goldstein and Yang (2015). The findings are driven by firms for which options are more important sources of information and firms with more efficiently priced options. Options market introduction in a sample of 25 other economies also leads to higher price informativeness.