bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies to enhance physical activity in people with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Delphi survey
Authors: Thomas Rachel , Berry Alice , Swales Caroline , Cramp Fiona
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Managing symptoms, resisting functional decline and maintaining health and independence are key motivators for people with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) who successfully engage with physical activity (PA). To inform PA support for people with RA the aim was to determine whether the broader RA population share similar beliefs and strategies regarding PA to those who report successful engagement.

Methods

A modified two‐stage Delphi approach. 200 patients from four National Health Service rheumatology departments received a postal questionnaire containing statements relating to engagement with PA derived from prior interview data from physically active individuals with RA. Statements rated as agree or strongly agree by >50% of respondents were retained and the same respondents asked to rate and prioritize potential PA intervention components.

Ethical approval: Oxford C Research Ethics Committee (ref 13/SC/0418).

Results

Questionnaire one received 49 responses (11 males, 37 females, 1 unknown), mean age 65 years (range 29–82). Low levels of PA were reported by 60% of respondents. Questionnaire two responses (n = 36) indicated that a PA intervention should include information about prevention of RA symptoms worsening and benefits of PA for joints; help participants to achieve improved pain management and a feeling of being in control of their RA. For PA maintenance it was important that medication controlled symptoms, and PA instructors understood RA to ensure safety.

Conclusions

A key factor to consider when designing a PA intervention for people with RA is that education from a knowledgeable instructor should underpin programme delivery alongside effective medication. Programmes may need tailoring based on demographics; this should be explored in future studies.
Is adiposity associated with white matter microstructural health and intelligence differently in males and females?
Authors: Patel Arjun , Chad Jordan A. , Chen J. Jean
Published: March 2023

Objective

The role of vascular risk factors in age‐related brain degeneration has long been the subject of intense study, but the role of obesity remains understudied. Given known sex differences in fat storage and usage, this study investigates sex differences in the association between adiposity and white matter microstructural integrity, an important early marker of brain degeneration.

Methods

This study assesses the associations between adiposity (abdominal fat ratio and liver proton density fat fraction) and brain health (measures of intelligence and white matter microstructure using diffusion‐tensor imaging [DTI]) in a group of UK Biobank participants.

Results

This study finds that intelligence and DTI metrics are indeed associated with adiposity differently in males and females. These sex differences are distinct from those in the associations of DTI metrics with age and blood pressure.

Conclusions

Taken together, these findings suggest that there are inherent sex‐driven differences in how brain health is associated with obesity.
Tracheal Mirror Image Artifact in Patients With Normal and Pathologic Tracheas
Authors: Nicholas Grace E. , Dahl John P. , Otjen Jeffrey P. , Richardson Clare M.
Published: March 2023

Ultrasonography is gaining popularity as a diagnostic imaging modality for airway pathology. Tracheal ultrasound (US) has several nuances that are important for clinicians, including imaging artifacts, which can be mistaken for pathology. Tracheal mirror image artifacts (TMIAs) occur when the US beam is reflected back to the transducer in a nonliner direction or with multiple timesteps. It has previously been believed that the convexity of the tracheal cartilage prevents mirror image artifacts, but in reality, the air column acts as an acoustic mirror and causes TMIA. We describe a cohort of patients with both normal and pathologic tracheas, all of whom have TMIA on the tracheal US. These artifacts are important to recognize, especially as the airway US becomes more commonplace.
Analysis of an Expanded Targeted Early Cytomegalovirus Testing Program
Authors: Suarez Daniel , Nielson Christopher , McVicar Stephanie B. , Sidesinger Max , Ostrander Betsy , O'Brien Elizabeth , Ampofo Krow , Ling Con Y. , Miner Lonnie J. , Park Albert H.
Published: March 2023

Objective

Determine the detection rate from an expanded targeted early cytomegalovirus (CMV) testing program implemented from a large healthcare system (Intermountain Healthcare, IHC).

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Setting

Tertiary medical center.

Methods

An electronic system was modified to include indications for testing whenever a provider placed an order for CMV testing. A retrospective analysis of this database was performed.

Results

From March 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022, there were 3450 (8.8%) patients who underwent CMV testing out of 39,245 total live births within the IHC system. Since the formal implementation of this program in 2019, annual CMV testing has increased almost 10‐fold: 2668 CMV tests were performed in 2021 compared to 289 CMV tests in 2015. The most frequent indication for congenital CMV (cCMV) testing was small for gestational age (SGA) (68.2%), followed by macrocephaly (13.5%), an abnormal hearing test (5.0%), and microcephaly (4.4%). Fourteen cCMV‐infected infants were diagnosed all of them meeting the criteria for symptomatic cCMV. The most common indication resulting in a positive diagnosis was those who presented with SGA (n = 10 patients). The positivity rate would result in a prevalence of 35.7 symptomatic cCMV cases diagnosed per 100,000 live births, numbers comparable to those expected for universal cCMV screening.

Conclusion

An expanded targeted early cCMV testing program may improve detection rates of symptomatic cCMV cases and should be considered as a feasible alternative approach to universal or hearing‐targeted early CMV testing.
Quality of life of early‐stage breast‐cancer patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 in the first three waves of the epidemic treated in the Spanish region of Navarre
Authors: Arraras Juan Ignacio , Illarramendi Jose Juan , Manterola Ana , Cruz Susana de la , Zarandona Uxue , Ibañez Berta , Salgado Esteban , Visus Ignacio , Barrado Marta , Teijeira Lucia , Martinez Enrique , Vera Ruth
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To describe the Quality of Life (QOL) of breast‐cancer patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 and analyse its evolution, compare the QOL of these patients according to the COVID‐19 wave in which they were diagnosed, and examine the clinical and demographic determinants of QOL.

Methods

A total of 260 patients with breast cancer (90.8% I‐III stages) and COVID‐19 (85% light/moderate) were included (February‐September 2021) in this study. Most patients were receiving anticancer treatment (mainly hormonotherapy). Patients were grouped according to the date of COVID‐19 diagnosis: first wave (March‐May 2020, 85 patients), second wave (June‐December 2020, 107 patients) and third wave (January‐September 2021, 68 patients). Quality of Life was assessed 10 months, 7 months, and 2 weeks after these dates, respectively. Patients completed QLQ‐C30, QLQ‐BR45, and Oslo COVID‐19 QLQ‐PW80 twice over four months. Patients ≥65 also completed QLQ‐ELD14. The QOL of each group and changes in QOL for the whole sample were compared (non‐parametric tests). Multivariate logistic regression identified patient characteristics related to (1) low global QOL and (2) changes in Global QOL between assessments.

Results

Moderate limitations (>30 points) appeared in the first assessment in Global QOL, sexual scales, three QLQ‐ELD14 scales, and 13 symptoms and emotional COVID‐19 areas. Differences between the COVID‐19 groups appeared in two QLQ‐C30 areas and four QLQ‐BR45 areas. Quality of Life improvements between assessments appeared in six QLQ‐C30, four QLQ‐BR45 and 18 COVID‐19 questionnaire areas. The best multivariate model to explain global QOL combined emotional functioning, fatigue, endocrine treatment, gastrointestinal symptoms, and targeted therapy (R2 = 0.393). The best model to explain changes in global QOL combined physical and emotional functioning, malaise, and sore eyes (R2 = 0.575).

Conclusions

Patients with breast cancer and COVID‐19 adapted well to illness. The few differences between wave‐based groups (differences in follow‐up notwithstanding) may have arisen because the second and third waves saw fewer COVID restrictions, more positive COVID information, and more vaccinated patients.
Cooperative multiple elastic‐joint arms control using the (p, q)‐analogue of Bernstein operators as the uncertainty approximator
Authors: Bayat Karim , Izadbakhsh Alireza
Published: March 2023

This paper presents the position‐force tracking control problem of cooperative multiple elastic‐joint robotic arms, encountering model nonlinearities, unknown perturbations, and dynamic uncertainties. To this mean, an adaptive function approximation technique (FAT) is proposed, authorizing the reference trajectory to be tracked by the object. This potential originates from the universal approximation feature of the FAT‐based methodologies. The (p,q)‐analogue of the Bernstein operators is utilized for this purpose. Since the systems' parameters are not precisely known, adaptive laws are employed for adjusting the uncertainty coefficients. The Lyapunov stability theorem assures that all signals in the error space remain uniformly ultimately bounded (UUB). In the end, two elastic‐joint arms carrying a rigid object are utilized for validation of the theoretical outcomes. The suggested strategy is also compared to the Chebyshev neural network (CNN). The results show the benefit of the existing method, managing the system even in the presence of disturbances and uncertainties with lower tuning parameters compared with CNN.
Earthquakes as a natural occurrence and disaster: A qualitative research from the perspective of chaos theory
Authors: Yildiz Eyyüp , Bostan Sedat
Published: March 2023

A concept that inspired social sciences as well as many other fields of science was developed from chaos theory. Disaster researchers are also trying to approach, understand, explain and manage disasters with this new concept. However, it has been observed that studies investigating disasters from this perspective do not focus on disaster sources. With this starting point, in this research, the chaotic factors that prepare the disaster formation were investigated with the example of earthquake. The study was carried out with the qualitative method. Data were collected by semi‐structured online interview. Participants were selected by purposive sampling method. The interview data obtained from a total of 10 participants were managed with the MAQXDA 2018 software package using the traditional content analysis method. All codes were classified into three themes and 11 categories. According to the findings, earthquakes can be dealt with in three different chaotic periods: a natural event, a natural event that turns into a disaster, and disaster response and recovery. Future research is recommended to explain the dynamics of occurrence of other disasters such as floods, storms, explosions, and epidemics. It is recommended that disaster management practitioners integrate the chaos management approach into disaster management. With this, it is hoped that disaster management will shift from a linear, bureaucratic, command‐control approach to a community‐based, flexible, continuous planning approach in which even the smallest occurrences are carefully monitored.
Simultaneous nitrogen removal via heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic denitrification by a novel Lysinibacillus fusiformis B301
Authors: Wu Shiqi , Lv Na , Zhou Yu , Li Xiufen
Published: March 2023

Simultaneous nitrogen removal via heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic denitrification (HN‐AD) has received widespread attention in biological treatment of wastewater. This study reported a novel Lysinibacillus fusiformis B301 strain, which effectively removed nitrogenous pollutants via HN‐AD in one aerobic reactor with no nitrite accumulated. It exhibited the optimal nitrogen removal efficiency under 30°C, citrate as the carbon source and C/N ratio of 15. The maximum nitrogen removal rates were up to 2.11 mgNH4+‐N/(L·h), 1.62 mgNO3−‐N/(L·h), and 1.41 mgNO2−‐N/(L·h), respectively, when ammonium, nitrate, and nitrite were employed as the only nitrogen source under aerobic conditions. Ammonium nitrogen was preferentially consumed via HN‐AD in the coexistence of three nitrogen species, and the removal efficiencies of total nitrogen were up to 94.26%. Nitrogen balance analysis suggested that 83.25% of ammonium was converted to gaseous nitrogen. The HD‐AD pathway catalyzed by L. fusiformis B301 followed
, supported by the results of key denitrifying enzymatic activities.

Practitioner Points

The novel Lysinibacillus fusiformis B301 exhibited the outstanding HN‐AD ability.

The novel Lysinibacillus fusiformis B301 simultaneously removed multiple nitrogen species.

No nitrite accumulated during the HN‐AD process.

Five key denitrifying enzymes were involved in the HN‐AD process.

Ammonium nitrogen (83.25%) was converted to gaseous nitrogen by the novel strain.
Mathematical modeling and statistical approach in tannery wastewater treatment
Authors: Sundaram Meenachi , Sengodan Kandasamy , Arumugam Sukantha
Published: March 2023

The present work investigated the feasibility of photo‐oxidation process for the removal of oil and chemical oxygen demand (COD) in Indian tannery wastewater with the support of mathematical modeling and statistical approach. The influence of process variables such as nano‐catalyst dose and reaction time was analyzed on the removal of oil/grease and COD. The obtained results are discussed using the response surface methodology (RSM) design in detail. Zinc oxide nanoparticles prepared from Eclipta prostrata plant leaves and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). COD removal of 93.6% and oil and grease removal of 90% in 35 min using 3 mg/L nanoparticle dosage were recommended as an optimum condition in photo‐oxidation process.

Practitioner Points

The structure and surface morphology of zinc oxide nanoparticles in spherical shape was confirmed by the SEM with EDX and XRD analysis.

Response surface methodology (RSM) with Box–Behnken design (BBD) combination was explained the effect of different parameters on COD and oil and grease removal.

The treatment of photo‐oxidation process showed chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal of 93.6% and coil and grease removal of 90% in 35 min using mg/L nanoparticle dosage.

The obtained result showed that photo oxidation of green synthesized zinc oxide nanocatalyst was found to be an effective method for tannery wastewater.
Presence of immunogenic alternatively spliced insulin gene product in human pancreatic delta cells
Authors: van Tienhoven René , Kracht Maria J. L. , van der Slik Arno R. , Thomaidou Sofia , Wolters Anouk H. G. , Giepmans Ben N. G. , Riojas Juan Pablo Romero , Nelson Michael S. , Carlotti Françoise , de Koning Eelco J. P. , Hoeben Rob C. , Zaldumbide Arnaud , Roep Bart O.
Published: March 2023

Aims/hypothesis

Transcriptome analyses revealed insulin-gene-derived transcripts in non-beta endocrine islet cells. We studied alternative splicing of human INS mRNA in pancreatic islets.

Methods

Alternative splicing of insulin pre-mRNA was determined by PCR analysis performed on human islet RNA and single-cell RNA-seq analysis. Antisera were generated to detect insulin variants in human pancreatic tissue using immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy and single-cell western blot to confirm the expression of insulin variants. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activation was determined by MIP-1β release.

Results

We identified an alternatively spliced INS product. This variant encodes the complete insulin signal peptide and B chain and an alternative C-terminus that largely overlaps with a previously identified defective ribosomal product of INS. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the translation product of this INS-derived splice transcript was detectable in somatostatin-producing delta cells but not in beta cells; this was confirmed by light and electron microscopy. Expression of this alternatively spliced INS product activated preproinsulin-specific CTLs in vitro. The exclusive presence of this alternatively spliced INS product in delta cells may be explained by its clearance from beta cells by insulin-degrading enzyme capturing its insulin B chain fragment and a lack of insulin-degrading enzyme expression in delta cells.

Conclusions/interpretation

Our data demonstrate that delta cells can express an INS product derived from alternative splicing, containing both the diabetogenic insulin signal peptide and B chain, in their secretory granules. We propose that this alternative INS product may play a role in islet autoimmunity and pathology, as well as endocrine or paracrine function or islet development and endocrine destiny, and transdifferentiation between endocrine cells. INS promoter activity is not confined to beta cells and should be used with care when assigning beta cell identity and selectivity.

Data availability

The full EM dataset is available via www.nanotomy.org (for review: http://www.nanotomy.org/OA/Tienhoven2021SUB/6126-368/). Single-cell RNA-seq data was made available by Segerstolpe et al [13] and can be found at https://sandberglab.se/pancreas. The RNA and protein sequence of INS-splice was uploaded to GenBank (BankIt2546444 INS-splice OM489474).

Graphical abstract
Differential diagnosis of lymphoma with 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients with fever of unknown origin accompanied by lymphadenopathy
Authors: Chen Jia , Xu Dong , Sun Wen-Jin , Wang Wen-Xia , Xie Na-Na , Ruan Qiu-Rong , Song Jian-Xin
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To investigate the value of 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) in the differential diagnosis of lymphoma in patients with fever of unknown origin (FUO) accompanied by lymphadenopathy and to develop a simple scoring system to distinguish lymphoma from other etiologies.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted on patients with classic FUO accompanied by lymphadenopathy. After standard diagnostic procedures, including PET/CT scan and lymph-node biopsy, 163 patients were enrolled and divided into lymphoma and benign groups according to the etiology. The diagnostic utility of PET/CT imaging was evaluated, and beneficial parameters that could improve diagnostic effectiveness were identified.

Results

The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of PET/CT in diagnosing lymphoma in patients with FUO accompanied by lymphadenopathy were 81.0, 47.6, 59.3, and 72.7%, respectively. The lymphoma prediction model combining high SUVmax of the “hottest” lesion, high SUVmax of the retroperitoneal lymph nodes, old age, low platelet count, and low ESR had an area under the curve of 0.93 (0.89–0.97), a sensitivity of 84.8%, a specificity of 92.9%, a PPV of 91.8%, and an NPV of 86.7%. There was a lower probability of lymphoma for patients with a score < 4 points.

Conclusions

PET/CT scans show moderate sensitivity and low specificity in diagnosing lymphoma in patients with FUO accompanied by lymphadenopathy. The scoring system based on PET/CT and clinical parameters performs well in differentiating lymphoma and benign causes and can be used as a reliable noninvasive tool.

Registration number

This study on FUO was registered on http://www.clinicaltrials.gov on January 14, 2014, with registration number NCT02035670.
Fake news, misinformation, disinformation and supply chain risks and disruptions: risk management and resilience using blockchain
Authors: Petratos Pythagoras N. , Faccia Alessio
Published: March 2023

Fake news, misinformation and disinformation have significantly increased over the past years, and they have a profound effect on societies and supply chains. This paper examines the relationship of information risks with supply chain disruptions and proposes blockchain applications and strategies to mitigate and manage them. We critically review the literature of SCRM and SCRES and find that information flows and risks are relatively attracting less attention. We contribute by suggesting that information integrates other flows, processes and operations, and it is an overarching theme that is essential in every part of the supply chain. Based on related studies we create a theoretical framework that incorporates fake news, misinformation and disinformation. To our knowledge, this is a first attempt to combine types of misleading information and SCRM/SCRES. We find that fake news, misinformation and disinformation can be amplified and cause larger supply chain disruptions, especially when they are exogenous and intentional. Finally, we present both theoretical and practical applications of blockchain technology to supply chain and find support that blockchain can actually advance risk management and resilience of supply chains. Cooperation and information sharing are effective strategies.
Preventive and Remedial Actions in Corporate Reporting Among “Addiction Industries”: Legitimacy, Effectiveness and Hypocrisy Perception
Authors: Acuti Diletta , Bellucci Marco , Manetti Giacomo
Published: March 2023

The adoption and reporting of CSR policies have important ethical and managerial implications that need scrutiny. This study answers the call of CSR scholars for further studies in controversial sectors by focusing on the voluntary reporting practices of companies that market products or services that generate addiction among consumers. It contributes to the debate on organizational legitimacy and corporate reporting by empirically analyzing whether and how corporations in the tobacco, alcohol and gambling industries disclose their CSR actions and what reactions such disclosures generate in stakeholders. Drawing on legitimacy theory and organizational façades, we apply a consequent mixed-methods design (initiation approach) built on (i) a content analysis of reports prepared by a large set of companies listed on the European, British, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand stock exchanges and (ii) an experiment on how different actions taken by the companies (preventive vs. remedial) elicit different perceptions of company hypocrisy and action effectiveness. While previous analyses have focused on “sin” or “harm” industries, this is one of the first to assess how companies account for “addiction”, which is more difficult for them to report and legitimate due to long-term negative consequences. This study contributes to the literature on the instrumental use of CSR reporting by empirically investigating how addiction companies shape their organizational façades and manage organizational legitimacy through disclosure. Moreover, the experimental evidence advances the knowledge of how cognitive mechanisms influence stakeholders in terms of legitimacy assessment and the perceived hypocrisy/effectiveness of CSR disclosure.
Which Space for Fathers’ Mentalizing? A Systematic Review on Paternal Reflective Functioning, Mind-Mindedness and Insightfulness
Authors: Charpentier Mora Simone , Bastianoni Chiara , Pederzolli Marianna , Rospo Federico , Cavanna Donatella , Bizzi Fabiola
Published: March 2023

Over the past twenty years research interest has been focused on deepening the role of parental mentalizing. Nevertheless, few studies have specifically addressed the role played by fathers’ mentalizing. This systematic review aims to bridge this gap by offering an exploration of paternal mentalizing within attachment theory considering three different operationalizations: Reflective Functioning, Parental Insightfulness and Mind-Mindedness. Starting from this, the main goals of this systematic review are: (1) to show the effect of paternal mentalizing on child’s outcomes or paternal role within the family system, (2) to increase research exchange between different theoretical frameworks, enhancing the knowledge of the mentalization construct, (3) to explore under-researched areas and implications for research and clinical practice. PsycInfo, PsycArticle, Web Of Science, Scopus, Medline, PubMed and EMBASE were systematically searched for articles published until February 7, 2021. In total, 6311 studies were considered for the systematic review; of these, thirty-six met the inclusion criteria. The included studies were subsequently split on the basis of the specific mentalizing operationalization. Overall, the data showed significant associations between paternal mentalizing and both fathers’ parenting features and variables related to the paternal broader functioning within the family context. This systematic review also confirms the role of fathers’ mentalizing processes in relation to paternal features and child’s outcomes. In conclusion, further studies aimed at examining paternal mentalizing specific influences, exploring the causal pathways related to paternal mentalizing and investigating the relationship between different mentalizing dimensions and their diverse effects are recommended.
Development and production of a CNC machined 420 stainless steel reinforced with Cu by hot pressing
Authors: Cunha A. , Pinto J. , Cerqueira M. F. , Silva F. S. , Trindade B. , Carvalho O.
Published: March 2023

Multi-material structures make it possible to obtain effective solutions to engineering problems by combining the benefits of different materials to meet the requirements of different working conditions. The aim of this multifunctional 420 stainless steel-copper structure is to create a hybrid solution in which copper acts as heat-transfer enhancer (through cooling channels) while maintaining the required mechanical properties of the steel matrix. This work focuses on a combined engineering process consisting of CNC machining through holes on a 420 stainless steel surface substrate and subsequent filling with copper by hot pressing. The influence of the copper filling on the physical, chemical, microstructural, mechanical, and thermal properties of this multi-material solution was analysed. The machined area (5% of the total surface area) consisted of nine holes with a diameter of approximately 1 mm. The multi-material samples showed high densification, homogeneous microstructures, and a well-defined and sharp interface between the two materials. The microhardness values measured for the 420 stainless steel and copper were 759 and 57 HV, respectively, and the thermal conductivity of the multi-material was ≅ 59% higher than the 420 stainless steel (39.74 and 16.40 W/m K, respectively).
Herman Berendsen, an Unforgettable Man
Authors: Schoot Uiterkamp Anton J. M.
Published: March 2023

My memories of professor Herman Berendsen cover roughly two periods during which I had many contacts with him. Between 1966 and 1973 I was his MSc student and later his PhD student in the Department of Biophysical Chemistry at the University of Groningen. The second period started in 1991 when I returned to the University of Groningen as a professor of environmental sciences.
Micro-mapping of terrestrial gamma radiation dose rate in typical urban homes in Miri City (Sarawak, Malaysia)
Authors: Dodge-Wan Dominique , Viswanathan Prasanna Mohan , Seow Sheng Qin
Published: March 2023

Micro-mapping of terrestrial gamma radiation dose (TGRD) at meter grid spacing in and around four urban homes in Miri City shows rates ranging from 70 to 150 nGy/h. Tiled surfaces (floors and walls) vary between properties and have a clear and significant influence on TGRD which is highest in kitchens, washrooms and toilets. Application of a single indoor value for annual effective dose (AED) may lead to underestimations of up to 30%. The AED is unlikely to exceed 0.8 mSv in homes of this type in Miri, which is within recommended guidelines.
Systematic review of the management of brain metastases from hormone receptor positive breast cancer
Authors: Jusino Shirley , Fadul Camilo E. , Dillon Patrick
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Brain metastases are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with breast cancer. Local central nervous system (CNS) directed therapies are usually the first line treatment for breast cancer brain metastases (BCBM), but those must be followed by systemic therapies to achieve long-term benefit. Systemic therapy for hormone receptor (HR+) breast cancer has evolved in the last 10 years, but their role when brain metastases occur is uncertain.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of the literature focused on management of HR+ BCBM by searching Medline/PubMed, EBSCO, and Cochrane databases. The PRISMA guidelines were used for systematic review.

Results

Out of 807 articles identified, 98 fulfilled the inclusion criteria in their relevance to the management of HR+ BCBM.

Conclusions

Similar to brain metastases from other neoplasms, local CNS directed therapies are the first line treatment for HR+ BCBM. Although the quality of evidence is low, after local therapies, our review supports the combination of targeted and endocrine therapies for both CNS and systemic management. Upon exhaustion of targeted/endocrine therapies, case series and retrospective reports suggest that certain chemotherapy agents are active against HR+ BCBM. Early phase clinical trials for HR+ BCBM are ongoing, but there is a need for prospective randomized trials to guide management and improve patients’ outcome.
COVID-19 und Lebererkrankungen
Authors: Schmid Stephan , Kandulski Arne , Müller-Schilling Martina
Published: March 2023

Bis zu 53 % der PatientInnen mit Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) weisen eine hepatische Beteiligung auf. Durch die Expression der Hauptzielstruktur für „severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2“ (SARS-CoV-2), des Angiotensin-converting-Enzym-2(ACE2)-Rezeptors, auch auf Cholangiozyten, sinusoidalen Endothelzellen und Hepatozyten kann es zu einer direkten Schädigung der Leber kommen. Ferner spielt eine indirekte (nicht durch Rezeptoren vermittelte) Schädigung der Leber im Rahmen von COVID-19 durch eine schwere systemische Inflammation mit Zytokinsturm, hepatischen Thrombosen und einer systemischen Hypoxie eine wichtige Rolle. Bei COVID-19 gelten Leberwerte als wichtige Prädiktoren für die Prognose der PatientInnen. Wichtig ist es hierbei Differenzialdiagnosen für die Leberwerterhöhung, wie andere Virusinfektionen, medikamentös-toxisch induzierte Leberschädigung sowie autoimmune, metabolische und andere Lebererkrankungen, abzuklären. Von hoher klinischer Relevanz für die Behandlung kritisch kranker PatientInnen auf der Intensivstation ist das Krankheitsbild der „secondary sclerosing cholangitis in critically ill patients“ (SSC-CIP). Hierfür sind unter anderem hochdosierte Katecholamine, eine Beatmung mit hohem positivem endexspiratorischem Druck (PEEP) und die extrakorporale Membranoxygenierung (ECMO) Risikofaktoren. Eine frühe Diagnose dieser Erkrankung und Behandlung mittels interventioneller endoskopischer retrograder Cholangiographie (ERC) ist hierbei von entscheidender Bedeutung. Auch sollte eine Lebertransplantation evaluiert werden. Bei einer COVID-19-Erkrankung treten Fälle mit SSC, sog. COVID-SSC, auf. Die COVID-SSC und die SSC-CIP sind im klinischen Phänotyp, Risikofaktoren, Prognose und transplantatfreien Überleben vergleichbar. PatientInnen mit vorbestehender Lebererkrankung haben kein erhöhtes Risiko für eine Infektion mit SARS-CoV‑2, erkranken jedoch schwerer an COVID-19 als PatientInnen ohne Lebervorerkrankungen. Bei PatientInnen mit einer vorbestehenden Leberzirrhose kann eine SARS-CoV-2-Infektion ein akut-auf-chronisches Leberversagen (ACLF) induzieren. Hierbei handelt es sich um ein Krankheitsbild mit einer sehr hohen Mortalität, das im Rahmen einer intensivmedizinischen Behandlung therapiert werden muss.
Mechanistic Insight into the role of Vitamin D and Zinc in Modulating Immunity Against COVID-19: A View from an Immunological Standpoint
Authors: Ahsan Nuzhat , Imran Mohammad , Mohammed Yousuf , Al Anouti Fatme , Khan Mohammad Idreesh , Banerjee Tanushree , Adnan Mohd , Ashfaq Fauzia , Kieliszek Marek , Ashraf Syed Amir , Haq Afrozul
Published: March 2023

The pathophysiology of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is characterized by worsened inflammation because of weakened immunity, causing the infiltration of immune cells, followed by necrosis. Consequently, these pathophysiological changes may lead to a life-threatening decline in perfusion due to hyperplasia of the lungs, instigating severe pneumonia, and causing fatalities. Additionally, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can cause mortality due to viral septic shock, resulting from unrestrained and backfiring immune reactions to the pathogen. Sepsis can cause premature organ failure in COVID-19 patients, as well. Notably, vitamin D and its derivatives and minerals, such as zinc and magnesium, have been reported to improve the immune system against respiratory illnesses. This comprehensive review aims to provide updated mechanistic details of vitamin D and zinc as immunomodulators. Additionally, this review also focuses on their role in respiratory illnesses, while specifically delineating the plausibility of employing them as a preventive and therapeutic agent against current and future pandemics from an immunological perspective. Furthermore, this comprehensive review will attract the attention of health professionals, nutritionists, pharmaceuticals, and scientific communities, as it encourages the use of such micronutrients for therapeutic purposes, as well as promoting their health benefits for a healthy lifestyle and wellbeing.
Ervaringen en ondersteuningsbehoeften van leefstijlcoaches in het gebruik van digitale coachingsmiddelen bij cliënten met overgewicht
Authors: Bak Monique , Bossen Daniël , Braam Katja , Holla Jasmijn , Visser Bart , Dallinga Joan
Published: March 2023

Samenvatting

Inleiding

De helft van de volwassen Nederlanders heeft matig tot ernstig overgewicht. De gecombineerde leefstijlinterventie begeleidt mensen met overgewicht naar een gezonde leefstijl. Naast fysieke contactmomenten kunnen digitale coachingsmiddelen ingezet worden om cliënten op afstand te begeleiden. In de praktijk blijkt dat digitale toepassingen nog niet ten volle worden benut. Om het gebruik te stimuleren is inzicht nodig in de ervaringen en ondersteuningsbehoeften van leefstijlcoaches ten aanzien van de inzet van digitale technologie.

Methode

Met één vragenlijst en twee focusgroepgesprekken zijn data verzameld over het gebruik, de wensen en ondersteuningsbehoeften rond het inzetten van digitale coachingsmiddelen bij leefstijlcoaches. De vragenlijsten zijn descriptief geanalyseerd en de focusgroepgesprekken zijn thematisch geanalyseerd.

Resultaten

Uit de vragenlijstresultaten (N = 79) en de focusgroepgesprekken (N = 10) bleek dat leefstijlcoaches vooral ervaring hebben opgedaan met videobellen, applicaties en online informatie. Ze gaven aan dat digitale coaching de zelfredzaamheid van hun cliënten ondersteunt. Online groepsbegeleiding wordt als minder effectief ervaren dan fysieke groepssessies, omdat er weinig interactie tussen cliënten plaatsvindt. Ook ervaren leefstijlcoaches praktische barrières bij het gebruik. Ze hebben behoefte aan uitwisseling van ervaringen met collega’s, scholing en instructies over de manier waarop digitale coachingsmiddelen ingezet kunnen worden.

Conclusie

Leefstijlcoaches achten digitale coachingsmiddelen van toegevoegde waarde bij de individuele begeleiding van hun cliënten. Het wegnemen van praktische barrières en het faciliteren van uitwisseling en scholing kunnen een ruimere inzet van digitale coachingsmiddelen stimuleren.
Meta-reinforcement learning for edge caching in vehicular networks
Authors: Sakr Hebatullah , Elsabrouty Maha
Published: March 2023

Content caching to local repositories closer to the user can significantly improve the utilization of the backbone network, reduce latency, and improve reliability. Nevertheless, proactive caching in fast varying environments, especially in vehicular networks has many challenges including the change of the popularity of data with time as well as the changing popularity due to the change of requesting vehicles associated with the roadside units (RSUs). Learning techniques, especially reinforcement learning (RL), play a significant role in caching. Nevertheless, faster adaptation to reach the optimal policy with the dynamic nature of vehicular caching is still highly needed. In this paper, we propose a meta-reinforcement learning (Meta-RL) algorithm for proactive caching and caching replacement techniques based on model agnostic meta-learning (MAML) that can learn and adapt to new tasks faster and can improve the overall hit rate. Simulation results show that the proposed meta-RL algorithm improves the efficiency of the content caching system and provides faster convergence. The proposed meta-RL exhibits a particularly superior performance in the case of changing popularity of cached data.
Optimization of the grinding trajectory of the engine piston skirt robot based on machine vision
Authors: Lu Na , Wang Youmin , Li Jun
Published: March 2023

In this study, we establish the monocular vision system of the grinding path, complete the calibration experiment, automatically extract the grinding path type value points of the engine piston skirt, use the edge detection operator to detect the contour of the grinding path, and use Harris corner point detection to obtain the pixel coordinates of the grinding path type value points, in this study, the robot trajectory planning method and its evaluation criteria are proposed, the trajectory planning under joint space is carried out for the data points, and simulation experiments are conducted, the time-optimal trajectory optimization model is established, the kinematic constraints are imposed on each joint, and the time-optimal trajectory optimization of the grinding trajectory is carried out based on five-order B-spline trajectory planning with the improved particle swarm algorithm, and the optimal trajectory is obtained, and the robot running time is reduced by The optimal trajectory is obtained, and the robot running time is reduced by 3.186 s, which verifies the effectiveness of the new algorithm for grinding path time optimization.
Numerical investigation of nanofluid heat transfer in the wall cooling panels of an electric arc steelmaking furnace
Authors: Babadi Soultanzadeh Milad , Haratian Mojtaba , Mehmandoust Babak , Moradi Alireza
Published: March 2023

Wall cooling panels are typically a kind of electric arc furnace equipment that has precisely influence on different aspects of the steelmaking process. This investigation employs a CFD method to evaluate the thermal performance of water cooling panels in real operating conditions to validate the numerical method followed by replacing cooling water with Al2O3/Water nanofluid coolant. The results are revealed that the high rate of receiving heat flux and generated vortexes with low-velocity cores lead to hot spots inducing on bends and elbows. In the operating flow rate, the maximum temperature of the hot-side wall decrease by 14.4% through increasing the nanoparticle concentration up to 5%, where the difference between maximum temperature and average temperature on the hot-side decrease to 12 degrees. According to the results, use of nanofluid coolant is a promising method to fade the hot spots out on the hot-side and gifting a lower and smoother temperature distribution on the panel walls of thereby prolonging the usage period of panels.
Evaluation of the ‘take time to think’ safer gambling message: a randomised, online experimental study
Authors: Newall Philip W. S. , Hayes Ty , Singmann Henrik , Weiss-Cohen Leonardo , Ludvig Elliot A. , Walasek Lukasz
Published: March 2023

In October 2021, a majority of the UK gambling industry implemented a new UK safer gambling message, ‘take time to think’, which features on gambling advertising and websites. An effective safer gambling message could plausibly affect several relevant gambling behaviours, with previous research suggesting that message effectiveness is maximised via messages that are displayed prominently immediately prior to gambling. We experimentally tested this message's effect on four contemporaneous gambling behaviours (the proportion of available funds bet, clicks for help service information, the mean speed of play, and the total number of roulette spins made) in an incentivised online roulette game in a sample of UK-based online gamblers. Participants (n = 2,305) were randomly allocated to either (a) ‘no-message’ control, (b) ‘message’ shown throughout the condition or (c) a ‘message+’ condition, where the message was shown throughout and also via a popup immediately prior to the roulette game. Overall, the results showed no credible effects across the four outcome measures when comparing either of the message conditions to the no-message control. Even the prominent display of the ‘take time to think’ message did not lead to credible beneficial effects on a range of contemporaneous gambling behaviours.
Cronología, tecnología y subsistencia de los cazadores-recolectores de mediados del Holoceno medio (ca. 8000-5500 cal aP) en la cuenca superior del Río Loa (Puna de Atacama, Andes centro sur)
Authors: De Souza Patricio , Cartajena Isabel , Kowler Andrew
Published: March 2023

Se presentan los resultados de las investigaciones llevadas a cabo en dos sitios del Holoceno medio ubicados en la cuenca superior del Río Loa (norte de Chile), conocidos como Alero Huiculunche y Corte de La Damiana. Los trabajos desarrollados incluyeron excavaciones estratigráficas, obtención y análisis de dataciones radiocarbónicas y análisis del material lítico y arqueofaunístico recuperado. Las dataciones obtenidas hicieron posible desarrollar un modelo cronológico bayesiano, el que permite definir los límites temporales más probables de ocupación para cada asentamiento y para sus unidades estratigráficas. La ocupación de Alero Huiculunche se muestra más temprana que en Corte de La Damiana, si bien el modelo revela alta probabilidad de una coexistencia breve entre las poblaciones de ambos sitios. Los análisis líticos y arqueofaunísticos sugieren que se trata en ambos casos de campamentos base de ocupación reiterada pero posiblemente intermitente, con ocupaciones menos intensas y/o recurrentes en Alero Huiculunche en relación con Corte de La Damiana. El conjunto de evidencias apunta a la existencia de un proceso de intensificación económica creciente entre aproximadamente 8000 y 5500 cal aP, el cual decanta en un sistema de asentamiento de mayor estabilidad y densidad ocupacional, en especial a partir de 6500 cal aP.
Juvenile hormone identification in the cabbage bug Eurydema rugosa
Authors: Kodama Aya , Matsumoto Keiji , Shinada Tetsuro , Goto Shin G.
Published: March 2023

Juvenile hormone (JH) plays a pivotal role in almost every aspect of insect development and reproduction. The chemical structure of the JH in heteropteran species has long remained elusive until methyl (2R,3S,10R)-2,3;10,11-bisepoxyfarnesoate, commonly named as juvenile hormone III skipped bisepoxide (JHSB3), was isolated from Plautia stali (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae). Recently, several groups reported the presence of JHSB3 in other heteropteran species. However, most of the studies paid no attention to the determination of the relative and absolute structure of the JH. In this study, we investigated the JH of the cabbage bug Eurydema rugosa (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), known as a pest for wild and cultivated crucifers. JHSB3 was detected in the hexane extract from the corpus allatum (CA) product using a chiral ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS) which can inform the absolute stereochemistry of the JH. Its stereoisomers were not detected. Topical application of the synthetic JHSB3 to the last instar nymphs inhibited their metamorphosis and induced nymphal-type colouration of the dorsal abdomen in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, the topical application of JHSB3 effectively terminated summer and winter diapauses in females. These results indicate that the JH of E. rugosa is JHSB3. Although individuals in summer and winter diapauses are physiologically distinct in E. rugosa, the results suggest that the physiological differences between these diapauses are based, not on the responsiveness to JH, but on the processes governing activation of the CA or on its upstream cascades.
Biofilm expression and antimicrobial resistance patterns ofStreptococcus uberisisolated from milk samples of dairy cows in South Africa
Authors: Magagula Sabelo , Petzer Inge-Mariè , Famuyide Ibukun Michael , Karzis Joanne
Published: March 2023

The research described in this Research Communication addresses the hypothesis that intramammary infections withStreptococcus uberis(S. uberis) are associated with biofilm formation, which limits antibiotic efficacy. This retrospective study investigated biofilm expression and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns of 172S. uberisinfections. Isolates were recovered from milk samples of subclinical, clinical, and intramammary infection cases on 30 commercial dairy herds. We determined the presence and intensity of biofilm expression ofS. uberisisolates in vitro in three somatic cell count categories to recognise their AMR patterns. An automated minimum inhibitory concentration system with a commercially available panel of 23 antimicrobial agents evaluated AMR, while biofilm determination was conducted using a microplate method. The study established that all theS. uberisisolates assessed expressed biofilm with the following varying degrees of intensities: 30 (17.8%) strong, 59 (34.9%) medium and 80 (47.3%) weak biofilms. The newly registered UBAC mastitis vaccine containing biofilm adhesion components may, therefore, be a viable option for proactive mastitis management under field conditions. No differences were identified between biofilm intensity and the three somatic cell count groups. MostS. uberisisolates indicated a high-level sensitivity to the antimicrobial agents tested. Resistances were present in 8.7, 8.1 and 7.0% cases to rifampin, minocycline and tetracycline, respectively. Multidrug resistance was observed in 6.4%, emphasising AMR to antibiotics used in human medicine only. The low overall resistance suggests that farmers adhere to the prudent use of antimicrobials in the dairy industry.
La promesse face à la peur: de nouveau Mc 16. 8b
Authors: Rastoin Marc
Published: March 2023

The ending of Mark, ‘And they (the women) said nothing to anyone for they were afraid’ (16.8) is one of the most famous cruxes in the New Testament. Could the author really have intended to complete the gospel in such a way? Building on a suggestion made by Joel Marcus and Benoit Standaert, this article defends the hypothesis that Mark is deliberately making a reference to Genesis 18.15 LXX. The same rare expression ἐφοβήθη γάρ which has the verb ‘to be afraid’ followed by the preposition γάρ, appears in a comparable context. In both cases, one or more women are presented by God or his messengers with what could appear to be an unlikely promise and a radical impossibility: the birth of a child in old age or the resurrection of a dead person. While presenting a critique of S. Hultgren's recent proposal that Dn 10 is the background of Mark, the approach here is to add an argument based on a scriptural allusion, which Mark was perfectly capable of making, in support of the now predominant view, but still with many critics, that the writer fully intended to end his gospel with 16.8b.