bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pilotprojekt zum „Praktikum der Berufsfelderkundung“ im Zahnmedizinstudium mit Fokus auf den Erwerb kommunikativer Kompetenzen
Authors: Grote Uta , Wenz Hans-Jürgen , Gutman Ariel-Salomon , Hertrampf Katrin
Published: November 2023

Hintergrund

Die neue zahnärztliche Approbationsordnung sieht ein Berufsfeldpraktikum vor, um den Studierenden einen ersten umfassenden Einblick in ihr späteres Berufsfeld zu geben. Verortung, Umsetzung und Bewertung sind nicht festgelegt und können innerhalb der universitären Zahnmedizin oder in Kooperation mit zahnärztlichen Praxen erfolgen. Die Kieler Zahnklinik entschied, ein Konzept für eine 2‑wöchige Lehrveranstaltung, inklusive Praktikum, in niedergelassenen Praxen zu entwickeln und dabei Aspekte der ärztlichen Gesprächsführung verstärkt zu berücksichtigen. Auf Basis einer theoretischen Einführung und eines E‑Learning-Moduls soll dies der Einstieg in ein longitudinales Kommunikationscurriculum sein. Im Sommersemester 2021 wurde ein Pilotprojekt mit dem Ziel durchgeführt, die erforderliche Infrastruktur und inhaltliche Ausgestaltung der Veranstaltung zu entwickeln und mit Lehrinhalten zu kommunikativen Kompetenzen zu verknüpfen.

Methoden

Es wurde eine kontrollierte Interventionsstudie (ein Messzeitpunkt) mit 21 Studierenden des 4. Semesters (2 Gruppen mit und ohne E‑Learning-Modul) sowie 20 zahnärztlichen Praxen durchgeführt. Die Studierenden erhielten vor dem einwöchigen Praktikum Dokumente zur Organisation, zum Ablauf und zur Dokumentation verschiedener Gesprächssituationen. Studierende und Praxen wurden nach Praktikumsende umfassend evaluiert.

Ergebnisse

Studierende und Praxen waren mit der Organisation, den zur Verfügung gestellten Dokumenten und mit dem Ablauf zufrieden. Das E‑Learning-Modul wurde positiv aufgenommen. Das Format des Praktikumsberichts erwies sich als nicht praktikabel und wurde adaptiert.

Diskussion

Die Projektziele konnten mit Erfolg erreicht werden. Die Ergebnisse fließen in die konkrete Gestaltung und Umsetzung der neuen curricularen Veranstaltung ab dem Sommersemester 2022 ein.
Reconstruction of the interosseous talocalcaneal ligament using allograft for subtalar joint stabilization is effective
Authors: Iglesias‐Durán Elvira , Guerra‐Pinto Francisco , Ojeda‐Thies Cristina , Vilá‐Rico Jesús
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the biomechanical effects of subtalar ligament injury and reconstruction on stability of the subtalar joint in all three spatial planes.

Methods

Fifteen fresh frozen cadaveric legs were used, with transfixed tibiotalar joints to isolate motion to the subtalar joint. An arthrometer fixed to the lateral aspect of the calcaneus measured angular displacement in all three spatial planes on the inversion and eversion stress tests. Stress manoeuvres were tested with the intact joint, and then repeated after sequentially sectioning the inferior extensor retinaculum (IER), cervical ligament (CL), interosseous talocalcaneal ligament (ITCL), arthroscopic graft reconstruction of the ITCL, and sectioning of the calcaneo‐fibular ligament (CFL).

Results

Sectioning the ITCL significantly increased angular displacement upon inversion and eversion in the coronal and sagittal planes. Reconstruction of the ITCL significantly improved angular stability against eversion in the axial and sagittal planes, and against inversion in the axial and coronal planes, at the zero time point after reconstruction. After sectioning the CFL, resistance to eversion decreased significantly in all three planes.

Conclusion

Progressive injury of ligamentous stabilisers, particularly the ITCL, led to increasing angular displacement of the subtalar joint measured with the inversion and eversion stress tests, used in clinical practice. Reconstruction of the ITCL using tendon graft significantly stabilised the subtalar joint in the axial and sagittal planes against eversion and in the axial and coronal planes against inversion, immediately after surgery.
Caspase-3/GSDME dependent pyroptosis contributes to offspring lung injury induced by gestational PFOS exposure via PERK/ATF4 signaling
Authors: Li Cong , Zhang Huishan , Mo Jiali , Zuo Jingye , Ye Leping
Published: November 2023

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is widely used in industry and consumer products. Previous studies have showed that PFOS gestational exposure is associated with offspring lung damage in rat. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of gasdermin E (GSDME) in lung injury of offspring and its underlying mechanisms using in vivo and in vitro approaches. Pregnant SD rats were exposed to PFOS (1 mg/kg BW/d) between gestational day 12–18, and the lung tissue of the offspring was evaluated on postnatal day 7. PFOS treated animals exhibited alveolar septal thickening and inflammation-related damages, with an increased expression of GSDME in alveolar type II epithelial cells (AECII). Furthermore, in vitro experiments demonstrated that PFOS exposure (with 225 μM and up) upregulated the caspase-3/GSDME signaling pathway in AECII. Also, ultrastructure analysis revealed significant changes in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) structure in PFOS-induced pyroptotic cells, which is consistent with the ER stress detected in these cells. Additionally, PFOS exposure led to increased expression of ER stress-related proteins, including p-PERK, p-eIF2α, ATF4, and CHOP. Subsequently, using specific inhibitors, we found that the PERK/ATF4 pathway acted as an upstream signal regulating GSDME-dependent pyroptosis. Overall, our findings show that GSDME-dependent pyroptosis plays a crucial role in the lung injury induced by gestational PFOS exposure, and the PERK/ATF4 pathway may function as a possible mediator of this process.
Structural modifications toward improved lead-203/lead-212 peptide-based image-guided alpha-particle radiopharmaceutical therapies for neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Lee Dongyoul , Li Mengshi , Liu Dijie , Baumhover Nicholas J. , Sagastume Edwin A. , Marks Brenna M. , Rastogi Prerna , Pigge F. Christopher , Menda Yusuf , Johnson Frances L. , Schultz Michael K.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The lead-203 (203Pb)/lead-212 (212Pb) elementally identical radionuclide pair has gained significant interest in the field of image-guided targeted alpha-particle therapy for cancer. Emerging evidence suggests that 212Pb-labeled peptide-based radiopharmaceuticals targeting somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2) may provide improved effectiveness compared to beta-particle-based therapies for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). This study aims to improve the performance of SSTR2-targeted radionuclide imaging and therapy through structural modifications to Tyr3-octreotide (TOC)-based radiopharmaceuticals.

Methods

New SSTR2-targeted peptides were designed and synthesized with the goal of optimizing the incorporation of Pb isotopes through the use of a modified cyclization technique; the introduction of a Pb-specific chelator (PSC); and the insertion of polyethylene glycol (PEG) linkers. The binding affinity of the peptides and the cellular uptake of 203Pb-labeled peptides were evaluated using pancreatic AR42J (SSTR2+) tumor cells and the biodistribution and imaging of the 203Pb-labeled peptides were assessed in an AR42J tumor xenograft mouse model. A lead peptide was identified (i.e., PSC-PEG2-TOC), which was then further evaluated for efficacy in 212Pb therapy studies.

Results

The lead radiopeptide drug conjugate (RPDC) — [203Pb]Pb-PSC-PEG2-TOC — significantly improved the tumor-targeting properties, including receptor binding and tumor accumulation and retention as compared to [203Pb]Pb-DOTA0-Tyr3-octreotide (DOTATOC). Additionally, the modified RPDC exhibited faster renal clearance than the DOTATOC counterpart. These advantageous characteristics of [212Pb]Pb-PSC-PEG2-TOC resulted in a dose-dependent therapeutic effect with minimal signs of toxicity in the AR42J xenograft model. Fractionated administrations of 3.7 MBq [212Pb]Pb-PSC-PEG2-TOC over three doses further improved anti-tumor effectiveness, resulting in 80% survival (70% complete response) over 120 days in the mouse model.

Conclusion

Structural modifications to chelator and linker compositions improved tumor targeting and pharmacokinetics (PK) of 203/212Pb peptide-based radiopharmaceuticals for NET theranostics. These findings suggest that PSC-PEG2-TOC is a promising candidate for Pb-based targeted radionuclide therapy for NETs and other types of cancers that express SSTR2.
Targeting mitochondrial shape: at the heart of cardioprotection
Authors: Hernandez-Resendiz Sauri , Prakash Aishwarya , Loo Sze Jie , Semenzato Martina , Chinda Kroekkiat , Crespo-Avilan Gustavo E. , Dam Linh Chi , Lu Shengjie , Scorrano Luca , Hausenloy Derek J.
Published: November 2023

There remains an unmet need to identify novel therapeutic strategies capable of protecting the myocardium against the detrimental effects of acute ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI), to reduce myocardial infarct (MI) size and prevent the onset of heart failure (HF) following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In this regard, perturbations in mitochondrial morphology with an imbalance in mitochondrial fusion and fission can disrupt mitochondrial metabolism, calcium homeostasis, and reactive oxygen species production, factors which are all known to be critical determinants of cardiomyocyte death following acute myocardial IRI. As such, therapeutic approaches directed at preserving the morphology and functionality of mitochondria may provide an important strategy for cardioprotection. In this article, we provide an overview of the alterations in mitochondrial morphology which occur in response to acute myocardial IRI, and highlight the emerging therapeutic strategies for targeting mitochondrial shape to preserve mitochondrial function which have the future therapeutic potential to improve health outcomes in patients presenting with AMI.
Advanced bipolar vessel sealing devices vs conventional bipolar energy in minimally invasive hysterectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zorzato Pier Carlo , Ferrari Filippo Alberto , Garzon Simone , Franchi Massimo , Cianci Stefano , Laganà Antonio Simone , Chiantera Vito , Casarin Jvan , Ghezzi Fabio , Uccella Stefano
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To compare conventional bipolar electrosurgery with advanced bipolar vessel sealing (ABVS) devices for total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH).

Methods

A systematic review was conducted by searching Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library from January 1989 to November 2021. We identified all studies comparing ABVS devices with conventional bipolar electrosurgery in TLH and reporting at least one of the following outcomes: total blood loss, total operative time, hospital stay, perioperative complications, or costs. Meta-analysis was conducted with a random effect model reporting pooled mean differences and odds ratios (ORs) with related 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Two randomized controlled trials and two retrospective studies encompassing 314 patients were included out of 615 manuscripts. The pooled estimated total blood loss in the ABVS devices group was lower than conventional bipolar electrosurgery of 39 mL (95% CI − 65.8 to − 12.6 mL; p = .004). The use of ABVS devices significantly reduced the total operative time by 8 min (95% CI − 16.7 to − 0.8 min; p = .033). Hospital stay length did not differ between the two groups, and a comparable overall surgical complication rate was observed [OR of 0.9 (95% CI 0.256 – 3.200; p = .878].

Conclusions

High-quality evidence comparing ABVS devices with conventional bipolar electrosurgery for TLH is lacking. ABVS devices were associated with reduced total blood loss and operative time; however, observed differences seem clinically irrelevant. Further research is required to clarify the advantages of ABVS devices over conventional bipolar electrosurgery and to identify cases that may benefit more from their use.
Relationship between the structure and microcirculation of the optic disc region and myopic traction maculopathy in highly myopic eyes
Authors: Bai Yang , Sui Jinyuan , Li Haoru , He Qing , Wei Ruihua
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To explore the characteristics and influencing factors structural and microcirculatory of optic disc and peripapillary tissue in eyes with myopia traction maculopathy (MTM).

Methods

There were 100 eyes from 77 patients in this study. We used 1:1 matching axial length in myopic eyes. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of MTM. Fundus structure parameters were obtained by swept source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT), and the optic disc microcirculation parameters were obtained by OCT angiography (OCTA).

Results

MTM group were older (P = 0.001) and had poorer Best-corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) (P = 0.011), the optic disc-fovea distance (DFD) was longer (P < 0.019), optic disc tilt was greater (P < 0.001), area of peripapillary atrophy (PPA) was larger (P < 0.001), and PPA/optical disc area (ONH) was higher (P < 0.001). The peripapillary scleral thickness (PST) was lower in the MTM group (P < 0.001). The mean peripapillary choroidal thickness (PCT) (P < 0.001) and PCT in the 10 orientations were significantly lower in the MTM group than in the NMTM group (all P < 0.01). Vascular density in the nasosuperior (NS) region of the optic disc was significantly lower in the MTM group (P = 0.037). The generalized estimating equation suggested that PPA area (P = 0.028), mean PCT (P = 0.008), superior PCT (P = 0.027), inferonasal PCT (P = 0.040), temporoinferior PCT (P = 0.013), and PST (P = 0.046) correlated with MTM. Age, axial length, optic disc tilt, PPA area, mean PCT, and optic disc central zone (0–2 mm) vascular density (all P < 0.05) were significantly correlated with PST.

Conclusions

The enlarged PPA area and thinner PCT and PST in eyes with MTM are more significant. Lower PST in high myopia was related to abnormalities of PCT and microcirculation.

Trial registration

Clinical Trial Registration number: ChiCTR2100046590
Exploratory assessment of parental physical disease categories as predictors of documented physical child abuse
Authors: Græsholt-Knudsen Troels , Rask Charlotte Ulrikka , Lucas Steven , Bech Bodil Hammer
Published: November 2023

Improved prediction of physical child abuse could aid in developing preventive measures. Parental physical disease has been tested previously as a predictor of documented physical child abuse but in broad categories and with differing results. No prior studies have tested clinically recognizable categories of parental disease in a high-powered dataset. Using Danish registries, data on children and their parents from the years 1997–2018 were used to explore several parental physical disease categories’ associations with documented physical child abuse. For each disease category, survival analysis using pseudovalues was applied. When a parent of a child was diagnosed or received medication that qualified for a category, this family and five comparison families not in this disease category were included, creating separate cohorts for each category of disease. Multiple analyses used samples drawn from 2,705,770 children. Estimates were produced for 32 categories of physical diseases. Using Bonferroni-corrected confidence intervals (CIc), ischemic heart disease showed a relative risk (RR) of 1.44 (CIc 1.13–1.84); peripheral artery occlusive disease, RR 1.39 (CIc 1.01–1.90); stroke, RR 1.19 (1.01–1.41); chronic pulmonary disease, RR 1.33 (CIc 1.18–1.51); ulcer/chronic gastritis, RR 1.27 (CIc 1.08–1.49); painful condition, 1.17 (CIc 1.00–1.37); epilepsy, RR 1.24 (CIc 1.00–1.52); and unspecific somatic symptoms, RR 1.37 (CIc 1.21–1.55). Unspecific somatic symptoms were present in 71.87% of families at some point during the study period.

Conclusion: Most parental physical disease categories did not show statistically significant associations, but some showed predictive ability. Further research is needed to explore preventive potential.

What is Known:• Few and broad categories of parental physical disease have been examined as risk factors for severe physical child abuse; no prior study has used several categories as predictors.

What is New:• Unspecific symptoms, ischemic heart disease, peripheral artery occlusive disease, stroke, chronic pulmonary disease, stomach ulcer/chronic gastritis, painful condition, and epilepsy all showed to be potential predictors, with unspecific symptoms being the most prevalent.
Individual heterogeneity in ixodid tick infestation and prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in a northern community of small mammalian hosts
Authors: Lindsø Lars K. , Anders Jason L. , Viljugrein Hildegunn , Herland Anders , Stigum Vetle M. , Easterday W. Ryan , Mysterud Atle
Published: November 2023

Heterogeneous aggregation of parasites between individual hosts is common and regarded as an important factor in understanding transmission dynamics of vector-borne diseases. Lyme disease is vectored by generalist tick species, yet we have a limited understanding of how individual heterogeneities within small mammal host populations affect the aggregation of ticks and likelihood of infection. Male hosts often have higher parasite and infection levels than females, but whether this is linked to sexual body size dimorphism remains uncertain. Here, we analysed how host species, sex, and body mass influenced Ixodes ricinus tick infestations and the infection prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) in three species of small mammals involved in the enzootic transmission cycle of Lyme disease in Norway from 2018 to 2022. Larval and nymphal ticks were found on 98% and 34% of all individual hosts, respectively. In bank voles and wood mice, both larval and nymphal tick infestation and infection probability increased with body mass, and it increased more with mass for males than for females. Tick infestation in the common shrew increased with body mass and was higher in males, while pathogen infection was higher in females. Sex-biases in infestation did not correspond with level of sexual body mass dimorphism across species. This study contributes to our understanding of how individual heterogeneity among small mammalian hosts influences I. ricinus tick aggregation and prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. at northern latitudes.
Low incidence of acute kidney injury in VLBW infants with restrictive use of mechanical ventilation
Authors: Burgmaier Kathrin , Zeiher Melanie , Weber Anna , Cosgun Zülfü C. , Aydin Aynur , Kuehne Benjamin , Burgmaier Mathias , Hellmich Martin , Mehler Katrin , Kribs Angela , Habbig Sandra
Published: November 2023

Background

We assessed the incidence of and risk factors for acute kidney injury (AKI) in very low birthweight infants (VLBW) in a center with a specific neonatal management protocol focusing on avoidance of early mechanical ventilation (MV).

Methods

This retrospective single center analysis includes 128 infants born in 2020 with a gestational age ≥ 22 weeks who were screened for AKI using the nKDIGO criteria.

Results

AKI was identified in 25/128 patients (19.5%) with eight of them (6.3%) presenting with severe AKI. Low gestational age, birthweight and 10-minute Apgar score as well as high CRIB-1 score were all associated with incidence of AKI. Forty-five percent of the infants with MV developed AKI vs. 8.9% of those without MV (p < 0.001). Early onset of MV and administration of more than 3 dosages of NSAIDs for patent duct were identified as independent risk factors for AKI in a logistic regression analysis.

Conclusions

We report a substantially lower frequency of AKI in VLBW infants as compared to previous studies, along with a very low rate of MV. A neonatal protocol focusing on avoidance of MV within the first days of life may be a key factor to decrease the risk of AKI in immature infants.

Graphical abstract
Direct comparison of coronary microvascular obstruction evaluation using CMR feature tracking and layer-specific speckle tracking echocardiography in STEMI patients
Authors: Wang Chaofan , Wang Lili , Yin Jie , Xuan Haochen , Chen Junhong , Li Dongye , Hou Xiancun , Xu Tongda
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Layer-specific speckle tissue echocardiography (LS-STE) is a unique technique used to assess coronary microvascular obstruction (CMVO) that may offer more information on the myocardial anatomy of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Cardiovascular magnetic resonance feature tracking (CMR-FT) has also been gaining popularity as a way to evaluate CMVO. The aim of the present study was to directly compare CMVO assessment in STEMI patients using CMR-FT and LS-STE.

Patients and methods

A total of 105 STEMI patients with LS-STE, CMR-FT, and primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) were included in the study. Longitudinal peak systolic strain (LS), circumferential peak systolic strain (CS), and radial peak systolic strain (RS) were each used to evaluate CMVO using CMR-FT and LS-STE.

Results

Correlation coefficients were 0.56, 0.53, and 0.55 for CMR-FT CS vs. endocardial CS, midcardial CS, and epicardial CS comparisons, respectively, and 0.87, 0.51, and 0.32 for CMR-FT LS vs. endocardial LS, midcardial LS, and epicardial LS comparisons, respectively. Bland-Altman analysis revealed strong inter-modality agreement and little bias in endocardial LS, while the absolute of limited of agreement (LOA) value was 2.28 ± 4.48. The absolutes LOA values were 1.26 ± 11.16, -0.02 ± 12.21, and − 1.3 ± 10.27 for endocardial, midcardial, and epicardial respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficient value of 0.87 showed good reliability in endocardial LS, and moderate reliability with values of 0.71, 0.70, and 0.64 in endocardial, midcardial, and epicardial CS, respectively (all p < 0.001).

Conclusions

CMR-FT is a viable technique for CMVO evaluation in STEMI patients. Endocardial LS showed good reliability for CMR-FT. STEMI patients can undergo LS-STE to assess the CMVO before PPCI.
Paralanguage in the Translation of Children’s Graphic Novels into Arabic: Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Authors: Alós Julieta
Published: November 2023

Graphic novels are marketed as helpful for reluctant young readers. The supplementation of text with visual stimuli as part of a multimodal narrative is often claimed to improve reading comprehension and motivation in children and young adolescents. The translation into Arabic of Jeff Kinney’sDiary of a Wimpy Kidseries, by comparison, fails to deliver an equally engaging reading experience. In the Arabic versions ofRodrick RulesandHard Luck, language acts as an obstacle to comprehension due to the misrepresentation of textual paralanguage, broadly defined as the written representation of nonverbal aspects of communication including tone, stress and volume. As paralanguage is also involved in character portrayal, this translation approach paints a rather dull image of the series’ protagonist Greg. Using the textual paralanguage typology proposed by Luangrath et al. (J Consum Psychol 27:98–107, 2017), the case is made here for closer attention in translation to the pragmatic meanings contained in textual paralanguage. As the novel evolves to incorporate an ever-expanding array of multimodal elements, so should the translation strategies involved in rendering these texts into other languages.
A Continuity Result for the Adjusted Normal Cone Operator
Authors: Castellani Marco , Giuli Massimiliano
Published: November 2023

The concept of adjusted sublevel set for a quasiconvex function was introduced by Aussel and Hadjisavvas who proved the local existence of a norm-to-weak$$^*$$

∗

upper semicontinuous base-valued submap of the normal operator associated with the adjusted sublevel set. When the space is finite-dimensional, a globally defined upper semicontinuous base-valued submap is obtained by taking the intersection of the unit sphere, which is compact, with the normal operator, which is closed. Unfortunately, this technique does not work in the infinite-dimensional case. We propose a partition of unity technique to overcome this problem in Banach spaces. An application is given to a quasiconvex quasioptimization problem through the use of a new existence result for generalized quasivariational inequalities which is based on the Schauder fixed point theorem.
Testing the Effectiveness of a Community-Based Peer Support Intervention to Mitigate Social Isolation and Stigma of Adolescent Motherhood in Zimbabwe
Authors: Tinago Chiwoneso B. , Frongillo Edward A. , Warren Andrea M. , Chitiyo Vivian , Jackson Tiara N. , Cifarelli Ashley K. , Fyalkowski Shannon , Pauline Victoria
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Social isolation and stigma contribute to poor mental health outcomes. Adolescent mothers in Zimbabwe often experience isolation and stigma, lacking social support and resources to navigate motherhood. The study tested the effectiveness of a community-based peer support intervention to mitigate social isolation and stigma of adolescent motherhood in Harare, Zimbabwe.

Methods

Community health workers (n = 12) and peer educators (n = 12) in the intervention arm were recruited and trained on co-facilitating peer support groups. Adolescent mothers aged 15–18 years from two low-income high-density communities in Harare were recruited, using a quasi-experimental design. The intervention arm (n = 104) participated in the peer support groups and both arms completed sociodemographic, base-, mid-, and end-line surveys (control arm n = 79). Peer support groups (12 groups with 6–12 participants in each) met in-person twice a month and completed 12 sessions from May to August 2019 addressing participant-identified topics such as income generation and depression. WhatsApp Messenger was used for training and implementation support. Key community stakeholders discussed project progress and recommendations to improve adolescent mothers’ health. Data were analyzed using Stata 15.

Results

The intervention arm reported lower depressive symptoms and common mental disorders and higher overall, family, friends, and significant-other support, compared to control. The intervention arm felt more engaged with peers, knew who and where to turn to for help, and had coping, parenting and communication strategies to manage life challenges.

Conclusions for Practice

The intervention mitigated social isolation and stigma and thereby improved mental health and social support among adolescent mothers in Harare.

Trial Registration This trial is registered at Clinical Trials.gov, NCT05213182 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05213182.
A combined compost, dolomite, and endophyte addition is more effective than single amendments for improving phytorestoration of metal contaminated mine tailings
Authors: Creamer Courtney A. , Leewis Mary-Cathrine , Kracmarova-Farren Martina , Papik Jakub , Kacur Sean , Freeman John , Uhlik Ondrej , Foster Andrea L.
Published: November 2023

Background and aims

Re-vegetation of mining-impacted landscapes reduces transport of toxic elements while improving soil fertility. This study evaluated whether the planting of a native perennial grass with a consortium of diazotrophic microbial endophytes and municipal waste compost—alone and in combination—enhanced plant growth while stabilizing metal(loids) in dolomite-amended tailings from a historically mined polymetallic mineral deposit.

Methods

We grew Bouteloua curtipendula seedlings in tailings with hazardous concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, Mn, and Zn. We evaluated how plant growth, organic matter accumulation, and major, minor, and trace element mobilization and phytostabilization responded to microbial endophyte and/or compost amendments after the 45-day growth experiment.

Results

Although most of the added endophytes were not uniquely identified, the best plant growth and fertility outcomes were achieved with a combination of amendments: dolomite to reduce acidity, compost to increase nitrogen, and a mixed consortium endophyte seed coating to synergistically increase organic carbon and grass biomass yields. Compost reduced shoot and root concentrations—but not yields—of contaminant metals. Endophytes increased foliar Cd, Co, Mn, and Pb yields but mobilized Pb and Zn from the tailings. Root stabilization of Cd, Co, Mn did not require amendments.

Conclusion

The most effective means of revegetating these acidic, polymetallic tailings with the native B. curtipendula is with a simultaneous dolomite, compost, and endophyte seed treatment. Due to potential phosphate solubilization and siderophore production by this consortium of endophytes, strategies to capture solubilized metal(loids) may be needed for sulfidic tailings with metal(loids) associated with mobile mineral phases.
The impacts of synthetic and cellulose-based fibres and their associated dyes on fish hosts and parasite health
Authors: MacAulay Scott , Masud Numair , Davies-Jones Josh , Ward Benjamin D. , Cable Jo
Published: November 2023

Plastic pollution is now a ubiquitous feature of freshwater systems and the majority of this is fibrous. Here, we test the effects of plastic and cellulose-based fibres (polyester, cotton, and bamboo from commercial clothing) on fish host-parasite interactions using a freshwater fish host-parasite model system (guppy Poecilia reticulata-Gyrodactylus turnbulli). For uninfected fish, polyester exposure was associated with significantly higher mortality rates compared with the other two fibre types. For infected fish, whilst polyester and cotton exposure were not associated with any significant changes to parasite burdens, fish exposed to bamboo fibres had significantly reduced maximum parasite burdens compared with fish not exposed to any fibres, indicating that the bamboo fibres and/or associated dyes conferred some degree of resistance or tolerance. Whilst unable to determine the exact nature of the chemical dyes, when testing off-host parasite survival on exposure to the fibre dyes, cotton and particularly polyester dyes were associated with higher parasite mortality compared to bamboo. Overall, we add to the growing body of evidence which shows that polyester microplastic fibres and their associated dyes can be detrimental for both fish and parasite survival, and we highlight the need for increased transparency from textile industries on the chemical identity of fabric dyes.
Investigating rate-limited sorption, sorption to air–water interfaces, and colloid-facilitated transport during PFAS leaching
Authors: Bierbaum Thomas , Hansen Scott K. , Poudel Bikash , Haslauer Claus
Published: November 2023

Various sorption processes affect leaching of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) such as PFOA and PFOS. The objectives of this study are to (1) compare rate-limited leaching in column and lysimeter experiments, (2) investigate the relevance of sorption to air–water interfaces (AWI), and (3) examine colloid-facilitated transport as a process explaining early experimental breakthrough. A continuum model (CM) with two-domain sorption is used to simulate equilibrium and rate-limited sorption. A random walk particle tracking (PT) model was developed and applied to analyze complex leaching characteristics. Results show that sorption parameters derived from column experiments underestimate long-term PFOA leaching in lysimeter experiments due to early depletion, suggesting that transformation of precursors contributes to the observed long-term leaching in the lysimeters (approximately 0.003 µg/kg/d PFOA). Both models demonstrate that sorption to AWI is the dominant retention mechanism for PFOS in lysimeter experiments, with retardation due to AWI being 3 (CM) to 3.7 (PT) times higher than retardation due to solid phase sorption. Notably, despite a simplified conception of AWI sorption, the PT results are closer to the observations. The PT simulations demonstrate possible colloid-facilitated transport at early time; however, results using substance-specific varying transport parameters align better with the observations, which should be equal if colloid-facilitated transport without additional kinetics is the sole mechanism affecting early breakthrough. Possibly, rate-limited sorption to AWI is relevant during the early stages of the lysimeter experiment. Our findings demonstrate that rate-limited sorption is less relevant for long-term leaching under field conditions compared to transformation of precursors and that sorption to AWI can be the dominant retention mechanism on contaminated sites. Moreover, they highlight the potential of random walk particle tracking as a practical alternative to continuum models for estimating the relative contributions of various retention mechanisms.
Microstructural Stability and Evolution in a New Polycrystalline Ni-Base Superalloy
Authors: Wise G. J. , Church N. L. , Talbot C. E. P. , Mignanelli P. M. , Hardy M. C. , Jones N. G. , Stone H. J.
Published: November 2023

Polycrystalline Ni-base superalloys that offer equivalent or superior performance to current commercial alloys at lower overall cost are of widespread industrial interest. In this work, a new polycrystalline Ni-base superalloy with low elemental cost has been characterized and compared to current commercially available alternatives. Through a combination of scanning electron microscopy, thermal analysis, synchrotron X-ray diffraction, and hardness testing, a broad preliminary investigation of fundamental alloy properties has been performed, identifying the key areas for further alloy development opportunities.
Vibrations Analysis of Bubble Evolution in Liquids of Varying Physical Properties
Authors: Rigas Konstantinos , Willers Bernd , Eckert Sven , Glaser Björn
Published: November 2023

In recent years there is an attempt to control the gas stirring intensity in metal-making ladles with the aid of vibration measurements. Understanding better the induced vibrations in two-phase flows can substantially improve the existing models for gas stirring control. In this work, highly sensitive accelerometers were used for the vibration measurements in a liquid metal alloy; Sn–40 wt pctBi alloy at 200 °C and water at 20 °C. The examination of the liquids was conducted in the ladle mockup integrated into the Liquid Metal Model for Steel Casting facility at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden Rossendorf. Single bubbles were generated in the respective liquids by controlled argon injection at low flow rates in the range of 0.01 to 0.15 NL min−1through a single nozzle installed at the bottom of the ladle. Obtained results demonstrate differences between the induced vibrations in the examined liquids in terms of the magnitude of the root mean square values of vibration amplitude and the shape of the resulting curves with increasing flow rate. Furthermore, continuous wavelet transform reveals variations in the duration and vibrational frequency of the evolved bubble phenomena. The findings suggest that differences in the physical properties of the examined liquids result in variations in the vibrations induced during bubble evolution.
Additively Manufactured Functionally Graded Lattices: Design, Mechanical Response, Deformation Behavior, Applications, and Insights
Authors: Noronha J. , Dash J. , Leary M. , Watson M. , Qian M. , Kyriakou E. , Brandt M.
Published: November 2023

Flora and fauna have evolved to distribute their structural mass efficiently in response to their environment. Inspired by this structural efficiency, functionally graded lattices (FGL) are an emerging subset of non-uniform lattices that employ density gradients for a function-driven mechanical response. These gradients are controlled by stepwise or continuous changes in the geometry or topology of the lattice unit cells. FGLs have the capacity for multifunctionality, facilitating high compliance and energy absorption, or moderate strength and stiffness depending upon the specific gradient. These novel lattice structures have been utilized for a range of applications, including biomimetic implants, heat dissipation, and impact absorption. The fabrication of FGLs with complex internal topologies is facilitated through additive manufacturing (AM) using materials such as metals, polymers, and composites. The mechanical properties of these lattices have been examined through compressive testing. The elastic modulus and the yield stress are reported to range from 0.009 GPa to 6.0 GPa, and from 0.38 MPa to 424 MPa for relative densities between 10% and 80%, respectively. Energy absorption is reported to supersede conventional uniform lattices by up to 30%. By accumulating and assessing the mechanical, geometric, and topological data from the FGL literature, this review will systematically classify and explore the viability of these novel structures for real-world applications.
Learning from Persistent Viremia: Mechanisms and Implications for Clinical Care and HIV-1 Cure
Authors: Wu Fengting , Simonetti Francesco R.
Published: November 2023

Purpose of Review

In this review, we discuss what persistent viremia has taught us about the biology of the HIV-1 reservoir during antiretroviral therapy (ART). We will also discuss the implications of this phenomenon for HIV-1 cure research and its clinical management.

Recent Findings

While residual viremia (RV, 1–3 HIV-1 RNA copies/ml) can be detected in most of people on ART, some individuals experience non-suppressible viremia (NSV, > 20–50 copies/mL) despite optimal adherence. When issues of drug resistance and pharmacokinetics are ruled out, this persistent virus in plasma is the reflection of virus production from clonally expanded CD4+ T cells carrying proviruses. Recent work has shown that a fraction of the proviruses source of NSV are not infectious, due to defects in the 5′-Leader sequence. However, additional viruses and host determinants of NSV are not fully understood.

The study of NSV is of prime importance because it represents a challenge for the clinical care of people on ART, and it sheds light on virus-host interactions that could advance HIV-1 remission research.
Where does culture belong at school? Exploring the role of individualism and power distance in school belonging across cultures
Authors: G Johnson Rebecca , Allen Kelly-Ann , Gallo Cordoba Beatriz
Published: November 2023

The relationship between culture and school belonging has rarely been examined relative to student and school-level factors. This study explored whether culture, measured through individualism and power distance, plays a role in school belonging across countries. The study, designed to separate the effects of within-school teacher support from country-level effects, was conducted on a cross-cultural sample of 413,575 students drawn from 53 countries. Initial analysis of the 2018 PISA survey data and Hofstede's cultural dimensions suggested that individualism and teacher support were negatively associated, whereas power distance was positively associated with teacher support. However, although higher teacher support was linked with higher levels of belonging, both culture measures had a negative total association with belonging. Further analysis indicated that teacher support was positively associated with belonging within schools, while at a country level, students reported lower levels of belonging in countries with higher teacher support. The overall negative relationship between power distance and belonging could be attributed to the negative indirect effect of country-level teacher support. Moreover, results showed that students' perception of cooperation at school, experiences of bullying, and perceptions of a disruptive disciplinary climate were all significant predictors of school belonging. Findings also indicated that individualism and power distance at the country level also had significant effects on school belonging. These findings underscore the need for multifaceted interventions to improve school belonging. This includes enhancing teacher support, fostering a cooperative school environment, mitigating bullying, and advocating for equitable education policies with full consideration of context-specific implications. This study illuminates the complex interplay between school belonging, teacher support, and cultural factors, emphasising the importance of distinguishing between within-school and country-level effects.
How does the experience of shame impact body dysmorphic symptomatology? Exploring the role of mindfulness and body image-related cognitive fusion
Authors: Oliveira Maria Francisca , Coimbra Maria , Ferreira Cláudia
Published: November 2023

Shame has been considered a core component of body dysmorphia-related symptomatology. However, literature concerning the emotion regulation processes that underlie the association between these two constructs seems to be scarce. Therefore, the main aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore the role that mindfulness and body image-related cognitive fusion has on the relationship between the experience of shame and body dysmorphia-related symptomatology Additionally, biological sex differences concerning the studied variables were explored. Three hundred and twenty-seven participants (male and female) above 18 years old completed an online survey with self-report measures to assess shame experiences, mindfulness, body image-related cognitive fusion and body dysmorphia-related symptoms. Results indicated that female participants presented higher body dysmorphia-related symptomatology when compared with males. A path analysis was conducted suggesting that, while controlling for the effect of age and BMI, the experience of shame had a direct effect on body dysmorphia-related symptomatology, as well as an indirect effect through mindfulness and body image-related cognitive fusion. This model presented a good fit, explaining 56% of the variance of body dysmorphia-related symptomatology. Also, findings from a multi-group path analysis revealed that the relationship between these variables is invariant across males and females. These findings have important research and clinical implications, supporting the importance of targeting mindfulness and cognitive defusion skills when working in the context of Body Dysmorphia.
Explicit Harmonic Self-maps of Complex Projective Spaces
Authors: Balado-Alves José Miguel
Published: November 2023

We study $$ { \textrm{SU}( p + 1 ) \times \textrm{SU}( n - p ) } $$

SU
(
p
+
1
)
×
SU
(
n
-
p
)

-equivariant maps between complex projective spaces. For every $$ { n, p \in \mathbb {N}} $$

n
,
p
∈
N

with $$ { 0 \le p < n } $$

0
≤
p
<
n

, we construct two explicit families of uncountable many harmonic self-maps of $$ \mathbb{C}\mathbb{P}^{n}$$

C

P

n

, one given by holomorphic maps and the other by maps that are neither holomorphic nor antiholomorphic. We prove that each solution is equivariantly weakly stable and explicitly compute the equivariant spectrum for some specific maps in both families.
Vraag het je Grote Broers
Authors: Verhagen Marleen , van Loon Linda , Rots-de Vries Carin
Published: November 2023

Samenvatting

Doel

Het verkennen van de ervaren effecten van het youth empowerment programma (YEP) Grote Broer op (empowerment van) de deelnemers.

Methode

Een verkennend kwalitatief onderzoek waarbij gebruik werd gemaakt van acht semigestructureerde individuele interviews en twee open groepsinterviews, met in totaal tien deelnemers binnen twee wijken van Breda. De topiclist voor de individuele interviews werd samengesteld aan de hand van de levensgebieden waarbinnen empowerment tot uiting kan komen. De data zijn met een combinatie van deductieve en inductieve analyse gestructureerd en gecodeerd.

Resultaten

De respondenten (deelnemers van Grote Broer) ervaren voornamelijk effecten op de volgende levensgebieden: sociale contacten en zingeving/burgerschap/persoonlijke levensstijl. Er komen enkele effecten naar voren op de levensgebieden dag- en vrijetijdsbesteding, opleiding/beroep/werk, gezondheid en woon- en leefomgeving. Op het levensgebied economische zelfstandigheid/financiële situatie komen vrijwel geen effecten naar voren.

Conclusie

In het algemeen werden de effecten van Grote Broer positief beoordeeld door de geïnterviewde deelnemers. Jongeren lijken hiermee in relatief korte tijd een groei in persoonlijke ontwikkeling door te maken. De positieve uitkomsten van dit onderzoek geven een basis aan (kwantitatief) vervolgonderzoek.
Prognostic clinical phenotypes associated with tumor stemness in the immune microenvironment of T-cell exhaustion for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Genhao
Published: November 2023

T-cell exhaustion (TEX) and high heterogeneity of cancer stem cells (CSCs) are associated with progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we aim to characterize TEX-stemness-related genes (TEXSRGs) and screen for HCC patients who are more sensitive to immunotherapy. The immune cell abundance identifier (ImmuCellAI) was utilized to precisely evaluate the abundance of TEX and screen TEX-related genes. The stemness index (mRNAsi) of samples was analyzed through the one-class logistic regression (OCLR) algorithm. Application of the non-negative matrix decomposition algorithm (NMF) for subtype identification of HCC samples. The different subtypes were assessed for differences in prognosis, tumor microenvironment (TME) landscape, and immunotherapy treatment response. Then, the TEXSRGS-score, which can accurately forecast the survival outcome of HCC patients, was built by LASSO-Cox and multivariate Cox regression, and experimentally validated for the most important TEXSRGs. We also analyzed the expression of TEXSRGs and the infiltration of CD8+ T cells in clinical samples using qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Based on 146 TEXSRGs, we found two distinct clinical phenotypes with different TEX infiltration abundance, tumor stemness index, enrichment pathways, mutational landscape, and immune cell infiltration through the non-negative matrix decomposition algorithm (NMF), which were confirmed in the ICGC dataset. Utilizing eight TEXSRGs linked to clinical outcome, we created a TEXSRGs-score model to further improve the clinical applicability. Patients can be divided into two groups with substantial differences in the characteristics of immune cell infiltration, TEX infiltration abundance, and survival outcomes. The results of qRT-PCR and IHC analysis showed that PAFAH1B3, ZIC2, and ESR1 were differentially expressed in HCC and normal tissues and that patients with high TEXSRGs-scores had higher TEX infiltration abundance and tumor stemness gene expression. Regarding immunotherapy reaction and immune cell infiltration, patients with various TEXSRGs-score levels had various clinical traits. The outcome and immunotherapy efficacy of patients with low TEXSRGs-score was favorable. In conclusion, we identified two clinical subtypes with different prognoses, TEX infiltration abundance, tumor cell stemness index, and immunotherapy response based on TEXSRGs, and developed and validated a TEXSRGs-score capable of accurately predicting survival outcomes in HCC patients by comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. We believe that the TEXSRGs-score has prospective clinical relevance for prognostic assessment and may help physicians select prospective responders in preference to current immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).