bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcome measurements in epidermal necrolysis: a systematic review
Authors: Libson Karissa , Mehta Nina , Kirven Rachel , Korman Abraham M. , Kaffenberger Benjamin H.
Published: June 2024

Steven Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), grouped together under the terminology of epidermal necrolysis (EN), are a spectrum of life-threatening dermatologic conditions. A lack of standardization and validation for existing endpoints has been identified as a key barrier to the comparison of these therapies and development of evidenced-based treatment. Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of prospective studies involving systemic or topical treatments for EN, including dressing and ocular treatments. Outcomes were separated into mortality assessment, cutaneous outcomes, non-cutaneous clinical outcomes, and mucosal outcomes. The COSMIN Risk of Bias tool was used to assess the quality of studies on reliability and measurement error of outcome measurement instruments. Outcomes across studies assessing treatment in the acute phase of EN were varied. Most data came from prospective case reports and cohort studies representing the lack of available randomized clinical trial data available in EN. Our search did not reveal any EN-specific validated measures or scoring tools used to assess disease progression and outcomes. Less than half of included studies were considered “adequate” for COSMIN risk of bias in reliability and measurement error of outcome measurement instruments. With little consensus about management and treatment of EN, consistency and validation of measured outcomes is of the upmost importance for future studies to compare outcomes across treatments and identify the most effective means of combating the disease with the highest mortality managed by dermatologists.
Lifestyle and medical conditions in relation to ALS risk and progression—an introduction to the Swedish ALSrisc Study
Authors: Chourpiliadis Charilaos , Seitz Christina , Lovik Anikó , Joyce Emily E. , Pan Lu , Hu Yihan , Kläppe Ulf , Samuelsson Kristin , Press Rayomand , Ingre Caroline , Fang Fang
Published: June 2024

Background

This study was an introduction to the Swedish ALSrisc Study and explored the association of lifestyle and medical conditions, with risk and progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Methods

We included 265 newly diagnosed ALS patients during 2016–2022 in Stockholm and 207 ALS-free siblings and partners of the patients as controls. Information on body mass index (BMI), smoking, and history of head injuries, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension was obtained through the Euro-MOTOR questionnaire at recruitment. Patients were followed from diagnosis until death, invasive ventilation, or November 30, 2022.

Results

Higher BMI at recruitment was associated with lower risk for ALS (OR 0.89, 95%CI 0.83–0.95), especially among those diagnosed after 65 years. One unit increase in the average BMI during the 3 decades before diagnosis was associated with a lower risk for ALS (OR 0.94, 95%CI 0.89–0.99). Diabetes was associated with lower risk of ALS (OR 0.38, 95%CI 0.16–0.90), while hypercholesterolemia was associated with higher risk of ALS (OR 2.10, 95%CI 1.13–3.90). Higher BMI at diagnosis was associated with lower risk of death (HR 0.91, 95%CI 0.84–0.98), while the highest level of smoking exposure (in pack-years) (HR 1.90, 95%CI 1.20–3.00), hypercholesterolemia (HR 1.84, 95%CI 1.06–3.19), and hypertension (HR 1.76, 95%CI 1.03–3.01) were associated with higher risk of death, following ALS diagnosis.

Conclusions

Higher BMI and diabetes were associated with lower risk of ALS. Higher BMI was associated with lower risk of death, whereas smoking (especially in high pack-years), hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension were associated with higher risk of death after ALS diagnosis.
Variability of flow-mediated dilation across lower and upper limb conduit arteries
Authors: Daniele Alessio , Lucas Samuel J. E. , Rendeiro Catarina
Published: June 2024

Endothelial dysfunction is an early predictor of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is the gold standard to assess endothelial function in humans. FMD reproducibility has been mainly assessed in the brachial artery (BA) with limited research in lower limb arteries. The purpose of this study was to compare FMD reproducibility in the upper limb BA and lower limb superficial femoral artery (SFA) in young healthy adults.

Fifteen young healthy adults (nine males; six females) underwent FMD, resting diameter, velocity, and shear rate measurements on three occasions to determine intra-and inter-day reproducibility in both BA and SFA, assessed by coefficient of variation (CV), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Bland–Altman plots.

BA FMD CVs (intra-day: 4.2%; inter-day: 8.7%) and ICCs (intra-day: 0.967; inter-day: 0.903) indicated excellent reproducibility and reliability, while for SFA FMD, both CVs (intra-day: 11.6%; inter-day: 26.7%) and ICCs (intra-day: 0.898; inter-day: 0.651) showed good/moderate reproducibility and reliability. BA FMD was significantly more reproducible than SFA FMD (p < 0.05). Diameter reproducibility was excellent and similar between arteries, while resting velocity and shear rate have lower reproducibility in the BA compared to SFA. Bland–Altman plots displayed no proportional and fixed bias between measurements.

In summary, SFA FMD is less reproducible than BA FMD, with identical volume of ultrasound training. Given the increasing interest in using SFA FMD to test the efficacy of interventions targeting lower limb’s vascular health and as a potential biomarker for peripheral arterial disease risk, future studies should ensure higher levels of training for adequate reproducibility.
Review of patients with achondroplasia: a single-center's experience with follow-up and associated morbidities
Authors: Soğukpınar Merve , Demir Gizem Ürel , Utine Gülen Eda , Gönç Elmas Nazlı , Özön Zeynep Alev , Şimşek-Kiper Pelin Özlem
Published: June 2024

Achondroplasia (ACH; MIM #100,800), caused by a heterozygous gain of function pathogenic variant in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 gene (FGFR3; MIM*134,934), is the most prevalent and most readily identifiable cause of disproportionate short stature that is compatible with life. In addition, individuals with achondroplasia face significant medical, functional, and psychosocial challenges throughout their lives. This study assessed associated morbidities in patients with achondroplasia at a single center in Turkey. In this study, the clinical findings and associated morbidities of a group of patients with achondroplasia (n = 68) with clinical multidisciplinary follow-up at a single center between the years 2005–2023 are evaluated retrospectively. A total of 68 patients, 30 male (44.1%) and 38 female (55.9%), were evaluated. In the majority (84.2%) of patients, shortness of extremities was detected in the prenatal period at an average of 28.7 gestational weeks (± 3.6 SDS) with the aid of ultrasonography. More than half (n = 34/63, 54%) of the patients had a father of advanced paternal age (≥ 35 years). Among the complications, respiratory system manifestations, including obstructive sleep apnea (70%), ear-nose-throat manifestations including adenoid hypertrophy (56.6%) and otitis media (54.7%), neurological manifestations due to foramen magnum stenosis (53.2%), and skeletal manifestations including scoliosis (28.8%), are represented among the most common. The mortality rate was 7.3% (n = 5/68).

Conclusion: This study not only represents the first retrospective analysis of the associated morbidities of patients with achondroplasia from a single center in Turkey but also will provide a reference point for future studies.
Geometry of Gaussian free field sign clusters and random interlacements
Authors: Drewitz Alexander , Prévost Alexis , Rodriguez Pierre-François
Published: June 2024

For a large class of amenable transient weighted graphs G, we prove that the sign clusters of the Gaussian free field on G fall into a regime of strong supercriticality, in which two infinite sign clusters dominate (one for each sign), and finite sign clusters are necessarily tiny, with overwhelming probability. Examples of graphs belonging to this class include regular lattices such as $${\mathbb {Z}}^d$$

Z

d

, for $$d\ge 3$$

d
≥
3

, but also more intricate geometries, such as Cayley graphs of suitably growing (finitely generated) non-Abelian groups, and cases in which random walks exhibit anomalous diffusive behavior, for instance various fractal graphs. As a consequence, we also show that the vacant set of random interlacements on these objects, introduced by Sznitman (Ann Math 171(3):2039–2087, 2010), and which is intimately linked to the free field, contains an infinite connected component at small intensities. In particular, this result settles an open problem from Sznitman (Invent Math 187(3):645–706, 2012).
A Bayesian hierarchical spatio-temporal model for summer extreme temperatures in Spain
Authors: García José Agustín , Acero Francisco Javier , Martínez-Pizarro Mario , Lara Manuel
Published: June 2024

A statistical study was made of the summer extreme temperatures over peninsular Spain in the last forty years. Records from 158 observatories regularly distributed over Iberia with no missing data were available for the common period from 1981 to 2020. For this purpose, a hierarchical spatio-temporal model with a Gaussian copula and a generalized extreme value parametrization of the extreme events was used. The temporal trend in maximum extreme temperatures was studied making use of both a stationary model and a nonstationary one that takes into account the influence of anthropogenic climate change on extreme temperatures using the global mean temperature as a function of time for the study period. The results led to a better fit of the nonstationary model, with there being a 3.5-fold greater increase in the 20-year return level of the extreme temperatures than in that corresponding to the global mean temperature.
Systematic review: the impact of maternal pre-and postnatal cannabis use on the behavioral and emotional regulation in early childhood
Authors: Reyentanz Emely , Gerlach Jennifer , Kuitunen-Paul Sören , Golub Yulia
Published: June 2024

Prenatal exposure to alcohol and tobacco has been associated with child regulatory abilities and problems, but less is known about the associations with cannabis exposure. This review seeks to address this gap primarily focusing on the effects of maternal cannabis use on the child. Thus, we investigate the association between pre- and postnatal cannabis exposure of the child and regulatory abilities and problems, as well as the underlying neurobiological mechanisms potentially mediating the associations. According to the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature review was performed based on a systematic literature search through Medline (PubMed), Web of Science and PsycInfo, including studies assessing children aged 0–6 years with cannabis exposure in the preconception, pre-or postnatal period (preconception, pre- and postnatal cannabis exposure [PCE]) and investigating child regulatory abilities, regulatory problems or neurobiological mechanisms. Of n = 1061 screened articles, n = 33 were finally included. Diminished regulatory abilities are more likely to be found in infants after PCE, while specific regulatory problems tend to be more frequently found after two years of age. Possible mechanisms are related to changes in methylation and expression of key genes involved in endocannabinoid, dopaminergic and opioid systems, increased cortisol reactivity and altered Secretory Immunoglobulin A levels. Furthermore, PCE has been associated with changes in brain structure and connectivity. Current findings indicate that PCE is associated with both age-dependent alterations in self-regulation and neurobiological changes in young children. However, evidence is limited due to the number of studies, small sample sizes and lack of control for maternal psychopathology. Longitudinal studies including psychometric data from mothers are needed in order to further understand the implications of PCE.

Trial registration
: The review is registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023425115).
A balancing act: integrating the expertise of youth peer workers in child and adolescent mental health services
Authors: de Beer C. R. M. , Vermeiren R. R. J. M. , Nooteboom L. A. , Kuiper C. H. Z. , Groenendijk J. C. M. L. , de Vreugd M. , van Domburgh L.
Published: June 2024

The socio-relational focus of youth peer support workers (YPSWs) poses a challenge when YPSWs are embedded in medical oriented contexts common to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS); as it requires YPSWs to find a balance between being a peer on one hand, and adhering to professional boundaries and medical standards set out by CAMHS on the other. To create a suitable position for YPSWs in CAMHS, this study investigated the unique socio-relational contributions YPSWs can make to CAMHS in addition to clinicians, and identified how these contributions can be embedded within CAMHS. This study reports on 37 semi-structured interviews conducted in the Netherlands with youth (n = 10), YPSWs (n = 10), and clinicians (n = 17). Overall, the unique socio-relational contributions YPSWs can make include: their ability to build authentic trusting relationships with youth by providing empowerment, promoting autonomy, valuing stillness in recovery, reducing isolation, recognizing strengths, and navigating life inside and outside of (residential) mental healthcare and beyond classification. Moreover, prerequisites to safeguard the integration of YPSWs and these socio-relational contributions were also identified, including YPSWs achieving stability in recovery, recent lived experiences with mental health challenges, and organizational support in terms of suitable treatment climate, resources to enhance flexibility of YPSWs, and shared goals regarding youth peer support work. Overall, YPSWs view youth holistically and foster a connection with youth based on youthfulness and recent lived experience. Involving YPSWs is an important step forward to drive positive transformation in CAMHS.
An undertaking specific approach to address diversifiable demographic risk within Solvency II framework
Authors: Clemente Gian Paolo , Della Corte Francesco , Savelli Nino
Published: June 2024

This study addresses the assessment of capital requirements in life insurance for idiosyncratic demographic risks arising from mortality and longevity in compliance with the Solvency II framework. A closed-formula methodology, using a cohort-based risk theoretical approach, is introduced to properly capture the volatility associated with policyholder deaths or survivals. This approach not only accounts for portfolio size effects but it also considers the impact of variability in sums insured within cohorts and coverage types with an additional specific address to distribution tails. The proposed methodology offers a viable alternative within the Solvency II context, addressing limitations identified in previous studies for the Standard Formula nowadays in force. Focusing only on the diversifiable part of demographic risk, the approach considers company’s specific parameters through a risk-based formula, as opposed to a simple scenario approach with demographic stress on the Best Estimate of underlying contracts valid for the whole business. Numerical results show its accuracy in approximating capital requirements for a large range of life insurance contracts.
Economic burden of Parkinson’s disease and research trends: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Cunha Maura , Almeida Helena , Guimarães Isabel , Ferreira Lara N.
Published: June 2024

Background

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with a range of motor and non-motor symptom leading to progressive disability that significantly impacts on health related-quality of life (HRQoL) and imposes a substantial economic burden. The overall trend and impact of research production on the economic burden of PD have not yet been documented. In this study, the objective is to describe, map and analyse the evolution and trend of research on the economic burden in PD. Therefore, the initial research questions were: (1) what are the main research keywords on costs in the field of Parkinson’s disease? and (2) how do an author’s studies on the economic burden and costs of Parkinson’s disease influence scientific production?

Methods

The data used were retrieved from the Web of Science over the past 25 years, from 1997 to 2022. A bibliometric analysis was performed on the basis of the number of articles, citations, published journals, authors, countries scientific production and keywords plus.

Results

A total of 140 articles that met the criteria were collected and analysed, covering 736 authors, 41 journals and 34 countries. The most productive country was the United States of America (80.71%) and, among the journals, the Movement Disorders journal was the one with the largest growth (n = 27). According to the thematic map, the terms “quality of life”, “impact” and “illness” were considered as having a high level of centrality, a moderate density and a high frequency. In addition, the terms “quality-of-life”, “impact” and illness were the most relevant words.

Conclusions

This study provides an overview of global research trends on the economic burden of PD.
Assessing the impact of the 2023 Kahramanmaraş and Hatay earthquakes on cadastre and property data using GPS and GIS
Authors: Ayso Emre , Köz İrem , Doğanalp Serkan , Aslan Mustafa , Tuşat Ekrem , Kahveci Muzaffer , Taşpınar Cahit
Published: June 2024

Natural disasters such as earthquakes, storms, floods, landslides, and tsunamis cause significant losses in land and buildings, which are an integral part of human life. This causes inconsistency between the actual situation in the land and official records and brings legal problems with it. In other words, natural disasters negatively affect human life and cause problems in the country’s cadastral system and land ownership and usage. Therefore, after natural disasters, rapid and fair redefinition of cadastral works and land boundaries in the affected areas is an important need of the society and is the basis of trust in the state. In this study, the effects of the 06 February 2023 (Mw = 7.7, Mw = 7.6) Kahramanmaraş and 20 February 2023 (Mw = 6.4) Hatay earthquakes on the cadastral status of the parcels in and around Kırıkhan district of Hatay province were investigated. By modeling the displacements, the deformation sizes of 4044 parcel corner coordinates and 1333 parcel areas were calculated and analyzed. In terms of the protection of property rights in land management, some suggestions were made by presenting concrete findings of coordinate and areal changes.
Bases for Riemann–Roch spaces of linearized function fields with applications to generalized algebraic geometry codes
Authors: Navarro Horacio
Published: June 2024

Several applications of function fields over finite fields, or equivalently, algebraic curves over finite fields, require computing bases for Riemann–Roch spaces. In this paper, we determine explicit bases for Riemann–Roch spaces of linearized function fields, and we give a lower bound for the minimum distance of generalized algebraic geometry codes. As a consequence, we construct generalized algebraic geometry codes with good parameters.
Conceptualizing understanding in explainable artificial intelligence (XAI): an abilities-based approach
Authors: Speith Timo , Crook Barnaby , Mann Sara , Schomäcker Astrid , Langer Markus
Published: June 2024

A central goal of research in explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) is to facilitate human understanding. However, understanding is an elusive concept that is difficult to target. In this paper, we argue that a useful way to conceptualize understanding within the realm of XAI is via certain human abilities. We present four criteria for a useful conceptualization of understanding in XAI and show that these are fulfilled by an abilities-based approach: First, thinking about understanding in terms of specific abilities is motivated by research from numerous disciplines involved in XAI. Second, an abilities-based approach is highly versatile and can capture different forms of understanding important in XAI application contexts. Third, abilities can be operationalized for empirical studies. Fourth, abilities can be used to clarify the link between explainability, understanding, and societal desiderata concerning AI, like fairness and trustworthiness. Conceptualizing understanding as abilities can therefore support interdisciplinary collaboration among XAI researchers, provide practical benefit across diverse XAI application contexts, facilitate the development and evaluation of explainability approaches, and contribute to satisfying the societal desiderata of different stakeholders concerning AI systems.
Discovery of new genomic regions and candidate genes implicated in the natural variation of barley peduncle length and plant height
Authors: Khatir Zenaba , Thabet Samar G. , Alqahtani Mashael Daghash , Schierenbeck Matías , Sehmisch Stefanie , Lantos Edit , Krebes Claudia , Börner Andreas , Alqudah Ahmad M.
Published: June 2024

The cereal plant barley (Hordeum vulgare) has high nutritional content and special characteristics that allow it to withstand adverse weather conditions. The peduncle’s developmental properties under dry (drought and heat) conditions make it an ideal attribute for studying its function in tolerance and adaption processes. Thus, we intend to investigate the natural phenotypic and genetic variation of the peduncle length, as well as the genetic reasons underpinning its growth in dry (drought and heat) environments. Under natural drought and heat, the examined characteristic showed a large range of natural variation, showing its involvement in adaptation to such circumstances. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was carried out to evaluate the relationship between 127,022 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and peduncle length at maturity in 184 barley accessions from throughout the world. The genomic research suggest the possibility of 86 marker-trait associations (p-value: > FDR) in various genomic areas, five of which are physically situated on chromosome 3H. The presence of 23 candidate genes was discovered after predicting candidate genes underlying significant relationships. The RNA-sequencing expression profile of candidate genes revealed that the gene HORVU.MOREX.r2.3HG0216310.1, which was identified as a Polynucleotidyl transferase ribonuclease H-like superfamily protein, had the greatest level of expression, indicating its participation in peduncle development under these conditions. Quantifying the current natural variation in peduncles under dry environmental circumstances and identifying the genomic areas linked with the features will serve as the foundation for future genetic research to better understand its function in stress tolerance.
Trend analysis of environmental radioactivity levels around Kaiga Generating Station, India
Authors: Jain Sanyam , Ajith T. L. , Joshi R. M. , Reji T. K. , James J. P. , Vishnu M. S. , Saradhi I. V. , Kumar A. Vinod
Published: June 2024

The study assessed the radiological impact of the Kaiga Generating Station (KGS) on the surrounding environment and the safety of the nearby population. Over a period of 15 years (2005–2020), the radiological monitoring detected only trace levels of 3H and 137Cs (attributed to fallout) in the surrounding environment. The study utilized the non-parametric Mann–Kendall test to analyze the long-term trends, identifying either decreasing or no trend in the radioactivity levels across various environmental matrices such as air, water, biota, and dietary items. These findings indicate no significant accumulation of radioactivity, confirming the minimal environmental impact of the KGS operations.
Assessing the Link between Maternal Transport Modes and Childhood Mortality in Nigeria
Authors: Addie Oluwaseun , Seun-Addie Kehinde F , Adejoh Samuel Ojima , Olorunlana Adetayo
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The study explored the association between maternal transport modes and childhood mortalities in Nigeria.

Method

Utilizing data and definitions from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey report, the ten-year early mortality rates of the five childhood mortalities and the percentage of live births in the 5 years before the survey, transported by eight identified means of transportation, were statistically correlated for each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the federal capital territory (FCT) in the R environment at a significance level of α < 0.05.

Results

In the spatial distribution of the five childhood mortalities, a notable north-south dichotomy was observed, contrasting with the spatial spread of maternal transport modes. The five childhood mortalities exhibited a significant, moderately positive correlation with transportation by Private Car or Truck, while their associations with Public Transport or Bus and Walking were notably moderate but negative.

Conclusion for Practice

While the use of private cars or trucks should be encouraged as a means of maternal transport, public transport should be better organized to provide efficient services to women who need such services for maternal and child healthcare. Additionally, steps should be taken to reduce travel distances to health facilities to manageable distances for mothers.
What is wrong with exclusivism? Religious exclusivism between epistemic overconfidence and epistemic humility
Authors: Grube Dirk-Martin
Published: June 2024

I compare the discussion on exclusivism in religion to the discussion on exclusivism in general. With defenders of religious exclusivism, such as Plantinga, I argue that it is a subset of general exclusivism and is as little blameworthy as the latter is. This explains why defenders of religious exclusivism are right in assuming that the burden of proof is on the shoulders of the critics of exclusivism. Yet, this answer solves only part of the problem. It answers only the first order question of whether it is legitimate to hold exclusivist truth claims in religion. It does not answer the second order question of how, in what spirit, they should be held. I argue that there are contexts in which exclusivist truth claims should be held in a humble fashion, for example contexts in which (cognitive) ambiguity reigns. If they are held in those contexts in an overconfident fashion, they are epistemically and/or morally blameworthy. Since religion is characterized by a measure of (cognitive) ambiguity, exclusivist religious truth claims should be held in a humble fashion. They are thus blameworthy if held in an overconfident fashion. Yet, if held in a modest spirit, there is nothing wrong with religious exclusivism.
Exploring novel dilazep derivatives as hENT1 inhibitors and potentially covalent molecular tools
Authors: Dilweg Majlen A. , Gorostiola González Marina , de Ruiter Martijn D. , Meijboom Nadine J. , van Veldhoven Jacobus P. D. , Liu Rongfang , Jespers Willem , van Westen Gerard J. P. , Heitman Laura H. , IJzerman Adriaan P. , van der Es Daan
Published: June 2024

The human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (SLC29A1, hENT1) is a solute carrier that modulates the passive transport of nucleosides and nucleobases, such as adenosine. This nucleoside regulates various physiological processes, such as vasodilation and -constriction, neurotransmission and immune defense. Marketed drugs such as dilazep and dipyridamole have proven useful in cardiovascular afflictions, but the application of hENT1 inhibitors can be beneficial in a number of other diseases. In this study, 39 derivatives of dilazep’s close analogue ST7092 were designed, synthesized and subsequently assessed using [3H]NBTI displacement assays and molecular docking. Different substitution patterns of the trimethoxy benzoates of ST7092 reduced interactions within the binding pocket, resulting in diminished hENT1 affinity. Conversely, [3H]NBTI displacement by potentially covalent compounds 14b, 14c, and 14d resulted in high affinities (Ki values between 1.1 and 17.5 nM) for the transporter, primarily by the ability of accommodating the inhibitors in various ways in the binding pocket. However, any indication of covalent binding with amino acid residue C439 remained absent, conceivably as a result of decreased nucleophilic residue reactivity. In conclusion, this research introduces novel dilazep derivatives that are active as hENT1 inhibitors, along with the first high affinity dilazep derivatives equipped with an electrophilic warhead. These findings will aid the rational and structure-based development of novel hENT1 inhibitors and pharmacological tools to study hENT1's function, binding mechanisms, and its relevance in (patho)physiological conditions.
Response of hyporheic biofilms to temperature changes and dissolved organic carbon enrichment: a mesocosm study
Authors: Simčič Tatjana , Poklukar Monika , Mori Nataša
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Hyporheic biofilms are the central site for biogeochemical cycling in streams and rivers. In view of global warming and increasing human pressures, this study aimed to compare the response of hyporheic biofilm biomass and activities from an unpolluted reference stream reach surrounded by forest with those from a stream reach exposed to agricultural and urban land use using a mesocosm experiment in which the water temperature and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) contents were manipulated.

Methods

Hyporheic sediments collected in the field from the two study reaches (i.e. reference and impacted) were incubated in the laboratory at two different temperatures (10 °C, 14 °C) and wetted with three types of synthetic water (control [C] – 0 mg L−1; low DOC – 5 mg L−1; high DOC – 30 mg L−1) for four weeks. The responses of the hyporheic biofilms were measured weekly using structural (total protein content [TPC] as a proxy for biofilm biomass) and functional measures (electron transport system activity [ETSA] and community-level physiological profiling [CLPP]).

Results

The response of hyporheic biofilms to temperature changes and DOC enrichment was site-specific for all studied measures (TPC, ETSA and CLPP, including measured average well colour development [AWCD]). The addition of DOC to biofilms from the pristine stream reach significantly heightened the responses at 10 °C, a temperature within the normal environmental temperature ranges of the reference location, but not at 14 °C, which was here, a temperature outside normal environmental range. On the other hand, biofilms from the impacted stream reach exhibited increased responses following DOC enrichment under both temperature regimes, with a particularly pronounced response at 14 ºC, in this case, both experimental temperatures were within the normal environmental temperature ranges of the study locations.

Conclusion

Hyporheic biofilms were shown to be, like benthic biofilms, sensitive to temperature changes and organic enrichment, but their response to temperature changes and enrichment caused by climate change and/or other anthropogenic pressures (i.e. point and non-point pollution, removal of the riparian zone, hydromorphological modifications, etc.) was not simply linear but site-specific. The intensity of the response, characterized by increased activity and biomass production, appears to be constrained within the temperature ranges prevalent in the environment from which the biofilms originate. These findings emphasize the importance of site-specific considerations in predicting the impacts of climate change and anthropogenic pressures on these critical components of river and stream ecosystems.
An overview of the ionic liquids and their hybrids operating in electrochemical cells and capacitors
Authors: Pereira José , Souza Reinaldo , Moreira António , Moita Ana
Published: June 2024

The present work of review is focused on the recent advancements regarding the exploration of the ionic liquids, ionic liquids with the incorporation of nanoparticles of several materials, and ionic liquid-grafted nanoparticles operating as liquid electrodes in electrochemical cells and capacitors. The ionic liquids are generally synthesized at room temperature and by adding a solution, which can be an acid, a base, or a salt in water, and are composed of organic cations and a great number of charge-delocalized organic/inorganic anions. The electrochemical features such as the electrical conductivity and capacitance of the promising ionic liquids and their hybrids are addressed thoroughly, together with their influencing factors like the nature, concentration, and functionalization of the nanoparticles, type of base fluids, working temperature, and addition of surfactants. Moreover, this overview identifies and discusses the main applications of ionic liquids and their hybrids with nanoparticles in various possible electrochemical device configurations, along with a brief evaluation of the associated feasibility issues. Additionally, this survey of the published scientific papers on the subject enabled the listing and evaluation of the beneficial features related to the usage of these fluids including enhanced electrical conductivity and improved capacitance in comparison with the commonly employed solvents and electrolytes. Finally, it addresses the main problems associated with such types of fluids and outlines the primary prospects for further research and use of ionic liquids and their nanocomposites in different electrochemical technological applications.
Pediatric Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Health in Adulthood
Authors: Meng Yaxing , Mynard Jonathan P. , Smith Kylie J. , Juonala Markus , Urbina Elaine M. , Niiranen Teemu , Daniels Stephen R. , Xi Bo , Magnussen Costan G.
Published: June 2024

Purpose of Review

This review summarizes current knowledge on blood pressure in children and adolescents (youth), with a focus on primary hypertension—the most common form of elevated blood pressure in this demographic. We examine its etiology, progression, and long-term cardiovascular implications. The review covers definitions and recommendations of blood pressure classifications, recent developments in measurement, epidemiological trends, findings from observational and clinical studies, and prevention and treatment, while identifying gaps in understanding and suggesting future research directions.

Recent Findings

Youth hypertension is an escalating global issue, with regional and national variations in prevalence. While the principles of blood pressure measurement have remained largely consistent, challenges in this age group include a scarcity of automated devices that have passed independent validation for accuracy and a generally limited tolerance for ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. A multifaceted interplay of factors contributes to youth hypertension, impacting long-term cardiovascular health. Recent studies, including meta-analysis and sophisticated life-course modelling, reveal an adverse link between youth and life-course blood pressure and subclinical cardiovascular outcomes later in life. New evidence now provides the strongest evidence yet linking youth blood pressure with clinical cardiovascular events in adulthood. Some clinical trials have expanded our understanding of the safety and efficacy of antihypertensive medications in youth, but this remains an area that requires additional attention, particularly regarding varied screening approaches.

This review outlines the potential role of preventing and managing blood pressure in youth to reduce future cardiovascular risk. A global perspective is necessary in formulating blood pressure definitions and strategies, considering the specific needs and circumstances in low- and middle-income countries compared to high-income countries.
Use of Sinapic Acid Alkyl Esters as Antioxidants in Microencapsulated Flaxseed Oil
Authors: Arslan Derya , Tontul İsmail , Polak Tomaž , Ulrih Nataša Poklar
Published: June 2024

Enzymatically synthesized hexyl (C6) and palmitoyl (C16) esters of sinapic acid were incorporated into microencapsulated flaxseed oil as antioxidants. The antioxidant activity and lipid oxidation retarding effect of the sinapic acid esters were tested during storage using different methods. Sinapate-enriched microencapsulated flaxseed oils were found to be more stable against oxidation during storage compared to microencapsulated and free oil. In addition, the results of antioxidant analyses and lipid oxidation measurements revealed the superiority of palmitoyl sinapate (longer alkyl side chain) over hexyl sinapate. The polarity of the analysis medium provides information on the antioxidant properties and stability of the added sinapic acid esters since sinapic acid alkyl esters gave different results when tested directly in the analysis medium. The results showed that lipophilic esters of sinapic acid, especially palmitoyl sinapate, can be successfully used as antioxidants to stabilize microencapsulated flaxseed oil.
New Software Product Development: Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Mata Pedro Neves , Martins José Moleiro , Ferreira João Carlos
Published: June 2024

The aim of this article is to conduct a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the existing literature in the domain of new software product development. The research methodology is based on bibliometrics, cluster analysis and meta-analysis of key indicators of knowledge dissemination and publications about the new software product in the Scopus scientometric database for 2003–2022.Through bibliometric analysis, this study provides valuable information on the trends, patterns and impact of research and publications in the field of new software product development. Based on the literature reviewed, known research areas, influential authors and new directions are identified, thus providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge in the field of new software product development. The number of publications dedicated to new software products has steadily increased over the past two decades, indicating a growing interest in this field among researchers and scholars. The United States, China, and Germany emerged as the leading countries in terms of the number of publications, highlighting their strong presence in software development and technological advancements. Meta-analysis demonstrates the significant impact of Engineering, Mathematics, and Social Sciences on the publication count of the new software product. Overall, the findings highlight the widespread interest and interdisciplinary nature of software product development, with particular emphasis on the role of Computer Science and Engineering in driving advancements in this domain. The conducted bibliometric analysis can serve as a basis for further research and help researchers and practitioners to identify knowledge gaps and directions for future research.
Production, Characterization and Mechanical Behaviors of Electrolytic Metal-Coated Light Polymeric Cylinders for Photogravure Press Applications
Authors: Yakisan Kadir Ilker , Turkel Veysel , Celik Erdal
Published: June 2024

Since precision engraving is essential for almost any product or application, it is important that the printing system produces smooth and clear prints. In this regard, the rollers are made of steel and polymeric materials. However, light cylinder production is economical, transportation costs are very low, and it provides ease of transportation and distribution for printing houses. However, regional chain orientations and cracks occur in the polymeric material on the conical surfaces of the cylinders with shafts longer than 1 m. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the surface properties of polymeric cylinder. In this study, electrolytic hard chromium (Cr) and soft copper (Cu) metal layers, conductive (Ni and Ag) paint and polyester coating were successfully fabricated on polymeric lightweight cylinders via electroplating, spraying and hand brushing techniques for photogravure press application. At the fabrication stage on the steel base cylinders, polyurethane has been molded by using an injection molding machine. In order to eliminate the porosities, where polyurethane takes place, polyester has been coated on the polymeric cylinder and consequently polyester has been painted with conductive dye to obtain the conductivity. Then Cu and Cr have been coated by using the electroplating method and gravured. At the end of final stage, the process has been completed with coating of Cr on the Cu layer/conductive paint/polyester coating/polyurethane substrate. Phase analysis, microstructures and mechanical properties of the obtained samples have been examined through XRD, SEM–EDS, surface roughness, microhardness, tensile, three-point bending, scratch and wear machines. As a remarkable result of these studies, correlations were established between the quality of the layers and the mechanical properties as innovative scientific approaches, and between the layers produced on an experimental basis and the samples produced on a fabrication basis, they were produced and used in high-quality multilayered architecture to engraving technology and then to the society because of its effectiveness.
Investigating migraine phenotype and dynamics in women with endometriosis: an observational pilot study
Authors: Merki-Feld Gabriele , Dietrich Hanna , Imesch Patrick , Gantenbein Andreas R. , Sandor Peter , Schankin Christoph J.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Migraine and endometriosis are chronic disabling pain conditions. There is evidence for a shared genetic background. Migraine phenotype and course in patients with the comorbidity are insufficient investigated. Both conditions can be treated with progestins.

Methods

For this observational study we included women with migraine and endometriosis, visiting our clinic from 2015 to 2021. We collected available information from charts and complemented these data by a structured phone interview to collect more specific information on migraine and the course of both diseases.

Results

From 344 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria, 94 suffered from both, endometriosis and migraine. Migraine with aura was reported by 41% of the patients and was associated with earlier onset of migraine (age < 17 years (OR 6.54) and with a history of medication overuse headache (OR 9.9, CI 1.6–59.4). Present monthly migraine frequency (1.5 ± 2.6) was significantly lower than five years before the interview (2.9 ± 4.64). There was a correlation between medication overuse headache and use of analgesics more than 3 days/months for dysmenorrhoea (p < 0.03). ASRM endometriosis score was not associated with migraine characteristics.

Conclusions

We conclude that the comorbidity of endometriosis is highly linked to migraine with aura. Migraine onset in these patients was earlier. Further studies are needed to explore, if the observed decrease in migraine frequency can be attributed to recent endometriosis surgery and to understand if early diagnosis and treatment of both conditions may contribute to improve the course of both conditions.

Trial registration BASEC Nr. 2021-00285.
A review of soil pollution around municipal solid waste landfills in Iran and comparable instances from other parts of the world
Authors: Rouhani A. , Hejcman M.
Published: June 2024

In many parts of the world, landfills are the primary method for disposal of municipal solid waste. Waste generation in cities of developing countries is increasing as a result of rapid urbanization, lifestyle changes, and demographic growth. Environmental pollution is getting worse due to the lack of development in implementing advanced waste management and disposal techniques, especially in developing countries such as Iran. Waste generation and disposal are major contributors to the presence of various types of pollutants in soil, such as potentially toxic elements and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, as well as microplastics. It is critical to constantly monitor these pollutants since they are harmful to human health as well as the natural environment, including water, soil, plants, and animals. The primary goal of this study was to examine recent studies on soil contamination near landfills in Iran and comparable instances from other regions of the world. In addition, some potential future study directions have been presented in order to develop and establish sufficient monitoring of contaminants in soils around landfills.
Treatment of Obesity with Thyroid hormones in Europe. Data from the THESIS* Collaboration
Authors: Galofré J. C. , Díez J. J. , Attanasio R. , Nagy E. V. , Negro R. , Papini E. , Perros P. , Žarković M. , Akarsu E. , Alevizaki M. , Ayvaz G. , Bednarczuk T. , Beleslin B. N. , Berta E. , Bodor M. , Borissova A. M. , Boyanov M. , Buffet C. , Burlacu M. C. , Dobnig H. , Fadeyev V. , Field B. C. T. , Fliers E. , Führer D. , Hakala T. , Jiskra J. , Kopp P. , Krebs M. , Kršek M. , Kužma M. , Lantz M. , Lazúrová I. , Leenhardt L. , Luchytskiy V. , Puga F. M. , McGowan A. , Metso S. , Moran C. , Morgunova T. , Niculescu D. A. , Perić B. , Planck T. , Poiana C. , Robenshtok E. , Rosselet P. O. , Ruchala M. , Riis K. R. , Shepelkevich A. , Tronko M. , Unuane D. , Vardarli I. , Visser W. E. , Vryonidou M. , Younes Y. R. , Hegedüs L.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The use of thyroid hormones (TH) to treat obesity is unsupported by evidence as reflected in international guidelines. We explored views about this practice, and associations with respondent characteristics among European thyroid specialists.

Methods

Specialists from 28 countries were invited to a survey via professional organisations. The relevant question was whether “Thyroid hormones may be indicated in biochemically euthyroid patients with obesity resistant to lifestyle interventions”.

Results

Of 17,232 invitations 5695 responses were received (33% valid response rate; 65% women; 90% endocrinologists). Of these, 290 (5.1%) stated that TH may be indicated as treatment for obesity in euthyroid patients. This view was commoner among non-endocrinologists (8.7% vs. 4.7%, p < 0.01), private practice (6.5% vs. 4.5%, p < 0.01), and varied geographically (Eastern Europe, 7.3%; Southern Europe, 4.8%; Western Europe, 2.7%; and Northern Europe, 2.5%). Respondents from Northern and Western Europe were less likely to use TH than those from Eastern Europe (p < 0.01). Gross national income (GNI) correlated inversely with this view (OR 0.97, CI: 0.96–0.97; p < 0.001). Having national guidelines on hypothyroidism correlated negatively with treating obesity with TH (OR 0.71, CI: 0.55–0.91).

Conclusions

Despite the lack of evidence, and contrary to guidelines’ recommendations, about 5% of respondents stated that TH may be indicated as a treatment for obesity in euthyroid patients resistant to life-style interventions. This opinion was associated with (i) respondent characteristics: being non-endocrinologist, working in private practice, treating a small number of hypothyroid patients annually and (ii) national characteristics: prevalence of obesity, Eastern Europe, low GNI and lack of national hypothyroidism guidelines.