bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The linkage of depressive and anxiety disorders with the expected labor market affiliation (ELMA): a longitudinal multi-state study of Danish employees
Authors: Pedersen Jacob , Framke Elisabeth , Thorsen Sannie Vester , Sørensen Kathrine , Andersen Malene Friis , Rugulies Reiner , Solovieva Svetlana
Published: July 2022

Objective

Depressive and anxiety disorders are prevalent among employees in general. Still, knowledge regarding the contribution of these disorders to the dynamics of the labor market in terms of working time, sickness absence, and unemployment is scarce. We aim to quantify the linkage of depressive and anxiety disorders with labor market participation using the expected labor market affiliation method (ELMA), in a large sample of Danish employees.

Methods

We combined three survey waves on occupational health with six high-quality national registers in N = 43,148 Danish employees, of which the 2012 survey contributed 29,665 person years, the 2014 survey 33,043 person years, and the 2016 survey 35,375 person years. We used the new ELMA method to estimate the multi-state transition probabilities and 2-year expected time in work, sickness absence, and unemployment. Depressive and anxiety disorders were assessed by the Major Depression Inventory and the SCL-ANX4 scales, respectively. We adjusted for multiple variables by applying inverse probability weighting in groups of gender and age.

Results

Depressive and anxiety disorders among employees link to reduced labor market affiliation by significantly changed transitions probabilities between the labor markets states, viewed as reduced working time by 4–51 days (in two years), increased time in sickness absence by 6–44 days (in two years), and unemployment by 6–12 days (in two years) when compared to employees without depression or anxiety disorders. The results were most pronounced for women employees and for employees with both depression and anxiety disorders.

Conclusions

The study reveals detailed insight into what extent depression and anxiety disorders influence the labor market affiliation, in terms of the complex interrelation between working time, sickness absence, and unemployment. The study emphasizes the importance of preventing and handling depressive and anxiety disorders among employees for strengthening work participation.
Expert opinion on NSCLC small specimen biomarker testing — Part 2: Analysis, reporting, and quality assessment
Authors: Penault-Llorca Frédérique , Kerr Keith M. , Garrido Pilar , Thunnissen Erik , Dequeker Elisabeth , Normanno Nicola , Patton Simon J. , Fairley Jenni , Kapp Joshua , de Ridder Daniëlle , Ryška Aleš , Moch Holger
Published: July 2022

The diagnostic work-up for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) requires biomarker testing to guide therapy choices. This article is the second of a two-part series. In Part 1, we summarised evidence-based recommendations for obtaining and processing small specimen samples (i.e. pre-analytical steps) from patients with advanced NSCLC. Here, in Part 2, we summarise evidence-based recommendations relating to analytical steps of biomarker testing (and associated reporting and quality assessment) of small specimen samples in NSCLC. As the number of biomarkers for actionable (genetic) targets and approved targeted therapies continues to increase, simultaneous testing of multiple actionable oncogenic drivers using next-generation sequencing (NGS) becomes imperative, as set forth in European Society for Medical Oncology guidelines. This is particularly relevant in advanced NSCLC, where tissue specimens are typically limited and NGS may help avoid tissue exhaustion compared with sequential biomarker testing. Despite guideline recommendations, significant discrepancies in access to NGS persist across Europe, primarily due to reimbursement constraints. The use of increasingly complex testing methods also has implications for the reporting of results. Molecular testing reports should include clinical interpretation with additional commentary on sample adequacy as appropriate. Molecular tumour boards are recommended to facilitate the interpretation of complex genetic information arising from NGS, and to collaboratively determine the optimal treatment for patients with NSCLC. Finally, whichever testing modality is employed, it is essential that adequate internal and external validation and quality control measures are implemented.
The microbial RNA metagenome of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) from Germany
Authors: Rau Janine , Werner Doreen , Beer Martin , Höper Dirk , Kampen Helge
Published: July 2022

Aedes albopictus is a highly invasive mosquito species that has become widespread across the globe. In addition, it is an efficient vector of numerous pathogens of medical and veterinary importance, including dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses. Among others, the vector potential of mosquitoes is influenced by their microbiome. However, this influence is very dynamic and can vary between individuals and life stages. To obtain a rough overview on the microbiome of Ae. albopictus populations in Germany, pooled female and pooled male individuals from seven German locations were investigated by total RNA sequencing. The mosquito specimens had been collected as larvae in the field and processed immediately after adult emergence, i.e. without females having fed on blood. RNA fragments with high degrees of identity to a large number of viruses and microorganisms were identified, including, for example, Wolbachia pipientis and Acinetobacter baumannii, with differences between male and female mosquitoes. Knowledge about the natural occurrence of microorganisms in mosquitoes may be translated into new approaches to vector control, for example W. pipientis can be exploited to manipulate mosquito reproduction and vector competence. The study results show how diverse the microbiome of Ae. albopictus can be, and the more so needs to be adequately analysed and interpreted.
Association of change in health-related quality of life and treatment discontinuation in metastatic breast cancer: a post hoc, exploratory analysis of two randomized clinical trials
Authors: Kawahara Takuya , Iwamoto Takayuki , Takashima Ikumi , Hanazawa Ryoichi , Uemura Kohei , Uemura Yukari , Mukai Hirofumi , Kikawa Yuichiro , Taira Naruto
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Identifying factors associated with treatment alteration (treatment discontinuation and dose reduction) may help to attain the treatment goals for metastatic breast cancer. The value of changes in the quality of life (QOL) in predicting treatment alteration remained unclear. This study aimed to examine the relationship between changes in the QOL and treatment alteration of first-line chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer.

Methods

We merged data from two randomized clinical trials in Japan, conducted from 2006 to 2017, that included patients who were diagnosed with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative and endocrine treatment-resistant breast cancer, with metastatic disease at presentation or recurrence after surgery. The European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 was used to assess QOL. The association between change in time-dependent QOL (worsening by 10-point or not) and time to treatment alteration was assessed using the Cox regression models controlling for patient characteristics (age, liver metastasis, hormone status, and treatment regimen) and baseline QOL.

Results

Worsening physical functioning, global health status, and dyspnea were significantly associated with treatment discontinuation. Worsening role functioning, global health status, and fatigue were significantly associated with dose reduction. The threshold for defining worsening did not have a significant impact on the relationship.

Conclusion

Changes in QOL are associated with the probability of treatment alteration among metastatic breast cancer patients. Physical functioning, role functioning, global health status, dyspnea, and fatigue should be prioritized for symptom management in patients with metastatic breast cancer.
Word imageability influences the emotionality effect in episodic memory
Authors: Ballot Claire , Robert Christelle , Mathey Stéphanie
Published: July 2022

This study examines how and to what extent imageability influences the effect of word emotionality in episodic memory. A total of 52 young adults successively performed a free recall task and a recognition task in which word emotionality and imageability were orthogonally manipulated across six conditions of French words: low-imageability positive words (e.g., éloge [praise]), low-imageability negative words (e.g., viral [viral]), low-imageability neutral words (e.g., global [global]), high-imageability positive words (e.g., ourson [teddy]), high-imageability negative words (e.g., tornade [tornado]), and low-imageability neutral words (e.g., noyau [core]). The results from both the recall and the recognition memory tasks show that word imageability enhances memory performance. Importantly, word imageability interacted with word emotionality in both tasks. Specifically, we found that the advantage of emotional over neutral words in episodic memory performance emerged for high-imageability words only, as did the advantage of positive over negative words. These results highlight the role of imageability in the mechanisms underlying emotional word episodic memory.
Inter- and intra-species heterogeneity in germination of Aspergillus conidia
Authors: Ijadpanahsaravi Maryam , Teertstra Wieke R. , Wösten Han A. B.
Published: July 2022

Aspergilli are among the most abundant fungi worldwide. They degrade organic material and can be pathogens of plants and animals. Aspergilli spread by forming high numbers of conidia. Germination of these stress resistant asexual spores is characterized by a swelling and a germ tube stage. Here, we show that conidia of Aspergillusniger,Aspergillusoryzae,Aspergillusclavatus, Aspergillusnidulans and Aspergillusterreus show different swelling and germ tube formation dynamics in pure water or in water supplemented with (in)organic nutrients. Apart from inter-species heterogeneity, intra-species heterogeneity was observed within spore populations of the aspergilli except for A.terreus. Sub-populations of conidia differing in size and/or contrast showed different swelling and germ tube formation dynamics. Together, data imply that aspergilli differ in their competitive potential depending on the substrate. Moreover, results suggest that intra-species heterogeneity provides a bet hedging mechanism to optimize survival of aspergilli.
Invading the soundscape: exploring the effects of invasive species’ calls on acoustic signals of native wildlife
Authors: Hopkins Jaimie M. , Edwards Will , Schwarzkopf Lin
Published: July 2022

The transmission and reception of sound, both between conspecifics and among individuals of different species, play a crucial role in individual fitness, because correct interpretation of meaning encoded in acoustic signals enables important context-appropriate behaviours, such as predator avoidance, foraging, and mate location and identification. Novel noise introduced into a soundscape can disrupt the processes of receiving and recognising sounds. When species persist in the presence of novel noise, it may mask the production and reception of sounds important to fitness, and can reduce population size, species richness, or relative abundances, and thus influence community structure. In the past, most investigations into the effects of novel noise have focused on noises generated by anthropogenic sources. The few studies that have explored the effects of calls from invasive species suggest native species alter behaviours (particularly their vocal behaviour) in the presence of noise generated by invasive species. These effects may differ from responses to anthropogenic noises, because noises made by invasive species are biotic in origin, and may therefore be more spectrally similar to the calls of native species, and occur at similar times. Thus, in some cases, negative fitness consequences for native species, associated with noises generated by invasive species, may constitute interspecific competition. Possible negative consequences of invasive species calls represent an overlooked, and underappreciated, class of competitive interactions. We are far from understanding the full extent of the effects of invasive species on native ones. Further investigation of the contribution of noise interference to native species’ decline in the presence of invasive species will significantly increase our understanding of an important class of interactions between invasive and native species.
Free energy: a user’s guide
Authors: Mann Stephen Francis , Pain Ross , Kirchhoff Michael D.
Published: July 2022

Over the last fifteen years, an ambitious explanatory framework has been proposed to unify explanations across biology and cognitive science. Active inference, whose most famous tenet is the free energy principle, has inspired excitement and confusion in equal measure. Here, we lay the ground for proper critical analysis of active inference, in three ways. First, we give simplified versions of its core mathematical models. Second, we outline the historical development of active inference and its relationship to other theoretical approaches. Third, we describe three different kinds of claim—labelled mathematical, empirical and general—routinely made by proponents of the framework, and suggest dialectical links between them. Overall, we aim to increase philosophical understanding of active inference so that it may be more readily evaluated. This paper is the Introduction to the Topical Collection “The Free Energy Principle: From Biology to Cognition”.
Good Intentions Gone Awry: Government Intervention and Multistakeholder Engagement in a Frontier Market
Authors: Segaro Ethiopia L. , Haag Kajsa
Published: July 2022

How to achieve sustainable communities with decent work and economic growth without negative environmental impact, is at the heart of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and a top priority of many governments around the world. This article critically explores the role of government intervention for achieving sustainable local prosperity in frontier markets of developing countries, where such advancement is especially crucial. More specifically, we explore by an in-depth case study how multiple stakeholders cooperate to enhance local development and export from firms in the leather and leather products industry in Ethiopia. From a multistakeholder engagement perspective, including representatives of local businesses, United Nations, Ministry of Trade and Industry, and other development partners, we analyze how government interventions have resulted in unintended outcomes despite their good intention. We contribute with a new understanding of why development initiatives in frontier markets struggle with stakeholder integration, caused by power asymmetry and lack of institutional trust which prevents the achievements of sustainable development goals. Contextualized implications for firms, government, and non-governmental actors on how to improve collaboration are provided, and policy implications are proposed.
Left atrial strain and recurrence of atrial fibrillation after thoracoscopic surgical ablation: a subanalysis of the AFACT study
Authors: Baalman Sarah W. E. , van den Berg Nicoline W. E. , Neefs Jolien , Berger Wouter R. , Meulendijks Eva R. , de Bruin-Bon Rianne H. A. C. M. , Bouma Berto J. , van Boven Wim Jan P. , Driessen Antoine H. G. , de Groot Joris R.
Published: July 2022

To assess transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) left atrial (LA) strain parameters and their association with atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after thoracoscopic surgical ablation (SA) in patients in sinus rhythm (SR) or in AF at baseline. Patients participating in the Atrial Fibrillation Ablation and Autonomic Modulation via Thoracoscopic Surgery trial were included. All patients underwent thoracoscopic pulmonary vein isolation with LA appendage exclusion and were randomized to ganglion plexus (GP) or no GP ablation. In TTEs performed before surgery, LA strain and mechanical dispersion (MD) of the LA reservoir and conduit phase in all patients, and of the contraction phase in patients in SR were obtained. Recurrence of AF was defined as any documented atrial tachyarrhythmia lasting > 30 s during one year of follow-up. Two hundred and four patients (58.6 ± 7.8 years, 73% male, 57% persistent AF) were included. At baseline TTE 121 (59%) were in SR and 83 (41%) had AF. Patients with AF recurrence had lower LA strain of the reservoir phase (13.0% vs. 16.6%; p =  < 0.001) and a less decrease in strain of the conduit phase (−9.0% vs. −11.8%; p = 0.006), regardless of rhythm. MD of the conduit phase was larger in patients with AF recurrence (79.4 vs. 43.5 ms; p = 0.012). Multivariate cox regression analysis demonstrated solely an association between LA strain of the reservoir phase and AF recurrence in patients in SR (HR 0.95, p = 0.046) or with AF (HR 0.90, p = 0.038). A reduction in LA strain of the reservoir phase prior to SA predicts recurrence of AF in both patients with SR or AF. Left atrial strain assessment may therefore add to a better patient selection for SA.
The effect of ionic strength and pH on the dewatering rate of cellulose nanofibril dispersions
Authors: Fall Andreas , Henriksson Marielle , Karppinen Anni , Opstad Anne , Heggset Ellinor B. , Syverud Kristin
Published: July 2022

Cellulose nanofibrils, CNFs, show great potential in many application areas. One main aspect limiting the industrial use is the slow and energy demanding dewatering of CNF suspensions. Here we investigate the dewatering with a piston press process. Three different CNF grades were dewatered to solid contents between approx. 20 and 30%. The CNF grades varied in charge density (30, 106 and 604 µmol/g) and fibrillation degree. The chemical conditions were varied by changing salt concentration (NaCl) and pH and the dewatering rates were compared before and after these changes. For the original suspensions, a higher charge provides slower dewatering with the substantially slowest dewatering for the highest charged CNFs. However, by changing the conditions it dewatered as fast as the two lower charged CNFs, even though the salt/acid additions also improved the dewatering rate for these two CNFs. Finally, by tuning the conditions, fast dewatering could be obtained with only minor effect on film properties (strength and oxygen barrier) produced from redispersed dispersion. However, dewatering gives some reduction in viscosity of the redispersed dispersions. This may be a disadvantage if the CNF application is as e.g. rheology modifier or emulsion stabilizer.

Graphical abstract
Enhancement of Protocols for Simple Shear of Isotropic Soft Hyperelastic Samples
Authors: Horgan C. O. , Murphy J. G.
Published: July 2022

The classic deformation known as simple shear has been investigated within the framework of nonlinear elasticity for isotropic incompressible hyperelastic materials in a large variety of contexts, most notably in the analysis of the mechanical behaviour of soft matter. One of the major difficulties in providing a realistic physical interpretation of this idealised homogeneous deformation is the fact that the conventional mathematical model of simple shear using a plane stress assumption to determine the hydrostatic pressure implies that a normal traction must be applied to the slanted faces of the deformed specimen. However, such a traction is not applied in practice. To resolve this dilemma, we retain the classic plane stress assumption to determine the hydrostatic pressure but modify the basic kinematics to consider a simple shear deformation superposed on a uniform lateral extension or compression of the specimen. The amount of lateral stretch is treated as a stabilising factor determined so that the predicted normal traction is minimised and thus the fidelity of the model with experimental protocols is enhanced. This new approach is illustrated for a variety of classical strain-energy densities for isotropic hyperelastic materials that have been used to model the mechanical behaviour of soft matter.
Diffusion of renewable energy technology on Spanish farms: drivers and barriers
Authors: Pombo-Romero Julio , Langeveld Hans , Fernández-Redondo Marta
Published: July 2022

The aim of this paper is to identify the drivers and barriers of on-farm adoption of renewable energy systems (RES) in Spain and to determine how the existing mix of policies (subsidies, regulation and communication) affected the decisions of the farmers. The analysis is based on the results of a national survey that was completed by 719 farmers, representing the main types of farms and production regions. Statistically significant correlations have been observed between the probability of on-farm RES adoption and variables such as the use of contract farming, interest in new technologies and risk tolerance. Findings suggest that the diffusion of on-farm RES was at an early stage. Farmers are hesitant to adopt RES because the level of economic and regulatory uncertainty is perceived as too high in relation to the return and payback time typical of RES investments. Tailored business models and financing solutions should be implemented and promoted to overcome the described issues. Furthermore, relevant and reliable information should be available within farmers’ most common professional networks such as cooperatives and farmers’ associations. These aspects should be combined or even prioritized over providing direct economic incentives when producing on-farm RES supporting policies.
Solving the grand challenge of phenotypic integration: allometry across scales
Authors: Vasseur François , Westgeest Adrianus Johannes , Vile Denis , Violle Cyrille
Published: July 2022

Phenotypic integration is a concept related to the cascade of trait relationships from the lowest organizational levels, i.e. genes, to the highest, i.e. whole-organism traits. However, the cause-and-effect linkages between traits are notoriously difficult to determine. In particular, we still lack a mathematical framework to model the relationships involved in the integration of phenotypic traits. Here, we argue that allometric models developed in ecology offer testable mathematical equations of trait relationships across scales. We first show that allometric relationships are pervasive in biology at different organizational scales and in different taxa. We then present mechanistic models that explain the origin of allometric relationships. In addition, we emphasized that recent studies showed that natural variation does exist for allometric parameters, suggesting a role for genetic variability, selection and evolution. Consequently, we advocate that it is time to examine the genetic determinism of allometries, as well as to question in more detail the role of genome size in subsequent scaling relationships. More broadly, a possible—but so far neglected—solution to understand phenotypic integration is to examine allometric relationships at different organizational levels (cell, tissue, organ, organism) and in contrasted species.
Dark energy and extending the geodesic equations of motion: A spectrum of galactic rotation curves
Authors: Speliotopoulos Achilles D.
Published: July 2022

A recently proposed extension of the geodesic equations of motion, where the worldline traced by a test particle now depends on the scalar curvature, is used to study the formation of galaxies and galactic rotation curves. This extension is applied to the motion of a fluid in a spherical geometry, resulting in a set of evolution equations for the fluid in the nonrelativistic and weak gravity limits. Focusing on the stationary solutions of these equations and choosing a specific class of angular momenta for the fluid in this limit, we show that dynamics under this extension can result in the formation of galaxies with rotational velocity curves (RVC) that are consistent with the Universal Rotation Curve (URC), and through previous work on the URC, the observed rotational velocity profiles of 1100 spiral galaxies. In particular, a spectrum of RVCs can form under this extension, and we find that the two extreme velocity curves predicted by it brackets the ensemble of URCs constructed from these 1100 velocity profiles. We also find that the asymptotic behavior of the URC is consistent with that of the most probable asymptotic behavior of the RVCs predicted by the extension. A stability analysis of these stationary solutions is also done, and we find them to be stable in the galactic disk, while in the galactic hub they are stable if the period of oscillations of perturbations is longer than $$0.91_{\pm 0.31}$$

0
.

91

±
0.31

to $$1.58_{\pm 0.46}$$

1
.

58

±
0.46

billion years.
Industry-Led Standards, Relational Contracts and Good Faith: Are the UK and Australia Setting the Pace in (Construction) Contract Law?
Authors: Christie David , Saintier Séverine , Viven-Wilksch Jessica
Published: July 2022

The law of contract is changing. “Good faith” and “relational contracts” are used by parties more than ever before in commercial disputes. Yet, their definition and what it really means to act in good faith are still unsettled in the UK and Australia, reducing the (judicial and doctrinal) utility and impact of such conceptual tools. In contrast, the construction industry is trying to move forward in policy terms. Over the last 30 years, industry-led initiatives have been working to improve collaboration. In the UK and Australia, new collaborative frameworks contain express provisions asking parties to act with mutual trust and cooperation among other collaborative schemes. Examination of the judicial approach and industry initiatives demonstrates that there is – underpinning both – a project-centric approach (even if that is yet to be fully recognised or articulated). It is the aim of this paper to further articulate this understanding by examining at the judicial and industry positions in the UK and Australia.
How many ways can you die? Multiple biological deaths as a consequence of the multiple concepts of an organism
Authors: Nowak Piotr Grzegorz , Stencel Adrian
Published: July 2022

According to the mainstream position in the bioethical definition of death debate, death is to be equated with the cessation of an organism. Given such a perspective, some bioethicists uphold the position that brain-dead patients are dead, while others claim that they are alive. Regardless of the specific opinion on the status of brain-dead patients, the mere bioethical concept of death, according to many bioethicists, has the merit of being unanimous and univocal, as well as grounded in biology. In the present article, we challenge such a thesis. We provide evidence that theoretical biology operates with a plurality of equally valid organismic concepts, which imply different conclusions regarding the organismal status of a brain-dead patient. Moreover, the theoretical biology concepts of an organism are very distant from the view on an organism that appears by way of bioethicists theorizing on death. We conclude that if death is to be understood as the cessation of an organism, there is no single correct answer to the question of whether a brain-dead patient is alive or dead.
Writing composition ability and spelling competence in deaf subjects: a psycholinguistic analysis of source of difficulties
Authors: Vizzi Francesca , Angelelli Paola , Iaia Marika , Risser Anthony H. , Marinelli Chiara Valeria
Published: July 2022

We studied the compositional written skills and spelling competence of individuals with a severe hearing impairment, examining qualitative and quantitative characteristics of their texts, the psycholinguistic variables modulating their productions, and writing errors following a fine-grained analysis. Sixteen deaf young adults, educated in bilingual settings, were examined and compared to a group of control hearing subjects matched for gender, age, and education. Writing skills were examined through both written composition and written picture-naming tasks. Concerning compositional skills, deaf participants produced shorter and less informative texts, with fewer adjectives and subordinates, and were qualitatively worse with respect to texts produced by hearing controls. Words produced by deaf participants were those acquired earlier and facilitated by a higher lexical neighbourhood. Errors were mainly semantic, morphological, and syntactic errors, reflecting general linguistic weakness. Spelling errors were few, with phonologically nonplausible misspellings relative to controls, and with phonologically plausible ones being quite rare. In the picture-naming task, deaf people had a greater number of all types of errors with respect to their text, including semantic and morphological errors. Their spelling performance featured mainly phonologically nonplausible misspellings, while phonologically plausible ones were relatively few and comparable to controls. Overall, the writing of deaf adults reveal limitations in grammar and lexical-sematic linguistic competence. This was associated with spelling deficits characterized mainly by the poorer use of phonological sublexical spelling procedures. However, in an ecologic context, their spelling deficits appear not so important as has been claimed in the literature.
Facts and Values After David Hume
Authors: Määttänen Pentti
Published: July 2022

According to David Hume values do not belong to the world of facts and cannot be derived from facts. However, Hume’s argument is based on questionable presumptions. His conception of experience as sense perception is erroneous. On contemporary standards it is simply false because sense organs are not channels that passively receive inputs from the world. It is too narrow as it does not take the role of action into account. Further, Hume’s argument is based on the dichotomy between external and internal. Mind is strictly separated from the external world of facts. This entails that experiences, perceptions and ideas do not belong to the world of facts. Causality and values cannot be literally perceived. Therefore they are beyond the scope of empirical knowledge. Hume’s presumptions can be rejected. The consequence is that mind is embodied, and bodies belong to the world of facts. And so do embodied minds. Broadening the notion of experience brings causality and values within the scope of experience. They are experienced on a daily basis in various practices. Values related to vital needs are based on biological facts. More generally, the relation of facts and values can be analyzed if one rejects the hidden causes of perceptions as the object of knowledge. The alternative is the operational conception of knowledge. To know is to know what to do in order to proceed from a problematic situation to future circumstances where the problems are solved.
Motion Capture Sensing Technologies and Techniques: A Sensor Agnostic Approach to Address Wearability Challenges
Authors: Haratian Roya
Published: July 2022

Body area sensing systems specifically designed for motion capture need to consider the wearer’s comfort and wearability criteria. In this paper, after studying body models and their approximation by link-segment models, the kinematics and inverse kinematics problems for determining motion are explored. Different sensor technologies and related motion capture systems are then discussed within the context of wearability and portability challenges of the systems. For such systems, the weight and size of the system need to be kept small and the system should not interfere with the user’s movements. The requirements will be considered in terms of portability: portable motion capture systems should be less sensitive in accurate positioning of sensors and have more battery lifetime or less power consumption for their wider adoption as an assisted rehabilitation platform. Therefore, a proposed signal processing technique is validated in a controlled setting to address the challenges. By reducing sampling frequency, the power consumption will be reduced but there would be more variability in data whereas by utilising an adaptive filtering approach the variation can be compensated for. It is shown how by using the technique it is possible to reduce the energy consumption; therefore, the potential to decrease the battery size leading to a less bulky on-body sensing system with more comfort to the wearer.
The incidence and outcome of AKI in patients with sepsis in the emergency department applying different definitions of AKI and sepsis
Authors: Cobussen Maarten , Verhave Jacobien C. , Buijs Jacqueline , Stassen Patricia M.
Published: July 2022

Background

Sepsis is often accompanied with acute kidney injury (AKI). The incidence of AKI in patients visiting the emergency department (ED) with sepsis according to the new SOFA criteria is not exactly known, because the definition of sepsis has changed and many definitions of AKI exist. Given the important consequences of early recognition of AKI in sepsis, our aim was to assess the epidemiology of sepsis-associated AKI using different AKI definitions (RIFLE, AKIN, AKIB, delta check, and KDIGO) for the different sepsis classifications (SIRS, qSOFA, and SOFA).

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled patients with sepsis in the ED in three hospitals and applied different AKI definitions to determine the incidence of sepsis-associated AKI. In addition, the association between the different AKI definitions and persistent kidney injury, hospital length of stay, and 30-day mortality were evaluated.

Results

In total, 2065 patients were included. The incidence of AKI was 17.7–51.1%, depending on sepsis and AKI definition. The highest incidence of AKI was found in qSOFA patients when the AKIN and KDIGO definitions were applied (51.1%). Applying the AKIN and KDIGO definitions in patients with sepsis according to the SOFA criteria, AKI was present in 37.3% of patients, and using the SIRS criteria, AKI was present in 25.4% of patients. Crude 30-day mortality, prolonged length of stay, and persistent kidney injury were comparable for patients diagnosed with AKI, regardless of the definition used.

Conclusion

The incidence of AKI in patients with sepsis is highly dependent on how patients with sepsis are categorised and how AKI is defined. When AKI (any definition) was already present at the ED, 30-day mortality was high (22.2%). The diagnosis of AKI in sepsis can be considered as a sign of severe disease and helps to identify patients at high risk of adverse outcome at an early stage.
Metabolomics for the design of new metabolic engineering strategies for improving aerobic succinic acid production in Escherichia coli
Authors: Valle Antonio , Soto Zamira , Muhamadali Howbeer , Hollywood Katherine A. , Xu Yun , Lloyd Jonathan R. , Goodacre Royston , Cantero Domingo , Cabrera Gema , Bolivar Jorge
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Glycerol is a byproduct from the biodiesel industry that can be biotransformed by Escherichia coli to high added-value products such as succinate under aerobic conditions. The main genetic engineering strategies to achieve this aim involve the mutation of succinate dehydrogenase (sdhA) gene and also those responsible for acetate synthesis including acetate kinase, phosphate acetyl transferase and pyruvate oxidase encoded by ackA, pta and pox genes respectively in the ΔsdhAΔack-ptaΔpox (M4) mutant. Other genetic manipulations to rewire the metabolism toward succinate consist on the activation of the glyoxylate shunt or blockage the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) by deletion of isocitrate lyase repressor (iclR) or gluconate dehydrogenase (gnd) genes on M4-ΔiclR and M4-Δgnd mutants respectively.

Objective

To deeply understand the effect of the blocking of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) or the activation of the glyoxylate shunt, metabolite profiles were analyzed on M4-Δgnd, M4-ΔiclR and M4 mutants.

Methods

Metabolomics was performed by FT-IR and GC–MS for metabolite fingerprinting and HPLC for quantification of succinate and glycerol.

Results

Most of the 65 identified metabolites showed lower relative levels in the M4-ΔiclR and M4-Δgnd mutants than those of the M4. However, fructose 1,6-biphosphate, trehalose, isovaleric acid and mannitol relative concentrations were increased in M4-ΔiclR and M4-Δgnd mutants. To further improve succinate production, the synthesis of mannitol was suppressed by deletion of mannitol dehydrogenase (mtlD) on M4-ΔgndΔmtlD mutant that increase ~ 20% respect to M4-Δgnd.

Conclusion

Metabolomics can serve as a holistic tool to identify bottlenecks in metabolic pathways by a non-rational design. Genetic manipulation to release these restrictions could increase the production of succinate.
Curcumin attenuates gentamicin and sodium salicylate ototoxic effects by modulating the nuclear factor-kappaB and apoptotic pathways in rats
Authors: Abd-Elhakim Yasmina M. , Abdel-Motal Sabry M. , Malhat Seham M. , Mostafa Hend I. , Ibrahim Walied M. , Beheiry Rasha R. , Moselhy Attia A.A. , Said Enas N.
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of curcumin (CCM) against gentamicin (GEN) and sodium salicylates (NaS)-induced ototoxic effects in rats. For 15 consecutive days, seven rat groups were given 1 mL/rat physiological saline orally, 1 mL/rat olive oil orally, 50 mg/kg bwt CCM orally, 120 mg/kg bwt GEN intraperitoneally, 300 mg/kg bwt NaS intraperitoneally, CCM+GEN, or CCM+NaS. The distortion product otoacoustic emission measurements were conducted. The rats’ hearing function and balance have been behaviorally assessed using auditory startle response, Preyer reflex, and beam balance scale tests. The serum lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress biomarkers have been measured. Immunohistochemical investigations of the apoptotic marker caspase-3 and the inflammatory indicator nuclear factor kappa (NF-κB) in cochlear tissues were conducted. GEN and NaS exposure resulted in deficit hearing and impaired ability to retain balance. GEN and NaS exposure significantly decreased the reduced glutathione level and catalase activity but increased malondialdehyde content. GEN and NaS exposure evoked pathological alterations in cochlear and vestibular tissues and increased caspase-3 and NF-κB immunoexpression. CCM significantly counteracted the GEN and NaS injurious effects. These outcomes concluded that CCM could be a naturally efficient therapeutic agent against GEN and NaS-associated ototoxic side effects.

Graphical abstract
The variation and trends of nitrogen cycling and nitrogen isotope composition in tree rings: the potential for fingerprinting climate extremes and bushfires
Authors: Succarie Amal , Xu Zhihong , Wang Wenjie
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Climate extremes, such as droughts and floods, have become intensified and more frequent due to intensifying climate change. Increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and warming-induced water limitation, as well as climate extremes, may alter carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling in forest ecosystems. This provides a brief review of stable nitrogen isotopic composition (δ15N) in tree ring in relation to climate extremes and bushfires in context of N availability and losses in forest ecosystems.

Material and methods

Tree rings were extracted from four Pinus sylvestris and four Larix gmelinii sample trees, located in a boreal plantation forest of Mohe City, Heilongjiang Province, China. Tree rings were measured to obtain mean annual basal area increment (BAI), while tree ring δ15N and total N concentrations were measured on mass spectrometer at 3-year intervals. The tree ring δ15N data were related to possible climate extremes and bushfires. A brief review of the relevant literature was also undertaken to support our preliminary research findings.

Results and discussion

Globally, increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration and water limitations have led to a warmer-drier climate. This has also been associated with increases of climate extremes such as drought and floods as well as bushfires. These extremes have been recorded with detrimental effects on plant and soil structures within forest ecosystems and play an important role in regulating N availability and losses in forest ecosystems. Studies of N deposition within forest ecosystems using soil and plant δ15N also showed that N losses under various climate extremes can occur through direct changes in N cycling, such as increasing soil nitrification and denitrification or leaching. It is highlighted that tree rings δ15N has the potential to fingerprint the intensity and frequency of climate extremes and bushfires in the forest ecosystems, but more such tree ring δ15N research needs to be done in diversified forest ecosystems to confirm the potential of using tree ring δ15N for quantifying the frequency and intensity of climate extremes and bushfires at both regional and global scale.

Conclusion

The variation and trend of δ15N in the soil–plant-climate systems are closely linked to the N cycling in forest ecosystems, and tree ring δ15N has the great potential to fingerprint both intensity and frequency of climate extremes such as drought and floods as well as bushfires.
Die Arbeitsbeziehung im Coaching: Ein Forschungsüberblick und Handlungsempfehlungen für die Praxis
Authors: Graßmann Carolin
Published: July 2022

Eine gelingende Arbeitsbeziehung zwischen Coach und Coachee ist einer der zentralen Erfolgsfaktoren im Coaching und kann erklären, warum manche Coachingprozesse erfolgreicher verlaufen als andere. Dieser Beitrag liefert einen Überblick über den Stand der Forschung zur Arbeitsbeziehung im Coaching. Er zeigt die Bedeutung der Arbeitsbeziehung zu verschiedenen Outcome-Ergebnissen für Coachees auf sowie Faktoren, die die Arbeitsbeziehung fördern oder auch nicht fördern können. Darüber hinaus wird die Rolle der Arbeitsbeziehung im digitalen Coaching-Setting näher beleuchtet. Der Beitrag benennt offene Fragen für die Coaching-Forschung und leitet Handlungsempfehlungen für die Coaching-Praxis ab.
Bias in algorithms of AI systems developed for COVID-19: A scoping review
Authors: Delgado Janet , de Manuel Alicia , Parra Iris , Moyano Cristian , Rueda Jon , Guersenzvaig Ariel , Ausin Txetxu , Cruz Maite , Casacuberta David , Puyol Angel
Published: July 2022

To analyze which ethically relevant biases have been identified by academic literature in artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms developed either for patient risk prediction and triage, or for contact tracing to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, to specifically investigate whether the role of social determinants of health (SDOH) have been considered in these AI developments or not. We conducted a scoping review of the literature, which covered publications from March 2020 to April 2021. ​Studies mentioning biases on AI algorithms developed for contact tracing and medical triage or risk prediction regarding COVID-19 were included. From 1054 identified articles, 20 studies were finally included. We propose a typology of biases identified in the literature based on bias, limitations and other ethical issues in both areas of analysis. Results on health disparities and SDOH were classified into five categories: racial disparities, biased data, socio-economic disparities, unequal accessibility and workforce, and information communication. SDOH needs to be considered in the clinical context, where they still seem underestimated. Epidemiological conditions depend on geographic location, so the use of local data in studies to develop international solutions may increase some biases. Gender bias was not specifically addressed in the articles included. The main biases are related to data collection and management. Ethical problems related to privacy, consent, and lack of regulation have been identified in contact tracing while some bias-related health inequalities have been highlighted. There is a need for further research focusing on SDOH and these specific AI apps.
Brain microstructural alterations in the left precuneus mediate the association between KIBRA polymorphism and working memory in healthy adults: a diffusion kurtosis imaging study
Authors: Wang Junxia , Wu Sichu , Sun Yi , Lu Jiaming , Zhang Jilei , Fang Yu , Qing Zhao , Liang Xue , Zhang Wen , Chen Qian , Zhang Xin , Zhang Bing
Published: July 2022

Kidney and brain expressed protein (KIBRA) rs17070145 is associated with working memory function and cognitive processes. However, the neural mechanisms underlying these associations are not fully understood. This study aimed to explore the effect of KIBRA polymorphism on brain microstructure and blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) fluctuations using diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in 163 young adults. We also investigated that whether the imaging alterations mediated the association between KIBRA gene and working memory performance. Voxel-based analysis of DKI data showed that KIBRA C-allele carriers exhibited increased axial diffusivity (AD), radial diffusivity (RD) and mean diffusivity (MD) as well as decreased fractional anisotropy (FA), mean kurtosis (MK) and radial kurtosis (RK) compared with KIBRA TT homozygotes, primarily involving the prefrontal lobe, left precuneus and the left superior parietal white matter. Meanwhile, KIBRA C-allele carriers exhibited decreased amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) in the left precuneus compared to KIBRA TT homozygotes. Mediation analysis revealed that the DKI metrics (MK and RK) of the left precuneus mediated the effect of the KIBRA polymorphism on working memory performance. Moreover, the MK and RK in the left precuneus were positively correlated with ALFF in the same brain region. These findings suggest that abnormal DKI parameters may provide a gene-brain-behavior pathway in which KIBRA rs17070145 affects working memory by modulating brain microstructure in the left precuneus. This illustrates that DKI may provide additional biological information and reveal new insights into the neural mechanisms of the KIBRA polymorphism.
Metal–Support Interactions on Ag/Co3O4 Nanowire Monolithic Catalysts Promoting Catalytic Soot Combustion
Authors: Yi Xingwang , Yang Yuexi , Xu Dawei , Tian Ye , Song Song , Cao Chunmei , Li Xingang
Published: July 2022

Tuning metal–support interactions (MSIs) is an important strategy in heterogeneous catalysis to realize the desirable metal dispersion and redox ability of metal catalysts. Herein, we use pre-reduced Co3O4 nanowires (Co-NWs) in situ grown on monolithic Ni foam substrates to support Ag catalysts (Ag/Co-NW-R) for soot combustion. The macroporous structure of Ni foam with crossed Co3O4 nanowires remarkably increases the soot–catalyst contact efficiency. Our characterization results demonstrate that Ag species exist as Ag0 because of the equation Ag+  + Co2+  = Ag0 + Co3+, and the pre-reduction treatment enhances interactions between Ag and Co3O4. The number of active oxygen species on the Ag-loaded catalysts is approximately twice that on the supports, demonstrating the significant role of Ag sites in generating active oxygen species. Additionally, the strengthened MSI on Ag/Co-NW-R further improves this number by increasing metal dispersion and the intrinsic activity determined by the turnover frequency of these oxygen species for soot oxidation compared with the catalyst without pre-reduction of Co-NW (Ag/Co-NW). In addition to high activity, Ag/Co-NW-R exhibits high catalytic stability and water resistance. The strategy used in this work might be applicable in related catalytic systems.