bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective evaluation of core number of biopsy for renal tumor: are multiple cores preferable?
Authors: Iguchi Toshihiro , Matsui Yusuke , Toji Tomohiro , Sakurai Jun , Tomita Koji , Uka Mayu , Umakoshi Noriyuki , Kawabata Takahiro , Munetomo Kazuaki , Mitsuhashi Toshiharu , Hiraki Takao
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This single-center, single-arm, prospective, open-label study was conducted to evaluate the optimal number of cores (single or multiple) in renal tumor biopsy.

Materials and methods

Forty-four biopsies of 44 tumors (mean diameter, 2.7 ± 1.0 cm; range, 1.6–5.0 cm) were included. Biopsy was performed under ultrasound or computed tomography fluoroscopy guidance using an 18-gauge cutting needle and the co-axial method. Two or more specimens were obtained, which were divided into first and subsequent specimens. “First specimen” and “all specimens” were histologically evaluated (i.e., appropriateness of specimen, histological diagnosis, subtype, and Fuhrman grade of renal cell carcinoma [RCC]) blindly and independently by two board-certified pathologists.

Results

Multiple specimens were successfully and safely obtained in all the biopsies. All tumors were histologically diagnosed; 40 malignancies included 39 RCCs and 1 solitary fibrous tumor, and 4 benign lesions included 2 angiomyolipomas, 1 oncocytoma, and 1 capillary hemangioma. In all RCCs, the subtype could be determined (32 clear cell RCCs, 4 chromophobe RCCs, and 3 papillary RCCs), and the Furman grade was determined in 38 RCCs. When only the first specimen was evaluated, 22.7% of the specimens were inappropriate for diagnosis, and 34 (77.3%) were histologically diagnosed. The diagnostic yield was significantly lower than that of all specimens (P = 0.0044). Univariate analysis revealed that smaller lesions were a significant predictor of diagnostic failure (P = 0.020).

Conclusion

Biopsy with multiple cores significantly improved diagnostic yield. Thus, operators should obtain multiple cores during renal tumor biopsy.
Nickel–iron and zinc–iron bimetal oxalates: preparation, characterization and thermal decomposition to spinel ferrites
Authors: Lisníková Soňa , Novák Petr , Kopp Josef
Published: October 2023

A systematic investigation of Ni and Zn spinel ferrites preparation via oxalate route, involving a detailed characterization of synthesized precursors, in situ study of thermally induced decomposition reactions and analyses of the prepared ferrites is presented. Although the oxalate route in general is rather well known, the detailed investigations of the decomposition reactions of the well-characterized bimetal oxalate precursors have been mostly omitted by the authors. The formation of the solid solution, i.e., the incorporation of both metals into the single oxalate crystal structure, is essential for the subsequent decomposition reaction and synthesis of pure spinel ferrites. The optimally prepared precursor decomposes in a single reaction step at relatively low temperatures, evading the undesirable sintering, and allowing the preparation of microporous/mesoporous ferrites with relatively high BET areas.
Performance of the ENSEAL X1 Curved Jaw Tissue Sealer in thoracic procedures in a Japanese cohort: a case series report
Authors: Ito Hiroyuki , Tsuboi Masahiro , Canavan Kristy , Veldhuis Paula , Sadowsky Mordechai Goode
Published: October 2023

Background

Advanced vessel sealing electrosurgical systems have been widely adopted for grasping, cutting, and sealing vessels. Data remain sparse with regard to its use in thoracic procedures. Thus, a prospective case series, utilizing the ENSEAL X1 Curved Jaw Tissue Sealer (X1CJ) and its companion energy source, the Generator 11 (GEN11), in thoracic procedures was performed in a Japanese cohort.

Methods

Subjects were recruited at two Japanese surgical sites. The primary endpoint of this post-market study was the achievement of hemostasis (≤ Grade 3) for each thoracic vessel transection. Performance endpoints included scores for tasks completed with X1CJ (adhesiolysis, lymphatics or tissue bundles divided, tissue grasping, tissue cutting, or tissue dissection); hemostasis grading vessel transected; additional products required to achieve hemostasis for Grade 4 vessel transections. Safety was evaluated by evaluating device-related adverse events. All endpoint data were summarized.

Results

Forty subjects (50.0% female) of Asian ethnicity with a mean age of 67.6 ± 11.3 years underwent a lung resection. Estimated mean blood loss was 39.5 mL. Hemostasis was achieved in 97.5% of vessel transections. Thirty-seven vessel sealings resulted in a hemostatic Grade 1 (92.5%). All surgeons reported satisfaction/neutral in terms of tissue grasping (100.0%) while most reported satisfaction/neutral with tissue cutting (95.7%). One device-related serious adverse event was reported (2.5%), a chylothorax requiring an extension of hospitalization. There was no post-operative bleeding or deaths reported during the study period.

Conclusion

The X1CJ demonstrated safe and effective performance without any reports of significant intra-operative or post-operative hemorrhage in thoracic vessel sealing.
Die Novellierung von § 64 StGB – potenzielle Auswirkungen auf den Maßregelvollzug
Authors: Schwarz Michael , Stübner Susanne
Published: October 2023

Die Novellierung von § 64 Strafgesetzbuch (StGB) war am 22.06.2023 durch den Deutschen Bundestag angenommen worden und trat am 01.10.2023 in Kraft. Die Frage, welche Änderungen sich in Bezug auf die Zuweisungspraxis und das Ergebnis der Behandlung für forensische Entziehungsanstalten ergeben könnten, beschäftigt Gerichte, forensische Sachverständige, Maßregel- sowie Justizvollzug. Durch die vorliegende Arbeit soll eine erste empirische Annäherung an eine Einschätzung erfolgen. Es wurde eine retrospektive Aktenanalyse durchgeführt mit einer Stichprobe vonn = 70 männlichen Patienten, die gemäß § 64 StGB in der Klinik für Forensische Psychiatrie am Bezirksklinikum Ansbach (Bayern) untergebracht gewesen waren und deren Therapie zwischen dem 01.07.2021 und dem 30.06.2022 beendet worden war (Querschnittvollerfassung). Die schriftlichen Gutachten im Erkenntnisverfahren wurden ausgewertet. Des Weiteren erfolgte eine eigene Einschätzung der medizinischen Voraussetzungen zur Anwendung von § 64 StGB in der novellierten Fassung bei denselben Fällen. Es zeigte sich, dass in den schriftlichen Gutachten nur bei knapp der Hälfte der Patienten alle medizinischen Voraussetzungen zur Anwendung von § 64 StGB in der bisherigen Fassung explizit bejaht worden waren. Die medizinischen Voraussetzungen zur Anwendung von § 64 StGB in der novellierten Fassung wurden hingegen nur bei etwa einem Drittel gesehen. Auch wurde ein Zusammenhang zwischen der Bejahung aller und der einzelnen medizinischen Voraussetzungen zur Anwendung von § 64 StGB in der novellierten Fassung und dem Therapie-Outcome erkennbar: Im Hinblick auf einen erfolgreichen Abschluss der Behandlung bzw. eine vorzeitige Erledigung der Maßregel zeigte sich eine bessere Diskriminierungsfähigkeit bei der novellierten im Vergleich zu der bisherigen Fassung. Bei der weiterführenden Interpretation der Ergebnisse ist die Komplexität des Systems mit den inhärenten Paradigmenwechseln zwischen Rechts- und Erfahrungswissenschaften sowie den Einflüssen von Rechtsprechung und letztlich den gesellschaftspolitischen Kontexten zu berücksichtigen. Dennoch deuten die Befunde darauf hin, dass die Novellierung von § 64 StGB die intendierten Auswirkungen sowohl auf die Zuweisungspraxis als auch das Behandlungsergebnis haben könnten.
Temporal-spatial Generation of Astrocytes in the Developing Diencephalon
Authors: Hong Wentong , Gong Pifang , Pan Xinjie , Ren Zhonggan , Liu Yitong , Qi Guibo , Li Jun-Liszt , Sun Wenzhi , Ge Woo-Ping , Zhang Chun-Li , Duan Shumin , Qin Song
Published: October 2023

Astrocytes are the largest glial population in the mammalian brain. However, we have a minimal understanding of astrocyte development, especially fate specification in different regions of the brain. Through lineage tracing of the progenitors of the third ventricle (3V) wall via in-utero electroporation in the embryonic mouse brain, we show the fate specification and migration pattern of astrocytes derived from radial glia along the 3V wall. Unexpectedly, radial glia located in different regions along the 3V wall of the diencephalon produce distinct cell types: radial glia in the upper region produce astrocytes and those in the lower region produce neurons in the diencephalon. With genetic fate mapping analysis, we reveal that the first population of astrocytes appears along the zona incerta in the diencephalon. Astrogenesis occurs at an early time point in the dorsal region relative to that in the ventral region of the developing diencephalon. With transcriptomic analysis of the region-specific 3V wall and lateral ventricle (LV) wall, we identified cohorts of differentially-expressed genes in the dorsal 3V wall compared to the ventral 3V wall and LV wall that may regulate astrogenesis in the dorsal diencephalon. Together, these results demonstrate that the generation of astrocytes shows a spatiotemporal pattern in the developing mouse diencephalon.
Geoheritage of the Príncipe UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve (West Africa): Selected Geosites
Authors: Neto K. , Henriques M. H.
Published: October 2023

Considered by many to be one of the last hidden treasures, the Príncipe Island, off the coast of west-central Africa, is part of the twin-island state of São Tomé and Príncipe—the second smallest country in Africa. The islands are known as the “Galápagos of Africa” due to the high number of endemic plant and animal species, especially vascular plants, mollusks, insects, birds, reptiles, and bats. They are a melting pot of influences from different cultures and have a unique and authentic character in terms of language, culture, gastronomy, traditions, and geology. The Príncipe Island is 30.4 My old, being the oldest volcanic island of the Cameroon Volcanic Line located at the Gulf of Guinea (West Africa). It has an area of 142 km2 and a population of only about 8420 people. Rainforest covers the island’s basaltic peaks and slopes, cascading down to spectacular deserted beaches. In 2012, the Príncipe Island was declared UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. However, there is a great lack of knowledge about its geodiversity and geological heritage. The aim of this work is to describe the geoheritage of the Príncipe Island based on seven selected geosites that represent the major geological characteristics of the island by interconnecting each episode of its formation with the observable products in outcropping. The resulting narrative makes it possible to support educational activities and geotourism initiatives that are fundamental to the promotion of sustainable development in this tiny African country. By integrating the geodiversity dimension to the biodiversity dimension, this research intends to display a holistic vision of the natural heritage of the Príncipe Island and to contribute to assist United Nation’s goals regarding Small Island Developing States.
Too good to go? Neanderthal subsistence strategies at Prado Vargas Cave (Burgos, Spain)
Authors: de la Fuente Juez Héctor , Navazo Marta , Benito-Calvo Alfonso , Rivals Florent , Amo-Salas Mariano , Alonso-García Pedro
Published: October 2023

Understanding the relationship between Neanderthal groups and their environment and they it is essential to comprehending their ways of life. In this article, we use both zooarchaeology and taphonomy to study the fauna assemblages found in Level 4 of Prado Vargas Cave (Cornejo, Burgos, Spain). The results point to a site in which the main accumulating agent was Neanderthal groups, who transported small- and medium-sized animal carcasses—with deer as the dominant taxon—according to their general utility to systematically and intensely exploit the major muscle bundles, bone marrow, skin, and tendons. According to dental microwear analysis, reiterated and prolonged occupations occurred in diverse moments, suggesting that the site was used most often as a long-term campsite. We detected a minimal amount of carnivore activity, who accessed the cave during periods of human absence and modified some of the remains left by the Neanderthals. Together, this information indicates that Prado Vargas is a key site to understand the dynamics of the Neanderthals in the linking area between the Castillan Plateau and the Cantabrian Range.
Training the Moral Self: An 8-Week Mindfulness Meditation Program Leads to Reduced Dishonest Behavior and Increased Regulation of Interoceptive Awareness
Authors: Feruglio Susanna , Panasiti Maria Serena , Crescentini Cristiano , Aglioti Salvatore Maria , Ponsi Giorgia
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Recent meta-analyses suggest that mindfulness meditation may enhance prosocial behavior, while evidence regarding moral behavior is still scarce. We combined a randomized controlled mindfulness training design with an ecologically valid moral decision-making task (Temptation to Lie Card Game; TLCG), in which participants were tempted to deceive an opponent to increase their monetary payoff.

Method

TLCG and self-report measures (in the domains of attention regulation, body awareness, emotion regulation, and change in the perspective of the self) were administered to participants who underwent the mindfulness meditation training (experimental group, n = 44) or were waitlisted (control group, n = 25) twice: before and after the 8-week training.

Results

Concerning moral decision-making, we observed a significant effect involving condition, time, and group. Trained participants deceived significantly less in the post-training as compared with the pre-training phase (p = 0.03), while untrained ones showed no significant change (p = 0.58). In the self-reports, significant effects involving time and group were found for the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA-2) in Self-Regulation, Attention Regulation, Body Listening, and for the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) in Non-Reactivity to inner experience. Trained participants showed a time-related increase in all subscales scores, while untrained ones did not. Finally, a moderation analysis revealed a significant interaction between weekly mindfulness meditation training minutes and MAIA-2 Attention Regulation (post-training) on moral behavior change.

Conclusions

Our preliminary results suggest that mindfulness meditation practice decreases self-serving dishonest behavior and increases awareness of one’s bodily and emotional state. In particular, the amount of mindfulness meditation practice predicted moral behavior change in practitioners who reported the highest regulation of attention towards internal bodily signals.

Preregistration

This study is not preregistered.
Bayesian Ideas in Survey Sampling: The Legacy of Basu
Authors: Di Zio Marco , Liseo Brunero , Ranalli Maria Giovanna
Published: October 2023

Survey sampling and, more generally, Official Statistics are experiencing an important renovation time. On one hand, there is the need to exploit the huge information potentiality that the digital revolution made available in terms of data. On the other hand, this process occurred simultaneously with a progressive deterioration of the quality of classical sample surveys, due to a decreasing willingness to participate and an increasing rate of missing responses. The switch from survey-based inference to a hybrid system involving register-based information has made more stringent the debate and the possible resolution of the design-based versus model-based approaches controversy. In this new framework, the use of statistical models seems unavoidable and it is today a relevant part of the official statistician toolkit. Models are important in several different contexts, from Small area estimation to non sampling error adjustment, but they are also crucial for correcting bias due to over and undercoverage of administrative data, in order to prevent potential selection bias, and to deal with different definitions and/or errors in the measurement process of the administrative sources. The progressive shift from a design-based to a model-based approach in terms of super-population is a matter of fact in the practice of the National Statistical Institutes. However, the introduction of Bayesian ideas in official statistics still encounters difficulties and resistance. In this work, we attempt a non-systematic review of the Bayesian development in this area and try to highlight the extra benefit that a Bayesian approach might provide. Our general conclusion is that, while the general picture is today clear and most of the basic topics of survey sampling can be easily rephrased and tackled from a Bayesian perspective, much work is still necessary for the availability of a ready-to-use platform of Bayesian survey sampling in the presence of complex sampling design, non-ignorable missing data patterns, and large datasets.
Liver Transplantation for Nonresectable Colorectal Liver Metastases (CRLM)
Authors: Malik Abdullah K. , Mahendran Balaji , Lochan Rajiv , White Steven A.
Published: October 2023

Transplantation represents the most radical locoregional therapy through removal of the liver, associated vasculature and locoregional lymph nodes, and replacing it with an allograft. Recent evidence has demonstrated that transplantation for unresectable CRLM is feasible with acceptable post-transplant outcomes in a highly selected cohort of patients. Controversy exists regarding whether transplantation is an appropriate treatment for such patients, due to concerns regarding disease recurrence in the transplanted graft in an immunosuppressed recipient along with utilising a donor liver which are in short supply. Expanding the indications for liver transplantation may also limit access for other patients with end-stage liver disease having ethical implications due to the effect of increasing the waiting list. In this review, we summarise the current evidence for liver transplantation in patients with nonresectable CRLM and highlight unresolved controversies and future directions for this type of treatment.
SportsTables: A New Corpus for Semantic Type Detection (Extended Version)
Authors: Langenecker Sven , Sturm Christoph , Schalles Christian , Binnig Carsten
Published: October 2023

Table corpora such as VizNet or TURL which contain annotated semantic types per column are important to build machine learning models for the task of automatic semantic type detection. However, there is a huge discrepancy between corpora and real-world data lakes since they contain a huge fraction of numerical data which are not present in existing corpora. Hence, in this paper, we introduce a new corpus that contains a much higher proportion of numerical columns than existing corpora. To reflect the distribution in real-world data lakes, our corpus SportsTables has on average approx. 86% numerical columns, posing new challenges to existing semantic type detection models which have mainly targeted non-numerical columns so far. To demonstrate this effect, we show in this extended version paper of [18] the results of an extensive study using four different state-of-the-art approaches for semantic type detection on our new corpus. Overall, the results demonstrate significant performance differences in predicting semantic types for textual and numerical data.
How COVID-19 affects user interaction with online streaming service providers on twitter
Authors: Arazzi Marco , Murer Daniele , Nicolazzo Serena , Nocera Antonino
Published: October 2023

The worldwide diffusion of COVID-19, declared pandemic in March 2020, has led to significant changes in people’s lifestyles and behavior, especially when it comes to the consumption of media and entertainment. Indeed, during this period, online streaming platforms have become the preferred providers of recreational content, whereas Online Social Networks proved to be the favorite place to find social connections while adhering to distancing measures. In the meantime, from the online Streaming Service Providers’ point of view, Online Social Networks have gained more and more importance both as valuable data sources for business intelligence and as connected and co-viewing platforms. This study starts from these considerations to explore the impact of COVID-19 on user interaction with Streaming Service Providers in Online Social Networks. In particular, our investigation focuses on the Twitter platform; by comparing several large datasets referring to different periods (i.e., before, during, and after COVID-19 emergence), we investigate interesting patterns and dynamics leveraging both Natural Language Processing and sentiment analysis techniques. Our data science campaign, and the main findings derived, adopts a peculiar perspective focusing on the different categories of users and Streaming Service Providers. The main objective of the analysis is to uncover the dynamics underlying the evolution of the interaction between people and businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Adsorption of methylene blue by composite foams containing alkali-activated blast furnace slag and lignin
Authors: Bhuyan M. A. H. , Luukkonen T.
Published: October 2023

Adsorption is a promising method to remove dyes, such as methylene blue, from wastewater. In this study, a dynamic adsorption set-up was used to treat synthetic wastewater containing methylene blue by using alkali-activated blast furnace slag and lignin composite foam. The structure of the foam without lignin was first optimized by comparing cationic and non-ionic surfactants in the preparation of the foam via the direct foaming method. The selection of the surfactant affects the porosity and pore structure of the foam through different abilities to stabilize the gas–liquid interface and changes in the viscosity of the fresh-state paste. The foam prepared with non-ionic Triton X-114 surfactant had the highest adsorption performance and was selected for the optimization of adsorption conditions. The optimized conditions were 5 mg/L influent concentration of methylene blue, pH of 7, and flow rate of 1.0 L/h (corresponding to ~ 9 min empty bed contact time). To further enhance the methylene blue adsorption performance, a composite containing lignin was prepared. The optimum lignin amount in the foam was 0.8 wt% and it resulted a ~ 93% higher adsorption amount compared to the foam without lignin. The highest cumulative adsorption capacity in this dynamic adsorption setup was 39.5 mg/g, which is among the highest reported values for methylene blue removal by monolithic adsorbents. The present study provides a proof of concept for the enhancement of adsorption performance of alkali-activated materials by introduction of lignin into the structure.
Access to Chronic Pain Services for Adults from Minority Ethnic Groups in the United Kingdom (UK): a Scoping Review
Authors: Leach Emily , Ndosi Mwidimi , Jones Gareth T. , Ambler Helen , Park Sophie , Lewis Jennifer S.
Published: October 2023

Background

Chronic pain services in the UK are required to provide services which meet the diverse needs of patients, but little is known about the access and use of these services by minority ethnic groups.

Objective

To assess the available evidence regarding the ethnic profile of adults who access secondary and tertiary chronic pain services in the UK.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted (August 2021–October 2021), comprising comprehensive literature searches using Embase, Medline and CINAHL databases and the grey literature. Studies were included if they reported on (i) access to chronic pain services in secondary and/or tertiary care in the UK, (ii) adults and (iii) stated the ethnicity of the involved participants. Studies were included if published between 2004 and 2021, as demographic data during this period would be broadly representative of the UK population, as per the 2021 UK census. A descriptive synthesis of the extracted data was performed.

Results

The search yielded 124 records after duplicates were removed. Following title and abstract screening, 44 full texts were screened, ten of which were included in the review.

Conclusions

This is the first review to explore access to chronic pain services for adults from minority ethnic groups in the UK. Given the limited number of studies that met the inclusion criteria, the review highlights the need for routine collection of ethnicity data using consistent ethnic categories within UK chronic pain services and increased involvement of minority ethnic groups within chronic pain research. Findings should inform future research that aims to improve access to UK chronic pain services for adults from minority ethnic groups.
Medium cut-off dialyzer for middle molecular uremic toxins in AKI and chronic dialysis
Authors: Fiorentino Marco , La Fergola Francesco , De Rosa Silvia
Published: October 2023

Uremic toxins accumulate in patients affected by renal failure and can deposit in different organs, including the kidneys and heart. Given their physicochemical characteristics, uremic toxins can contribute to organ dysfunction due to several pathobiological actions at cellular and molecular levels. Several uremic compounds have been described in serum and plasma from patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) and kidney failure; they are usually classified based on their molecular size and protein-binding properties. In this scenario, new dialytic approaches have been proposed in the last few years with the aim of improving uremic toxin removal. Recent studies which focused on the use of medium cut-off membranes in patients on chronic hemodialysis have shown a discrete ability to remove β2-microglobulin and other middle molecules, such as kappa and lambda free light chains, complement factor D and α1-microglobulin. However, current evidence is mainly based on the impact on short-term outcomes and, consequently, longer observational studies are necessary to confirm the efficacy and safety of the medium cut-off dialyzer. Here we present the state-of-the-art on the clinical application of medium cut-off membranes in AKI and chronic dialysis patients.

Graphical abstract
Association rule mining for genome-wide association studies through Gibbs sampling
Authors: Qian Guoqi , Sun Pei-Yun
Published: October 2023

Finding associations between genetic markers and a phenotypic trait such as coronary artery disease (CAD) is of primary interest in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). A major challenge in GWAS is the involved genomic data often contain large number of genetic markers and the underlying genotype-phenotype relationship is mostly complex. Current statistical and machine learning methods lack the power to tackle this challenge with effectiveness and efficiency. In this paper, we develop a stochastic search method to mine the genotype-phenotype associations from GWAS data. The new method generalizes the well-established association rule mining (ARM) framework for searching for the most important genotype-phenotype association rules, where we develop a multinomial Gibbs sampling algorithm and use it together with the Apriori algorithm to overcome the overwhelming computing complexity in ARM in GWAS. Three simulation studies based on synthetic data are used to assess the performance of our developed method, delivering the anticipated results. Finally, we illustrate the use of the developed method through a case study of CAD GWAS.
Putting people back at the center of livelihood vulnerability analysis
Authors: Nef Danny Philipp , Nef Susanne , Kruetli Pius
Published: October 2023

The sustainable livelihoods framework is an analytical tool that allows livelihoods to be conceptualized in a holistic manner. This understanding is an important prerequisite to addressing potential vulnerabilities in people’s livelihoods. However, the framework places relatively little emphasis on people and their agency, although this aspect is central to vulnerability analysis. For example, factors hindering or enabling people’s capabilities to convert potentially available assets into desired livelihood outcomes are not explicitly disclosed in the framework. Instead, they are seen as part of the assets themselves or of site-specific processes and institutions. Accordingly, the framework is of limited use to analyze to what extent a person or group is capable of accessing a particular resource or converting them into a livelihood strategy and determining how power and power relations, as well as locally institutionalized practices and relationships, influence vulnerability. Yet, such analytical why-questions are central to the alignment of interventions that address vulnerability with people’s needs and local realities. Otherwise, there is a risk of remaining at a purely descriptive level.

We propose an extension and partial redesign of the framework to better account for such dynamics and to better reflect the complex realities of peoples’ livelihoods. In particular, we propose the “personal realization capability” as a complementary component for analyzing the capability of individuals or households to convert assets into livelihood outcomes. The new component allows for a more person-centered analysis that focuses on people, their social living conditions, and the social structure surrounding them.
Analytical soliton solutions of the beta time-fractional simplified modified Camassa-Holm equation in shallow water wave propagation
Authors: Khatun Mst. Munny , Akbar M. Ali
Published: October 2023

In this study, the analytical soliton solutions of the beta time-fractional simplified modified Camassa-Holm equation, a mathematical model used to describe the propagation of shallow water waves characterized by weak dispersion and nonlinearities, is determined. The $$({G}^{\prime}/G,1/G)$$

(

G

′

/
G
,
1
/
G
)

-expansion method, a powerful and reliable technique, is exploited to formulate the soliton solutions for the equation. The process yields a wide range of solutions, including trigonometric, rational, and hyperbolic functions with free parameters. Various original soliton solutions are generated for different parameter values, including bell-shaped, anti-bell-shaped, periodic, compacton, singular bell-shaped, singular periodic and flat kink solitons. To visually comprehend the physical characteristics of the obtained solutions, two- and three-dimensional graphs, as well as contour plots, are plotted. Thorough comparisons with previous results are conducted to ensure the originality of the derived solutions. The insights gained from understanding soliton behavior in shallow water can be helpful in improving tsunami warnings, coastal protection systems, underwater data transmission, submarine cables, and marine sensing networks.
Feasibility and metabolic effects of a 5:2 fasting intervention in women with breast cancer during radiotherapy
Authors: Klement Rainer J. , Figueroa Jerome , Weigel Michael , Champ Colin E. , Ok Sami , Sweeney Reinhart A.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Obesity and insulin resistance appear to worsen prognosis of breast cancer patients. We conducted a feasibility study to test a 5:2 fasting regime in breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. The intervention was rated as beneficial if it would be able to reduce fat mass while significantly improving insulin sensitivity.

Methods

A total of 13 non-metastatic breast cancer patients were recruited and instructed to completely abstain from food on two non-consecutive days (minimum 24 h) per week during radiotherapy. Body composition was measured weekly by bioimpedance analysis. Blood parameters were assessed before and at the end of radiotherapy. The product of triglycerides and glucose was used as a proxy for insulin sensitivity. A control group on an unspecified standard diet was assigned by propensity score matching.

Results

A total of twelve patients completed the study. Three patients reported side effects during fasting which were mild (grade 1). Two patients reported feeling bad while fasting, whereas five had a generally good or very good feeling. The fasting group experienced an average decrease of approximately 200 g body mass (p < 0.0001), 200 g (p = 0.002) fat mass and 100 g muscle mass (p = 0.047) per week, resulting in absolute reductions of 2.45 ± 1.19 kg body mass, 1.5 ± 1.6 kg fat mass and 0.7 ± 0.4 kg muscle mass. There was no improvement in insulin sensitivity and other markers of metabolic health except for gamma-glutamyltransferase which decreased by -7 ± 8 U/l. There was also no indication that 5:2 fasting protected against acute skin toxicity.

Conclusions

5:2 fasting is safe and feasible for breast cancer patients during radiotherapy and suitable to significantly reduce fat mass, but beneficial metabolic effects could not be confirmed. To improve these results, future studies could combine 5:2 fasting with carbohydrate restriction, increased protein intake and/or exercise.

Trial registration

Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under NCT05861362 on May 12, 2023 (retrospectively registered; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05861362).
A Multiclustering Evolutionary Hyperrectangle-Based Algorithm
Authors: Martos Luis Alfonso Pérez , García-Vico Ángel Miguel , González Pedro , del Jesus Cristóbal J. Carmona
Published: October 2023

Clustering is a grouping technique that has long been used to relate data homogeneously. With the huge growth of complex datasets from different sources in the last decade, new paradigms have emerged. Multiclustering is a new concept within clustering that attempts to simultaneously generate multiple clusters that are bound to be different from each other, allowing to analyze and discover hidden patterns in the dataset compared to single clustering methods. This paper presents a hybrid methodology based on an evolutionary approach with the concepts of hyperrectangle for multiclustering, called MultiCHCClust. The algorithm is applied in a post-processing stage and it improves the results obtained for a clustering algorithm with respect to the partitioning of the dataset and the optimization of the number of partitions, achieving a high degree of compactness and separation of the partitioned dataset as can be observed in a complete experimental study.
Die nächste Generation der Allgemeinmedizin
Authors: Ko Jonathan , Krug Katja , Förster Christian , Jähnig Tanja , Bischoff Martina , Becker Christine , Schwill Simon
Published: October 2023

Hintergrund

Zur Förderung der Qualität und Effizienz der allgemeinmedizinischen Weiterbildung wurden nach § 75a SGB V deutschlandweit Kompetenzzentren Weiterbildung (KW) gegründet. Das KW Baden-Württemberg (KWBW) ging 2017 aus der Verbundweiterbildungplus Baden-Württemberg hervor. Ziel dieser Studie ist eine Beschreibung der Ärzt*innen in Weiterbildung (ÄiW) im KWBW, um Rückschlüsse auf die Zielgruppe zu erlangen und Vergleiche mit anderen ÄiW (Allgemeinmedizin und andere Fachgruppen) zu ermöglichen.

Methoden

Im Jahr 2016 wurde eine fortlaufende Beobachtungsstudie begonnen. Neu eingeschriebene ÄiW füllen bei Eintritt einen selbst entwickelten Fragebogen mit 54 (bis max. 62) Items zu den Bereichen soziodemografischer Hintergrund, Medizinstudium, Qualifizierung, Quereinstieg, Weiterbildung und Zukunftsplanung aus. Die Auswertung der Daten der Jahre 2016–2022 erfolgte deskriptiv.

Ergebnisse

Von 929 neu eingeschriebenen ÄiW haben n = 884 teilgenommen (Teilnahmequote 95,2 %). Das Durchschnittsalter betrug 34 Jahre (Q1; Q3; [min–max]: 31; 38; [24–65]). Von den ÄIW waren 72,6 % weiblich (n = 642), 84,2 % (n = 741) verheiratet oder in einer festen Partnerschaft. Eltern waren 56,9 % (n = 503). Die durchschnittliche Abiturnote lag bei 1,6 (Q1; Q3; [min–max]: 1,2; 2,0; [1,0–3,4]). 24,5 % (n = 217) der Teilnehmenden (TN) waren im 1.–2. Weiterbildungsjahr (WBJ), 50,9 % (n = 450) im 3.–5. WBJ und 23,8 % (n = 210) im Quereinstieg. 55,7 % (n = 492) arbeiteten in Vollzeit, 33,7 % (n = 298) in Teilzeit und 10,5 % (n = 93) waren ohne Erwerbstätigkeit. Ein Fünftel (19,5 %, n = 172) der TN hatte eine abgeschlossene Berufsausbildung. 97,8 % (n = 847) planten, nach der Facharztprüfung in der hausärztlichen Versorgung zu arbeiten. 91,9 % (n = 791) wollten auch nach der Facharztprüfung in Baden-Württemberg leben. Dreißig Prozent (n = 259) der ÄiW planten die Arbeit in einer landärztlichen Praxis. Von den TM planten 37,9 % (n = 331) eine Selbstständigkeit, 9,1 % (n = 79) schlossen diese aus, der Großteil mit 52,1 % (n = 462) war unentschieden.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die dargestellten Ergebnisse bilden die Grundlage für vergleichende Studien mit ÄiW AM ohne KW-Bezug, mit ÄiW AM anderer KW oder auch mit ÄiW anderer Fachgruppen. Das KWBW bindet ÄiW, die in Baden-Württemberg hausärztlich tätig sein wollen. In der Unentschlossenheit bez. Niederlassung liegt ein großes Potenzial. Verlaufsuntersuchungen nach Abschluss der Facharztweiterbildung sind notwendig, um Entscheidungen der „nächsten Generation Allgemeinmedizin“ zu beobachten.
Characteristics of STILT footprints driven by KIM model simulated meteorological fields: implication for developing near real-time footprints
Authors: Kenea Samuel Takele , Lee Haeyoung , Joo Sangwon , Belorid Miloslav , Li Shanlan , Labzovskii Lev D. , Park Sanghun
Published: October 2023

This study presents an analysis of the atmospheric footprint sensitivities and CO2 enhancements measured at three in situ stations in South Korea (Anmyeondo (AMY), Gosan (JGS), Ulleungdo (ULD)) using the KIM-STILT and WRF-STILT atmospheric transport models. Monthly aggregated footprints for each station were compared between the models for July and December 2020. The footprints revealed major source regions and the sensitivity of atmospheric mole fractions at the receptor to upstream surface fluxes. In July, both models showed similar major source regions for the AMY station, including Korea, the Yellow Sea, and Japan. However, a discrepancy was observed in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, with KIM-STILT showing larger sensitivity compared to WRF-STILT. In December, both models indicated strong sensitivity over Northeast and Eastern China, but KIM-STILT exhibited smaller sensitivities towards Northwestern China and Mongolia compared to WRF-STILT. At station ULD in July, both models exhibited comparable source regions, but a notable difference was found in Southeast China, where KIM-STILT showed stronger sensitivity. For the JGS station, both models agreed on major sources, but WRF-STILT demonstrated stronger sensitivity over North and Northeastern China. Regarding CO2 enhancements, both models generally underestimated the amplitude of CO2 enhancements, especially in July. However, in December, there was better agreement with observed data. The models were able to reproduce the phase of measured ΔCO2 reasonably well despite the underestimation of CO2 amplitudes. The contribution of biospheric CO2 to the observed enhancements, along with fossil-fuel emissions, was highlighted. In specific cases with significant CO2 enhancements, the models provided varying estimates of CO2ff values, particularly in the source regions of Eastern China. The differences in sensitivity estimations emphasize the need for further investigation to understand the underlying factors causing disparities. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the potential advantages of each model in capturing dispersion patterns in specific regions, highlighting the importance of understanding these differences to improve the accuracy of atmospheric transport models. Further work is necessary to address the observed disparities and enhance our understanding of the transport models in the studied regions.
Mechanical behavior of PCCPs with broken wires under complex service conditions
Authors: Wang Fuming , Li Bin , Fang Hongyuan , Yu Wei , Zhai Kejie , Hu Benyue
Published: October 2023

Buried prestressed concrete cylinder pipes (PCCPs) are subjected to the combined effects of soil cover loads, internal water pressure, and additional loads. However, there is scarce research on their mechanical performance under complex service conditions after being buried. In this study, 3D nonlinear finite element (FE) models of PCCPs and soils, along with fluid models, were developed using ABAQUS and FLUENT, respectively. Fluid–solid coupling numerical simulations of PCCPs with broken wires under complex service conditions were conducted using the MpCCI platform. The study focused on investigating the mechanical behaviors of PCCP pipes with broken wires, aiming to determine the effects of different numbers and locations of broken wires, as well as the magnitude of operating water pressure. The results shows that the number of broken wires is a crucial factor affecting the mechanical behaviors of the PCCPs; the dynamic variation of internal pressure within the pipe can cause further damage to PCCPs with pre-existing defects; when wire breakage occurs alone the springline of the PCCPs, the outer concrete core exhibited a tendency to crack before the inner concrete core. Conversely, when wire breaks occurred at the crown and invert, the inner concrete core cracked before the outer concrete core. These results provide valuable insights into the behavior of PCCPs under complex conditions and contribute to the understanding of their structural integrity. The findings can aid in the development of improved design and maintenance strategies for PCCPs, ensuring their reliable performance in underground applications.
Historical aspects of lifeline earthquake engineering
Authors: Koike Takeshi
Published: October 2023

This study describes a developing process of lifeline earthquake engineering from historical aspects. Currently various seismic design methods have been furnished for ground shaking and for permanent ground displacement. The seismic design method for ground shaking introduces different travelling wave models in the US and in Japan. As a result, Japanese approach was developed by actively taking into account the slippage effect in order to solve the inelastic response of the pipeline for a severe earthquake. The seismic design method for permanent ground displacement, on the other hand, prepared various numerical modeling and database in the US, while the simplified design formula for ground displacement was furnished in the seismic design guidelines in Japan. The detail design formula for liquefied ground settlement and fault displacement are expressed in this study. Various approaches of the performance-based seismic design method are compared among EU, the US and Japan. Unfortunately, the design method in Japan does not show the safety target in the guidelines. Then a simple evaluation approach to obtain the safety index is proposed herein. The different performance of two actual pipeline systems is compared, in which one pipeline system demonstrated a good performance for 2011 East Japan Great Earthquake, and the other did not. In state-of-the-art study, the seismic experiments and design method of expansion joints are described, because the ultimate limit performance of the expansion joints has not been explicit, although many seismic damages have occurred at the locations of vulnerable expansion joints.
Save 4.2 Million Lives and Generate $1.1 Trillion in Economic Benefits for Only $41 Billion: Introduction to the Special Issue on the Most Efficient Policies for the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Lomborg Bjorn
Published: October 2023

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are ambitious but in deep trouble. Benefit–cost analysis can help. This Special Issue highlights 12 of the most efficient interventions to speed up progress on the SDGs with Benefit–Cost Ratios (BCRs) above 15. The approaches cover tuberculosis, education, maternal and newborn health, agricultural R&D, malaria, e-procurement, nutrition, land tenure security, chronic diseases, trade, child immunization, and skilled migration. Spanning 2023–2030, these policy approaches are estimated to cost an annual average of $41 billion (of which $6 billion is non-financial). They will realistically deliver $2.1 trillion in annual benefits, consisting of $1.1 trillion in economic benefits and 4.2 million lives saved. The pooled benefit–cost ratio of all 12 investments is 52. By prioritizing these high-impact “best buy” interventions, decision-makers can enhance resource allocation and contribute most efficiently to the SDGs.
Occurrence of metabolic syndrome in untreated bipolar disorders: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Qianli , Wang Lan , Zhen Fengya , An Cuixia
Published: October 2023

Objective:

This cross-sectional study aimed to observe the occurrence of metabolic syndrome in untreated individuals with bipolar disorders.

Methods:

A total of 125 untreated individuals with bipolar disorders were collected as the study group, and 201 cases from the health examination centre of our hospital were selected as the control group. The participants enrolled were assessed for general demographic data, case characteristics, and metabolic indexes including body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and fasting plasma glucose.

Results:

The incidence of metabolic syndrome in the bipolar disorders group was higher compared to the control group (9.6% VS. 8.5%). After calibrating sex and age data, a significant difference between the two groups was observed (P < 0.05). Diastolic and systolic blood pressure were higher in the bipolar disorders group compared to the control group (P < 0.01). Men with bipolar disorders had a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome than women (14.5% vs. 5.8%). Bipolar disorders, sex, age, and BMI were identified as independent risk factors for metabolic syndrome. No significant difference was found in terms of metabolic index and incidence of metabolic syndrome between individuals with depressive episodes (n = 37) and manic episodes (n = 75).

Conclusion:

Patients with bipolar disorders were found to have a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome than healthy individuals. Bipolar disorders, male sex, age, and BMI may contribute to an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome.
Blood–brain barrier permeability and electroconvulsive therapy: a systematic review
Authors: Lundsgaard Christoffer C. , Gbyl Krzysztof , Videbech Poul
Published: October 2023

Objective:

The cause of cognitive side effects after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is largely unknown. Alterations in the blood–brain barrier (BBB) have been considered in several recent ECT studies. We therefore found it worthwhile to perform a systematic review of the literature to examine if electrically induced seizures affect the permeability of the BBB.

Methods:

PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase were searched 16 November 2022. Studies with a direct measurement of BBB permeability in animals treated with modified electroconvulsive stimulation (ECS) and in humans treated with ECT were included. Synthesis of results was narrative due to the low number of studies and differences in study designs.

Results:

Four animal and two human (31 participants) studies were included. In animals, two studies found increased BBB permeability to some smaller molecules after modified ECS, while the two other studies found marginally increased or unchanged permeability to albumin after treatment. In contrast, the human studies did not find increased BBB permeability to smaller molecules or albumin after ECT.

Conclusion:

Animal but not human studies support increased BBB permeability to some smaller molecules after electrically induced seizures. However, this conclusion is confined by the low number of studies and the lack of studies applying state-of-the-art methods. More studies using modern approaches to measuring of BBB permeability are warranted.

Funding and Registration:

The study was founded by Mental Health Services in the Capital Region of Denmark (grant number 61151-05) and was registered on PROSPERO before data extraction was initiated (CRD42022331385).