bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Potential of Saffron Extract in Mild Depression: A Study of Its Role on Anhedonia in Rats and Humans
Authors: Corridori Eleonora , Salviati Sara , Demontis Maria Graziella , Vignolini Pamela , Vita Chiara , Fagiolini Andrea , Cuomo Alessandro , Carmellini Pietro , Gambarana Carla , Scheggi Simona
Published: January 2025

Drugs generally used in major depressive disorder are considered inappropriate for the more common milder forms. The efficacy of saffron extracts has been demonstrated in mild to moderate depression and in preclinical models of depression. However, evidence of saffron activity on reduced hedonic responsiveness and motivational anhedonia is limited. Since dopamine transmission dysfunctions are crucially involved in anhedonia and saffron seems to positively modulate dopamine release, we studied the potential antidepressant and anti‐anhedonic effects of a standardized formulation of saffron extract in preclinical models of anhedonia‐like behaviors, and patients diagnosed with unipolar or bipolar depression. We tested saffron activity in a rat model of stress‐induced motivational anhedonia using sucrose self‐administration protocols and investigated the molecular underpinnings of this effect focusing on DARPP‐32 phosphorylation pattern in response to a reinforcer and BDNF–TrkB signaling, in the nucleus accumbens and medial prefrontal cortex. In parallel, with a pilot double‐blind placebo‐controlled study we investigated whether saffron add‐on therapy reduced symptoms of depression and anhedonia, measured by the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale. Repeated saffron administration restored motivation and reactivity to reward‐associated cues in anhedonic rats, likely modulating dopaminergic transmission and BDNF–TrkB signaling. In depressed patients, an 8‐week saffron add‐on therapy induced a global improvement in depressive symptoms and a significant reduction in anhedonia. The study supports a pro‐motivational effect of saffron and suggests a potentially useful saffron‐based augmentation strategy in anhedonic patients, albeit with limitations due to small sample size and short trial duration.
Natural Saponins on Cholesterol‐Related Diseases: Treatment and Mechanism
Authors: Xiao Man‐Yu , Li Si , Pei Wen‐Jing , Gu Yu‐Long , Piao Xiang‐Lan
Published: January 2025

Saponins are compounds composed of lipophilic aglycones linked to hydrophilic sugars. Natural saponins are isolated from plants and some Marine organisms. As important cholesterol‐lowering drugs, natural saponins have attracted wide attention for their therapeutic potential in a variety of cholesterol‐related metabolic diseases. To review the effects of natural saponins on cholesterol‐related metabolic diseases, and to deepen the understanding of the cholesterol‐lowering mechanism of saponins. The literature related to saponins and cholesterol‐lowering diseases was collected using keywords “saponins” and “cholesterol” from PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from January 2000 to May 2024. The total number of articles related to saponins and cholesterol‐lowering diseases was 240 after excluding irrelevant articles. Natural saponins can regulate cholesterol to prevent and treat a variety of diseases, such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, liver disease, hyperlipidemia, cancer, and obesity. Mechanistically, natural saponins regulate cholesterol synthesis and uptake through the AMPK/SREBP2/3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐glutaryl coenzyme A reductase pathway and PCSK9/LDLR pathway, and regulate cholesterol efflux and esterification targeting Liver X receptor/ABC pathway and ACAT family. Natural saponins have broad application prospects in regulating cholesterol metabolism, for the development of more cholesterol‐lowering drugs provides a new train of thought. However, it is still necessary to further explore the molecular mechanism and expand clinical trials to provide more evidence.
Scattering of Electrons and Positrons by Nitrogen Dioxide
Authors: Kumer Tusher , Shorifuddoza M. , Das Pretam K. , Watabe Hiroshi , Shahmohammadi Beni Mehrdad , Haque A. K. Fazlul , Uddin M. Alfaz
Published: January 2025

This study presents a comprehensive theoretical investigation into the scattering of electrons and positrons from nitrogen dioxide (NO2) molecules across a broad energy ranging from 1 eV to 1 MeV. The focus of the analysis encompasses a variety of cross‐sections, including differential, integrated elastic, inelastic, total ionization, total, momentum transfer and viscosity. Additionally, the study explores the spin polarization effects within electron/positron‐NO2 scattering events. Utilizing a combination of relativistic Dirac partial wave analysis, the independent atom model (IAM), and the screening adjusted independent atom model (IAMS), this research achieves a refined understanding of scattering mechanisms. Comparative assessments with prior theoretical and empirical findings reveal that the IAM approach yields lesser accuracy at lower energies, while maintaining commendable agreement with existing data at medium to high energies. The insights and methodologies developed herein are anticipated to contribute significantly to the advancement of future research in this domain.
European Guideline on Chronic Nausea and Vomiting—A UEG and ESNM Consensus for Clinical Management
Authors: Malagelada Carolina , Keller Jutta , Sifrim Daniel , Serra Jordi , Tack Jan , Mulak Agata , Stengel Andreas , Aguilar Ariadna , Drewes Asbjorn Mohr , Josefsson Axel , Bonaz Bruno , Dumitrascu Dan , Keszthelyi Daniel , Barba Elizabeth , Carbone Florencia , Zerbib Frank , Marchegiani Giovanni , Hauser Goran , Gourcerol Guillaume , Tornblom Hans , Hammer Heinz , Aziz Imran , Matic Jelena Rakic , Mendive Juan , Nikaki Kornilia , Wauters Lucas , Alcalá‐González Luis Gerardo , Waluga Marek , Jinga Mariana , Corsetti Maura , Rommel Nathalie , Shidrawi Ray , De Giorgio Roberto , Kadirkamanathan Sritharan , Surdea‐Blaga Teodora
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Chronic nausea and vomiting are symptoms of a wide range of gastrointestinal and non‐gastrointestinal conditions. Diagnosis can be challenging and requires a systematic and well‐structured approach. If the initial investigation for structural, toxic and metabolic disorders is negative, digestive motility and gut‐brain interaction disorders should be assessed. United European Gastroenterology (UEG) and the European Society for Neurogastroenterology and Motility (ESNM) identified the need for an updated, evidence‐based clinical guideline for the management of chronic nausea and vomiting.

Methods

A multidisciplinary team of experts in the field, including European specialists and national societies, participated in the development of the guideline. Relevant questions were addressed through a literature review and statements were developed and voted on according to a Delphi process.

Results

Ninety‐eight statements were identified and voted following the Delphi process. Overall agreement was high, although the grade of scientific evidence was low in many areas. Disagreement was more evident for some pharmacological treatment options. A diagnostic algorithm was developed, focussing on the differentiating features between gastrointestinal motility and gut‐brain interaction disorders with predominant nausea and vomiting.

Conclusion

These guidelines provide an evidence‐based framework for the evaluation and treatment of patients with chronic nausea and vomiting.
3D bulk field theories for 2D non-unitary $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1 supersymmetric minimal models
Authors: Baek Seungjoo , Gang Dongmin
Published: January 2025

Abstract

We propose bulk 3D

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 rank-0 superconformal field theories, which are related to 2D

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 1 supersymmetric minimal models, SM (2, ·) and SM (3, ·), via recently discovered non-unitary bulk-boundary correspondence. The correspondence relates a 3D

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 rank-0 superconformal field theory to 2D chiral rational conformal field theories. A topologically twisted theory of the rank-0 SCFT supports the rational chiral algebra at the boundary upon a proper choice of boundary condition. We test the proposal by checking several non-trivial dictionaries of the correspondence.
The metamorphosis of semi-classical mechanisms of confinement: from monopoles on ℝ3 × S1 to center-vortices on ℝ2 × T2
Authors: Güvendik Canberk , Schaefer Thomas , Ünsal Mithat
Published: January 2025

Abstract

There are two distinct regimes of Yang-Mills theory where we can demonstrate confinement, the existence of a mass gap, and the multi-branch structure of the effective potential as a function of the theta angle using a reliable semi-classical calculation. The two regimes are deformed Yang-Mills theory on ℝ3 × S1, and Yang-Mills theory on ℝ2 × T2 where the torus is threaded by a ’t Hooft flux. The weak coupling regime is ensured by the small size of the circle or torus. In the first case the confinement mechanism is related to self-dual monopoles, whereas in the second case self-dual center-vortices play a crucial role. These two topological objects are distinct. In particular, they have different mutual statistics with Wilson loops. On the other hand, they carry the same topological charge and action. We consider the theory on ℝ × T2 × S1 and extrapolate both the monopole and vortex regimes to a quantum mechanical domain, where a cross-over takes place. Both sides of the cross-over are described by a deformed ℤN TQFT. On ℝ2 × S1 × S1, we derive an effective field theory (EFT) of vortices from the EFT of monopoles in the presence of a ’t Hooft flux. This construction is based on a two-stage Higgs mechanism, reducing SU(N) to U(1)N−1 in 3d first, followed by reduction to a ℤN EFT in 2d in the second step. This result shows how monopoles transmute into center-vortices, and suggests adiabatic continuity between the two confinement mechanisms. The basic mechanism is flux fractionalization: the magnetic flux of the monopoles splits up and is collimated in such a way that 2d Wilson loops detect it as a center vortex.
Abelian instantons and monopole scattering
Authors: Csáki Csaba , Ovadia Rotem , Telem Ofri , Terning John , Yankielowicz Shimon
Published: January 2025

Abstract

It is usually assumed that 4D instantons can only arise in non-Abelian theories. In this paper we re-examine this conventional wisdom by explicitly constructing instantons in an Abelian gauge theory: QED4 with Nf flavors of Dirac fermions, in the background of a Dirac monopole. This is the low-energy effective field theory for fermions interacting with a ’t Hooft-Polyakov monopole, in the limit where the monopole is infinitely heavy (hence pointlike) and static. This theory, whose non-topological sectors were studied by Rubakov and Callan, has a far richer structure than previously explored. We show how to calculate the topological instanton number, demonstrate the existence of ’t Hooft zero modes localized around such instantons, and show how instantons in the path integral provide the underlying mechanism for the Callan-Rubakov process: monopole-catalyzed baryon decay with a cross section that saturates the unitarity bound. Our computation relies on correctly identifying the relevant 2D EFT for monopole catalysis as Axial QED2 in an effective AdS2 metric.
Diffusion coefficient matrix for multiple conserved charges: a Kubo approach
Authors: Dey Sourav , Jaiswal Amaresh , Mishra Hiranmaya
Published: January 2025

Abstract

The strongly interacting matter created in relativistic heavy-ion collisions possesses several conserved quantum numbers, such as baryon number, strangeness, and electric charge. The diffusion process of these charges can be characterized by a diffusion matrix that describes the mutual influence of the diffusion of various charges. We derive the Kubo relations for evaluating diffusion coefficients as elements of a diffusion matrix. We further demonstrate that in the weak coupling limit, the diffusion matrix elements obtained through Kubo relations reduce to those obtained from kinetic theory with an appropriate identification of the relaxation times. We illustrate this evaluation in a toy model of two interacting scalar fields with two conserved charges.
A note on the non-planar corrections for the Page curve in the PSSY model via the IOP matrix model correspondence
Authors: Iizuka Norihiro , Nishida Mitsuhiro
Published: January 2025

Abstract

We develop a correspondence between the PSSY model and the IOP matrix model by comparing their Schwinger-Dyson equations, Feynman diagrams, and parameters. Applying this correspondence, we resum specific non-planar diagrams involving crossing in the PSSY model by using a non-planar analysis of a two-point function in the IOP matrix model. We also compare them with Page’s formula on entanglement entropy and discuss the contributions of extra-handle-in-bulk diagrams.
Graded transcendental functions: an application to four-point amplitudes with one off-shell leg
Authors: Gehrmann Thomas , Henn Johannes , Jakubčík Petr , Lim Jungwon , Mella Cesare Carlo , Syrrakos Nikolaos , Tancredi Lorenzo , Torres Bobadilla William J.
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Several recent works have demonstrated the powerful algebraic simplifications that can be achieved for scattering amplitudes through a systematic grading of transcendental quantities. We develop these concepts to construct a minimal basis of functions tailored to a scattering amplitude in a general way. Starting with formal solutions for all master integral topologies, we organise the appearing functions by properties such as their symbol alphabet or letter adjacency. We rotate the basis such that functions with spurious features appear in the least possible number of basis elements. Since their coefficients must vanish for physical quantities, this approach avoids complex cancellations. As a first application, we evaluate all integral topologies relevant to the three-loop Hggg and $$ Hgq\overline{q} $$
Hgq

q
¯

amplitudes in the leading-colour approximation and heavy-top limit. We describe the derivation of canonical differential equation systems and present a method for fixing boundary conditions without the need for a full functional representation. Using multiple numerical reductions, we test the maximal transcendentality conjecture for Hggg and identify a new letter which appears in functions of weight 4 and 5. In addition, we provide the first direct analytic computation of a three-point form factor of the operator Tr(ϕ2) in planar $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 sYM and find agreement with numerical and bootstrapped results.
Disentangling left-handed and right-handed neutrino effects in $$ {B}_c\to \tau {\overline{\nu}}_{\tau } $$ decay
Authors: Hu Quan-Yi
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Inspired by the anomalies in $$ B\to {D}^{\left(\ast \right)}\tau {\overline{\nu}}_{\tau } $$
B
→

D

∗

τ

ν
¯

τ

decay, in this work, we carefully study the influence of the most general dimension-six effective operators involving right-handed neutrinos on the four cascade decays $$ {B}_c\to \tau \left(\to {\nu}_{\tau }h\right){\overline{\nu}}_{\tau } $$

B
c

→
τ

→

ν
τ

h

ν
¯

τ

(h = π, ρ) and $$ {B}_c\to \tau \left(\to {\nu}_{\tau}\ell {\overline{\nu}}_{\ell}\right){\overline{\nu}}_{\tau } $$

B
c

→
τ

→

ν
τ

ℓ

ν
¯

ℓ

ν
¯

τ

(ℓ = μ, e). We calculate for the first time the analytical results of the distributions of the differential decay rates of these cascade decays with respect to the energy of the charged particles in the final state. We select a total of 13 new physics benchmark points, among which 9 are derived from the effect of purely left-handed neutrinos, and the other 4 are from the effect of purely right-handed neutrinos. We find that the benchmark points BP4, BP6, BP11, and BP13 can significantly increase the values of these distributions while the BP3 causes a sharp decrease in these distributions. The end-point behavior of the differential distribution dΓ/dEπ can be used to disentangle the effects of left-handed and right-handed neutrinos. Finally, in order to eliminate the uncertainties brought by the CKM matrix element Vcb and the decay constant $$ {f}_{B_c} $$

f

B
c

, we introduce the normalized distributions dΓ/(ΓdEa) (a = π, ρ, μ, e), which are only sensitive to the right-handed neutrinos. We find that in each normalized distribution there exists a fixed point that is not related to any dimension-six effective operators considered in this work.
Lagrangian Subspaces of the Moduli Space of Simple Sheaves on K3 Surfaces
Authors: Fantechi Barbara , Miró-Roig Rosa M.
Published: January 2025

Let X be a K3 surface and let $${{\,\textrm{Spl}\,}}(r;c_1,c_2)$$

Spl

(
r
;

c
1

,

c
2

)

be the moduli space of simple sheaves on X of fixed rank r and Chern classes $$c_1$$

c
1

and $$c_2$$

c
2

. Under suitable assumptions, to a pair (F, W) (respectively, (F, V)) where $$F\in {{\,\textrm{Spl}\,}}(r;c_1,c_2)$$

F
∈

Spl

(
r
;

c
1

,

c
2

)

and $$W\subset H^0(F)$$

W
⊂

H
0

(
F
)

(resp. $$V^*\subset H^1(F^*)$$

V
∗

⊂

H
1

(

F
∗

)

) is a vector subspace, we associate a simple syzygy bundle (resp. extension bundle) on X. We show that both syzygy bundles and extension bundles can be constructed in families and that the induced morphism to a different component of the moduli of simple sheaves is a locally closed embedding. We show that this construction associates with every Lagrangian (resp. isotropic) algebraic subspace of $${{\,\textrm{Spl}\,}}(r;c_1,c_2)$$

Spl

(
r
;

c
1

,

c
2

)

an induced Lagrangian (resp. isotropic) algebraic subspace of a different component of the moduli of simple sheaves.
Long-term forecast for antibacterial drug consumption in Germany using ARIMA models
Authors: Bindel Lilly Josephine , Seifert Roland
Published: January 2025

The increasing supply shortages of antibacterial drugs presents significant challenges to public health in Germany. This study aims to predict the future consumption of the ten most prescribed antibacterial drugs in Germany up to 2040 using ARIMA (Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average) models, based on historical prescription data. This analysis also evaluates the plausibility of the forecasts. Our findings represent one of the first long-term national forecasts for antibacterial drug consumption. ARIMA(0,1,0), a random walk model with drift, is the best-fitting model to capture trends across all antibacterial drugs. While more complex models offer greater detail, they seem less suitable for long-term forecasting. In a short-term forecast of 5 and 10 years, predictions between significant models vary very little. Predictions indicate increasing DDD-prescriptions for amoxicillin, cefuroxime axetil, amoxicillin clavulanic acid, clindamycin, azithromycin, nitrofurantoin, and ciprofloxacin, while declines are forecasted for doxycycline, phenoxymethylpenicillin, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. The reliability of the predictions varies. Forecasts for azithromycin, phenoxymethylpenicillin, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim are likely accurate, whereas uncertainties exist for doxycycline, amoxicillin clavulanic acid, nitrofurantoin, and ciprofloxacin, though general trends appear valid. Potential discrepancies may arise in the predictions for amoxicillin, cefuroxime axetil, and clindamycin. These forecasts highlight the urgent need for proactive healthcare planning to prevent future shortages, a problem underscored by recent supply disruptions in Germany. Future research should extend this analysis to the development of bacterial resistance and other frequently used drug classes.
Working with technical purity: simulation of red tattoo pigment metabolism by online-liquid chromatography-electrochemistry-mass spectrometry
Authors: Wolf Carina , Krall Franziska , Göldner Valentin , Karst Uwe
Published: January 2025

Tattooing is a popular form of body art that has evolved from ancient times into being part of modern society. The understanding of biotransformation processes of coloring tattoo pigments in human skin is limited although skin reactions to tattoos with unknown culprits occur. Electrochemistry coupled to mass spectrometry (EC-MS) has widely been used as a tool for a purely instrumental approach to simulating the enzymatic biotransformation of xenobiotics. For the application to pigments, however, clean standards are lacking. Hence, metabolic studies in general as well as simulation approaches like direct EC-MS are hindered because transformation products cannot be assigned unequivocally to the pigment or its impurities. This can be addressed by online separation prior to electrochemical transformation. An online-liquid chromatography (LC)-EC-MS approach was developed to simulate the metabolism of Pigment Red 5 (PR 5). The electrochemical cell was coupled to the chromatographic column and was operated in oxidative and reductive mode. Distinct retention times allowed the electrochemical transformation products to be linked to their parent compound. Oxidative and reductive azo cleavage of PR 5 were observed. Two different PR 5 formulations were investigated, yielding the same transformation products and showcasing the applicability to individual PR 5 samples with different impurity profiles. The presented LC-EC-MS approach overcomes the lack of clean standards that hampers the metabolic studies of tattoo pigments in general and using direct EC-MS without prior chromatographic separation. Applying the purely instrumental online separation approach, first ideas on possible transformation routes of pigments frequently identified in adverse skin reactions are provided.

Graphical Abstract
Effects of Pregnancy and Lactation on Bone Microstructure and Material Properties in a Rat Model of Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Couchot Malory , Schmitt Françoise , Mermet Morgane , Fassot Céline , Mabilleau Guillaume
Published: January 2025

Obesity is a major public health issue worldwide. Despite various approaches to weight loss, the most effective technique for reducing obesity, as well as diabetes and associated diseases, is bariatric surgery. Increasingly, young women without children are undergoing bariatric surgery, vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) being the most common procedure nowadays. However, despite several reports suggesting bone loss after VSG, little is known about the potential additive effects of gestation and lactation after VSG to bone health. This study investigated the combined effects of pre-gestational VSG and subsequent gestation/lactation on bone metabolism in a rat model fed a high fat high sugar (HFHS) diet, with a focus on bone biomechanics, mass, microarchitecture and material properties. Furthermore, bone mass and remodelling were followed longitudinally by microCT prior to surgery, 4 weeks post-surgery, after weaning and at sacrifice. Significant alterations in bone mass and microarchitecture, characterized by changes in trabecular thickness and number, as well as changes in bone formation and resorption were influenced by both surgery and reproductive demands. Mechanical testing at sacrifice demonstrated compromised long bone fragility, in rat with HFHS regardless of the surgical procedure (Sham or VSG). Furthermore, analysis of bone material properties highlighted potential disruptions in the pattern of bone mineralization in sham and VSG animals fed a HFHS diet. These findings underscore the complex interplay between pre-gestational VSG and subsequent gestation/lactation in modulating bone metabolism in the investigated rat model. The preclinical rat model may help with optimizing surgical strategies and developing targeted interventions to mitigate potential bone-related complications associated with VSG in reproductive-aged individuals.
Implant waste and associated costs in trauma and orthopaedic surgery: a systematic review
Authors: Ali Fizza , Sadiq Muhayman , Omran Yasser Al , Lewis Thomas , Bates Peter , Doyle Ruben , Musbahi Omar
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Trauma and orthopaedic (T&O) surgery relies on medical implants and materials, often resulting in metalwork wastage (prosthesis, screws, nails, and plates). This places an economic strain on healthcare services and the environment. Our primary outcome is to quantify the implant wastage across the literature, and secondarily investigate the associated costs in this specialty.

Methods

A literature search of three databases (Scopus, PubMed and Embase) was performed using MeSH terms relating to “implant waste” and “trauma and orthopaedic surgery”, from January 1980 to November 2023. We included any observational studies that reported patients undergoing T&O surgery, where the wastage or associated costs was reported.

Results

Our search returned 2,145 articles, of which 15 met the final inclusion criteria, encompassing 26,832 procedures. Nine studies reported the extent and cost of waste, six reported the weight of waste and ten concurrently reported the cost. Implant waste events occurred in up to 30% of all T&O procedures, being the most likely to occur in fracture fixation, and cost hospitals between $4,130 and $189,628.41 annually. Screws were the most wasted material, followed by plates and nails. Up to 95% of waste events were caused by human factors.

Conclusion

Despite the limited number of studies, there is an economic burden and environmental footprint in T&O surgery services. The main factors contributing to the waste was human error, and contamination. Further research is required to determine methods of mitigating and limiting implant waste in T&O Surgery.
Vitamin D status and its determinants in German elite athletes
Authors: Hacker Sebastian , Lenz Claudia , Reichert Lukas , Ringseis Robert , Zentgraf Karen , Krüger Karsten
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study investigated elite German athletes to (1) assess their serum 25(OH)D levels and the prevalence of insufficiency, (2) identify key factors influencing serum 25(OH)D levels, and (3) analyze the association between serum 25(OH)D levels and handgrip strength.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 474 athletes (231 female), aged 13–39 years (mean 19.3 years), from ten Olympic disciplines were included. Serum 25(OH)D levels were analyzed via liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, and 17 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to vitamin D metabolism were determined using leukocyte DNA. Grip strength was measured unimanually using a hand-held dynamometer. Multiple linear regressions were used to analyze the influence of SNPs, age, sex, season (summer vs. winter), and discipline (indoor vs. outdoor) on 25(OH)D status. Linear regression analyzed the relationship between handgrip strength and serum 25(OH)D levels.

Results

In total, 55.5% (n = 263) of athletes demonstrated insufficient serum 25(OH)D levels (< 30 ng/mL, < 75 nmol/L), with 16% (n = 76) showing levels below 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L). After correction for multiple testing, significant influences on 25(OH)D levels were observed for the C allele of VDBP rs7041 (AC Genotype: $$\widehat{\upbeta }$$

β
^

 = 7.46, p < .001; CC Genotype: $$\widehat{\upbeta }$$

β
^

 = 6.23, p = .001). Age (all p < .01) and discipline (indoor vs. outdoor; all p < .05) also influenced serum 25(OH)D levels. Furthermore, serum 25(OH)D was positively associated with handgrip strength ($$\widehat{\upbeta }$$

β
^

= 0.01, p < .001).

Conclusion

A high prevalence of insufficient 25(OH)D levels (< 30 ng/mL, < 75 nmol/L) was observed. We identified certain genetic variants as well as age and discipline as predictors of serum 25(OH)D levels. This knowledge may guide individualized diagnostic, nutritional, and supplementation strategies.
The impact of weight loss after bariatric surgeries on the patient’s body image, quality of life, and self-esteem
Authors: AboKhozima Ahmed , Zidan Mohamed H. , Altabbaa Hashem , Selim Aliaa , Alokl Mohammed , Mourad Mohamed , Elmagd Ahmed Abo , Elsayed Mohamed E. G. , Emara Ahmed F. , Eskander Georgette M. , Amer Samar A.
Published: January 2025

Objectives

The objective of this web-based study is to analyze the attributes of bariatric surgery cases ensuing health implications. Additionally, the study seeks to delve into the factors influencing post-bariatric psychological evaluations and the impact of various bariatric surgeries on weight loss and psycho-social assessment scores for patients who had undergone bariatric surgeries within a specific bariatric surgery center in Egypt between January 2017 and January 2024.

Methods

An analytical cross-sectional study recruited 411 adults who had undergone different bariatric procedures by the same surgical team. We collected the data using a validated self-administered questionnaire that included the Body Image Scale (BIS), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), the quality-of-life score (QOLS), and the modified General Patient Satisfaction Score after Bariatric Surgeries (GSABS).

Results

The most commonly performed bariatric surgery was sleeve gastrectomy (SG), accounting for 82.7% of the procedures. The majority of the patients (78%) were female, with a mean age of 35.8. Among the participants, 32.4% reported experiencing complications, and 21.2% of those individuals were still experiencing complications at the time of assessment. The BIS had a mean score of 16.54 ± 6.27, indicating an average body image perception. The RSES yielded a mean score of 20.11 ± 4.63, indicating average self-esteem, while the GSABS had a mean score of 8.08 ± 2.39, indicating an overall average level of patient satisfaction. No statistically significant differences were found between the various types of bariatric surgeries in terms of total body weight loss percentage, excess body weight loss percentage, or the timing of the intervention. However, increased time intervals from surgeries noted a significant reduction in the BIS.

Conclusion

The majority of patients who underwent SG and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgeries exhibited high GSABS scores. SG patients also had high BIS scores. However, all other interventions showed normal GSABS and BIS scores. All types of surgeries resulted in normal RSES and QOLS. Furthermore, the BIS score increases with the intervention's recentness, but it significantly decreases after the second-year post-surgery. Conversely, the older the timing of the intervention, the higher the RSES score after surgery.
Mapping the neural substrate of high dual-task gait cost in older adults across the cognitive spectrum
Authors: Ali Pauline , Dinomais Mickaël , Labriffe Matthieu , Pieruccini-Faria Frederico , Montero-Odasso Manuel , Bartha Robert , Annweiler Cédric
Published: January 2025

The dual task cost of gait (DTC) is an accessible and cost-effective test that can help identify individuals with cognitive decline and dementia. However, its neural substrate has not been widely described. This study aims to investigate the neural substrate of the high DTC in older adults across the spectrum of cognitive decline. A total of 336 individuals from the GAIT study cohort were analyzed, including cognitively healthy (N = 122, 71 ± 3.6 years), those with mild cognitive impairment (N = 168, 71 ± 5.3 years), and those with dementia (N = 46, 80 ± 5.7 years). A DTC of 20% or greater was considered to indicate a high level of slowing down while performing successively two verbal tasks (counting backwards task by ones and naming animals). Voxel-based morphometry was employed to investigate differences in gray matter volume (GMV) between groups, which were dichotomized according to the DTC. A high DTC in the whole population (N = 336) was associated with a smaller GMV in the bilateral temporal lobe across both dual-task conditions. A moderation analysis was employed to compare the neural substrate between cognitive status groups. This revealed that the dementia group exhibited an additional cluster located in the left precentral gyrus with GMV loss associated with a high naming animals DTC, in contrast to the other cognitive groups. These results provide new evidence on why dual-task gait capabilities deteriorate in normal and pathological cognitive aging. A more precise understanding of the neural substrate associated with high DTC and cognitive status would help elucidate its use in clinical and research settings.
The sarcoma ring trial: a case-based analysis of inter-center agreement across 21 German-speaking sarcoma centers
Authors: Roohani Siyer , Handtke Jolina , Hummedah Kamal , Albertsmeier Markus , Andreou Dimosthenis , Apostolidis Leonidas , Augustin Marinela , Bauer Sebastian , Billner Moritz , Bösch Florian , Deinzer Christoph K. W. , Deventer Niklas , Duprée Anna , Eckert Franziska , Engel Lars , Fechner Katja , Fritzsche Hagen , Gaidzik Verena , Ghani Saeed , Grützmann Robert , Guder Wiebke K. , Hamacher Rainer , Hecker Judith S. , Hendricks Anne , Hillmann Axel , Houben Philipp , Hübner Georg , Ivanyi Philipp , Jentsch Christina , Jordan Maren , Kappl Peter , Kaths Moritz , Kessler Torsten , Kirchberg Johanna , Knebel Carolin , Krempien Robert , Lehner Burkhard , Lenze Ulrich , Lindner Lars H. , Lörsch Alisa Martina , Maguire Nadia , Müller Sophie , Piso Pompiliu , Potkrajcic Vlatko , Reichardt Peter , Richter Stephan , Schewe Simone , Schiffmann Lars M. , Scholten Felicitas , Striefler Jana Käthe , Schwarzbach Matthias , Seidensaal Katharina , Semrau Sabine , Szkandera Joanna , Szuszies Christoph J. , Timmermann Beate , Tuscherer Armin , Wiegering Armin , Winkelmann Moritz T. , Kaul David , Jakob Jens
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The management of soft tissue sarcoma (STS) at reference centers with specialized multidisciplinary tumor boards (MTB) improves patient survival. The German Cancer Society (DKG) certifies sarcoma centers in German-speaking countries, promoting high standards of care. This study investigated the variability in treatment recommendations for localized STS across different German-speaking tertiary sarcoma centers.

Methods

In this cross-sectional case-based survey study, 5 anonymized patient cases with imaging data of localized STS were presented to MTBs of 21 German-speaking tertiary referral hospitals. Centers provided recommendations on treatment sequence and modalities, along with the consensus level within their MTB. Agreement percentages were calculated, and consensus levels were rated on a scale of 1 to 10.

Results

Five patient cases were discussed resulting in 105 recommendations. Agreement percentages for case 1 to 5 were 14.3%, 61.9%, 33.3%, 52.4% and 9.3%, with a median agreement percentage of 33.3%. Grouping pre- and postoperative therapies as "perioperative" and including recommendations with and without regional hyperthermia raised the median agreement to 47.6%. The mean consensus level within each center across all 5 cases was 9.5.

Conclusion

This first case-based analysis of inter-center agreement for STS management in German-speaking countries reveals low inter-center agreement but high intra-center consensus. Our study includes nearly all tertiary sarcoma centers in German-speaking countries, affirming its strong external validity. These findings suggest potential and clinically very relevant differences in treatment standards among sarcoma centers. Enhanced case-based exchanges and collaborative efforts are needed to reduce discrepancies and standardize the management of STS patients.
Assessment of study conditions, needs for action and students’ mental health in Germany – results from the cross-sectional StudiBiFra study
Authors: Lehnchen Jennifer , Helmer Stefanie M. , Heinrichs Katherina , Burian Julia , Deptolla Zita , Heumann Eileen , Stock Christiane
Published: January 2025

Aim

The aim of this research is to describe students’ assessment of study conditions and needs for action from a students’ perspective, and to investigate the association of study conditions with students’ mental health.

Subject and methods

The cross-sectional StudiBiFra study includes data from 24,533 students of 13 universities in Germany. Data were collected between June 2021 and March 2023 using the “Bielefeld Questionnaire on Study Conditions and Mental Health”. Students rated 22 domains of study conditions, the urgency of needs for action, and four scales of mental health. T-tests and ANOVAs were used to examine differences between groups of students. Associations between satisfaction with study conditions and mental health were analysed using linear regression models.

Results

Students reported highest levels of satisfaction and lowest needs for action with lecturers’ support for writing a thesis, university culture, and the quality of students’ cooperation. Lowest satisfaction and highest needs for action were found in the support during final year of study, time requirements, examinations and academic achievements, and career prospects. Higher satisfaction with study conditions was overall associated with better mental health. The strongest associations with mental health outcomes were found for examinations and academic achievements, time requirements, fit of course content/competency development, and quality of students’ cooperation.

Conclusion

This study shows moderate to high associations of all study conditions under investigation with students’ mental health and provides detailed insights into study conditions relevant to mental health. Addressing these study conditions through institutional, data-supported preventive interventions should be prioritized to promote students’ mental health in a sustainable way.
Consumer preferences and valuation for sustainably produced rice in Ghana
Authors: Adabrah-Danquah Vera , Durand-Morat Alvaro , Nalley Lawton L. , Diagne Mandiaye , Frimpong Benedicta Nsiah , Yang Wei
Published: January 2025

Improving the sustainability of rice, a global food staple with a significant environmental footprint, is of utmost importance, given the growing population and increased depletion of natural resources. The Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) standard is the first globally recognized certification standard for sustainable rice production. SRP comprises 41 requirements structured under 12 indicators and 8 themes, through which farmers can receive SRP certification and use the SRP label. This study assesses consumers’ preferences for SRP-certified sustainable rice in Ghana. We surveyed 1168 consumers in Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale, the three largest cities in Ghana, to ascertain their preferences for each of the SRP sustainability themes and their willingness to pay (WTP) for SRP-certified sustainable rice using a choice experiment and double-bounded contingent valuation method. The results indicate that consumers’ preferences for SRP themes and WTP for sustainably produced rice are heterogeneous across locations. Across the three cities, consumers are willing to pay a premium for SRP-certified imported and domestic rice, except for consumers in Accra. The findings of this study offer valuable insights for the development of policy aimed at enhancing the sustainability of rice production in Ghana, linking production practices with consumer demand.
Factors Associated with Mother-infant Interaction on the Drakenstein Child Health Study
Authors: Koopowitz Sheri-Michelle , Stern Michelle , Hoffman Nadia , MacGinty Rae , Workman Lesley , Zar Heather J. , Stein Dan J.
Published: January 2025

The quality of mother-child interactions can affect child developmental outcomes, both positively and negatively. Little research has examined the factors that influence the quality of mother-infant interactions, particularly in a low-middle income country. Therefore, we examined sociodemographic, maternal, and child variables, to determine whether these were associated with the quality of maternal-infant interactions. 256 mother-infant dyads enrolled in a South African birth cohort study, the Drakenstein Child Health Study, were assessed. A comprehensive battery of sociodemographic and psychosocial questionnaires was utilised. Video footage of interaction between mothers and infants at a 14-week postnatal visit was coded and assessed using the Global Rating Scale (GRS). Hierarchical multiple linear regression models were used to examine the factors associated with the GRS domains. The domains included: (1) maternal sensitivities (sensitivity, intrusiveness, remoteness, depressive mood), (2) infant behaviours (sensitivity, inertness, distress), and (3) maternal-infant interaction. Maternal childhood trauma and smoking during pregnancy were associated with lower domain scores for the maternal contribution. Higher birth weight and initiated breastfeeding were associated with higher domain scores for infant behaviours, while maternal IPV exposure, and smoking tobacco were associated with lower domain scores for infant behaviours. Infant weight-for-age at birth and initiated breastfeeding were positively associated with the dyadic interaction. Factors associated with early positive and negative mother-infant interaction identified in this research could potentially serve as targets for intervention, with the ultimate aim of improving child developmental outcomes. Notably, no psychosocial variables were significantly associated with the dyadic interactions, emphasising how strong such interactions can be in the face of multiple stressors.
Prediction of the reaction mechanisms of sesquiterpene coumarin synthases supports a direct evolutionary link with triterpene biosynthesis
Authors: Stephenson Michael J. , Brodelius Peter E.
Published: January 2025

Sesquiterpene coumarins are primarily produced by plants of the Apiaceae and Asteraceae families. Farnesylation of 7-hydroxycoumarins such as umbelliferone, scopoletin or isofraxidin yield linear 7-farnesyloxycoumarins that are converted to various cyclic sesquiterpene coumarins by sesquiterpene coumarin synthases (cyclases). The terminal double bond of the linear 7-farnesyloxycoumarins is epoxidized by a sesquiterpene coumarin epoxidase. The diverse 7-(10′,11′-oxidofarnesyloxy)-coumarins produced are protonated by various sesquiterpene coumarin synthases to generate a carbocation that initiates cyclization of the farnesyl moiety (A process analogous to the carbocation cascades observed with sesquiterpene synthases and other cyclases involved in the biosynthesis of additional terpene classes, such as the triterpenes). These reaction mechanisms typically include Wagner-Meerwein rearrangements, such as hydride, methyl, and other alkyl shifts, but can also involve more complex processes including Grob fragmentations. Around 260 sesquiterpene coumarins based on 7-farnesyloxycoumarins have been described, but essentially nothing is known about the biosynthetic enzymes involved, i.e., farnesyltransferase, sesquiterpene coumarin epoxidase and synthase. In this review, putative reaction pathways for formation of the carbon skeletons of all known 7-farnesyloxycoumarins-derived sesquiterpene coumarins are presented.
Property Market Liquidity and Secured or Unsecured Debt
Authors: Downs David H , Zheng Chen , Zhu Bing
Published: January 2025

We examine whether property market liquidity impacts the choice between secured and unsecured debt. A sample of real estate investment trusts (REITs) allows us to estimate the market liquidity of a REIT’s underlying assets and the debt secured by those assets (or unsecured). Using an instrumental variables approach, we find a positive relationship between a REIT’s property market liquidity and its use of unsecured debt relative to secured debt - when a REIT has greater exposure to more liquid underlying property markets, it is more likely to rely on unsecured debt. We investigate several aspects of this relationship including the debt level, issuances, and property loan-to-value ratio. In each case, we find support for our main result. Likewise, our results are robust to (a) using alternative instruments; (b) controlling for REITs’ unencumbered assets, as well as asset quality and redeployability; (c) controlling for credit market conditions; (d) accounting for real estate market conditions; (e) excluding firms that focus on residential real estate; and (f) adding stock market liquidity. Our study highlights the importance of property market liquidity in the debt structure of REITs.
Go green: evaluating an XR application on biodiversity in German secondary school classrooms
Authors: Mulders Miriam , Träg Kristian H. , Kirner Lara
Published: January 2025

One discussion in the context of education for sustainable development centers around the importance of suitable teaching materials for promoting pro-environmental attitudes. Especially applications that let learners travel to otherwise difficult to reach places seem promising for digital sustainability education that is both accessible and socially just. Applications for German-speaking learners are however rare, and it has often not been checked whether those that exist are fit for classroom use. Therefore, this paper focuses on an investigation of the Virtual Reality (VR) learning application "On Biodiversity’s Tracks", developed by greenpeace, with a focus on the environment of the Amazon rainforest. In an experimental study, (1) VR-based and (2) traditional lesson conditions were compared in terms of their effects on self-appraisal of knowledge, interest, and attitude. Pre- and post-questionnaires were used to uncover between-subject and within-subject effects. 172 students at eight secondary schools in Germany were recruited. The results revealed that both experimental conditions were effective regarding increase of self-appraised knowledge. An increase in interest was barely found in either condition. Changes at the attitudinal level could mostly not be discovered. Further analyses highlighted that, unlike the experimental conditions, there were significant differences in self-rated learning outcomes between the types of schools. In general, our results indicate that VR learning applications can contribute to the teaching of topics such as sustainability and biodiversity in a target group-oriented and meaningful way. However, further research is needed to adequately assess VR learning effectiveness, especially regarding affective learning outcomes, due to their importance for sustainable behaviors of subsequent generations.
Contestations in the emerging soil-based carbon economy: towards a research agenda
Authors: Ingram Julie , Maye Damian , Reed Mark
Published: January 2025

This paper highlights the need to consider the processes and relations in the political, knowledge, technical and socio-material complex that underpins the emergence of a soil-based carbon economy. This economy, characterised by the proliferation of voluntary soil-based carbon markets, carbon farming policies, supply chain and other initiatives, operates through private mechanisms (offsetting, insetting) and public policy instruments. This emerging economy entails a number of inherent political and knowledge contestations associated with claims around the mitigation potential of soil carbon sequestration and carbon farming. We adapt a social ecological systems (SES) framework to understand these contestations and draw on a corpus of agricultural, ecological, political and social science literatures to identify and pose critical questions for future research. We conceptualise the emerging soil-based carbon economy as interactions and outcomes among actors embedded within a defined SES (governance, resource systems, resource units, actors). Five themes are identified: Marketisation, abstraction and technogovernance; Power relations and expert knowledge; Disputing the meaning and value of soil carbon; Disruptions: new interfaces, configurations and actor relations; Uncertainties and capabilities. These underpin a research agenda proposal. We argue that an integrative conceptualisation is essential to equitably account for the broad mix of social, technical, economic, political, and ecological contexts in which soil carbon is embedded and present options for operationalising the conceptualisation.