bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electromagnetic and gravitational local spatial densities for spin-1 systems
Authors: Panteleeva J. Yu. , Epelbaum E. , Gegelia J. , Meißner U.-G.
Published: August 2023

Abstract

The matrix elements of the electromagnetic current and the energy-momentum tensor for sharply localized states of spin-1 systems are considered. Their interpretation as local spatial densities of various characteristics of the considered system is discussed.
Timing and origin of skarn-, greisen-, and vein-hosted tin mineralization at Geyer, Erzgebirge (Germany)
Authors: Meyer Nicolas , Markl Gregor , Gerdes Axel , Gutzmer Jens , Burisch Mathias
Published: August 2023

This contribution presents new insights into the origin and age relationships of the Geyer tin deposit in the Erzgebirge, Germany. Tin mineralization occurs in skarns, greisen, and in cassiterite-bearing fluorite-quartz veins. Skarn alteration replaces marble layers of the Cambrian Jáchymov Group and occurs in two clearly distinct stages. The first skarn stage forms skarnoid textured assemblages of clinopyroxene, garnet, and wollastonite with no tin phases recognized. Garnet U-Pb ages of this skarn stage (~322 Ma) relate the earlier skarn stage to the emplacement of the Ehrenfriedersdorf granite (~324 to 317 Ma). The second stage of skarn alteration is marked by the occurrence of malayaite and cassiterite associated with garnet recording ages of 307 to 301 Ma. Greisen- and skarn-hosted cassiterite-bearing veins provide U-Pb ages in the range of 308 to 305 Ma, relating greisenization and vein formation to the same magmatic-hydrothermal event as the second skarn stage. This suggests that tin mineralization at Geyer is related to a distinctly younger magmatic-hydrothermal event, clearly postdating the Ehrenfriedersdorf granite, which was previously assumed as the source of the tin-rich fluids. Fluid inclusions show salinities in the range of 1.0 to 31.5 % eq. w(NaCl±CaCl2) and homogenization temperatures between 255 and 340 °C. Cassiterite-associated fluid inclusions show indications for heterogeneous entrapment and dilution of hydrothermal with meteoric fluids. Dilution of high-salinity fluids with low-salinity fluids and cooling of the system was probably a decisive process in the precipitation of cassiterite in the Geyer Sn system.
A myopic adjustment process for mean field games with finite state and action space
Authors: Neumann Berenice Anne
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we introduce a natural learning rule for mean field games with finite state and action space, the so-called myopic adjustment process. The main motivation for these considerations is the complexity of the computations necessary to determine dynamic mean field equilibria, which makes it seem questionable whether agents are indeed able to play these equilibria. We prove that the myopic adjustment process converges locally towards strict stationary equilibria under rather broad conditions. Moreover, we also obtain a global convergence result under stronger, yet intuitive conditions.
Comparative studies of decoupling schemes in the current control loop of three-phase drives at extreme stator/sampling frequency ratios
Authors: Nuß Uwe
Published: August 2023

In this paper, the performance of different continuous-time and discrete-time models of the electrical subsystem of induction machines and permanent-magnet synchronous machines as well as methods based on them for decoupling the direct and quadrature axis components of the stator current are investigated and compared. The focus here is on inverter-fed, pulse width modulated drives when operated with a relatively large product of stator frequency and sampling time, where significant differences between the models and decoupling methods used come to light. Recommendations for a discrete-time model to be used uniformly in the future are made, as well as statements on whether feedforward or feedback decoupling structures are better suited and whether state controllers improve decoupling measures for very steep speed ramps. Simulation studies and measurement results support the statements made above.
Existence of Radial Global Smooth Solutions to the Pressureless Euler–Poisson Equations with Quadratic Confinement
Authors: Carrillo José A. , Shu Ruiwen
Published: August 2023

We consider the pressureless Euler–Poisson equations with quadratic confinement. For spatial dimension $$d\ge 2,\,d\ne 4$$

d
≥
2
,

d
≠
4

, we give a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of radial global smooth solutions, which is formulated explicitly in terms of the initial data. This condition appears to be much more restrictive than the critical-threshold conditions commonly seen in the study of Euler-type equations. To obtain our results, the key observation is that every characteristic satisfies a periodic ODE system, and the existence of a global smooth solution requires the period of every characteristic to be identical.
Pair density functional theory for excited states of Coulomb systems
Authors: Nagy Á.
Published: August 2023

Pair density functional theory is extended to excited states of Coulomb systems. It is shown that the pair density determines the Hamiltonian of the Coulomb system. A universal kinetic energy functional appropriate for the ground and all bound excited states is defined. The Euler equation can be rewritten as a two-particle auxiliary equation in which the unknown Pauli-like potential should be approximated.
Assessment of the stability of antimicrobials and resistance genes during short- and long-term storage condition: accounting for uncertainties in bioanalytical workflows
Authors: Xu Like , Kasprzyk-Hordern Barbara
Published: August 2023

Unravelling complexities in antimicrobial agent–microbe interactions in the context of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) requires robust analytical workflows accounting for all uncertainties. Temporal storage of wastewater samples under refrigerated or frozen conditions prior to chemical and biological analysis is widely used to facilitate laboratory routine but may affect stability of analytes over time. Yet, little knowledge exists regarding stability of biological and chemical determinants in environmental samples, which hampers validity of research outputs. This study examines, for the first time, the stability of 32 antimicrobials (AAs) including commonly used classes of antibiotics and their representative metabolites and variation of 5 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) (ermB, sul1, tetW, blaCTX-M, qnrS), as well as intI1 and 16S rRNA genes in a reference wastewater sample stored under freezing condition for up to 1 year. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and quantitative PCR (qPCR) techniques were adopted to measure concentration of AAs and ARGs, respectively. Results suggested that parent compounds are less affected by freezing storage compared to the metabolites. β-Lactams, clindamycin, and N-desmethyl clindamycin are the most-affected compounds which were poorly recovered (34–67%) from the starting concentration. By contrast, sulfonamides, macrolides, quinolones, and azoles are generally stable under freezing condition. No consistent differences were observed in gene copies between fresh and frozen samples, and ermB and tetW showed the highest variabilities at 30% under freezing condition. Overall, this study adds to the current knowledge on environmental AMR monitoring and emphasises the need for standardised protocols for AMR monitoring in the wastewater samples.

Graphical Abstract
Reliability of brain atrophy measurements in multiple sclerosis using MRI: an assessment of six freely available software packages for cross-sectional analyses
Authors: van Nederpelt David R. , Amiri Houshang , Brouwer Iman , Noteboom Samantha , Mokkink Lidwine B. , Barkhof Frederik , Vrenken Hugo , Kuijer Joost P. A.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Volume measurement using MRI is important to assess brain atrophy in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, differences between scanners, acquisition protocols, and analysis software introduce unwanted variability of volumes. To quantify theses effects, we compared within-scanner repeatability and between-scanner reproducibility of three different MR scanners for six brain segmentation methods.

Methods

Twenty-one people with MS underwent scanning and rescanning on three 3 T MR scanners (GE MR750, Philips Ingenuity, Toshiba Vantage Titan) to obtain 3D T1-weighted images. FreeSurfer, FSL, SAMSEG, FastSurfer, CAT-12, and SynthSeg were used to quantify brain, white matter and (deep) gray matter volumes both from lesion-filled and non-lesion-filled 3D T1-weighted images. We used intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) to quantify agreement; repeated-measures ANOVA to analyze systematic differences; and variance component analysis to quantify the standard error of measurement (SEM) and smallest detectable change (SDC).

Results

For all six software, both between-scanner agreement (ICCs ranging 0.4–1) and within-scanner agreement (ICC range: 0.6–1) were typically good, and good to excellent (ICC > 0.7) for large structures. No clear differences were found between filled and non-filled images. However, gray and white matter volumes did differ systematically between scanners for all software (p < 0.05). Variance component analysis yielded within-scanner SDC ranging from 1.02% (SAMSEG, whole-brain) to 14.55% (FreeSurfer, CSF); and between-scanner SDC ranging from 4.83% (SynthSeg, thalamus) to 29.25% (CAT12, thalamus).

Conclusion

Volume measurements of brain, GM and WM showed high repeatability, and high reproducibility despite substantial differences between scanners. Smallest detectable change was high, especially between different scanners, which hampers the clinical implementation of atrophy measurements.
Five-Year Outcomes after Paclitaxel Drug-Coated Balloon Treatment of Femoropopliteal Lesions in Diabetic and Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia Cohorts: IN.PACT Global Study Post Hoc Analysis
Authors: Reijnen Michel M. P. J. , van Wijck Iris , Brodmann Marianne , Micari Antonio , Torsello Giovanni , Rha Seung-Woon , Menk Jeremiah , Zeller Thomas ,   On behalf of the IN.PACT Global Study Investigators
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To summarize the 5-year outcomes of drug-coated balloon (DCB) for the treatment of femoropopliteal lesions in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) or chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) compared to non-DM and intermittent claudication (IC).

Methods

The IN.PACT Global study was a real-world prospective, multicenter, international, single-arm study that enrolled 1535 participants. Post hoc analyses were conducted for participants with DM (n = 560) versus non-DM (n = 842) and CLTI (n = 156) versus IC (n = 1246). Assessments included freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) through 60 months, a composite safety outcome (freedom from device- and procedure-related death through 30 days, and freedom from major target limb amputation and freedom from CD-target vessel revascularization within 60 months), and major adverse events (MAEs).

Results

Kaplan–Meier estimates of 60-month freedom from CD-TLR were 67.7% and 70.5% (p = 0.25) in the DM and non-DM cohorts; and 60.7% and 70.5% (p = 0.006) in the CLTI and IC cohorts. The Kaplan–Meier 60-month composite safety outcomes were 65.1% DM versus 68.9% non-DM (p = 0.12); 53.2% CLTI versus 69.1% IC (p < 0.001). Between DM and non-DM, MAE rates were not significantly different through 60 months except for all-cause mortality which was higher in DM (23.8% versus 16.6%; p < 0.001). Participants with CLTI had a higher cumulative incidence of major target limb amputation (6.8% versus 1.1%; p < 0.001) and all-cause mortality (37.4% versus 17.4%; p < 0.001) through 60 months compared to IC.

Conclusions

In this real-world study, 5-year reintervention rates following DCB angioplasty were similar between DM and non-DM, but mortality rates were expectedly higher in patients with DM. Reintervention, mortality, and amputation rates were all higher in CLTI patients compared to IC, which is consistent with the known frailty of this patient population.

Level of Evidence

Level 3, Non-randomized controlled cohort/follow-up study
Speckle tracking echocardiography and β-thalassemia major. A systematic review
Authors: Patsourakos Dimitrios , Aggeli Constantina , Dimitroglou Yannis , Delicou Sophia , Xydaki Katerina , Koukos Markos , Tsartsalis Dimitrios , Gialeli Foteini , Gatzoulis Konstantinos A. , Tousoulis Dimitrios , Tsioufis Konstantinos
Published: August 2023

Heart disease is among the primary causes of morbidity and mortality in β-thalassemia major (β-TM). Conventional echocardiography has failed to identify myocardial dysfunction at an early stage among these patients, thus speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has been lately used. The objectives of this review were to 1) identify all published studies having evaluated myocardial strain among β-TM patients, 2) gather their results, 3) compare their findings and 4) propose recommendations based on these data. Literature search was conducted in PubMed, SCOPUS and Cohrane Library. Data regarding left ventricular global longitudinal (LV-GLS), circumferential (LV-GCS) and radial strain (LV-GRS), right ventricular longitudinal strain (RV-GLS), left and right atrial strain were extracted. Thirty-five studies (34 original articles and 1 meta-analysis) have met the inclusion criteria. LV-GLS has been reported being worse in patients compared to controls in 13 of 21 studies, LV-GCS in 7 of 11 studies, LV-GRS in 6 of 7 studies, RV-GLS in 2 of 3 studies and left atrial strain in all case–control studies. Myocardial iron overload (MIO) patient subgroups had worse LV-GLS in 6 of 15 studies, LV-GCS in 2 of 7 studies and LV-GRS in none of 7 studies. A small number of studies suggest left atrial strain correlation with electrical atrial ectopy and atrial fibrillation. It is suggested that STE should be applied supplementary to conventional echocardiography for early identification of myocardial dysfunction among β-TM patients. Potential myocardial strain utilities could be screening for myocardial iron overload, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and atrial fibrillation.
Performance of clinical risk scores and prediction models to identify pathogenic germline variants in patients with advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Rebhan Katharina , Stelzer Philipp D. , Pradere Benjamin , Rajwa Pawel , Kramer Gero , Hofmann Bernd , Resch Irene , Yurdakul Ozan , Laccone Franco A. , Bujalkova Maria Gerykova , Smogavec Mateja , Tan Yen Y. , Ristl Robin , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Egger Gerda , Hassler Melanie R.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Determining the frequency and distribution of pathogenic germline variants (PGVs) in Austrian prostate cancer (PCa) patients and to assess the accuracy of different clinical risk scores to correctly predict PGVs.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 313 men with advanced PCa. A comprehensive personal and family history was obtained based on predefined questionnaires. Germline DNA sequencing was performed between 2019 and 2021 irrespective of family history, metastatic or castration status or age at diagnosis. Clinical risk scores for hereditary cancer syndromes were evaluated and a PCa-specific score was developed to assess the presence of PGVs.

Results

PGV presence was associated with metastasis (p = 0.047) and castration resistance (p = 0.011), but not with personal cancer history or with relatives with any type of cancer. Clinical risk scores (Manchester score, PREMM5 score, Amsterdam II criteria or Johns Hopkins criteria) showed low sensitivities (3.3–20%) for assessing the probability of PGV presence. A score specifically designed for PCa patients stratifying patients into low- or high-risk regarding PGV probability, correctly classified all PGV carriers as high-risk, whereas a third of PCa patients without PGVs was classified as low risk of the presence of PGVs.

Conclusion

Application of common clinical risk scores based on family history are not suitable to identify PCa patients with high PGV probabilities. A PCa-specific score stratified PCa patients into low- or high-risk of PGV presence with sufficient accuracy, and germline DNA sequencing may be omitted in patients with a low score. Further studies are needed to evaluate the score.
Maternal BMI changes from the prepregnancy to postpartum period are associated with postpartum cardiometabolic risk factors: a longitudinal study
Authors: Zhang Huafan , Wu Linlin , Wu Xiaoxia , Chen Yixuan , Tian Fu-Ying , Yin Aiqi , Hu Fengqiao , Tong Jianing , Huang Xuna , Wan Yanmei , Niu Jianmin
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aimed at investigating the associations between the total body mass index (BMI) change at 3 or 4 years postpartum compared to the prepregnancy and cardiometabolic risk factors.

Methods

This longitudinal study included 1305 participants. Based on the total postpartum BMI changes, they were divided into < 0 units, 0–1.7 units, and > 1.7 units groups using the interquartile range. Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the associations.

Results

Compared to the reference group, there was a progressive increase in the βcoefficient (βcoef) of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) of cardiometabolic risk in the following groups: the ‘0–1.7 units’ group with the ‘overweight traj’ [βcoef 0.33; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.22, 0.44)] or the ‘obesity traj’ [0.66; (0.45, 0.88)] and the ‘> 1.7 units’ group with the ‘normal traj’ [0.33; (0.22, 0.44)], the ‘overweight traj’ [0.54; (0.41, 0.67)] or the ‘obesity traj’ [0.97; (0.79, 1.15)]. The same increasing trend of βcoef was also found in DBP, FPG, LDL, WHR, BF%. However, the ‘< 0 units’ group with the ‘low traj’ [0.13; (0.06, 0.21)] and the ‘0–1.7 units’ group with the ‘low traj’ [0.08; (0.03, 0.13)] had higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level than the reference group.

Conclusion

Women with a postpartum BMI gain > 1.7 units are positively associated with cardiometabolic risk factors, especially for those in the ‘obesity traj’ or ‘traj D’. Conversely, women with a postpartum BMI loss > 0 units have negative association with cardiometabolic risk factors, especially for those in the ‘low traj’ or ‘traj B’.
Microvascular anastomotic coupler for venous end-to-side anastomoses in head and neck reconstructive surgery
Authors: Kisser Ulrich , Koepernik Sophie
Published: August 2023

Background

The use of coupler devices has become mainstream in microsurgical end-to-end venous anastomoses (EEA) for free flaps in head and neck reconstruction. Reports about end-to-side venous anastomoses (ESA) using a coupler are scarce, though.

Methods

The surgical technique of end-to-side anastomosis using a coupler device is described. End-to-side anastomoses and end-to-end anastomoses with a vascular coupler are compared with respect to postoperative vascular complications.

Results

124 patients were included, 76 with EEA, 48 with ESA. Postoperative venous complications occurred in 5.3% and 2.1%, respectively.

Conclusions

ESA is a valuable alternative to EEA when using a coupler device providing more flexibility to the surgeon.
Tree responses and temperature requirements in two central Italy phenological gardens
Authors: Fornaciari Marco , Marrapodi Silvia , Ruga Luigia , Proietti Chiara , Orlandi Fabio
Published: August 2023

Plants have always been able to adapt to climate change by reacting through various responses, mainly at the phenological level. The aim of this work is to investigate the behavior of specific tree species located in two phenological gardens in central Italy in relation to the temperature increases recorded in recent years. Specifically, four main phenological phases, BBCH_11, BBCH_19, BBCH_91, and BBCH_65, were monitored during a 14-year time period. The data of the weeks corresponding to the first appearance of each phenological phase and the respective heat accumulations for each species were cross-referenced with the meteorological data recorded by the stations in the two considered areas. Based on average temperature, calculated over reference periods, the species were divided by creating “warm” year groups and “cold” year groups so as to better highlight any differences in the behavior of the same species. In addition, a strong correlation was shown between the maximum temperatures in February and the advances of phenological phases BBCH_11 and BBCH_65. Most of the tree species have shown strong adaptation to climate warming, changing the period of occurrence of the phases themselves.
Phylogenetic, cytogenetic and morphological evidences are critical for recognizing a new genus: Valdesiana, an Iberian intergeneric allopolyploid between Schenkia and Exaculum
Authors: Díaz Lifante Zoila , Escudero Marcial , Andrés Camacho Cristina , García Llamas Carmen , Loureiro Joao , Castro Sílvia
Published: August 2023

The present taxonomic status of Schenkia elegans, endemism recently described in the Iberian Peninsula, and its relationship with the sympatric and the nearest morphological species Schenkia spicata and Exaculum pusillum is revaluated. Different kinds of evidence based on plant morphology, ploidy estimation by flow cytometry, karyotype characterisation, and phylogenetic data have been analysed. Two maternally inherited plastid DNA regions (trnL intron and trnL-F spacer) and biparentally inherited nuclear ribosomal DNA sequence region (nrDNA ITS) have been used. Comparative multivariate analyses show an intermediate morphology of the S. elegans plants between the other two species studied. Flow cytometry and karyotype analyses in S. elegans point to an allopolyploid origin, with the latter constituted by a mixture of those of the diploids S. spicata and E. pusillum. Phylogenetic analyses based on plastid and nuclear DNA regions cluster S. elegans in two different clades, those of S. spicata and E. pusillum, suggesting a possible hybrid origin of S. elegans between both species, acting as maternal or paternal progenitors. In consequence, taking in consideration the taxonomic relationships among genera (Exaculum, Schenkia and the closely related genus Zeltnera found in America), a monotypic genus Valdesiana gen. nov. is proposed to accommodate the allopolyploid species, combined as V. elegans, for which immediate conservation measures must be evaluated.
Gender differences in non-motor fluctuations in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Donzuso Giulia , Cicero Calogero Edoardo , Vinciguerra Erica , Sergi Rosy , Luca Antonina , Mostile Giovanni , Terravecchia Claudio , Zappia Mario , Nicoletti Alessandra
Published: August 2023

Non-motor symptoms (NMS) and Non-motor fluctuations (NMF) in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) are common, involving several domains and affecting quality of life. Aim of the study is to estimate the burden of NMF in PD patients and to evaluate the possible gender effect. PD patients fulfilling the MDS-PD diagnostic criteria attending the “Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Centre” of the University of Catania were evaluated using the Non-Motor Fluctuations Assessment (NoMoFA) Questionnaire. NoMoFA items were also grouped into the following domains: cognitive, mood, sleep/fatigue, dysautonomia, hallucination/perception and miscellaneous domains were identified. One-hundred and twenty-one patients with PD (67 men, 55.4%; mean age 70.2 ± 8.9 years, disease duration 8.3 ± 4.6 years) were evaluated. All PD patients reported at least one NMS, whereas 87 (71.9%) also reported NMF. “Feel sluggish or had low energy levels” (47.2%) along with “Feel excessively sleepy during the day” (40.0%) were the most common NMF reported in the whole sample. The majority of PD patients reported the presence of NMF during the OFF state (79, 65.3%). At multivariate analysis, NMF were positively associated with the female gender (adjusted OR 3.13; 95%CI 1.21–8.11 p-value 0.01). Women with PD had higher NMF scores especially in depression/anxiety, sleep/fatigue and dysautonomia domains. Our study reported the presence of a gender-related pattern in the frequency of NMS and NMF in PD patients, with female gender associated with a higher risk of developing NMF, highlighting the need for personalized treatment strategies when addressing NMF.
Utilizing Electromyographic Video Games Controllers to Improve Outcomes for Prosthesis Users
Authors: McLinden Shea , Smith Peter , Dombrowski Matt , MacDonald Calvin , Lynn Devon , Tran Katherine , Robinson Kelsey , Courbin Dominique , Sparkman John , Manero Albert
Published: August 2023

A study was developed for a limb-different accessible video game controller that utilizes an electromyographic sensor to control gameplay actions. Data was collected from 50 college-aged student participants. This biofeedback-based serious game trains users in a virtual capacity, through the visualization of muscle contraction, via the movement of the video game character. The training platform has been developed to accompany the corresponding electromyographic actuated prosthetic arm device, leveraging the same control scheme to enable the translation of hand gesture states. This study evaluated the controller, user interface, and gameplay to identify training improvement outcomes and user satisfaction. Study participants were divided into two cohorts that differed in their intervention between the pre-test and post-test challenge course. Cohort one had a free play environment that encouraged learning through algorithmically generated track patterns and the use of powerups. In contrast, cohort two repeated the challenge mode, which was made up of a course of rings to jump through and focused on targeted muscle discretization via character jump heights correlated to muscle output. Data were collected to develop and validate training methods and identify overall game satisfaction and usability. The results of this study indicated an increase in the user’s ability to be successful based on time on task with the intervention. The study also evaluated the usability and participant experience with the intervention.
Barriers, facilitators, and priority needs related to cancer prevention, control, and research in rural, persistent poverty areas
Authors: Hallgren Emily , Yeary Karen H. K. , DelNero Peter , Johnson-Wells Beverly , Purvis Rachel S. , Moore Ramey , Loveless Stephanie , Shealy Kristen , McElfish Pearl A.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to identify the barriers, facilitators, and priority needs related to cancer prevention, control, and research in persistent poverty areas.

Methods

We conducted three focus groups with 17 providers and staff of primary care clinics serving persistent poverty areas throughout the state of Arkansas.

Results

We identified multiple barriers, facilitators, and priority needs related to cancer prevention and control at primary care clinics serving persistent poverty areas. Barriers included transportation, medical costs, limited providers and service availability, and patient fear/discomfort with cancer topics. Facilitators identified were cancer navigators and community health events/services, and priority needs included patient education, comprehensive workflows, improved communication, and integration of cancer navigators into healthcare teams. Barriers to cancer-related research were lack of provider/staff time, patient uncertainty/skepticism, patient health literacy, and provider skepticism/concerns regarding patient burden. Research facilitators included better informing providers/staff about research studies and leveraging navigators as a bridge between clinic and patients.

Conclusion

Our results inform opportunities to adapt and implement evidence-based interventions to improve cancer prevention, control, and research in persistent poverty areas. To improve cancer prevention and control, we recommend locally-informed strategies to mitigate patient barriers, improved patient education efforts, standardized patient navigation workflows, improved integration of cancer navigators into care teams, and leveraging community health events. Dedicated staff time for research, coordination of research and clinical activities, and educating providers/staff about research studies could improve cancer-related research activities in persistent poverty areas.
Vitamin D status during and after treatment and ovarian cancer survival
Authors: Ross Tanya L. , Neale Rachel E. , Na Renhua , Webb Penelope M. ,   for the OPAL Study Group
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Five-year relative survival for ovarian cancer remains below 50%. Strategies to improve outcomes are needed. Higher serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations [measure of vitamin D status] at and before diagnosis have been associated with longer survival in cancer patients; however, data for ovarian cancer are limited. We aimed to determine if 25(OH)D concentrations during and after primary treatment were associated with ovarian cancer-specific survival.

Methods

We used data from a nationwide prospective cohort study of women with ovarian cancer. Among 886 participants treated with chemotherapy, 700 (79%) had a blood sample collected during (n = 591) and/or after (n = 458) primary treatment. These were tested for 25(OH)D. Clinical and survival data were abstracted from medical records. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between 25(OH)D and ovarian cancer-specific survival.

Results

Mean 25(OH)D concentrations were lower during than after primary treatment (82 and 91 nmol/L, respectively); only 14% and 8% had concentrations below 50 nmol/L during and after primary treatment, respectively. There was no association between 25(OH)D and ovarian cancer-specific survival during five years of follow-up [HR 1.10 (95% CI: 0.76, 1.61) and 0.95 (0.54, 1.68) for the highest vs. lowest quintile during and after treatment, respectively].

Conclusions

We did not observe any association between serum 25(OH)D concentration and ovarian cancer-specific survival. Our results suggest that, in the absence of vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D supplementation to improve ovarian cancer survival is not warranted.
Recent developments of the nanocellulose extraction from water hyacinth: a review
Authors: Smriti Shamima Akter , Haque Abu Naser Md Ahsanul , Khadem Ashfaqul Hoque , Siddiqa Fahmida , Rahman A. N. M. Masudur , Himu Humayra Akhter , Farzana Nawshin , Islam Md. Azharul , Naebe Maryam
Published: August 2023

Nanocellulose, an exceptional natural material acquired from cellulose, has received tremendous attention over the past decades. This is because of its unique physical characteristics, surface chemistry, functional properties, and biocompatibility. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) are two major types of nanocellulose that have received key interest so far. Nanocellulose is commercially produced from wood-based sources. With the ongoing demand for nanocellulose, agricultural wastes and non-woody plants are getting much consideration as cost-efficient alternatives. Water hyacinth (WH) is an alternative source that has shown great prospects for CNC and CNF fabrication. Nanocellulose from WH is proposed for several interesting applications, such as wet-spun filaments, aerogels, packaging films, battery separators, and water filtration, showing promising results. Studies have shown the nanocellulose achieved from WH has a comparable diameter and crystallinity related to the nanocellulose derived from other agricultural wastes, but lower than nanocellulose extracted from wood. Studies were more inclined towards chemical treatments for CNC extraction and mechanical processes for CNF isolation. This review aims to emphasize identifying the true potential of WH as a nanocellulose resource by critical evaluation of the isolation processes, affecting factors on nanocellulose properties, and the foundation of future research for producing sustainable materials. It was perceived that a lot of possibilities remain unexplored as many advanced techniques are yet not well studied for WH nanocellulose extraction. Further, the advantage of being a low-lignin raw material was not properly captured by mapping the more sustainable procedures, which should be a future highlight of WH research.

Graphical abstract
The philosophy of the metaverse
Authors: Chen Melvin
Published: August 2023

How might we philosophize about the metaverse? It is traditionally held that the four main branches of philosophy are metaphysics, epistemology, axiology, and logic. In this article, I shall demonstrate how virtual walt-fictionalism, a particular version of virtual irrealism, is able to offer a straightforward, internally consistent, and powerful response about the metaphysics, epistemology, and axiology (ethics) of the metaverse. I will first characterize the metaverse in terms of a reality-virtuality (RV) continuum and distinguish between virtual realism and virtual irrealism, before elaborating on the explanatory power and potential of virtual walt-fictionalism relative to the metaphysics, epistemology, and axiology (ethics) of the metaverse.
Forming Physicians: Evaluating the Opportunities and Benefits of Structured Integration of Humanities and Ethics into Medical Education
Authors: Eno Cassie , Piemonte Nicole , Michalec Barret , Adams Charise Alexander , Budesheim Thomas , Felix Kaitlyn , Hack Jess , Jensen Gail , Leavelle Tracy , Smith James
Published: August 2023

This paper offers a novel, qualitative approach to evaluating the outcomes of integrating humanities and ethics into a newly revised pre-clerkship medical education curriculum. The authors set out to evaluate medical students’ perceptions, learning outcomes, and growth in identity development. Led by a team of interdisciplinary scholars, this qualitative project examines multiple sources of student experience and perception data, including student essays, end-of-year surveys, and semi-structured interviews with students. Data were analyzed using deductive and inductive processes to identify key categories and recurring themes. Results suggest that students not only engaged with the curricular content and met the stated learning objectives but also acknowledged their experience in the humanities and ethics curriculum as an opportunity to reflect, expand their perceptions of medicine (and what it means to be “in” medicine), connect with their classmates, and further cultivate their personal and professional identities. Results of this qualitative study show how and in what ways the ethics and humanities curriculum motivates students past surface-level memorization of factual knowledge and encourages thoughtful analysis and evaluation about how the course material relates to and influences their thinking and how they see themselves as future doctors. The comprehensive qualitative approach reflects a holistic model for evaluating the integration of humanities and ethics into the pre-clerkship medical education curriculum. Future research should examine if this approach provides a protective factor against the demonstrated ethical erosion and empathy decrease during clinical training.
‘Happy Stories’ of Swedish Exceptionalism
Authors: Fingalsson Rebecka , Junkala Hannele
Published: August 2023

Sexuality education (SE) takes place in fields of tension where biology, legislation, norms, and values intersect. Drawing on Ahmed’s phenomenological account of whiteness, this article examines how Swedish whiteness is constructed and reproduced within SE. In Sweden, SE is formalised as an overarching, subject-integrated knowledge area where the biology subject plays a crucial role in its delivery. To include a wide spectrum of SE, where both planned and unplanned aspects of teaching are considered, as well as tensions in the content, we have analysed eight semi-structured teacher interviews and five biology textbooks. Our analysis shows how Swedish whiteness is reproduced as a form of institutionalised orientation constructed by norms, social values, people, subject knowledge, policies, and legislation, all intertwined in a complex web. This web places SE, teachers, and pupils in a racial landscape that constructs and reproduces specific forms of Swedish whiteness by assigning each a position in relation to familiarity. This familiarity provides a taken-for-granted starting point in SE, where ‘here’ is constructed as a place of progression, openness, and possibilities for happy future sexual lives, while other places come to stand out as hyper-visible examples of the less familiar, less happy, and ‘far away’. From this outpost, teachers and biology textbooks construct and reproduce Swedish whiteness through ‘happy stories’ of Swedish exceptionalism. Although these positive messages in SE may stem from good intentions, our findings show that a colourblind view of racial hierarchies in the rendering of ‘happy stories, about, for example, gay rights, free abortion, and equality also contributes to reproducing whiteness and reinforcing ideas about race and Swedish exceptionalism in SE.
Clinical application of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography radiomics-based machine learning analyses in the field of oncology
Authors: Nakajo Masatoyo , Jinguji Megumi , Ito Soichiro , Tani Atushi , Hirahara Mitsuho , Yoshiura Takashi
Published: August 2023

Machine learning (ML) analyses using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) radiomics features have been applied in the field of oncology. The current review aimed to summarize the current clinical articles about 18F-FDG PET/CT radiomics-based ML analyses to solve issues in classifying or constructing prediction models for several types of tumors. In these studies, lung and mediastinal tumors were the most commonly evaluated lesions, followed by lymphatic, abdominal, head and neck, breast, gynecological, and other types of tumors. Previous studies have commonly shown that 18F-FDG PET radiomics-based ML analysis has good performance in differentiating benign from malignant tumors, predicting tumor characteristics and stage, therapeutic response, and prognosis by examining significant differences in the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves, accuracies, or concordance indices (> 0.70). However, these studies have reported several ML algorithms. Moreover, different ML models have been applied for the same purpose. Thus, various procedures were used in 18F-FDG PET/CT radiomics-based ML analysis in oncology, and 18F-FDG PET/CT radiomics-based ML models, which are easy and universally applied in clinical practice, would be expected to be established.
Urinary continence recovery after Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy in relation to surgeon experience
Authors: Fonseca Jorge , Froes Gonçalo , Moraes-Fontes Maria Francisca , Rebola Jorge , Lúcio Rui , Almeida Miguel , Muresan Ciprian , Palmas Artur , Gaivão Ana , Matos Celso , Santos Tiago , Dias Daniela , Sousa Inês , Oliveira Francisco , Ribeiro Ricardo , Lopez-Beltran Antonio , Fraga Avelino
Published: August 2023

Urinary incontinence is one of the main concerns for patients after radical prostatectomy. Differences in surgical experience among surgeons could partly explain the wide range of frequencies observed. Our aim was to evaluate the association between the surgeons` experience and center caseload with relation to urinary continence recovery after Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP). Prospective observational single-center study. Five surgeons consecutively operated 405 patients between July 2017 and February 2022. Continence recovery was evaluated with pad count and by employing the short form of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ-SF), pre- and postoperatively at 1 year. Non-parametric tests were used. Median age was 63 years, 30% of patients presented with local advanced disease; the positive surgical margin rate (over 3 mm length) was 16%. Complication rate was 1% (Clavien–Dindo > II). One year after surgery, continence was assessed in 282 patients, of whom 87% were pad free and 51% never leaked (ICIQ-SF = 0). With respect to the mean annual number of procedures per surgeon, divided in < 20, 20–39 and ≥ 40, pad-free rates were achieved in 93%, 85%, and 84% and absence of urine leak rates in 47%, 62% and 48% of patients, respectively. Postoperative median ICIQ-SF was five. We acknowledge the limitation of a 12-month follow-up and the fact that we are a medium-volume center. There is no statistically significant association between continence recovery, surgeon’s experience and center caseload. Continence recovery at 1 year after surgery is adequate and robust to surgeon’s experience.
Using hypnotic enhancement with auditory suggestion for lucid dream induction
Authors: Peters Emma , Erlacher Daniel , Müller Friedrich , Schredl Michael
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of using hypnotic enhancement of auditory suggestion to induce lucid dreams in inexperienced individuals. Lucid dreaming, a state in which the dreamer becomes aware of their dream state, provides opportunities for personal exploration, sports, and clinical applications. However, the rarity of lucid dreams poses a challenge to scientific exploration, making reliable induction methods essential. The study tested the efficacy of acoustic suggestion, hypnotic enhancement, and acoustic stimulation without suggestion as a control condition. Based on strict criteria, in which a lucid dream is verified by the dreamer, the external raters, and eye movements, 3%, 6%, and 6% of total dream reports were scored as lucid in the control, acoustic suggestion, and hypnosis conditions, respectively. Of the 10 participants, one reported lucidity in the control condition, whereas two participants reported lucidity in both experimental conditions. The study concludes that acoustic suggestion evokes more lucid dreams than nonsuggestive stimulation but is not further enhanced by hypnosis. Moreover, the induction methods employed in the study enabled inexperienced participants to learn lucid dreaming within a few days.
Detection of Hepatitis A RNA, Hepatitis E RNA, Human Adenovirus F DNA, and Norovirus RNA in Fresh and Frozen Berry Products at Point of Retail in Ireland
Authors: Bennett Charlene , Hunt Kevin , Butler Francis , Keaveney Sinead , Fanning Séamus , De Gascun Cillian , Coughlan Suzie , O’Gorman Joanne
Published: August 2023

Soft fruits are at particular risk of contamination with enteric viruses such as Hepatitis A virus (HAV), Hepatitis E Virus (HEV), Norovirus (NoV), Human Adenovirus (HAdV) and Sapovirus (SaV). The aim of this study was to investigate, for the first time, the presence of these biological agents in ready to eat (RTE) berries at point of retail in Ireland. A sampling strategy was designed in which RTE fresh and frozen strawberries and raspberries were purchased from five retailers between May and October 2018. Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) assays for HEV RNA, Nov RNA, SaV RNA, and human Adenovirus species F DNA (HAdV-F) were performed on 239 samples (25g portions). Viral nucleic acid was present in 6.7% (n = 16) of samples tested as follows: HAV RNA (n = 5), HAdV-F DNA (n = 5), HEV RNA (n = 3) and NoV GII RNA (n = 3). Sapovirus RNA was not detected in any product. No significant differences were found between berry type, fresh/frozen status, or supermarket source. This study suggests a risk that exists across all retail outlets however only low levels of nucleic acid ranging from 0 to 16 genome copies/g were present. Although these findings may reflect non-viable/non-infectious virus the continued provision of risk mitigation advice to consumers is warranted and further work is required to ensure control measures to reduce contamination are implemented and enforced.
Circulating noncoding RNAs: promising biomarkers in liquid biopsy for the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of NSCLC
Authors: Li Yilin , Ye Jun , Xu Shun , Wang Jiajun
Published: August 2023

As the second most common malignant tumor in the world, lung cancer is a great threat to human health. In the past several decades, the role and mechanism of ncRNAs in lung cancer as a class of regulatory RNAs have been studied intensively. In particular, ncRNAs in body fluids have attracted increasing attention as biomarkers for lung cancer diagnosis and prognosis and for the evaluation of lung cancer treatment due to their low invasiveness and accessibility. As emerging tumor biomarkers in lung cancer, circulating ncRNAs are easy to obtain, independent of tissue specimens, and can well reflect the occurrence and progression of tumors due to their correlation with some biological processes in tumors. Circulating ncRNAs have a very high potential to serve as biomarkers and hold promise for the development of ncRNA-based therapeutics. In the current study, there has been extensive evidence that circulating ncRNA has clinical significance and value as a biomarker. In this review, we summarize how ncRNAs are generated and enter the circulation, remaining stable for subsequent detection. The feasibility of circulating ncRNAs as biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer is also summarized. In the current systematic treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, circulating ncRNAs can also predict drug resistance, adverse reactions, and other events in targeted therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy and have promising potential to guide the systematic treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.
Targeted Poverty Alleviation Initiatives, Corporate Governance Structures and Corporate Value: Evidence from China
Authors: Mirza Sultan Sikandar , Zhang Chengwei , Jin Xiaoyan , Huang ChengMing
Published: August 2023

This study examines the impact of targeted poverty alleviation (TPA) activities on firm value and how this relationship is influenced by corporate governance factors using data from Chinese listed firms from 2016 to 2019. The results under fixed effect estimation with robust standard errors show that firm value is positively affected by both corporate governance and TPA activities, and the integration of governance structure and social responsibility performance can enhance firm value. Internal corporate governance has a significant impact on firm TPA activities and can boost firm value. The study also highlights the importance of the fraction of independent directors to management, the board size, and ownership concentration in moderating the relationship between TPA activities and firm value. The theoretical contribution of this paper lies in its identification of the synergistic effects of corporate governance and social responsibility performance on firm value in the context of poverty alleviation. These findings have implications for firms aiming for long-term growth through social contribution and policymakers seeking to devise effective policies to foster optimal involvement in poverty reduction.