bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cu (II)-based metal-organic framework functionalized with graphene oxide as a sorbent for the dispersive micro-solid-phase extraction of losartan potassium from water
Authors: Valenzuela Ivon E. , Muñoz-Acevedo Juan Carlos , Pabón Elizabeth , Paim Ana Paula Silveira
Published: May 2024

In this study, a new metal–organic framework (MOF) based on copper (II) functionalized with graphene oxide (MOF-Cu@GO) was successfully synthesized and applied as an efficient sorbent for dispersive micro-solid phase extraction (D-μSPE) of losartan potassium (LP) from water. The MOF-Cu@GO sorbent was characterized using DRX, FTIR, XPS, TGA, RAMAN, BET, SEM, EDX, and potential Z. The influence of different parameters in the D-μSPE method was studied and optimized using the fractional factorial design 25–1 and central composite design. The results indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic followed the pseudo-second order model kinetics and the Freundlich isotherm. The maximum adsorption capacity of MOF-Cu@GO sorbent was 415 mg g−1. The adsorption mechanism proposed of LP onto MOF-Cu@GO proceeded via electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonds, unsaturated sites of the ligand, and π-π interactions. The microextraction procedure was followed by determination of LP with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC–UV-Vis). Under optimized conditions, the limits of detection and quantitation were found to be 25 and 80 ng ml−1 respectively, the method exhibited a linear response (r = 0.998) in the concentration range of 0.1–50 µg ml−1 of LP, with a relative standard deviation less than 2% (n = 5). The D-μSPE method showed preconcentration factor of 684.9 and high percentage of LP extraction of 99.78% ± 2.62, the accuracy of the method was demonstrated by studying the recovery of LP from water samples of 100.3 ± 1.06. The material obtained can be used up to 3 cycles with time for the sorption and determination of 30 min indicating good stability and reusability. The MOF-Cu@GO proposed is an efficient and fast sorbent in the D-μSPE for determination of LP from aqueous solutions.
Repeat endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for residual or recurrent Cushing’s disease: safety, feasibility, and success
Authors: Hanalioglu Sahin , Gurses Muhammet Enes , Gecici Neslihan Nisa , Baylarov Baylar , Isikay Ilkay , Gürlek Alper , Berker Mustafa
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The success and outcomes of repeat endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETS) for residual or recurrent Cushing’s disease (CD) are underreported in the literature. This study aims to address this gap by assessing the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of repeat ETS in these patients.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 56 patients who underwent a total of 65 repeat ETS performed by a single neurosurgeon between January 2006 and December 2020. Data including demographic, clinical, laboratory, radiological, and operative details were collected from electronic medical records. Logistic regression was utilized to identify potential predictors associated with sustained remission.

Results

Among the cases, 40 (61.5%) had previously undergone microscopic surgery, while 25 (38.5%) had prior endoscopic procedures. Remission was achieved in 47 (83.9%) patients after the first repeat ETS, with an additional 9 (16.1%) achieving remission after the second repeat procedure. During an average follow-up period of 97.25 months, the recurrence rate post repeat surgery was 6.38%. Sustained remission was achieved in 48 patients (85.7%), with 44 after the first repeat ETS and 4 following the second repeat ETS. Complications included transient diabetes insipidus (DI) in 5 (7.6%) patients, permanent (DI) in 2 (3%) patients, and one case (1.5%) of panhypopituitarism. Three patients (4.6%) experienced rhinorrhea necessitating reoperation. A serum cortisol level > 5 µg/dL on postoperative day 1 was associated with a reduced likelihood of sustained remission.

Conclusion

Repeat ETS is a safe and effective treatment option for residual or recurrent CD with satisfactory remission rates and low rates of complications.
Socio-emotional experiences of primary school students: Relations to teachers’ underestimation, overestimation, or accurate judgment of their cognitive ability
Authors: Gnas Jessica , Urban Julian , Feuchter Markus Daniel , Preckel Franzis
Published: May 2024

Previous research revealed that students who are overestimated in their ability by their teachers experience school more positively than underestimated students. In the present study, we compared the socio-emotional experiences of N = 1516 students whose cognitive abilities were overestimated, accurately judged, or underestimated by their teachers. We applied propensity score matching using students’ cognitive ability, gender, language, parental education, and teacher’s acquaintance with them as covariates for building the three student groups. Matching students on these variables, reduced the original sample size to subsamples with n1 = 348, and n2 = 312 with exact matching including classroom. We compared overestimated, accurately judged, or underestimated students in both matching samples in their socio-emotional profiles (comprised of academic self-concept, joy of learning, attitude towards school, willingness to make an effort, social integration, perceived class climate, and feeling of being accepted by the teacher) by linear discriminant analyses. Groups significantly differed in their profiles. Overestimated students had the most positive socio-emotional experiences of school, followed by accurately judged students. Underestimated students experienced school most negatively. Differences in experiences were most pronounced for the learning environment (medium to large effects for academic self-concept, joy of learning, and willingness to make an effort; negligible effect for attitude towards school) and less for the social environment (medium effects for feeling of being accepted by the teacher; negligible effects for social integration and perceived class climate).
A survey of appearance-based approaches for human gait recognition: techniques, challenges, and future directions
Authors: Güner Şahan Pınar , Şahin Suhap , Kaya Gülağız Fidan
Published: May 2024

Gait recognition has become an important biometric feature for human identification, in addition to data such as face, iris, and fingerprint. The goal of human gait recognition is to identify people based on walking images. Artificial intelligence technologies have revolutionized the field of gait recognition by enabling computers to automatically learn and extract intricate patterns. These techniques examine video recordings to determine key features in an individual's gait, and these features are used to identify the person. This paper examines the existing appearance-based gait recognition methods that have been published in recent years. The primary objective of this paper is to provide an informative survey of the state-of-the-art in appearance-based gait recognition techniques, highlighting their applications, strengths, and limitations. Through our analysis, we aim to highlight the significant advance that has been made in this field, draw attention to the challenges that have been faced, and identify areas of prospective future research and advances in technology. Furthermore, we comprehensively examine common datasets used in gait recognition research. By analyzing the latest developments in appearance-based gait recognition, our study aims to be a helpful resource for researchers, providing an extensive overview of current methods and guiding future attempts in this dynamic field.
Moving Trend Analysis Methodology for Hydro-meteorology Time Series Dynamic Assessment
Authors: Şen Zekâi
Published: May 2024

In the last 30 years, there are many publications in the literature due to global warming and climate change impacts exhibiting non-stationary behaviors in hydro-meteorology time series records especially in the forms of increasing or decreasing trends. The conventional trend analyzes cover the entire recording time with a single straight-line trend and slope. These methods do not provide information about up and down partial moving trends evolution at shorter durations along the entire record length. This paper proposes a dynamic methodology for identifying such evolutionary finite duration moving trend method (MTM) identifications and interpretations. The purpose of choosing MTM was to investigate the dynamic partial trend evolution over the recording period so that dry (decreasing trend) and wet (increasing trend) segments could be objectively identified and these trends could assist in water resources management in the study area. The moving trend analysis is like the classical moving average methodology with one important digression that instead of arithmetic averages and their horizontal line representations, a series of finite duration successive increasing and decreasing trends are identified over a given hydro-meteorology time series record. In general, partial moving trends of 10-year, 20-year, 30-year and 40-year occur above or below the overall trend and thus provide practical insight into the dynamic trend pattern with important implications. The moving trend methodology is applied to annual records of Danube River discharges, New Jersey state wise temperatures and precipitation time series from the City of Istanbul.
Lucky Idiots and Incompetent Villains: Luck and Responsibility in Meaningful Lives
Authors: Stevenson Chad Mason
Published: May 2024

What is the relationship between meaning in life and luck? One popular view within the literature is that resultant luck vitiates meaning; that if the relevant state-of-affairs is primarily the result of luck, chance, or happenstance, rather than the person’s actions, then no meaning is conferred. Call this the anti-luck constraint. In this article it is argued that we should reject the anti-luck constraint. Two types of cases, often cited as examples in favour of the anti-luck constraint, are examined: the lucky idiot and the incompetent villain. Such lives, it is contended, can be meaningful even when the relevant states-of-affairs are primarily the product of resultant luck.
Fischer on the Time of Death’s Badness
Authors: Carlson Erik , Ekendahl Karl , Johansson Jens
Published: May 2024

In a recent article in this journal, John Martin Fischer defends the view that death harms its victim after she dies. More specifically, he develops a “truthmaking” account in order to solve what he calls the Problem of Predication for this view. In this reply, we argue that Fischer’s proposed solution to this problem is unsuccessful.
Teacher educators and environmental justice: conversations about education for environmental justice between science and geography teacher educators based in England and Brazil
Authors: Gandolfi Haira E. , Rushton Elizabeth A. C. , Silva Luciano Fernandes , da Silva Carvalho Maria Bernadete Sarti
Published: May 2024

While environmental education has been present in the field of education for decades now, only recently our particular subject areas of science and geography have started to pay more critical attention to specific concerns surrounding the intersection of environmental issues and social justice (also known as environmental justice) within the context of formal secondary education, including in secondary teacher education programmes. Drawing on scholarship, policy landscapes and socio-environmental concerns from both the global South and the global North, and on a methodological approach based on transnational collective reflection and collaborative-dialogic writing, in this article we delve into our different cultural, geographical and disciplinary contexts, views and experiences as four teacher educators from Brazil and England who have been working at this intersection between environmental justice and Science and Geography teacher education programmes for secondary formal education. Here we will argue that environmental justice needs to have a central role in such teacher education programmes if we aim to support young people and their teachers in navigating the spatially diverse and unequal impacts of environmental emergencies in global North and South communities. We also consider future directions for research and collaboration across national and disciplinary boundaries within the landscape of environmental education for environmental justice, reflecting on the future of teacher education across the global North and the global South when facing more frequent and severe environmental emergencies.
Prävention psychischer Störungen bei Kindern, Jugendlichen und jungen Erwachsenen – eine Bedarfsabfrage zur Entwicklung von Schulungskonzepten für Fachkräfte
Authors: Weyers Simone , Fink Larissa , Thesing Hendrik , Kraus Ursula , Melville-Drewes Andrea , Reissner Volker
Published: May 2024

Hintergrund und Ziel

Fachkräfte in verschiedenen Bereichen der Jugendhilfe (z. B. Kitas, Schulsozialarbeit, Beratungsstellen) müssen auf psychische Auffälligkeiten bei ihren jungen Klienten reagieren. Generische Schulungen werden bereichsspezifischen Herausforderungen jedoch oft nicht gerecht. Als Grundlage für ein zielgruppenspezifisches Schulungskonzept wurde daher herausgearbeitet, welchen Schulungsbedarf Fachkräfte in 8 verschiedenen Bereichen der Jugendhilfe haben.

Methoden

Es wurden 7 Fokusgruppen mit insgesamt n = 28 Fachkräften der einzelnen Bereiche durchgeführt (2 Bereiche zusammengelegt). Alle Diskussionen wurden aufgezeichnet, transkribiert und anonymisiert. Die Transkripte wurden in Anlehnung an die inhaltlich strukturierende qualitative Inhaltsanalyse nach Kuckartz deduktiv-induktiv ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse

In allen Bereichen der Jugendhilfe gibt es Schulungsbedarf zur psychischen Entwicklung von Kindern und Jugendlichen als auch zu psychischen Erkrankungen. In den meisten Bereichen gibt es Schulungsbedarf zu Eltern mit psychischen Erkrankungen, zur Medienkompetenz und zu psychosozialen Hilfesystemen. Einige Bereiche benennen den Umgang mit Krisensituationen und Gesprächstechniken. Bereichsspezifische Themen sind Sexualität und Aufklärung, pornographische Inhalte, Transgeschlechtlichkeit, Bundesteilhabegesetz und altersgerechte Angebotserstellung.

Diskussion und Schlussfolgerung

Obwohl etablierte Themen wie psychische Entwicklung und Erkrankungen bereits in der Ausbildung sozialpädagogischer Fachkräfte verankert sind, scheint eine große Unsicherheit zu bestehen. Vereinzelt sind auch neue Themen aufgekommen. In den verschiedenen Bereichen der Jugendhilfe sollte ein Themenmix Gegenstand eines Schulungskonzepts zur Prävention psychischer Störungen sein.
Die Zurückgelassenen. Subjektive Deutungsmuster von Statustrajektorien der Abwertung
Authors: Holubek-Schaum Stefan , Grimm Natalie , Sachweh Patrick
Published: May 2024

Vor dem Hintergrund aktueller Debatten über die Rolle des sozialen Status für politische Einstellungen untersucht der Beitrag in einer qualitativen Interviewstudie die Vielgestaltigkeit, Funktionen und Folgen des biographischen Deutungsmusters des „Zurückgelassenwerdens“. Im Zentrum steht die Frage, welche Bedeutung biographische Erfahrungsaufschichtungen und langfristige soziale Flugbahnen – sogenannte Statustrajektorien – für die aktuelle eigene Statusverortung und das Statuserleben haben. Auf der Basis von 90 biographisch-narrativen Interviews zeigt der Beitrag anhand von drei typischen Kernfällen, wie ökonomische und kulturelle Abwertungserfahrungen je nach Statusverlauf und Ressourcen subjektiv erlebt und gedeutet werden. Zudem wird beleuchtet, welche reflexive gesellschaftliche Selbstverortung die Befragten mit Blick auf die sie abwertenden Statusgruppen und die hegemoniale Kultur vornehmen. Dabei lassen sich ein post-, ein anti- und ein nicht-hegemoniales Deutungs- und Verarbeitungsmuster des Zurückgelassenwerdens unterscheiden, mit dem jeweils eher konservative, konfliktäre oder alternativ-distanzierte gesellschaftspolitische Orientierungen einhergehen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass eine Kartierung gesellschaftlicher Statuskämpfe den biographischen Statusverläufen und ihrer subjektiven Deutung konzeptionell und empirisch mehr Aufmerksamkeit schenken sollte.
Radiographical magnification of the shoulder region
Authors: Kratochvíl Adam , Daniel Matej , Fulín Petr , Pokorný David
Published: May 2024

Background

Calibration of shoulder radiographs is required for accurate preoperative planning. Current practice mostly uses an empirical fixed calibration factor of 5%, and limited information is available about how the magnification of the glenohumeral region differs among patients. This retrospective observational study analyzed the patient-specific magnification factor in total shoulder arthroplasty.

Methods

Radiographs of 94 patients with unilateral total shoulder arthroplasty (SMR Reverse Shoulder System, Lima Ltd., San Daniele del Friuli, Italy) were obtained from archives. The reverse humeral body diameter was used as internal reference. The measured radiographical magnifications were correlated with the patients’ sex, weight, and height.

Results

The average magnification factor of the glenohumeral region was 11.9% (standard deviation: 3.2%, range: 5.7–20.3%). No statistically significant difference in radiographic magnification was found between the male and the female patients. The magnification factor was higher in patients with higher weight (p < 0.05), but the explanatory power of the model was weak (R = 0.09).

Conclusions

The observed radiographic magnification was considerably higher than a commonly used fixed calibration factor of 5% and exhibited considerable variability among the patients. Therefore, standard radiographs might not be appropriate for accurate preoperative templating, and we recommend using either computer tomography data or calibrating radiographs through external calibration markers for each patient.
Time to ECG diagnosis delays inter-hospital transfer to revascularization in STEMI patients presenting to a regional emergency department: a five-year audit
Authors: Shpigelman Jonathan , Proshkina Anastasia , Roman Marin , Maleady Ken , Casserly Ivan , Blake Gavin , O’Boyle Patrick , Saiva Lavanya , Keelan Edward , O’Neill James , Daly Michael
Published: May 2024

Background

Reducing the door-to-balloon time (D2BT) in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients maximizes myocardial salvage and mitigates morbidity/mortality.

Aims

To assess the D2BT in STEMI patients requiring inter-hospital transfer for revascularization and identify any potential causes of delay.

Methods

Consecutive patients presenting to the Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown (CHB) emergency department (ED) who were transferred to the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital in Dublin for primary percutaneous coronary intervention from January 2018 to October 2022 were identified in a regional database and their D2BTs calculated. D2BTs were further sub-categorized into key intervals to identify any potential causes of delay.

Results

A total of 90 patients were included for analysis, with a median D2BT of 117.5 min (interquartile range [IQR]: 99.3–170.8 min) and 52.5% of patients achieving the ≤ 120 min target. Despite being the shortest interval considered, the time from arrival at the CHB ED to diagnostic electrocardiogram (ECG) was a substantial contributor to the overall delay to revascularization given its wide variability (median: 18.0 min; IQR: 9.0–46.8 min), with only 28.8% of patients achieving the ≤ 10 min target.

Conclusions

Nearly half of the patients studied failed to achieve the overall target D2BT for revascularization. The time from arrival at the CHB ED to diagnostic ECG was identified as a substantial contributor to this failure, with a median time almost twice that of the target and a quarter of all patients spending longer than 46.8 min. These findings highlight a need to improve the implementation of ECG triage and interpretation in the ED.
Illness Anxiety Disorder: A Review of the Current Research and Future Directions
Authors: Kikas Katarina , Werner-Seidler Aliza , Upton Emily , Newby Jill
Published: May 2024

Purpose of Review

We review recent evidence on Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD), including risk factors and precipitants, diagnostic classification, clinical characteristics of the disorder, and assessment and treatment in both children and adults.

Recent Findings

IAD places a substantial burden on both individuals and society. Despite its impact, understanding of the disorder is lacking and debates remain about whether IAD should be classified as an anxiety disorder and whether it is distinct from Somatic Symptom Disorder. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for IAD and there are multiple validated measures of health anxiety available. However, research on health anxiety in children and youth is limited.

IAD is chronic, and debilitating, but when identified, it can be effectively treated with CBT. Research using DSM-5 IAD criteria is lacking, and more research is needed to better understand the disorder, particularly in children and youth.
Immunomodulating effects of the single bacterial strain therapy EDP1815 on innate and adaptive immune challenge responses — a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Eveleens Maarse Boukje C. , Ronner Micha N. , Jansen Manon A. A. , Niemeyer-van der Kolk Tessa , in ’t Veld Aliede E. , Klaassen Erica S. , Ahmad Saira , Itano Andrea , McHale Duncan , Moerland Matthijs
Published: May 2024

The gut microbiome can modulate systemic inflammation and is therefore target for immunomodulation. Immunomodulating effects of EDP1815, a bacterial commensal strain of Prevotella histicola, were studied in healthy participants. Effects on adaptive immunity were evaluated by a neo-antigen challenge with keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH), while effects on innate immunity were evaluated by topical toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonist imiquimod. Capsules with two enteric coating levels (EC1, EC2) were compared. Thirty-six healthy participants were included and received a daily dose of 8 × 1010 cells EDP1815-EC1, EDP1815-EC2 or placebo (randomization 1:1:1) for 60 days. They received KLH vaccinations at days 8, 24 and 36, with intradermal skin challenge at day 57. KLH challenge outcomes were antibody levels, and skin blood flow and erythema after skin challenge, measured by imaging techniques. Imiquimod administration started at day 57, for 72 h. Outcomes consisted of imaging measurements similar to the KLH challenge, and the influx of inflammatory cells and cytokines in blister fluid. There was no effect of EDP1815 treatment on the KLH challenge, neither on the imaging outcomes of the imiquimod challenge. There was a consistently lower influx of inflammatory cells in the blister fluid of EDP1815-treated participants (neutrophils, p = 0.016; granulocytes, p = 0.024), more pronounced in EC1. There was a lower influx of interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, interferon [IFN]-γ and tumour necrosis factor in blister fluid of EDP1815-treated participants. EDP1815 had immunomodulatory effects on the innate immune response driven by imiquimod, but no effect on the KLH challenge was observed. Trial registration number: NCT05682222; date: 22 July 2022.
SEOM-GEM clinical guidelines for cutaneous melanoma (2023)
Authors: Márquez-Rodas Iván , Muñoz Couselo Eva , Rodríguez Moreno Juan F. , Arance Fernández Ana Mª , Berciano Guerrero Miguel Ángel , Campos Balea Begoña , de la Cruz Merino Luis , Espinosa Arranz Enrique , García Castaño Almudena , Berrocal Jaime Alfonso
Published: May 2024

Cutaneous melanoma incidence is rising. Early diagnosis and treatment administration are key for increasing the chances of survival. For patients with locoregional advanced melanoma that can be treated with complete resection, adjuvant—and more recently neoadjuvant—with targeted therapy—BRAF and MEK inhibitors—and immunotherapy—anti-PD-1-based therapies—offer opportunities to reduce the risk of relapse and distant metastases. For patients with advanced disease not amenable to radical treatment, these treatments offer an unprecedented increase in overall survival. A group of medical oncologists from the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) and Spanish Multidisciplinary Melanoma Group (GEM) has designed these guidelines, based on a thorough review of the best evidence available. The following guidelines try to cover all the aspects from the diagnosis—clinical, pathological, and molecular—staging, risk stratification, adjuvant therapy, advanced disease therapy, and survivor follow-up, including special situations, such as brain metastases, refractory disease, and treatment sequencing. We aim help clinicians in the decision-making process.
NeuralPMG: A Neural Polyphonic Music Generation System Based on Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Colafiglio Tommaso , Ardito Carmelo , Sorino Paolo , Lofù Domenico , Festa Fabrizio , Di Noia Tommaso , Di Sciascio Eugenio
Published: May 2024

The realm of music composition, augmented by technological advancements such as computers and related equipment, has undergone significant evolution since the 1970s. In the field algorithmic composition, however, the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) in sound generation and combination has been limited. Existing approaches predominantly emphasize sound synthesis techniques, with no music composition systems currently employing Nicolas Slonimsky’s theoretical framework. This article introduceNeuralPMG, a computer-assisted polyphonic music generation framework based on a Leap Motion (LM) device, machine learning (ML) algorithms, and brain-computer interface (BCI). ML algorithms are employed to classify user’s mental states into two categories: focused and relaxed. Interaction with the LM device allows users to define a melodic pattern, which is elaborated in conjunction with the user’s mental state as detected by the BCI to generate polyphonic music.NeuralPMGwas evaluated through a user study that involved 19 students of Electronic Music Laboratory at a music conservatory, all of whom are active in the music composition field. The study encompassed a comprehensive analysis of participant interaction with NeuralPMG. The compositions they created during the study were also evaluated by two domain experts who addressed their aesthetics, innovativeness, elaboration level, practical applicability, and emotional impact. The findings indicate that NeuralPMG represents a promising tool, offering a simplified and expedited approach to music composition, and thus represents a valuable contribution to the field of algorithmic music composition.
Preliminary Purification and Partial Characterization of a Functional Bacteriocin of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Zhang and Mining for its Gene Cluster
Authors: Huang Tian , Li Zhaojie , Qu Xinan , Yao Guoqiang , Kwok Lai-Yu , He Qiuwen , Zhang Heping
Published: May 2024

Bacteriocins produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have good potential for use as food biopreservatives. Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Zhang (L. paracasei Zhang) is both a food use and a probiotic bacterium. This study aimed to purify and preliminary characterize the active antibacterial metabolite of L. paracasei Zhang. The cell-free supernatant of L. paracasei Zhang was collected and purified by ultrafiltration and gel filtration chromatography. The 1–3 kDa active fraction could inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus but not Escherichia coli. Further antibacterial activity assays revealed its capacity to suppress various foodborne and human opportunistic pathogens (including Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes, and Bacillus cereus), but not fungi. The antibacterial activity showed good tolerance to heat (40 to 100 °C), acid–base (pH 2–3 and pH 6–10), and digestions by a number of industrial and animal/human enzymes (such as trypsin, pepsin, α-amylase, and protease K, except papain); these desired properties make it a suitable biopreservative to be used in harsh and complex industrial production processes. The high papain sensitivity suggested a proteinaceous/peptide nature of the bioactivity. Moreover, our genomic data mining for bacteriocin through BAGEL4 revealed an area of interest encoding a complete set of putative genes required for bacteriocin production. In conclusion, our study showed that L. paracasei Zhang can produce extracellular functional antibacterial metabolite, likely a class II bacteriocin. Our preliminary extraction and characterization of the active metabolite demonstrated that it has good potential to be used as a biopreservative or an agent for suppressing gastrointestinal infections.
A new molecular method for fast differentiation of cockles Cerastoderma edule and Cerastoderma glaucum
Authors: González-Rosales Emma , Martínez Luisa , Valdiglesias Vanessa , Insua Ana
Published: May 2024

Cerastoderma edule and C. glaucum are two species of cockles that co-exist in European waters. They are morphologically similar but exhibit remarkable differences in biological, ecological, and genetic aspects, as well as in resistance to parasites (e.g., Martellia cochilia) and in disease incidence (e.g., disseminated neoplasia). Moreover, they differ in their economic significance; while C. edule represents a highly valuable marine resource, C. glaucum is only marginally fished. The aim of this work was to develop a simple and fast method that, for the first time, uses the sequence of a mitochondrial gene for the molecular differentiation of the two cockle species. A total of 304 partial sequences of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, retrieved from the Nucleotide database, were used to design two sets of species-specific primers to generate PCR products of different sizes (322 bp in C. glaucum and 247 bp in C. edule). The discriminatory ability of the PCR assay was tested in cockles from the Spanish, French, and Italian coasts with successful differentiation in all cases. This novel molecular identification method requires minimal technical equipment and can be carried out in one working day. For its simplicity, it can be very useful for conservation and sustainable management of the two cockle species, facilitating the assessment of distribution, abundance and relative sensitivity to viruses, parasites and diseases.
Multi-layered Microfluidic Drug Screening Platform Enabling Simultaneous Generation of Linear and Logarithmic Concentration Gradients
Authors: Yoon Jung Yun Susan , Park Joonha , Nam Hyeono , Kim Seunggyu , Jeon Jessie S.
Published: May 2024

Since many microfluidic devices have limited drug dose order of gradients and incorporate 2D cell culture, we here present a multi-layered platform with linear and logarithmic gradients with 3D-cell culturing chambers. By employing Hagen–Poiseuille flow resistance equation and the parallel electric schematics, we determined the appropriate channel dimensions to achieve the desired target concentrations (100%, 50%, 20%, 10%, 5%, 2%, 1%, 0%). To validate the gradient formation against theoretical values, we introduced a solution containing fluorescein into the microfluidic chip. Moreover, cell culturing chambers were spaced out laterally for every 9 mm, aligning with the dimensions with the standard plate reader, providing enhanced usability. Vertical layout of the chip minimized the lateral dimension required for housing various components while maintaining a favorable height for imaging. By preventing the need to use external tubing to connect concentration gradient generator and cell culturing chamber modules, our platform holds promise in facilitating the integration of microfluidics into drug evaluation processes. To demonstrate use of this flexible platform, we tested two chemotherapy drugs against human bladder cancer cells (T24) embedded in 3D fibrin gel and evaluated their cell viability and proliferation rate. IC50 values were extracted for cells exposed to varying doses of cisplatin, gemcitabine, and gemcitabine with a fixed cisplatin dose, confirming the enhanced apoptosis of the bladder cancer cells and the advantages of combination chemotherapy. This simple multi-layered device may accelerate screening of anti-cancer drugs for a specific cell type by extracting optimal dosage for two drugs.
Reducing construction noise: sound masking effect on soundscape dominated by construction noise
Authors: Wu Z. F. , Zhao X. Q.
Published: May 2024

People move to cities to enjoy the conveniences of modern life, but the resulting population growth comes with issues such as increased noise. While public awareness of noise pollution is increasing, noise emanating from construction sites remains a source of complaint. Despite the actions taken by different parties to control construction noise, newly constructed structures continue to exacerbate the harmful consequences of noise. The acoustic environment in some areas of cities, such as London, can no longer provide the tranquility expected by residents, and the risk of daily disruptions for those living near construction sites is high. Given the various limitations and complications of current construction noise control methods, the campaign to limit construction noise must embrace other strategies. Sound masking can potentially abate noise without resorting to time-consuming procedures. In this paper, five raw construction noise datasets were collected around an existing noise-sensitive premise. Five masker sound datasets were recorded to form seven mixed sounds to create a comparative experiment on masking construction noise. A case study and additional research are presented to demonstrate the mechanism of sound masking and to investigate the factors involved in effectively masking construction noise using the sound masking concept. Based on the case study and theoretical research findings, suggestions for masker selection of specific noise datasets and conclusions regarding ideal sound simultaneous masking of construction noise are provided.
Bearing Capacity Characteristic Analysis of Anti-floating Bolts in Unsaturated Soil Based on Mindlin Solution
Authors: Fu Xu , LI Qian , Liu Huanqin , Wang Lintai , Liu Xiaoli
Published: May 2024

Based on Mindlin solution and the theory of unsaturated soil mechanics, the theoretical solutions of shear stress and axial force distribution in the elastic stage of full-length binding-type anti-floating bolts were derived, and the bearing capacity characteristics of such bolts and the influencing factors were analyzed. In this paper, the design parameters of anti-floating anchor in a negative two-floor basement of a commercial square are substituted into the formula derived in this paper. The results show that, in unsaturated soil, the shear stress and axial force of the full-length bonded anti-floating anchor are distributed along the total length of the anchor, but neutral points appear in both of them, which is mainly due to the reduction of the axial force and shear stress of the anti-floating anchor caused by the matric suction. The formula derived in this paper is used to analyze the factors affecting the bearing capacity of anti-floating anchor bolt in unsaturated soil. The results show that: the greater the elastic modulus of soil mass, the greater the peak value of shear stress curve, the closer the peak value is to the head of anchor bolt, and the greater the axial force decline rate. With the increase of anchor solid diameter D, the peak value of shear stress decreases, the peak value moves backward, the neutral point moves forward, the negative shear stress value increases, the decline rate of axial force distribution curve decreases, but the negative axial force increases. With the increase of the additional shear stress τ0, the peak value of the shear stress curve decreases, the peak value moves to the hole of the anchor rod, the neutral point moves to the hole, the negative shear stress increases, the decline rate of the axial force distribution curve increases, and the negative axial force increases.
Update on Perioperative Antithrombotic Management
Authors: Boschitz Daniel , Fastowiec Dominika M. , Bolliger Daniel
Published: May 2024

Purpose of the Review

In this review, we discuss the recent studies and recommendations on the perioperative management of oral anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs.

Recent Findings

In elective surgery, clear and simple recommendations exist for oral anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs. The shorter stopping intervals with direct-acting oral anticoagulants have simplified the perioperative management compared with vitamin K antagonists. The specific use of laboratory testing is suggested for bleeding patients treated with antithrombotic drugs or for emergent surgery. The postoperative prevention of thromboembolism has gained more attention, and individualized strategies including extended treatment or use of aspirin has been suggested in specific patients. The use of risk scores might be helpful for decision making.

The perioperative management of anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs is still challenging, especially in urgent or emergent surgery. The use of individualized strategies to prevent perioperative bleeding and thromboembolic events rather than a “one-size-fits-all” approach is suggested.
Water flow in two Cactaceae species: standardization of the method and test under different drought conditions
Authors: Maceda Agustín , Trejo Carlos , Terrazas Teresa
Published: May 2024

Investigating water flow in the vascular system of plants is important to identify the water path and conduction capacity of different plant species, mainly in succulent species living in dry regions. This study aimed to standardize a method to track water flow in the xylem of Mammillaria bocasana and Echinocereus reichenbachii var. fitchii (Cactaceae) and test it under different drought conditions. The plants were kept under greenhouse conditions to perform the split root method, water flow tracing, and different drought treatments. The plants of each species were separated into three treatments: constant irrigation, drought with water and dye, and drought with dye. Plants were cut 24 h after staining, total and lumen diameters were taken, and the relative theoretical hydraulic conductivity was calculated. The absorption method was adequate for the tracing of water flow, and it worked in all the treatments of the drought experiment. Conducting elements, including wide-band tracheids, were stained violet and were located near the vascular cambium. In Mammillaria bocasana, half of the vascular cylinder was stained, while in Echinocereus reichenbachii var. fitchii, the entire cylinder was stained due to the cortical bundles. M. bocasana had a higher lumen diameter and relative theoretical hydraulic conductivity than E. reichenbachii var. fitchii. With the absorption staining method, the flow of water was traced, and differences in conduction under water stress conditions between the two species of cacti were detected. These results suggest that cacti species living under water stress solve the water movement in different ways.
Effect of crack density on crack initiation and damage for high confining pressure using wave velocities
Authors: Zhang Min , Zhang Guangqing , Sun Wei , Chen Lei , Zheng Xuelin , Xu Changzhuo
Published: May 2024

The study of progressive failure of reservoir rocks is very important for the stability analysis of ultra-deep boreholes. The progressive failure can be characterized by the crack initiation stress (CI), crack damage stress (CD) and peak stress (Peak), which is controlled by the evolution of cracks in rock and is significantly affected by confining pressure. To explore the effect of high confining pressure and initial crack on the progressive failure, the initial crack density of 121 sedimentary rock samples was characterized by acoustic waves, and the progressive failure under different confining pressures was analyzed. Experiments show that the ratios of CI to Peak (CI/Peak) and CD to Peak (CD/Peak) increase significantly with confining pressure, which is agreement with the existing conclusion from low confining pressure (0–52 MPa), but those decrease for high confining pressure (68–85 MPa) above critical point of sandstone. The CI/Peak and CD/Peak decrease with increase of initial crack density, which is sensitive to confining pressure but independent of rock type and grain size. The CD of sandstone is pertinent to the friction coefficient of cracks. These results laid a foundation for analyzing the evolution mechanism of wellbore damage and predicting the timing of wellbore instability in ultra-deep wells.
Influence of ultraviolet A1 exposures on mood states: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Haapasalo Annina , Pasternack Rafael , Kautiainen Hannu , Ylianttila Lasse , Snellman Erna , Partonen Timo
Published: May 2024

We investigated the effects of daily ultraviolet A1 (UV-A1, 340–400 nm) exposures on mood states (#R19055, approval on 21 October 2020). Based on our earlier findings of the influence of diurnal preference on mood, we investigated further whether diurnal preference plays a role in the influence of UV-A1 on mood states. Forty-one healthy participants aged 19–55 years were randomized to receive either UV-A1 (n = 21) or control (n = 20) exposures (violet light, 390–440 nm). The irradiations were administered on three consecutive mornings on the skin of the buttocks and middle back. Diurnal preference was assessed with the modified 6-item Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (mMEQ). Changes in mood were assessed with Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) score of the 40-item Profile of Mood States (POMS) before the first irradiation, immediately after each irradiation and one week after the last irradiation. Mood improved among those subjected to UV-A1 exposures compared with the controls (p = 0.031). Individuals with more pronounced morningness had mood improvement (p = 0.011), whereas those with more pronounced eveningness did not (p = 0.41). At follow-up of one week after the last irradiation the mood improvement had disappeared.
Assessing the carrying capacity of solar dryers applied for agricultural products: a systematic review
Authors: Kidane Halefom , Farkas Istvan , Buzás Janos
Published: May 2024

Most of the review research papers previously published were mostly focused on solar dryer design, development, performance evaluation, modification, technologies of solar dryers, etc. There were no works of literature reviews that specifically concerned how much solar dryers can carry. So, the review gives some clues about the carrying capacity of solar dryers. Measuring or knowing solar capacity has critical importance in the drying industry. It helps to produce quality dried products, design efficient solar dryers, and provide valuable insights for researchers, engineers and policymakers involved in solar drying technologies. The current review systematically examines the relevant scientific literature published between 2000 and 2023. The exclusion and inclusion criteria were used to identify the documents. A total of 1230 studies were selected for analysis, encompassing a wide range of geographical regions, crop types, and solar drying technologies. Based on the review conducted; solar dryers (direct, indirect, mixed, and hybrid) can vary between 1 and 250 kg in capacity applied for agricultural products drying purposes. According to the reviewed articles, the minimum loading capacities designed and recorded in the first, second, third, and fourth quinquennial periods were 1 kg, 1 kg, 4.75 kg.m−2, and 5.4 kg.m−2, respectively. In the same order as the minimum, the maximum loading capacities observed in the stated quinquennial periods were 250 kg/per day, 250 kg, 70 kg, and 45 kg, respectively.
Stratifying Mortality Risk in Intensive Care: A Comprehensive Analysis Using Cluster Analysis and Classification and Regression Tree Algorithms
Authors: Romanelli Antonio , Palmese Salvatore , De Vita Serena , Calicchio Alessandro , Gammaldi Renato
Published: May 2024

Background

Machine learning (ML) can be promising for stratifying patients into homogeneous groups and assessing mortality based on score combination. Using ML, we compared mortality prediction performance for clustered and non-clustered models and tried to develop a simple decision algorithm to predict the patient’s cluster membership with classification and regression trees (CART).

Methods

Retrospective study involving patients requiring ICU admission (1st January 2011–16th September 2022). Clusters were identified by combining Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) plus Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II) or Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA). Intercluster and survival analyses were performed. We analyzed the relationship with mortality with multivariate logistic regressions and receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) for models with and without clusters. Nested models were compared with Likelihood Ratio Tests (LRT). Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) were compared for non-nested models. With the best model, we used CART to build a decision tree for patient’s membership.

Results

Our sample consisted of 2605 patients (mortality 59.7%). For both score combinations, we identified two clusters (A and B for CCI + SAPS II, α and β for CCI + SOFA). Belonging to cluster B/β was associated with shorter survival times (Peto-Peto p-values < 0.0001) and increased mortality (Odds-ratio 4.65 and 5.44, respectively). According to LRT and ROC analysis, clustered models performed better, and CCI + SOFA showed the lowest AIC and BIC values (AIC = 3021.21, BIC = 3132.65). Using CART (β cluster positive case) the accuracy of the decision tree was 94.8%.

Conclusion

Clustered models significantly improved mortality prediction. The CCI + SOFA clustered model showed the best balance between complexity and data fit and should be preferred. Developing a user-friendly decision-making algorithm for cluster membership with CART showed high accuracy. Further validation studies are needed to confirm these findings.
A Joban Theology of Consolation
Authors: Yadav Sameer
Published: May 2024

Contrary to much of the commentary tradition, the book of Job is not primarily a discourse on how to properly speak (or withhold speech) about God in the midst of innocent suffering, nor is it aimed primarily at offering up the character of Job as an exemplar of how to suffer correctly (or incorrectly). Neither is it a treatise about human submission to (or rebellion from) God’s mysterious sovereign prerogative in permitting evil. It is instead a theological exploration of the dilemmas and demands of consolation that confront us given the inexplicable enormities of human suffering. Its unifying aim is to confront us with multiple voices that pull us into an open-ended—and decidedly pessimistic—reflection on what innocent suffering reveals to us about our creaturely limits and the fragility of our hope in God, features of the human condition that require our capacities for compassion to exceed our capacities for theological sense-making.
Judeopessimism: Antisemitism, History, and Critical Race Theory
Authors: Magid Shaul
Published: May 2024

This essay coins a term “Judeopessimism,” engaging questions of some of the contemporary writing on antisemitism and its claim to be historical in nature through the lens of critical race theory, specifically Afropessimism and its offshoots, which make claims of anti-Blackness as political ontology. Is some of this writing on antisemitism really making theological or political ontological claims of “eternal antisemitism” refracted in a less volatile historical narrative? How can critical race theory and its understanding of anti-Blackness help refine, clarify, and push the discussion on antisemitism to be more forthright about its underlying claims? I explore some examples of ontological antisemitism in the writings of Meir Kahane and Naftali Zvi Berlin who each in different ways offer ahistorical and even ontological views on antisemitism that are mostly shunned by contemporary writing on the subject and suggest that Afropessimism offers a helpful way to see beyond the historical veil of how antisemitism is understood today.