bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of body mass index from childhood to mid-adulthood with health-related quality of life in mid-adulthood
Authors: Tian Jing , Blizzard Leigh , Campbell Julie A. , Gall Seana , Dwyer Terence , Venn Alison
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Most studies regarding the association of obesity with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) have assessed obesity at only one or two time points. We aimed to examine the associations of life course body mass index (BMI) from childhood with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in mid-adulthood.

Methods

Data were from a cohort study of Australian children (n = 2254, mean baseline age 12.0 (2.0) years in 1985, 46.8% male). Weight and height were measured at baseline and measured or self-reported on average 20, 25, and 30 years later. Age and sex-standardised BMI-z score was calculated at each time point. Physical and mental HRQoL and health state utilities (HSUs) were measured by SF-12 and SF-6D at the last adult follow-up. Linear regression was used to examine the associations adjusting for age, sex, and childhood health status.

Results

Higher BMI-z score in childhood (βadjusted − 1.39, 95% CI − 1.73 to − 1.05) and increasing BMI-z score from childhood to young adulthood (βadjusted − 1.82, 95% CI − 2.17 to − 1.46) and from young to mid-adulthood (βadjusted − 1.77, 95% CI − 2.28 to − 1.26) were associated with lower physical HRQoL in mid-adulthood. Similar results were found for mid-adulthood HSUs (βadjusted ranged − 0.006 to − 0.014, all P < 0.05). Only increasing BMI-z score from young to mid-adulthood significantly related to poorer mental HRQoL (βadjusted − 0.74, 95% CI − 1.29 to − 0.19) in mid-adulthood.

Conclusion

High BMI from childhood to mid-adulthood had only modest associations with HRQoL and HSUs, with effects on physical HRQoL most apparent.
Modelling the Effect of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Dermal Wound Healing
Authors: Dari Sonia , Fadai Nabil T. , O’Dea Reuben D.
Published: September 2023

With over 2 million people in the UK suffering from chronic wounds, understanding the biochemistry and pharmacology that underpins these wounds and wound healing is of high importance. Chronic wounds are characterised by high levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are necessary for the modification of healthy tissue in the healing process. Overexposure of MMPs, however, adversely affects healing of the wound by causing further destruction of the surrounding extracellular matrix. In this work, we propose a mathematical model that focuses on the interaction of MMPs with dermal cells using a system of partial differential equations. Using biologically realistic parameter values, this model gives rise to travelling waves corresponding to a front of healthy cells invading a wound. From the arising travelling wave analysis, we observe that deregulated apoptosis results in the emergence of chronic wounds, characterised by elevated MMP concentrations. We also observe hysteresis effects when both the apoptotic rate and MMP production rate are varied, providing further insight into the management (and potential reversal) of chronic wounds.
Early discharge and home treatment of patients with acute pulmonary embolism in the tertiary care setting
Authors: Nopp Stephan , Bohnert Julia , Mayr Thomas , Steiner Daniel , Prosch Helmut , Lang Irene , Behringer Wilhelm , Janata-Schwatczek Karin , Ay Cihan
Published: September 2023

Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a potentially life-threatening disease. Current guidelines suggest risk-adapted management. Hospitalization is required for intermediate- and high-risk patients. Early discharge and home treatment are considered safe in the majority of low-risk patients. In this study, we describe characteristics, discharge, and outcome of outpatients diagnosed with acute PE at a tertiary care center. All outpatients undergoing computed tomography pulmonary angiography or ventilation/perfusion lung scan between 01.01.2016 and 31.12.2019 at the University Hospital Vienna, Austria, were screened for a PE diagnosis. Electronic patient charts were used to extract characteristics, clinical course, and outcomes. Within the 4-year period, 709 outpatients (median age: 62 years, 50% women) were diagnosed with PE. Thirty-three (5%) patients were classified as high-risk, 159 (22%) as intermediate-high, 332 (47%) as intermediate-low, and 185 (26%) as low-risk PE according to the European Society of Cardiology risk stratification. In total, 156 (22%) patients (47% with low-risk and 20% with intermediate-low-risk PE) were discharged as outpatients and received home treatment. Rates for home treatment increased 2.4-fold during the study period. Thirty-day mortality in the entire population was 4.9%. All low-risk patients and all but one patient with home treatment survived the first 30 days. Home treatment significantly increased over time and seems to be safe in routine clinical practice. Notably, one in five intermediate-low-risk patients was discharged immediately, suggesting that a subpopulation of intermediate-low-risk patients may also be eligible for home treatment.
Akkermansia muciniphila Improves Depressive-Like Symptoms by Modulating the Level of 5-HT Neurotransmitters in the Gut and Brain of Mice
Authors: Guo Huijuan , Liu Xinxu , Chen Ti , Wang Xiaoping , Zhang Xiaojie
Published: September 2023

Accumulating evidence has suggested that the gut microbiome plays an important role in depression. Akkermansia muciniphila (AKK), a next-generation probiotic, shows a beneficial effect on immune and metabolic homeostasis. The relative abundance of AKK was found negatively correlated with depressive symptoms in both clinical and pre-clinical studies. To evaluate the potential antidepressant effect of AKK and explore the possible mechanism, we used chronic alcohol exposure and chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) to induce depressive-like behaviors in mice. We found that oral AKK administration significantly reduced the immobility time in the force swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) in the mice with chronic alcohol exposure and the CUMS mice. The sucrose preference in the mice receiving AKK was significantly increased in the sucrose preference test (SPT). More importantly, AKK implantation significantly increased the level of 5-HT in the gut and PFC of both the alcohol exposure mice and the CUMS mice. Furthermore, AKK had inhibited the expression of SERT in the gut but not in the brain for both NIAAA and the CUMS model mice. Interestingly, the expression of cFos in enteric nerves in the gut significantly decreased after AKK administration. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the antidepressant effect of AKK in mice exposed to alcohol exposure and CUMS, with the potential mechanism that AKK implantation might lead to an increased level of 5-HT and inhibited SERT expression in the gut, and might alter the gut-to-brain signal through suppression of enteric nerves activation.
Flexibility for whom? Householder and stakeholder perspectives on justice regarding the introduction of dynamic grid tariffs in Norway
Authors: Winther Tanja , Sundet Øyvind
Published: September 2023

This paper presents the results from a qualitative research project in Norway on a forthcoming change in electricity grid tariffs. As a form of Demand Side Management to avoid capacity constraints in the grid, the new tariff seeks to reduce consumption peaks by incentivising householders to even out electricity use and shift to nighttime. We examine the perspectives of 13 representatives from grid companies as well as 22 householders and study the process of developing the tariffs, in which the researchers took part at certain times. We draw on previous studies on experts’ perceptions of end-users, social practice theory, and energy justice, and we employ the concept of flexibility capital to examine the situation of the participating households. The findings partly confirm results from previous studies showing that experts may have a simplistic view of end-users and by observing an unequal distribution of flexibility capital across the studied households. However, the study contributes to the field by observing a link between householders’ sentiments towards the new tariff and their respective levels of affluence and flexibility capital. Then, we explicitly address justice perspectives related to the tariff’s introduction as perceived by grid companies and householders and find that both groups voice a need to acknowledge the situation of different kinds of end-users. We discuss the results from an energy justice perspective and observe that details in the design of a DSM mechanism may dampen its negative effects.
Office Obligation as Civil Virtue: The Crisis of American Democracy, November 3, 2020–January 6, 2021, and After
Authors: Alexander Jeffrey C.
Published: September 2023

This essay develops a new theoretical and empirical understanding of the contemporary crisis of American democracy. Between November 3, 2020, and January 7, 2021, President Donald Trump battled to overturn the results of the American presidential election, launching myriad lawsuits and pressuring hundreds of electoral officials. Confronting this antidemocratic assault was a resilient civil sphere that sustained “office,” an institution that, in a democratic society, inspires faith in the Constitution and loyalty to “we the people.” After investigating how this civil institution empowered electoral and legal officials to fight off Trumpian pressures, I focus on Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and US Vice President Mike Pence, examining how they emerged as widely admired icons of civil courage. After Trump’s defeat, the televised hearings of the January 6th Commission created a “civic ritual” in the midst of which Wyoming Congresswoman Liz Cheney became another icon, symbolizing the renewal of a “civil conservatism.” A new, if still precarious, vital center emerged, allowing Democratic prosecutors finally to launch criminal proceedings against Trump. Yet, the Republican Party remains unreconstructed and, for this reason, the future of American democracy is still in doubt.
Stable Isotope Dilution LC/ESI-SRM/MS Analysis for Highly Polar Bioactive Dipeptides Found in Fermented Brown Rice Product using a Porous Graphitic Carbon Column
Authors: Ono Sawaka , Hatakawa Yusuke , Lee Seon Hwa , Oe Tomoyuki
Published: September 2023

In this study, a validated analytical method based on liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-selected reaction monitoring/mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-SRM/MS) was developed for dipeptides in a functional food, fermented brown rice and rice bran with Aspergillus oryzae (FBRA). The aim of this study was to screen and quantify dipeptides in the water-soluble fraction of FBRA. There are few studies focusing on dipeptides in FBRA, even though FBRA is expected to contain bioactive peptides: FBRA or its aqueous extract has shown variety of biological activities. An anti-hypertensive dipeptide was found in similar rice bran products digested by thermolysin. Dipeptides are the smallest class of peptides, and many show a variety of biological activities. Some bioactive peptides are widely found in fermented foods. However, because dipeptides are generally too polar to be retained on versatile LC columns, such as octadecylsilyl columns, dipeptides have been often overlooked and not quantified because of the analytical difficulties. The LC was performed using a porous graphitic carbon column with the mobile phases of 0.1% formic acid/0.1% trifluoroacetic acid/1% tetrahydrofuran in water and acetonitrile. The stable isotope-labeled internal standards and SRM for dipeptides made it possible to develop a validated method. Five dipeptides were identified and quantified in FBRA in much higher concentrations than related materials (malted brown rice, rice bran, brown rice, and white rice) as follows: Ile-Arg, 82.1 µg/g; Ala-Phe, 27.8 µg/g; Ala-Tyr, 31.6 µg/g; Val-Phe, 46.3 µg/g; and Ile-Tyr, 49.9 µg/g. This method was simple and robust and would be applicable for other functional foods.

Graphical Abstract
Safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of belantamab mafodotin monotherapy in Japanese patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma: DREAMM-11
Authors: Iida Shinsuke , Sunami Kazutaka , Mishima Yuko , Fujii Taku , Kato Hitomi , Terao Takumi , Matsuzawa Yuki , Matsubara Mari , Crossman Timothy , Kremer Brandon E. , Gupta Ira
Published: September 2023

Belantamab mafodotin, a B-cell maturation antigen-targeting antibody–drug conjugate (ADC), was investigated in Japanese patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma in Part 1 of the phase I DREAMM-11 study. Patients who had received ≥ 2 prior lines of therapy including a proteasome inhibitor and immunomodulatory agent were eligible. Eight patients received belantamab mafodotin monotherapy at 2.5 mg/kg (n = 4) or 3.4 mg/kg (n = 4) by intravenous infusion every 3 weeks on day 1 of each cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Primary objectives were tolerability and safety, and secondary objectives included pharmacokinetics (PK) and efficacy. The most common Grade ≥ 3 adverse event was thrombocytopenia/platelet count decreased (2.5 mg/kg cohort, 100% [4/4]; 3.4 mg/kg cohort, 75% [3/4]), and no dose-limiting toxicities were observed. Ocular events, including keratopathy findings, were observed in most patients (2.5 mg/kg cohort, 100% [4/4]; 3.4 mg/kg cohort, 75% [3/4]) and were managed with dose modifications. All resolved within the study period. Overall response rates were 50% (2/4) in the 2.5 mg/kg cohort and 25% (1/4) in the 3.4 mg/kg cohort. Although PK profiles in Japanese patients varied, individual exposures overlapped with previous results in Western populations. Belantamab mafodotin monotherapy was generally well-tolerated and demonstrated clinical activity at both doses.
Burden of foodborne disease in low-income and middle-income countries and opportunities for scaling food safety interventions
Authors: Grace Delia
Published: September 2023

Foodborne diseases (FBD) are an important externality of agriculture and food systems, but only since 2015 have they risen up the development agenda. In the first part of this Review, I discuss the multiple burdens of FBD and how they relate to food systems with a focus on low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC), particularly African nations. The health burden of FBD is comparable with that of malaria, and over 90% falls on people in LMIC, with an economic burden of more than US$100 million per year. FBD have many other, less well-estimated effects on nutrition, gender, equity, and the environment. FBD are becoming increasingly prevalent in LMIC and many outbreaks are attributable to nutritious, fresh foods purchased from informal markets. In the second part of the paper, I consider options for improved management of FBD at scale in LMIC. I summarize previous investments in Africa, finding that they have often been poorly directed and evaluated. Finally, on the basis of a systematic literature review, I make recommendations for an integrated framework to evaluate food safety interventions in LMIC, including a typology for interventions and five factors critical for success. Incorporating these factors into food safety interventions will ensure that they are scalable and sustainable.
Mathematics identity instrument development for fifth through twelfth grade students
Authors: Cribbs Jennifer D. , Utley Juliana
Published: September 2023

Given the importance of mathematics identity for students continued participation and engagement with mathematics, it is important for educators and researchers to be able to explore students’ mathematics identity development. However, an instrument with validity evidence that can be used to explore mathematics identity efficiently and with groups of students is not currently available. This article draws on prior research to test and validate items for a mathematics identity instrument to be used with fifth through twelfth grade students. This study includes 1559 participants from two school districts in a midwestern state in the USA. Analysis includes assessing four components of validity including content validity, internal structure, relationship to other variables, and generalization. Findings provide evidence for the reliability and validity of the items in the mathematics identity scale, giving researchers and educators a way to explore this construct efficiently.
Langetermijneffecten van de behandeling van patiënten met testiskanker: implicaties voor nazorg en follow-up
Authors: Lubberts Sjoukje , Gietema Jourik A.
Published: September 2023

Samenvatting

Testiskanker is goed te behandelen. De vijfjaarsoverleving is momenteel > 90%. Testiskanker wordt meestal vóór het 40e jaar gediagnosticeerd, en patiënten kunnen na een succesvolle behandeling nog 40 tot 50 jaar leven. Er is echter een verhoogd risico op langdurige en late effecten van deze behandeling. Tweede primaire maligniteiten en hart- en vaatziekten zijn daarvan de meest voorkomende en potentieel levensbedreigende. Andere zijn nefrotoxiciteit, neurotoxiciteit, verminderde vruchtbaarheid, hypogonadisme, chronische vermoeidheid en psychosociale problemen. Over de onderliggende mechanismen en de genetische gevoeligheid voor de verschillende bijwerkingen is nog weinig bekend, waardoor het niet goed mogelijk is om patiënten met een hoog risico op bepaalde late effecten te identificeren. Wij presenteren de huidige stand van zaken betreffende verschillende somatische en psychosociale langetermijneffecten na behandeling en formuleren aanbevelingen voor algemene medische evaluaties, die moeten beginnen bij start van de behandeling en doorgaan na voltooien van de behandeling en de follow-up.
Centenarians: who are they? A description of the total Swedish centenarian population in terms of living arrangements, health, and care utilization
Authors: Murata Shunsuke , Meyer Anna C. , Ebeling Marcus , Modig Karin
Published: September 2023

Background

The global centenarian population has doubled each decade and is expected to continue growing. However, information regarding how they live, their health status, and care needs is limited.

Aims

This study aims to describe the total Swedish centenarian population in terms of health status, living arrangements, and socio-demographic characteristics.

Methods

This nationwide register-based study included all Swedish people reaching age 100 between 2013 and 2018. We analyzed their socio-demographic characteristics, living arrangements, number of prescribed drugs, and health status. Moreover, their care transitions from age 100 and two years forward were described.

Results

Of 5,882 centenarians (80.7% women), only 15.0% lived at home without formal care and 24.5% cohabited on their 100th birthday. Men (22.7%) were more likely than women (13.2%) to live at home without care. Approximately half of the centenarians lived in care homes, with fewer men (41.0%) than women (54.0%). Around 66.6% had a child living within the 50 km range. Most (76.5%) had an income below the median for Swedish older adults. Almost none were free from drugs, and polypharmacy was common (65.3%). Over half had at least one morbidity. Two years later, only 4.3% lived at home without care, and 63.9% died.

Conclusion

Sweden’s centenarian population is highly dependent on home care and care homes. Among the ones still living at home, the vast majority live alone and have low incomes. Strategies to manage health and social care demands of this growing population group in the coming decade are important.
Bone fragility and osteoporosis in children and young adults
Authors: Formosa M. M. , Christou M. A. , Mäkitie O.
Published: September 2023

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disorder which increases fragility fracture risk. Elderly individuals, especially postmenopausal women, are particularly susceptible to osteoporosis. Although rare, osteoporosis in children and young adults is becoming increasingly evident, highlighting the need for timely diagnosis, management and follow-up. Early-onset osteoporosis is defined as the presence of a low BMD (Z-score of ≤ −2.0 in individuals aged < 20 years; T-score of ≤ −2.5 in those aged between 20 to 50 years) accompanied by a clinically significant fracture history, or the presence of low-energy vertebral compression fractures even in the absence of osteoporosis. Affected children and young adults should undergo a thorough diagnostic workup, including collection of clinical history, radiography, biochemical investigation and possibly bone biopsy. Once secondary factors and comorbidities are excluded, genetic testing should be considered to determine the possibility of an underlying monogenic cause. Defects in genes related to type I collagen biosynthesis are the commonest contributors of primary osteoporosis, followed by loss-of-function variants in genes encoding key regulatory proteins of canonical WNT signalling (specifically LRP5 and WNT1), the actin-binding plastin-3 protein (encoded by PLS3) resulting in X-linked osteoporosis, and the more recent sphingomyelin synthase 2 (encoded by SGMS2) which is critical for signal transduction affecting sphingomyelin metabolism. Despite these discoveries, genetic causes and underlying mechanisms in early-onset osteoporosis remain largely unknown, and if no causal gene is identified, early-onset osteoporosis is deemed idiopathic. This calls for further research to unravel the molecular mechanisms driving early-onset osteoporosis that consequently will aid in patient management and individualised targeted therapy.
Urban green spaces and their relationship with groundwater quality: the case of a shallow aquifer in the south of Mexico City
Authors: Canteiro Marcelo , Arellano-Aguilar Omar , Bravo José Elías Becerril , Zambrano Luis
Published: September 2023

Water supply security is a top priority for decision-makers in cities. Urban population growth increases water demand from aquifers, while urban expansion reduces water infiltration and boosts water pollution sources. Urban green spaces are a few of the remaining infiltration areas. Therefore, they are essential for water supply and urban hydric resilience. The urban dynamic directly influences shallow aquifers, but they usually are unappreciated. This work illustrates the relationship between urban green spaces and city water quality by evaluating the influence of urban green space, Reserva Ecológica del Pedregal de San Angel (REPSA), on a shallow aquifer in Mexico City. Five springs were sampled: two upstream of REPSA, a spring within REPSA, and two downstream. Because the study area is mainly residential but with an industrial history, water quality was tested based on microbiological pathogens, nutrients, pharmaceutical drugs, and heavy metals. Results showed an enhancement of water quality of the shallow aquifer in the sampling points downstream of REPSA for some of the pollutants. These results illustrate how urban green spaces can help to dilute pollutants present in the water of shallow aquifers, increasing water quality in cities.
Dynamic characteristics and deterioration mechanism of coal under distinct initial gas pressure
Authors: Liu Huaiqian , Wang Lei , Zhao Hongbao , Li Shaobo
Published: September 2023

Additional to dynamic and static superimposed loads, gas effects frequently affect coal seams throughout the coal mining process. It is crucial to comprehend coal samples’ mechanical properties and deterioration mechanisms under distinct initial gas pressure conditions. Consequently, the dynamic compression experiment of coal samples was conducted utilizing a self-developed observable combined dynamic and static loading test system of gas-bearing coal (GAS). The mechanical characteristics including failure mode in coal samples under distinct initial gas pressures were studied. Furthermore, the mechanism of gas deteriorated mechanical parameters and aggravated the propagation of cracks when combined with dynamic and static loads was revealed. The conclusions are drawn as follows: The GAS can go through four stages of deformation: elastic stage, elastoplastic stage, plastic stage, and failure stage. Furthermore, the dynamic strength and failure strain deteriorated with increasing gas pressure. Based on computed tomography (CT) technology, it is found that the splitting-spallation composite cracks of impacted samples become more noticeable with rising initial gas pressure, and finally, the two kinds of cracks create a complex reticular crack system. Meanwhile, the crack volume and fractal dimension increase with rising gas pressure, indicating that gas can aggravate the coal’s failure degree. Under combined dynamic and static loads, the deterioration model of mechanical parameters of GAS is obtained, that is, with rising initial gas pressure, the dynamic strength of coal samples reduces and the failure strain rises synchronously. The main reason for the aggravation of compound failure in impacted samples is that the stress intensity factor rises with the rise of gas pressure. These conclusions enrich the basic theories such as the inducing mechanism of dynamic disasters caused by coal-rock-gas compounds and can offer a theoretical foundation for the technology employed in monitoring, early warning, and prevention of dynamic disasters in compounds.
Influence of the filler–matrix adhesion and the effects of conditioning on tensile properties of laser-sintered parts built with polyamide–glass bead dry blends
Authors: Kletetzka Ivo , Kosanke Maren , Meinderink Dennis , Neßlinger Vanessa , Grundmeier Guido , Schmid Hans-Joachim
Published: September 2023

In this work, the influence of the filler–matrix adhesion on the tensile properties of laser-sintered parts built with Polyamide 613 filled with glass beads was investigated. For this purpose, dry blends of glass beads with and without organosilane coupling agents and polyamide powder were prepared and processed into tensile specimens on an EOS P396 laser sintering system. The samples were tested both in the dry state and after an accelerated conditioning in a climate chamber. Furthermore, finite element method (FEM) simulations were performed to model the extreme cases of optimum adhesion and no adhesion. By correlating the tensile tests with the simulation results and by analyzing the fracture surfaces, it was shown that the filler–matrix adhesion is sufficient in the dry state but is strongly degraded by conditioning. Even the presence of various organosilane thin films could not prevent a strong deterioration of the filler–matrix adhesion and the associated deterioration of the mechanical properties. Since a comparison with an injection-molded sample of the same polymer filler combination shows identical behavior after conditioning, it is assumed that this problem is not limited to additively manufactured parts.
Improving autonomous robotic navigation using IFC files
Authors: Gopee Muhammad A. , Prieto Samuel A. , García de Soto Borja
Published: September 2023

The navigation of robotic systems in construction sites often relies on sensor data from the robot. While mapping and navigation protocols such as simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) are quite useful for navigation, they often require a preliminary mapping of the site, which is usually done manually. Waypoint generation for certain tasks, such as 3D scanning, cannot be done before obtaining said preliminary map, which can be tedious. Building information model (BIM) files contain rich semantic information about buildings; therefore, it is worth considering an approach where the information in BIM is leveraged to minimize the need for manual preliminary mapping of sites. This study proposes a methodology to get information from BIM—in the form of IFC files—to an autonomous robotic system (ARS) in the form of navigation maps, simulation environments, JSON files with useful semantic information, and proposed waypoints for stop-and-go missions. The schedule element present in IFC is used to generate obstacle maps relevant to the level of construction progress at the time the ARS is deployed. The results are validated with a case study of the entire process from the IFC file input to the waypoint generation for an ARS to complete a 3D reconstruction of an indoor space.
Contingency and Landscape: Basic Considerations on Graphic and Cartographic Representations in Recourse to the Concept of Inverse Landscapes as a Contribution to Deviant Cartographies with Examples on Louisiana
Authors: Kühne Olaf , Berr Karsten , Koegst Lara
Published: September 2023

This paper deals with the possibilities of graphic and cartographic representation of landscapes that are always contingently constituted. The contingency of the representation of landscape is based on the contingency of understandings of landscape, the contingency of methods of (scientific) acquisition of knowledge about landscape, as well as the contingency of forms of representation, with which the present essay deals in a prominent way. If contingency is to be treated graphically and cartographically, this means to question widespread conventions, both regarding the choice of topics, the methodology of obtaining and ordering data, but also with regard to representation. This is—following the neopragmatic basic considerations—to be oriented strongly at the statement goal. Following these basic considerations, we have designed the cartographic representations in a strongly focused manner, graphic representations in parts in a manner borrowed from the comic style of the Ligne Claire. This type of representation is intended to create a meta-deviance that makes it easier for readers to develop contingent interpretations of the world. With our approach we follow neopragmatic basic considerations, which follows a postcritical cartographic perspective, not to seek the separative and discursively exclude the other, but to make other perspectives functionally available through integration, complementarity, and further development.
A Graph Representation Learning Framework Predicting Potential Multivariate Interactions
Authors: Yang Yanlin , Ye Zhonglin , Zhao Haixing , Meng Lei
Published: September 2023

Link prediction is a widely adopted method for extracting valuable data insights from graphs, primarily aimed at predicting interactions between two nodes. However, there are not only pairwise interactions but also multivariate interactions in real life. For example, reactions between multiple proteins, multiple compounds, and multiple metabolites cannot be mined effectively using link prediction. A hypergraph is a higher-order network composed of nodes and hyperedges, where hyperedges can be composed of multiple nodes, and can be used to depict multivariate interactions. The interactions between multiple nodes can be predicted by hyperlink prediction methods. Since hyperlink prediction requires predicting the interactions between multiple nodes, it makes the study of hyperlink prediction much more complicated than that of other complex networks, thus resulting in relatively limited attention being devoted to this field. The existing hyperlink prediction can only predict potential hyperlinks in uniform hypergraphs, or need to predict hyperlinks based on the candidate hyperlink sets, or only study hyperlink prediction for undirected hypergraphs. Therefore, a hyperlink prediction framework for predicting multivariate interactions based on graph representation learning is proposed to solve the above problems, and then the framework is extended to directed hyperlink prediction (e.g., directed metabolic reaction networks). Furthermore, any size of hyperedges can be predicted by the proposed hyperlink prediction algorithm framework, whose performance is not affected by the number of nodes or the number of hyperedges. Finally, the proposed framework is applied to both the biological metabolic reaction network and the organic chemical reaction network, and experimental analysis has demonstrated that the hyperlinks can be predicted efficiently by the proposed hyperlink prediction framework with relatively low time complexity, and the prediction performance has been improved by up to 40% compared with the baselines.
Customising hospitals for the future: a perspective focusing on infection prevention and control
Authors: Presterl Elisabeth , Diab-Elschahawi Magda , Lohfert-Praetorius Carolina , Gierlinger Siegfried , Wetzlinger Herwig , Zingg Walter
Published: September 2023

Progress in diagnostics, therapy, digitalization and enhanced technology require rethinking on how new hospitals are planned today. Hospital design must support flexibility, effective work processes, capacity for further development, and it must create a safe environment for staff, patients and visitors. This narrative review addresses key aspects of hospital planning with a focus on infection prevention and control. We discuss how separating clean from contaminated and reducing cross-transmission as the main infection prevention and control principles impact on infrastructure, work organization, materialization, and technical solutions of new hospitals.
Quantitative characterization method of 3D roughness of rock mass structural surface considering size effect
Authors: Li Bo , Li Xinjun , Xiao Wei , Cheng Qi , Bao Tan
Published: September 2023

The surface morphology of the structural surface of the rock mass plays a crucial role in determining its macroscopic physical and mechanical properties, including shear strength and seepage characteristics. The morphological characteristics of the rock mass structure exhibit significant anisotropy and size effects. The distribution characteristics of the two key indicators that affect the morphological characteristics of the structure were analyzed, revealing that the undulation degree and undulation angle conform to the normal distribution and Weibull distribution, respectively. The present study defines a method for quantifying the 3D roughness of structural surface based on the features of undulation degree and undulation angle. Through quantitative analysis, it was observed that the roughness parameters exhibit anisotropic characteristics at different sampling intervals and shear directions.
Relationship between human behavior and indoor air quality of private room in a care facility for the elderly in Japan
Authors: Tanaka Nobuyuki , Munaka Tatsuji , Papel Joao Filipe , Hattori Shun-ichi , Iwamatsu Toshiya , Miura Teruhisa , Tsutsumi Fujio
Published: September 2023

In Japan, the number of elderly people in need of nursing care is increasing while the population of young people is decreasing, and the potential for labor shortages in the field of elder care is of great concern. This study aimed to estimate the behavior of the elderly by using sensors to monitor indoor air quality (IAQ), without placing undue burden on the elderly or their caregivers. Odor and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations were monitored in a private room of a nursing home in the Kanto Region of Japan, the behaviors of the resident and staff members were recorded, and the relationship between the two was analyzed. Both odor and CO2 concentrations were higher when the resident was present than when absent, indicating that the resident was one of the main sources of indoor odor and CO2. In addition, after the resident entered the room, the CO2 concentration increased and remained stable, whereas the odor concentration tended to vary after the resident entered the room, first increasing and later decreasing. This suggested that the increase or decrease in odor could be used to monitor the behavior of the resident and staff members. The relationship between the slopes of odor and CO2 in typical behavioral events suggest that if only odor increases and CO2 does not change, the likelihood of the event in which feces were observed during diaper changes is high. In addition, based on the behavior near the sensor, the rate of CO2 and odor emissions differed between the elderly resident and the younger staff members, suggesting that the ratio of odor slope to CO2 slope may be greater in the elderly than in younger people. Furthermore, the repeated number of increases and decreases in odor and CO2 suggested that multiple events could be distinguished. These results suggest that IAQ can be utilized to estimate the behavior of residents and staff in nursing care facilities for the elderly.
A rigorous derivation of the Hamiltonian structure for the Vlasov equation
Authors: Miller Joseph K. , Nahmod Andrea R. , Pavlović Nataša , Rosenzweig Matthew , Staffilani Gigliola
Published: September 2023

We consider the Vlasov equation in any spatial dimension, which has long been known [ZI76, Mor80, Gib81, MW82] to be an infinite-dimensional Hamiltonian system whose bracket structure is of Lie–Poisson type. In parallel, it is classical that the Vlasov equation is a mean-field limit for a pairwise interacting Newtonian system. Motivated by this knowledge, we provide a rigorous derivation of the Hamiltonian structure of the Vlasov equation, both the Hamiltonian functional and Poisson bracket, directly from the many-body problem. One may view this work as a classical counterpart to [MNP+20], which provided a rigorous derivation of the Hamiltonian structure of the cubic nonlinear Schrödinger equation from the many-body problem for interacting bosons in a certain infinite particle number limit, the first result of its kind. In particular, our work settles a question of Marsden, Morrison and Weinstein [MMW84] on providing a ‘statistical basis’ for the bracket structure of the Vlasov equation.
The ‘new era in medicine’: John Ryle and the promotion of social medicine
Authors: Stewart John
Published: September 2023

John A. Ryle was Britain’s first professor of Social Medicine. In the 1930s and 1940s, at the peak of his influence, he was a vigorous proponent of social medicine, then a relatively new, if contested, field. This article examines Ryle’s views and activities under three broad headings: What was social medicine? What were Ryle’s politics? Why prioritise medical education? We conclude with the apparent failure of the social medicine project, at least as envisioned by Ryle.
MINIMALLY DESTRUCTIVE RADIOCARBON DATING OF CAPRINE DUNG
Authors: Fuks Daniel , O’Neill-Munro Niamh , Reimer Paula J , Erickson-Gini Tali , Bar-Oz Guy , Galili Roy , Bucking Scott
Published: September 2023

Archaeological dung pellets are time capsules of ancient herbivore diets and gut flora, informing on past agropastoral activity, ecology, and animal health. Improving multi-proxy approaches is key to maximizing this finite archaeological resource. Through experiments with standard pretreatments used in radiocarbon (14C) dating, we address a fundamental problem in maximal multi-proxy analysis: How to chronometrically date individual caprine pellets while conserving as much as possible for additional analyses? We applied acid-alkali-acid (AAA) or acid-only pretreatments to 37 samples of ancient and recent sheep/goat dung pellets from sites in the Negev desert, Israel, measuring weight-loss due to pretreatment. Shavings of outer surfaces and remaining inner pellets of four pairs were dated and compared. We found that (i) sample-specific factors affect pretreatment survivability, including preservation quality and initial sample size; (ii) given sufficient start weight, AAA can be used to pretreat sheep/goat coprolites; (iii) 100 mg appeared a desirable minimum sample weight before pretreatment; and (iv) shavings of coprolites’ outer surface produced 14C dates equivalent to dates obtained from inner coprolites. Whereas standard coprolite analysis protocols discard shavings removed from outer surfaces to avoid contamination, our findings indicate their efficacy for 14C dating. This offers an important addition to workflows for multi-proxy coprolite analysis.
The Passage of Time is Not an Illusion: It's a Projection
Authors: Bardon Adrian
Published: September 2023

This essay aims to review and clarify an emerging consensus among philosophers of time: that belief in the passage of time is not a matter of illusion but rather the result of a variety of cognitive error. I argue that this error is best described in terms of psychological projection, properly understood. A close analysis of varieties of projection reveals how well this phenomenon accounts for belief in dynamic temporal passage and the objective becoming of events. A projectivist account of belief in the passage of time is, in actuality, already predominant in contemporary philosophy of time; but the language of illusion still used by many theorists is hampering recognition of the nature of the solution as well as the recent progress towards consensus.
Coronavirus disease 2019 is associated with long-term depressive symptoms in Spanish older adults with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome
Authors: Shyam Sangeetha , Gómez-Martínez Carlos , Paz-Graniel Indira , Gaforio José J. , Martínez-González Miguel Ángel , Corella Dolores , Fitó Montserrat , Martínez J. Alfredo , Alonso-Gómez Ángel M. , Wärnberg Julia , Vioque Jesús , Romaguera Dora , López-Miranda José , Estruch Ramon , Tinahones Francisco J. , Santos-Lozano José Manuel , Serra-Majem J. Luís , Bueno-Cavanillas Aurora , Tur Josep A. , Martín Sánchez Vicente , Pintó Xavier , Ortiz Ramos María , Vidal Josep , Mar Alcarria Maria , Daimiel Lidia , Ros Emilio , Fernandez-Aranda Fernando , Nishi Stephanie K. , García Regata Oscar , Toledo Estefania , Sorli Jose V. , Castañer Olga , Garcia-Rios Antonio , Valls-Enguix Rafael , Perez-Farinos Napoleon , Zulet M. Angeles , Rayó-Gago Elena , Casas Rosa , Rivera-Izquierdo Mario , Tojal-Sierra Lucas , Damas-Fuentes Miguel , Buil-Cosiales Pilar , Fernández-Carrion Rebeca , Goday Albert , Peña-Orihuela Patricia J. , Compañ-Gabucio Laura , Diez-Espino Javier , Tello Susanna , González-Pinto Ana , de la O Víctor , Delgado-Rodríguez Miguel , Babio Nancy , Salas-Salvadó Jordi
Published: September 2023

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has serious physiological and psychological consequences. The long-term (>12 weeks post-infection) impact of COVID-19 on mental health, specifically in older adults, is unclear. We longitudinally assessed the association of COVID-19 with depression symptomatology in community-dwelling older adults with metabolic syndrome within the framework of the PREDIMED-Plus cohort.

Methods

Participants (n = 5486) aged 55–75 years were included in this longitudinal cohort. COVID-19 status (positive/negative) determined by tests (e.g. polymerase chain reaction severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, IgG) was confirmed via event adjudication (410 cases). Pre- and post-COVID-19 depressive symptomatology was ascertained from annual assessments conducted using a validated 21-item Spanish Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Multivariable linear and logistic regression models assessed the association between COVID-19 and depression symptomatology.

Results

COVID-19 in older adults was associated with higher post-COVID-19 BDI-II scores measured at a median (interquartile range) of 29 (15–40) weeks post-infection [fully adjusted β = 0.65 points, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15–1.15; p = 0.011]. This association was particularly prominent in women (β = 1.38 points, 95% CI 0.44–2.33, p = 0.004). COVID-19 was associated with 62% increased odds of elevated depression risk (BDI-II ≥ 14) post-COVID-19 when adjusted for confounders (odds ratio; 95% CI 1.13–2.30, p = 0.008).

Conclusions

COVID-19 was associated with long-term depression risk in older adults with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome, particularly in women. Thus, long-term evaluations of the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and preventive public health initiatives are warranted in older adults.
A scoping review of the impact of Food Policy Groups on local food systems in high-income countries
Authors: Godrich Stephanie Louise , Doe Jess , Goodwin Sarah , Alston Laura , Kent Katherine
Published: September 2023

This scoping review aimed to explore international evidence on the impact of Food Policy Groups (FPGs) on local food systems, in urban and rural regions of high-income countries. Peer-reviewed and grey literature were searched to identify thirty-one documents published between 2002 and 2022 providing evidence on the impact of FPGs. Activities spanned domains including increasing food equity (e.g. strengthening school meals programmes); increasing knowledge and/or demand for healthy food (e.g. food literacy programmes with children and adults); increasing food access (e.g. enhancing local food procurement); environmental sustainability (e.g. promoting low-waste food items on café menus); economic development (e.g. ensuring local businesses are not outperformed by large food distributors); and increasing food system resiliency (e.g. establishment of local produce schemes). Most FPGs reported conducting activities that positively influenced multiple food system domains and reported activities in urban areas, and to a lesser extent in rural areas. Our study highlighted a range of qualitative and quantitative evaluation strategies used to measure FPGs’ impact on local food systems. Our recommendations focus on regular and systematic evaluation and research surrounding the impact of FPG activities, to build the evidence base of their impact. Ideally, evaluation would utilise comprehensive and established tools. We recommend exploring the establishment of FPGs across more regions of high-income countries, particularly rural areas, and forming partnerships between FPGs, local government and universities to maximise implementation and evaluation of activities.
Outcomes of atrioventricular septal defects with and without down syndrome: analysis of the national inpatient database
Authors: Aly Safwat , Qattea Ibrahim , Othman Hasan , Nguyen Hoang H. , Aly Hany Z.
Published: September 2023

Background:

Controversial data exist about the impact of Down syndrome on outcomes after surgical repair of atrioventricular septal defect.

Aims:

(A) assess trends and outcomes of atrioventricular septal defect with and without Down syndrome and (B) determine risk factors associated with adverse outcomes after atrioventricular septal defect repair.

Methods:

We queried The National Inpatient Sample using International Classification of Disease codes for patients with atrioventricular septal defect < 1 year of age from 2000 to 2018. Patients’ characteristics, co-morbidities, mortality, and healthcare utilisation were evaluated by comparing those with versus without Down syndrome.

Results:

In total, 2,318,706 patients with CHD were examined; of them, 61,101 (2.6%) had atrioventricular septal defect. The incidence of hospitalisation in infants with atrioventricular septal defect ranged from 4.5 to 7.5% of all infants hospitalised with CHD per year. A total of 33,453 (54.7%) patients were associated with Down syndrome. Double outlet right ventricle, coarctation of the aorta, and tetralogy of Fallot were the most commonly associated with CHD in 6.9, 5.7, and 4.3% of patients, respectively. Overall atrioventricular septal defect mortality was 6.3%. Multivariate analysis revealed that prematurity, low birth weight, pulmonary hypertension, and heart block were associated with mortality. Down syndrome was associated with a higher incidence of pulmonary hypertension (4.3 versus 2.8%, p < 0.001), less arrhythmia (6.6 versus 11.2%, p < 0.001), shorter duration for mechanical ventilation, shorter hospital stay, and less perioperative mortality (2.4 versus 11.1%, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Trends in atrioventricular septal defect hospitalisation had been stable over time. Perioperative mortality in atrioventricular septal defect was associated with prematurity, low birth weight, pulmonary hypertension, heart block, acute kidney injury, and septicaemia. Down syndrome was present in more than half of atrioventricular septal defect patients and was associated with a higher incidence of pulmonary hypertension but less arrhythmia, lower mortality, shorter hospital stay, and less resource utilisation.