bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the lung microbiome and inflammatory cytokine levels in women exposed to environmental risk factors: A pilot study
Authors: Morales‐González Fernando , Lira‐Lucio Juan A. , Falfán‐Valencia Ramcés , Márquez‐García José E. , Abarca‐Rojano Edgar , Ramírez‐Venegas Alejandra , Sansores Raúl H. , García‐Gómez Leonor , Hernández‐Pérez Andrea , Pérez‐Rubio Gloria
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Lung microbiome dysbiosis affects the immune system balance and promotes lung inflammation. We aimed to characterize and compare the lung bacteriome composition and the cytokine profile in women with normal lung function exposed to risk factors for chronic lung diseases (tobacco smoking and biomass‐burning smoke exposure).

Methods

We included women with biomass‐burning smoke exposure (BE, n = 11) and current smokers women (TS, n = 10). The bacteriome composition was performed in induced sputum, sequencing the 16 rRNA gene. Cytokine levels were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay multiplex assay in the supernatant of induced sputum. For quantitative variables, we used medians and minimum and maxim values. For the amplicon sequence variants (ASV) differential abundance testing between groups.

Results

At the taxa level, the phylum Proteobacteria was found in a higher proportion in the TS group concerning BE (p = .045); however, after the false discovery rate adjustment, this difference was not retained (p = .288). We found a higher concentration of IL‐1β in the TS group than in the BE group (248.6 vs. 177.9 pg/mL, p = .010). Women with high biomass‐burning smoke exposure in an hour per day had a positive correlation with the abundance of Bacteroidota (ρ = 0.71, p = .014) and Fusobacteriota (ρ = 0.73, p = .011). FEV1/FVC had a positive correlation with an abundance of Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria, and Fusobacteria (ρ = 0.74, p = .009, ρ = 0.85, p = .001, and ρ = 0.83, p = .001, respectively). In tobacco smoking, women had a positive correlation (ρ = 0.77, p = .009) between cigarettes per day and Firmicutes' abundance.

Conclusion

Compared to biomass‐burning smoke‐exposed women, current smokers have poor lung function and high levels of IL‐1β in sputum. Women with biomass‐burning smoke exposure present an increased abundance of Bacteroidota and Fusobacteriota.
Controlling the assembly of soy β‐conglycinin to fabricate heat‐stable particles for high protein liquid systems
Authors: Zheng Xiaohan , Zou Bowen , Ren Chao , Xu Xianbing , Du Ming , Wu Chao
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Recently, there is a growing interest in developing protein‐fortified liquid systems, which are formulated to provide special nutrient combinations to those with special dietary needs. The fabrication of heat‐stable protein for protein‐fortified liquid systems relies heavily on precise control of the edible protein‐building process.

RESULTS

Results suggested that heat‐stable 7S protein particles (7SPPs) could be obtained by preheating at 100 °C for an extended time, whereas 7S proteins with better gelling properties were discovered after preheating at lower temperatures. According to the findings of the protein conformational and morphological characterization, the 7SPPs showed rather stable tertiary and secondary structures as well as size distributions, which might be responsible for their heat stability. Additionally, during the reheating test, suspensions of 7SPPs showed no signs of gelation and had a low viscosity even though the protein content was as high as 120 mg mL−1. However, 7S proteins with improved gelling properties were found to show rising aggregate size, higher susceptibility and larger conformational structure changing rates upon reheating treatment.

CONCLUSION

Soy β‐conglycinin (7S) proteins with tunable heat stability were successfully prepared by preheating 10 mg mL−1 protein dispersions at various temperatures (80–120 °C) and durations (15–120 min). These findings provide fundamental insights for developing 7S‐based protein‐fortified systems. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Inherent Adaptivity of Alzheimer Peptides to Crowded Environments
Authors: De Sio Silvia , Waegele Jana , Bhatia Twinkle , Voigt Bruno , Lilie Hauke , Ott Maria
Published: April 2023

Amyloid β (Aβ) is the major constituent in senile plaques of Alzheimer's disease in which peptides initially undergo structural conversions to form elongated fibrils. The impact of crowding on the fibrillation pathways of Aβ40 and Aβ42, the most common peptide isoforms are studied. PEG and Ficoll are used as model crowders to mimic a macromolecular enriched surrounding. The fibrillar growth is monitored with the help of ThT‐fluorescence assays in order to extract two rates describing primary and secondary processes of nucleation and growth. Techniques as fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and analytical ultracentrifugation are used to discuss oligomeric states; fibril morphologies are investigated using negative‐staining transmission electron microscopy. While excluded volume effects imposed by macromolecular crowding are expected to always increase rates of intermolecular interactions and structural conversion, a vast variety of effects are found depending on the peptide, the crowder, or ionic strength of the solution. While investigations of the obtained rates with respect to a reactant‐occluded model are capable to display specific surface interactions with the crowder, the employment of crystallization‐like models reveal the crowder‐induced entropic gain with J mol−1 per volume fraction of the crowder.
National evaluation of harm associated with patient safety incident reports related to the provision of parenteral nutrition to patients, using a national incident reporting system
Authors: Mistry Priya , Fox Andy , Latter Sue
Published: April 2023

Background

Parenteral nutrition (PN)–related patient safety incidents have been associated with harm. Large‐scale studies are scarce, and little is known about contributory factors. This study evaluated PN‐related incident reports that described harm using a national database.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective evaluation of incident reports involving PN in England and Wales reported to the National Reporting and Learning System between 2015 and 2020. We described frequency by degree of reported harm and incident characteristics. Content analysis was undertaken to understand contributory factors for reports related to moderate/severe harm or death.

Results

12,907 incident reports were identified. After screening, 2242 were evaluated; 1879 (83.8%) reported no harm, 309 (13.8%) low harm, 47 (0.02%) moderate harm, 4 (0.002%) severe harm, 3 (0.001%) deaths. The most reported age group, medication process, and error category were neonates (<28 days) (n = 570/1923, 29.6%), administration (n = 1126/2242, 50%), and omitted medication/ingredient (n = 291/2242, 13%), respectively. Content analysis of reports related to moderate/severe harm and death revealed patient age of <1 year, dependence on home PN (HPN), comorbidities, and staff errors as contributory factors.

Conclusions

This is the first evaluation of PN‐related incident reports in England and Wales to our knowledge. We demonstrated a low frequency of reports related to moderate or severe harm or death. More incidents were reported for neonates and during the administration processes. To reduce harm, systems/procedures that reduce errors in high‐risk patients (eg, neonates, patients receiving HPN) need to be established within organizations. Database limitations of voluntary reporting systems were recognized.
The relationship between dietary patterns and insomnia in young women
Authors: Karbasi Samira , Asadi Zahra , Mohaghegh Zabihullah , Saeedi Farhad , Ferns Gordon A. , Bahrami Afsane
Published: April 2023

Aim

There is mounting evidence that eating habits affect sleeping patterns and their quality. The goal of this study was to evaluate the associations between major dietary patterns, identified using principal component analysis (PCA) and insomnia in young women.

Methods

The study subjects comprised 159 healthy young women aged 18–25 years. Neuropsychological assessment was performed using standard instruments, including a cognitive ability questionnaire (CAQ), depression and anxiety stress scales (DASS‐21), insomnia severity index (ISI), Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), and quality of life questionnaire (QLQ). Dietary patterns were obtained from a 65‐item validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) in this study, using PCA.

Results

Two major dietary patterns were identified that were termed: “Traditional” and “Western.” The Western pattern was characterized by a high intake of snacks, nuts, dairy products, tea, fast foods, chicken, and vegetable oils. Subjects with moderate/severe insomnia were found to have lower scores for total cognitive ability task, nocturnal sleep hours, and physical and mental health, but higher scores for depression, anxiety, stress, and daytime sleepiness compared to those without insomnia (p < 0.05). After adjustment for potential confounders, high adherence to the Western dietary pattern was associated with higher odds of insomnia (OR = 5.9; 95% confidence intervals: 1.9–18.7; p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Our findings indicated adherence to Western pattern may increase the odds of insomnia. Prospective research is required to determine the feasibility of targeting dietary patterns to decrease the odds of insomnia.
Coupled model biases and extended‐range prediction skill during the onset phase of the Indian summer monsoon with different initializations related to land surface and number of observations
Authors: Gautam Pratibha , Chattopadhyay Rajib , Joseph Susmitha , Martin Gill M. , Sahai Atul K.
Published: April 2023

In this study, we have analyzed the role of the initialization in the forecast of the monsoon onset phase beyond 10 days lead time (i.e., in the extended range) to understand the impact of displacement or shift in initial conditions in the extended‐range forecast. Two displacement errors are considered: (a) the initial error arising due to a change in land surface initial conditions and (b) the initial error arising due to a change in the number of observations. For the first part (a), we have analyzed and compared the difference in prediction skills in the United Kingdom Met Office (UKMO) GloSea5 forecasts run with two different land surface initial conditions (IC) configurations. In one configuration, the IC is prepared using a monthly land surface climatology; in the other configuration, it is based on daily land surface reanalysis. In the other part (b), we used the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology's Climate Forecast System (IITM_CFS) model with two different ICs (NCEP and NCMRWF differing in the number of observations over the Indian land region). Both runs indicate a shift in the initial condition, which manifests as displacement error. UKMO and IITM_CFS runs have the same land surface model when the corresponding twin experiments are compared in (a) and (b). Analysis of the initial displacement errors from these runs indicates that improving the realism in the land surface initial conditions can effectively modulate or change the surface meteorological fields in the prediction model during the onset phase. The result shows that the rotational and divergence components of the surface winds differ in the two sets of runs. Results also indicate that the difference in surface initialization manifests as differences in rotational and divergent kinetic energy. This could lead to a difference in the forecast of monsoon onset rain. Further analysis also suggests that the local land surface initial condition error, in addition to an error in large‐scale teleconnections, affects the monsoon onset forecast and its prediction skill in the extended‐range time‐scale.
Enhanced CO Functionality on Carbon Papers Ensures Lowering Nucleation Delay of ALD for Ru towards Unprecedented Alkaline HER Activity
Authors: Thalluri Sitaramanjaneya M. , Rodriguez‐Pereira Jhonatan , Zazpe Raul , Bawab Bilal , Kolíbalová Eva , Jelinek Ludek , Macak Jan M.
Published: April 2023

The success in lowering the nucleation delay for Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) of Ru on carbon surfaces is mitigated by constructive pretreatments resulting enhancement of CO functionality. Treatment of the carbon papers (CP) allowed Ru species deposition for minimum number of ALD cycles (25 cycles) with good conformality. The development of electrocatalysts from single atoms to nanoparticles (NPs) on conductive supports with low metal loadings, thus improving performance, is essential in electrocatalysis. For alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction, ALD decorated CPs with Ru exhibit low onset potentials of ≈4.7 mV versus reversable hydrogen electrode (RHE) (at 10 mA cm−2) and a high turnover frequency of 1.92 H2 s−1 at 30 mV versus RHE. The Ru decorated CPs show comparable to higher catalytic activity than of Platinum (Pt) decorated CP also developed by ALD. The current representation of unfamiliar catalytic activities of Ru active centers developed by ALD, pave a bright and sustainable path for energy conversion reactions.
Spin‐Flip Raman Scattering on Electrons and Holes in Two‐Dimensional (PEA)2PbI4 Perovskites
Authors: Harkort Carolin , Kudlacik Dennis , Kopteva Natalia E. , Yakovlev Dmitri R. , Karzel Marek , Kirstein Erik , Hordiichuk Oleh , Kovalenko Maksym V. , Bayer Manfred
Published: April 2023

The class of Ruddlesden–Popper type (PEA)2PbI4 perovskites comprises 2D structures whose optical properties are determined by excitons with a large binding energy of about 260 meV. It complements the family of other 2D semiconductor materials by having the band structure typical for lead halide perovskites, that can be considered as inverted compared to conventional III–V and II–VI semiconductors. Accordingly, novel spin phenomena can be expected for them. Spin‐flip Raman scattering is used here to measure the Zeeman splitting of electrons and holes in a magnetic field up to 10 T. From the recorded data, the electron and hole Landé factors (g‐factors) are evaluated, their signs are determined, and their anisotropies are measured. The electron g‐factor value changes from +2.11 out‐of‐plane to +2.50 in‐plane, while the hole g‐factor ranges between ‐0.13 and ‐0.51. The spin flips of the resident carriers are arranged via their interaction with photogenerated excitons. Also the double spin‐flip process, where a resident electron and a resident hole interact with the same exciton, is observed showing a cumulative Raman shift. Dynamic nuclear spin polarization induced by spin‐polarized holes is detected in corresponding changes of the hole Zeeman splitting. An Overhauser field of the polarized nuclei acting on the holes as large as 0.6 T can be achieved.
Direct Observation of Liquid–Solid Two‐Phase Seed Particle‐Assisted Kinking in GaP Nanowire Growth
Authors: Hu Tianyi , Seifner Michael S. , Snellman Markus , Jacobsson Daniel , Sedrpooshan Mehran , Ternero Pau , Messing Maria E. , Dick Kimberly A.
Published: April 2023

In the last decades, the metal‐assisted growth approach of semiconductor nanowires (NWs) has shown its potential in controlling crystal properties, such as crystal structure, composition, and morphology. Recently, literature reports have shown successful semiconductor NW growth with multiphase seed particles under growth conditions. Exploring alternative metal seeds and the mechanisms for growing semiconductor NWs is an exciting research field aiming to improve the control over the crystal growth process. Herein, the gallium phosphide (GaP) NW growth using Cu as seed particles inside an environmental transmission electron microscope is studied. In particular, the transformations of the Cu‐rich seed particles during the nucleation and growth of GaP NWs are observed. The supply of a relatively high amount of Ga atoms by the precursor mixture led to a solid Cu‐rich seed particle core covered by a liquid phase. Different growth dynamics within the two‐phase seed particle resulted in local competition in NW growth. As a result, the GaP NW kinked into another growth direction by forming a new interface at the NW growth front. The generated results enable insights into fundamental processes occurring in the seed particle during growth, creating leverage points for controlling the NW morphology.
A geometric framework for outlier detection in high‐dimensional data
Authors: Herrmann Moritz , Pfisterer Florian , Scheipl Fabian
Published: April 2023

Outlier or anomaly detection is an important task in data analysis. We discuss the problem from a geometrical perspective and provide a framework which exploits the metric structure of a data set. Our approach rests on the manifold assumption, that is, that the observed, nominally high‐dimensional data lie on a much lower dimensional manifold and that this intrinsic structure can be inferred with manifold learning methods. We show that exploiting this structure significantly improves the detection of outlying observations in high dimensional data. We also suggest a novel, mathematically precise and widely applicable distinction between distributional and structural outliers based on the geometry and topology of the data manifold that clarifies conceptual ambiguities prevalent throughout the literature. Our experiments focus on functional data as one class of structured high‐dimensional data, but the framework we propose is completely general and we include image and graph data applications. Our results show that the outlier structure of high‐dimensional and non‐tabular data can be detected and visualized using manifold learning methods and quantified using standard outlier scoring methods applied to the manifold embedding vectors.

This article is categorized under:

Technologies > Structure Discovery and Clustering

Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Data Concepts

Technologies > Visualization
Early and Acute Complications and the Principles of HSCT Nursing Care
Authors: Wallhult Elisabeth , Kenyon Michelle , Quinn Barry
Published: April 2023

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) generally includes preparative or conditioning regimens containing combinations of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy and sometimes immunotherapy. These regimens, as well as other treatments before and after HSCT such as immunosuppressive drugs to prevent graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) (see Chap. 11), may affect the patient’s organs and tissues and cause both early and long-term complications. In the evolving field of stem cell therapies, some complications that traditionally have been regarded as early complications are now, due to changes in preparative regimens and choice of stem cell source, sometimes seen later in the post-transplant outpatient setting. The complications covered in this chapter generally occur within 100 days post-HSCT and are thus classified as early complications. Two of the most common early complications are oral complications/mucositis and sepsis. Some other relatively rare complications are also covered here: haemorrhagic cystitis (HC), endothelial damage syndromes including engraftment syndrome (ES), idiopathic pneumonia syndrome (IPS), diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (DAH), thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) and sinusoidal obstruction syndrome/veno-occlusive disease (SOS/VOD). For all complications, recommendations for prevention and principles for nursing care are presented since careful nursing monitoring and prompt intervention and care may have an impact on patients’ morbidity and mortality.
Supportive Care
Authors: van der Linden S. J. , Harinck M. E. G. , Speksnijder H. T. , Schröder Teija , Schlösser Ien , Verkerk Vera , van Bohemen Michaela , Rusman-Vergunst A. M. , Veldhuijzen J. C. , Quak W. J. A.
Published: April 2023

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) care is highly complex. This chapter focuses on the aspects of supportive care required following HSCT.

Assessment tools are key component of nursing practice and are necessary for planning and providing patient-centered care. HSCT care must be planned, implemented, and evaluated and is underpinned by collaboration with the entire multidisciplinary healthcare team.

With supportive care following HSCT, we ultimately aim to improve the quality of life of our patients in the posttransplant period.

Supportive care extends beyond symptom management and includes social, psychological, and spiritual care. The needs of the patient are multifactorial and can be complex, considering multiple issues at the same time and involving multiple disciplines.

Throughout supportive nursing care, our clinical competence is critical and is complemented by experience, knowledge, and awareness.
Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GvHD)
Authors: Murray John , Stringer Jacqui , Hutt Daphna
Published: April 2023

Acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients who undergo allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and affects approximately 30–40% of recipients. Prevention remains the goal, and the recent introduction of post-transplant cyclophosphamide in the haploidentical transplant setting is changing the landscape. GvHD diagnosis is complicated, and grading and staging vary depending upon the tool and transplant centre involved. For the majority of patients who go on to develop GvHD, corticosteroids remain the first-line treatment for both acute and chronic forms of the disease. Recipients that are refractory to systemic steroids have a plethora of second- and third-line options available to them. A ‘standard of care’ approach has not yet become agreed globally due to poor evidence from small and limited randomised control trials. However, the recent REACH (Zeiser et al. N Engl J Med. 382(19):1800–10, 2020; Zeiser et al. N Engl J Med. 385(3):228–38, 2021) and ROCKstar trials (Cutler et al. Blood. 38(22):2278–89, 2021) have armed clinicians with new and effective therapies. Supportive care is paramount, and the nurse is at the centre of the patient’s care and in the best position to guide and advise the patient and family through this often-long-term complication.
Inflation heute
Authors: Gischer Horst , Herz Bernhard , Menkhoff Lukas
Published: April 2023

Die vergleichsweise hohe Inflation in Deutschland im Jahr 2022 ist in aller Munde. Inflation bedeutet, dass die Preise für Güter und Dienstleistungen auf breiter Basis anhaltend steigen. Damit verliert das Geld an Kaufkraft.
Ausbildung in der Pflege
Authors: Hundenborn Gertrud
Published: April 2023

Seit Anfang des Jahres 2020 wird die Ausbildung in den Pflegeberufen neu geregelt. Mit der kompetenzorientierten generalistisch ausgerichteten Ausbildungskonzeption reagiert der Gesetzgeber auf die zunehmend komplexen Pflege- und Versorgungsbedarfe ebenso wie auf die Entwicklungen in der Pflegewissenschaft und in anderen Wissenschaftsbereichen. Die Reform geht mit zahlreichen Innovationen einher. So sind Teile der Berufsausübung nunmehr rechtlich geschützt und die Ausbildung kann an Pflegeschulen oder an Hochschulen absolviert werden. Dieser Beitrag geht auf diese und weitere Innovationen der Pflegeberufereform ein. Er verdeutlicht Herausforderungen und Konsequenzen und formuliert offene Fragen und ausgewählte Handlungsbedarfe.
Estimating global charge violating amplitudes from wormholes
Authors: Bah Ibrahima , Chen Yiming , Maldacena Juan
Published: April 2023

Abstract

We consider the scattering of high energy and ultra relativistic spherically symmetric shells in asymptotically AdSD spacetimes. We analyze an exclusive amplitude where a single spherically symmetric shell goes in and a single one comes out, such that the two have different global symmetry charges of the effective gravity theory. We study a simple wormhole configuration that computes the square of the amplitude and analyze its properties.
Pflegende Angehörige in Deutschland: Vereinbarkeit von Pflege und Erwerbstätigkeit
Authors: Kuhlmey Adelheid , Budnick Andrea
Published: April 2023

Angehörige sind die tragende Säule der pflegerischen Versorgung in Deutschland. Knapp ein Viertel der Erwachsenen kennt eine hilfe- oder pflegebedürftige Person. Für immer mehr Menschen, unter ihnen mehrheitlich Frauen, wird die pflegerische Versorgung einer hilfebedürftigen Person zur alltäglichen Aufgabe. Diese Anforderung muss oft mit beruflichen Verpflichtungen und/oder der Erziehung minderjähriger Kinder vereinbart werden. Nicht nur in dieser „Sandwichposition“ vernachlässigen häuslich Pflegende eigene Lebensbereiche und gefährden ihre Gesundheit. Der narrative Übersichtsbeitrag fokussiert die Herausforderungen bei der Vereinbarkeit von häuslicher Pflege und Berufstätigkeit. Zudem wird die Bedeutung der Pflege durch Angehörige als relevantes Public-Health-Thema herausgearbeitet. Ein Spotlight wird auf die Versorgung pflegebedürftiger Kinder und die besonderen Ansprüche ihrer pflegenden Eltern gerichtet. Aktuelle Empfehlungen zur besseren Vereinbarkeit von Pflege und Beruf und zur Anerkennung der Sorgearbeit pflegender Angehöriger geben einen Ausblick auf Lösungsstrategien, die aus der Wissenschaft kommen und von der Politik aufgegriffen werden sollten.
Discrete adjoint for coupled conjugate heat transfer
Authors: Imam-Lawal Oluwadamilare , Verstraete Tom , Müller Jens-Dominik
Published: April 2023

The typical method to solve multi-physics problems such as Conjugate Heat Transfer (CHT) is the partitioned approach which couples separate solvers through boundary conditions. Effective gradient-based optimisation of partitioned CHT problems requires the adjoint of the coupling to maintain the efficiency of the original multi-physics coupling, which is a significant challenge. The use of automatic differentiation (AD) has the potential to ease this burden and leads to generic gradient computation methods. In this paper, we present how to automate the generation of adjoint fluid and solid solvers for a CHT adjoint using Automatic Differentiation (AD). The derivation of the adjoint of the loose coupling algorithms is shown for three fixed-point coupling algorithms. Application of the coupled adjoint algorithm is shown to two CHT optimisation benchmark cases for inverse design and shape optimisation. The results demonstrate that Robin-based coupling algorithms have faster runtimes and are an attractive option for CHT optimisation problems.
Simultaneous densification and improvement of cold spray additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4 V properties via electro-plastic treatment
Authors: Khalik Mohammed Abdul , Zahiri Saden H. , Masood Syed H. , Gulizia Stefan , Faizan-Ur-Rab M. , Palanisamy Suresh
Published: April 2023

Large-scale industrial application of additively manufactured (AM) components in general, and specifically cold sprayed additive manufactured (CSAM), is limited due to the nature of this technology and the resulting product’s porosity and embrittlement. To improve the final properties of additively manufactured material, many lengthy, complex, or expensive post-treatments have been proposed. Reducing the environmental impact, cost, and time required for additive manufacturing will allow for greater use in industrial applications. A novel thermomechanical treatment known as in situ electro-plastic treatment (ISEPT) is used in this study to treat CSAM Ti-6Al-4 V alloy known as grade 5 titanium. The Ti-6Al-4 V alloy has approximately three times the strength and hardness of commercial purity titanium (CP-Ti) with lower ductility and a dual-phase (α + β) microstructure that poses challenges during the CSAM process. Compared to CP-Ti, the results showed that CSAM Ti-6Al-4 V presented double the porosity and triple the number of ISEPT passes that presented ~ 2 µm ultra-fine grain microstructure. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the ISEPT material was superior to that of CSAM Ti-6Al-4 V and increased from 184 to 1096 MPa with improved ductility rise from 1.1 up to 8.8%. Six ISEPT passes in air resulted in a slight increase in oxygen from 0.2% in the as-CSAM condition to 0.35%. Tensile properties of the ISEPT material were comparable to wrought Ti-6Al-4 V with 989 MPa UTS and 8.3% elongation. The ISEPT passes consolidated the CSAM (α + β) dual-phase Ti-6Al-4 V and allowed for the nucleation of equiaxed grains at the vicinity of former CSAM splat boundaries. The formation of lamellar colonies within the splat’s inner regions was observed. The role of ISEPT conditions on the rapid elimination of porosity and the evolution of cold spray splat boundaries via dynamic recrystallization were discussed.
Healthcare utilization, quality of life, and work productivity associated with primary hyperoxaluria: a cross-sectional web-based US survey
Authors: Goldfarb David S. , Modersitzki Frank , Karafilidis John , Li-McLeod Josephine
Published: April 2023

Primary hyperoxaluria (PH) is a family of ultra-rare, autosomal recessive, metabolic disorders associated with frequent kidney stones, chronic kidney disease and kidney failure, and serious complications due to systemic oxalosis, resulting in significant morbidity. We investigated the burden of PH among affected patients and caregivers. This cross-sectional, web-based survey was used to quantify the burden of PH, in terms of healthcare resource utilization, health-related quality of life, and work productivity and activity impairment among adults (≥ 18 years) with PH and caregivers of children (≤ 17 years) with PH in the US. Among the 20 respondents, there were 7 adults with PH and 13 caregivers of children with PH. Adherence to hyperhydration was noted as the most, or one of the most, difficult aspects of PH by 56% of respondents. Most patients (95%) had experienced painful kidney stone events, one-third had visited the emergency room, and 29% were hospitalized for complications due to PH. Of the 24% of patients on dialysis, all found the procedure burdensome. Adult patients’ quality of life was negatively affected across several domains. Most respondents (81%) reported that PH had a negative effect on their finances. Employed adult patients and caregivers, and children with PH, had moderate impairment in work productivity, school attendance, and activity. Anxiety about future PH-related sequelae was moderate to high. These findings highlight the need for improvements in PH medical management. A plain language summary is available in the supplementary information.
Venous thromboembolism is rare after total hip and knee joint arthroplasty with long thromboprophylaxis in Finnish fast-track hospitals
Authors: Moisander Annette M. , Pamilo Konsta , Eskelinen Antti , Huopio Jukka , Kautiainen Hannu , Kuitunen Anne , Paloneva Juha
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Pharmacological thromboprophylaxis effectively prevents venous thromboembolism (VTE) after total knee (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA). Less is known about the influence of fast-track arthroplasty on VTE risk. We conducted a register-based study to determine the incidence of VTE after fast-track TKA and THA in Finland using long thromboprophylaxis.

Materials and methods

All primary TKAs and THAs operated during 2015–2016 in 3 fast-track hospitals were identified from the Finnish Arthroplasty Register. Pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) diagnosed in this patient cohort within 90 days of surgery were identified from the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register. The recommended length of thromboprophylaxis was 10 to 14 days for TKA and 28 days for THA during study period.

Results

During the study period, 3 831 THAs, 4 394 TKAs and 286 bilateral TKAs (BTKAs) were performed. Of all these patients, 60% were females. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) incidence within 90 days of surgery was 0.3% (95% CI 0.2–0.4). These VTEs comprised 10 PEs and 15 DVTs. None of the VTE patients´ died within the 90-day period.

Conclusion

VTE incidence is low in Finnish fast-track TKA and THA patients with long thromboprophylaxis.
Validation of an instrument to measure community capacity building for prevention
Authors: Röding Dominik , Birgel Vera , Walter Ulla
Published: April 2023

Aim

In Germany, the CTC-EFF (Effectiveness of the Community Prevention System Communities That Care) study, a replication study of the US Community Youth Development Study (CYDS), was rolled out in 2021. This article aims to examine the validity of a translated and adapted version of an instrument that measures five constructs of community capacity for prevention.

Subject and methods

Twenty-two a priori-matched intervention and comparison communities participated in the study. Two to ten community key informants (n = 182) were interviewed for each community. Exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were conducted to assess structural validity. Reliability was assessed at the individual level using McDonald’s omega and at the community level using a generalizability coefficient (GC). Inter-rater agreement was measured using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Concurrent construct validity was assessed using bivariate correlations and mean comparisons.

Results

CFA showed good model fit (CFI = 0.964) for the hypothesized five constructs model. Reliability analyses showed good internal consistency at the individual level (omega = 0.86–0.87) and insufficient to moderate reliability at the community level (CG = 0.00–0.62). Inter-rater agreement ranged from insufficient to substantial (ICC = 0.02–0.32). Consistent with theory, three constructs correlated positively at the individual and community level (r = 0.24–0.42). There are no associations between these constructs and interviewer ratings about the respondents’ cooperativeness, trustworthiness, and understanding.

Conclusion

Three of the five constructs were measured with good validity. Two constructs show insufficient reliability. These will be revised until the next CTC-EFF data collection wave. Further validation is indicated.

Trial registration

This study was registered with the German Clinical Trial Register, no. DRKS00022819, on August 18, 2021.
Deep learning modelling techniques: current progress, applications, advantages, and challenges
Authors: Ahmed Shams Forruque , Alam Md. Sakib Bin , Hassan Maruf , Rozbu Mahtabin Rodela , Ishtiak Taoseef , Rafa Nazifa , Mofijur M. , Shawkat Ali A. B. M. , Gandomi Amir H.
Published: April 2023

Deep learning (DL) is revolutionizing evidence-based decision-making techniques that can be applied across various sectors. Specifically, it possesses the ability to utilize two or more levels of non-linear feature transformation of the given data via representation learning in order to overcome limitations posed by large datasets. As a multidisciplinary field that is still in its nascent phase, articles that survey DL architectures encompassing the full scope of the field are rather limited. Thus, this paper comprehensively reviews the state-of-art DL modelling techniques and provides insights into their advantages and challenges. It was found that many of the models exhibit a highly domain-specific efficiency and could be trained by two or more methods. However, training DL models can be very time-consuming, expensive, and requires huge samples for better accuracy. Since DL is also susceptible to deception and misclassification and tends to get stuck on local minima, improved optimization of parameters is required to create more robust models. Regardless, DL has already been leading to groundbreaking results in the healthcare, education, security, commercial, industrial, as well as government sectors. Some models, like the convolutional neural network (CNN), generative adversarial networks (GAN), recurrent neural network (RNN), recursive neural networks, and autoencoders, are frequently used, while the potential of other models remains widely unexplored. Pertinently, hybrid conventional DL architectures have the capacity to overcome the challenges experienced by conventional models. Considering that capsule architectures may dominate future DL models, this work aimed to compile information for stakeholders involved in the development and use of DL models in the contemporary world.
Twenty years of capacity building across the cancer prevention and control research network
Authors: Wangen Mary , Escoffery Cam , Fernandez Maria E. , Friedman Daniela B. , Hannon Peggy , Ko Linda K. , Maxwell Annette E. , Petagna Courtney , Risendal Betsy , Rohweder Catherine , Leeman Jennifer
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To improve population health, community members need capacity (i.e., knowledge, skills, and tools) to select and implement evidence-based interventions (EBIs) to fit the needs of their local settings. Since 2002, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has funded the national Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (CPCRN) to accelerate the implementation of cancer prevention and control EBIs in communities. The CPCRN has developed multiple strategies to build community members’ capacity to implement EBIs. This paper describes the history of CPCRN’s experience developing and lessons learned through the use of five capacity-building strategies: (1) mini-grant programs, (2) training, (3) online tools, (4) evidence academies, and (5) evaluation support for partners’ capacity-building initiatives.

Methods

We conducted a narrative review of peer-reviewed publications and grey literature reports on CPCRN capacity-building activities. Guided by the Interactive Systems Framework, we developed histories, case studies, and lessons learned for each strategy. Lessons were organized into themes.

Results

Three themes emerged: the importance of (1) community-engagement prior to and during implementation of capacity-building strategies, (2) establishing and sustaining partnerships, and (3) co-learning at the levels of centers, networks, and beyond.

Conclusion

CPCRN activities have increased the ability of community organizations to compete for external funds to support implementation, increased the use of evidence in real-world settings, and promoted the broad-scale implementation of cancer control interventions across more than eight states. Lessons from this narrative review highlight the value of long-term thematic networks and provide useful guidance to other research networks and future capacity-building efforts.
Historical cultivars of Allium cepa L. (Aggregatum-Group) introduced to Sweden 1830–1860
Authors: De Vahl Erik
Published: April 2023

This study presents the plant material of A. cepa L. Aggregatum-Group introduced and spread in Sweden between 1830 and 1860. The plant material exemplifies different principles regarding the denominations and shows the range of cultons available in the north of Europe by the time, but also examples of domestic local cultivars. It is essential to deepen the knowledge of the plant material and the name use connected to cultons spread in the nineteenth century. Historical records of old growing systems and propagation methods add valuable insights of the preservation values tied to the genetic diversity of the gene pool for future breeding. Differing practices and principles for distinguishing between potato onions, shallots and onions in European countries have sometimes made it difficult to understand historical records. The results of this study shows that shallot and potato onions, later mainly vegetatively propagated, were already in the nineteenth century occasionally propagated and spread by true seed in Europe. In addition, a Russian growing system with a true seed generation was found in literature. The article concludes that knowledge of older cultivation systems and introduction history deepens the link between the cultural-historical and the biological conservation values of plant material in long time preservation. Gene bank accessions may not only be valuable in breeding but also utilized and preserved as part of a biological or green heritage.
National or local infodemic? The demand for news in Italy during COVID-19
Authors: Castriota Stefano , Delmastro Marco , Tonin Mirco
Published: April 2023

Information can have an important impact on health behavior and, according to the World Health Organization, an ‘infodemic’ has accompanied the current pandemic. Observing TV news viewership in Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic using actual consumption data, we investigate whether demand for national and local news depends on national or local epidemiological developments, as measured by the number of new positives or the number of current positives on any given day. Exploiting the fact that the impact of the pandemic displays a great deal of variation among the different regions, we find that at the regional level, demand for both national and local news responds to national epidemiological developments rather than to local ones. This has implications regarding the incentives for local politicians to take preventive action.
Microglia polarization in nociplastic pain: mechanisms and perspectives
Authors: Atta Ahd A. , Ibrahim Weam W. , Mohamed Ahmed F. , Abdelkader Noha F.
Published: April 2023

Nociplastic pain is the third classification of pain as described by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), in addition to the neuropathic and nociceptive pain classes. The main pathophysiological mechanism for developing nociplastic pain is central sensitization (CS) in which pain amplification and hypersensitivity occur. Fibromyalgia is the prototypical nociplastic pain disorder, characterized by allodynia and hyperalgesia. Much scientific data suggest that classical activation of microglia in the spinal cord mediates neuroinflammation which plays an essential role in developing CS. In this review article, we discuss the impact of microglia activation and M1/M2 polarization on developing neuroinflammation and nociplastic pain, besides the molecular mechanisms engaged in this process. In addition, we mention the impact of microglial modulators on M1/M2 microglial polarization that offers a novel therapeutic alternative for the management of nociplastic pain disorders.

Graphical abstract

Illustrating the mechanisms underlying microglia activation in central sensitization and nociplastic pain. LPS lipopolysaccharide, TNF-α tumor necrosis factor-α, INF-γ Interferon gamma, ATP adenosine triphosphate, 49 P2Y12/13R purinergic P2Y 12/13 receptor, P2X4/7R purinergic P2X 4/7 receptor, SP Substance P, NK-1R Neurokinin 1 receptor, CCL2 CC motif ligand 2, CCR2 CC motif ligand 2 receptor, CSF-1 colony-stimulating factor 1, CSF-1R colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor, CX3CL1 CX3C motif ligand 1, CX3XR1 CX3C motif ligand 1 receptor, TLR toll-like receptor, MAPK mitogen-activated protein kinases, JNK jun N-terminal kinase, ERK extracellular signal-regulated kinase, iNOS Inducible nitric oxide synthase, IL-1β interleukin-1β, IL-6 interleukin-6, BDNF brain-derived neurotrophic factor, GABA γ-Aminobutyric acid, GABAR γ-Aminobutyric acid receptor, NMDAR N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, AMPAR α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropi-onic acid receptor, IL-4 interleukin-4, IL-13 interleukin-13, IL-10 interleukin-10, Arg-1 Arginase 1, FGF fibroblast growth factor, GDNF glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor, IGF-1 insulin-like growth factor-1, NGF nerve growth factor, CD Cluster of differentiation.
Saved by seaweeds (II): Traditional knowledge, home remedies, medicine, surgery, and pharmacopoeia
Authors: Pérez-Lloréns J. L. , Critchley A. T. , Cornish M. L. , Mouritsen O. G.
Published: April 2023

Humankind has known the benefits of seaweeds since time immemorial. A number of these applications were likely passed down in the oral histories particularly of coastal dwellers and those using different seaweeds as food and treatments for common ailments. The beneficial use of many types of seaweeds was reported and recorded into some of the first written medical texts. The common benefits of these seaweed concoctions and applications seems to be linked to the presence of hydrocolloids and the various bioactive compounds. We believe this collation brings together, for the first time to our knowledge, a number of excerpts from major medical publications and esteemed writers of the day. It provides a rich background supporting the positive applications of various seaweeds to a multitude of human ailments, from skin to bowel, inside and out and many of the places in between!
MULTIPLIERS OF THE TRIGONOMETRIC SYSTEM
Authors: Kazarian K. S.
Published: April 2023

We study the system $$\begin{aligned} \{\overline{L(t)}e^{i nt}\}_{n=-\infty }^{-1} \cup \{ M(t) e^{i nt}\}_{n=0}^{\infty }, \end{aligned}$$

{

L
(
t
)

¯

e

int

}

n
=
-
∞

-
1

∪

{
M

(
t
)

e

int

}

n
=
0

∞

,

where L and M are boundary values of some outer functions defined in the unit disc. Necessary and sufficient conditions on functions L and M are found so that the system is a Schauder basis in $$L^{p}(\mathbb {T}),$$

L
p

(
T
)

,

$$1< p < \infty$$

1
<
p
<
∞

.
A redundantly actuated 2-DOF 3RRR PKM with flexure joints: less is more
Authors: Berendsen Dustin , Sridhar Aditya , Aarts Ronald
Published: April 2023

The development of a planar manipulator with flexure joints and redundant actuation has been considered before, showing that the redundancy can be exploited to increase the support stiffness and to reduce static actuator loads. In this previous design the manipulator’s workspace has been defined to encompass all kinematically accessible end effector positions. In the current paper we reconsider the design philosophy. It will be shown that limiting the workspace (“less”) ultimately results in a better performance in a larger area (“more”).

The dynamic performance of the manipulator is evaluated with a flexible multibody model. The links can safely be considered as rigid parts, but the model has to account for the nonlinear stiffness behaviour of the flexure joints undergoing relatively large deflections. The nonlinear spatial flexible beam elements implemented in the spacar software result in numerically efficient models that have proven to be well-suited for design optimisation. With such a flexible multibody model, the geometry of the manipulator is optimised to maximise the workspace area while assuring a minimal parasitic natural frequency and limiting the local stresses throughout the full workspace. Furthermore, the simulations show that preloading of the flexure joints results in reduced actuator torques that are needed to counteract the finite joint compliance for stationary positioning anywhere except for the equilibrium position of the end effector.

The optimised design has been build and validated experimentally. A control system that handles the actuator redundancy by minimising the 2-norm of the driving torques has been synthesised. It is demonstrated that the setup’s behaviour is similar to the model and that in particular the preloading significantly lowers the required actuator torques.