bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective activations and functional connectivities to the sight of faces, scenes, body parts and tools in visual and non-visual cortical regions leading to the human hippocampus
Authors: Rolls Edmund T. , Feng Jianfeng , Zhang Ruohan
Published: June 2024

Connectivity maps are now available for the 360 cortical regions in the Human Connectome Project Multimodal Parcellation atlas. Here we add function to these maps by measuring selective fMRI activations and functional connectivity increases to stationary visual stimuli of faces, scenes, body parts and tools from 956 HCP participants. Faces activate regions in the ventrolateral visual cortical stream (FFC), in the superior temporal sulcus (STS) visual stream for face and head motion; and inferior parietal visual (PGi) and somatosensory (PF) regions. Scenes activate ventromedial visual stream VMV and PHA regions in the parahippocampal scene area; medial (7m) and lateral parietal (PGp) regions; and the reward-related medial orbitofrontal cortex. Body parts activate the inferior temporal cortex object regions (TE1p, TE2p); but also visual motion regions (MT, MST, FST); and the inferior parietal visual (PGi, PGs) and somatosensory (PF) regions; and the unpleasant-related lateral orbitofrontal cortex. Tools activate an intermediate ventral stream area (VMV3, VVC, PHA3); visual motion regions (FST); somatosensory (1, 2); and auditory (A4, A5) cortical regions. The findings add function to cortical connectivity maps; and show how stationary visual stimuli activate other cortical regions related to their associations, including visual motion, somatosensory, auditory, semantic, and orbitofrontal cortex value-related, regions.
Pneumococcal carriage and serotype distribution in children with nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Erem Tugba , Tufan Asli Kavaz , Kilic Omer , Yilmaz Aysun Caltik , Kara Yalcın , Kizil Mahmut Can , Dinleyici Meltem , Cetin Nuran , Kaya Mucahit , Dinleyici Ener Cagri
Published: June 2024

Background

Patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS) are at a higher risk of developing invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). Pneumococcal carriage studies are helpful tools for detecting potentially infectious serotypes and guiding immunization efforts. Pneumococcal nasopharyngeal colonization is common, and IPD can easily occur in an immunosuppressed state. Limited information is available regarding the frequency of pneumococcal carriage in individuals with NS. The aim of this study was to evaluate pneumococcal carriage and serotype distribution in children with NS.

Methods

Pneumococcal carriage was detected by real-time PCR assays from nasopharyngeal swab samples from 98 children with NS, and 100 healthy controls. Isolates were serotyped by real-time PCR.

Results

The pneumococcal carriage rate was 44.9% in children with NS. Regarding the recommendation about pneumococcal immunization in children with NS, the vaccination rate was low. Also, non-PCV13 serotypes have been detected in at least 25% of PCV13-vaccinated children. There is no statistically significant difference in total pneumococcal carriage rate, PCV13 serotype carriage rate, or non-PCV13 serotype carriage rate between children with NS and healthy controls (p > 0.05 for all).

Conclusions

The pneumococcal carriage rate was similar between children with NS and healthy controls. However, because children with NS have an increased risk for IPD, the serotype distribution of children with NS can demonstrate the improved protection offered by new pneumococcal vaccines. Regular monitoring for IPD is crucial for assessing the evolving sero-epidemiology of pneumococcal infections and evaluating the effectiveness of vaccines for children with NS.

Graphical Abstract
NMR Spectroscopy as an Alternative Analytical Method for Biopolymers Without Chromophore: Example of Hyaluronic Acid in Dietary Supplements
Authors: Lang Fabienne M. , Adels Klaudia , Diehl Bernd W. K. , Schulze Margit , Monakhova Yulia B.
Published: June 2024

To respond to the increasing demand for hyaluronic acid (HA) in dietary supplements (DSs) and nutricosmetics marketed for the treatment of osteoarthritis or moistening, it is essential to have an accurate and reliable method for its analysis in the final products. The study aimed to develop and validate alternative method for the quality control of HA in DSs using low-field (LF) and high-field (HF) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy at 80 MHz and 600 MHz, respectively. Moreover, chondroitin sulphate (CH), another active ingredient in DSs, can be simultaneously quantified. The 1H-NMR methods have been successfully validated in terms of limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ), which were found to be 0.1 mg/mL and 0.2 mg/mL (80 MHz) as well as 0.2 mg/mL and 0.6 mg/mL (600 MHz). Recovery rates were estimated to be between 92 and 120% on both spectrometers; precision including sample preparation was found to be 4.2% and 8.0% for 600 MHz and 80 MHz, respectively. Quantitative results obtained by HF and LF NMR were comparable for 16 DSs with varying matrix. HF NMR experiments at 70 ℃ serve as a simple and efficient quality control tool for HA and CH in multicomponent DSs. Benchtop NMR measurements, upon preceding acid hydrolysis, offer a cost-effective and cryogen-free alternative for analyzing DSs in the absence of CH and paramagnetic matrix components.
Stratified ocean gyres with Stuart-type vortices
Authors: Ding Qixing , Roberti Luigi
Published: June 2024

In the setting of the thin-shell approximation of the Euler equations in spherical coordinates for oceanic flows with variable density on the spinning Earth, we study a vorticity equation for a pseudo stream function $$\psi $$
ψ
, whereby the assumption of incompressibility allows us to express the density as a function of $$\psi $$
ψ
. Via an elliptic comparison argument, we show that, under certain assumptions, the (explicit) solution in the case of zero rate of rotation (i.e., on a fixed sphere) in a bounded region with smooth boundary contained either in the Northern or in the Southern Hemisphere is an approximation, in a suitable sense, of the corresponding solution of the equation with positive rate of rotation in the same region. This provides new insight into the dynamics of ocean gyres.
Insights into coeliac disease diagnosis: a 2021–2023 overview of diagnostic approach and delays in children in Slovenia
Authors: Rižnik Petra , Kamhi Trop Tina , Klemenak Martina , Krenčnik Tomaž , Milanič-Koron Tanja , Miler Mojškerc Eva , Pavlin Tatjana , Požek Šavs Tina , Zupančič Janez , Dolinšek Jernej
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Over the past decade, the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) proposed the option of diagnosing coeliac disease (CD) in children without duodenal biopsy. The aim of our study was to assess the diagnostic approach in newly diagnosed children with CD in Slovenia.

Methods

In this prospective study, Slovenian paediatric gastroenterologists were invited to provide medical records of children under 19 years diagnosed with CD from March 2021 to October 2023. The analysis focused on tissue transglutaminase antibody (TGA) levels at diagnosis, diagnostic approach, adherence to ESPGHAN CD guidelines and diagnostic delays.

Results

Data from 160 newly diagnosed CD patients (61.9% female; median age 8 years; 16.9% asymptomatic) were available for the analysis. No-biopsy approach was used in 65% (N = 104) of children and the majority (N = 101) fulfilled all the criteria for the no-biopsy approach. Of 56 children diagnosed using duodenal biopsy, a further 10 (17.8%) would have also been eligible for the no-biopsy approach based on the very high levels of TGA. Median diagnostic delay from first symptoms to confirmation of diagnosis was 6 months (min 0 months, max 87 months). Use of the no-biopsy approach has risen significantly since 2016 (37.8% vs. 65.0%; p = 0.001) and diagnostic delays have shortened (6 vs. 7 months; p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This prospective study highlights the frequent use of a no-biopsy approach for diagnosing CD in children in Slovenia, showing large adherence to ESPGHAN guidelines. Also, diagnostic delays have shortened over recent years, likely due to various awareness-raising projects on CD conducted during this period.
Einfluss aktivitätsbezogener und krankheitsspezifischer Selbstwirksamkeit auf das körperliche Aktivitätsverhalten von pneumologischen Patient:innen
Authors: Müller Katrin , Schlesinger Torsten , Wagner Petra
Published: June 2024

Hintergrund

Die Umsetzung und Aufrechterhaltung körperlicher Aktivitäten ist im nachhaltigen Krankheitsmanagement von pneumologischen Patient:innen sehr bedeutend. Psychosoziale Ressourcen wie das Konstrukt der Selbstwirksamkeit sind mit dem individuellen Aktivitätsverhalten assoziiert.

Ziel

Die vorliegende Studie untersucht den Einfluss von bereichsspezifischer Selbstwirksamkeit auf den Aktivitätsumfang sowie den Umgang mit Schwierigkeiten bei der Aktivitätsumsetzung unter Beachtung der Erkrankungsschwere und des Alters.

Methodik

Es wurden 184 Patient:innen (m = 176, Alter: M [Mittelwert] = 69,13 Jahre, FEV1 [exspiratorische Einsekundenkapazität] = 2,03 l) mit pneumologischen Berufskrankheiten zu Beginn einer stationären Rehabilitation in eine Querschnittsstudie eingeschlossen. Neben der Erkrankungsschwere wurden Daten zum Aktivitätsumfang, zum Umgang mit Schwierigkeiten bei der Aktivitätsumsetzung sowie zur krankheitsspezifischen und aktivitätsbezogenen Selbstwirksamkeit erhoben. Zusammenhänge wurden mittels Korrelationsanalysen nach Spearman und multiplen Regressionsanalysen erfasst.

Ergebnisse

Die Patient:innen sind im Durchschnitt 5125,18 Schritte pro Tag gegangen. In den multiplen Regressionsanalysen zeigte sich, dass neben der Erkrankungsschwere die aktivitätsbezogene Selbstwirksamkeit (β = 0,229, p < 0,01) den Aktivitätsumfang der Patient:innen signifikant beeinflusst (F (5,173) = 12,664, p < 0,001, R2adj = 0,247). Für den Umgang mit Schwierigkeiten bei der Aktivitätsumsetzung (F (5,173) = 30,445, p < 0,001; R2adj = 0,353) wurden neben der Erkrankungsschwere sowohl die aktivitätsbezogene (β = 0,246, p < 0,001) als auch die krankheitsspezifische Selbstwirksamkeit (β = 0,316, p < 0,001) als beeinflussende Faktoren nachgewiesen.

Schlussfolgerung

Aufgrund der dargestellten Zusammenhänge der aktivitätsbezogenen und krankheitsspezifischen Selbstwirksamkeit mit dem Aktivitätsverhalten bei Patient:innen mit pneumologischen Erkrankungen ist bei der zukünftigen Konzeption von verhaltensorientierten Bewegungsinterventionen die Stärkung dieser personalen Ressource zu berücksichtigen.

Studienregistrierung

Die Studie ist im Deutschen Register für klinische Studien (DRKS00010777) registriert.
Injury Risk Predictions in Lunar Terrain Vehicle (LTV) Extravehicular Activities (EVAs): A Pilot Study
Authors: Poveda Luis , Devane Karan , Lalwala Mitesh , Gayzik F. Scott , Stitzel Joel D. , Weaver Ashley A.
Published: June 2024

Extravehicular activities will play a crucial role in lunar exploration on upcoming Artemis missions and may involve astronauts operating a lunar terrain vehicle (LTV) in a standing posture. This study assessed kinematic response and injury risks using an active muscle human body model (HBM) restrained in an upright posture on the LTV by simulating dynamic acceleration pulses related to lunar surface irregularities. Linear accelerations and rotational displacements of 5 lunar obstacles (3 craters; 2 rocks) over 5 slope inclinations were applied across 25 simulations. All body injury metrics were below NASA’s injury tolerance limits, but compressive forces were highest in the lumbar (250–550N lumbar, tolerance: 5300N) and lower extremity (190–700N tibia, tolerance: 1350N) regions. There was a strong association between the magnitudes of body injury metrics and LTV resultant linear acceleration (ρ = 0.70–0.81). There was substantial upper body motion, with maximum forward excursion reaching 375 mm for the head and 260 mm for the chest. Our findings suggest driving a lunar rover in an upright posture for these scenarios is a low severity impact presenting low body injury risks. Injury metrics increased along the load path, from the lower body (highest metrics) to the upper body (lowest metrics). While upper body injury metrics were low, increased body motion could potentially pose a risk of injury from flail and occupant interaction with the surrounding vehicle, suit, and restraint hardware.
Invasion away from roadsides was not driven by adaptation to grassland habitats in Dittrichia graveolens (stinkwort)
Authors: Melen Miranda K. , Snyder Emma D. , Fernandez Michael , Lopez Andrew , Lustenhouwer Nicky , Parker Ingrid M.
Published: June 2024

Invasive plants along transportation corridors can significantly threaten ecosystems and biodiversity if they spread beyond anthropogenic environments. Rapid evolution may increase the ability of invading plant populations to establish in resident plant communities over time, posing a challenge to invasion risk assessment. We tested for adaptive differentiation in Dittrichia graveolens (stinkwort), an invasive species of ruderal habitat in California that is increasingly spreading away from roadsides into more established vegetation. We collected seeds from eight pairs of vegetated sites and their nearest (presumed progenitor) roadside population. We assessed differentiation between populations in roadside and vegetated habitat for germination behavior and for response to competition in a greenhouse experiment. We also tested for increased performance in vegetated habitat with a grassland field experiment including a neighbor removal treatment. Germination rates were slightly reduced in seeds from vegetated sites, which may indicate lower seed viability. Otherwise, plants did not show consistent differences between the two habitat types. Competition strongly reduced performance of D. graveolens in both the greenhouse and in the field, but plants originating from vegetated sites did not show enhanced competitive ability. Our findings show no evidence of adaptive differentiation between D. graveolens populations from roadside and vegetated habitats to date, suggesting that invasiveness in grasslands has not been enhanced by rapid evolution in the 40 + years since this species was introduced to California. Evolutionary constraints or potentially high levels of gene flow at this small scale may limit adaptation to novel habitats along roadsides.
Beta-blocker use and breast cancer outcomes: a meta-analysis
Authors: Scott Oliver William , TinTin Sandar , Cavadino Alana , Elwood J. Mark
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Beta blockers (BBs) are commonly used cardiovascular medications, and their association with breast cancer outcomes has been examined in several previous observational studies and meta-analyses. In this study, an updated meta-analysis was undertaken to ascertain the association between BBs and both breast cancer death (BCD) and breast cancer recurrence (BCR).

Methods

Articles were sourced from various databases up until the 14th of August 2023. Effect estimates were pooled using the random effects model, and the Higgins I2 statistic was computed to ascertain heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses were conducted by the potential for immortal time bias (ITB), the exposure period (prediagnosis vs postdiagnosis), and type of BB (selective vs non-selective). Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger’s regression tests.

Results

Twenty-four studies were included. Pooled results showed that there was no statistically significant association between BB use and both BCD (19 studies, hazard ratio = 0.90, 95% CI 0.78–1.04) and BCR (16 studies, HR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.71–1.08). After removing studies with ITB, the associations were attenuated towards the null. There was no effect modification for either outcome when stratifying by the exposure period or type of BB. There was clear evidence of publication bias for both outcomes.

Conclusion

In this meta-analysis, we found no evidence of an association between BB use and both BCD and BCR. Removing studies with ITB attenuated the associations towards the null, but there was no effect modification by the exposure period or type of BB.
The microRNA Let-7 and its exosomal form: Epigenetic regulators of gynecological cancers
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhou Chundi , Zhu Yanping , Keshavarzi Maryam
Published: June 2024

Many types of gynecological cancer (GC) are often silent until they reach an advanced stage, and are therefore often diagnosed too late for effective treatment. Hence, there is a real need for more efficient diagnosis and treatment for patients with GC. During recent years, researchers have increasingly studied the impact of microRNAs cancer development, leading to a number of applications in detection and treatment. MicroRNAs are a particular group of tiny RNA molecules that regulate regular gene expression by affecting the translation process. The downregulation of numerous miRNAs has been observed in human malignancies. Let-7 is an example of a miRNA that controls cellular processes as well as signaling cascades to affect post-transcriptional gene expression. Recent research supports the hypothesis that enhancing let-7 expression in those cancers where it is downregulated may be a potential treatment option. Exosomes are tiny vesicles that move through body fluids and can include components like miRNAs (including let-7) that are important for communication between cells. Studies proved that exosomes are able to enhance tumor growth, angiogenesis, chemoresistance, metastasis, and immune evasion, thus suggesting their importance in GC management.

Graphical Abstract

Impact of let-7 on female malignancies and diseases of the female reproductive tract. Let-7 expression is dysregulated in a variety of gynaecological and obstetric disorders.
Australian news media portrayals of filicide: depictions of mental health and the flawed mother trope
Authors: Simington Amie Louise , Farmer Clare
Published: June 2024

In reporting cases of filicide, the news media often relies on dominant cultural discourses that situate offenders within expected gender roles. This stereotypical framing can influence public perception of offenders and amplify outdated gendered expectations. This paper examines the portrayal of male and female filicide offenders, with a focus on depictions of mental health and the ‘flawed mother’ trope. The study drew from a sample of 103 Australian news media articles published between 2004 and 2021. Qualitative media analysis was used to examine tone and content, and to explore the gendered cultural lens through which offenders can be portrayed. The study addresses a gap in the literature by focusing on filicide and news media in Australia. The findings largely confirm that news media coverage of filicide perpetuates key cultural norms and gendered expectations of parenthood. The ‘flawed mother’ narrative, depictions of mental health issues, and a focus on parenthood were prevalent for female offenders. For male offenders there was general disconnect with their role as a parent. The findings provide a valuable insight into differential news media coverage of male and female parents who kill their children.
A Generic Solution to the Sorites Paradox
Authors: Bobzien Susanne
Published: June 2024

This paper offers a generic revenge-proof solution to the Sorites paradox that is compatible with several philosophical approaches to vagueness, including epistemicism, supervaluationism, psychological contextualism and intuitionism. The solution is traditional in that it rejects the Sorites conditional and proposes a modally expressed weakened conditional instead. The modalities are defined by the first-order logic QS4M+FIN. (This logic is a modal companion to the intermediate logic QH+KF, which places the solution between intuitionistic and classical logic.) Borderlineness is introduced modally as usual. The solution is innovative in that its modal system brings out the semi-determinability of vagueness. Whether something is borderline and whether a predicate is vague or precise is only semi-determinable: higher-order vagueness is columnar. Finally, the solution is based entirely on two assumptions. (1) It rejects the Sorites conditional. (2) It maintains that if one specifies borderlineness in terms of the ‒suitably interpreted‒ modal logic QS4M+FIN, then one can explain why the Sorites appears paradoxical. From (1)+(2) it results that one can tell neither where exactly in a Sorites series the borderline zone starts and ends nor what its extension is. Accordingly, the solution is also called agnostic.
Carabid beetles in solar parks: assemblages under solar panels are severely impoverished compared to gaps between panel rows and edge areas
Authors: Zitzmann Felix , Stern Michael , Schmidt Magdalena , Schirmel Jens
Published: June 2024

Renewable energies are a major tool to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. Among renewables, solar parks are a key technology and their expansion will strongly increase in the future. Hence, there is a great need for research regarding their impact on biodiversity. In this study, we investigated the importance of three solar parks in northern Germany as habitat for carabid beetles. More specifically, we determined how habitat characteristics (temperature, vegetation structure), species richness, activity densities and carabid beetle assemblages vary between different locations within solar parks: areas under solar panels “UNDR”, gaps between panel rows “BTW” and areas at the edge of solar parks “EDGE”. We found that UNDR strongly differed from BTW/EDGE in terms of habitat conditions, species richness and activity densities of carabid beetles. UNDR mainly provided habitat for a species- and individual-poor subset of species already present in BTW/EDGE and made only a small contribution to the total species richness of the investigated solar parks. BTW and EDGE, on the other hand, differed only slightly. Thus, the narrow gaps between the panel rows were of similar importance as a habitat for carabid beetles as the edge areas. Overall, the investigated solar parks—and thus also the more species-rich areas EDGE and BTW—almost exclusively provided habitat for widespread and common non-threatened generalists, while species of conservation concern were extremely rare.

Implications for insect conservation

The low importance of UNDR for carabid beetles should be considered when assessing the biodiversity value of solar parks, since a large proportion of these facilities is covered with solar panels. Between panel rows and at the edge of solar parks, larger areas should be kept free from construction with solar panels in order to provide habitats for carabid beetles and other species groups. More research should be conducted on how to further improve solar parks for carabid beetles and overall biodiversity.
Lifestyle-Related Risk Factors and Primary Prevention Strategies for Cardiovascular Diseases in a Middle-Income Country: A Scoping Review and Implication for Future Research
Authors: Raman Pragashini , Sagadevan Yoganishalini , Dhanapalan Sornavalli , Fernandez Brandon J. , Tan Sheng Yew , Appalasamy Jamuna Rani , Ramadas Amutha
Published: June 2024

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in middle-income countries such as Malaysia. There is a significant gap in knowledge between cardiovascular disease-related risk assessments and interventions in the Malaysian population. In this scoping review, we have determined the status of cardiovascular research in Malaysia by prioritising lifestyle-related risk assessments and interventions. We searched five electronic databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, APA PsychINFO, Embase and Scopus) to identify relevant research articles that had been published. The Joanna Briggs Institute and the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews served as a guide for the scoping review. Study selection was made using the Covidence platform, screened, and extracted. Thirty-one studies were included in this review. Studies reviewed reported a significant positive association between physical inactivity, smoking, poor dietary patterns, working hours, clustering of lifestyle risk, and cardiovascular disease risk. Most interventions focused on physical activity and a multimodal lifestyle approach, significantly improving primary and secondary cardiovascular disease-related outcomes. The findings suggest improving lifestyle-related risk assessments and interventions to prevent cardiovascular diseases in this population. It is unclear if these outcomes can translate to higher effectiveness in preventing cardiovascular disease. Nevertheless, intervention using the multifaceted lifestyle approach can improve cardiovascular disease-related outcomes.
Affordances, phenomenology, pragmatism and the myth of the given
Authors: Wilkinson Taraneh , Chemero Anthony
Published: June 2024

This paper addresses a potential contradiction between the two primary philosophical traditions that inform Gibsonian ecological psychology: the phenomenological and pragmatist traditions. These two traditions exhibit potentially contradictory intuitions about the epistemic role of direct perception. This epistemic role of direct perception was famously problematized by Sellars’ critique of the myth of the given (1956; 1997), and we draw on it here to serve as a test case for the Gibsonian synthesis of phenomenology and pragmatism. While ecological psychology’s emphasis on the firstperson perspective of organisms shares in the legacy of the phenomenological tradition, it also tends to assume direct experience as a given, something basic and foundational to knowledge. Pragmatism, on the other hand, is generally suspicious of experience as a foundational given. We argue that Gibson’s successful synthesis of these two traditions is also what makes his theory of affordances less susceptible to the myth of the given than some phenomenological approaches to perception. Namely, on the Gibsonian account of perception is always part of an action-perception cycle that takes place in and through embodied action and therefore no one act of perception functions as an epistemic given
Constitutive expression of bZIP19 with the Zn sensor motif deleted in Arabidopsis leads to Zn-specific accumulation and no visible developmental penalty
Authors: Huizinga Sjors , Persson Daniel P. , Assunção Ana G. L.
Published: June 2024

Aims

The transcription factors bZIP19 and bZIP23 function as central regulators of the Zn deficiency response, and also as sensors of intracellular Zn concentration through their protein Zn-Sensor Motif (ZSM). While under Zn deficiency the target genes of bZIP19/23 are transcriptionally activated, under Zn sufficiency the binding of Zn2+ ions to the ZSM halts gene expression. Mutations, including deletions, in the ZSM affect the activity of bZIP19/23 and leads to a Zn-insensitive and constitutive activation of target gene expression. Here we investigated the effects of such deregulation of the Zn deficiency response on plant growth and Zn accumulation, and evaluate whether this deregulation influences Cd accumulation.

Methods

We analysed Arabidopsis lines constitutively expressing bZIP19 with the ZSM deleted and measured developmental traits and ionomics in soil-grown plants, comparing control and Cd-spiked soils.

Results

Results indicated that deletion of the ZSM, and the consequent deregulation of the Zn deficiency response, does not cause visible penalties in plant growth, development or reproduction. Compared with the wild-type, bZIP19-ZSM deletion increased Zn accumulation in leaves and seeds, and such an increase was mostly limited to Zn. In seeds, the increased Zn content appears distributed evenly throughout the embryo. Exposure of bZIP19-ZSM deletion to a low-level Cd contamination did not cause enhanced Cd accumulation, which is important given that Cd uptake is a concern in crop Zn biofortification. Finally, we verified that the bZIP19-ZSM deletion represents a gain-of-function dominant mutation.

Conclusion

Together, results support that modulation of F-bZIP transcription factor’s activity may be a promising avenue for Zn biofortification in crops.
What are the perspectives of patients with hand and wrist conditions, chronic pain, and patients recovering from stroke on the use of patient and outcome information in everyday care? A Mixed-Methods study
Authors: Arends Grada R. , Loos Nina L. , van Kooij Yara E. , Tabeau Kasia , de Ridder Willemijn A. , Selles Ruud W. , Veltkamp Joris ,   Outcome-Based Healthcare Research Group, Wouters Robbert M.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the patients’ perspectives on the use of patient- and outcome information tools in everyday care and to investigate which characteristics affect general understanding and perceived value of patient- and outcome information.

Methods

This mixed-methods study included surveys and interviews on understanding, experience, decision-support, and perceived value in patients with hand and wrist conditions and chronic pain. We synthesized our quantitative and qualitative findings using a triangulation protocol and identified factors independently associated with general understanding and perceived value of patient- and outcome information using hierarchical logistic regression.

Results

We included 3379 patients. The data triangulation indicated that patients understand the outcome information, they find it valuable, it supports decision-making, and it improves patient-clinician interaction. The following variables were independently associated with better general understanding: having more difficulty with questionnaires (standardized odds ratio 0.34 [95%-CI 031–0.38]), having a finger condition (0.72 [0.57–0.92]), longer follow-up (0.75 [0.61–0.91]), and undergoing surgical treatment (ref: non-surgical treatment, 1.33 [1.11–1.59]). For more general value, these were: having more difficulty with questionnaires (0.40 [0.36–0.44]), having a wrist condition (0.71 [0.54–0.92]), better hand function (1.12 [1.02–1.22]), and requiring help with questionnaires (1.65 [1.33–2.05]).

Conclusion

Patients value the use of patient- and outcome information tools in daily care and find it easy to understand. The factors associated with understanding and value can be targeted to personalized and value-based healthcare. We recommend using outcome information to improve patient independence, empowerment, and involvement in decision-making.
Foundational English literacy development in India: a randomised-control trial using phonics instruction and GraphoLearn
Authors: Bora Deepti , Patel Priyanka , Psyridou Maria , Ruotsalainen Jenni , Richardson Ulla , Torppa Minna
Published: June 2024

Foundational literacy is a key lever for achieving higher levels of learning and societal wellbeing. However, with an enrolment of over 250 million children in schools, India is currently challenged by learning deprivation. Growing uptake of English-medium education along with less-than-optimal English literacy instruction practices present an urgent need for improving classroom instruction. Further evidence is required on the efficacy of computer-assisted game-based learning and phonics instruction over the alphabet-spelling method in literacy learning. The current intervention study examined whether classroom phonics instruction combined with GraphoLearn, a computer-assisted reading tool, supports the English phonological awareness and reading skills better than phonics instruction alone. Participants were 6–7 year-old, Grade 2 students (N = 54) attending an English-medium public school in India. All students were non-native English speakers and received phonics instruction in their classroom for 35 min thrice a week. In addition, students were randomly allocated to play either GraphoLearn-Rime (n = 28) or a math control game (n = 26) for 15–20 min every day. Both the GraphoLearn-Rime and the math control group made significant improvement in English literacy skills over the period of intervention and the amount of exposure to phonics classroom instruction predicted gains in phonological awareness skills. The GraphoLearn-Rime group gained more than the math control group in the in-game measures. In the oral-and paper-based measures, both groups showed skill development, but the groups were not significantly different in the gains (d = .04 − .29). Overall, the study indicated the potential in the integrated approach and thus the need for more research on the effects of integrating classroom phonics instruction and GraphoLearn for supporting struggling readers of English.
Space of Challenges (SOC) Framework: Problems, Issues and Dilemmas in Sustainable Housing
Authors: Rosvall Max
Published: June 2024

In pursuit of global sustainable value creation, the conceptual ambiguity inherent in sustainability poses a challenge for goal-seeking problem-solvers. This paper addresses this challenge by introducing a typology for distinguishing among nine types of sustainability challenges that could be faced in systemic intervention. To navigate the complexity and vagueness inherent in sustainability, the Space of Challenges (SOC) is utilized as a tool for second-order systems thinking, grounded in the fundamentals of critical systems thinking. The paper aims to support system thinkers seeking to organise a systemic intervention for improved sustainability performance of systems. The support is developed to contribute to the alignment of sustainability challenges with suitable systems methodologies in multimethodological systemic interventions. A typology is proposed to differentiate sustainability challenges, and then integrated with the Cynefin sense-making framework to categorise challenges as simple, complicated or complex. The Space of Challenges framework is then applied to a case of sustainable housing in East Africa exploring alternative binders in block-based building, to highlight the differences among the nine types of proposed sustainability challenges.
Association of vitamin D and bisphenol A levels with cardiovascular risk in an elderly Italian population: results from the InCHIANTI study
Authors: Brandi Maria Luisa , Marini Francesca , Parri Simone , Bandinelli Stefania , Iantomasi Teresa , Giusti Francesca , Talluri Eleonora , Sini Giovanna , Nannipieri Fabrizio , Battaglia Santina , Tripepi Giovanni , Egan Colin Gerard , Ferrucci Luigi
Published: June 2024

Few studies have evaluated the association between circulating levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), and the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA), with risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease in elderly individuals. This was a cross-sectional study in a subgroup of elderly people from the InCHIANTI Biobank in Italy. We examined the association between circulating serum vitamin D metabolites, 1,25(OH)2D, 25(OH)D, and the endocrine disrupting agent BPA, with an arbitrary CV risk score and the European Society of Cardiology-based 10-year CV risk (SCORE2/SCORE2-OP) using univariate and multiple regression. In 299 individuals, blood samples were tested for serum values of 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)2D and urinary BPA levels. One hundred eighty individuals (60.2%) were deficient (< 20 ng/ml) in 25(OH)D. Levels of 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D were negatively correlated with CV risk score (p < 0.0001 for both) as well as SCORE2/SCORE2-OP (p < 0.0001 for both) while BPA levels were positively correlated with both CV risk scores (p < 0.0001 for both). In a logistic regression model, male gender (odds ratio; OR: 2.1, 95% CI:1.1–3.8, p = 0.022), obesity (OR:2.8, 95% CI:1.2–6.5, p = 0.016) and BPA levels ≥ 110 ng/dl (OR:20.9, 95% CI:9.4–46.8, p < 0.0001) were associated with deficient levels of 25(OH)D. 1,25(OH)2D levels < 41 ng/dl and 25(OH)D levels < 20 ng/ml were associated with CV risk score ≥ 3 (OR: 4.16, 95% CI: 2.32–7.4, p < 0.0001 and OR: 1.86, 95% CI: 1.02–3.39, p = 0.044) respectively and 1,25(OH)2D levels < 41 ng/dl were associated with SCORE2/SCORE2-OP of ≥ 20% (OR:2.98, 95% CI: 1.7–5.2, p = 0.0001). In this cross-sectional analysis, BPA exposure was associated with significantly reduced levels of vitamin D that in turn were significantly associated with increased CV risk.
Preparation of surgical meshes using self-regulating technology based on reaction-diffusion processes
Authors: Polyák Péter , Vadász Katalin Fodorné , Tátraaljai Dóra , Puskas Judit E.
Published: June 2024

While reaction-diffusion processes are utilized in multiple scientific fields, these phenomena have seen limited practical application in the polymer industry. Although self-regulating processes driven by parallel reaction and diffusion can lead to patterned structures, most polymeric products with repeating subunits are still prepared by methods that require complex and expensive instrumentation. A notable, high-added-value example is surgical mesh, which is often manufactured by weaving or knitting. In our present work, we demonstrate how the polymer and the biomedical industry can benefit from the pattern-forming capabilities of reaction-diffusion. We would like to propose a self-regulating method that facilitates the creation of surgical meshes from biocompatible polymers. Since the control of the process assumes a thorough understanding of the underlying phenomena, the theoretical background, as well as a mathematical model that can accurately describe the empirical data, is also introduced and explained. Our method offers the benefits of conventional techniques while introducing additional advantages not attainable with them. Most importantly, the method proposed in this paper enables the rapid creation of meshes with an average pore size that can be adjusted easily and tailored to fit the intended area of application.

Graphical abstract
Familien mit psychosozialen Belastungen identifizieren: psychometrische Eigenschaften und Nutzerakzeptanz eines neuen Screeninginstruments (PFAM-Screen) für die pädiatrische Praxis
Authors: Georg A. K. , Berning A. , Vidalón Blachowiak T. , Wiehmann J. , Al-Ameery-Brosche I. , Dierolf J. , Krämer J. , Kalmar J. , Baumann I. , Heger J. , Taubner S.
Published: June 2024

Hintergrund

Die Identifikation und Weitervermittlung psychosozial belasteter Familien stellt einen zentralen Aspekt der pädiatrischen Präventivmedizin dar. Ein kurzer Screeningbogen, der psychosoziale Belastungsfaktoren in der gesamten Spanne des Kindes- und Jugendalters erfasst, verspricht eine bestehende Lücke in der Versorgung von Familien zu schließen. Ziel der Studie war die psychometrische Prüfung des Screeningbogens (PFAM-Screen) zur Identifikation psychosozialer Belastungen in Familien und die Untersuchung dessen Anwendbarkeit in der Praxis.

Methode

Untersucht wurden N = 61 Familien in drei Ambulanzen des Universitätsklinikums Heidelberg und des Zentrums für Psychologische Psychotherapie Heidelberg. Die Anwendbarkeit des PFAM-Screens wurde bei N = 16 niedergelassenen Pädiater:innen untersucht.

Ergebnisse

Im Ergebnis konnte eine einfaktorielle Faktorenstruktur bestätigt werden. Die Interrater-Reliabilität ist gegeben (κ = 0,72). Explorative Analysen zeigten nicht signifikante positive Korrelationen zwischen dem PFAM-Screen und Fragebögen zur Erfassung von kindlichen Verhaltensauffälligkeiten (r(SFS) = 0,27; p = 0,145; r(CBCL) = 0,28; p = 0,117). Es stellte sich eine mehrheitlich positive Bewertung der Anwendbarkeit des Bogens in der pädiatrischen Praxis dar.

Diskussion und Schlussfolgerung

Der PFAM-Screen ist ein handhabbarer und reliabler Screeningbogen zur Früherkennung erhöhter psychosozialer Belastung im gesamten Altersbereich der Kindheit und Jugend, dessen Integration in die pädiatrische Präventivmedizin wünschenswert erscheint. Die Studie legt die Grundlage für zukünftige Forschung in größeren Stichproben zur prädiktiven Validität, Reliabilität und zum Nutzen hinsichtlich erfolgreicher Weitervermittlung.
Simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty—a survey of Irish orthopaedic surgeons’ practice
Authors: Doyle Tom R. , Davey Martin S. , Toale James P. , O’Driscoll Conor , Murphy Colin G.
Published: June 2024

Background

Bilateral total hip arthroplasty may be performed simultaneously (SIMTHA) or in two staged operations.

Aim

To assess attitudes towards and utilization of SIMTHA in Irish orthopaedic practice, and to assess patient and surgeon factors which are associated with the management of bilateral hip arthritis.

Methods

A 16-question electronic survey (Google Forms) was distributed via email to consultant Irish orthopaedic surgeons who perform total hip arthroplasty, followed by a reminder 1 month later. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

There were 53 responses from arthroplasty surgeons, with 28% reporting they never perform SIMTHA, 26% have performed ≤ 5 SIMTHA, and 46% do ≥ 1 SIMTHA per year. Amongst the 15 surgeons who do not do SIMTHA, 60% reported a preference for staged arthroplasty, 20% felt it was not feasible in their institution, and a third reported a lack of experience with SIMTHA. There was a significant association between not performing SIMTHA and years of consultant experience (p = 0.002). There were no institutional guidelines on eligibility criteria for SIMTHA. The most common time interval for staged bilateral arthroplasty was 6–12 weeks (60%). Overall, 56% of surgeons felt SIMTHA is underutilised in the Irish healthcare system; this was associated with greater SIMTHA volume (p = 0.023).

Conclusion

Half of the Irish arthroplasty surgeons report SIMTHA is a regular aspect of their practice. Performing SIMTHA is associated with greater arthroplasty volume, more recent consultant appointments, and a perception that the operation is underutilised.
Source apportionment of PM2.5 using DN-PMF in three megacities in South Korea
Authors: Cheong Yeonseung , Kim Taeyeon , Ryu Jiwon , Ryoo Ilhan , Park Jieun , Jeon Kwon-ho , Yi Seung-Muk , Hopke Philip K.
Published: June 2024

PM2.5 pollution is problematic in megacities on the western coast in South Korea (Seoul, Incheon, and Gwangju). As these megacities are located downwind of China, their air quality is easily affected by local and long-range transport sources. PM2.5 samples collected in Seoul (n = 222), Incheon (n = 221), and Gwangju (n = 224) from September 2020 to March 2022, were chemically characterized. Dispersion normalized positive matrix factorization was applied to these PM2.5 speciated data to provide source apportionments. Nine common sources (including secondary nitrate, secondary sulfate, biomass burning, mobile, and waste incinerator) were identified at all sites. The conditional bivariate probability function helped to identify each site’s local sources. Joint potential source contribution function analysis identified northeast China and Inner Mongolia as potential source areas of long-range transport pollutants affecting all sites. Forced lifestyle changes due to the pandemic such as limited gatherings while increased recreational activities may have caused different patterns on the biomass burning source. The constraints on old vehicles during the policy implementation periods likely reduced the mobile source contributions in cities that adopted the policy. Secondary nitrate accounted for 40% of the PM2.5 mass at all sites, implying a significant impact from NOX sources. While the current policy focuses primarily on controlling primary emission sources, it should include secondary sources as well which may include precursor emissions control. Healthier air quality would be achieved if the policy effects are not limited to local, but also to foreign sources in regions upwind of Korea by intergovernmental collaboration.
Enhanced Survival of 22–25 Week Preterm Infants After Proactive Care Implementation: A Comparative Analysis of Two Time Periods
Authors: Kim Sae Yun , Shin Jeongmin , Oh Moon Yeon , Youn Young-Ah
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To investigate the impact of proactive perinatal care on periviable preterm infants before and after its implementation.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted over a period of 10 y, from 2013 to 2019, referred to as Phase I, and from 2020 to 2022, referred to as Phase II. A total of 162 eligible infants born between 220/7 and 256/7 wk of gestation were included in this analysis.

Results

A total of 125 infants were born in phase I, and 37 infants in phase II received proactive care with minimal handling. The mortality decreased from 54.4% to 24.3% (P = 0.001). The composite outcomes of severe brain injury or death, sepsis or death and necrotizing enterocolitis or death were also improved with proactive care. Gestational age [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.900; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.836–0.970], air leak syndrome (aOR 4.958; 95% CI, 1.681–14.624), massive pulmonary hemorrhage (aOR 4.944; 95% CI, 2.055–11.893), and birth in phase II (aOR 0.324; 95% CI, 0.115–0.912) were independently associated with mortality.

Conclusions

The implementation of proactive care with minimal handling resulted in an increased survival rate and a reduction in the combined morbidities between the two time periods. The provision of proactive perinatal care with minimal handling is crucial for improving both the survival rates and clinical outcomes of these vulnerable infants.
Gut microbiota composition in recurrent acute otitis media: a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Florjan Andrej , Rupnik Maja , Mahnic Aleksander
Published: June 2024

Recurrent acute otitis media (rAOM) poses a significant challenge in children aged 1 to 6 years, characterized by frequent and treatment-resistant ear infections. While existing studies predominantly focus on alterations in the nasopharyngeal microbiome associated with rAOM, our research explores the understudied association with the gut microbiome. In this cross-sectional observational prospective study, we enrolled 35 children aged 1 to 6 years during the 2021/2022 cold season. The test group comprised children with rAOM (n = 16), and the control group consisted of generally healthy children (n = 19). Samples (stool and nasopharyngeal swabs) were collected in late spring to ensure an antibiotic-free period. Detailed metadata was gathered through a questionnaire examining factors potentially influencing microbiota. Microbiota composition was assessed through amplicon sequencing of the V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Our findings revealed limited alterations in gut microbiota composition among children with rAOM compared to healthy controls. Six bacterial taxa (Veillonella, Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Bacteroides and Blautia) were differentially represented with weak statistical significance. However, several bacterial taxa displayed correlations with multiple consecutive infections, with Turicibacter showing the most significant association. Additionally, day care centre attendance emerged as a potent gut microbiota modifier, independent of rAOM. Although our study identified limited differences in gut microbiota composition between children with rAOM and healthy controls, the observed correlations between the number of infections and specific bacterial taxa suggest a potential link between rAOM and the gut microbiota, warranting further investigation.