bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stefan Problem with Surface Tension: Uniqueness of Physical Solutions under Radial Symmetry
Authors: Guo Yucheng , Nadtochiy Sergey , Shkolnikov Mykhaylo
Published: September 2024

We study the Stefan problem with surface tension and radially symmetric initial data. In this context, the notion of a so-called physical solution, which exists globally despite the inherent blow-ups of the melting rate, has been recently introduced in [21]. The paper in hand is devoted to the proof that the physical solution is unique, the first such result when the free boundary is not flat, or when two phases are present. The main argument relies on a detailed analysis of the hitting probabilities for a three-dimensional Brownian motion, as well as on a novel convexity property of the free boundary obtained by comparison techniques. In the course of the proof, we establish a wide variety of regularity estimates for the free boundary and for the temperature function, of interest in their own right.
ChatGPT-3.5 im Hochschul-E-Assessment: Prüfungsleistung, akademische Integrität und zukünftige Bewertungsansätze
Authors: Moebert Tobias , Samoilova Evgenia , Wiepke Axel
Published: September 2024

Die Verwendung von künstlicher Intelligenz (KI) und insbesondere von Large Language Models (LLM) wie ChatGPT stellt eine Herausforderung und eine Chance für die Hochschullehre dar. Diese Studie untersucht, wie Studierende ohne Fachkenntnisse und LLM-Erfahrung, die ChatGPT‑3.5 nutzen, in Prüfungen im Vergleich zu Studierenden des Kurses abschneiden. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass ChatGPT‑3.5 in einigen Klausuren eine ähnliche oder bessere Leistung als die Studierenden erzielen kann, aber auch auf Schwierigkeiten und Grenzen stößt. Die Studie regt an, die Rolle von LLMs in der Hochschulbildung kritisch zu reflektieren und innovative Lehr- und Prüfungsansätze zu entwickeln, die die Potenziale von LLMs nutzen und ihren Missbrauch vermeiden.
Clinical outcomes of tocilizumab therapy in polyarticular and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a single-center analysis (2018-2022)
Authors: Gazda Agnieszka , Naishtetik Iryna , Kołodziejczyk Beata , Rybak Khrystyna , Mańczak Małgorzata , Wójtowicz Joanna , Krasowicz-Towalska Olga , Gietka Piotr
Published: September 2024

This single-center retrospective study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Tocilizumab (TOC) in children with polyarticular (pJIA) and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) who exhibited inadequate responses to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biological modifiers (bDMARDs). Conducted at the Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology, and Rehabilitation in Warsaw, Poland, between 2018 and 2022, the study enrolled 29 patients diagnosed with JIA based on International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) criteria. The cohort comprised 13 sJIA and 16 pJIA patients, aged 2-18 years, receiving TOC treatment for 24 months. Safety and efficacy assessments included analysis of medical documentation, laboratory tests (CRP, ESR, WBC), and Juvenile Disease Activity Score (JADAS) 71 at baseline, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-treatment initiation. Significant reductions in CRP and ESR levels were observed within three months, with sustained improvement in JADAS71 scores over the 24-month treatment period. A substantial majority, 73.07% of patients, achieved inactive disease status or low disease activity, highlighting T0C’s effectiveness. Adverse effects were manageable, predominantly involving mild to moderate infections, with no serious adverse events or instances of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). The study also noted a steroid-sparing effect of TOC, with a reduction in glucocorticoid usage among the cohort. Tocilizumab demonstrates substantial efficacy in reducing disease activity and improving clinical outcomes in patients with pJIA and sJIA, coupled with a favorable safety profile. These findings reinforce the role of TOC as a critical component of the therapeutic arsenal for JIA, offering hope for improved quality of life and disease management in this patient population.
Diagnostic performance of radiologists in distinguishing post-COVID-19 residual abnormalities from interstitial lung abnormalities
Authors: Lee Jong Eun , Lee Hyo-Jae , Park Gyeryeong , Chae Kum Ju , Jin Kwang Nam , Castañer Eva , Ghaye Benoit , Ko Jane P. , Prosch Helmut , Simpson Scott , Larici Anna Rita , Kanne Jeffrey P. , Frauenfelder Thomas , Jeong Yeon Joo , Yoon Soon Ho
Published: September 2024

Objective

Distinguishing post-COVID-19 residual abnormalities from interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) on CT can be challenging if clinical information is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of radiologists in distinguishing post-COVID-19 residual abnormalities from ILA.

Methods

This multi-reader, multi-case study included 60 age- and sex-matched subjects with chest CT scans. There were 40 cases of ILA (20 fibrotic and 20 non-fibrotic) and 20 cases of post-COVID-19 residual abnormalities. Fifteen radiologists from multiple nations with varying levels of experience independently rated suspicion scores on a 5-point scale to distinguish post-COVID-19 residual abnormalities from fibrotic ILA or non-fibrotic ILA. Interobserver agreement was assessed using the weighted κ value, and the scores of individual readers were compared with the consensus of all readers. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic performance of suspicion scores for distinguishing post-COVID-19 residual abnormalities from ILA and for differentiating post-COVID-19 residual abnormalities from both fibrotic and non-fibrotic ILA.

Results

Radiologists’ diagnostic performance for distinguishing post-COVID-19 residual abnormalities from ILA was good (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) range, 0.67–0.92; median AUC, 0.85) with moderate agreement (κ = 0.56). The diagnostic performance for distinguishing post-COVID-19 residual abnormalities from non-fibrotic ILA was lower than that from fibrotic ILA (median AUC = 0.89 vs. AUC = 0.80, p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Radiologists demonstrated good diagnostic performance and moderate agreement in distinguishing post-COVID-19 residual abnormalities from ILA, but careful attention is needed to avoid misdiagnosing them as non-fibrotic ILA.

Key Points

QuestionHow good are radiologists at differentiating interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) from changes related to COVID-19 infection?

FindingsRadiologists had a median AUC of 0.85 in distinguishing post-COVID-19 abnormalities from ILA with moderate agreement (κ = 0.56).

Clinical relevanceRadiologists showed good diagnostic performance and moderate agreement in distinguishing post-COVID-19 residual abnormalities from ILA; nonetheless, caution is needed in distinguishing residual abnormalities from non-fibrotic ILA.
From CAD to representations suitable for isogeometric analysis: a complete pipeline
Authors: Marsala Michelangelo , Mantzaflaris Angelos , Mourrain Bernard , Whyman Sam , Gammon Mark
Published: September 2024

Next generation CAD/CAE systems shall integrate design and analysis procedures as a means to simplify workflows, boost performance, and speed up time to market. In the present paper we demonstrate a proof of concept of such a unification using subdivision surfaces and the enabling technology of isogeometric analysis. In particular, we present a complete pipeline to convert CAD models into smooth $$G^1$$

G
1

spline representations, which are suitable for isogeometric analysis. Starting from a CAD boundary representation of a mechanical object, we perform an automatic control cage extraction by means of quadrangular faces, such that its limit Catmull-Clark subdivision surface approximates accurately the input model. We then compute a basis of the $$G^1$$

G
1

spline space over the quad mesh in order to carry out least squares fitting over a point cloud, acquired by sampling the original CAD geometry. The resulting surface is a collection of Bézier patches with $$G^1$$

G
1

regularity. Finally, we use the basis functions to perform isogeometric analysis simulations of realistic PDEs on the reconstructed $$G^1$$

G
1

model. The quality of the construction is demonstrated via several numerical examples performed on a collection of CAD objects presenting various challenging realistic shapes.
Incidence of infection rate for shunt implantation: the zero % rate is always a myth
Authors: Diallo Mamadou , Beuriat Pierre-Aurélien , Szathmari Alexandru , Di Rocco Federico , Fascia Pascal , Mottolese Carmine
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Paediatric CSF shunt infection rate remains a well-known complication that is not only responsible of potentially severe sequels for patients but also for economical expenses. In that study, we questioned if it is possible to attain the zero percent rate of infection that should be the goal of every paediatric neurosurgeon.

Methods

We report our series of patients treated with a CSF device from January the first 2016 to December 31 2018.

Results

In all 147 patients treated for hydrocephalus, the follow-up was of at least of 2 years from the implantation. Antibiotic-coated tubes were always used with a differential pressure valve system. A total of 172 surgical procedures were performed for 147 patients. In the follow-up time period, 4 patients presented a post-operative infection (2.3%). Two infections appeared early after the surgical procedure one after 24 h and the other after 6 days; the other two infections were diagnosed after 53 days and the other after 66 days. The germs responsible of the infections were a Staphylococcus capitals, an Escherichia coli, a Klebsiella pneumonia, and a Staphylococcus aureus.

Conclusions

Shunts will always be implanted especially in new-borns and for particular aetiologies of hydrocephalus. To reduce the rate of infection, the best thing to do is to adopt adapted protocols. Our low incidence of infection rate for shunts represent a long history to research preventive factors that helped us to improve our results during the time.
Curcumin promotes ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma via upregulation of ACSL4
Authors: Jiang Yulang , Hui Dengcheng , Pan Ziyang , Yu Yongxin , Liu Lu , Yu Xiaofan , Wu Chao , Sun Mingyu
Published: September 2024

Background

Ferroptosis, a novel iron-ion-dependent metabolic cell death mode with lipid peroxides as the main driving substrate, plays an irreplaceable role in the development and preventive treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Curcumin has potent pharmacological anti-tumor effects.

Aim of the study

We aimed to evaluate the ex vivo and in vivo cancer inhibitory activity of curcumin and its specific mechanism of action.

Materials and Methods

We used the hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines HepG2 and SMMC7721 to assess the direct inhibition of hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation by curcumin in vitro and a tumor xenograft model to evaluate the in vivo cancer inhibitory effect of curcumin.

Results

In this study, we found that ferroptosis’s inhibitors specifically reversed the curcumin-induced cell death pattern in HCC. After curcumin intervention, there was a substantial increase in MDA levels and iron ion levels, and a decrease in intracellular GSH levels. Meanwhile, the expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11 was significantly reduced at the protein levels, while ACSL4 and PTGS2 expression was significantly increased.

Conclusions

This study showed that curcumin significantly decreased the proliferation of HCC cells and significantly increased the sensitivity of ferroptosis. These results suggest that ACSL4 is a viable target for curcumin-induced ferroptosis in treating HCC.
Profinite groups with soluble centralisers
Authors: Shumyatsky Pavel , Thillaisundaram Anitha
Published: September 2024

We show that a profinite group, in which the centralisers of non-trivial elements are metabelian, is either virtually pro-p or virtually soluble of derived length at most 4. We furthermore show that a prosoluble group, in which the centralisers of non-trivial elements are soluble of bounded derived length, is either soluble or virtually pro-p.
The Study of Geographical Distribution in the Analysis of Domestication as an Evolutionary Process: Tensions in Alphonse de Candolle’s Approach
Authors: Álvarez-Tostado Miriam , Bueno-Hernández Alfredo , Barahona Ana , Juárez-Barrera Fabiola
Published: September 2024

Interest in the study of domesticated plants increased near the end of the 18th century, mainly because of their economic potential. In the 19th century, there was a new focus on the historical understanding of species, their origin, changes in their distribution, and their evolutionary history. Charles Darwin developed an extended interpretation of species domestication, considering variations, reproduction, inheritance, and modification as standard processes between wild and domesticated organisms. In this context, one relatively neglected aspect was the geographical distribution of domesticated species. Alphonse de Candolle addressed and developed in detail the question of the geographical origin of cultivated plants. Since 1836 Alphonse de Candolle had been studying the topic and obtained evidence that contributed to understanding aspects such as the center of origin, dispersion, competition, selection, and time of domestication. Although Darwin himself admitted that Géographie botanique raisonnée (de Candolle, Alphonse,de. Géographie botanique raisonnée; ou, exposition des faits principaux et des lois concernant la distribution géographique des plantes de l’epoque actuelle, 2ème tome. Paris: Masson.) was of great help to him in the development of his evolutionary theory, the importance of de Candolle’s contribution is seldom recognized. Our purpose is to detail the dialogue between Alphonse de Candolle and Darwin on the geography of domesticated plants, to understand some of the most critical discussions that contributed to the reinterpretation of domestication under the Darwinian proposal of modified descent.
Human and social capital and ethnically diverse founding teams in high-tech industries
Authors: Nasra Muhammed Abu , Oliver Amalya L.
Published: September 2024

This paper investigates the impact of ethnicity within founding teams of high-tech ventures and asks whether such diversity confers advantages or disadvantages. Drawing on theories of human and social capital, we aim to illuminate the potential benefits of ethnic diversity in founding teams, with a particular focus on the roles played by ethnic and industry contexts. Our analysis encompasses data from 1,217 Israeli high-tech ventures operating between 1996 and 2015, spanning two key industries: life sciences (LS) and information technology (IT). We systematically evaluate the characteristics of these ventures across various dimensions of human and social capital, comparing those with ethnically diversity founding teams—including both Jewish and Arab members—with those characterized by ethnically homogeneous teams. Our findings indicate that ventures with diversity teams generally achieve higher values across most measured variables, particularly within the LS industry. However, ventures with exclusively Jewish founding teams maintain an edge in variables related to fundraising across both industries. Our study concludes that ethnically diverse founding teams benefit significantly from the bonding and bridging knowledge networks they establish, which are particularly enhanced by higher education within the life sciences sector. Additionally, founders’ human and social capital contribute to the development of expansive networks that foster knowledge, capabilities, and expertise across diverse domains. We discuss the implications of these findings and suggest directions for future research in this evolving field.
Explaining outliers and anomalous groups via subspace density contrastive loss
Authors: Angiulli Fabrizio , Fassetti Fabio , Nisticò Simona , Palopoli Luigi
Published: September 2024

Explainable AI refers to techniques by which the reasons underlying decisions taken by intelligent artifacts are single out and provided to users. Outlier detection is the task of individuating anomalous objects within a given data population they belong to. In this paper we propose a new technique to explain why a given data object has been singled out as anomalous. The explanation our technique returns also includes counterfactuals, each of which denotes a possible way to “repair” the outlier to make it an inlier. Thus, given in input a reference data population and an object deemed to be anomalous, the aim is to provide possible explanations for the anomaly of the input object, where an explanation consists of a subset of the features, called choice, and an associated set of changes to be applied, called mask, in order to make the object “behave normally”. The paper presents a deep learning architecture exploiting a features choice module and mask generation module in order to learn both components of explanations. The learning procedure is guided by an ad-hoc loss function that simultaneously maximizes (minimizes, resp.) the isolation of the input outlier before applying the mask (resp., after the application of the mask returned by the mask generation module) within the subspace singled out by the features choice module, all that while also minimizing the number of features involved in the selected choice. We consider also the case in which a common explanation is required for a group of outliers provided together in input. We present experiments on both artificial and real data sets and a comparison with competitors validating the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Continued fractions for cycle-alternating permutations
Authors: Deb Bishal , Sokal Alan D.
Published: September 2024

A permutation is said to be cycle-alternating if it has no cycle double rises, cycle double falls or fixed points; thus each index i is either a cycle valley ($$\sigma ^{-1}(i)>i<\sigma (i)$$

σ

-
1

(
i
)

>
i
<
σ

(
i
)

) or a cycle peak ($$\sigma ^{-1}(i)\sigma (i)$$

σ

-
1

(
i
)

<
i
>
σ

(
i
)

). We find Stieltjes-type continued fractions for some multivariate polynomials that enumerate cycle-alternating permutations with respect to a large (sometimes infinite) number of simultaneous statistics that measure cycle status, record status, crossings and nestings along with the parity of the indices. Our continued fractions are specializations of more general continued fractions of Sokal and Zeng. We then introduce alternating Laguerre digraphs, which are generalization of cycle-alternating permutations, and find exponential generating functions for some polynomials enumerating them. We interpret the Stieltjes–Rogers and Jacobi–Rogers matrices associated to some of our continued fractions in terms of alternating Laguerre digraphs.
Representational Pluralism in Science Education
Authors: Flores-Camacho Fernando , Gallegos-Cázares Leticia
Published: September 2024

This essay analyses the theme of representational pluralism in science education and a possible interpretation through the inferential-pragmatic conception of scientific representations. A brief description of two principal conceptions of scientific representations (the semantic-structural and the inferential-pragmatic conceptions) and their implications for unicity and plurality are presented to compare how those philosophical approaches can help understand representational plurality in science education. Subsequently, a brief analysis of different topics of science education is made to determine relevant classes of representational plurality in science education: Plurality and coexistence of representations in subjects in a school context; plurality in diverse cultural contexts; plurality by approaches and methods of research; plurality and perspectivism. In the discussion and conclusions, those classes of representational plurality are analysed from the inferential conception of representations, and themes such as proliferation, reduction, normativity, and building in plurality are discussed. The conclusions point to the understanding that representational plurality is not a subject’s deviation from the norm of scientific and school representations; instead, it is inherent to the subjects’ construction of representations, individually and collectively. Certainly, this implies that the separation from the semantic-structural approach of scientific representations must be accomplished by cancelling any similarity condition for representations. Plural representations imply that teaching requires the construction of new scenarios for students to consider the intentionality of representations and interpret them more coherently with the expectations of scientific disciplines in diverse cultural contexts.
The ontology of videogames
Authors: Declos Alexandre
Published: September 2024

What are the identity and persistence conditions of videogames? This paper surveys the contemporary philosophical literature on this topic. Specifically, I discuss various views which attempt to ground the identity of videogame works in their rules, in their algorithmic structure, in their source code, or in contextual parameters surrounding gameplay. While these proposals all have merits of their own, I argue that none of them are satisfactory. My conclusion is therefore negative: we still lack an adequate theoretical model to account for the identity and persistence conditions of videogames.
International expert consensus statement: surgical failure in obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Iannella Giannicola , Pace Annalisa , Magliulo Giuseppe , Vicini Claudio , Lugo Rodolfo , Vanderveken Olivier M. , de Vries Nico , Pang Kenny , Thuler Eric , Jacobowitz Ofer , Cahali Michel Burihan , Maurer Joachim T. , Casale Manuele , Moffa Antonio , Salamanca Fabrizio , Leone Federico , Olszewska Ewa , Reina Carlos O’connor , Zancanella Edilson , Hoff Paul T. , Baptista Peter , Bahgat Ahmed Yassin , Ravesloot Madeline J. L. , van Maanen Peter , Goldberg Andrew , Carrasco Marina , Agrawal Vikas K. , Lechien Jerome R. , De Vito Andrea , Cammaroto Giovanni , De Virgilio Armando , Greco Antonio , Mancini Patrizia , Perrone Tiziano , Amado Steve , Alkan Uri , Cheong Ryan Chin Taw , D’Ecclesia Aurelio , Galantai Dorina , RajuAnand Anand , Calvo-Henriquez Christian , Cocuzza Salvatore , Arigliani Michele , Saibene Alberto Maria , Aragona Rosario Marchese , Maniaci Antonino
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Upper airway (UA) surgery is commonly employed in the treatment of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The intricate pathophysiology of OSA, variability in sites and patterns of UA collapse, and the interaction between anatomical and non-anatomical factors in individual patients may contribute to possible surgical failures. This clinical consensus statement aims to identify areas of agreement among a development group comprising international experts in OSA surgery, regarding the appropriate definition, predictive factors in patients, and management of surgical failure in OSA treatment.

Methods

A clinical consensus statement (CCS) was developed using the Delphi method by a panel of 35 contributors from various countries. A systematic literature review adhering to PRISMA guidelines was conducted. A survey consisting of 60 statements was then formulated and presented to the experts.

Results

Following two rounds of the Delphi process, consensus or strong consensus was achieved on 36 items, while 24 items remained without consensus. Specifically, 5 out of 10 statements reached consensus regarding on the 'Definition of Surgical Success/Failure after OSA Surgery'. Regarding the 'Predictive Factors of Surgical Failure in OSA Surgery', consensus was reached on 10 out of 13 statements. In the context of the 'Diagnostic Workup in OSA Surgery', consensus was achieved on 9 out of 13 statements. Lastly, in 'Treatment in Surgical Failure Cases', consensus was reached on 12 out of 24 statements.

Conclusion

The management of OSA after surgical failure presents a significant clinical challenge for sleep specialists. This CCS provides valuable guidance for defining, preventing, and addressing surgical failures in the treatment of OSA syndrome.
Mitochondrial DNA copy number associated dementia risk by somatic mutations and frailty
Authors: Tian Qu , Zweibaum David A. , Qian Yong , Oppong Richard F. , Pilling Luke C. , Casanova Francesco , Atkins Janice L. , Melzer David , Ding Jun , Ferrucci Luigi
Published: September 2024

Mitochondrial dysfunction is linked to physical impairment and dementia. Mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) from blood may predict cognitive decline and dementia risk, but the effect of somatic mutations or frailty is unknown. We estimated mtDNAcn using fastMitoCalc and microheteroplasmies using mitoCaller, from Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) data. In 189,566 participants free of dementia at study entry (mean age = 56 ± 8), we examined the association between mtDNAcn and subsequent dementia diagnosis using Cox regression. Cognition was assessed in a subset on average 8.9 years later. We examined the associations between mtDNAcn and cognitive measures using multivariable linear regression, adjusted for demographic factors, mtDNAcn-related parameters, and apolipoprotein E ε4 status. We further stratified by frailty and microheteroplasmies. Over an average follow-up of 13.2 years, 3533 participants developed dementia. Each SD higher mtDNAcn (16) was associated with 4.2% lower all-cause dementia hazard (HR = 0.958, p = 0.030), 6% lower non-AD dementia hazard (HR = 0.933, p = 0.022), and not-AD dementia hazard. The associations between mtDNAcn and all-cause dementia and non-AD dementia were stronger among those who were pre-frail or frail or with higher microheteroplasmies. Higher mtDNAcn was associated with higher DSST scores (p = 0.036) and significant only among those with higher microheteroplasmies or frailty (p = 0.029 and 0.048, respectively). mtDNAcn was also associated with delta TMT and paired associate learning only in pre-frail/frail participants (p = 0.007 and 0.045, respectively). Higher WGS-based mtDNAcn in human blood is associated with lower dementia risk, specifically non-AD dementia, and specific cognitive function. The relationships appear stronger in high somatic mutations or frailty. Future studies are warranted to investigate biological underpinnings.
Becoming-with the bog born: emotional collectives in ecological fieldwork
Authors: Persson Kristin , Andrée Maria , Caiman Cecilia
Published: September 2024

Fieldwork in ecology education does things. By employing Donna Haraway’s concept becoming-with companion species and Cathrine Hasse’s emotional collectives to explore fieldwork practice on a bog in Sweden, a piece of the doings will be told. The aim of this study is to explore how ecology fieldwork affords emotional engagement and facilitates growth of ecological literacy in the emotional collectives of students, teachers and nonhumans to become-with each other. The study is based on an overnight field trip with upper-secondary students experiencing black grouse lekking and the ecology of a bog. The empirical material consists of video and audio recordings. In the study, becoming-with is operationalised through the notion of emotional collectives. The result shows three orientations of becoming-with: mimetic, anthropomorphic and fact oriented. Overall, this is a story of fieldwork as a practice of producing companion species; how becoming-with companion species works in practice, how companion species come to matter as emergent ecological literacy.
Efficacy and safety of teriparatide vs. bisphosphonates and denosumab vs. bisphosphonates in osteoporosis not previously treated with bisphosphonates: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Li Mingnian , Ge Zhuoqi , Zhang Benqi , Sun Li , Wang Zhongyuan , Zou Tao , Chen Qi
Published: September 2024

Summary

The study found that in osteoporosis patients who had not previously received bisphosphonate treatment and were in a treatment cycle of over 12 months, both teriparatide and denosumab significantly increased bone mineral density compared to bisphosphonates. Additionally, teriparatide was also shown to significantly decrease the risk of fractures.

Objective

The systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess and compare the safety and efficacy of teriparatide vs. bisphosphonates and denosumab vs. bisphosphonates in patients with osteoporosis who had not previously received bisphosphonates.

Methods

We conducted a search of published literature from inception to May 31, 2023, including databases such as PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, SinoMed, VIP, and WanFang. The study only included head-to-head randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared teriparatide and denosumab with bisphosphonates to treat patients with osteoporosis. Fixed-effect model and random-effect model were used due to clinical heterogeneity. Meta-analysis was performed via Stata 17.0.

Results

A total of 6680 patients were enrolled across 23 eligible trials. The results of the meta-analysis showed that teriparatide was superior to bisphosphonates in decreasing the risk of fracture (risk ratio (RR) = 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.51, 0.74), P < 0.001). Denosumab showed no benefit compared to bisphosphonates in reducing the risk of fracture in treating osteoporosis (RR 0.99, 95% CI (0.62, 1.57), P = 0.96). Compared with bisphosphonates, teriparatide and denosumab could significantly improve femoral neck, total hip, and lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, teriparatide and denosumab did not increase the incidence of adverse events (teriparatide vs. bisphosphonates, RR 0.92, 95% CI (0.79, 1.08), P = 0.32; denosumab vs. bisphosphonates, RR 0.98, 95% CI (0.95, 1.02), P = 0.37).

Conclusions

Teriparatide is superior to bisphosphonates in decreasing the risk of fracture in patients with osteoporosis. In addition, teriparatide and denosumab were more efficacious than bisphosphonates in increasing the percentage change in BMD at the femoral neck, total hip, and lumbar spine.
Beyond Conventional Treatments: Exploring CAR-T Cell Therapy for Cancer Stem Cell Eradication
Authors: Rabie Lobna E. , Mohran Ahmed A. , Gaber Kholoud A. , Ali Nour M. , Abd El Naby Asmaa M. , Ghoniem Eman A. , Abd Elmaksod Basmala A. , Abdallah Ahmed N.
Published: September 2024

Background

For decades cancer remained the center of attention in the scientific community as its survival rates are low. Researchers from all around the world wanted to know the core of the problem as to what initiates cancer in a patient and helps with its progression. Many postulations came to light, but Cancer Stem Cells (CSC) was the most appealing and convincing.

Main Body

In this review, we shed light on a potential solution to the problem by reviewing CAR-T cells (Chimeric antigen receptor T cells). These specialized T cells are designed to detect specific antigens on cancer cells. We analyse the steps of their formation from the collection of T cells from the patient’s bloodstream and modifying it to exhibit specific CAR structures on their surfaces, to reinjecting them back and evaluating their efficacy. We thoroughly investigate the structure of the CAR design with improvements across different generations. The focus extends to the unique properties of CSCs as in how targeting specific markers on them can enhance the precision of cancer therapy.

Conclusion

Despite the successes, the review discusses the existing limitations and toxicities associated with CAR-derived therapies, highlighting the ongoing need for research and refinement. Looking ahead, we explore proposed strategies aimed at optimizing CAR-T cell therapy to mitigate adverse effects for improved cancer treatments.

Graphical Abstract
Enzymatic-Assisted Recovery of Antioxidants from Chicory and Fennel by-Products
Authors: Baiano Antonietta , Fiore Anna
Published: September 2024

The work was aimed to evaluate the antioxidant extraction efficiency of enzymatic-assisted extractions, alone or combined with sonication, applied to chicory and fennel by-products. Three enzymatic preparations were tested: enzyme mix 1, made of pectinlyase, polygalacturonase, pectinesterase, and arabinase; enzyme mix 2, composed of pectinlyase, cellulase, and acid proteas; xylanase. They were applied alone or coupled with a successive sonication performed according to the following conditions: 100 g/L; 45 °C; 40 min; 72 W. The results were compared with those of a solid-liquid extraction performed with a 70% ethanolic solution whose conditions were previously optimized to maximize the extraction of antioxidants from the specific matrix (chicory: 60–180 min, antioxidant content 6.15 ± 0.20 mg/g dm; fennel: 60–90 min, antioxidant content 7.60 ± 0.70 mg/g dm). Concerning chicory by-products, the three enzymatic treatments coupled with ultrasounds allowed the obtainment of extracts having approximately the same amounts of antioxidants than the conventional extraction (6.10–6.22 mg/g dm). Regarding fennel, all the enzymatic-assisted extractions (coupled or not with ultrasounds) gave lower antioxidant concentrations than the hydroalcoholic extraction. Enzymatic extraction and sonication significantly influenced type and quantity of phenolics in the extracts, highlighted that compounds other than phenolics contributed to their antioxidant properties.
Assessing Self-Compassion in Older Adults: Factorial Structure of the Self-Compassion Scale and Invariance Across Sex at Birth
Authors: Tavares Lucia , Vagos Paula , Cunha Marina , Xavier Ana
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Self-compassion is a valuable resource for positive ageing and should be measured in a reliable and valid manner. However, findings regarding the factor structure of the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS) have been inconsistent and have been particularly lacking in older adults. Hence, the present study intended to investigate the factor structure, internal consistency, and measurement invariance across sex at birth of the SCS in adults ≥ 65 years old.

Method

The present study used a sample of 418 community-dwelling, Portuguese older adults aged 65–94 years (M = 74.45, SD = 6.94; 59.3% female). Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to test six different measurement models, and reliability and multigroup analyses were performed for the best fitting model.

Results

Although all models initially showed poor adjustment, the correlated 6-factor model had the comparatively better fit. After modifications, this model achieved an acceptable fit (RMSEA = 0.060 and SRMR = 0.062). Internal consistency of this model was adequate (Cronbach's alpha values ranging from 0.67 to 0.86) and strong invariance across sex at birth was demonstrated (i.e., configural, metric, and scalar models showed non-significant Δχ2).

Conclusions

Current findings suggest that assessing the self-compassion components is advised in older adults, as this 6-component model was reliable and provided an acceptable fit for both male and female older adults. This 6-component model is a parsimonious, theoretically sound, and statistically valid option to assess self-compassion in this population. It is, however, not an ideal solution, and an acceptable fit was only achieved after modifications in the initial 6-component model.

Preregistration

This study is not preregistered.
Utilizing Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing Technology to Fabricate Parts with Controlled Porosity and Permeability Characteristics for Filtration Applications
Authors: Haiati Seyed , Dotchev Krassimir , Lowther Morgan
Published: September 2024

Whilst the main focus of metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) aka metal 3D printing has been to produce fully dense parts; the main aim of this research is to use the technology to fabricate metallic permeable parts with controlled porosity characteristics so that they may be used as a high performance, high-pressure and cleanable and therefore “green” reusable filters for various industrial applications. The fusion bed technology, more specifically Direct Metal Printing (DMP) has been utilized to fabricate test parts with porous structure that was later tested for filtration efficiency. In DMP process, the part is built in thin layers with each layer a cross-sectional slice of the shape. This method makes it possible to design and manufacture intricate parts with detailed internal sections that is not always possible with conventional manufacturing methods. The technique also makes it possible to design and manufacture combination of solid and porous sections in one operation or in another word a complete filter assembly to be used straight off the print with no or minimal post processing required. Another advantage of using DMP is the possibility of seamlessly incorporating features like pleats to increase the filtration area, incorporate additional strengthening structures and support structures if required as well as manufacturing a graded media with larger pores on the outside getting finer as you approach the centre. The printing parameters have been selected to achieve optimum combination of tightly controlled pore size range, size distribution and mechanical strength to promote the optimum filtration efficiency and dirt-holding capacity; at the same time maintaining the structural integrity for operation under high pressures, a wide range of flow conditions, operating temperature, and compatibility with a wide range of process fluids. The results from the first round of tests on scaled down samples demonstrated that the fabricated porous metal parts are suitable to be used in a wide range of applications and operating conditions. They are bi-directional in terms of flow and as a result, they are cleanable and reusable. They can be designed to a variety of shapes and sizes with ease and are recyclable if needed. This approach of manufacturing cleanable filters can reduce the demand for new and newly processed materials. In addition, it can reduce production, distribution, and storage costs. Hence less energy usage, less pollution, and less demand for hazardous waste disposal and associated challenges with disposal and the impact on the environment.
The Embodied Experiences of Injured Ultra-Runners: A Body-Mapping Study
Authors: Hall Leanne , Rhodes Paul
Published: September 2024

The sport of Ultra-running has seen exponential growth over the past ten years. These athletes attempt to push beyond unknown human limits by running for many hours at a time, often multiple times a week across mountains and trails. While research has begun to consider how injury impacts these athletes from an objective medical perspective, much less is known about their subjective embodied experiences. In particular, the discourses they resist and submit to when they are suddenly unable to run. This study describes the use of body-mapping and narrative interviewing as two forms of research inquiry merged together to explore the embodied experiences of eight ultra-runners who had recently experienced an injury. Plot lines were woven through the visual and textual material resulting in three master plots and eight sub plots. Stories of Body Self-transformation, Machina Carnis or the body-as-machine and senescence or the ageing body were layered by emplacing images and text onto life sized body maps creating vibrant art works. These art works were analysed alongside detailed narratives of endurance, strength, determination and loss. Through the art works participants were able to make visible the invisible, with the injury experience providing a window into former ways of being and current experiences of liminality and fear. This study provides insight into the shifting subjectivities of these extreme athletes brought about by pain and injury, and highlights the importance of using power leveling and emancipatory arts based research methods in accessing subjective experience.
Social Avoidance of Mice in Pain in Naturalistic Conditions
Authors: Le Moëne Olivia , Larsson Max
Published: September 2024

Pain and social behavior are subject to reciprocal modulation. Social animals show attenuated pain behavior in the presence of conspecifics, while observers are in turn affected by exposure to another individual in pain. Both phenomena have been established in rodents, which in addition to experiencing emotional contagion from afflicted conspecifics may act to relieve their afflicted state. Little has been done to investigate the motivation of such prosocial behavior in naturalistic conditions. Here, using a novel formalin test targeting the nape of the neck, a socially relevant area, we investigated nocifensive behaviors and social interactions in mice group-housed in a seminatural environment (SNE). In the SNE, formalin-injected mice displayed fewer back-scratching occurrences than when housed alone, which was inversely correlated to the social behavior received. These mice also emitted and received fewer social interactions, attesting of social withdrawal. With respect to dyadic exchanges, saline-treated mice initiated fewer allosniffing and anogenital sniffing episodes towards formalin-treated mice than towards other saline-treated ones. These findings are counter to those showing empathy and prosocial approach in mouse pain models. It is possible that in naturalistic conditions that allow the mice to express a wide range of their behavioral repertoire, healthy mice simply avoid individuals in pain and the cost associated with emotional contagion. Interestingly, behaviors involving direct body contact, namely allogrooming and pair-resting, were not different between saline- and formalin-treated mice and thus may carry a prosocial, altruistic component. These findings unveil new patterns of social modulation by pain in a naturalistic laboratory setting holding high translational value.
Fully-Discrete Lyapunov Consistent Discretizations for Parabolic Reaction-Diffusion Equations with r Species
Authors: Jahdali Rasha Al , Fernández David C. Del Rey , Dalcin Lisandro , Sayyari Mohammed , Markowich Peter , Parsani Matteo
Published: September 2024

Reaction-diffusion equations model various biological, physical, sociological, and environmental phenomena. Often, numerical simulations are used to understand and discover the dynamics of such systems. Following the extension of the nonlinear Lyapunov theory applied to some class of reaction-diffusion partial differential equations (PDEs), we develop the first fully discrete Lyapunov discretizations that are consistent with the stability properties of the continuous parabolic reaction-diffusion models. The proposed framework provides a systematic procedure to develop fully discrete schemes of arbitrary order in space and time for solving a broad class of equations equipped with a Lyapunov functional. The new schemes are applied to solve systems of PDEs, which arise in epidemiology and oncolytic M1 virotherapy. The new computational framework provides physically consistent and accurate results without exhibiting scheme-dependent instabilities and converging to unphysical solutions. The proposed approach represents a capstone for developing efficient, robust, and predictive technologies for simulating complex phenomena.
Understanding Circular and Nature-Inclusive Agricultural Business Models
Authors: de Lauwere Carolien , Smits Marie-Jose , Dijkshoorn-Dekker Marijke , Brummelhuis Amber Kuipers-ten , Polman Nico
Published: September 2024

Sustainable approaches in the agricultural sector are important to addressing problems relating to food security and nutrition around the globe. To obviate these problems, it has become crucial to administer methods of farming that are ecologically compatible, holistic and organic in nature. Dutch farmers are moving towards more sustainable and circular production methods to respond to the various challenges, including biodiversity loss and climate change, whilst maintaining a viable business model. To generate further insight into circular and nature-inclusive or nature-positive agricultural business models (CNABM), we describe a conceptual framework that could help farmers, their advisers and, possibly, funding organisations to identify critical success factors for the implementation of circular and nature-inclusive or nature-positive business models in a qualitative way. The framework was built on a synthesis of existing literature and seven empirical case studies drawing on in-depth interviews. Prior to the case studies, the framework was tested through a desk study focused on sugar-beet cultivation. Based on existing literature and the pilot case on sugar-beet cultivation, we found that three conditions are needed in order to identify these critical success factors. (1) It is important to consider the barriers and drivers in the social and physical contexts within which entrepreneurs involved in such business models operate (‘adoption factors’). (2) Sustainable business models should go beyond delivering economic value and include other forms of value for a broader range of stakeholders. Moreover, attention should be paid to strengths and weaknesses of the business model. (3) Traditional business models (e.g. the business model canvas, or BMC) should be extended to include sustainability-related elements (sustainability impact). The framework proved useful for identifying the business models, along with their vulnerabilities and potential opportunities. Although the framework is meant for use with circular and nature-inclusive or nature-positive agricultural business models, it can be applied to other sustainable agricultural business models as well.
Media Content, African Swine Fever, a Trade War, and U.S. Lean Hog Futures
Authors: Griffin Tori M. , Hagerman Amy D. , Lambert Dayton M. , Inman Ruth
Published: September 2024

In 2018 and 2019, China’s outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) and the U.S.–China trade war captured media headlines worldwide. This research uses a unique data set of media headlines and sentiments to estimate the impact of media on U.S. lean hog futures prices for nearby and distant expiration contracts. Findings suggest futures prices are influenced by news media content, with results differing by time to contract expiration and sentiment of the headline. International headlines with positive and negative connotations toward ASF and trade war have more significant effects, indicating sensationalist media creates the greatest price movements compared to neutral headlines.
Between animal research and animal welfare: Analysing the openness practices of UK Named Veterinary Surgeons
Authors: McGlacken Renelle , Hobson-West Pru
Published: September 2024

The use of animals as scientific models is argued to be crucial for producing new scientific and medical knowledge and clinical treatments. However, animal research continues to raise socio-ethical concerns. In recent years, there has been a push for openness amongst the life science community, with the aim of increasing the transparency of animal research to wider publics. Yet, how this push for openness is experienced by those responsible for the care and welfare of research animals requires further study. This paper draws upon qualitative interviews with Named Veterinary Surgeons (NVS) in the UK and explores how they practise openness, avoid openness, and, at times, challenge the way their role is represented within openness agendas. Overall, this social scientific analysis reveals that the current openness agenda has the potential to create tensions for professionals, as they seek to manage regulatory and public imaginaries of the veterinary identity alongside the animal research controversy. The paper concludes by arguing for a culture of dialogue, where openness includes allowing those with responsibilities for animal welfare to express ambivalence or concern about their own role. Finally, the paper calls for sustained academic work on relations between the veterinary profession and wider society, particularly areas that involve contested practices in which care and harm may coincide.