bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Excessive internet use among Finnish young people between 2017 and 2021 and the effect of COVID-19
Authors: Kiviruusu Olli
Published: July 2024

Purpose

An increase in excessive Internet use (EIU) among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic was suggested in many studies. However, these studies were mostly based on cross-sectional and/or unrepresentative samples.

Methods

Using data from a nationwide Finnish school survey in the years 2017, 2019 and 2021 (N = 450,864; aged 13–20 years), changes in the prevalence of EIU (EIUS, 5-item) were assessed. The effects of COVID-19 (year 2021 vs. 2017/2019 combined) and linear trend were analyzed in logistic regression models. Models were adjusted for loneliness, depression, anxiety, and sociodemographic factors.

Results

Among males, EIU prevalence varied minimally (7.8–8.1%) from 2017 to 2021. Among females, the prevalence increased from 6.8 to 11.7% and the effect of COVID-19 was significant (OR = 1.53; p < 0.001). Including the linear trend in the model turned the COVID-19 effect on EIU among females non-significant (p = 0.625), whereas the trend was significant (OR = 1.17; p < 0.001). Adjusting the models with mental health-related factors attenuated the effect of COVID-19 to some extent, but not the effect of linear trend.

Conclusions

There is a sex difference in the way the prevalence of EIU developed from 2017 to 2021 among Finnish adolescents. In males, there was no indication of increased prevalence of EIU and among females, while the effect of COVID-19 was first found, it was also suggested to be a product of a trend already started before the COVID-19 pandemic. These results are in contrast with some earlier studies suggesting an effect of COVID-19 on EIU.
The Price of Active Security in Cryptographic Protocols
Authors: Hazay Carmit , Venkitasubramaniam Muthuramakrishnan , Weiss Mor
Published: July 2024

We construct the first actively-secure Multi-Party Computation (MPC) protocols with an arbitrary number of parties in the dishonest majority setting, for an arbitrary field $${\mathbb {F}}$$
F
with constant communication overhead over the “passive-GMW” protocol (Goldreich, Micali and Wigderson, STOC ‘87). Our protocols rely on passive implementations of Oblivious Transfer (OT) in the Boolean setting and Oblivious Linear function Evaluation (OLE) in the arithmetic setting. Previously, such protocols were only known over sufficiently large fields (Genkin et al. STOC ‘14) or a constant number of parties (Ishai et al. CRYPTO ‘08). Conceptually, our protocols are obtained via a new compiler from a passively-secure protocol for a distributed multiplication functionality $${{{\mathcal {F}}}}_{\scriptscriptstyle \textrm{MULT}}$$

F

MULT

, to an actively-secure protocol for general functionalities. Roughly, $${{{\mathcal {F}}}}_{\scriptscriptstyle \textrm{MULT}}$$

F

MULT

is parameterized by a linear-secret sharing scheme $${{{\mathcal {S}}}}$$
S
, where it takes $${{{\mathcal {S}}}}$$
S
-shares of two secrets and returns $${{{\mathcal {S}}}}$$
S
-shares of their product. We show that our compilation is concretely efficient for sufficiently large fields, resulting in an overhead of 2 when securely computing natural circuits. Our compiler has two additional benefits: (1) It can rely on any passive implementation of $${{{\mathcal {F}}}}_{\scriptscriptstyle \textrm{MULT}}$$

F

MULT

, which, besides the standard implementation based on OT (for Boolean) and OLE (for arithmetic), allows us to rely on implementations based on threshold cryptosystems (Cramer et al. Eurocrypt ‘01), and (2) it can rely on weaker-than-passive (i.e., imperfect/leaky) implementations, which in some parameter regimes yield actively-secure protocols with overhead less than 2. Instantiating this compiler with an “honest-majority” implementation of $${{{\mathcal {F}}}}_{\scriptscriptstyle \textrm{MULT}}$$

F

MULT

, we obtain the first honest-majority protocol (with up to one-third corruptions) for Boolean circuits with constant communication overhead over the best passive protocol (Damgård and Nielsen, CRYPTO ‘07).
Spinal dementia: Don’t miss it, it’s treatable
Authors: Urbach Horst , El Rahal A , Wolf K , Zander C , Demerath T , Volz F , Beck J , Lützen N
Published: July 2024

Background & purpose

Around 5% of dementia patients have a treatable cause. To estimate the prevalence of two rare diseases, in which the treatable cause is at the spinal level.

Methods

A radiology information system was searched using the terms CT myelography and the operation and classification system (OPS) code 3-241. The clinical charts of these patients were reviewed to identify patients with a significant cognitive decline.

Results

Among 205 patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) and proven CSF leaks we identified five patients with a so-called frontotemporal brain sagging syndrome: Four of those had CSF venous fistulas and significantly improved by occluding them either by surgery or transvenous embolization. Another 11 patients had infratentorial hemosiderosis and hearing problems and ataxia as guiding symptoms. Some cognitive decline was present in at least two of them. Ten patients had ventral dural tears in the thoracic spine and one patient a lateral dural tear at C2/3 respectively. Eight patients showed some improvement after surgery.

Discussion

It is mandatory to study the (thoracic) spine in cognitively impaired patients with brain sagging and/ or infratentorial hemosiderosis on MRI. We propose the term spinal dementia to draw attention to this region, which in turn is evaluated with dynamic digital subtraction and CT myelography.
Enzymatic degradation of polylactic acid (PLA)
Authors: Shalem Adi , Yehezkeli Omer , Fishman Ayelet
Published: July 2024

Environmental concerns arising from the increasing use of polluting plastics highlight polylactic acid (PLA) as a promising eco-friendly alternative. PLA is a biodegradable polyester that can be produced through the fermentation of renewable resources. Together with its excellent properties, suitable for a wide range of applications, the use of PLA has increased significantly over the years and is expected to further grow. However, insufficient degradability under natural conditions emphasizes the need for the exploration of biodegradation mechanisms, intending to develop more efficient techniques for waste disposal and recycling or upcycling. Biodegradation occurs through the secretion of depolymerizing enzymes, mainly proteases, lipases, cutinases, and esterases, by various microorganisms. This review focuses on the enzymatic degradation of PLA and presents different enzymes that were isolated and purified from natural PLA-degrading microorganisms, or recombinantly expressed. The review depicts the main characteristics of the enzymes, including recent advances and analytical methods used to evaluate enantiopurity and depolymerizing activity. While complete degradation of solid PLA particles is still difficult to achieve, future research and improvement of enzyme properties may provide an avenue for the development of advanced procedures for PLA degradation and upcycling, utilizing its building blocks for further applications as envisaged by circular economy principles.

Key points

• Enzymes can be promisingly utilized for PLA upcycling.

• Natural and recombinant PLA depolymerases and methods for activity evaluation are summarized.

• Approaches to improve enzymatic degradation of PLA are discussed.

Graphical Abstract
An affordable detection system based on RT-LAMP and DNA-nanoprobes for avian metapneumovirus
Authors: Cea-Callejo Pablo , Arca-Lafuente Sonia , Gomez-Lucia Esperanza , Doménech Ana , Biarnés Mar , Blanco Angela , Benítez Laura , Madrid Ricardo
Published: July 2024

Airborne animal viral pathogens can rapidly spread and become a global threat, resulting in substantial socioeconomic and health consequences. To prevent and control potential epidemic outbreaks, accurate, fast, and affordable point-of-care (POC) tests are essential. As a proof-of-concept, we have developed a molecular system based on the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique for avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) detection, an airborne communicable agent mainly infecting turkeys and chickens. For this purpose, a colorimetric system was obtained by coupling the LAMP technique with specific DNA-functionalized AuNPs (gold nanoparticles). The system was validated using 50 different samples (pharyngeal swabs and tracheal tissue) collected from aMPV-infected and non-infected chickens and turkeys. Viral detection can be achieved in about 60 min with the naked eye, with 100% specificity and 87.88% sensitivity for aMPV. In summary, this novel molecular detection system allows suitable virus testing in the field, with accuracy and limit of detection (LOD) values highly close to qRT-PCR-based diagnosis. Furthermore, this system can be easily scalable to a platform for the detection of other viruses, addressing the current gap in the availability of POC tests for viral detection in poultry farming.

Key points

•aMPV diagnosis using RT-LAMP is achieved with high sensitivity and specificity.

•Fifty field samples have been visualized using DNA-nanoprobe validation.

•The developed system is a reliable, fast, and cost-effective option for POCT.

Graphical Abstract
Highlights of ophthalmological manifestations in newly diagnosed acute leukemia: a correlation with hematological parameters
Authors: Laimon Dina N. , Sakr Doaa H. , Atef Basma , Shaaban Yasmine
Published: July 2024

Acute leukemia is a hematological malignancy affecting different organ systems including the eye and orbit through direct infiltration of tissues or secondary to hematological abnormalities. Ophthalmological manifestations in acute leukemia are variable ranging from asymptomatic presentation to serious manifestations that can alter the disease course and treatment. The purpose of this study is to detect the incidence of different ophthalmological manifestations in newly diagnosed acute leukemia patients and to assess the relationship between ocular findings and hematological characteristics and the sequel of these neoplasms. A cross-sectional study with analytical components was conducted on 222 newly diagnosed acute myeloid and acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients who presented at Oncology Center Mansoura University (OCMU) between January 2022 and February 2023. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmic evaluation at Mansoura Ophthalmology Center (MOC). The mean age was 43.45 ± 17.35 years (range, 17–85), and M/F was 137 (61.7%)/85 (38.3%). One-hundred and forty-four (64.9%) had acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and 78 (35.1%) had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Ophthalmic manifestations were detected in 96 patients (43.2%). Among them, 4 (1.8%) had poor visual acuity. Retinal hemorrhage (19.8%) and Roth spots (17.1%) were the most common ocular manifestations. Other ophthalmological manifestations observed were orbital involvement (3.2%), ocular motility issues (1.4%), subconjunctival hemorrhage (5.9%), conjunctival chemosis (0.9%),lid swelling (4.1%), lid ecchymosis (3.2%), lagophthalmos (0.5%), lid ptosis (1.8%), retinal venous congestion & tortuosity (4.1%), preretinal hemorrhage (3.2%), vitreous hemorrhage (3.2%), macular affection (2.3%), retinal infiltration (1.8%), exudative retinal detachment (ERD) (1.8%), cotton-wool spots (0.9%), retinal vein occlusion (0.5%), papilledema (2.8%), optic disc infiltration (1.8%), disc pallor (1.8%).AML patients were significantly associated with a higher frequency of ocular affection, retinal hemorrhages, and Roth spots (P 0.028, 0.003, and 0.046, respectively) compared to ALL patients. Retinal hemorrhage was statistically significantly associated with anemia (P 0.021). Ophthalmological manifestations of acute leukemia are heterogeneous; they can be detected at initial presentations or relapse. Some manifestations are asymptomatic, others can affect visual acuity or even alter the disease course. Cooperation between ophthalmologists and haemato-oncologists is crucial for recognizing ocular involvement and disease management.
Transperineal laser ablation (TPLA) of the prostate for benign prostatic obstruction: the first 100 patients cohort of a prospective, single-center study
Authors: Lo Re Mattia , Polverino Paolo , Rivetti Anna , Pecoraro Alessio , Saladino Marco , Pezzoli Marta , Siena Giampaolo , De Nunzio Cosimo , Li Marzi Vincenzo , Gacci Mauro , Serni Sergio , Campi Riccardo , Sessa Francesco
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Transperineal laser ablation (TPLA) is a new minimally-invasive surgical treatment for patients with benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). We report the perioperative and mid-term functional results of the first 100 consecutively patients undergoing TPLA at our institution.

Methods

Clinical data from consecutive patients undergoing TPLA at our institution from April 2021 to July 2023 were prospectively collected. Primary endpoints were the postoperative changes in IPSS, QoL and MSHQ 3-item questionnaires and in Qmax and post-void residual volume (PVR).

Results

Overall, 100 consecutive patients underwent the procedure. Median age and prostate volume were 66 (IQR 60–75) years and 50 (IQR 40–70) ml, respectively. In the cohort, 14 (14%) patients had an indwelling catheter and 81 (81%) were under oral BPO therapy at the time of TPLA. Baseline median Qmax (ml/s) and PVR (ml) were 9.1 (IQR 6.9–12) and 90 (IQR 50–150), respectively, while median IPSS and QoL were 18 (IQR 15–23) and 4 (IQR 3–4). At all the follow-up timepoints, the evaluated outcomes on both symptoms and functional parameters showed a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.001). Antegrade ejaculation was preserved in all sexually active patients. No postoperative Clavien-Dindo > 2 complications were recorded.

Conclusions

TPLA represents a safe option for selected well-informed patients swith LUTS due to BPO. Our prospective study confirms the feasibility and favorable perioperative and functional outcomes in a real-world cohort with heterogenous prostate volumes and patient characteristics.
On the functional regression model and its finite-dimensional approximations
Authors: Berrendero José R. , Cholaquidis Alejandro , Cuevas Antonio
Published: July 2024

The problem of linearly predicting a scalar response Y from a functional (random) explanatory variable $$X=X(t),\ t\in I$$

X
=
X
(
t
)
,

t
∈
I

is considered. It is argued that the term “linearly” can be interpreted in several meaningful ways. Thus, one could interpret that (up to a random noise) Y could be expressed as a linear combination of a finite family of marginals $$X(t_i)$$

X
(

t
i

)

of the process X, or a limit of a sequence of such linear combinations. This simple point of view (which has some precedents in the literature) leads to a formulation of the linear model in terms of the RKHS space generated by the covariance function of the process X(t). It turns out that such RKHS-based formulation includes the standard functional linear model, based on the inner product in the space $$L^2[0,1]$$

L
2

[
0
,
1
]

, as a particular case. It includes as well all models in which Y is assumed to be (up to an additive noise) a linear combination of a finite number of linear projections of X. Some consistency results are proved which, in particular, lead to an asymptotic approximation of the predictions derived from the general (functional) linear model in terms of finite-dimensional models based on a finite family of marginals $$X(t_i)$$

X
(

t
i

)

, for an increasing grid of points $$t_j$$

t
j

in I. We also include a discussion on the crucial notion of coefficient of determination (aimed at assessing the fit of the model) in this setting. A few experimental results are given.
Comparison of low versus high (standard) intraabdominal pressure during laparoscopic colorectal surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hamid Mohammed , Mostafa Omar E. S. , Mohamedahmed Ali Yasen Y. , Zaman Shafquat , Kumar Prajeesh , Waterland Peter , Akingboye Akinfemi
Published: July 2024

Background

To evaluate outcomes of low with high intraabdominal pressure during laparoscopic colorectal resection surgery.

Methods

A systematic search of multiple electronic data sources was conducted, and all studies comparing low with high (standard) intraabdominal pressures were included. Our primary outcomes were post-operative ileus occurrence and return of bowel movement/flatus. The evaluated secondary outcomes included: total operative time, post-operative haemorrhage, anastomotic leak, pneumonia, surgical site infection, overall post-operative complications (categorised by Clavien-Dindo grading), and length of hospital stay. Revman 5.4 was used for data analysis.

Results

Six randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and one observational study with a total of 771 patients (370 surgery at low intraabdominal pressure and 401 at high pressures) were included. There was no statistically significant difference in all the measured outcomes; post-operative ileus [OR 0.80; CI (0.42, 1.52), P = 0.50], time-to-pass flatus [OR -4.31; CI (-12.12, 3.50), P = 0.28], total operative time [OR 0.40; CI (-10.19, 11.00), P = 0.94], post-operative haemorrhage [OR 1.51; CI (0.41, 5.58, P = 0.53], anastomotic leak [OR 1.14; CI (0.26, 4.91), P = 0.86], pneumonia [OR 1.15; CI (0.22, 6.09), P = 0.87], SSI [OR 0.69; CI (0.19, 2.47), P = 0.57], overall post-operative complications [OR 0.82; CI (0.52, 1.30), P = 0.40], Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3 [OR 1.27; CI (0.59, 2.77), P = 0.54], and length of hospital stay [OR -0.68; CI (-1.61, 0.24), P = 0.15].

Conclusion

Low intraabdominal pressure is safe and feasible approach to laparoscopic colorectal resection surgery with non-inferior outcomes to standard or high pressures. More robust and well-powered RCTs are needed to consolidate the potential benefits of low over high pressure intra-abdominal surgery.
6,126 hepatectomies in 2022: current trend of outcome in Italy
Authors: Nicolazzi Marco , Di Martino Marcello , Baroffio Paolo , Donadon Matteo
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Whether hospital volume affects outcome of patients undergoing hepatobiliary surgery, and whether the centralization of such procedures is justified remains to be investigated. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcome of liver surgery in Italy in relationship of hospital volume.

Methods

This is a nationwide retrospective observational study conducted on data collected by the National Italian Registry “Piano Nazionale Esiti” (PNE) 2023 that included all liver procedures performed in 2022. Outcome measure were case volume and 30-day mortality. Hospitals were classified as very high-volume (H-Vol), intermediate-volume (I-Vol), low-volume (L-Vol) and very low-volume (VL-VoL). A review on centralization process and outcome measures was added.

Results

6,126 liver resections for liver tumors were performed in 327 hospitals in 2022. The 30-day mortality was 2.2%. There were 14 H-Vol, 19 I-Vol, 31 L-Vol and 263 VL-Vol hospitals with 30-day mortality of 1.7%, 2.2%, 2.6% and 3.6% respectively (P < 0.001); 220 centers (83%) performed less than 10 resections, and 78 (29%) centers only 1 resection in 2022. By considering the geographical macro-areas, the median count of liver resection performed in northern Italy exceeded those in central and southern Italy (57% vs. 23% vs. 20%, respectively).

Conclusions

High-volume has been confirmed to be associated to better outcome after hepatobiliary surgical procedures. Further studies are required to detail the factors associated with mortality. The centralization process should be redesigned and oversight.
On join-complete implication algebras
Authors: Yon Yong Ho , Özbal Şule Ayar
Published: July 2024

In this paper, first, we consider an algebra that has a binary operation and a join of arbitrary nonempty subset. A lattice implication algebra is a lattice with a binary operation, which has a join and a meet of finite nonempty subsets. In this work, the notion of join-complete implication algebras L is defined as a join-complete lattice with a binary operation, and some properties of this algebra L are searched. Moreover, we prove that the interval [a, 1] in L is a lattice implication algebra and show that L satisfies the completely distributive law when it has the smallest element 0. Finally, we state the concept of filter and multipliers of L and provide finite and infinite examples of them. In addition, we research some properties of these concepts in detail.
“Not me!” a qualitative, vignette-based study of nurses’ and physicians’ reactions to spiritual distress on neuro-oncological units
Authors: Völz Daniela , Grabenweger Reinhard , Best Megan C. , Hau Peter , Jones Kate F. , Linker Ralf , Paal Piret , Bumes Elisabeth
Published: July 2024

Purpose

People with primary malignant brain tumors experience serious health-related suffering caused by limited prognosis and high symptom burden. Consequently, neuro-oncological healthcare workers can be affected emotionally in a negative way. The aim of this study was to analyze the attitudes and behavior of nurses and physicians when confronted with spiritual distress in these patients.

Methods

Neurospirit-DE is a qualitative vignette–based, multicenter, cross-sectional online survey that was conducted in Bavaria, Germany. Reflexive thematic analysis was used for data analysis.

Results

A total of 143 nurses and physicians working in neurological and neurosurgical wards in 46 hospitals participated in the survey. The participants questioned if the ability to provide spiritual care can be learned or is a natural skill. Spiritual care as a responsibility of the whole team was highlighted, and the staff reflected on the appropriate way of involving spiritual care experts. The main limitations to spiritual care were a lack of time and not viewing spiritual engagement as part of the professional role. Some were able to personally benefit from spiritual conversations with patients, but many participants criticized the perceived emotional burden while expressing the imminent need for specific training and team reflection.

Conclusions

Most neuro-oncological nurses and physicians perceive spiritual care as part of their duty and know how to alleviate the patient’s spiritual distress. Nonetheless, validation of spiritual assessment tools for neuro-oncology and standardized documentation of patients’ distress, shared interprofessional training, and reflection on the professional and personal challenges faced when confronted with spiritual care in neuro-oncology require further improvement and training.
Variational problems for the system of nonlinear Schrödinger equations with derivative nonlinearities
Authors: Hirayama Hiroyuki , Ikeda Masahiro
Published: July 2024

We consider the Cauchy problem of the system of nonlinear Schrödinger equations with derivative nonlinearlity. This system was introduced by Colin and Colin (Differ Int Equ 17:297–330, 2004) as a model of laser-plasma interactions. We study existence of ground state solutions and the global well-posedness of this system by using the variational methods. We also consider the stability of traveling waves for this system. These problems are proposed by Colin–Colin as the open problems. We give a subset of the ground-states set which satisfies the condition of stability. In particular, we prove the stability of the set of traveling waves with small speed for 1-dimension.
Understanding the GDPR from a requirements engineering perspective—a systematic mapping study on regulatory data protection requirements
Authors: Negri-Ribalta Claudia , Lombard-Platet Marius , Salinesi Camille
Published: July 2024

Data protection compliance is critical from a requirements engineering (RE) perspective, both from a software development lifecycle (SDLC) perspective and regulatory compliance. Not including these requirements from the early phases of the SDLC can prove costly and challenging afterward. The general data protection regulation (GDPR) from the European Union (EU) sets a list of requirements that organizations working within its scope should satisfy. However, these requirements are complex to work with, as legal prose tends to be vague and imprecise, and not all requirements have received the same attention from researchers. This study aims to identify the research published in RE for helping compliance with regulatory data protection requirements. We gathered and analyzed 90 articles from 2016 to 2022 through a systematic mapping study. We analyzed key trends in the sample, such as year of publication, publication venue, type of research, interdisciplinarity in the author’s background, GDPR focus of compliance element, and type of proposal. Our main findings show ongoing interest, mostly published in conferences, in achieving overall compliance with the GDPR and consent as the most popular topics. Other topics, such as cookies or children’s data, did not receive significant attention. Research over the whole RE process has been done. 20 (22%) of the papers have authors affiliated with non-computer science; however, most research seems not interdisciplinary. We finally discuss gaps in the literature, possible future areas of research, and the importance of interdisciplinary research for regulatory data protection requirements in RE.
Twenty-year changes of adolescent mental health and substance use: a Finnish population-based time-trend study
Authors: Mishina Kaisa , Heinonen Emmi , Lempinen Lotta , Sourander Andre
Published: July 2024

This time-trend study assesses changes in mental health and substance use among Finnish adolescents from 1998 to 2018. Representative samples of adolescents (N = 6,600) aged 13–16 years participated in school-based, almost identical cross-sectional studies in 1998 (n = 1,446), 2008 (n = 2,009), 2014 (n = 1,800) and 2018 (n = 1,345), respectively. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was used to assess mental health. When comparing mental health in the clinical range between 1998 and 2018, the main finding was the significant increase of emotional symptoms among females. The percentage of females in the clinical range increased from 17.5 to 30.1% during the twenty-year period. When psychopathology measures were analyzed as continuous variables, the finding of increased emotional problems was confirmed. The study clearly illustrates a linear trend, with a consistent increase in emotional problems among females and decrease in substance use among both genders. An alarming finding of steady increase of self-reported emotional problems indicates the importance of early detection and evidence-based interventions for adolescent with anxiety and depression to prevent adversities associated with these disorders.
In silico-guided discovery and in vitro validation of novel sugar-tethered lysinated carbon nanotubes for targeted drug delivery of doxorubicin
Authors: Thakur Chanchal Kiran , Martins Fábio G. , Karthikeyan Chandrabose , Bhal Subhasmita , Kundu Chanakya Nath , Moorthy N. S. Hari Narayana , Sousa Sérgio F.
Published: July 2024

Context

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) functionalized with lysine via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition and conjugated to galactose or mannose are potential nanocarriers that can effectively bind to the lectin receptor in MDA-MB-231 or MCF-7 breast cancer cells. In this work, a method based on molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was used to predict the interaction of these functionalized MWCNTs with doxorubicin and obtain structural evidence that allows a better understanding of the drug loading and release process. The MD simulations showed that while doxorubicin only interacted with pristine MWCNTs through π-π stacking interactions, functionalized MWCNTs were also able to establish hydrogen bonds, suggesting that the functionalized groups improve doxorubicin loading. Moreover, the elevated adsorption levels observed for functionalized nanotubes further support this enhancement in loading efficiency. MD simulations also shed light on the intratumoral pH-specific release of doxorubicin from functionalized MWCNTs, which is induced by protonation of the daunosamine moiety. The simulations show that this change in protonation leads to a lower absorption of doxorubicin to the MWCNTs. The MD studies were then experimentally validated, where functionalized MWCNTs showed improved dispersion in aqueous medium compared to pristine MWCNTs and, in agreement with the computational predictions, increased drug loading capacity. Doxorubicin-loaded functionalized MWCNTs demonstrated specific release of doxorubicin in tumor microenvironment (pH = 5.0) with negligible release in the physiological pH (pH = 7.4). Furthermore, doxorubicin-free MWNCT nanoformulations exhibited insignificant cytotoxicity. The experimental studies yielded nearly identical results to the MD studies, underlining the usefulness of the method. Our functionalized MWCNTs represent promising non-toxic nanoplatforms with enhanced aqueous dispersibility and the potential for conjugation with ligands for targeted delivery of anti-cancer drugs to breast cancer cells.

Methods

The computational model of a pristine carbon nanotube was created with the buildCstruct 1.2 Python script. The lysinated functionalized groups were added with PyMOL and VMD. The carbon nanotubes and doxorubicin molecules were parameterized using the general AMBER force field, and RESP charges were determined using Gaussian 09. Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out with the AMBER 20 software package. Adsorption levels were calculated using the water-shell function of cpptraj. Cytotoxicity was evaluated via a MTT assay using MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Drug uptake of doxorubicin and doxorubicin-loaded MWCNTs was measured by fluorescence microscopy.
Structural iterative rounding for generalized k-median problems
Authors: Gupta Anupam , Moseley Benjamin , Zhou Rudy
Published: July 2024

This paper considers approximation algorithms for generalized k-median problems. These problems can be informally described as k-median with a constant number of extra constraints, and includes k-median with outliers, and knapsack median. Our first contribution is a pseudo-approximation algorithm for generalized k-median that outputs a 6.387-approximate solution, with a constant number of fractional variables. The algorithm builds on the iterative rounding framework introduced by Krishnaswamy, Li, and Sandeep for k-median with outliers as reported (Krishnaswamy et al. in: Proceedings of the 50th Annual ACM SIGACT Symposium on Theory of Computing, 2018). The main technical innovation is allowing richer constraint sets in the iterative rounding and using the structure of the resulting extreme points. Using our pseudo-approximation algorithm, we give improved approximation algorithms for k-median with outliers and knapsack median. This involves combining our pseudo-approximation with pre- and post-processing steps to round a constant number of fractional variables at a small increase in cost. Our algorithms achieve approximation ratios $$6.994 + \epsilon $$

6.994
+
ϵ

and $$6.387 + \epsilon $$

6.387
+
ϵ

for k-median with outliers and knapsack median, respectively. These improve on the best-known approximation ratio $$7.081 + \epsilon $$

7.081
+
ϵ

for both problems as reported (Krishnaswamy et al. in: Proceedings of the 50th Annual ACM SIGACT Symposium on Theory of Computing, 2018).
The role of ureteric indocyanine green fluorescence in colorectal surgery: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Rogers P. , Dourado J. , Wignakumar A. , Weiss B. , Aeshbacher P. , Garoufalia Z. , Strassmann V. , Emile S. , Strzempek P. , Wexner S.
Published: July 2024

Background

Ureteric injury (UI) is an infrequent but serious complication of colorectal surgery. Prophylactic ureteric stenting is employed to avoid UI, yet its efficacy remains debated. Intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescence imaging (ICG-FI) has been used to facilitate ureter detection. This study aimed to investigate the role of ICG-FI in identification of ureters during colorectal surgery and its impact on the incidence of UI.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study involving 556 consecutive patients who underwent colorectal surgery between 2018 and 2023 assessed the utility of routine prophylactic ureteric stenting with adjunctive ICG-FI. Patients with ICG-FI were compared to those without ICG-FI. Demographic data, operative details, and postoperative morbidity were analyzed. Statistical analysis included univariable regression.

Results

Ureteric ICG-FI was used in 312 (56.1%) patients, whereas 43.9% were controls. Both groups were comparable in terms of demographics except for a higher prevalence of prior abdominal surgeries in the ICG-FI group. Although intraoperative visualization was significantly higher in the ICG-FI group (95.3% vs 89.1%; p = 0.011), the incidence of UI was similar between groups (0.3% vs 0.8%; p = 0.585). Postoperative complications were similar between the two groups. Median stent insertion time was longer in the ICG-FI group (32 vs 25 min; p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Ureteric ICG-FI improved intraoperative visualization of the ureters but was not associated with a reduced UI rate. Median stent insertion time increased with use of ureteric ICG-FI, but total operative time did not. Despite its limitations, this study is the largest of its kind suggesting that ureteric ICG-FI may be a valuable adjunct to facilitate  ureteric visualization during colorectal surgery.
Patterning strategies in grade 1 students with low and high number sense proficiency
Authors: Junker Astrid , Nortvedt Guri A. , Farsani Danyal
Published: July 2024

Repeating patterning proficiency predicts students’ later mathematical proficiency. A comparative multi-case design enabled the present study to compare patterning success and strategy use for repeating patterns of 75 Norwegian 6-year-old grade 1 students. We provided the students with duplicate, extend, transfer, and unit isolation activities in a semi-structured, task-based interview that was video-recorded. The students’ number sense was also measured using a digital assessment. In-depth analysis of 52 students (divided evenly into two groups based on their number sense scores, lowest and highest) was performed. A statistically significant group difference was found for extend activities. Multimodal video analysis of strategies employed revealed that both student groups used recursive and different strategies and only students with high number sense used relational strategies. The students with low number sense used more variants of recursive patterning strategies. Our findings also demonstrated that attention to pattern features may both hinder identification of a pattern’s underlying structure and reflect advanced strategy use rather than not showing pattern awareness. We discuss group differences in terms of decomposition and awareness of mathematical pattern and structure and emphasise the need for scaffolding awareness of mathematical pattern and structure through communication.
Accrual Quality, Cost of Debt, and Credit Spread and Loss
Authors: Tavakoli Baghdadabad Mohammadreza
Published: July 2024

Our study presents a method to dissect bond excess returns into components influenced by credit spreads and credit losses. Analyzing data spanning 48 years, we find that companies with higher accrual quality experience greater shocks from credit spreads and lesser shocks from credit losses. Conversely, firms with lower accrual quality face reduced credit spread shocks but heightened credit loss shocks. This indicates that high accrual quality firms benefit more from credit spread shocks, while those with lower accrual quality profit more from credit loss shocks. Notably, excluding credit spread shocks, future realized returns have a negative correlation with accrual quality. These accrual quality premiums are significant both statistically and economically, especially when credit spread shocks are not considered. Additionally, accrual quality has improved over the past 48 years due to enhanced accounting standards. Our findings reveal the importance of a reliable accrual quality metric and underscore the need to factor in credit spread shocks in asset pricing evaluations.
Urban exodus or suburbanisation? Medium-term COVID-19 pandemic impacts on internal migration in Japan
Authors: Kotsubo Masaki , Nakaya Tomoki
Published: July 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected internal migration patterns worldwide. Most previous studies have reported on pandemic-induced changes in internal migration using data from 2020 and 2021. Therefore, little is known about the pandemic’s medium-term impact. To address this gap, this study investigated an annual series of migration patterns from 2019 to 2023 in Japan. At the municipal level, relationships between net migration rates and population density indicated that the urbanisation trend became weak in 2020, compared to that in 2019, and it was the weakest in 2021. The urbanisation degree became stronger in 2023, increasing to the level in 2020. Using annual inter-municipal migration flows, this study then investigated changes in migration flows to/from and within three major metropolitan areas (Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka). The changes in sizes of these flows and migration effectiveness index suggested that the pandemic had the largest impact in the Tokyo metropolitan area, among the three areas, and it stimulated intra-metropolitan migration as suburbanisation, rather than net out-migration as ‘urban exodus’, in Japan. The overall results indicated that the pandemic had the largest impact in 2021, which got smaller as the migration patterns recovered to the pre-pandemic ones in 2023.
Predictors of ventricular tachyarrhythmia in patients with a wearable cardioverter defibrillator: an international multicenter registry
Authors: Kreimer Fabienne , Koepsel Katharina , Gotzmann Michael , Kovacs Boldizsar , Dreher Tobias C. , Blockhaus Christian , Klein Norbert , Kuntz Thomas , Shin Dong-In , Lapp Hendrik , Rosenkaimer Stephanie , Abumayyaleh Mohammad , Hamdani Nazha , Saguner Ardan Muammer , Erath Julia W. , Duru Firat , Beiert Thomas , Schiedat Fabian , Weth Christian , Custodis Florian , Akin Ibrahim , Mügge Andreas , Aweimer Assem , El-Battrawy Ibrahim
Published: July 2024

Background and aims

Wearable cardioverter defibrillator (WCD) can protect patients from sudden cardiac death due to ventricular tachyarrhythmias and serve as a bridge to decision of definite defibrillator implantation. The aim of this analysis from an international, multicenter WCD registry was to identify predictors of sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT) and/or ventricular fibrillation (VF) in this population.

Methods

One thousand six hundred seventy-five patients with WCD were included in a multicenter registry from 9 European centers, with a median follow-up of 440 days (IQR 120–893). The primary study end point was the occurrence of sustained VT/VF.

Results

Sustained VT was detected by WCD in 5.4% and VF in 0.9% of all patients. Of the 30.3% of patients receiving ICD implantation during follow-up, sustained VT was recorded in 9.3% and VF in 2.6%. Non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (HR 0.5, p < 0.001), and medication with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (HR 0.7, p = 0.027) and aldosterone antagonists (HR 0.7, p = 0.005) were associated with a significantly lower risk of VT/VF.

Conclusions

Patients who received WCD due to a transient increased risk of sudden cardiac death have a comparatively lower risk of VT/VF in the presence of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. Of note, optimal medical treatment for heart failure not only results in an improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction but also in a reduction in the risk for VT/VF.

Graphical Abstract
“This was never about a virus”: Perceptions of Vaccination Hazards and Pandemic Risk in #Covid19NZ Tweets
Authors: Long Maebh , Calude Andreea , Burnette Jessie
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we draw on qualitative methods from the medical humanities and quantitative approaches from corpus linguistics to assess the different mappings of pandemic risks by Twitter (X) users employing the #Covid19nz hashtag. We look specifically at their responses to government measures around vaccines between August and November 2021. Risk, we reveal, was a major discursive thread in tweets during this period, but within our tweets, it was the vaccine rather than the virus around which hazard perception and response were grouped. We find that the discursive stance of those opposed to the vaccine evoked entangled medical and political hazards, untrustworthy experts, obscure information, restrictions on sovereignty, threats to children, and uncertain future dangers, all of which positioned them within what Ulrich Beck termed the world risk society. We also found that these narratives of risk manifested in specific Twitter styles, which employed a consistently larger number of hashtags. The lack of conjunctions between the hashtags, we argue, encouraged a disordered reading of doubt and precaution, as the hashtags presented triggering phrases whose interconnections were hinted at rather than specified. By contrast, those who tweeted in support of government measures were rhetorically led by solutions rather than risks, with one exception: their perception of those who were vaccine opposed. We use scholarship on risk and precautionary logic to map out the contrasting positions in tweets addressing Aotearoa New Zealand’s pandemic experience during the closing months of 2021.
Natural radiological risk assessment around archaeological sites, El-Dakhla Oasis (EDO), Egypt
Authors: Zakaly Hesham M. H. , Elsaman Reda , Kamal Mohamed , Issa Shams A. M. , Abbasi Akbar , Shen Jinsong , El-Taher Atef , Yap Chee Kong , Abdelbaky Elsayed , Seleem El-Montser M.
Published: July 2024

The natural radionuclides in ancient El-Qasr village located in the El-Dakhla oasis (EDO), Egypt's Western Desert were measured using gamma-ray spectrometry equipped with a NaI (Tl) detector. The findings indicate that the samples' mean activity concentrations were 18.61 ± 1.02, 16.67 ± 0.9, and 137.67 ± 6.9 Bq kg−1 for 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K, respectively. The values of Raeq, D, AED, Hex, Hin, Iγ, and ELCR for the samples ranged anywhere from 34.1 to 83.9 Bq kg−1, 15.7 to 37 nGy h−1, 19.26 to 45.384 Sv y−1, 0.09 to 0.23, 0.12 to 0.23, 0.25 to 0.59, and 6.74E−05 to 1.59E−04, respectively. These values are significantly lower than the international limit of 370 Bq kg−1 for Raeq, 59 nGy h−1 for D, 70 Sv y−1 for AED, 1 for Hex and Hin, 2 for Iγ, and 29E−03 for ELCR. According to the obtained data, none of the samples seemed to be a significant risk when it came to radiation exposure. Using these data, we will determine the baseline level of radionuclides that occur naturally in the area that is the subject of the inquiry.
Structural and thermal investigations of the ternary Mg–Zn–Ca system
Authors: Popis J. , Starczewska O. , Kremzer M. , Gołombek K. , Karolus M. , Lesz S.
Published: July 2024

Magnesium alloys have become suitable candidates for potential biomedical materials due to their excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Among different Mg alloys, the Mg–Zn–Ca system is the most popular degradable implant material. The aim of this work is the structure and thermal investigation of the ternary Mg66Zn30Ca4 alloy by a high-energy ball milling process for 5, 8, 13, and 20 h. Morphology changes (SEM) and phase analysis (XRD) of searching materials were investigated. The morphology of the obtained powders and the chemical composition were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with the energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The distribution of powder size of the samples was determined using the laser particle size analyzer. The thermal characteristics of the powders have been investigated up to 450 °C by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Additionally, a microhardness test was carried out. The XRD diffraction patterns of powders show the presence of a solid solution of αMg and the Mg51Zn20 phase. The characteristic Bragg lines of unreacted Zn and Ca can be observed in addition. The DSC analyses showed phase transformations taking place in the alloy. SEM analysis showed a lamellar morphology, which is the result of the deformation process within milling. The results of the microhardness (HV0.05) measuring showed that increasing the milling time improved the microhardness of the Mg66Zn30Ca4 alloy.
The effectiveness of an online attention training program in improving attention and reducing boredom
Authors: Ng Hoi Ching , Wong Wai-lap Lance , Chan Christian S.
Published: July 2024

Frequent and intense experiences of boredom may lead to negative consequences. Enhancing sustained attention has been suggested as a potential strategy for mitigating boredom. We investigated the effectiveness of a four-week intervention to improve attention levels in daily activities and alleviate boredom. In this quasi-experiment, 73 adults were allocated to either the intervention group (n = 32), which participated in a four-session online attention training program, or the no-intervention control group (n = 41). Data were collected through baseline and post-intervention questionnaires, as well as experience sampling over a 28-day period. In line with our hypotheses, multilevel modeling results indicated that attention levels in the intervention group increased throughout the training compared to the control group. Additionally, we observed a decrease in state boredom levels and a significant between-group difference in post-intervention boredom proneness. We found that the attention training program was effective in boosting attention levels and reducing boredom experiences and boredom proneness among healthy adults.
High Temperature Corrosion Resistant and Anti-slagging Coatings for Boilers: A Review
Authors: Khantisopon Kritkasem , Singh Surinder , Jitputti Jaturong , Berndt Christopher C. , Ang Andrew S. M.
Published: July 2024

High temperature corrosion and slag deposition significantly reduce the thermal efficiency and lifespan of biomass-fired boilers. Surface modification with protective coatings can enhance boiler performance and prevent commercial losses due to maintenance and damage. This review focuses on the development of corrosion-resistant coatings (CRCs) and anti-slagging coatings (ASCs) over the past decade. CRCs are explored through thermal spray processes that include arc spray, atmospheric plasma spray (APS), high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF), detonation gun (D-gun™), and cold spray. Studies on alloys, ceramics, and ceramic–metal composites are summarised, highlighting the high temperature corrosion prevention mechanisms and discussing new coating materials. ASCs are reviewed in the context of advancements via thermal spray and slurry spray methods. The mechanisms for slag reduction, testing methods to evaluate ASC effectiveness, and the necessary architecture for preventing slag deposition are examined. A lab-based rig simulating fly ash deposition onto water-cooled coating coupons for anti-slagging investigations is also presented. Further research is needed to develop and evaluate materials for ASCs effectively.

Graphical Abstract
General measurements with limited resources and their application to quantum unambiguous state discrimination
Authors: Reitzner Daniel , Bouda Jan
Published: July 2024

In this report, we present a framework for implementing an arbitrary n-outcome generalized quantum measurement (POVM) on an m-qubit register as a sequence of two-outcome measurements requiring only single ancillary qubit. Our procedure offers a particular construction for the two-outcome partial measurements which can be composed into a full implementation of the measurement on any gate architecture. This implementation in general requires classical feedback; we present specific cases when this is not the case. We apply this framework on the unambiguous state discrimination and analyze possible strategies. In the simplest case, it gives the same construction as is known, if we opt for performing conclusiveness measurement first. However, it also offers possibility of performing measurement for one of the state outcomes first, leaving conclusiveness measurement for later. This shows flexibility of presented framework and opens possibilities for further optimization. We present discussion also on biased qubit case as well as general case of unambiguous quantum state discrimination in higher dimension.