bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cancer Therapy Potential Unveiled: FDA‐Approved Drugs Targeting Glutaminase for Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Mirshekaran Raziyeh , Ahmadi Khadijeh , Shahbazi Behzad , Farshidfar Gholamreza , Eftekhar Ebrahim , Kavousipour Soudabeh
Published: June 2024

The survival and proliferation of proliferating cancer cells is largely dependent on glutamine. Glutamine serves as a nitrogen source for the synthesis of amino acids and nucleotides, and as a carbon source for the synthesis of lipids. Virtual screening of FDA‐approved drugs is a promising approach to identify new glutaminase inhibitors. In this study, molecular docking were used to screen a library of FDA‐approved drugs against glutaminase. Their potential as inhibitors for the treatment of breast cancer was evaluated. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed on promising candidates. An in vitro study using two breast cancer cell lines, MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7, was performed to evaluate the effect of the selected drugs on cell viability and expression of apoptosis‐related genes. Our results identified several FDA‐approved drugs with potential inhibitory activity against glutaminase, including bromocriptine, doxycycline, dutasteride, ezetimibe, fexofenadine, montelukast, pimozide, and tetracycline. In vitro assays revealed a dose‐dependent inhibitory effect of rifampin and bromocriptine, two drugs with the highest binding affinity to glutaminase, on cell viability and apoptosis‐related genes in breast cancer cell lines. Targeting glutaminase with FDA‐approved drugs may be a promising strategy for the development of new cancer therapies, especially for breast cancer.
Influence of Sepiolite on the Rheological Properties of PVA Composite Hydrogels
Authors: Jiang Yizhi , Wen Sibo , Lin Shiran , Jin Dongzhao , Ding Yanhuai
Published: June 2024

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel has attracted significant attention in the field of biomedicine, sensors, and other related areas due to their exceptional biocompatibility and interfacial properties. However, conventional single‐component hydrogels often face challenges associated with insufficient mechanical and rheological properties, lacking the structural strength required for practical applications. This study aims to investigate the impact of introducing sepiolite on the rheological behavior of PVA hydrogels. To this end, sepiolite/PVA composite hydrogels were fabricated using a chemical cross‐linking technique. Subsequently, a comprehensive series of rheological experiments was conducted to assess their properties. Experimental results and model comparisons demonstrate that fractional order constitutive equations can accurately describe the rheological behavior of the hybrid hydrogels. With the increase of sepiolite content in the hydrogel, the critical strain does not change significantly, but both the storage modulus and loss modulus of the hydrogel gradually increase. When the sepiolite content reaches 10 wt %, the tensile strength of the composite hydrogel at the yield point jumps to 17.07 kPa, and the toughness increases to 549.69 kJ/m3. This significant improvement in toughness is accompanied by a fracture strain of approximately 4000 %. By adjusting the sepiolite content, different rheological properties can be achieved.
Emerging Processes for Sustainable Li‐Ion Battery Cathode Recycling
Authors: Bhattacharyya Sohini , Roy Soumyabrata , Vajtai Robert
Published: June 2024

The colossal growth in the use of Li‐ion batteries (LiBs) has raised serious concerns over the supply chain of strategic minerals, e.g., Co, Ni, and Li, that make up the cathode active materials (CAM). Recycling spent LiBs is an important step toward sustainability that can establish a circular economy by effectively tackling large amounts of e‐waste while ensuring an unhindered supply of critical minerals. Among the various methods of LiB recycling available, pyro‐ and hydrometallurgy have been utilized in the industry owing to their ease of operation and high efficiency, although they are associated with significant environmental concerns. Direct recycling, a more recent concept that aims to relithiate spent LiBs without disrupting the lattice structure of the CAMs, has been realized only in the laboratory scale so far and further optimization is required before it can be extended to the bulk scale. Additionally, significant progress has been made in the areas of hydrometallurgy in terms of using ecofriendly green lixiviants and alternate sources of energy, e.g., microwave and electrochemical, that makes the recycling processes more efficient and sustainable. In this review, the latest developments in LiB recycling are discussed that have focused on environmental and economic viability, as well as process intensification. These include deep eutectic solvent based recycling, electrochemical and microwave‐assisted recycling, and various types of direct recycling.
Boosting Electrochemical Nitrate Reduction at Low Concentrations Through Simultaneous Electronic States Regulation and Proton Provision
Authors: Zhang Wenlin , Zhou Yuzhuo , Zhu Yong , Guo Yabo , Zhang Bo , Zhang Lu‐Hua , Li Fei , Yu Fengshou
Published: June 2024

Electrochemically converting nitrate (NO3−) into ammonia (NH3) has emerged as an alternative strategy for NH3 production and effluent treatment. Nevertheless, the electroreduction of dilute NO3− is still challenging due to the competitive adsorption between various aqueous species and NO3−, and unfavorable water dissociation providing *H. Herein, a new tandem strategy is proposed to boost the electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) performance of Cu nanoparticles supported on single Fe atoms dispersed N‐doped carbon (Cu@Fe1‐NC) at dilute NO3− concentrations (≤100 ppm NO3−‐N). The optimized Cu@Fe1‐NC presents a FENH3 of 97.7% at −0.4 V versus RHE, and a significant NH3 yield of 1953.9 mmol h−1 gCu−1 at 100 ppm NO3−‐N, a record‐high activity for dilute NO3RR. The metal/carbon heterojunctions in Cu@Fe1‐NC enable a spontaneous electron transfer from Cu to carbon substrate, resulting in electron‐deficient Cu. As a result, the electron‐deficient Cu facilitates the adsorption of NO3− compared with the pristine Cu. The adjacent atomic Fe sites efficiently promote water dissociation, providing abundant *H for the hydrogenation of *NOx e at Cu sites. The synergistic effects between Cu and single Fe atom sites simultaneously decrease the energy barrier for NO3− adsorption and hydrogenation, thereby enhancing the overall activity of NO3− reduction.
Interaction Behaviors of Ce‐Treated Al‐Killed Steel Grades with Different Refractories
Authors: Liu Huixin , Deng Zhiyin , Zhu Miaoyong
Published: June 2024

To understand the effect of the interactions between Ce‐treated steel and refractory on steel cleanliness, the high‐temperature reaction behaviors of Ce‐treated Al‐killed steel with different refractories (MgO, Al2O3, MgO⋅Al2O3, and CeO2) are investigated in laboratory at different times (30–90 min), and the inclusions in steel and the total oxygen contents of the steel are also analyzed. The results show that when the MgO refractory contacts with conventional Al‐killed steel grades, MgO‐Al2O3 spinel is generated as the reacted layer at the boundary; while it reacts with Ce‐treated steel, MgO–Al2O3 spinel is also formed, but it further transforms into Ce2O2S and CeAlO3 with time. In the Ce‐treated steel, CeAlO3 is proved as the stable phase; thus, the reacted layer of CeAlO3 can also be detected at the edges of Al2O3, MgO⋅Al2O3, and CeO2 refractories. Ce treatment leads to more serious degradation of refractory, and the thickness of the reacted layers at the steel–refractory boundary decreases with time due to the spalling of the layer, resulting in the formation of many CeAlO3 macroinclusions in steel and the rise of total oxygen contents of the steel.
Minimizing variability: Standardized approach to retroperitoneal single‐port robot‐assisted ureteral reconstruction
Authors: Walasek Aleksandra , Lin Jeffery , Zhao Lee
Published: June 2024

Evidence suggests that robot‐assisted ureteroplasty is a safe and feasible management option of ureteral strictures. The retroperitoneal approach to ureteral reconstruction using single‐port (SP) robot can be beneficial in challenging cases of patients with prior history of abdominopelvic surgery or radiation. Herein, we present a standardized approach to retroperitoneal SP robot‐assisted ureteral reconstruction, highlighting the advantages of this technique in selected clinical scenarios.
Reaction of a Bulky β‐Diketiminato Magnesium Hydride with CO2 Yielding a Polynuclear Magnesium Cage Compound
Authors: Huadsai Wimonsiri , Vendier Laure , Westerhausen Matthias , Bontemps Sébastien
Published: June 2024

The reaction of a sterically shielded Mg hydride complex, bearing a bulky β‐diketiminato (BDI) ligand, with CO2 leads to the formation of polynuclear complexes. CO2 not only inserts into the metal hydride bond yielding formate ions, but also adds onto the γ‐C of the BDI ligand. This reactivity gives rise to the formation of soluble tri‐ and tetranuclear structures in THF, leading to a hexameric structure associated with a change in the coordination mode of the BDI ligand at 60 °C in THF within four days. The insoluble hexameric complex was isolated in high reproducible yield from the solution and characterized by X‐ray diffraction analysis. The reaction affording the hexameric complex was shown to be completed within 1 h at room temperature in toluene. Similar reactions of CO2 with a BDI calcium hydride complex proceeds less cleanly and a pure product could not be isolated.
Tourism Intelligence, Key to Reviving the Sector
Authors: Hernández-White Carlos , Rodríguez-Díaz Beatriz , Expósito-García Alfonso
Published: June 2024

The crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has hit the tourism sector hard, causing an unprecedented drop in activity. This has accentuated the need for robust tourism knowledge systems that provide intelligence, improvements in competitiveness and greater efficiency in the sector, taking advantage of its potential through more collaborative and digital processes. The added value of this work is to define, based on existing literature and experience in different territories, the main aspects to be taken into account in the design of an integrated tourism knowledge and intelligence system. We are at a stage of recovery of tourism activity after the pandemic where digitalisation processes are key factors in the structural changes. Tourism intelligence systems must be based on collaboration between all the agents in the sector, on the consolidation and integration of information from different sources, on the application of technology and business intelligence techniques to provide high-value knowledge, on the contribution of the tourism sector to the development of the territories and on the improvement of competitiveness based on knowledge management.
Connections Between a Tourist Destination, the Digital Ecosystem, and ICT Actors
Authors: Alzua-Sorzabal Aurkene , Herasimovich Volha , Guereño-Omil Basagaitz , Thiel-Ellul Daniela
Published: June 2024

The tourism sector and tourist destinations are undergoing a digital transition in order to improve their resilience and competitiveness. The way in which tourist destinations address this digital transition differs, as some incorporate more technology in their ecosystem than others, giving rise to the emergence of different types of digital tourism networks. This study seeks to determine the different ways in which a tourist destination connects with a digital ecosystem, specifically focusing on the connections with ICT actors. It is based on the theoretical framework of tourism as an ecosystem. Using web crawling, network data have been compiled on 670 tourism actors and more than 36,000 websites to which they are connected through hyperlinks. The most frequently linked entities of the discovered digital ecosystem have been identified and classified (n = 447), distinguishing between 13 types of ICT actors. The results show how the online destination network has been incorporated into the digital ecosystem. The study reveals that the configuration of the digital ecosystem surrounding a tourist destination is characterised by the different levels of importance for the network of destination actors in which the ICT actors play a central role.
Framework for Enhancing the Social Impact of Tourism Research
Authors: Viana-Lora Alba , Aguilar-Rivero Minerva , Moral-Cuadra Salvador , Suazo Pablo
Published: June 2024

This study addresses the importance of enhancing the social impact of tourism research through the implementation of a theoretical framework. The article presents the results of a review of the existing literature on the social impact of research. Key aspects for the design of a framework to enhance social impact are identified, including the identification of relevant social problems, the involvement of relevant stakeholders, a multidisciplinary approach, appropriate ethics, effective communication and impact evaluation. A series of interconnected steps are proposed to enhance the social impact of tourism research. The proposed framework seeks to address the current deficiencies in the connection between tourism research and social impact, promoting a participatory and multidisciplinary approach that generates positive change in society. Enhancing the social impact of tourism research is fundamental to maximising its effectiveness and achieving positive change in local communities.
Assessment of Functional and Emotional Factors in the Hotel Experience Through UGC
Authors: Sánchez-Vargas Elena , Hernández-Mogollón José Manuel , López-Salas Sergio , Pasaco-González Bárbara Sofía , Moreno-Lobato Ana
Published: June 2024

User Generated Content (UGC) is a valuable source of information that allows us to know what are the attributes that tourists value the most. In the hotel context, user reviews are useful for knowing tourists’ opinions. There are two forms of UGC: functional and emotional. The first is to analyse messages with practical information, while the second is composed of messages that show feelings. This paper aims to identify the differences between the functional and emotional factors assessed positively and negatively by tourists about the hotels in Trujillo (Cáceres, Spain). A content analysis of Booking.com reviews of Trujillo hotels is carried out. The hotels are divided into two groups demonstrating the differences in services and prices: 1 and 2-stars and 3 and 4-stars hotels. The results show that guests evaluated functional and emotional factors positively and negatively in both groups. According to the attributes identified, to increase the positive hotel experience, the factors that should be considered are those that include emotional dimension; while to minimise the negative experience, functional factors should be considered to cover the basic hotel experience. As a main conclusion, it is outstanding that the emotional value of the hotel experience is not exclusive to the higher categories, as it is present in both groupings.
Rise and Fall of TripAdvisor: The Lack of Participation and Its Causes
Authors: de Sandoval José Luis Ximénez
Published: June 2024

TripAdvisor's remarkable growth since its launch is undeniable, with over 859 million reviews covering 8.6 million businesses by 2023. However, recent years have seen a noticeable stagnation, if not a decline, raising pertinent questions from both a business and academic perspective about its future as a key player in the tourism industry. Our research, launched in 2016, tracks monthly reviews of restaurants and hotels on TripAdvisor and Booking. It covers global destinations. It focuses on four well-known tourist hubs - Madrid, London, Paris and Rome - and covers the period from 2016 to 2022. The results show an initial phase (2017–2019) with a decrease in the annual growth rate of reviews in all destinations. The subsequent phase (2020–2021), influenced by pandemic-induced inactivity, showed minimal annual variation. The third phase shows a slight recovery, but no destination has exceeded a year-on-year variation of 4%. To counter this downward trend, TripAdvisor needs to implement innovative strategies and adapt its business model and user interaction processes. Such proactive measures are essential to overcome current challenges, ensure its relevance and maintain a pivotal role in the evolving tourism industry.
Getting Started with R for Education Research
Authors: Tikka Santtu , Kopra Juho , Heinäniemi Merja , López-Pernas Sonsoles , Saqr Mohammed
Published: June 2024

The R programming language has become a popular tool for conducting data analysis in the field of learning analytics. This chapter provides an introduction to the basics of R programming, with a focus on the Rstudio integrated development environment and the tidyverse programming paradigm. The chapter covers topics such as data types and structures, control structures, pipes, functions, loops, and input/output operations. By the end of the chapter, readers should have a solid understanding of the basics of R programming and have the tools necessary to learn more in-depth topics such as data wrangling and basic statistics using R.
Introductory Statistics with R for Educational Researchers
Authors: Tikka Santtu , Kopra Juho , Heinäniemi Merja , López-Pernas Sonsoles , Saqr Mohammed
Published: June 2024

Statistics play a fundamental role in learning analytics, providing a means to analyze and make sense of the vast amounts of data generated by learning environments. This chapter provides an introduction to basic statistical concepts using R and covers topics such as measures of central tendency, variability, correlation, and regression analysis. Specifically, readers will learn how to compute descriptive statistics, conduct hypothesis tests, and perform simple linear regression analysis. The chapter also includes practical examples using realistic data sets from the field of learning analytics. By the end of the chapter, readers should have a solid understanding of the basic statistical concepts and methods commonly used in learning analytics, as well as a practical understanding of how to use R to conduct statistical analysis of learning data.
Development and Pilot Test of a Multi-Component Intervention to Support Women’s Recovery from Female Genital Fistula
Authors: Barageine Justus K. , Nalubwama Hadija , Obore Susan , Mirembe Esther , Mubiru Dianah , Jean Angella , Akori Susan , Opio Samuel , Keyser Laura , McKinney Jessica , Korn Abner P. , Ali Shafeesha , Byamugisha Josaphat , El Ayadi Alison M.
Published: June 2024

Introduction and hypothesis

We evaluated a pilot multi-component reintegration intervention to improve women’s physical and psychosocial quality of life after genital fistula surgery.

Methods

Twelve women undergoing fistula repair at Mulago Specialized Women and Neonatal Hospital (Kampala, Uganda) anticipated in a 2-week multi-component intervention including health education, psychosocial therapy, physiotherapy, and economic investment. We assessed feasibility through recruitment, retention, and adherence, acceptability through intervention satisfaction, and preliminary effectiveness through reintegration, mental health, physical health, and economic status. We collected quantitative data at enrollment, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. We conducted in-depth interviews with six participants. Quantitative data are presented descriptively, and qualitative data analyzed thematically.

Results

Participants had a median age of 34.5 years (25.5–38.0), 50% were married/partnered, 42% were separated, 50$ had completed less than primary education, and 67% were unemployed. Mean number of sessions received was 12 for health education (range 5–15), 8 for counseling (range 8–9), and 6 for physiotherapy (range 4–8). Feasibility was demonstrated by study acceptance among all those eligible (100%); comfort with study measures, data collection frequency and approach; and procedural fidelity. Acceptability was high; all participants reported being very satisfied with the intervention and each of the components. Participant narratives echoed quantitative findings and contributed nuanced perspectives to understanding approach and content.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the intervention and associated research were both feasible and acceptable, and suggested certain modifications to the intervention protocol to reduce participant burden. Further research to determine the effectiveness of the intervention above and beyond surgery alone with regard to the health and well-being of women with fistulas is warranted.
Use of drugs for hypertension or heart failure and the risk of death in COVID-19: association with loop-diuretics
Authors: Fastbom Johan , Jonasdottir Bergman Gudrun , Holm Johanna , Hanberger Håkan , Strålin Kristoffer , Walther Sten , Alfredsson Joakim , State Maria , Borg Natalia , Nyman Iliadou Anastasia
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To study the association between the use of drugs for hypertension or heart failure, particularly diuretics, and risk of death in COVID-19.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study, based on record linked individual-based data from national registers, of all Swedish inhabitants 50 years and older (n = 3,909,321) at the start of the first SARS-CoV-2 wave in Sweden. The association between use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB), thiazides, loop diuretics, aldosterone antagonists, beta blocking agents and calcium channel blockers at the index date 6 March 2020, and death in COVID-19 during 7 March to 31 July 2020, was analysed using Cox-proportional hazards regression, adjusted for a wide range of possible confounders.

Results

Use of loop diuretics was associated with higher risk [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.26; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.17–1.35] and thiazides with reduced risk (0.78; 0.69–0.88) of death in COVID-19. In addition, lower risk was observed for ACEI and higher risk for beta-blocking agents, although both associations were weak. For ARB, aldosterone antagonists and calcium channel blockers no significant associations were found.

Conclusion

In this nationwide cohort of nearly 4 million persons 50 years and older, the use of loop diuretics was associated with increased risk of death in COVID-19 during the first SARS-CoV-2 wave in Sweden. This contrasted to the decreased risk observed for thiazides. As treatment with loop diuretics is common, particularly in the elderly, the group most affected by severe COVID-19, this finding merit further investigation.
Association of angiogenic factors (placental growth factor and soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase-1) in preeclamptic women of African ancestry comorbid with HIV infection
Authors: Mlambo Zinhle P. , Sebitloane Motshedisi , Naicker Thajasvarie
Published: June 2024

Background

Preeclampsia is a significant cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like South Africa.

Aim

The aim of our study was to investigate the association between placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) in South African preeclamptic women of African ancestry, comorbid with HIV infection.

Methods

The study population consisted of women attending a regional hospital in Durban, South Africa, stratified by pregnancy type (normotensive pregnant and preeclampsia) and HIV status. Preeclampsia was defined as new-onset hypertension and proteinuria. DNA was obtained from whole blood. The SNPs of interest were rs722503 in sFlt-1 and rs4903273 in PlGF.

Results

Our findings suggest that single nucleotide polymorphisms of rs722503 analysis show no significant associations between the genotypic frequencies of rs722503 variants and preeclampsia risk in either HIV-negative or HIV-positive groups of women of African ancestry. Similarly, the rs493273 polymorphism showed no significant association with preeclampsia risk in either HIV-negative or HIV-positive pregnant women. Additionally, comparisons of dominant, recessive, and over-dominant allele models did not reveal significant associations. These findings suggest that these genetic variants may not significantly contribute to preeclampsia development in this African ancestry population. However, significant differences were observed in the rs4903273 genotype frequencies between normotensive and preeclamptic women, regardless of HIV status, over dominant alleles AA + GG vs AG showed a significant difference [OR = 2.706; 95% Cl (1.199–5.979); adjusted p = 0.0234*], also in normotensive compared to EOPE (OR = 2.804; 95% Cl (1.151–6.89) p = 0.0326* and LOPE (OR = 2.601; 95% Cl (1.0310–6.539) p = 0.0492*), suggesting that they may be the potential role of this variant in preeclampsia susceptibility.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that the rs722503 and rs493273 polymorphisms do not significantly contribute to preeclampsia susceptibility in HIV-negative or HIV-positive pregnant women. However, the rs4903273 genotype frequencies showed notable differences between normotensive and preeclamptic women, indicating a potential association with preeclampsia development in the African ancestry population irrespective of HIV status.
Central limit theorem for intrinsic Fréchet means in smooth compact Riemannian manifolds
Authors: Hotz Thomas , Le Huiling , Wood Andrew T. A.
Published: June 2024

We prove a central limit theorem (CLT) for the Fréchet mean of independent and identically distributed observations in a compact Riemannian manifold assuming that the population Fréchet mean is unique. Previous general CLT results in this setting have assumed that the cut locus of the Fréchet mean lies outside the support of the population distribution. In this paper we present a CLT under some mild technical conditions on the manifold plus the following assumption on the population distribution: in a neighbourhood of the cut locus of the population Fréchet mean, the population distribution is absolutely continuous with respect to the volume measure on the manifold and in this neighhbourhood the Radon–Nikodym derivative has a version that is continuous. So far as we are aware, the CLT given here is the first which allows the cut locus to have co-dimension one or two when it is included in the support of the distribution. A key part of the proof is establishing an asymptotic approximation for the parallel transport of a certain vector field. Whether or not a non-standard term arises in the CLT depends on whether the co-dimension of the cut locus is one or greater than one: in the former case a non-standard term appears but not in the latter case. This is the first paper to give a general and explicit expression for the non-standard term which arises when the co-dimension of the cut locus is one.
Wear-Resistant Low-friction Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Spray Coatings for Sustainable (Bio-based Recyclable) Materials
Authors: Kaindl Reinhard , Kopp Dietmar Franz , Parizek Harald , Lackner Jürgen Markus , Waldhauser Wolfgang
Published: June 2024

Coatings from polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyamide 12 (PA12), molybdenumdisulfide (MoS2), zinc (Zn), and graphite (C) powder mixtures were deposited on PA6, PA12, and PEEK substrates by an atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) spray jet system. Several tenth of µm thick coatings on PA6 and PA12 substrates result in an almost halved surface roughness Ra ~8 µm, Rq ~10 µm and Rz ~60 µm, whereas a significant increase of all surface roughness parameters is observed for PEEK substrates (Ra < 1 µm → 4 µm, Rq < 1 µm → 5 µm, Rz < 5 µm → 20 µm). The surface roughness, powder composition, and selected APP process parameter strongly influence the coefficient of friction (COF) and specific wear rate ki of the APP coatings in rotational ball-on-disc tribological testing. The COF of PA12/MoS2/C coatings on PA6 substrates manufactured by selective laser sintering (SLS) is ~0.2 after 628 m sliding distance, resulting in a very low calculated ki of 6.3 × 10−7 mm3/Nm. A similarly low COF and ki was observed for PEEK coatings deposited at a current of 75 A and 60 mm jet–substrate distance on SLS PA12 substrate. Although the COF of Zn/C/MoS2 coatings on PEEK drops down below 0.1 after 1884 m sliding distance under nitrogen atmosphere the corresponding ki of 5.6 × 10−5 mm3/Nm is higher. Still all calculated specific wear rates are significantly lower than the reported values of polyamide-polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE)-polyethylene composites (1.9–8.0 × 10−2 mm3/Nm) and partly even outperform PEEK-PTFE composites (1.0 × 10−7–2.5 × 10−6), currently applied in demanding wear regimes.
The attainment of a patient acceptable symptom state in patients undergoing revision spine fusion
Authors: Issa Tariq Z. , Tarawneh Omar H. , Ezeonu Teeto , Haider Ameer A. , Narayanan Rajkishen , Canseco Jose A. , Hilibrand Alan S. , Vaccaro Alexander R. , Schroeder Gregory D. , Kepler Christopher K.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Revision lumbar fusion is most commonly due to nonunion, adjacent segment disease (ASD), or recurrent stenosis, but it is unclear if diagnosis affects patient outcomes. The primary aim of this study was to assess whether patients achieved the patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) or minimal clinically important difference (MCID) after revision lumbar fusion and assess whether this was influenced by the indication for revision.

Methods

We retrospectively identified all 1–3 level revision lumbar fusions at a single institution. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was collected at preoperative, three-month postoperative, and one-year postoperative time points. The MCID was calculated using a distribution-based method at each postoperative time point. PASS was set at the threshold of ≤ 22.

Results

We identified 197 patients: 56% with ASD, 28% with recurrent stenosis, and 15% with pseudarthrosis. The MCID for ODI was 10.05 and 10.23 at three months and one year, respectively. In total, 61% of patients with ASD, 52% of patients with nonunion, and 65% of patients with recurrent stenosis achieved our cohort-specific MCID at one year postoperatively with ASD (p = 0.78). At one year postoperatively, 33.8% of ASD patients, 47.8% of nonunion patients, and 37% of patients with recurrent stenosis achieved PASS without any difference between indication (p = 0.47).

Conclusions

The majority of patients undergoing revision spine fusion experience significant postoperative improvements regardless of the indication for revision. However, a large proportion of these patients do not achieve the patient acceptable symptom state. While revision spine surgery may offer substantial benefits, these results underscore the need to manage patient expectations.
Langzeitresultate nach ultraschallassistierter Katheterthrombolyse bei akuten iliofemoralen Thrombosen
Authors: Langer S. , Kücük C. , Mühlberger D.
Published: June 2024

Hintergrund und Fragestellung

Unter der konservativen Standardbehandlung der proximalen Phlebothrombose (DVT) entwickeln 40–70 % der Patienten ein postthrombotisches Syndrom (PTS). Zur Vermeidung eines PTS kann in Einzelfällen eine chirurgische Thrombektomie oder eine interventionelle Rekanalisierung in Betracht gezogen werden. Ziel unserer Studie war die Untersuchung der Effektivität der frühzeitigen Intervention mittels ultraschallassistierter Katheterthrombolyse (UACDT) mit dem EKOS EndoWave Katheter im Langzeitverlauf.

Methodik

In einer monozentrischen retrospektiven Studie wurden 42 Patienten (49,9 ± 18,1 Jahre) nachuntersucht, die zwischen Juli 2011 und November 2019 mit einer UACDT bei iliofemoraler Thrombose behandelt wurden. Primäre Endpunkte waren die PTS-Rate gemessen anhand der Villalta-Skala sowie die Erhebung der krankheitsspezifischen Lebensqualität anhand des VEINS-QOL.

Ergebnisse

Bei 40 Patienten (95,2 %) konnte primär erfolgreich eine Rekanalisierung der Beckenetage bei einer durchschnittlichen Lyse-Dauer von 56,5 (SD ± 17,2) Stunden erreicht werden. Es wurden 22 Patienten (52,4 %) nach einem mittleren Beobachtungszeitraum von 50,4 Monaten (± 30,9) nachuntersucht. Die PTS-Rate lag insgesamt bei 27,3 % (6 Patienten). Das Venensystem zeigte sich in der Duplexsonographie bei 80 % der nachuntersuchten Patienten durchgängig.

Schlussfolgerung

Die UACDT als frühe thrombusbeseitigende Maßnahme bei proximaler DVT zeigt eine niedrige PTS-Rate im Langzeitverlauf und kann die krankheitsspezifische Lebensqualität dieser Patienten verbessern. Sie ist aber mit einem Risiko der Blutungskomplikation assoziiert, sodass die Indikationsstellung weiterhin kritisch gestellt werden sollte.
Unusual presentation of cat scratch disease: case report
Authors: Aslan Tuncay Sevgi , Akkoc Gulsen , Yilmaz Seyhan , Dizi Isik Aylin , Canizci Erdemli Pinar , Parlak Burcu , Buyuktas Aytac Didem , Abaci Capar Meryem Cagla , Almus Eda , Yapici Ozge , Binici Beyza , Ataizi Celikel Cigdem , Ocal Demir Sevliya
Published: June 2024

Cat scratch disease (CSD) is an infection caused by Bartonella henselae, presents with non-specific symptoms like lymphadenopathy, fever, and fatigue. It can progress to disseminated disease, leading to complications such as liver and splenic micro abscesses, osteomyelitis, encephalitis, and uveitis. Diagnosis is challenging due to varied presentations and limited tests. Treatment involves supportive care, with severe cases requiring antimicrobial therapy. In this report, we present a case of Cat scratch disease characterized by an atypical clinical manifestation, hepatosplenic and paravertebral involvement.
Rapid advance of climatic tree limits in the Eastern Alps explained by on-site temperatures
Authors: Körner Christian , Hiltbrunner Erika
Published: June 2024

In the European Alps, mean temperature has risen by 2.5 K since the end of the nineteenth century. A 2 K warming of the growing season has taken place in the last 4 decades only. The 2.5 K warming should rise the position of the climatic treeline by about 400 m. Actual shifts in uppermost tree positions reported here for the Austrian Defereggen Valley and the Swiss Lower Engadine region of the Eastern Alps reach only around 140 m of elevation above the limit of old trees that date back to the nineteenth century. Uppermost Pinus cembra trees of > 2 m height currently occur at c. 2500 m, representing elevation records for the Eastern Alps. In situ temperature records for 2022–2023 revealed seasonal mean temperatures for uppermost trees that are 1–3 K higher than the equilibrium treeline isotherm of c. 6 °C in both regions (corrected for temperature anomalies from long-term records). The 2 K span reflects microhabitat differences and two ways to define the season. Thus, tree advances lag behind the upslope shift of the treeline isotherm, on average, by more than 200 m. The uppermost trees currently grow under quite warm conditions with annual shoot length increments frequently reaching 20 cm. Even without additional future warming, the new steady-state climatic treeline will exceed the Holocene maximum elevation in the Eastern Alps substantially.
Do energy, inflation, and financial development stimulate economic welfare in India? Empirical insights from novel dynamic ARDL and KRLS simulations
Authors: Subhan Mohammad , Anjum Aqsa , Zamir M. N. , Kirikkaleli Dervis
Published: June 2024

The present study focuses on investigating the effect of renewable and non-renewable energy consumption (REC and NREC), financial development (FD), and inflation (INF) on economic welfare (EW) in India during 1990–2019. In this research, we employ a novel dynamic autoregressive distributed lag model and a kernel-based machine learning algorithm and regularise least squares to detect causal linkages among the variables. To measure the economic welfare index, this research uses the PCA analysis with GDP, human capital, environmental damage, number of employed persons, life expectancy at birth, and real consumption in households and by the government. According to the findings, the NREC and FD have been favourably contributing to EW. Conversely, the EW is adversely affected by REC. However, INF also has an adverse impact on EW, although it may be insignificant in the long run and significant in the short run.
Empowering Learners in Higher Education: Redesigning an Online Computer Science Course Through Universal Design for Learning Implementation
Authors: Redstone Ana E. , Luo Tian
Published: June 2024

This article focuses on the practical implementation of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in an online computer science course, articulating the collaborative efforts between the instructional designer (the first author) and the faculty member to redesign the course using UDL principles. Specific instances of redesigned learning modules and artifacts in adherence to UDL principles and results and insights gained from the implementation are reported. The article concludes with recommendations for higher education faculty and instructional designers to consider when applying UDL in their online courses.
Addressing Multiple Responsibilities in the Early Stages of R&D with Provenance Assessment
Authors: Gondolf Janine
Published: June 2024

A wealth of literature and best practices on Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) document how it can be implemented in projects. However, each project is too specific to simply replicate existing patterns. Especially in early projects with a high degree of uncertainty, where indicators and measures cannot be applied, the so-called provenance assessment as a methodological change of perspective makes it possible to assess the procedural quality of research by means of narratives. A clear picture of the challenges for European bio-economy projects is sought by mapping the broader debate on "RRI in practice" in the context of biotechnology. The SUSPHIRE project is used as a case study to show how project-specific narratives integrate and signify RRI. By unpacking various concepts of "responsibility" that are already present in the project narrative at an early stage, I will show how this assessment differs significantly from other attempts to "do RRI". It is precisely in the absence of other criteria that the assessment of provenance can bring to the fore the specific form(s) of responsibility inherent in the development of projects.
Co-creating coastal sustainability goals and indicators
Authors: Engen Sigrid , Hausner Vera Helene , Mikkelsen Eirik , Gundersen Hege , Christie Hartvig , Falk-Andersson Jannike , Halpern Benjamin S. , Fauchald Per
Published: June 2024

Indicators can be powerful tools to measure progress towards achieving societal goals, and many indicators have been developed for sustainability goals nationally and internationally. When indicators are developed solely through top-down approaches without engaging local knowledge, they often fall short of capturing local perceptions and concerns relevant to decision-making. The aim of this project was to co-create a Coastal Barometer and its component indicators, together with local knowledge-holders and communities, using the Ocean Health Index as a framework. As a first step, local knowledge-holders from six communities dispersed across Northern Norway were invited to articulate local sustainability goals and the required knowledge for eight broad topics pertaining to global OHI goals: small-scale fisheries, food production, sense of place, tourism, food production, clean waters, carbon storage and economy and livelihoods. In this paper, our main focus is the co-design phase of the Coastal Barometer, namely eliciting sustainability goals. We thus, present locally desired sustainability goals and sub-goals and the process of eliciting these goals. We also include suggestions from local knowledge-holders on how to reach these goals (i.e. proposed management measures), along with researchers’ assessment of data availability (part of the co-production process) for developing indicators to measure progress towards these goals. Finally, we discuss the benefits and challenges of co-developing sustainability goals and indicators with local knowledge-holders. We conclude that co-design can increase the quality of sustainability assessments by enriching the view of coastal sustainability. This knowledge can subsequently be used to align indicators with local sustainability goals as well as to the local context where the indicators will be applied.
Proinflammatory cytokines suppress stemness-related properties and expression of tight junction in canine intestinal organoids
Authors: Nakazawa Meg , Nagao Itsuma , Ambrosini Yoko M.
Published: June 2024

Recent advancements in canine intestinal organoid research have paved the way for the development of enhanced in vitro models, crucial for exploring intestinal physiology and diseases. Despite these strides, there is a notable gap in creating specific in vitro models that focus on intestinal inflammation. Our study aims to bridge this gap by investigating the impact of proinflammatory cytokines on canine intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) within the context of organoid models. Canine intestinal organoids were treated with proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-1β. The expression of stem cell markers Lgr5, Sox9, Hopx, and Olfm4 was evaluated through RT-qPCR, while membrane integrity was assessed using immunofluorescence staining for tight junction proteins and transport assays for permeability. IFN-γ significantly decreased Lgr5 expression, a key intestinal stem cell marker, at both 24 and 48 h post-treatment (p=0.030 and p=0.002, respectively). Conversely, TNF-α increased Olfm4 expression during the same intervals (p=0.018 and p=0.011, respectively). A reduction in EdU-positive cells, indicative of decreased cell proliferation, was observed following IFN-γ treatment. Additionally, a decrease in tight junction proteins E-cadherin and ZO-1 (p<0.001 and p=0.003, respectively) and increased permeability in IECs (p=0.012) were noted, particularly following treatment with IFN-γ. The study highlights the profound impact of proinflammatory cytokines on canine IECs, influencing both stem cell dynamics and membrane integrity. These insights shed light on the intricate cellular processes underlying inflammation in the gut and open avenues for more in-depth research into the long-term effects of inflammation on intestinal health.
Efficacy of Omentopexy on Complications of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Kara Yalcin Burak , Ozel Yahya , Yardimci Samet
Published: June 2024

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a commonly performed type of bariatric surgery. Early complications of LSG include bleeding, leakage, pulmonary embolism, and surgical site infections. Most surgeons try to implement preventive methods, such as omentopexy. Staple line-imbrication, which has a difficult learning curve, often prevents complications. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of omentopexy on patients with imbricated LSG.

Material and Methods

The study applied a retrospective data analysis design to patients who underwent LSG between 2020 and 2023. All patients’ staple lines were imbricated, and patients were then divided into two groups: omentopexy group and control group. Patients’ demographic features, such as age, gender, height, weight, body mass index(BMI), bleeding, leakage, and reoperations, were recorded and examined retrospectively.

Results

A total of 1356 patients were included in the study (540 in omentopexy, 816 in control), of which the mean age was 37.9 ± 10.5 years, 82.3% were women, and mean BMI was 40.9 ± 5.8 kg/m2. The mean bleeding rate was 1.0% (1.3–0.7%), the mean leakage rate was 0.2% (0.2–0.2%, respectively), and the mean reoperation rate was 0.6% (0.7% and 0.5%, respectively). No statistically significant differences were observed.

Conclusion

Omentopexy is a technique that is widely used to prevent staple line complications. According to our study, omentopexy applied to an imbricated stapler line increased the operation time but did not affect bleeding or leakage ratios. This is the first study to evaluate the effect of omentopexy on imbricated staple lines. The findings of the study indicate that omentopexy has no additional benefit on early complications when using staple-line imbrication.

Graphical Abstract
Exogenous methyl jasmonate mediates tolerance of heat stress in Korean fir (Abies koreana)
Authors: Lee Da Young , Park Da Young , Park Hyeong Cheol
Published: June 2024

Heat stress is a major environmental stress that affects the growth and development of plants. Korean fir (Abies koreana), a rare species endemic to South Korea, is sensitive to global climate change. The effect of exogenous methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on heat stress tolerance was, therefore, investigated in this species. During heat stress, the expression levels of eight genes (AkNAC19, AkMPK6, AkERF4, AkEFP, AkNAC2, AkbHLH, AkHSP17.6, and AkMYB123) were assessed in needles of A. koreana following treatment with 0, 0.1, 1.0, or 2.0 mM MeJA. Optimal upregulation of expression of most genes was observed 24 h post-treatment with 2.0 mM MeJA. Similar results were obtained when gene expression was analyzed 1, 2, 4, and 8 days post-treatment with 2.0 mM MeJA. Under heat stress conditions, plants treated with 2.0 mM MeJA initially showed a rapid decline in electrolyte leakage and higher chlorophyll content after 28 days of heat stress; however, opposite trends were observed in untreated plants, indicating that MeJA mediated tolerance to heat stress. Higher levels of expression of AkERF4, AkNAC2, and AkHSP17.6 were observed in MeJA-treated needles than in untreated needles, indicating these genes were strongly associated with MeJA-mediated heat tolerance. Therefore, these results suggest that the ability of Korean fir to tolerate abiotic stress is associated with endogenous MeJA synthesis or signaling, and identifies AkERF4, AkNAC2, and AkHSP17.6 as potential candidates for genes involved in the stress-tolerance mechanism.
The quality of mathematics teaching from a mathematics educational perspective: what do we actually know and which questions are still open?
Authors: Brunner Esther , Star Jon R.
Published: June 2024

In this survey paper we focus on aspects of the quality of teaching mathematics from several perspectives. We differentiate between effective aspects that are empirically proven and more normative ones that constitute “good teaching” but that are highly dependent on context. High quality of mathematics teaching includes characteristics from a generic point of view as well as those that rely upon more subject- and topic-specific features. In the paper we draw upon examples of the research traditions in Germany and in the US—where the discussion regarding quality of mathematics teaching has been particularly intensive—to provide a short overview about empirical key findings. We then describe open questions in this research field and conclude by proposing a conceptualization of high quality mathematics teaching that foregrounds the relationship between generic and topic-specific and also considers different possibilities for the measurement of the quality.