bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical relevance of calprotectin in patients with perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease and cryptoglandular fistulas
Authors: Becker Marte A. J. , Stevens Toer W. , de Voogd Floris A. E. , Wildenberg Manon E. , D’Haens Geert R. A. M. , Gecse Krisztina B. , Buskens Christianne J.
Published: December 2024

Background and Aims

Previous literature suggests that faecal calprotectin (FC) discriminates Crohn's disease perianal fistulas from cryptoglandular fistulas, irrespective of luminal disease. This study aims to prospectively validate this and analyse if increased local fistula calprotectin levels are associated with fistula characteristics.

Methods

In this prospective study, all consecutive patients with an active perianal fistula undergoing examination under anaesthesia were included. Faecal and fistula tract scraping calprotectin levels were determined. The primary objective was to analyse whether FC levels could be used to differentiate between Crohn's disease and cryptoglandular perianal fistulas. Secondary outcome parameters were the levels of local calprotectin in fistula scrapings and their correlation with fistula characteristics.

Results

Sixty‐three patients were included in this study (perianal Crohn's disease; 45, cryptoglandular; 18). Faecal calprotectin levels were significantly higher in Crohn's disease patients compared with cryptoglandular fistula (354.3 [58.8–1076.3] vs. 47.3 [14.6–233.6] μg/g, p = 0.003). Faecal calprotectin could accurately discriminate Crohn's disease patients with active luminal disease from patients without luminal disease (median [interquartile range]) (1167.0 [557.0–2806.3] vs. 93.0 [47.5–571.6] μg/g, p = 0.001). Faecal calprotectin was not related to calprotectin levels in fistula scrapings. No fistula characteristic was found to be correlated to scraping calprotectin, but a correlation was found with the TOpCLASS classification system, which stratifies fistulas according to disease severity and outcome: class 2a (amenable for repair), class 2b (symptom control) and class 2c (gradually debilitating disease): 140[31.0–149.0]) μg/g versus 706[198.5–1936] μg/g versus 4000[1337–5894] μg/g, p < 0.001). Scraping calprotectin was also related to pronounced hyperintensity of the fistula tract on MRI in Crohn's disease patients: (69.0[30.0–821.0] vs. 1284.0[204.3–4185.5]; p = 0.01)) and cryptoglandular patients: (30.0[13.5–80.5] vs. 3012.0 [923.8–5021.0]; p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Crohn's disease and cryptoglandular perianal fistulas differ in FC levels. Local fistula calprotectin production did not explain this difference, implying FC reflects the luminal condition. A correlation exists between scraping calprotectin levels and Crohn's disease fistula severity, which could be clinically relevant for prognostic cohorts and tailored treatment.
Turbulent/Non-turbulent Interface in High Reynolds Number Pressure Gradient Boundary Layers
Authors: Marusic Ivan , Abu Rowin Wagih , Lozier Mitchell , Lindić Luka , Zarei Ahmad , Deshpande Rahul
Published: December 2024

We report two-dimensional particle image velocimetry experiments in high Reynolds number turbulent boundary layers imposed with a moderately strong streamwise pressure gradient. The unique aspect of these data are the highly resolved measurements across the outer region of a physically thick boundary layer, enabling accurate detection of turbulent/non-turbulent interfaces (TNTI). The present dataset is used to detect the TNTI of an adverse pressure gradient turbulent boundary layer and compare its characteristics with that for a zero-pressure gradient boundary layer, at a nominally similar friction Reynolds number. It is found that the TNTI exists across a broader range of wall-normal distance in presence of an adverse pressure gradient, as compared to the zero-pressure gradient case. Implications on conditionally averaged turbulence statistics are discussed based on detection of the TNTI.
Baroclinic Vorticity Generation Near the Turbulent/Non-turbulent Interface of a Boundary Layer with Combustion
Authors: Wang Chuhan , Xu Chunxiao
Published: December 2024

Enstrophy transport is examined in a recent direct numerical simulation database of compressible turbulent boundary layer featuring non-premixed hydrogen-air combustion. The inlet flow profile combines a cold, sonic hydrogen stream near the wall with a preheated, supersonic air mainstream, resulting in downstream transition and ignition phenomena, using a detailed chemistry scheme. Unlike reacting mixing layers or jets where the flame surface typically develops at regions of maximum shear intensity, in this configuration, the flame surface region is found beneath the boundary layer edge within one Taylor micro-scale of the turbulent/non-turbulent interface. While classical enstrophy budget analyses along the wall-normal direction reveal no significant deviation from non-reacting boundary layers, conditional budget analyses in the direction normal to the turbulent/non-turbulent interface unveil baroclinic torque production of comparable magnitude to vortex stretching in the turbulent sublayer. The relationship between local chemical heat release and baroclinic torque generation is investigated by evaluation of the integrand linked to the enstrophy variation from baroclinic torque at different heat release levels. The findings suggest that net torque variations are skewed towards positive values in the local flow regions of sufficiently high chemical heat release.
Turbulent/Non-turbulent Interface in a Spatially Developing Turbulent Boundary Layer Laden with Small Heavy Particle
Authors: Wang Ping , Wei Qingqing , Zheng Xiaojing
Published: December 2024

Direct numerical simulations of spatially developing turbulent boundary layer laden with small, heavy particles are performed at low Reynolds number. The effects of particle gravity settling on the turbulent/non-turbulent interface are discussed by comparing the new simulations with previous simulations laden with inertial particles. The results reveal that heavy particles reduced the height of the interface but increase the complexity of the interface by stretching the boundary downwards and generating extra small-scale structures. Different degrees and positions of particle accumulation beneath the interface, together the gravity settling of heavy particles, result in nonmonotonical changes of the thickness of the interface layer which is apparently different from inertia-particle cases.
Turbulent/Non-turbulent Interface in Water Jet with Polymer Additives
Authors: Xi Heng-Dong , Peng Sheng-Hong , Zhang Yi-Bao
Published: December 2024

The effect of polymer additives on the global entrainment of a turbulent round jet was found to show two distinct regimes: the reduction and enhancement regimes in the near and far fields, respectively. Using time-resolved simultaneous particle image velocimetry and laser-induced fluorescence measurements, we hereby present an experimental study on the local entrainment and engulfment process along the turbulent/non-turbulent interface (TNTI). We find that the local entrainment velocity is augmented in both regimes, due to the contribution from polymer elastic stress and a higher probability for TNTI to visit jet centreline region where the entrainment velocity is larger. In the entrainment reduction regime, the fractal dimension and length of TNTI are smaller compared to the Newtonian case; while those in the enhancement regime are nearly not changed. The difference between the two regimes results from the fact the jet flow decays in the streamwise direction. In the near field, the flow is intense enough to substantially stretch polymers, which results in a redistribution of energy among different scales and a steeper decay of energy in the inertial range. However, in the far field, the stretching of the polymer and in turn the feedback of polymers is not strong enough to alter the inertial range scaling of the energy spectrum. Moreover, our study reveals although more ambient fluid is engulfed into the turbulent region due to the augmented large scale motion by polymers, engulfment is still not the major contribution to the entrainment in polymer-laden jet, which is similar to the case in Newtonian jet.
Multi-level loop equations for $$\beta $$-corners processes
Authors: Dimitrov Evgeni , Knizel Alisa
Published: December 2024

The goal of the paper is to introduce a new set of tools for the study of discrete and continuous

$$\beta $$

β

-corners processes. In the continuous setting, our work provides a multi-level extension of the loop equations (also called Schwinger–Dyson equations) for

$$\beta $$

β

-log gases obtained by Borot and Guionnet in (Commun. Math. Phys. 317, 447–483, 2013). In the discrete setting, our work provides a multi-level extension of the loop equations (also called Nekrasov equations) for discrete

$$\beta $$

β

-ensembles obtained by Borodin, Gorin and Guionnet in (Publications mathématiques de l’IHÉS 125, 1–78, 2017).
What Do Mismatch Negativity (MMN) Responses Tell Us About Tinnitus?
Authors: Yukhnovich Ekaterina A. , Alter Kai , Sedley William
Published: December 2024

Due to the heterogeneous causes, symptoms and associated comorbidities with tinnitus, there remains an unmet need for a clear biomarker of tinnitus presence. Previous research has suggested a “final pathway” of tinnitus presence, which occurs regardless of the specific mechanisms that resulted in alterations of auditory predictions and, eventually, tinnitus perception. Predictive inference mechanisms have been proposed as the possible basis for this final unifying pathway. A commonly used measure of prediction violation is mismatch negativity (MMN), an electrical potential generated in response to most stimuli that violate an established regularity. This narrative review discusses 16 studies comparing MMN between tinnitus and non-tinnitus groups. Methods varied considerably, including type of deviant, type of paradigm and carrier frequency. A minority of studies matched groups for age, sex and hearing, with few measuring hyperacusis. Frequency deviants were the most widely studied; at frequencies remote from tinnitus, MMN was consistently smaller in tinnitus groups, though hyperacusis or altered distress or attention could not be ruled out as explanatory factors. Few studies have used tinnitus-related frequencies; these showed larger MMN to upward frequency deviants above the tinnitus frequency, and larger MMN to upward intensity deviants at or close to the tinnitus frequency. However, the latter appears a correlate of hyperacusis rather than tinnitus, and tinnitus groups without hyperacusis instead show larger MMN to downward intensity deviants than controls. Other factors that affect MMN amplitudes included age, attention, and the specific characteristics of the range of stimuli across a particular experiment paradigm. As such, MMN cannot presently be considered a specific biomarker of tinnitus, but showed potential to objectively characterise a number of auditory processing traits relevant to tinnitus and hyperacusis.
Harnessing biostimulants from biogas digestates for high-value resource recovery: a review
Authors: Sani Md. Nasir Hossain , Amin Mehedi , Bergstrand Karl-Johan , Caspersen Siri , Prade Thomas , Yong Jean Wan Hong
Published: December 2024

Improper disposal of organic waste leads to greenhouse gases, pollution, and health risks. Anaerobic digestion offers a sustainable solution by converting this waste into biogas and digestates, which contain valuable nutrients and stimulatory organic compounds that can be recycled to improve plant growth and support food production. Here we review the transformation of liquid and solid digestates into biostimulants by microalgal cultivation, vermicomposting, and insect-based bioconversion. These processes yield phytohormones, polysaccharides, betaines, humic substances, chitin, protein hydrolysates, and growth-promoting microbes, that enhance plant growth and resilience against environmental stresses. Due to the variability in digestate composition, we emphasize the need for optimized formulations, a deep understanding of synergistic interactions among bioactive compounds, and standardized extraction techniques to support broader applications.
On Privileged Coordinates and Kleinian Methods
Authors: Barrett Thomas William , Manchak J. B.
Published: December 2024

This paper examines two ways in which the ‘privileged coordinates’ of a geometric space might have significance. First, the structure of the space might be ‘determined by its privileged coordinates’. Second, the space might be presentable using ‘Kleinian methods’. We examine the geometric spaces for which these two conditions hold. Along the way, we investigate the relationship between these two conditions.
Computational study of the thermophysical properties of graphene oxide/vacuum residue nanofluids for enhanced oil recovery
Authors: Yusuf Abdulhakeem , Bhatti M. M. , Khalique C. M.
Published: December 2024

Prior research suggests that the use of nanotechnology may greatly improve the efficiency of enhanced oil recovery methods, especially hot fluid injection. The thermophysical characteristics of the nanofluid may have an enormous effect on how well the injection process works. However, it takes both time and resources to conduct laboratory analyses of the effects of thermophysical characteristics on the effectiveness of nanofluid-based improved oil recovery methods. Computational models can effectively forecast the thermophysical characteristics of nanofluids and how they affect oil recovery efficiency, which helps overcome this difficulty. The current study investigates the flow of vacuum residue (VR) fluid, which generates entropy when suspended graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles. When mixed convection and variable thermal conductivity are present, a static/moving wedge allows the nanofluid to propagate. The continuity, energy, entropy, and momentum equations form the foundation of the governing model. We use certain similarity variables to simplify the suggested mathematical formulations into forms for nonlinear differential equations (DEs). We show the results of the reduced equations using the Chebyshev collocation method. We present the graphical and numerical results for all the emerging parameters. For enhanced oil recovery applications, the current results are beneficial.
Climate change and state interference: the case of privacy
Authors: Menges Leonhard
Published: December 2024

Climate change is one of the most important issues we are currently facing. There are many ways in which states can fight climate change. Some of them involve interfering with citizens’ personal lives. The question of whether such interference is justified is under-explored in philosophy. This paper focuses on a specific aspect of people’s personal lives, namely their informational privacy. It discusses the question of whether, given certain empirical assumptions, it is proportional of the state to risk its citizens’ privacy or to risk infringing its citizens’ right to privacy to fight climate change. The main claim this paper argues for is that if fighting climate change and protecting our privacy conflict, we have good reason to fight climate change rather than protect our privacy.
Which types of family caregivers are more prone to developing depression? Leveraging non-financial social support to mitigate depression
Authors: Chu Amanda M. Y. , Woo Damen H. Y. , Tiwari Agnes , Yuk Helina , So Mike K. P.
Published: December 2024

Family caregivers face stress, especially those facing financial burdens. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate non-financial social support intervention’s effectiveness and identify demographic factors linked to higher caregiver depression risk. We attempted to investigate whether social support could protect caregivers from experiencing depression. We introduced non-financial social support by offering a range of workshops and activities to help reduce stress experienced by the caregivers. We recruited 462 informal family caregivers from a Hong Kong nonprofit organization. They completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and a demographic characteristics questionnaire before and after the intervention. The effectiveness of the intervention was analyzed with ANOVA on pre- and post-intervention BDI-II scores. The research findings suggested that the intervention effectively reduced family caregivers’ depression levels. The intervention was more effective for caregivers facing financial difficulties. Additionally, this study revealed that single-family caregivers are more susceptible to depression. This research validates the effectiveness of our intervention for family caregivers in preventing them from developing depression. Policymakers should subsidize social welfare organizations to offer more non-financial interventions and social support for caregivers within the community.
Sex difference in outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting: follow-up data of the Netherlands Heart Registration
Authors: Wester Mara-Louise , Olsthoorn Jules R. , Soliman-Hamad Mohamed A. , Houterman Saskia , Roefs Maaike M. , ter Woorst Joost F. J. ,   Cardiothoracic Surgery Registration Committee of the Netherlands Heart Registration, Bramer S. , van Boven W. J. P. , Vonk A. B. A. , Koene B. M. J. A. , Bekkers J. A. , Hoohenkerk G. J. F. , Markou A. L. P. , de Weger A. , Segers P , Porta F. , Speekenbrink R. G. H. , Stooker W. , Li W. W. L. , Daeter E. J. , van der Kaaij N. P. , Vigano G.
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Controversies exist regarding sex differences in outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This study assessed sex differences in early and mid-term outcomes after CABG and factors associated with these differences. Outcomes were based on data from the Netherlands Heart Registration (NHR).

Methods

Data of patients undergoing CABG in the Netherlands between 2013 and 2019 were retrieved from the NHR database. Primary outcomes were early mortality, morbidity and mid-term survival. The population was divided into subgroups based on age (≥ 70 years and < 70 years). Regression analyses investigated the correlation between sex and both early and mid-term mortality.

Results

This study included 41,705 male and 10,048 female patients. Median follow-up was 3.6 (1.8–4.8) years. Female patients were less likely to receive ≥ 2 arterial grafts (15.9% vs 23.2%, p < 0.001), had fewer anastomoses (3.2 ± 1.1 vs 3.5 ± 1.1, p < 0.001), higher 30-day mortality (1.9% vs 1.0%; p < 0.001) and a lower mid-term survival rate (91.3% vs 93.1%, p < 0.001). Perioperative complications, including myocardial infarction and stroke, were more common in female patients (all p < 0.001). Women aged < 70 years had a lower mid-term survival rate than men < 70 years (94.5% vs 96.0%, p < 0.001). Cox regression analysis showed that female sex was not significantly associated with mid-term mortality in the total cohort [hazard ratio (HR) 1.03; p = 0.45] but was associated with mid-term mortality in patients aged < 70 years (HR 1.19; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Women undergoing CABG in our cohort presented with more complex risk profiles, received different surgical strategies and had worse early and mid-term outcomes compared to men. Female sex was associated with mid-term mortality only in patients < 70 years of age.
What you can do for evolutionary developmental linguistics
Authors: Bausman William C. , Weber Marcel
Published: December 2024

A growing number of linguistic attempts to explain how languages change use cultural-evolutionary models involving selection or drift. Developmental constraints and biases, which take center stage in evolutionary developmental biology or evo-devo, seem to be absent within this framework, even though linguistics is home to numerous notions of constraint. In this paper, we show how these evo-devo concepts could be applied to linguistic change and why they should. This requires some conceptual groundwork, due to important differences between linguistic and biotic evolution. In biological evolution, development generates the organism's variable traits on which selection and drift act. In linguistic evolution by analogy, we say development generates the linguistic variants on which selection and drift can act. “Linguistic development” then picks out how individual speakers produce and comprehend language. It involves much more than just learning. Using this broad notion of development, we distinguish between different types of bias that could operate in the processes of linguistic innovation and transmission, which correspond to genetic mutation and biological reproduction, respectively. Having thus sharpened our conceptual toolbox, we then reanalyze two well-documented cases of linguistic change and show that, in both these cases, linguists have only considered Neo-Darwinian evolutionary explanations, falsely deploying an exclusive disjunction of selection and drift. We show that there is at least a third relevant alternative in these examples, namely developmental constraint or bias in the sense we explicate here.
A simple and efficient method for palynological sample preparation
Authors: Palacios Teodoro , Martínez-Benítez Blanca
Published: December 2024

The extraction of organic microfossils is a process that requires techniques based on the elimination of the mineral components of the rock (mainly silicates and carbonates) and the subsequent concentration of the microfossils. These techniques are very diverse and have in common the dissolution of the rock (maceration) with hydrofluoric acid and concentrated hydrochloric acid to extract the organic matter, which is potentially made up of dispersed organic matter and organic walled microfossils. In this process, there are at least two fundamental objectives. First, that the process respects the fidelity of the organic microfossil record (diversity and preservation). Second, effective elimination of dispersed organic matter, obtaining the maximum concentration of microfossils and microscopic slides with a homogeneous dispersion that allows optimal observing conditions. The method described in this paper is based on a filtration process of the organic matter resulting from the maceration process, employing polyester filters and a vacuum inversion system. In the standard vacuum process, the dispersed organic matter clogs the pores of the filter. The vacuum inversion injects filtered water that unclogs the pores of the filter vessel. The alternation between normal and reverse vacuum results in the progressive elimination of the dispersed organic matter and the concentration of the organic microfossils in a rapid and non-aggressive process.
Apoptotic extracellular vesicles: mechanisms, applications, and therapeutic potential
Authors: Han Dongjian , Li Zhe , Wang Fuhang , Cheng Ke , Shen Deliang
Published: December 2024

Apoptotic extracellular vesicles (ApoEVs) are membrane-bound vesicles released during apoptosis, crucial for intercellular communication by delivering bioactive molecules to recipient cells. These vesicles are increasingly recognized for their potential in tumor therapy, immune modulation, and tissue regeneration. Recent studies reveal that ApoEVs play diverse roles in the medical fields. In tumor therapy, they enhance targeted drug delivery and antitumor immunity. Immune modulation is achieved by presenting antigens to immune cells, fostering specific responses. ApoEVs also aid in tissue regeneration, promoting wound healing and tissue repair. Advances in isolation and engineering techniques have improved the purity and functionality of ApoEVs, enabling their use as therapeutic delivery platforms. ApoEVs hold significant clinical potential by transferring genetic material, proteins, and other bioactive molecules. However, challenges such as standardizing production, ensuring safety, and addressing heterogeneity must be overcome. Future research should optimize isolation methods, elucidate ApoEV mechanisms, and develop strategies to enhance therapeutic efficacy. ApoEVs offer promising applications in cancer treatment, immune regulation, and tissue regeneration. This review summarizes the latest research and potential clinical applications of ApoEVs, highlighting their therapeutic promise and the challenges ahead.

Graphical Abstract
Small aircraft flight trajectory optimisation using a multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Rostami M. , Bardin J. , Neufeld D. , Chung J.
Published: December 2024

In a competitive market, airlines continually seek solutions that can reduce their operational costs. Flight path optimisation is a commonly pursued approach to this but requires a large amount of data about the flight environment including the weather information, the aircraft performance and the air traffic control (ATC) requirements. Existing programmes require the user to provide this aircraft performance data in advance and are incapable of generating the information on their own. In this study, using a multidisciplinary approach and numerical optimisations, a novel standalone flight path optimiser (SAFPO) solution is proposed and developed to choose the best flight path for a flight between two points in accordance with the cost objectives. SAFPO uses its own performance calculator, predefined ATC routes, and known weather information to find the optimum flight path which minimises fuel consumption and/or flight time. The aerodynamic characteristics of the aircraft are determined using a validated semi-empirical programme called MAPLA, previously developed for light aircraft analysis. Furthermore, the optimisation process consists of a multidisciplinary-feasible (MDF) framework that employs a genetic algorithm (GA) optimiser. The resulting performance characteristics of the aircraft and the optimisation process are compared with the actual information provided within the flight manual of a Beechcraft Baron G58 aircraft. The optimisation results show that SAFPO can be used to make advances in the daily operations of small and local airlines suffering from a lack of aircraft performance data and help them to choose the scenario that best accomplishes their cost objectives.
Canine separation-related behaviour at six months of age: Dog, owner and early-life risk factors identified using the ‘Generation Pup’ longitudinal study
Authors: Dale Fiona C. , Burn Charlotte C. , Murray Jane , Casey Rachel
Published: December 2024

Separation-related behaviours (SRBs) in dogs (Canis familiaris) often indicate poor welfare. Understanding SRB risk factors can aid prevention strategies. We investigated whether early-life experiences and dog-owner interactions affect SRB development. Using a longitudinal study, we conducted exploratory analyses of associations between potential risk factors and SRB occurrence in six month old puppies (n = 145). Dogs were less likely to develop SRBs if owners reported that, at ≤ 16 weeks old, puppies were restricted to crates/rooms overnight and had ≥ 9 h of sleep per night. Puppies with poor house-training at ≤ 16 weeks were more likely to show SRBs, as were those trained using dog treats or novel kibble versus other rewards. Puppies whose owners used more punishment/aversive techniques when responding to ‘bad’ behaviour had increased odds of SRBs at six months versus other puppies. Puppies whose owners reported ‘fussing’ over their dogs at six months in response to ‘bad’ behaviour upon their return, versus those whose owners responded in other ways, were six times more likely to display SRBs. Other factors, including dog breed, sex and source, showed no significant association with SRB occurrence. Thus, SRB development might be prevented by enabling sleep for ≥ 9 h in early life, providing enclosed space overnight, refraining from aversive training of puppies generally, and avoiding fussing over puppies in response to unwanted behaviour following separation. These recommendations derive from correlational longitudinal study results, so analysis of interventional data is required for confirmation regarding effective prevention strategies.
Adaptable Tool for Modeling the Benefits and Costs of Substance Use Disorder Recovery Programs
Authors: Ashworth Madison , Johnson David , Thompson Robin
Published: December 2024

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a public health crisis in the United States associated with significant economic costs including healthcare, criminal justice, productivity, and mortality and morbidity costs. In this paper, we present a tool for a customizable economic analysis that can be utilized by different recovery program owners and operators within the SUD continuum of care that considers these program’s operating and capital costs, location, size, and success rate. The goal of this tool is to provide owners and operators with an accessible tool that can estimate their individual program’s economic costs, benefits, and return on investment. In applications of the tool, we find that there are significant benefits associated with SUD recovery-oriented services, even with more conservative modeling of recovery benefits. Specifically, we find that a representative recovery housing program in Florida yields a net benefit of $143 million over 20 years with an associated return on investment of $22.19 per dollar invested. Further, we find that the net benefits of different recovery-oriented modalities including a recovery house, a recovery campus, and a residential inpatient program are positive, with returns on investment varying from nearly $22 per dollar invested to $1 per dollar.
Considerations and recommendations for collaborative research networks in epidemiology: Lessons learned from the diabetes LEAD Network
Authors: McAlexander Tara P. , Lee Nora L. , Lovasi Gina S. , Hirsch Annemarie G. , Poulsen Melissa N. , Elbel Brian , Thorpe Lorna E. , Long D. Leann , McClure Leslie A.
Published: December 2024

Multi-site and multi-organizational teams are increasingly common in epidemiologic research; however, there is a lack of standards or best practices for achieving success in collaborative research networks in epidemiology. We summarize our experiences and lessons learned from the Diabetes Location, Environmental Attributes, and Disparities (LEAD) Network, a collaborative agreement between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and research teams at Drexel University, New York University, Johns Hopkins University and Geisinger, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. We present a roadmap for success in collaborative epidemiologic research, with recommendations focused on the following areas to maximize efficiency and success in collaborative research agreements: 1) operational and administrative considerations; 2) data access and sharing of sensitive data; 3) aligning network research aims; 4) harmonization of methods and measures; and 5) dissemination of findings. Future collaborations can be informed by our experiences and ultimately dedicate more resources to achieving scientific aims and efficiently disseminating scientific work products.
Linear stability analysis of turbulent mean flows based on a data-consistent Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes model: prediction of three-dimensional stall cells around an airfoil
Authors: Sarras K. , Tayeh C. , Mons V. , Marquet O.
Published: December 2024

Stall cells are transverse cellular patterns that often appear on the suction side of airfoils near stalling conditions. Wind-tunnel experiments on a NACA4412 airfoil at Reynolds number

${Re}=3.5 \times 10^5$

show that they appear for angles of attack larger than

$\alpha = 11.5^{\circ }\ (\pm 0.5^{\circ })$

. Their onset is further investigated based on global stability analyses of turbulent mean flows computed with the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations. Using the classical Spalart–Allmaras turbulence model and following Plante et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 908, 2021, A16), we first show that a three-dimensional stationary mode becomes unstable for a critical angle of attack

$\alpha = 15.5^{\circ }$

which is much larger than in the experiments. A data-consistent RANS model is then proposed to reinvestigate the onset of these stall cells. Through an adjoint-based data-assimilation approach, several corrections in the turbulence model equation are identified to minimize the differences between assimilated and reference mean-velocity fields, the latter reference field being extracted from direct numerical simulations. Linear stability analysis around the assimilated mean flow obtained with the best correction is performed first using a perturbed eddy-viscosity approach which requires the linearization of both RANS and turbulence model equations. The three-dimensional stationary mode becomes unstable for angle

$\alpha = 11^{\circ }$

which is in significantly better agreement with the experimental results. The interest of this perturbed eddy-viscosity approach is demonstrated by comparing with results of two frozen eddy-viscosity approaches that neglect the perturbation of the eddy viscosity. Both approaches predict the primary destabilization of a higher-wavenumber mode which is not experimentally observed. Uncertainties in the stability results are quantified through a sensitivity analysis of the stall cell mode's eigenvalue with respect to residual mean-flow velocity errors. The impact of the correction field on the results of stability analysis is finally assessed.
Structure and energy transfer in homogeneous turbulence below a free surface
Authors: Ruth Daniel J. , Coletti Filippo
Published: December 2024

We investigate the turbulence below a quasi-flat free surface, focusing on the energy transport in space and across scales. We leverage a large zero-mean-flow tank where homogeneous turbulence is generated by randomly actuated jets. A wide range of Reynolds number is spanned, reaching sufficient scale separation for the emergence of an inertial sub-range. Unlike previous studies, the forcing extends through the source layer, although the surface deformation remains millimetric. Particle image velocimetry along a surface-normal plane resolves from the dissipative to the integral scales. The contributions to turbulent kinetic energy from both vertical and horizontal components of velocity approach the prediction based on rapid distortion theory as the Reynolds number is increased, indicating that discrepancies among previous studies are likely due to differences in the forcing. At odds with the theory, however, the integral scale of the horizontal fluctuations grows as the surface is approached. This is rooted in the profound influence exerted by the surface on the inter-scale energy transfer: along horizontal separations, the direct cascade of energy in horizontal fluctuations is hindered, while an inverse cascade of that in vertical fluctuations is established. This is connected to the structure of upwellings and downwellings. The former, characterized by somewhat larger spatial extent and stronger intensity, are associated with extensional surface-parallel motions. They thus transfer energy to the larger horizontal scales, prevailing over downwellings which favour the compression (and concurrent vertical stretching) of the eddies. Both types of structures extend to depths between the integral scale and the Taylor microscale.
Comparing the Clinical Trial Characteristics of Industry-Funded Trials and Non Industry-Funded Trials
Authors: Hughes Emily , Van Bakel Tamara , Raudanskis Ashley , Ray Prachi , Hodzic-Santor Benazir , Purohit Ushma , Sacks Chana A. , Fralick Michael
Published: December 2024

We compared study characteristics of randomized controlled trials funded by industry (N=697) to those not funded by industry (N=835). RCTs published in high-impact journals are more likely to be blinded, more likely to include a placebo, and more likely to post trial results on ClinicalTrials.gov. Our findings emphasize the importance of evaluating the quality of an RCT based on its methodological rigor, not its funder type.
Radiocarbon dates from the Iapodes collection at the Archaeological Museum in Zagreb, Croatia
Authors: Zavodny Emily
Published: December 2024

This date list reports the unpublished results from a multi-year radiocarbon dating program of the prehistoric Iapodes collection at the Archaeological Museum in Zagreb. Dated materials were excavated from cave, burial, and settlement contexts by various museum teams during the past century.
Temperature influences demography and mass production of Scolothrips longicornis fed on Tetranychus turkestani
Authors: Pakyari Hajar
Published: December 2024

Insects' development can be significantly impacted by various environmental factors, including temperature. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effect of temperature on the predatory thrips, Scolothrips longicornis Priesner (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), which feeds on the strawberry spider mite, Tetranychus turkestani Ugarov and Nikolski (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae). Under laboratory conditions (16:8 L:D, 75 ± 5% RH), the impact of various temperature regimens (15–37.5°C) on the development, population parameters, and mass production of S. longicornis was assessed. Additionally, an age-stage, two-sex life table of the species was constructed. The study revealed that S. longicornis' pre-adult developmental period decreased as temperature increased until 35°C, after which the developmental period increased. The longevity of both males and females displayed significant differences across the temperature range, with the longest lifespan observed at 15°C and the shortest at 37.5°C. At 26°C, the mean total fecundity of S. longicornis was significantly higher (53.52 eggs per female) than the fecundity observed at other temperature regimens. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) demonstrated the highest values at 35°C. While R0 increased as the temperature rose from 15 to 30°C, it rapidly decreased at 35 and 37.5°C. The findings of this study suggest that temperature plays a crucial role in enhancing the rate of development and reproduction of S. longicornis, and a temperature range of 26–30°C could be considered optimal for rearing and mass production of S. longicornis.
Constructing nested coordinates inside strongly shaped toroids using an action principle
Authors: Tecchiolli Z. , Hudson S.R. , Loizu J. , Köberl R. , Hindenlang F. , De Lucca B.
Published: December 2024

A new approach for constructing polar-like boundary-conforming coordinates inside a toroid with strongly shaped cross-sections is presented. A coordinate mapping is obtained through a variational approach, which involves identifying extremal points of a proposed action in the mapping space from

$[0, 2{\rm \pi} ]^2 \times [0, 1]$

to a toroidal domain in

$\mathbb {R}^3$

. This approach employs an action built on the squared Jacobian and radial length. Extensive testing is conducted on general toroidal boundaries using a global Fourier–Zernike basis via action minimisation. The results demonstrate successful coordinate construction capable of accurately describing strongly shaped toroidal domains. The coordinate construction is successfully applied to the computation of three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic equilibria in the GVEC code where the use of traditional coordinate construction by interpolation from the boundary failed.
Can dietetic-led nutrition education sessions lead to a change in midwifery practice?
Authors: Stone G. , Charnley M. , Abayomi J.
Published: December 2024

Good maternal nutrition is vital for positive pregnancy outcomes. However, midwives report a lack of confidence and skills regarding advising pregnant women about diet and weight during antenatal care(1). Research has shown that the delivery of nutrition education sessions for midwives can improve their knowledge and skills(2), but there is no evidence that this leads to a change in practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate a series of nutrition education sessions for student midwives, delivered by a dietitian, to determine if it is likely to lead to a change in practice.

Final year student midwives (n = 33) were recruited during a final taught nutrition session at their university. They were asked to provide free-text feedback on anonymous post-it notes regarding their thoughts and feelings as to whether the taught nutrition sessions were likely to result in a change in their midwifery practice. The comments were collated and analysed thematically.

Three main themes were identified: 1) Nutrition as a priority 2) Personalised Nutrition 3) Sources of information and signposting.

Most students commented that they now viewed maternal nutrition as ‘important’ and intended to prioritise discussions about nutrition in their future practice. They realised that messages needed to be personalised “It has made me aware to tailor advice to different women.” They also appreciated that signposting women to reliable sources of information or other health professionals helped to support ‘evidence-based practice,” and was an important part of their role: “The additional resources and signposts were really helpful.”

The results from this convenience sample of student midwives indicates promising findings that the taught nutrition sessions are likely to result in a positive change in practice. UK antenatal guidelines state that midwives should discuss nutrition, diet, and vitamin supplementation at booking-in appointments(3), but earlier research suggests that this rarely happens(1). Nutrition education which is delivered by a dietitian and focuses on case studies and care pathways, appears to have empowered student midwives to consider incorporating some of this applied knowledge and advice into their practice.
Vitamin D intakes and food sources in breastfeeding women in Ireland: findings from the WellFed study
Authors: Ali M. , Murphy B. , O’Dwyer F. , Sanecka M. , O’Reilly S. , O’Sullivan A.
Published: December 2024

Limited sunshine and dietary vitamin D make vitamin D deficiency very common in Ireland. Breastfeeding is the universal recommendation and supplies the best combination of nutrients and bioactive factors for all infants(1). However, maternal diet and nutrition status impacts concentrations of certain nutrients in breastmilk and therefore vitamin D concentrations can be lower than recommended for infants(2,3). This study aimed to determine the vitamin D intakes and food sources of breastfeeding mothers in Ireland.

Data was collected as part of the WellFed study, a 4-week randomised control trial investigating the effectiveness of a food supplement containing a protein hydrolysate and beta glucan (Wellmune®) during lactation on immune and gut health (LS-23-07-OSullivan). Participant vitamin D intakes were assessed using FoodBook24 self-completed 24-hour recalls. Foods were grouped into food groups to determine their contribution to intake as well as the contribution from natural and added vitamin D foods. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics (version 27).

Dietary analysis of 45 participants indicated that maternal vitamin D intakes were low (6.4 ± 4.6μg/day). Most participants (96%) did not meet the 15μg/day recommendation, despite 56% of participants reporting they consumed some form of vitamin D supplement. Natural vitamin D foods like eggs and egg dishes, fish and fish products, meat and meat products and foods with added vitamin D including breakfast cereals, beverages, and milk and yoghurt were the key food groups contributing to intake, with the majority coming from natural food sources.

Low dietary vitamin D intake is common among breastfeeding women and diet alone is insufficient to achieve the daily vitamin D requirements even when supplements are consumed. As natural food sources of vitamin D are limited and infrequently consumed, recommendations to consume more vitamin D foods may not be successful as a standalone strategy to improve vitamin D status. A combination of approaches including the promotion of vitamin D rich food consumption, supplementation strategies, and the introduction of food fortification policies may be a feasible method for improving vitamin D across the population.
Outcomes of children’s cooking programs: a systematic review of intervention studies
Authors: Haddad Joyce , van der Horst Klazine , Catalano Loan , Cunningham-Sabo Leslie
Published: December 2024

Children’s cooking programs have been linked to increased cooking frequency and positive dietary outcomes (1,2). A systematic review on children’s cooking interventions with a control group, in a variety of settings, on all age groups has not yet been conducted. Thus, we aimed to examine the effects of children’s participation in published cooking interventions on their cooking skills, food acceptance, and dietary behaviors; and the quality of the scientific evidence.

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, two independent electronic searches across six databases were conducted to identify cooking-focused interventions with comparison groups among participants aged up to 18 years old, published in English, between 2017 and 2022. Studies were assessed on quality using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence Analysis Library quality criteria checklist.

Among 1104 articles identified, 23 met inclusion criteria and described main results for distinct interventions. Interventions varied in participant age, settings, cooking sessions and program length. Knowledge of cooking skills, self-efficacy and involvement were the most frequent positive outcomes; improvements in dietary intake were rarely achieved. Seven studies were highly rated for research quality.

Lack of assessment standardization, variability in program characteristics, and insufficient intervention description made it difficult to discern best practices for children’s cooking programs.

Improvements in intervention development and measurement instruments are needed.

Interventions that include hands-on cooking lessons seem promising in improving knowledge and self-efficacy, however, further exploration is needed on the factors that make cooking programs successful long-term, while considering age and gender.
The effects of a short-term Mediterranean diet intervention on mood and mental wellbeing in adults
Authors: Tsofliou F. , Pegram G. , Fairbairn P. , Brenner E.
Published: December 2024

Emerging evidence suggests protective properties of a Mediterranean diet (MD) in relation to prevention and management of mood disorders(1). However, there is paucity of dietary interventions investigating adherence to MD and effects on mood and wellbeing in individuals without a clinical diagnosis. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of adherence to a short-term MD on mood and wellbeing in healthy adults.

A controlled crossover design randomly assigned 18 adults (Age(yrs) 53.74 ( ± 7.10), BMI(kg.m2)26.62 ( ± 5.45)) to follow a MD or their habitual diet (control) for 7-days, before switching to the alternate condition (following a 7-day washout). At baseline, an Educational Group Session familiarised participants with MD principles through informal presentation and interactive explanation of participant resource booklets to use at home throughout the MD condition only. Anthropometric characteristics, self-reported mood (Profile of Mood States (POMS), Lader Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)) and wellbeing (Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS) were assessed at baseline and upon completion of each diet condition. The MD Adherence Screener (MEDAS) assessed adherence to the interventions.

A significant difference was found in MD adherence scores between MD (M = 11.3, SD = 1.8) and Control Diet (CD) (M = 2.5, SD = 1.5); t(17) = 16.1, p<0.001). Main effects analysis using a general linear model controlling changes in body mass index showed significant effects of MD intervention versus the CD on the change in total mood disturbance (M(MD) = −15, SD = 12), M(CD) = −3, SD = 9), F(1,31) = 4.9, p = 0.034); feelings of calm (VAS) (M(MD) = 9, SD = 14), M (CD) = −2, SD = 6), F(1,31) = 8.5, p = 0.006); wellbeing (M(MD) = 6, SD = 5), M(CD) = −2, SD = 6), (F(1,31) = 6.6, p = 0.015).

These findings suggest that a short-term dietary change towards a MD can improve mood, feelings of calm and overall wellbeing in middle aged adults.