bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increase in incidence of anorexia nervosa among 10‐ to 14‐year‐old girls: A nationwide study in the Netherlands over four decades
Authors: van Eeden Annelies E. , van Hoeken Daphne , Hendriksen Janneke M. T. , Hoek Hans W.
Published: September 2023

Objective

This primary care study examined time trends in the incidence of anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) in the Netherlands across four decades.

Methods

A nationwide network of general practitioners, serving approximately 1% of the total Dutch population, recorded newly diagnosed patients with AN and BN in their practices from 1985 to 2019 (2,890,978 person‐years). DSM‐IV diagnostic criteria were consistently used and the same psychiatrist was responsible for the final diagnostic decision. Incidence rates (IRs) were calculated for: the total population (all ages), females overall, and females per 5‐year age category. Time trends in IRs were analyzed using JoinPoint regression analyses.

Results

In four decades, the incidence of AN among 10‐ to 14‐year‐old females increased significantly from 8.6 to 38.6 per 100,000 person‐years (average period percentage change [APPC] = 56.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.5–130.6. The overall incidence of AN was stable, with IRs ranging from 6.0 (95% CI = 4.3–8.1) to 8.4 (95% CI = 6.4–10.8). The IR of BN decreased significantly from 8.7 (95% CI = 6.7–11.0) to 3.2 (95% CI = 2.0–4.9) in the 2000s, before leveling off in the 2010s (IR 3.2; 95% CI = 2.0–4.8).

Discussion

The incidence of AN among 10‐ to 14‐year‐old girls increased significantly over four decades. Both biological and sociocultural factors, for example, early pubertal timing and the impact of social media, might explain this. In other age groups and overall, the incidence of AN remained stable. The significant decrease of the incidence of BN in the previous decades halted in the last decade.

Public Significance

An important finding of the present study is that for 10‐ to 14‐year‐old girls, the risk for developing anorexia nervosa has increased significantly over 40 years. More healthcare facilities for younger people are needed, and prevention programs could include social media use. For bulimia nervosa, the general decrease in the occurrence of new cases has halted in the 2010s.
An experimental study of the effect of thermoelectric and water cooling on the performance of a basin solar still with an integrated condenser
Authors: Kerfah Rabah , Yahia Mahammed Khaled , Benabdelaziz Ferhat Kamel
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the impact of cooling methods on the performance of a basin solar still integrated with a condensation chamber wall. Two different cooling techniques of the condensation chamber, namely water cooling and radiative cooling, were tested in Algerian climatic conditions. The findings revealed that the type of cooling system significantly affects the temperature of different components of the solar still. Moreover, the output of Peltier‐cooled still was better on the basin side, while the water‐cooled still was better on the condensation chamber side. The solar stills equipped with Peltier and water cooling produced 2.95 and 2.44 kg/m2 day, respectively. Additionally, the use of radiative cooling increased the solar still production by 43% compared to water cooling. The cost analysis indicated that the radiative‐cooled solar still is more cost‐effective with a cost of $0.09237 per liter of freshwater produced, compared to $0.29320 per liter produced by the water‐cooled still over the 15‐year system lifespan.
Climate‐smart agriculture as a possible solution to mitigate climate change impact on food security in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Akinsemolu Adenike A. , Onyeaka Helen N. , Tamasiga Phemelo
Published: September 2023

Climate change is a constant threat to global food security. In Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), extended dry spells, heavy rainfall, flooding, and tropical storms have driven a large percentage of the population to a severe food crisis. Climate‐smart agriculture (CSA) is a potential comprehensive solution whose adoption can mitigate climate change and its ramifications on the state of food security in the region. CSA combines innovation, the use of technology, extensive research, stakeholder involvement, and data to increase food production, optimize resource allocation and utilization, and enhance the region's ability to feed its population. The adoption of CSA has succeeded in increasing agricultural productivity in several parts of SSA and will help towards the building of resilience food systems across the region amid constant and unpredictable climate change and its far‐reaching impacts in the region. For the sustained and universal adoption of CSA within the region, there is a need for more stakeholder involvement in its development and adaptation to the needs of specific communities. Furthermore, it is necessary to leverage the positive impact of the approach by expanding its scope beyond climate change mitigation to prevention and control, and ultimately help in achieving the United Nations SDG 2 and 13.
Prosocial decision‐making under time pressure: Behavioral and neural mechanisms
Authors: Liu Zhengjie , Zhao Hailing , Xu Yashi , Liu Jie , Cui Fang
Published: September 2023

The present study employed a novel paradigm and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to uncover the specific regulatory mechanism of time pressure and empathy trait in prosocial decision‐making, compared to self‐decision making. Participants were instructed to decide whether to spend their own monetary interest to alleviate themselves (or another person) from unpleasant noise threats under high and low time pressures. On the behavioral level, results showed that high time pressure had a significant effect on reducing participants' willingness to spend money on relieving themselves from the noise, while there is a similar but not significant trend in prosocial decision‐making. On the neural level, for self‐concerned decision‐making, low time pressure activated the bilateral insula more strongly than high time pressure. For prosocial decision‐making, high time pressure suppressed activations in multiple brain regions related to empathy (temporal pole, middle temporal gyrus, and inferior frontal gyrus), valuation (medial orbitofrontal cortex), and emotion (putamen). The functional connectivity strength among these regions, especially the connectivity between the medial orbitofrontal cortex and putamen, significantly predicted the effect of time pressure on prosocial decision‐making at the behavioral level. Additionally, we discovered the activation of the medial orbitofrontal cortex partially mediated the effect of empathy trait scores on prosocial decision‐making. These findings suggest that (1) there are different neural underpinnings for the modulation of time pressure for self and prosocial decision‐making, and (2) the empathy trait plays a crucial role in the latter.
Instrumental variable approach on analyzing risk factors associated with noncommunicable disease prevalence in Tanzania: A nonexperimental design
Authors: Kitole Felician A. , Sesabo Jennifer K. , Lihawa Robert M.
Published: September 2023

Background and Aims

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) have emerged as a substantial burden in developing countries, representing the leading cause of mortality. Addressing this critical issue necessitates effective interventions and policy measures. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the risk factors associated with NCD prevalence in Tanzania.

Methods

This study employed a nonexperimental research design due to its ability to analyze secondary data without altering variables. The used data set of the study was sourced from National Panel Survey 2020/21 and Household Budget Survey 2017/18. The econometrics analysis applied in the study include two‐stage residual inclusion (2SRI) and control function approach due to their ability to suppress endogeneity and enhance the clarity of results.

Results

The findings indicate a significant positive correlation between alcohol consumption (0.4110382, p = 0.02), cigarette smoking (0.3354297, p < 0.001), and NCDs, emphasizing the urgency of targeted interventions to mitigate these behaviors. Conversely, a negative correlation is observed between fruit and vegetable intake (−0.1063375, p < 0.001), physical exercises (−0.3744925, p < 0.001), and NCDs, underscoring the importance of promoting healthy dietary habits and frequent exercises.

Conclusion

These results accentuate the immediate need for targeted interventions and policy measures to address these risk factors and effectively combat the escalating burden of NCDs in Tanzania and similar contexts. Moreover, the need for improved public awareness campaigns and the promotion of healthy life campaigns are vital in the fight to lower the prevalence of NCDs across communities.
Transdisciplinary science and the importance of Indigenous knowledge
Authors: Baker Virginia , Ataria James , Ankeny Rachel , Bray Heather
Published: September 2023

As we move ever closer to the brink of global environmental collapse, it is vital that we work collaboratively and collectively as global, national, and local communities to design multiscale change. Protecting future generations and reversing (or substantively slowing) the current trends require rapid sustainable progress at the required scale. It is more urgent than ever that we understand and more fully realize the power of transdisciplinary (Td) research to support sustainable practice. A defining factor of Td is the focus on collaboration and codesign and the extent that participation and attention to local context is integral to the knowledge building. Specifically, there is greater ability for community knowledge, values, and aspirations to influence and shape research inquiries to effect meaningful change in real-world decision-making and outcomes. Business-as-usual (BAU) approaches that perpetuate unequal knowledge sharing and dismiss other forms of knowledge beyond traditional science no longer suffice. Transdisciplinary approaches seek to achieve and support sustainable change, but the extent of transformation required to meet ecological protection and regenerative sustainability requires very different operating models for knowing and doing science than the limited traditions of positivist science. However, these powerful defaults and operating paradigms are more deeply ingrained than we might realize, and so challenges persist. This article illustrates how Td science differs from typical research paradigms, particularly in terms of the underlying epistemology; the focus on knowledge and/or power; attention to boundaries and scope; and the degree to which local knowledge, context, and community participation underpin the research process. Active conversations are required to better identify and overcome fundamental challenges for science and Td research approaches to support the necessary transformational change. Importantly, we suggest that Indigenous partnerships, knowledge, and values are vital in achieving the potential of Td research to provide transformational interventions to address complex social and environmental issues such as pollution. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:805–816. © 2023 SETAC
Insights on Covid‐19 with superimposed pulmonary histoplasmosis: The possible nexus
Authors: Almutawif Yahya A. , Al‐kuraishy Hayder M. , Al‐Gareeb Ali I. , Alexiou Athanasios , Papadakis Marios , Eid Hamza M. A. , Saad Hebatallah M. , Batiha Gaber El‐Saber
Published: September 2023

A novel coronavirus (CoV) known as severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV type 2 is the causative agent for the development of CoV disease 2019 (Covid‐19). Covid‐19 may increase the risk of developing pulmonary histoplasmosis due to immune dysregulation. In addition, Covid‐19 may enhance the propagation of acute pulmonary histoplasmosis due to lung injury and inflammation, and using corticosteroids in severely affected Covid‐19 patients may reactivate latent pulmonary histoplasmosis. Likewise, activation of inflammatory signaling pathways during H. capsulatum infection may increase the severity of Covid‐19 and vice versa. Furthermore, lymphopenia in Covid‐19 may increase the risk for the progress of pulmonary histoplasmosis besides activation of inflammatory signaling pathways during H. capsulatum infection may increase the severity of Covid‐19 and vice versa. Therefore, this critical review aimed to find the potential link between Covid‐19 pneumonia and pulmonary histoplasmosis concerning the immunological response.
Diagnostic value of quantification of cell‐free DNA for suspected gallbladder cancer
Authors: Sakamoto Katsunori , Ogawa Kohei , Tamura Kei , Honjo Masahiko , Sogabe Kyosei , Ito Chihiro , Iwata Miku , Sakamoto Akimasa , Shine Mikiya , Nishi Yusuke , Uraoka Mio , Nagaoka Tomoyuki , Funamizu Naotake , Takada Yasutsugu
Published: September 2023

Background and Aim

An accurate preoperative diagnosis as the basis for deciding the most appropriate surgical procedure is essential for patients with suspected gallbladder cancer (GBC). The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) for the preoperative detection of ≥T2 invasion in patients with suspected GBC.

Methods

Twenty‐four patients who underwent resection for suspected GBC were enrolled. The concentration of cfDNA obtained from blood samples preoperatively was measured and evaluated in two distributions. The first peak (less than 200 base pairs) of cfDNA distribution was defined as the shorter fragment cfDNA, considered to originate mainly from apoptosis; and the second peak (200 base pairs or more) was defined as the longer fragment cfDNA, originating mainly from necrosis.

Results

Pathological analysis identified benign disease in 12 patients and GBC in 12 patients, of whom 6 patients had ≥pT2 GBC. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen (CA)19‐9 were significantly higher in the ≥pT2 GBC group than in the benign/<pT2 groups (2.1 [0.7–11.0] vs 4.5 [1.7–13.0], P = 0.033 and 14.0 [<2.0–401] vs 37.0 [26.0–141.0], P = 0.007, respectively). When limited to patients in the GBC group (n = 12), only cfDNA of longer fragments was significantly lower in the ≥pT2 group than the <pT2 groups (2.98 [1.88–4.61] vs 1.98 [1.42–2.42], P = 0.026) but cfDNA of shorter fragments showed no significant difference between above both comparisons.

Conclusion

CfDNA might have potential use as a diagnostic factor for patients with suspected GBC.
Cartilage deformation following a walking bout in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Pamukoff Derek N. , Holmes Skylar C. , Heredia Caitlyn E. , Shumski Eric J. , Garcia Steven A. , Montgomery Melissa M.
Published: September 2023

The purpose was to (1) compare the effect of a walking bout on femoral cartilage deformation between limbs with and without anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and (2) examine the association between gait kinetics and the magnitude of cartilage deformation. A total of 30 individuals with primary unilateral ACLR completed this study [14 male, 16 female; age = 22.57 (3.78) years; body mass index (BMI) = 25.88 (5.68) kg/m2; time since ACLR = 61.00 (16.43) months]. Overground walking biomechanics were assessed on day 1, and a 30‐min walking bout or 30‐min resting bout (control) were completed on days 2 and 3 (counterbalanced order). Femoral cartilage thickness was measured using ultrasound before, immediately following, and 30‐min following each intervention. Linear mixed effects models compared the effect of walking on cartilage thickness between the ACLR and contralateral limbs after adjusting for sex, BMI, speed, and the number of steps. Stepwise regression examined the association between the external knee flexion and adduction moments and cartilage deformation following walking. There was a significant limb × time interaction for medial cartilage thickness. Post hoc analyses indicated that cartilage thickness decreased immediately following walking in the contralateral but not ACLR limb. Main effects of limb were observed for medial, central, and lateral cartilage thickness indicating thicker cartilage in the ACLR compared with contralateral limb. A higher knee adduction moment was associated with greater cartilage deformation in the ACLR limb. Femoral cartilage in the ACLR limb exhibited a less dynamic response to walking than the uninvolved limb, which may be due to habitual underloading during gait.
Limited extension of the MIS 2 proglacial lake in the Severnaya Dvina valley, south‐eastern margin of the last Scandinavian Ice Sheet
Authors: Zaretskaya Nataliya , Utkina Anna , Baranov Dmitrii , Panin Andrei , Trofimova Svetlana , Simakova Aleksandra , Kurbanov Redzhep
Published: September 2023

The Severnaya Dvina River valley crosses the former south‐eastern margin of the last Scandinavian Ice Sheet. Despite a long research history, there remains considerable controversy about the maximum ice‐sheet extent and the expansion of proglacial lakes within the Severnaya Dvina fluvial system. The goal of this study was to address these issues using new material from the valleys of the Severnaya Dvina and the lower Vychegda, thereby contributing to an understanding of the history of the south‐eastern sector of the last Scandinavian Ice Sheet and its periglacial areas. We studied a number of geological sections using radiocarbon and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating, pollen and carpological analyses, and found that the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) proglacial lake occupied the Severnaya Dvina valley between 20–19 ka and about 15.5 ka. The lake was localized within the proglacial isostatic depression and occupied only the Severnaya Dvina valley extending no further than the confluence of the Vychegda River, no more than 110 km from the edge of the ice sheet. The lake formation did not cause any drainage reorganization within and outside the Vychegda fluvial system. Given the small size of the lake and presence of the oldest OSL ages along the entire length of the former lake, we suggest that the onset of the proglacial lake marks the maximum extent of the ice sheet in the area. Consequently, the onset of the local LGM may be dated to 20–19 ka, somewhat earlier than assumed by most previous researchers. The LGM ice sheet boundary was located in the Severnaya Dvina valley downstream from the Vychegda confluence and did not extend into the Vychegda valley, despite previous suggestions. During deglaciation, the lake disappearance together with crustal rebound caused an incision episode in the Vychegda – Severnaya Dvina system and the formation of the Lateglacial alluvial terrace with relative height rising downstream due to the uneven rates of the postglacial uplift.
Use of multiple covariates in assessing treatment‐effect modifiers: A methodological review of individual participant data meta‐analyses
Authors: Godolphin Peter J. , Marlin Nadine , Cornett Chantelle , Fisher David J. , Tierney Jayne F. , White Ian R. , Rogozińska Ewelina
Published: September 2023

Individual participant data (IPD) meta‐analyses of randomised trials are considered a reliable way to assess participant‐level treatment effect modifiers but may not make the best use of the available data. Traditionally, effect modifiers are explored one covariate at a time, which gives rise to the possibility that evidence of treatment‐covariate interaction may be due to confounding from a different, related covariate. We aimed to evaluate current practice when estimating treatment‐covariate interactions in IPD meta‐analysis, specifically focusing on involvement of additional covariates in the models. We reviewed 100 IPD meta‐analyses of randomised trials, published between 2015 and 2020, that assessed at least one treatment‐covariate interaction. We identified four approaches to handling additional covariates: (1) Single interaction model (unadjusted): No additional covariates included (57/100 IPD meta‐analyses); (2) Single interaction model (adjusted): Adjustment for the main effect of at least one additional covariate (35/100); (3) Multiple interactions model: Adjustment for at least one two‐way interaction between treatment and an additional covariate (3/100); and (4) Three‐way interaction model: Three‐way interaction formed between treatment, the additional covariate and the potential effect modifier (5/100). IPD is not being utilised to its fullest extent. In an exemplar dataset, we demonstrate how these approaches lead to different conclusions. Researchers should adjust for additional covariates when estimating interactions in IPD meta‐analysis providing they adjust their main effects, which is already widely recommended. Further, they should consider whether more complex approaches could provide better information on who might benefit most from treatments, improving patient choice and treatment policy and practice.
Catchii: Empowering literature review screening in healthcare
Authors: Halman Andreas , Oshlack Alicia
Published: September 2023

A systematic review is a type of literature review that aims to collect and analyse all available evidence from the literature on a particular topic. The process of screening and identifying eligible articles from the vast amounts of literature is a time‐consuming task. Specialised software has been developed to aid in the screening process and save significant time and labour. However, the most suitable software tools that are available often come with a cost or only offer either a limited or a trial version for free. In this paper, we report the release of a new software application, Catchii, which contains all the important features of a systematic review screening application while being completely free. It supports a user at different stages of screening, from detecting duplicates to creating the final flowchart for a publication. Catchii is designed to provide a good user experience and streamline the screening process through its clean and user‐friendly interface on both computers and mobile devices. All in all, Catchii is a valuable addition to the current selection of systematic review screening applications. It enables researchers without financial resources to access features found in the best paid tools, while also diminishing costs for those who have previously relied on paid applications. Catchii is available at https://catchii.org.
Investigation of antioxidant and sensory properties and in vitro bioaccessibility of low‐fat functional cookies substituted with wheat germ flour and coffee silverskin
Authors: Büyük Zülal , Dulger Altiner Dilek
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to produce new functional cookies with high nutritional properties and low calorie content. It investigated the effects of incorporating wheat germ flour (WGF) at levels of 10–30% as a substitute for whole wheat flour (WWF), along with coffee silver skin (CSS) in the same proportions, serving as natural functional additives to substitute for fat in cookie formulations.

RESULTS

The total phenol content of the cookies with added WGF‐CSS ranged from 1813.72 to 1838.45 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per kilogram of dry weight (mg GAE kg−1), whereas the total phenolic bioaccessibility values ranged between 53.39 and 56.84%. Of the three methods used to determine antioxidant capacity (AC), the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) method gave higher bioaccessibility values (44.55–51.19%) than the 2,2′‐azino‐bis (3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhidrazyl (DPPH) scavenging methods. The contribution of WGF‐CSS supplemented cookies to the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) (%) of K, P, Mg, and Ca increased depending on the number of cookies consumed and the WGF and CSS ratio. The general acceptability scores of the cookies varied between 5.66 and −7.08, and the 10% WGF cookie (F2) (6.48) sample received the score that was closest to that of the control. Moderately strong positive relationships (r > 0.90, P < 0.05) were detected between the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of the cookies.

CONCLUSION

As a result, WGF and CSS food additives with high nutritional properties can be recommended as potential enriching ingredients and fat substitutes in the development of new products in the functional food industry. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Intra‐ and Interobserver Reliability of Shear Wave Elastography in Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Togawa Riku , Pfob André , Büsch Christopher , Fastner Sarah , Gomez Christina , Goncalo Manuela , Hennigs André , Killinger Kristina , Nees Juliane , Riedel Fabian , Schäfgen Benedikt , Stieber Anne , Tozaki Mitsuhiro , Heil Jörg , Barr Richard , Golatta Michael
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Shear wave elastography (SWE) is increasingly used in breast cancer diagnostics. However, large, prospective, multicenter data evaluating the reliability of SWE is missing. We evaluated the intra‐ and interobserver reliability of SWE in patients with breast lesions categorized as BIRADS 3 or 4.

Methods

We used data of 1288 women at 12 institutions in 7 countries with breast lesions categorized as BIRADS 3 to 4 who underwent conventional B‐mode ultrasound and SWE. 1243 (96.5%) women had three repetitive conventional B‐mode ultrasounds as well as SWE measurements performed by a board‐certified senior physician. 375 of 1288 (29.1%) women received an additional ultrasound examination with B‐mode and SWE by a second physician. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to examine intra‐ and interobserver reliability.

Results

ICC for intraobserver reliability showed an excellent correlation with ICC >0.9, while interobserver reliability was moderate with ICC of 0.7. There were no clinically significant differences in intraobserver reliability when SWE was performed in lesions categorized as BI‐RADS 3 or 4 as well as in histopathologically benign or malignant lesions.

Conclusion

Reliability of additional SWE was evaluated on a study cohort consisting of 1288 breast lesions categorized as BI‐RADS 3 and 4. SWE shows an excellent intraobserver reliability and a moderate interobserver reliability in the evaluation of solid breast masses.
Rare methanotrophs adapt to broader environmental gradients than abundant methanotrophs in the riparian zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir
Authors: Jiajia Li , Arif Muhammad , Changxiao Li
Published: September 2023

Soil communities are intricately linked to ecosystem functioning. Uncovering the responses of rare and abundant taxa to environmental change is vital for understanding methanotrophic community assembly and ecosystem function. It is unclear what the proportions of the different taxa are in riparian soil and how environmental change may impact these, and thereby affect the structure and assembly of different communities. Considering both abundant and rare taxa, we investigated environmental thresholds and phylogenetic signals related to the ecological preferences of methanotrophic communities under complex environmental gradients, and explore the factors that influence their assembly. It has ecological significance for predicting how communities will gather in response to changing environmental conditions. It was found that methanotrophs had different ecological network patterns across land‐use types, with the network complexity of abundant taxa being higher in grasslands and woodlands than that of rare taxa. Different ecological preference thresholds and phylogenetic signals were observed between abundant and rare subcommunities in the riparian zone, with rare taxa possessing potentially broader environmental adaptation capabilities. Rare taxa were phylogenetically clustered closer together than abundant taxa. The assembly of abundant taxa was dominated by stochastic processes, whereas the assembly of rare taxa was dominated by deterministic processes. Soil pH played an important role in regulating the balance between the assembly processes of abundant and rare subcommunities. The deterministic assembly of rare taxa and the stochastic assembly of abundant taxa increased with pH values. We revealed the complexity of a co‐occurring ecological network, identified the mediators of methanotrophic community assembly, and examined the adaptability of rare and abundant methanotrophic species to different environmental gradients. These findings indicate that it is possible to predict the generation and maintenance of methanotrophic community diversity by studying how methanotrophs will respond to environmental changes in the riparian zone during vegetation restoration projects.
Estimating sediment yield from a small urban catchment of a heterogeneous structure
Authors: Krajewski Adam , Hejduk Leszek , Sikorska‐Senoner Anna E.
Published: September 2023

Small urban areas, due to their specificity (high anthroposphere, multiple forms of land use, variable drainage conditions), are often overlooked in studies on soil erosion and sediment transport that predominantly focus on a large scale. The sediment yield from such small urban areas may greatly vary depending, for example, on the state of the land development. Therefore, its proper estimation is crucial for water resources management, improving urban runoff quality or designing and maintaining local retention ponds. In this study, two different approaches were applied to estimate sediment yield from a small urban catchment of Służew Creek, located in Warsaw, Poland. While the first was based on direct hydrological measurements and field samples, the second (indirect) used various empirical formulas to predict bed load transport (local formula of Skibiński) in the stream channel and the suspended sediment delivery from the catchment (USLE equation, Build‐up/Wash‐off model). The sediment load established according to the direct approach equals 714 Mg/year, of which 83 Mg/year results from the bed load transport and 631 Mg/year comes from the suspended sediment transport. The total sediment load calculated according to the indirect approach equals 579 Mg/year. The relative difference in loads calculated with these two methods is about 20%. This paper combines various established methods into a novel composite analysis of sediment yield. The methodology presented in this study may support the estimation of sediment load in small urban catchments with a heterogenous land use structure. Hence, it may support urban planning and water resources management in such small catchments.
Does supercharging with cross‐face nerve graft enhance smile in non‐flaccid facial paralysis patients undergoing selective neurectomy?
Authors: Kaufman Goldberg Tal , Trzcinski Lauren O. , McGonagle Elizabeth R. , Hadlock Tessa A.
Published: September 2023

Background

Cross face nerve grafting (CFNG) is a well‐established nerve transfer technique in facial reanimation; however, no study has assessed outcome of supercharging the smile with CFNG in patients with synkinesis. The goal of this study was to examine the smile outcome in non‐flaccid facial paralysis (NFFP) patients after supercharging with CFNG during selective neurectomy.

Methods

NFFP patients who underwent CFNG with end‐to‐side coaptation to a smile branch on the paralyzed side during selective neurectomy were retrospectively identified and their charts were reviewed. Pre‐operative and post‐operative facial function was assessed with the electronic clinician‐graded facial function tool (eFACE), and an automated computer‐aided facial assessment tool (Emotrics). Smile metrics were compared pre‐operatively, in early post‐operative time (EPO, <6 months), and late post‐operative time (LPO, >9 months) when CFNG contribution would be expected.

Results

Thirteen cases were performed between June 2019 and December 2021. No objective smile metrics improved following supercharging with CFNG. Oral commissure excursion improved by 1.23 points in eFACE (p = .812), and by 0.84 in Emotrtics (p = .187) from EPO to LPO. EFACE dynamic score was improved by 0.08 points from EPO to LPO (p = .969).

Conclusions

Using CFNG for supercharging the smile during selective neurectomy in NFFP patients may not enhance smile. Longer term results following supercharging and long term natural history of selective neurectomy should be assessed.
A mixed methods approach to investigating physical activity in people with obesity participating in a chronic care programme awaiting total knee or hip arthroplasty
Authors: Pavlovic Natalie , Brady Bernadette , Boland Robert , Harris Ian A. , Flood Victoria M. , Genel Furkan , Gao Manxin , Naylor Justine M.
Published: September 2023

Aims

To describe patient‐reported physical activity and step count trajectory and explore perceived barriers and enablers to physical activity amongst people with obesity participating in a chronic care programme whilst awaiting arthroplasty.

Design

Convergent parallel mixed‐method study.

Method

A patient cohort derived from a longitudinal sample of adults with end‐stage osteoarthritis and obesity from a chronic care programme whilst awaiting primary total knee or hip arthroplasty (n = 97) was studied. Physical activity was measured at baseline (entry to the wait list) and before surgery (9–12 months waiting time) using the Lower Extremity Activity Scale (LEAS) and activity monitors (activPAL™). A subset of participants completed in‐depth semi‐structured interviews 6 months after being waitlisted to explore perceived barriers and enablers to physical activity. Themes were inductively derived and then interpreted through the COM‐B model.

Results

Baseline LEAS and activPAL™ data were available from 97 and 63 participants, respectively. The proportion of community ambulant individuals reduced from 43% (95% CI 33%–53%) at baseline to 17% (95% CI 9%–28%) pre‐surgery. Paired activPAL™ data (n = 31) for step count, upright time, and stepping time remained unchanged. Twenty‐five participants were interviewed. Five themes underpinning physical activity were mapped to the COM‐B model components of capability (physical capability), opportunity (accessibility and social norms), and motivation (self‐efficacy and beliefs and physical activity).

Conclusions

Participation in a chronic care programme did not improve physical activity levels for people with obesity awaiting arthroplasty. Programs cognisant of the COM‐B model components may be required to address the natural trajectory of declining physical activity levels while awaiting arthroplasty.
Improved fecal particle size profile in Rainbow Trout fed feeds containing different ratios of animal meal and plant protein concentrates: Effect on nitrogen and phosphorus partitioning
Authors: Welker Thomas L. , Barrows Frederic T.
Published: September 2023

Objective

Our objective in this study was to evaluate the effects of fish meal replacement with plant and animal protein sources accompanied by a feed binder on nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) partitioning in Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss feces.

Methods

Three diets in which fish meal (FM; reference diet) was completely replaced with a combination of poultry meal (PM), corn protein concentrate, soy protein concentrate, and guar gum (binder) were evaluated to determine the portioning of N and P in fecal particle size‐classes (fines: <0.6 mm; mid‐size particles: 0.6–1.2 mm; large particles: >1.2 mm) and compared with a commercial feed for Rainbow Trout. Feces were evaluated for particle size composition and the content of total N (TN) and total P (TP) in each size‐class.

Result

There was a significant difference in fecal particle size composition for trout fed the experimental diets compared to those given the commercial feed. Fish that received the four experimental diets produced feces with approximately 43% large particles and 24% fines compared to 6% and 67% for trout that were fed the commercial diet. The TN in feces was significantly higher for trout that were fed the FM diet (3.84%) than for trout fed the FM‐free diets, and TN also declined linearly (2.68, 1.91, and 1.59%) as the content of PM was replaced with plant‐based protein. A diet × particle size interaction effect on fecal N content was also observed in which a significant increase in TN from large particles compared with fines occurred for the experimental FM diet, but there was little difference between size‐classes for the non‐FM‐based feeds. The feces of trout fed the FM diet contained more TP (100,007 μg/g) than the feces of fish receiving the FM‐free diets (46,751–72,659 μg/g), likely due to higher dietary P content of FM. However, TP concentrations followed a similar trend as TN in the FM‐free feeds, declining as the proportion of plant protein sources increased (and as PM decreased). The large fecal particles (72,235 μg/g) contained more TP than the mid‐size particles (68,926 μg/g) or fines (61,974 μg/g), which could be due to leaching in the latter two particle size‐classes, as the potential for solubility likely increased as particle size decreased.

Conclusion

These findings may have important implications for improving the fecal particle size profile for sedimentation and removal of regulated nutrients through the formulation of Rainbow Trout feeds in replacement of FM with plant protein.
Dekarbonisierung: Kohlenstoff fixieren
Authors: Ertler Aaron
Published: September 2023

Pflanzen binden Kohlenstoff aus dem Kohlendioxid der Luft für eine bestimmte Zeit. Pyrolyse von Pflanzenrückständen bindet ihn länger. Das Produkt lässt sich in der Landwirtschaft nutzen, um Enzyme und Mikroorganismen für die Photosynthese und die Nährstoffaufnahme zu stärken.
Chemiegeschichte: Warum Lowry?
Authors: Ruthenberg Klaus
Published: September 2023

Acidität – dieses grundlegende Konzept der Chemie ist so wichtig, dass sich die Chemie seit einem Jahrhundert sogar gleich zwei Theorien dazu leistet, die nach ihren Erstveröffentlichern benannt sind. Aber was war mit dem dritten Mann?
Nurses' experiences of using the Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale with patients in specialized palliative care—A qualitative focus group study
Authors: Beck Ingela , Törnquist Kicki , Gruvebäck Anders , Rasmussen Birgit. H. , Olsson Möller Ulrika
Published: September 2023

Aim

To explore nurses’ experiences of using the Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale (IPOS) as a communication tool in specialized palliative care.

Design

This study employed a qualitative inductive approach. The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research were followed for reporting.

Methods

Five focus groups were conducted with nurses from four specialized palliative care units, and the discussions were analysed with quality content analysis.

Results

Using IPOS for communication with the patient gave an opportunity to understand the patient's care needs and to let these care needs guide care interventions. Prerequisites in terms of relation, atmosphere, skills and flexibility were needed to establish an interactive communication. It was challenging to communicate about issues that evoked emotional reactions in the patient. There was a balancing act between the use of a structured scale and overcoming communication challenges. Nonetheless, when the two complemented each other, IPOS was a useful tool for nurses to promote person‐centred care.
Using learner‐generated poetry to help students understand technical scientific literature
Authors: Ahlers Adam A. , Brimhall Traci
Published: September 2023

Undergraduate students enrolled in ecology courses read peer‐reviewed, scientific literature to learn how hypotheses are tested and to understand conclusions from research. This technical material can be difficult to understand for many students, thus inhibiting learning processes and reducing interest in courses or associated content. Using creative methods to teach science‐based material can improve student‐learning outcomes, though students’ perceptions on learning have not been fully evaluated. We qualitatively compared changes in students’ perceived understanding of peer‐reviewed literature before and after poetry writing assignments. Students were asked to read a randomly assigned peer‐reviewed paper focused on waterfowl and/or wetland management and rate their understanding of the (1) results and conclusions and (2) management implications from research described in the paper. We then asked students to read another randomly assigned paper, complete two poems (one haiku and one villanelle) about the paper, and then again rate their understanding of both metrics. With our small sample, we found students rated their perceived understanding of peer‐reviewed literature higher after creating student‐generated poetry, and they generally appreciated the assignment. Our qualitative results underscore potential merits of incorporating poetry into science learning, and we provide testable hypotheses to further our understanding of how integrating poetry into science‐based courses may enhance student learning.
Immersive, interactive virtual learning environments increase accessibility in soil science
Authors: Aleman Ruben , Vaughan Karen , Summerfield Kyle , Seeley Janel
Published: September 2023

As the use of online education increases, technologies to improve the quality of learning have been improving alongside it. One method of information dissemination is virtual learning environments (VLE), in which educators can tailor digital lessons according to their subject and the needs of their students. For soil science, and field‐based sciences in general, this technology holds great potential in addressing issues of accessibility. Field labs can be challenging due to monetary, time, and physical constraints; however, the use of VLE can allow for students to indefinitely access field settings in a safe and repeatable way with no additional cost. We have built the framework for and created an immersive soil science–based VLE in the Laramie Range Mountains, examining terrain and soils along six sites on a catena. When this VLE was used in a class of 26 upper level morphology and classification students as a supplemental field trip, scores before and after use were comparable; however, students reported an increase in engagement and interest in the VLE itself, as well a general increase in understanding of relationships between landscape processes and soil formation. Using this technology structure in distance learning enhances our ability to deliver high‐quality, immersive, accessible content as natural science education progresses.
Hedgehog signalling in Foxd1+ embryonic kidney stromal progenitors controls nephron formation via Cxcl12 and Wnt5a
Authors: D'Cruz Robert , Kim Yun‐Kyo , Mulder Jaap , Ibeh Neke , Jiang Nan , Tian Yilin , Rosenblum Norman D
Published: September 2023

Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are characterised by a spectrum of structural and histologic abnormalities and are the major cause of childhood kidney failure. During kidney morphogenesis, the formation of a critical number of nephrons is an embryonic process supported, in part, by signalling between nephrogenic precursors and Foxd1‐positive stromal progenitor cells. Low nephron number and abnormal patterning of the stroma are signature pathological features among CAKUT phenotypes with decreased kidney function. Despite their critical contribution to CAKUT pathogenesis, the mechanisms that underlie a low nephron number and the functional contribution of a disorganised renal stroma to nephron number are both poorly defined. Here, we identify a primary pathogenic role for increased Hedgehog signalling in embryonic renal stroma in the genesis of congenital low nephron number. Pharmacologic activation of Hedgehog (Hh) signalling in human kidney organoid tissue decreased the number of nephrons and generated excess stroma. The mechanisms underlying these pathogenic effects were delineated in genetic mouse models in which Hh signalling was constitutively activated in a cell lineage‐specific manner. Cre‐mediated excision of Ptch1 in Foxd1+ stromal progenitor cells, but not in Six2+ nephrogenic precursor cells, generated kidney malformation, identifying the stroma as a driver of low nephron number. Single‐cell RNA sequencing analysis identified Cxcl12 and Wnt5a as downstream targets of increased stromal Hh signalling, findings supported by analysis in human kidney organoids. In vivo deficiency of Cxcl12 or Wnt5a in mice with increased stromal Hh signalling improved nephron endowment. These results demonstrate that dysregulated Hh signalling in embryonic renal stromal cells inhibits nephron formation in a manner dependent on Cxcl12 and Wnt5a. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Investigation on flame‐retardant, thermal and mechanical properties of glass fiber reinforced polyimide composites
Authors: He Dalong , Liu Xiang , Jiao Fangkun
Published: September 2023

Composites with excellent flame retardant and mechanical properties are in high demand in the aerospace and various industrial fields. Glass fiber (GF) reinforced polyimide (PI) composites (GFRPCs) were fabricated using a simple ball milling and hot pressing technique. The effect of GF content on the thermal stability, mechanical and flame retardant properties of composites has been systematically studied. The Rockwell hardness of GFRPCs increase with increasing GF content, while the compressive strength, impact strength and flexural strength initially show an increase followed by a decrease due to the excellent dispersibility of the fillers and the strong interfacial interaction between the one‐dimensional GF and PI matrix. Thermogravimetric analysis results show that the addition of GF with very low thermal conductivity and excellent temperature resistance can effectively improve the thermal stability of PI. Adding GF into PI can obviously improve the limiting oxygen index value. Moreover, as the GF content increased, the time to ignition of the composites prolonged while total heat release decreased. These findings suggest a viable solution for enhancing both the flame retardance and mechanical properties of PI‐based composites.

Highlights

GFRPCs with high GF content fabricated via ball milling‐hot pressing method.

Silane modified GF obviously improves the thermal stability of PI matrix.

GFRPCs‐28 exhibits superior mechanical properties.

An increases in time to ignition (TTI) and mass residual rate (MRR) of the GFRPCs was observed on adding GF.