bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecotoxicity Evaluation of Industrial Waste and Construction Materials: Comparison Between Leachates from Granular Steel Slags and Steel Slags-Containing Concrete Through a Plant-Based Approach
Authors: Alias Carlotta , Zerbini Ilaria , Abbà Alessandro , Benassi Laura , Gelatti Umberto , Sorlini Sabrina , Piovani Giovanna , Feretti Donatella
Published: June 2023

Steel slags, the main waste product from the steel industry, may have several reuse possibilities. Among others, building applications represent a crucial field. However, the potential impact of harmful substances on the environment should be assessed. The aim of this study was to assess the phytotoxicity of steel slags (SS) and concrete mixtures cast with a partial replacement of SS (CSS). Leaching tests were carried out on four SS and four CSS according to EN 12457-2 and UNI EN 15863, respectively. Each leachate was assayed using root elongation tests on 30 seeds of Allium cepa, Cucumis sativus, and Lepidium sativum, respectively, and on 12 bulbs of A. cepa. The latter also allowed the analysis of other macroscopic parameters of toxicity (turgidity, consistency, colour change and root tip shape) and the evaluation of the mitotic index on 20,000 root tip cells per sample. None of the samples induced phytotoxic effects on the organisms tested: all samples supported seedlings emergence, verified by root elongation comparable to, or even greater than, that of the negative controls, and did not affect cell division, as evidenced by mitotic index values. The absence of phytotoxicity demonstrated by the leachates allows SS and SS-derived concrete to be considered as reliable materials suitable for use in civil constructions or in other engineering applications, with economic and environmental advantages, such as the reduction of the final disposal in landfills as well as the consumption of natural resources.
Transmission of fungi and protozoa under grazing conditions from lactating yaks to sucking yak calves in early life
Authors: Guo Wei , Liu Tingmei , Neves André Luis Alves , Long Ruijun , Degen Allan , Zhou Mi , Chen Xiang
Published: June 2023

Microbiota from mothers is an essential source of microbes in early-life rumen microbiota, but the contribution of microbiota from different maternal sites to the rumen microbiota establishment in neonates needs more data. To fill this gap, we collected samples from the mouth, teat skin, and rumen of lactating yaks and from the rumen of sucking calves concomitantly on seven occasions between days 7 and 180 after birth under grazing conditions. We observed that the eukaryotic communities clustered based on sample sites, except for the protozoal community in the teat skin, with negative correlations between fungal and protozoal diversities in the rumen of calves. Furthermore, fungi in the dam’s mouth, which is the greatest source of the calf’s rumen fungi, accounted for only 0.1%, and the contribution of the dam’s rumen to the calf’s rumen fungi decreased with age and even disappeared after day 60. In contrast, the average contribution of the dam’s rumen protozoa to the calf’s rumen protozoa was 3.7%, and the contributions from the dam’s teat skin (from 0.7 to 2.7%) and mouth (from 0.4 to 3.3%) increased with age. Thus, the divergence in dam-to-calf transmissibility between fungi and protozoa indicates that the foundation of these eukaryotic communities is shaped by different rules. This study provides the first measurements of the maternal contribution to the fungal and protozoal establishment in the rumen of sucking and grazing yak calves in early life, which could be beneficial for future microbiota manipulation in neonatal ruminants.

Key points

• Dam to calf transfer of rumen eukaryotes occurs from multiple body sites.

• A minor proportion of rumen fungi in calves originated from maternal sites.

• The inter-generation transmission between rumen fungi and protozoa differs.
New observations on the Antarctic Asteromphalus darwinii/hookeri diatom species-complex (Asterolampraceae)
Authors: Hallegraeff Gustaaf M. , Leblanc Karine
Published: June 2023

Antarctic diatom populations of Asteromphalus hookeri and related species such as A. hyalinus and A. parvulus exhibit a highly variable number of hyaline rays ranging from 3 broad + 1 narrow (3 + 1) in the smallest valves, with 4 + 1 (27%) and 5 + 1 rays (35%) most common, and 6 + 1, 7 + 1, and rarely 8 + 1 rays only in larger cells. During December 1959 to April 1960 in the southern sector of the Atlantic Ocean, 6% of valves occurred as “double forms” with epitheca and hypotheca of the same cell exhibiting 4 + 1/3 + 1, 5 + 1/4 + 1, 6 + 1/5 + 1 and 7 + 1/6 + 1 ray combinations. Smaller cells (3 + 1, 4 + 1) always exhibited jagged separating lines in the central area, but larger cells (7 + 1, 8 + 1) had mostly smooth lines, and either jagged or smooth separating lines occurred in intermediate 5 + 1 and 6 + 1 forms, respectively. Epitheca and hypotheca of one and the same cell always exhibited jagged or smooth separating lines, but never mixtures. Observations of silica deposition during October to November 2011 around the Kerguelen Island plateau using the PDMPO fluorescent marker suggest that Asteromphalus separating lines play a key role in silica cell wall development. We discuss implications for taxonomy of what we designate as two highly variable and often confused and overlapping cold-water diatom taxa, A. darwinii (jagged separating lines; synonyms A. beaumontii, A. hyalinus, A. leboimei, A. parvulus, A. rossii) and A. hookeri (smooth separating lines; synonyms A. antarcticus, A. buchii).
Use of cigarettes and heated tobacco products during pregnancy and maternal–fetal outcomes: a retrospective, monocentric study
Authors: Incognito Giosuè Giordano , Grassi Laura , Palumbo Marco
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To compare the effects of using heated tobacco products (HTP) or traditional cigarettes (C) on maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Methods

This is a retrospective, monocentric study conducted at San Marco Hospital from July 2021 to July 2022. We compared a cohort of pregnant patients who smoked HTP (HS), with pregnant women smoking cigarettes (CS), ex-smoker (ES) and non-smoker (NS) pregnant women. Biochemistry, ultrasound, and neonatal evaluations were performed.

Results

In total, 642 women were enrolled, of which 270 were NS, 114 were ES, 120 were CS, and 138 were HS. CS had the greatest weight gain and had more difficulty getting pregnant. Smokers and ES experienced more frequently threats of preterm labor, miscarriages, temporary hypertensive spikes, and higher rates of cesarean sections. Preterm delivery was more associated with CS and HS groups. CS and HS had lower awareness of the risks to which the mother and the fetus are exposed. CS were more likely to be depressed and anxious. Biochemical parameters did not show significant differences between the groups. CS had the greatest difference in days between the gestational age calculated based on the last menstrual period and the one based on the actual ultrasound age. The average percentile newborn weight range of CS was lower, as well as the mean 1st minute and the 5th minute Apgar scores.

Conclusion

The comparison of the data obtained between CS and HS underlines the greater danger of C. Nevertheless, we do not recommend HTP because the maternal–fetal outcomes are not superimposable to the NS outcomes.
Epileptogenicity of white matter lesions in cerebral small vessel disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Doerrfuss Jakob I. , Hebel Jonas M. , Holtkamp Martin
Published: June 2023

Background

The epileptogenic properties of white matter lesions (WML) in cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) are not yet understood. The aim of our systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the association between the extent of WML in CSVD and epilepsy, analyze whether these WML are associated with an increased risk of seizure recurrence, and evaluate if treatment with anti-seizure medication (ASM) is justified in first-seizure patients with WML and no cortical lesions.

Methods

Following a pre-registered study protocol (PROSPERO-ID CRD42023390665), we systematically searched Pubmed and Embase for relevant literature comparing WML load between patients with epilepsy and controls as well as studies on seizure recurrence risk and ASM therapy in the presence vs. absence of WML. We calculated pooled estimates using a random effects model.

Results

Eleven studies comprising 2983 patients were included in our study. Presence of WML (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.38–3.33) and presence of relevant WML as assessed by visual rating scales (OR 3.96, 95% CI 2.55–6.16) but not WML volume (OR 1.30, 95% CI 0.91–1.85) were significantly associated with seizures. These results stayed robust in sensitivity analyses restricted to studies on patients with late-onset seizures/epilepsy. Only two studies assessed the association between WML and risk of seizure recurrence with conflicting results. Currently, there are no studies on the efficacy of ASM therapy in the presence of WML in CSVD.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis suggests an association between presence of WML in CSVD and seizures. More research is needed addressing the association between WML and risk of seizure recurrence and ASM therapy focusing on a population of patients with a first unprovoked seizure.
Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical squamous cell carcinoma of HIV-infected and non-infected patients
Authors: Brito Maria José , Sequeira Pedro , Quintas Ana , Silva Iryna , Silva Fernanda , Martins Catarina , Félix Ana
Published: June 2023

Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) is overexpressed in cervical carcinoma, hindering tumor destruction. The aim of this study was to assess PD-L1 expression by immunohistochemistry in cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs) from human immunodeficiency virus–positive (HIV+) and human immunodeficiency virus-negative (HIV-) patients. A total of 166 SCC and SIL samples of HIV+ and HIV- patients were included and analyzed for PD-L1 expression through tumor proportion score (TPS), and results were stratified in five TPS groups using SP263 antibody and, combined positive score (CPS) using 22C3 antibody. In cohort 1 (SP263 clone), all HIV+ patients were negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM), and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs) scored < 1; and 87.5% of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) adjacent to SCC, 19% of HSILs non-adjacent to SCC, and 69% of SCCs scored ≥ 1 (15.4% scored 5). In HIV- patients, all NILM, LSILs, HSILs adjacent to SCC, and two HSILs non-adjacent to SCC scored < 1. SCC: 88.2% scored ≥ 1 and 5.9% scored 5. In cohort 2 (SP263 and 22C3 clones), 16.7% of HIV+ patients with SCC were positive with both clones, CPS ≥ 1 (22C3) or score 5 (≥ 50%) (SP263), showing no significant differences in positivity between both clones. These results indicate that a relatively low percentage of SCCs (16.7%; both in HIV+ and in HIV- patients) express PD-L1 (TPS ≥ 50% and CPS > 1), which may be due to some samples being archival material, sample characteristics, or use of different methodologies, highlighting the need for standardization of PD-L1 assessment in SCC of the cervix. The fact that PD-L1 is overexpressed in SILs of HIV+ patients suggests potential additional applications for immunotherapy in this disease.
Endoscopic evaluation by the Kyoto classification of gastritis combined with serum anti-Helicobacter pylori antibody testing reliably risk-stratifies subjects in a population-based gastric cancer screening program
Authors: Hirai Ryosuke , Hirai Mami , Otsuka Motoyuki , Mitsuhashi Toshiharu , Shimodate Yuichi , Mouri Hirokazu , Matsueda Kazuhiro , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Mizuno Motowo
Published: June 2023

Background

We previously demonstrated that the Kyoto classification of gastritis was useful for judging the status of Helicobacter pylori infection in a population-based screening program, and that adding H. pylori antibody test improved its accuracy (UMIN000028629). Here, we tested whether our endoscopic diagnosis of H. pylori infection status reliably estimated gastric cancer risk in the program.

Methods

Data were collected from1345 subjects who underwent endoscopic follow-up 4 years after the end of the registration. We analyzed the association of three diagnostic methods of H. pylori infection with gastric cancer detection: (1) endoscopic diagnosis based on the Kyoto classification of gastritis; (2) serum diagnosis according to the ABC method (H. pylori antibody and pepsinogen I and II); and (3) endoscopic diagnosis together with H. pylori antibody test.

Results

During the follow-up, 19 cases of gastric cancer were detected. By Kaplan–Meier analysis, the detection rates of cancer were significantly higher in the past or current H. pylori infection groups than in the never-infected group with all 3 methods. By the Cox proportional hazards model, the hazard ratio for cancer detection was highest in evaluation with the combined endoscopic diagnosis and the antibody test (method 3; hazard ratio 22.6, 95% confidence interval 2.99–171) among the three methods (the endoscopic diagnosis (method 1); 11.3, 2.58–49.8, and the ABC method (method 2); 7.52, 2.49–22.7).

Conclusions

Endoscopic evaluation of H. pylori status with the Kyoto classification of gastritis, especially combined with serum anti-Helicobacter pylori antibody testing, reliably risk-stratified subjects in a population-based gastric cancer screening program.
The Departure from Mixed-Layer Similarity During the Afternoon Decay of Turbulence in the Free-Convective Boundary Layer: Results from Large-Eddy Simulations
Authors: Elguernaoui Omar , Reuder Joachim , Li Dan , Maronga Björn , Paskyabi Mostafa Bakhoday , Wolf Tobias , Esau Igor
Published: June 2023

This study analyses the departure of the velocity-variances profiles from their quasi-steady state described by the mixed-layer similarity, using large-eddy simulations with different prescribed shapes and time scales of the surface kinematic heat flux decay. Within the descriptive frames where the time is tracked solely by the forcing time scale (either constant or time-dependent) describing the surface heat flux decay, we find that the normalized velocity-variances profiles from different runs do not collapse while they depart from mixed-layer similarity. As the mixed-layer similarity relies on the assumption that the free-convective boundary layer is in a quasi-equilibrium, we consider the ratios of the forcing time scales to the convective eddy-turnover time scale. We find that the normalized velocity-variances profiles collapse in the only case where the ratio ($$\widetilde{r}$$

r
~

) of the time-dependent forcing time scale to the convective eddy-turnover time scale is used for tracking the time, supporting the independence of the departure from the characteristics of the surface heat flux decay. As a consequence of this result, the knowledge of $$\widetilde{r}$$

r
~

is sufficient to predict the departure of the velocity variances from their quasi-steady state, irrespective of the shape of the surface heat flux decay. This study highlights the importance of considering both the time-dependent forcing time scale and the convective eddy-turnover time scale for evaluating the response of the free-convective boundary layer to the surface heat flux decay.
Using the onto-semiotic approach to analyze novice algebra learners’ meaning-making processes with different representations
Authors: Erbilgin Evrim , Gningue Serigne M.
Published: June 2023

Representations are key to mathematical activities and meaning-making processes as they are part of modeling, connecting, communicating, and understanding mathematical ideas and concepts. The current study sought to examine a group of novice algebra learners’ interactions with different representations from an onto-semiotic approach. A case study method was employed to understand how different algebraic practices (abstracting, generalizing, justifying, and operating on symbols) and functional thinking types (recursive, covariational, and correspondence) were facilitated through working with multiple representations. Three 6th graders participated in the study by completing 12 algebra tasks and taking part in two interviews. The onto-semiotic approach guided the data analysis process that involved the identification of mathematical objects that emerged in the participating students’ mathematical practices. Then, the configuration of objects and semiotic functions established by the students in the functional situations was examined to understand the role of representations in the students’ development of algebraic thinking and practices. Findings showed that abstraction is an essential process for generalization. Thinking about far figures facilitated abstraction and generalization through helping students construct non-ostensive concrete/pictorial representations. Verbal representations interacted with all representations and preceded symbolic representations. Working with near figures promoted recursive and covariational thinking while examining the far figures usually resulted in correspondence thinking. Implications for the school curriculum are discussed in the paper.
Bioaccessibility by perspiration uptake of minerals from two different sulfurous peloids
Authors: Bastos Carla Marina , Rocha Fernando , Patinha Carla , Marinho-Reis Paula
Published: June 2023

The risks associated with the use of peloids in thermal centers, spas, or at home, must be tested to develop appropriate safety guidelines for peloids formulations and the release of substances of high concern. Additionally, the beneficial effects of some elements on human health should be assessed to aid in interpreting the therapeutic action and effectiveness of pelotherapy on dermatological or osteomuscular disorders.
Therefore, a methodology was developed to better understand the biogeochemical behavior of the elements in formulated peloids. Two peloids were formulated with the same clay and two different sulfurous mineral-medicinal waters for 90 days, with light stirring every 15 days. Bentonite clay, with a high content of smectite and Ca and Mg as the main exchangeable cations, and high heat capacity, was used. The selected mineral-medicinal waters were collected from two Portuguese thermal centers with recognized therapeutic efficacy for rheumatic, respiratory and dermatological pathologies. The peloids were used without drying and withdrawn directly from the maturation tank, and a mixture of bentonite and demineralized water was prepared as a reference sample. A stabilized, ready-to-use, artificial perspiration test was used to simulate the peloids’ interaction with skin. Thirty-one elements extracted from the two prepared peloids were analyzed using ICP-MS. The data were analyzed and related to the mineralogical composition of the original clay and supernatant composition of the maturation tanks. The content of some potentially toxic elements and metals’ bioaccessibility by perspiration showed very low solubility and undetectable amounts extracted from the studied samples. This analytical method provided reliable information on dermal exposure and the identification of some elements that may enter the systemic circulation, requiring implementation of surveillance and control measures.

Graphical abstract
About the associations of vitamin D deficiency and biomarkers of systemic inflammatory response with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a general population sample of almost 400,000 UK Biobank participants
Authors: Sha Sha , Gwenzi Tafirenyika , Chen Li-Ju , Brenner Hermann , Schöttker Ben
Published: June 2023

It is unknown whether the well-known association between vitamin D deficiency and mortality could be explained by the immune system modulating effects of vitamin D, which may protect from a systemic inflammatory response (SIR) to adverse health conditions. This study aims to investigate the interrelationships of vitamin D deficiency, biomarkers of SIR, and mortality. We used multivariate logistic regression with adjustment for 51 covariates to assess the associations of vitamin D deficiency with disadvantageous levels of nine biomarkers of SIR in the UK Biobank cohort. Furthermore, we tested with Cox regression and mediation analysis whether biomarkers of SIR and vitamin D deficiency were independently associated with mortality. We included 397,737 participants aged 37–73 years. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with disadvantageous levels of all blood cell count-based biomarkers, but not with C-reactive protein (CRP)-based biomarkers after adjustment for body weight. Vitamin D deficiency and all biomarkers of SIR were significantly associated with all-cause mortality and mortality from cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory disease. The strength of these associations was unaltered if vitamin D deficiency and biomarkers of SIR were put in the same model. This finding was further supported by the mediation analyses. This study showed that vitamin D deficiency is associated with disadvantageous levels of blood cell count-based but not CRP-based biomarkers of SIR. Vitamin D deficiency and systemic inflammation were independently and strongly associated with mortality. The potential of clinical interventions against both vitamin D deficiency and underlying causes of systemic inflammation should be explored.
Characterizing Attention Resource Capacity in Autism: A Multiple Object Tracking Study
Authors: Tullo Domenico , Levy Bianca , Faubert Jocelyn , Bertone Armando
Published: June 2023

The extant literature aimed at characterizing attentional capability in autistics has presented inconsistent findings. This inconsistency and uncertainty may be the product of different theoretical and methodological approaches used to define attention in autism. In the current study, we investigate whether the allocation of attentional resources to task demands, and attention resource capacity, differs between autistics with no comorbid attention-deficit diagnosis (n = 55) and age-matched neurotypicals (n = 55). We compared differences in capacity and the allocation of resources by manipulating attentional load in a Multiple Object-Tracking (MOT) task, a robust, versatile, and ecological measure of selective, sustained, and distributed attention. While autistics demonstrated lower MOT performance, this difference disappeared when we accounted for fluid reasoning intelligence. Additionally, the similarity in the trend of MOT performance at increasing levels of attentional load between autistics and neurotypicals suggests no differences in the allocation of attentional resources to task demands. Taken together, our study suggests that higher-order cognitive abilities, such as intelligence, should be considered when characterizing attention across the autistic population in research. Similarly, our findings highlight the importance of considering cognitive competence when assessing attentional capabilities in autistic individuals, which could have significant implications for clinical diagnosis, treatment, and support.
Large-scale diagnostic assessment in first-year university students: pre- and transpandemic comparison
Authors: Sánchez-Mendiola Melchor , Manzano-Patiño Abigail P. , García-Minjares Manuel , Casanova Enrique Buzo , Herrera Penilla Careli J. , Goytia-Rodríguez Katyna , Martínez-González Adrián
Published: June 2023

COVID-19 has disrupted higher education globally, and there is scarce information about the “learning loss” in university students throughout this crisis. The goal of the study was to compare scores in a large-scale knowledge diagnostic exam applied to students admitted to the university, before and during the pandemic. Research design was quasi-experimental with static group comparisons, taking advantage of the pandemic “natural experiment,” to assess knowledge in students admitted to the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Four student cohorts were analyzed: 2017 and 2018 (prepandemic, paper-and-pencil exams), 2020 and 2021 (transpandemic, online exams). The same instruments were applied in each pair of cohorts (2017–2021; 2018–2020) to decrease instrumentation threat. Propensity score matching was used to create balanced comparable groups. 35,584 matched students from each of the 2018 and 2020 cohorts were compared and 31,574 matched students from each of the 2017–2021 cohorts. Reliability and point biserial correlation coefficients were higher in the transpandemic online applications. Knowledge scores were 2.3 to 7.1% higher in the transpandemic assessments, Spanish scores in the 2018–2020 comparison were 1.3% lower, and English results in 2021 were 7.1% lower than in 2017. Before the pandemic, there was a 3.1% higher test performance in men; this gap decreased to 0.34% during the pandemic. There was no documented learning loss in this large student population, with an increase in knowledge in the pandemic cohorts. Some influence in scores due to the online testing modality cannot be ruled out. Longitudinal follow-up is required to continue evaluating the impact of the pandemic in learning.
How algorithms are reshaping the exploitation of labour-power: insights into the process of labour invisibilization in the platform economy
Authors: Cini Lorenzo
Published: June 2023

Marx conceives of capitalism as a production mode based on the exploitation of labour-power, whose productive consumption in the labour process is considered as the main source of value creation. Capitalists seek to obscure and secure workers’ contribution to the production process, whereas workers strive to have their contribution fully recognized. The struggle between capitalists and workers over labour-time is thus central to capital’s valorization process. Hence, capital–labour antagonism is structured over the capture and exploitation of unpaid labour-time. Building on Marx’s labour value theory, as well as on some of its contemporary interpretations, I call this struggle over labour-time capture a process of ‘invisibilization’ of labour. I claim that this invisibilization process is still a relevant form of surplus-value extraction in contemporary capitalism, especially in the platform economy, characterized by remote but pervasive control by algorithms. The rediscovery of this form of surplus-value extraction and its manifestation in platform labour is the main contribution of this study. To corroborate this contribution, I compare the case of platform labour with that of textile-clothing, where value production is more clearly based on the classical forms of surplus-value extraction (i.e., absolute and relative). This comparison helps to cast a new light on the nexus between work-process transformations and surplus-value creation, which is the core of the Marxian labour theory of value, and which – I argue – is crucial to understanding contemporary capitalist developments.
Building geometry data from online maps for accurate thermal simulations of districts
Authors: Romero Rodríguez Laura , Sánchez Ramos José , Álvarez Domínguez Servando
Published: June 2023

Current approaches for simulating the energy performance of buildings on a large scale are limited by numerous assumptions and simplifications, which can lead to inaccurate estimations. While new tools and procedures are emerging to improve accuracy, there remains a need for more user-friendly methods. This study proposes a new tool based on online maps to create the geometry of districts in a simple way. The tool also enables an automatic evaluation of all buildings through dynamic hourly simulations, using a building simulation software and allowing to consider different weather conditions. To illustrate the procedure, a district at risk of energy poverty in Seville (Spain) is modeled, where hourly temperature data for a whole year are available to demonstrate the need for building improvements. The tool is used to evaluate the energy demands of the district under several retrofitting alternatives, and free-floating simulations are also performed to evaluate the improvement of thermal comfort without air-conditioning systems. The aim is not to discuss the actual values for this particular case, but rather to identify the correct direction for large-scale studies, so as to make them more easily conducted. Overall, it may be concluded that the results provided by comprehensive tools, such as the one proposed in this study, enable easy yet accurate evaluations of buildings on a large scale with significant time savings, as well as the identification of locations where retrofitting interventions would have the greatest impact.
Comparison of Five Different Treatment Approaches of Mandibular Keratocystic Odontogenic Keratocyst (OKC): A Retrospective Recurrence Analysis of Clinical and Radiographic Parameters
Authors: Moellmann Henriette L. , Parviz Aida , Goldmann-Kirn Marcia , Rana Madiha , Rana Majeed
Published: June 2023

The odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is a benign but locally aggressive growing lesion that infiltrates the bone and surrounding tissue. It is characterized by high rates of recurrence along with rapid growth. Different forms of partly successful treatment therapies are reported. The retrospective study at hand examined 114 patients with OKC treated over a period of 20 years. Data extracted includes gender, age, location, previous treatment for the lesion, surgery, outcome, recurrence rate and follow-up. 63.1% of the patients underwent cystectomy, 22.5% by cystectomy and carnoy solution, 7.2% by cystectomy, and curettage, 4.5% by cystostomy and 2.7% by partial resection. In this study, no significant differences could be observed regarding the surgical method. Most recurrences occurred with 91.9% in the mandible with an average size of 5.5 cm2 and increased in women. Within a mean follow-up time of 3.6 years the recurrence rate was 36.9%, on average after 36 months. Recurrences were most frequently diagnosed at the age of 31–50 (43.9%). Despite numerous studies, there is still no unanimous opinion on an effective therapy for OKC. However, precise resection of OKC can be facilitated by preoperative 3D-imaging and virtual planning.
Needlescopic sutureless repair of congenital inguinal hernia: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Shalaby Rafik , Abdelmaboud Mohamed , Daboos Mohammad , Mohamed Yousef , Helal Ahmed Abdelghafar , Gamman Ibrahim
Published: June 2023

Congenital inguinal hernia [CIH] can be treated laparoscopically using various methods documented in the literature. Many authors have recommended dividing the sac and stitching peritoneal defects. Other studies claimed that peritoneal disconnection alone is sufficient. In this study, the feasibility, operative time, recurrence rate, and other postoperative complications of needlescopic disconnection of the CIH sac with or without peritoneal defect suturing were compared. A prospective controlled randomized trial was conducted between January 2020 and December 2022. Two hundred and thirty patients who met the study requirements were included. Patients were assigned at random to either Group A or Group B. A group of 116 patients (Group A) had needlescopic separation of the neck of the sac and peritoneal defect closure. The remaining 114 patients (Group B) underwent needlescopic separation without peritoneal defect closure (Sutureless group). A total of 260 hernial defects in 230 patients were repaired using needlescopic disconnection with or without suturing of the defect. There were 89 females (38.7%) and 141 males (61.3%), with a mean age of 5.14 ± 2.79 years. In Group A, the mean operation time was 27.98 ± 2.89 for a unilateral hernia and 37.29 ± 4.68 for a bilateral one, whereas, in Group B, the mean operation time was 20.37 ± 2.37 and 23.38 ± 2.22 for a unilateral and bilateral hernia, respectively. In terms of the operating time, whether unilateral or bilateral, there was a significant difference between the groups. There was no significant difference between groups A and B in the mean Internal Ring Diameter [IRD], which was 1.21 ± 0.18 cm in group A and 1.19 ± 0.11 cm in group B. Throughout the follow-up period, there was no postoperative hydrocele formation, recurrence, iatrogenic ascending of the testes, or testicular atrophy. All patients had nearly invisible scars with no keloid development at 3 months follow-up. Needlescopically separating the hernia sac without stitching the peritoneal defect is feasible, safe, and less invasive. It provides outstanding cosmetic results with a short operative time and no recurrence.
Untersuchung der Einstellung zu Inklusion: Validierung und faktorenanalytische Überprüfung einer Kurzversion der PREIS-Skala
Authors: Bruns Gunnar , Lüke Timo , Gresch Cornelia , Grosche Michael
Published: June 2023

Der Zusammenhang von Einstellungen mit Verhaltensweisen gilt gemäß der Theorie des geplanten Verhaltens im Allgemeinen als gut belegt. Um untersuchen zu können, ob eine positive Einstellung zu einem inklusiven Schulsystem mit Verhaltensweisen zusammenhängt, welche die Umsetzung von Inklusion begünstigen, wurde eine Professionsunabhängige Einstellungsskala zum Inklusiven Schulsystem (PREIS) mit 14 Items entwickelt. In diesem Beitrag wird für die Kurzskala (PREIS-K) mit kurzer Instruktion und 6 Items geprüft, ob die eindimensionale Faktorenstruktur, die Messäquivalenz zwischen Personengruppen und die konvergente Validität weiterhin gegeben sind. N = 1038 Lehrkräfte und N = 1438 Eltern beantworteten im Rahmen einer nationalen Vergleichsstudie zur Inklusion in der Sekundarstufe die PREIS‑K. Ein Bifaktor-Modell mit Berücksichtigung eines Methodenfaktors für positiv und negativ formulierte Items passt besser zu den Daten als ein Einfaktor-Modell. Die Messinvarianz zwischen Lehrkräften und Eltern ist auf skalarer Ebene gegeben, innerhalb der Lehrkräfte (zwischen sonderpädagogischen und allgemeinen Lehrkräften) kann sogar von residualer Messinvarianz ausgegangen werden. Positive hypothesenkonforme Korrelationen mit konvergenten Variablen sind nachweisbar. Insgesamt ermöglicht die PREIS‑K eine valide und ökonomische Überprüfung der Einstellungen zu einem inklusiven Schulsystem. Vergleiche der Einstellungen von Personengruppen sind mit der PREIS‑K möglich. Aufgrund ihrer Kürze sowie den bereits durchlaufenen ministeriellen Genehmigungsverfahren eignet sich die PREIS‑K auch für groß angelegte Vergleichs- und Längsschnittstudien.
Prädiktoren des schulischen Wohlbefindens während der COVID-19 Pandemie. Empirische Befunde einer Befragung von Kindern und Jugendlichen in zwei deutschen Großstädten
Authors: Grommé Eva , Nonte Sonja , Reintjes Christian
Published: June 2023

Die während der COVID-19-Pandemie ergriffenen Maßnahmen haben zu tiefgreifenden Veränderungen im schulischen Kontext sowie der Freizeitgestaltung von Kindern und Jugendlichen geführt. In Folge der Schulschließungen und Kontaktbeschränkungen zeigen sich Lernrückstände, aber auch Belastungen der mentalen Gesundheit. Bildungspolitisch werden stark variierende Aufholstrategien avisiert. Osnabrück setzte entsprechend ein datengestütztes Monitoring um, wobei im Juni 2021 und Mai 2022 Online-Befragungen in Form halbstandardisierter Fragebögen durchgeführt wurden („Muntermacher“, zweite Erhebungn = 534). Im Mai 2022 schloss sich Mülheim an der Ruhr an („Schule und Corona“,n = 995). Es wird anhand hierarchisch-linearer Regressionsmodelle untersucht, wie sich das schulische Wohlbefinden von Kindern und Jugendlichen in Osnabrück und Mülheim beschreiben lässt und welche Rolle der häusliche Hintergrund, institutionelle Merkmale sowie Indikatoren des Pandemiemanagements spielen. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass das schulische Wohlbefinden in beiden Städten hoch ausgeprägt ist. Der wahrgenommene Umgang mit Schulschließungen zeigt sich als signifikant negativer Prädiktor. Die wahrgenommene soziale Unterstützung zu Hause hat in beiden Städten einen positiven Einfluss. Auch die Bereitschaft, sich bei Problemen an die Klassenlehrkraft zu wenden, steht in Mülheim in einem positiven Zusammenhang mit dem schulischen Wohlbefinden. Die Relevanz individueller, häuslicher und schulischer Ressourcen unterscheidet sich teils regional. Die Befunde verdeutlichen, dass die Folgen der Pandemie nicht einseitig betrachtet werden dürfen und institutionelle Unterstützung evidenzbasiert sowie lösungsorientiert auf regionaler Ebene gewährleistet werden muss.
Serum zonulin levels are increased in Alzheimer’s disease but not in vascular dementia
Authors: Boschetti Elisa , Caio Giacomo , Cervellati Carlo , Costanzini Anna , Rosta Valentina , Caputo Fabio , De Giorgio Roberto , Zuliani Giovanni
Published: June 2023

Background

Zonulin is involved in the integrity and functioning of both intestinal-epithelial barrier and blood–brain barrier (BBB) by regulating tight junction molecular assembly.

Aim

Since changes in microbiota and BBB may play a role in neurodegenerative disorders, we aimed to determine whether serum zonulin levels change in older patients affected by different types of dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods

We evaluated serum zonulin levels in patients with late-onset AD (LOAD), vascular dementia (VAD), MIXED (AD + VAD) dementia, amnestic MCI, and in healthy controls.

Results

Compared with controls, serum zonulin increased in LOAD, MIXED dementia, and aMCI but not in VAD, independent of potential confounders (ANCOVA p = 0.01; LOAD vs controls, p = 0.01; MIXED vs. controls, p = 0.003; aMCI vs. controls, p = 0.04). Notably, aMCI converting to dementia showed significantly higher levels of zonulin compared with stable aMCI (p = 0.04). Serum zonulin inversely correlated with the standardized Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score (p < 0.05), regardless of potential confounders.

Discussion

We found increased serum zonulin levels in patients with aMCI, LOAD and MIXED dementia, but not in VAD; moreover, zonulin levels were higher in aMCI converting to AD compared with stable ones.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that a dysregulation of intestinal-epithelial barrier and/or BBB may be an early specific event in AD-related neurodegeneration.
SARS-CoV-2 infection: a possible trigger for the recurrence of IgA nephropathy after kidney transplantation?
Authors: Jankowski Eric , Schlosser Mandy , Wiech Thorsten , Wolf Gunter , Busch Martin
Published: June 2023

Immunoglobulin A nephropathy, the most common primary glomerulonephritis worldwide, is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney failure. Several cases of immunoglobulin A nephropathy relapse in native kidneys have been described after COVID-19 vaccination or SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here, we report the case of a 52-year-old kidney transplant recipient who had a stable transplant function for more than 14 years, with a glomerular filtration rate above 30 ml/min/1.73 m2. The patient had been vaccinated against COVID-19 four times with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, most recently in March 2022. Eight weeks after a symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in June 2022, his glomerular filtration rate had decreased by more than 50%, and his proteinuria increased to 17.5 g per day. A renal biopsy indicated highly active immunoglobulin A nephritis. Despite steroid therapy, the function of the transplanted kidney deteriorated, and long-term dialysis became necessary because of recurrence of his underlying renal disease. This case report provides what is, to our knowledge, the first description of recurrent immunoglobulin A nephropathy in a kidney transplant recipient after SARS-CoV-2 infection leading to severe transplant failure and finally graft loss.
Heteroatom-Induced Accelerated Kinetics on Nickel Selenide for Highly Efficient Hydrazine-Assisted Water Splitting and Zn-Hydrazine Battery
Authors: Wang Hao-Yu , Wang Lei , Ren Jin-Tao , Tian Wen-Wen , Sun Ming-Lei , Yuan Zhong-Yong
Published: June 2023

Hydrazine-assisted water electrolysis is a promising energy conversion technology for highly efficient hydrogen production. Rational design of bifunctional electrocatalysts, which can simultaneously accelerate hydrogen evolution reaction (HER)/hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR) kinetics, is the key step. Herein, we demonstrate the development of ultrathin P/Fe co-doped NiSe2 nanosheets supported on modified Ni foam (P/Fe-NiSe2) synthesized through a facile electrodeposition process and subsequent heat treatment. Based on electrochemical measurements, characterizations, and density functional theory calculations, a favorable “2 + 2” reaction mechanism with a two-step HER process and a two-step HzOR step was fully proved and the specific effect of P doping on HzOR kinetics was investigated. P/Fe-NiSe2 thus yields an impressive electrocatalytic performance, delivering a high current density of 100 mA cm−2 with potentials of − 168 and 200 mV for HER and HzOR, respectively. Additionally, P/Fe-NiSe2 can work efficiently for hydrazine-assisted water electrolysis and Zn-Hydrazine (Zn-Hz) battery, making it promising for practical application.
Design and Experimentation of a Novel Separable Vibration-Assisted Stage
Authors: Song Bowen , Jing Xiubing , Ren Yingying , Ren Yongqin , Li Huaizhong
Published: June 2023

In this paper, a novel, separable two-degrees-of-freedom stage with high-precision motion and resolution is proposed for the application of vibration-assisted micromilling. A separable design was realized on the basis of the detachable structure of the platform. Flexible stages with different dimensions and types can be utilized in the devices. A circular-fillet hinge is selected as the flexible unit with a parallel structure to realize output decoupling and reduce the coupling error between the two vibration directions. Analytical modeling is conducted to explore the static and dynamic characteristics of the stage. Results reveal a good agreement with the finite element simulation result. A series of experiments were conducted to assess the static and dynamic performances of the flexible stage, encompassing tests such as amplitude response, motion trajectory, and coupling trajectory. The results of these tests revealed that the designed vibration-assisted system exhibits precise movement capabilities.
Lernen aus Beispielen – eine Studie zu Vergleichsprozessen von Schülerinnen und Schülern zum Hebelgesetz
Authors: Oberfell Heiko , Lohrmann Katrin , Hartinger Andreas
Published: June 2023

Studien zeigen, dass der didaktisch angeregte Vergleich von Beispielen sowohl den Erwerb von Wissen als auch die Fähigkeit zum Transfer fördert. Offen ist allerdings, wie Schülerinnen und Schüler didaktisch initiierte Vergleichsprozesse in Lern- und in Transfersituationen nutzen und wie ihnen dabei das In-Beziehung-Setzen von tiefenstrukturell relevanten Merkmalen (Mapping) zwischen den Beispielen gelingt. In der vorliegenden Studie werden solche Mappingprozesse von Grundschulkindern untersucht; dazu wurde mit 26 Kindern der zweiten Jahrgangsstufe ein halbstrukturiertes Einzelinterview durchgeführt. Dieses beinhaltete eine Lern- und eine Transfersituation; in jeder Situation dienten zwei Phänomene zum Hebelgesetz als Beispiele. Das Interview wurde videografiert, um sprachliche und gestische Handlungen der Kinder zu erfassen. Die Äußerungen der Kinder zu einem offenen Impuls sowie zu anschließenden fokussierten Impulsen wurden transkribiert und sowohl entlang deduktiv angelegter als auch induktiv entwickelter Kategorien mithilfe der inhaltlich strukturierenden Inhaltsanalyse ausgewertet. Die Befunde zeigen, dass der Mehrzahl der Schülerinnen und Schüler bereits bei einem offenen Impuls das Mapping auf tiefenstruktureller Ebene gelingt. Auch gelingt es den meisten, in einer auf die Lernsituation folgenden Transferaufgabe gemeinsame Elemente zwischen den Beispielen zu benennen bzw. einen Distraktor als solchen zu erkennen. Die Daten zeigen zudem, dass die Qualität des Mappings durch gezielte Impulse verbessert werden kann. Die Befunde werden anhand von Interviewausschnitten der Kinder illustriert und abschließend diskutiert.
Dialogische Unterrichtsgespräche führen: Einstellungen von angehenden Grundschullehrpersonen im Langzeitpraktikum
Authors: Hickethier Florentine , Gröschner Alexander , Calcagni Elisa , Gold Bernadette , Müller Madeleine , Dehne Mathias
Published: June 2023

Unterrichtsgespräche stellen die gängige Praxis der Interaktion zwischen Lehrpersonen und Schüler*innen dar. Die Etablierung lernförderlicher Unterrichtsgespräche stellt Lehrpersonen allerdings häufig vor Herausforderungen. Die Forschung zeigt, dass Einstellungen zur dialogischen Unterrichtsgesprächsführung, die als besonders lernförderlich gelten, für eine erfolgreiche Umsetzung bedeutsam sind. Die Studie untersucht erstmals die Einstellungen zur dialogischen Unterrichtsgesprächsführung (Dialogic Teaching) von angehenden Grundschullehrpersonen im Verlauf ihres Langzeitpraktikums. Zudem werden die Einstellungen zur emotionalen Unterstützung von Schüler*innen sowie die Einstellungen zum Lehren und Lernen als Prädiktoren in den Blick genommen. In der Studie wurden N = 189 Studierende des Grundschullehramts zu Beginn und am Ende ihres Langzeitpraktikums befragt. Die Ergebnisse aus den Latent-Change-Modellen zeigen positive Veränderungen der drei Dimensionen von Dialogic Teaching: Sowohl in der (1) Rahmung dialogischer Gesprächsanlässe, (2) Initiierung von Schüler*innenbeiträgen und (3) Förderung dialogischer Beteiligung verändern sich die Einstellungen im Verlauf des Praktikums positiv. Des Weiteren sagen die Einstellungen zum konstruktivistischen Lernen und Lehren signifikant die Veränderungen in den Einstellungen zur Förderung dialogischer Beteiligung vorher. Im Beitrag werden Implikationen für die weitere Forschung und Lehrer*innenbildung aufgezeigt.
Dirac Geometry I: Commutative Algebra
Authors: Hesselholt Lars , Pstra̧gowski Piotr
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this paper and its sequel is to develop the geometry built from the commutative algebras that naturally appear as the homology of differential graded algebras and, more generally, as the homotopy of algebras in spectra. The commutative algebras in question are those in the symmetric monoidal category of graded abelian groups, and, being commutative, they form the affine building blocks of a geometry, as commutative rings form the affine building blocks of algebraic geometry. We name this geometry Dirac geometry, because the grading exhibits the hallmarks of spin in that it is a remnant of the internal structure encoded byanima, it distinguishes symmetric and anti-symmetric behavior, and the coherent cohomology of Dirac schemes and Dirac stacks, which we develop in the sequel, admits half-integer Serre twists. Thus, informally, Dirac geometry constitutes a “square root” of$$\mathbb {G}_m$$Gm-equivariant algebraic geometry.
Are Self-transcendent Emotions One Big Family? An Empirical Taxonomy of Positive Self-transcendent Emotion Labels
Authors: Abatista Angela Gaia F. , Cova Florian
Published: June 2023

In the past decade, there has been a growing amount of research on so-called self-transcendent emotions, mainly in the domain of positive emotions. However, most candidate self-transcendent emotions (e.g., Awe, Gratitude, Being Moved, Wonder) have been studied in isolation, leaving the commonalities and the differences of their phenomenology unknown. In the present paper, we sought to identify the phenomenological nature of main families of self-transcendent emotions. We drew on two large datasets (N1 = 3,113; N2 = 1,443) in which participants had to recall an emotional episode or to watch emotional videos and had to report their emotions through a list of 40 emotion labels. Participants were also presented with a large list of items probing their cognitive appraisals, bodily feelings, and action tendencies. Using a principal component analysis, we identified three main dimensions of positive emotions: hedonic, social, and epistemic states. Candidate self-transcendent emotions were distributed across two dimensions, suggesting that at least two main different families of self-transcendent emotions should be distinguished. Our results also allowed us to identify self-reported cognitive appraisals, bodily feelings, and action tendencies characteristic of each family.