bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L‐Theanine alleviates heat stress through modulation of gut microbiota and immunity
Authors: Liu Sha , Wang Bin , Lin Ling , Xu Wei , Gong Zhi‐Hua , Xiao Wen‐Jun
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Heat stress (HS) damages the intestines, disrupting gut microbiota and immune balance. l‐Theanine (LTA), found in tea, alleviates oxidative stress and cell apoptosis under HS; however, its effects on gut microbiota and immunity under HS remain unclear. To investigate this, we administered LTA doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg·kg−1·d−1 to C57BL/6J mice. On day 44, the model group and LTA intervention group were subjected to continuous 7‐day HS treatment for 2 h per day.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that LTA intervention improved food intake, body weight, and intestinal epithelium, and reduced the water intake of heat‐stressed mice. It increased the abundance of Turicibacter, Faecalibaculum, Bifidobacterium, and norank_f_Muribaculaceae, while reducing that of Lachnoclostridium and Desulfovibrio. LTA intervention also increased the concentrations of amino acid and lipid metabolites, regulated macrophage differentiation stimulated by gut microbiota and metabolites, reduced the antigen presentation by macrophages to the specific immune system, promoted B‐cell differentiation and sIgA secretion, inhibited pro‐inflammatory factors, and enhanced intestinal defense. Mechanistically, LTA downregulated heat shock protein 70 expression and the TLR4/NF‐κB/p38 MAPK signaling pathway, restoring gut microbiota and immune balance.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that LTA can alleviate HS by modulating gut microbiota, metabolites, and immunity, indicating its potential as a natural active ingredient for anti‐HS food products. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Digestibility of corn distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in practical feeds with phytase and xylanase treatment fed to Nile Tilapia
Authors: Welker Thomas L. , Sealey Wendy , Tan Ronnie
Published: November 2023

Objective

Distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS), a by-product of ethanol production from cereal grains, has seen limited use by fish feed manufacturers as an alternative protein source. Over the past 20 years, advances and greater uniformity in processing methods have improved the quality of DDGS and, likely, its digestibility by fish. Our objective was to reevaluate the digestibility of corn DDGS by Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus using a present-day commercial product with and without xylanase and phytase enzyme treatment.

Methods

Apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) for the major proximate nutrients (dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, ash, digestible energy, and phosphorus) were determined using a practical, commercial-type feed that was formulated and processed with DDGS supplied at 30% as weight : weight substitution (DDGS diet) of the reference diet (Ref diet). After drying, Ref and DDGS diets were top-coated with phytase (3310 FTU/kg) + xylanase (7665 BXU/kg) enzymes (Ref+ and DDGS+) and compared with their untreated dietary counterparts.

Result

Digestibility of crude protein was similar among diets and unaffected by enzyme treatment. For dry matter and digestible energy, ADC values were significantly lower for the DDGS diet, but enzyme addition improved digestibility to that of the Ref diets. Apparent digestibility for crude fat and ash was significantly better for the DDGS feed, with ash digestibility improved after treatment with xylanase + phytase for both Ref+ and DDGS+. For phosphorus, digestibility was similar among the Ref, Ref+, and DDGS diets, but with enzyme treatment, the phosphorus ADC increased significantly in DDGS+.

Conclusion

Results of this digestibility trial show that corn DDGS is a highly digestible protein source for use in feeds of Nile Tilapia at 30% of diet. Generally, apparent digestibility of proximate nutrients was either better or similar in DDGS when compared with the reference diet and could be further improved with the addition of xylanase + phytase.
Sex differences in lower urinary tract function in mice with or without spinal cord injury
Authors: Hashimoto Mamoru , Karnup Sergei , Daugherty Stephanie L. , Cho Kang Jun , Banno Eri , Shimizu Nobutaka , Fujita Kazutoshi , Hirayama Akihide , Uemura Hirotsugu , de Groat William C. , Beckel Jonathan M. , Yoshimura Naoki
Published: November 2023

Objectives

We examined sex differences of lower urinary tract function and molecular mechanisms in mice with and without spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods

SCI was induced by Th8−9 spinal cord transection in male and female mice. We evaluated cystometrograms (CMG) and electromyography (EMG) of external urethral sphincter (EUS) at 6 weeks after SCI in spinal intact (SI) and SCI mice. The mRNA levels of Piezo2 and TRPV1 were measured in L6‐S1 dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Protein levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the bladder mucosa was evaluated using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Sex differences were found in the EUS behavior during voiding as voiding events in female mice with or without SCI occurred during EUS relaxation periods without EUS bursting activity whereas male mice with or without SCI urinated during EUS bursting activity in EMG recordings. In both sexes, SCI decreased voiding efficiency along with increased tonic EUS activities evident as reduced EUS relaxation time in females and longer active periods of EUS bursting activity in males. mRNA levels of Piezo2 and TRPV1 of DRG in male and female SCI mice were significantly upregulated compared with SI mice. NGF in the bladder mucosa showed a significant increase in male and female SCI mice compared with SI mice. However, there were no significant differences in Piezo2 or TRPV1 levels in DRG or NGF protein levels in the bladder mucosa between male and female SCI mice.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that female and male mice voided during EUS relaxation and EUS bursting activity, respectively. Also, upregulation of TRPV1 and Piezo2 in L6‐S1 DRG and NGF in the bladder could be involved in SCI‐induced lower urinary tract dysfunction in both sexes of mice.
New therapeutic targets to prevent benign prostatic enlargement and symptomatic progression to benign prostatic obstruction—ICI‐RS 2023
Authors: Kanai Anthony , Chakrabarty Basu , Winder Michael , Hashim Hashim , Wein Alan , Abrams Paul , Fry Christopher
Published: November 2023

Aims

Benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) can impact lower urinary tract function due to its potential progression to benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). Treatment options include removal of the obstruction by surgery or through use of therapeutics designed to slow growth or reduce tissue stress imposed by muscular stromal components. Inflammation and development of fibrosis can also raise intrinsic tissue stress within the gland, further impacting obstruction. Outflow tract obstruction can also impact emission and ejaculation if the obstruction persists.

Methods

This review summarizes an ICI‐RS think tank considering novel drug treatments that might address BPO caused by progressive development of BPE, as well as manage decompensation changes to bladder function.

Results

Topics included recent advances in our understanding of pathological changes occurring to the prostate and other lower urinary tract tissues during progressive development of BPE, and how prevention or reversal might benefit from the identification of novel drug targets. These included contractile properties of prostatic tissues, the impact of BPE and its effects on bladder function, the deposition of intramural fibrotic tissue with protracted BPO, the role of inflammation in the development of BPE and its progression to BPO. In particular, we discussed current therapeutic options for treating BPE/BPO, and new therapeutic targets, what they treat and their advantage over current medications.

Conclusion

Several new drug targets were identified, including soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), the receptor for nitric oxide (NO•), and sGC activators that promotes sGC‐mediated cGMP production when sGC is inactivated and unresponsive to NO•.
Effect of inorganic particles gradation on the properties of high‐filled unsaturated polyester resin/CaCO3 composites
Authors: Liu Zhonglin , Liu Wanyu , Ma Lanyu , Mo Min , Huang Yifeng , Lai Wenqin , Xu Mengxue , Li Yanming , Mo Qiufeng , Bai Xingjia , Chen Cheng , Huang Zhimin , Zheng Yihua
Published: November 2023

The preparation of high‐filled composites by compounding with calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and polymer has received much attention. However, challenges such as enhancing the interaction between CaCO3 and the polymer and improving the performance of the resulting composites need to be addressed. In this paper, composites with a high filler content were made by adding fillers of various CaCO3 gradations into unsaturated polyester resin (UPR). The mechanical properties, curing degree, component distribution, and structural phases of resulting blends were analyzed by a universal testing machine, differential scanning calorimeter, Raman, and scanning electron microscope/energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), respectively. Based on the research findings, optimizing the CaCO3 gradation significantly increased the strength of the resulting blends. The average flexural strength increased by 343.5%, while the average compressive strength increased by 888.9%. The composites with an optimized gradation of filler showed a significant reduction in uncured domains, leading to an improvement in the curing degree of the composites. The interfacial defects between the optimized graded CaCO3 filler and the UPR were reduced, resulting in a uniform distribution with no visible interface. The Raman and EDX analyses show that the gradation optimization technique has successfully prevented structural phase separation and enhanced the tendency to agglomerate between CaCO3 and UPR. This study proposes an effective method for developing high‐performance UPR/CaCO3 composites with a high filler content.

Highlights

The optimized gradation of CaCO3 was used as filler to address the weak interaction of CaCO3 with the UPR in a high‐filled UPR/CaCO3 composite system while improving the performance of the composite.

The gradation optimization of CaCO3 filler can improve the morphology and reduce the porosity of the high‐filled UPR composites.

The gradation optimization of CaCO3 filler can effectively improve the curing effect of UPR.

Optimizing the CaCO3 gradation resulted in a significant increase in the average flexural strength (by 343.5%) and average compressive strength (by 888.9%) of the resulting blends.
Perovskite solar cell technology scaling‐up: Eco‐efficient and industrially compatible sub‐module manufacturing by fully ambient air slot‐die/blade meniscus coating
Authors: Vesce Luigi , Stefanelli Maurizio , Rossi Federico , Castriotta Luigi Angelo , Basosi Riccardo , Parisi Maria Laura , Sinicropi Adalgisa , Di Carlo Aldo
Published: November 2023

The efficiency gap between perovskite (PVSK) solar sub‐modules (size ≥200 cm2) and lab scale cells (size ˂1 cm2) is up to 36%. Moreover, the few attempts present in the literature used lab‐scale techniques in a glove‐box environment, reducing its compatibility for further product industrialization. Here, we report a PVSK sub‐module (total area 320 cm2, aperture area 201 cm2, 93% geometrical fill factor [GFF]) fabricated in ambient air by hybrid meniscus coating techniques assisted by air and green antisolvent quenching method. To suppress nonradiative recombination losses, improve carrier extraction and control the PVSK growth on such a large surface, we adopted phenethylammonium iodide (PEAI) passivation and PVSK solvent addiction strategies. The high homogeneous and reproducible layers guarantee an efficiency of 16.13% (7% losses with respect to the small area cell and zero losses with respect to the mini‐modules) and a stability of more than 3000 h according to International Summit on Organic PV Stability, dark storage/shelf life in ambient (ISOS‐D‐1). The sustainability of used methods and materials is demonstrated by the life cycle assessment. The scale‐up operation allows for strong impact mitigation in all the environmental categories and more efficient consumption of the resources. Finally, the economic assessment shows a strong cost reduction scaling from mini‐ to sub‐module (about 40%).
Probability of success and group sequential designs
Authors: Grieve Andrew P.
Published: November 2023

In this article, I extend the use of probability of success calculations, previously developed for fixed sample size studies to group sequential designs (GSDs) both for studies planned to be analyzed by standard frequentist techniques or Bayesian approaches. The structure of GSDs lends itself to sequential learning which in turn allows us to consider how knowledge about the result of an interim analysis can influence our assessment of the study's probability of success. In this article, I build on work by Temple and Robertson who introduced the idea of conditional probability of success, an idea which I also treated in a recent monograph.
Requirement elicitation model for global software development vendors
Authors: Yaseen Muhammad
Published: November 2023

Requirements elicitation is critical phase of software development that involve direct communication of clients and vendors. In global software development (GSD), importance of requirements elicitation becomes more critical due to geographical distance. The aim of this research is to design and implement requirement elicitation model (REM) where GSD organization can evaluate their organizations and can classify their level of implementation where organization lies. Systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted for the identification of critical success factors (CSFs) from a sample of 70 research articles. Furthermore, the identified CSFs are organized into five levels based on Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) and Software Outsourcing Vendors' Readiness Model (SOVRM). A second SLR was conducted for identifying all possible practices for the implementation of CSFs. To validate the findings of SLR and to find more practices in the view of industrial practitioners for the identified CSFs, a questionnaire survey was conducted in the GSD organizations in which 35 experts, from different countries, contributed. For REM evaluation, we have conducted two case studies. The outcome analysis after conducting case studies confirms that our assessment framework is easier to understand, apply, and successfully critic the strengths and weaknesses of organizations during requirements elicitation in GSD.
Bearing capacity of UHPC‐NC connection structure in negative moment zone of PC beam bridges
Authors: Li Xiao , Li Rui , Hu Zhijian
Published: November 2023

A new type of UHPC‐NC (normal concrete) structure in the negative moment zone was proposed to improve the bearing capacity of the connection structure in the negative moment zone of prefabricated prestressed concrete (PC) beam bridges. First, the distribution characteristics of the crack, cracking load, ultimate moment, and ductility coefficient of the new structure were obtained by the 1:4 scale model tests. The feasibility of the connection structure is verified. Then, the value ranges of critical structural parameters affecting the bearing capacity of the connection structure based on the plane section assumption analysis, including the reasonable thickness of the UHPC layer, the reinforcement ratio of the longitudinal tensile reinforcement, and the diameter of the reinforcement, are obtained. At the same time, based on the verification of the finite element model, the influence of crucial research parameters on the bending capacity of the connection structure is obtained by using the finite element method. Finally, a theoretical method for the bending moment capacity of the connection structure of the UHPC‐NC structure is proposed, considering the high ductility characteristics of UHPC materials. The average relative error between the calculation results and the finite element method is within 7.2%, which verifies the reliability of the calculation method in this paper and provides a reference for its design and engineering application.
Street Cred and Locker Room Glances
Authors: Amico Stephen
Published: November 2023

Foregrounding the fetishization of textually represented ‘of-color Others’, the indissoluble links among sex, gender, sexuality, and race are exposed as responsible for the injunction against same-sex desire within the discipline. Surveying the history of whites’ fantastic constructions of these Others’ imagined inherent masculinity and heterosexuality, as well as the exploitation of their cultural production (including music) for the construction of the ethnomusicologist’s own gendered identity, homophobia is shown as concomitant with an unspeakable homoerotic/homophilic desire. Moreover, recent calls within anthropological research to abandon theory-driven distancing between researcher and subject—to instead share in experiential/sensual space—render any acknowledgment of same-sex desire highly dangerous, capable of exposing the precarity of gendered identities as well as the asymmetrical power relationships structuring ethnographic research.
No Conclusion: ‘Such People Do Not Exist’
Authors: Amico Stephen
Published: November 2023

The final chapter cautions against an unreflective propensity to view the current Western sociocultural sphere as marked by comforting ‘post-’s, each suggesting an evolution beyond a vanquished, barbaric past. Understanding the extent to which even the most ‘enlightened’ eras of the Global North’s history were founded upon brutalities and exploitations, as well as the continuation of masculinity as a driving, consolidating, metaepistemic force, the countless examples of ongoing depredation in contemporary society (from Wall Street to Chechnya) are argued as warranting heightened vigilance in order to prevent silence and silencing from equating with and engendering symbolic and material death.
Introduction
Authors: Ratschiller Nasim Linda Maria
Published: November 2023

The introduction explores the books’ main themes, protagonists and goals. The aim is to extend the history of hygiene in two ways: firstly, beyond scientific and secular narratives by showing that religious stakeholders crucially participated in producing and promoting hygienic knowledge between 1885 and 1914; and secondly, by analysing how hygiene was shaped by colonial entanglements. The introduction offers a brief research review highlighting the connected histories on which this history of hygiene is built: mission history, particularly mission medicine; the history of science, with a focus on tropical medicine; and colonial history, specifically the knowledge produced in colonial entanglements. To do so, it introduces the concept of “spaces of knowledge” as an analytical lens to demonstrate how different discourses and practices of hygiene overlapped, differed and influenced each other. These spaces of knowledge are examined through an extensive body of sources, including archival material, publications, images and commodities, which are briefly presented and critically discussed with regard to their limitations and challenges.
Locating Filth: Sin, Syphilis and the Path to Purity
Authors: Ratschiller Nasim Linda Maria
Published: November 2023

This chapter explores how the Basel Mission doctors tried to spread new knowledge of hygiene in their West African mission areas by combining religious notions of purity with scientific approaches to health and colonial concepts of cleanliness. The longstanding Pietist interpretation of disease as a distorted relationship with God still held true for the Basel medical missionaries, who frequently explained physical suffering with reference to a sinful way of life. The diagnosis of syphilis, in particular, unequivocally linked disease to sin, and proved to be an effective advertising tool to promote the necessity and benefit of the medical mission beyond evangelical circles. Although there were clear indications that the prevalent condition was not syphilis, the diagnosis prevailed for twenty-five years until the young Basel Mission doctor Theodor Müller identified the illness in 1910 as yaws, which was not in fact a venereal disease like syphilis.
Subverting Purity: Magic, Medical Pluralism and Tenacious Syncretism
Authors: Ratschiller Nasim Linda Maria
Published: November 2023

This chapter shows that the beginning of the Basel medical mission in West Africa in 1885 marked a turning point, changing knowledge of hygiene in a number of ways and exposing the fragility and inconsistencies within the missionary project. The arrival of scientifically trained mission doctors led to a campaign to devalue African medicine, practitioners and bodily knowledge, which transformed the existing relationship between the Basel missionaries and African healers. But the Basel Mission doctors also emerged as a permanent source of hazard for their own organisation by disregarding and shifting existing boundaries of purity. For the population on the Gold Coast and in Cameroon, the medical mission proved less of a turning point than an extension of their existing healing and belief systems. They incorporated new norms of hygiene into their existing concepts of purity, health and cleanliness. Confronted with this tenacious syncretism, the Basel medical missionaries had no choice but to accommodate African ways of thinking and acting if they wanted to gain them for their cause.
Shaping Colonial Science: Missionary Challenges, Racial Segregation and the Locality of Science
Authors: Ratschiller Nasim Linda Maria
Published: November 2023

This chapter examines what impact the Basel Mission doctors had on scientific debates in the field of tropical medicine. Their studies served as trials from the periphery in a period when the discipline was undergoing processes of consolidation and professionalisation in European metropoles. Tropical medicine practised abroad, however, remained an amalgam combining germ theory with environmental disease theories and laboratory medicine with field surveys. In West Africa, the theory of human germ carriers culminated in the segregation of whole cities around 1900. The Basel medical missionaries advocated for the segregation of European and African housing areas, which was met with fierce resistance by their fellow missionaries. Their conflicting views on whether preventative measures to protect European lives should take precedence over the proclamation of the gospel in physical proximity to Africans indicate that scientific guidelines of hygiene, colonial notions of cleanliness and religious purity ideals also presented fundamental tensions that proved difficult to reconcile.
Non-factorisable effects in the decays $$ {\overline{B}}_s^0\to {D}_s^{+}{\pi}^{-} $$ and $$ {\overline{B}}^0\to {D}^{+}{K}^{-} $$ from LCSR
Authors: Piscopo Maria Laura , Rusov Aleksey V.
Published: November 2023

Abstract

In light of the current discrepancies between the recent predictions based on QCD factorisation (QCDF) and the experimental data for several non-leptonic colour-allowed two-body B-meson decays, we obtain new determinations of the non-factorisable soft-gluon contribution to the decays $$ {\overline{B}}_s^0\to {D}_s^{+}{\pi}^{-} $$

B
¯

s
0

→

D
s
+

π
−

and $$ {\overline{B}}^0\to {D}^{+}{K}^{-} $$

B
¯

0

→

D
+

K
−

, using the framework of light-cone sum rule (LCSR), with a suitable three-point correlation function and B-meson light-cone distribution amplitudes. In particular, we discuss the problem associated with a double light-cone (LC) expansion of the correlator, and motivate future determinations of the three-particle B-meson matrix element with the gluon and the spectator quark aligned along different light-cone directions. Performing a LC-local operator product expansion of the correlation function, we find, for both modes considered, the non-factorisable part of the amplitude to be sizeable and positive, however, with very large systematic uncertainties. Furthermore, we also determine for the first time, using LCSR, the factorisable amplitudes at LO-QCD, and thus the corresponding branching fractions. Our predictions are in agreement with the experimental data and consistent with the results based on QCDF, although again within very large uncertainties. In this respect, we provide a rich outlook for future improvements and investigations.
Renormalons in the energy-energy correlator
Authors: Schindler Stella T. , Stewart Iain W. , Sun Zhiquan
Published: November 2023

Abstract

The energy-energy correlator (EEC) is an observable of wide interest for collider physics and Standard Model measurements, due to both its simple theoretical description in terms of the energy-momentum tensor and its novel features for experimental studies. Significant progress has been made in both applications and higher-order perturbative predictions for the EEC. Here, we analyze the nature of the asymptotic perturbative series for the EEC by determining its analytic form in Borel space under the bubble-sum approximation. This result provides information on the leading and subleading nonperturbative power corrections through renormalon poles. We improve the perturbative convergence of the $$ \overline{\textrm{MS}} $$

MS
¯

series for the EEC by removing its leading renormalon using an MSR scheme, which is independent of the bubble-sum approximation. Using the leading MSR scheme power correction determined by fits to thrust, we find good agreement with EEC OPAL data already at $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
($$ {\alpha}_s^2 $$

α
s
2

).
Population genetics of the endangered Clanwilliam sandfish Labeo seeberi: considerations for conservation management
Authors: Rhode Clint , Lesch Shaun F. , Hull Kelvin L. , Slabbert Ruhan , Jordaan Martine S.
Published: November 2023

The Cape Fold Ecoregion (CFE) is one of southern Africa’s unique aquatic ecoregions and its freshwater fish fauna is characterized by high levels of endemism. As with many other Mediterranean-type ecosystems, the region is also a hotspot for threatened and range-restricted freshwater fish. Many of the CFE’s endemic species are at risk for extinction, with declines in population sizes and distribution ranges. The Clanwilliam sandfish Labeo seeberi is an example of such a species and is considered one of South Africa’s most endangered large migratory cyprinids. This species is endemic to the Olifants/Doring river system in the CFE and has been subject to a major population decline, mainly as a result of invasive alien fish and adverse climate events. Little is known of the genetics of the Clanwilliam sandfish, thus this study aimed to provide basic population genetic parameters to inform future conservation interventions. Both microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers were used to assess populations from three sites within the Olifants/Doring river system. Genetic diversity was moderate to low and did not reflect the drastic decline expected on the basis of previous relative abundance data. This is likely due to a lag effect between ecological/life history demographics (due to juvenile recruitment failures) and population genetic composition. Furthermore, there was limited genetic differentiation between the sampling locations, suggesting a single breeding population, but mtDNA haplotype distribution and slight divergence of the smaller populations does suggest that the population might have become recently fragmented. The results show that the effective population size of the current breeding population might still be sufficient to maintain evolutionary potential in the short term, which could act as a buffer until conservation strategies focusing on protecting breeding animals and maximizing juvenile survival can restore population numbers.
HOMA-IR and the Matsuda Index as predictors of progression to type 1 diabetes in autoantibody-positive relatives
Authors: Petrelli Alessandra , Cugnata Federica , Carnovale Debora , Bosi Emanuele , Libman Ingrid M. , Piemonti Lorenzo , Cuthbertson David , Sosenko Jay M.
Published: November 2023

Aim/hypothesis

We assessed whether HOMA-IR and the Matsuda Index are associated with transitions through stages of type 1 diabetes.

Methods

Autoantibody (AAb)-positive relatives of individuals with type 1 diabetes (n=6256) from the TrialNet Pathway to Prevention were studied. Associations of indicators of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and insulin sensitivity (Matsuda Index) with BMI percentile (BMIp) and age were assessed with adjustments for measures of insulin secretion, Index60 and insulinogenic index (IGI). Cox regression was used to determine if tertiles of HOMA-IR and Matsuda Index predicted transitions from Not Staged (<2 AAbs) to Stage 1 (≥2 AAbs and normoglycaemia), from Stage 1 to Stage 2 (≥2 AAbs with dysglycaemia), and progression to Stage 3 (diabetes as defined by WHO/ADA criteria).

Results

There were strong associations of HOMA-IR (positive) and Matsuda Index (inverse) with baseline age and BMIp (p<0.0001). After adjustments for Index60, transitioning from Stage 1 to Stage 2 was associated with higher HOMA-IR and lower Matsuda Index (HOMA-IR: HR=1.71, p<0.0001; Matsuda Index, HR=0.40, p<0.0001), as with progressing from Stages 1 or 2 to Stage 3 (HOMA-IR: HR=1.98, p<0.0001; Matsuda Index: HR=0.46, p<0.0001). Without adjustments, associations of progression to Stage 3 were inverse for HOMA-IR and positive for Matsuda Index, opposite in directionality with adjustments. When IGI was used in place of Index60, the findings were similar.

Conclusions/interpretation

Progression to Stages 2 and 3 of type 1 diabetes increases with HOMA-IR and decreases with the Matsuda Index after adjustments for insulin secretion. Indicators of insulin secretion appear helpful for interpreting associations of progression to type 1 diabetes with HOMA-IR or the Matsuda Index in AAb-positive relatives.

Graphical Abstract
Incidence of non-affective psychotic disorders in refugees and peers growing up in Denmark and Sweden: a registry linkage study
Authors: de Montgomery Christopher J. , Cullen Alexis E. , Taipale Heidi , Krasnik Allan , Norredam Marie , Mittendorfer-Rutz Ellenor
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Higher rates of non-affective psychotic disorders (NAPD) in minority groups have been reported in many countries. However, few studies have explored how rates differ between refugees and other minority groups and none with an international comparative angle. A comparative perspective makes it possible to relate group differences to aspects national context that underpin the social determinants of disease.

Methods

We compared the incidence of treated NAPD among youth born in or who immigrated to Denmark/Sweden before turning 18. Youth aged 18–35 during 2006–2018 were included (NDenmark/NSweden = 1,606,423/2,614,721) and were followed until first NAPD treatment (cases [Denmark/Sweden] = 12,193/9,641), 36th birthday, emigration or death. Incidence rates (IR) and ratios (IRR) comparing refugees, non-refugee migrants, descendants of non-refugee migrants and majority youth were obtained through Poisson regression on data aggregated by country, sex and age, contrasted by sex and country. Complementary analyses on individual-level data adjusting for further socio-demographic factors were conducted in each country separately.

Results

Incidence rates were higher in all groups compared with the majority group (IRRrange = 1.4–2.9, 95% CI[min, max] = 1.2–3.1). Relative differences between the three minority groups were smaller (IRRrange = 0.7–1.0, 95% CI[min, max] = 0.5–1.2). Although incidence rates were higher in Denmark than Sweden, relative group differences were similar.

Conclusion

Exposures shared between young refugees and other minority groups growing up in Denmark and Sweden may be especially important for their excess risk of NAPD. Further studies should investigate the mechanisms behind the elevated rates in minority groups with special paid attention to factors such as discrimination, social exclusion and acculturation stress.
Influence of depressive disorders, stress, and personality traits on quality of life after cochlear implantation
Authors: Lailach Susen , Stephan Paula , Martin Johanna , Zahnert Thomas , Neudert Marcus
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to determine whether preoperative depressiveness, stress, and personality influence quality of life (QOL) after cochlear implant (CI) surgery.

Methods

In this prospective study, 79 patients undergoing CI surgery were evaluated preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. Disease-specific QOL was assessed with the Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire (NCIQ) and general QOL with the WHOQOL-BREF. Depressiveness and stress were assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-D). The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was used to classify comorbidities. The Big Five Personality Test (B5T) was used to assess the basic personality dimensions. Speech comprehension was evaluated in quiet with the Freiburg monosyllable test and in noise with the Oldenburg sentence test.

Results

After CI surgery, the total NCIQ score improved significantly (Δ 17.1 ± 14.7, p < 0.001). General QOL (WHOQOL-BREF, Δ 0.4 ± 9.9, p = 0.357), stress (Δ 0.25 ± 3.21, p = 0.486), and depressiveness (Δ 0.52 ± 3.21, p = 0.121) were unaffected by CI surgery. Patients without elevated depressiveness (p < 0.01) or stress (p < 0.001) had significantly better total NCIQ scores. The results of the multiple regression analyses show that, after adjusting for the CCI, personality, age, and mental health stress (ß = − 0.495, p < 0.001) was significantly associated with postoperative NCIQ outcome scores. Depressiveness and neuroticism had the strongest influence on the generic QOL (ß = − 0.286 and ß = − 0.277, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Stress symptoms and personality traits are significant predictive factors for disease-specific QOL, as well as hearing status. This should be considered in the preoperative consultation and in optimizing the rehabilitation process.
Clinical outcomes and periodontal conditions of dental implants placed in free fibula flaps (FFF): a retrospective study with a mean follow-up of 6 years
Authors: Lombardo Giorgio , D’Agostino Antonio , Nocini Pier Francesco , Signoriello Annarita , Zangani Alessandro , Pardo Alessia , Lonardi Fabio , Trevisiol Lorenzo
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Up-to-date literature regarding long-term success of implant rehabilitations after microvascular reconstructions with free fibula flap (FFF) is still very scarce. This study aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes, especially related to oral hygiene conditions, of patients rehabilitated with this technique.

Materials and methods

A total of 25 patients who underwent maxillofacial reconstructive surgery with FFF were retrospectively evaluated for soft tissues conditions, oral hygiene habits, and implant survival and success, assessed with a mean follow-up of 6 (range 2–15) years after loading.

Results

Fourteen patients received full-arch fixed prostheses and 11 removable bar-supported overdentures. At the follow-up evaluation, 52% of prostheses did not allow proper accessibility for oral hygiene. Overall prosthetic survival was 100%, and implant survival and success were respectively 93.6% and 72%. Prevalence of peri-implantitis was 29% at implant level and that at patient level 96%.

Conclusions

Six-year clinical outcomes of this study reveal that poor oral hygiene practices and compliance by patients who underwent maxillofacial reconstruction with FFF are significantly associated with peri-implant disease.

Clinical relevance

Findings of the present study underline the need by clinicians for a careful assessment, in reference to a specific implant therapy, of patient’s prosthetic accessibility for oral hygiene procedures.
Language support for verifying reconfigurable interacting systems
Authors: Alrahman Yehia Abd , Azzopardi Shaun , Di Stefano Luca , Piterman Nir
Published: November 2023

Reconfigurable interacting systems consist of a set of autonomous agents, with integrated interaction capabilities that feature opportunistic interaction. Agents seemingly reconfigure their interaction interfaces by forming collectives and interact based on mutual interests. Finding ways to design and analyse the behaviour of these systems is a vigorously pursued research goal. In this article, we provide a modelling and analysis environment for the design of such system. Our tool offers simulation and verification to facilitate native reasoning about the domain concepts of such systems. We present our tool named R-CHECK (please find the associated toolkit repository here:https://github.com/dsynma/recipe). R-CHECK supports a high-level input language with matching enumerative and symbolic semantics and provides modelling convenience for features such as reconfiguration, coalition formation, and self-organisation. For analysis, users can simulate the designed system and explore arising traces. Our included model checker permits reasoning about interaction protocols and joint missions.
Comparison of different pilot point parameterization strategies when measurements are unevenly distributed in space
Authors: Aissat Ryma , Pryet Alexandre , Saltel Marc , Dupuy Alain
Published: November 2023

The parameterization of spatially distributed hydraulic properties is one of the most crucial steps in groundwater modeling. A common approach is to estimate hydraulic properties at a set of pilot points and interpolate the values at each model cell. Despite the popularity of this method, several questions remain about the optimum number and distribution of pilot points, which are determining factors for the efficiency of the method. This study proposes a strategy for optimal pilot point parameterization that minimizes the number of parameters while maximizing the assimilation of an observed dataset unevenly distributed in space. The performance of different pilot point distributions has been compared with a synthetic groundwater model, considering regular grids of pilot points with different spacings and adaptive grids with different refinement criteria. This work considered both prior and iterative refinements, with a parameter estimation step between successive refinements. The parameter estimation was conducted with the Gauss–Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm, and the strategies were ranked according to the number of model calls to reach the target objective function. The strategy leading to the best fit with the measurement dataset at the minimum computational burden is an adaptive grid of pilot points with prior refinement based on measurement density. This strategy was successfully implemented on a regional, multilayered groundwater flow model in the south-western geological basin of France.
Climate change-related health hazards in daycare centers in Munich, Germany: risk perception and adaptation measures
Authors: Lehmann Hannah , Bose-O’Reilly Stephan , Schoierer Julia , Garschagen Matthias
Published: November 2023

Due to their vulnerability, children need special protection from health effects of climate change, which are already noticeable today. Since a large proportion of children in Germany are in non-parental care during the day, the pedagogical staff in daycare centers play a crucial role in protecting children’s health. For this reason, a quantitative online survey was conducted among pedagogical staff (n = 181) in daycare centers of one provider in Munich, where children aged nine weeks to 10 years are cared for. It was examined how the pedagogical staff assesses the risk of climate change-related health hazards on children’s health and on its own health at work today and in the next 10 years. Additionally, it was surveyed whether or which measures for (health-related) adaptation to climate change and long-term climate change mitigation in the form of education for sustainable development (ESD) are implemented in the daycare centers. The results were statistically analyzed both descriptively and with multiple linear regression analyses to test the assumed associations. The results show that despite the strong perception of climate change-related health risks, their implementation in corresponding protection and adaptation measures is insufficient in most of the daycare centers surveyed. The informedness of the pedagogical staff proved to be a decisive influencing factor in the implementation of measures. Therefore, in addition to stronger implementation of structural adaptation measures in daycare centers, target group-specific knowledge and instructions for action should also be increasingly conveyed in the training curricula and further education of pedagogical staff.
How can health technology assessment be improved to optimise access to medicines? Results from a Delphi study in Europe
Authors: Fontrier Anna-Maria , Kamphuis Bregtje , Kanavos Panos
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Access to medicines is a shared goal across healthcare stakeholders. Since health technology assessment (HTA) informs funding decisions, it shapes access to medicines. Despite its wide implementation, significant access variations due to HTA are observed across Europe. This paper elicited the opinions of European stakeholders on how HTA can be improved to facilitate access.

Methods

A scoping review identified HTA features that influence access to medicines within markets and areas for improvement, while three access dimensions were identified (availability, affordability, timeliness). Using the Delphi method, we elicited the opinions of European stakeholders to validate the literature findings.

Results

Nineteen participants from 14 countries participated in the Delphi panel. Thirteen HTA features that could be improved to optimise access to medicines in Europe were identified. Of these, 11 recorded a positive impact on at least one of the three access dimensions. HTA features had mostly a positive impact on timeliness and a less clear impact on affordability. ‘Early scientific advice’ and ‘clarity in evidentiary requirements’ showed a positive impact on all access dimensions. 'Established ways to deal with uncertainty during HTA’ could improve medicines’ availability and timeliness, while more ‘reliance on real-world evidence’ could expedite time to market access.

Conclusions

Our results reiterate that increased transparency during HTA and the decision-making processes is essential; the use of and reliance on new evidence generation such as real-world evidence can optimise the availability of medicines; and better collaborations between regulatory institutions within and between countries are paramount for better access to medicines.
Forecasting carrot yield with optimal timing of Sentinel 2 image acquisition
Authors: Suarez L. A. , Robertson-Dean M. , Brinkhoff J. , Robson A.
Published: November 2023

Accurate, non-destructive forecasting of carrot yield is difficult due to its subterranean growing habit. Furthermore, the timing of forecasting usually occurs when the crop is mature, limiting the opportunity to implement alternative management decisions to improve yield (during the growing season). This study aims to improve the accuracy of carrot yield forecasting by exploring time series and multivariate approaches. Using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery in three Australian vegetable regions, we established a time series of carrot phenological stages (PhS) from ‘days after sowing’ (DAS) to enhance prediction timing. Numerous vegetation indices (VIs) were analyzed to derive temporal growth patterns. Correlations with yield at different PhS were established. Although the average root yield (t ha−1) did not significantly differ across the regions, the temporal VI signatures, indicating different regional crop growth trends, did vary as well as the PhS at when the maximum correlation with yield occurred ($$PhS_{{R2_{max} }} )$$

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S

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2

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with two of the regions producing a delayed $$PhS_{{R2_{max} }}$$

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h

S

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(i.e. 90–130 DAS). The best multivariate model was identified at 70 DAS, extending the forecasting window before harvest between 20 to 60 days. The performance of this model was validated with new crops producing an average error of 16.9 t ha−1 (27% of total yield). These results demonstrate the potential of the model at such early stage under varying growing conditions offering growers and stakeholders the chance to optimize farming practices, make informed decisions on selling, harvesting, and labor planning, and adopt precision agriculture methods.
Brain metabolite levels in remitted psychotic depression with consideration of effects of antipsychotic medication
Authors: Tani Hideaki , Moxon-Emre Iska , Forde Natalie J. , Neufeld Nicholas H. , Bingham Kathleen S. , Whyte Ellen M. , Meyers Barnett S. , Alexopoulos George S. , Hoptman Matthew J. , Rothschild Anthony J. , Uchida Hiroyuki , Flint Alastair J. , Mulsant Benoit H. , Voineskos Aristotle N.
Published: November 2023

Background

The neurobiology of psychotic depression is not well understood and can be confounded by antipsychotics. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is an ideal tool to measure brain metabolites non-invasively. We cross-sectionally assessed brain metabolites in patients with remitted psychotic depression and controls. We also longitudinally assessed the effects of olanzapine versus placebo on brain metabolites.

Methods

Following remission, patients with psychotic depression were randomized to continue sertraline + olanzapine (n = 15) or switched to sertraline + placebo (n = 18), at which point they completed an MRS scan. Patients completed a second scan either 36 weeks later, relapse, or discontinuation. Where water-scaled metabolite levels were obtained and a Point-RESolved Spectroscopy sequence was utilized, choline, myo-inositol, glutamate + glutamine (Glx), N-acetylaspartate, and creatine were measured in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L-DLPFC) and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC). An ANCOVA was used to compare metabolites between patients (n = 40) and controls (n = 46). A linear mixed-model was used to compare olanzapine versus placebo groups.

Results

Cross-sectionally, patients (compared to controls) had higher myo-inositol (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.84; 95%CI = 0.25–1.44; p = 0.005) in the dACC but not different Glx, choline, N-acetylaspartate, and creatine. Longitudinally, patients randomized to placebo (compared to olanzapine) showed a significantly greater change with a reduction of creatine (SMD = 1.51; 95%CI = 0.71–2.31; p = 0.0002) in the dACC but not glutamate + glutamine, choline, myo-inositol, and N-acetylaspartate.

Conclusions

Patients with remitted psychotic depression have higher myo-inositol than controls. Olanzapine may maintain creatine levels. Future studies are needed to further disentangle the mechanisms of action of olanzapine.
Digital Epidemiological Approaches in HIV Research: a Scoping Methodological Review
Authors: Young Lindsay E. , Nan Yuanfeixue , Jang Eugene , Stevens Robin
Published: November 2023

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this scoping review was to summarize literature regarding the use of user-generated digital data collected for non-epidemiological purposes in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) research.

Recent Findings

Thirty-nine papers were included in the final review. Four types of digital data were used: social media data, web search queries, mobile phone data, and data from global positioning system (GPS) devices. With these data, four HIV epidemiological objectives were pursued, including disease surveillance, behavioral surveillance, assessment of public attention to HIV, and characterization of risk contexts. Approximately one-third used machine learning for classification, prediction, or topic modeling. Less than a quarter discussed the ethics of using user-generated data for epidemiological purposes.

User-generated digital data can be used to monitor, predict, and contextualize HIV risk and can help disrupt trajectories of risk closer to onset. However, more attention needs to be paid to digital ethics and the direction of the field in a post-Application Programming Interface (API) world.