bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of hypothalamic oxytocin neuron-driven cardioprotection after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Schunke Kathryn J. , Rodriguez Jeannette , Dyavanapalli Jhansi , Schloen John , Wang Xin , Escobar Joan , Kowalik Grant , Cheung Emily C. , Ribeiro Caitlin , Russo Rebekah , Alber Bridget R. , Dergacheva Olga , Chen Sheena W. , Murillo-Berlioz Alejandro E. , Lee Kyongjune B. , Trachiotis Gregory , Entcheva Emilia , Brantner Christine A. , Mendelowitz David , Kay Matthew W.
Published: October 2023

Altered autonomic balance is a hallmark of numerous cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction (MI). Although device-based vagal stimulation is cardioprotective during chronic disease, a non-invasive approach to selectively stimulate the cardiac parasympathetic system immediately after an infarction does not exist and is desperately needed. Cardiac vagal neurons (CVNs) in the brainstem receive powerful excitation from a population of neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus that co-release oxytocin (OXT) and glutamate to excite CVNs. We tested if chemogenetic activation of PVN-OXT neurons following MI would be cardioprotective. The PVN of neonatal rats was transfected with vectors to selectively express DREADDs within OXT neurons. At 6 weeks of age, an MI was induced and DREADDs were activated with clozapine-N-oxide. Seven days following MI, patch-clamp electrophysiology confirmed the augmented excitatory neurotransmission from PVN-OXT neurons to downstream nuclei critical for parasympathetic activity with treatment (43.7 ± 10 vs 86.9 ± 9 pA; MI vs. treatment), resulting in stark improvements in survival (85% vs. 95%; MI vs. treatment), inflammation, fibrosis assessed by trichrome blue staining, mitochondrial function assessed by Seahorse assays, and reduced incidence of arrhythmias (50% vs. 10% cumulative incidence of ventricular fibrillation; MI vs. treatment). Myocardial transcriptomic analysis provided molecular insight into potential cardioprotective mechanisms, which revealed the preservation of beneficial signaling pathways, including muscarinic receptor activation, in treated animals. These comprehensive results demonstrate that the PVN-OXT network could be a promising therapeutic target to quickly activate beneficial parasympathetic-mediated cellular pathways within the heart during the early stages of infarction.
Worst-Case Optimal Covering of Rectangles by Disks
Authors: Fekete Sándor P. , Gupta Utkarsh , Keldenich Phillip , Shah Sahil , Scheffer Christian
Published: October 2023

We provide the solution for a fundamental problem of geometric optimization by giving a complete characterization of worst-case optimal disk coverings of rectangles: For any $$\lambda \ge 1$$

λ
≥
1

, the critical covering area $$A^*(\lambda )$$

A
∗

(
λ
)

is the minimum value for which any set of disks with total area at least $$A^*(\lambda )$$

A
∗

(
λ
)

can cover a rectangle of dimensions $$\lambda \times 1$$

λ
×
1

. We show that there is a threshold value $$\lambda _2 = \sqrt{\sqrt{7}/2 - 1/4} \approx 1.035797\ldots $$

λ
2

=

7

/
2
-
1
/
4

≈
1.035797
…

, such that for $$\lambda <\lambda _2$$

λ
<

λ
2

the critical covering area $$A^*(\lambda )$$

A
∗

(
λ
)

is $$A^*(\lambda )=3\pi \left( \frac{\lambda ^2}{16} +\frac{5}{32} + \frac{9}{256\lambda ^2}\right) $$

A
∗

(
λ
)

=
3
π

λ
2

16

+

5
32

+

9

256

λ
2

, and for $$\lambda \ge \lambda _2$$

λ
≥

λ
2

, the critical area is $$A^*(\lambda )=\pi (\lambda ^2+2)/4$$

A
∗

(
λ
)

=
π

(

λ
2

+
2
)

/
4

; these values are tight. For the special case $$\lambda =1$$

λ
=
1

, i.e., for covering a unit square, the critical covering area is $$\frac{195\pi }{256}\approx 2.39301\ldots $$

195
π

256

≈
2.39301
…

. The proof uses a careful combination of manual and automatic analysis, demonstrating the power of the employed interval arithmetic technique.
Dog in sheep’s clothing: livestock depredation by free-ranging dogs may pose new challenges to wolf conservation
Authors: Lino Sofia , Rossa Mariana , Fernandes Joana M. , Barros Tânia , Lino Ana , Hipólito Dário , Ferreira Eduardo , Aliácar Sara C. , Cadete Duarte , Fonseca Carlos , Torres Rita T. , Rosalino Luís M. , Carvalho João
Published: October 2023

Livestock depredation is a common cause of human-carnivore conflicts. In Portugal, free-ranging dogs are increasingly abundant and overlap endangered Iberian wolf territories, with reports of livestock depredation. However, the lack of awareness about dogs’ possible role as predators leads to bias against wolves in cases of damages. Our goal was to assess and compare wolf and free-ranging dog’s diet composition at southern wolf range in Portugal, to offer insights on dogs’ predatory role on livestock and its implications for the conservation of an endangered wolf subpopulation. We assessed diet composition from 107 to 95 genetically confirmed wolf and dog scats, respectively, and complemented the analysis with data from 40 attacks on livestock with successful genetic predator assignment. Scat analysis highlighted goats as the most consumed dog prey in all analysed regions, with lagomorphs, small mammals, and wild boars as second most consumed in each region, respectively. Wolves mainly relied on goats and wild boars in the west, whereas in the central region they mostly fed on birds. The dietary overlap between both canids was very high (Pianka’s index O = 0.93), showing potential for competition. Additionally, we found that dogs were the sole predators detected in most attacks (62%). Our findings highlight dogs’ role as predators of livestock, and possibly also wild species, posing a further challenge to wolf conservation. Alongside adequate husbandry practices, we emphasise the need for a stronger enforcement of the legislation on dog ownership and an effective management of the stray population to reduce human-wolf conflict.
Considerations, Caveats, and Suggestions for the Use of Polygenic Scores for Social and Behavioral Traits
Authors: Non Amy L. , Cerdeña Jessica P.
Published: October 2023

Polygenic scores (PGS) are increasingly being used for prediction of social and behavioral traits, but suffer from many methodological, theoretical, and ethical concerns that profoundly limit their value. Primarily, these scores are derived from statistical correlations, carrying no inherent biological meaning, and thus may capture indirect effects. Further, the performance of these scores depends upon the diversity of the reference populations and the genomic panels from which they were derived, which consistently underrepresent minoritized populations, leading to poor fit when applied to diverse groups. There is also inherent danger of eugenic applications for the information gained from these scores, and general risk of misunderstandings that could lead to stigmatization for underrepresented groups. We urge extreme caution in use of PGS particularly for social/behavioral outcomes fraught for misinterpretation, with potential harm for the minoritized groups least likely to benefit from their use.
Accelerated Extracellular Nucleotide Metabolism in Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells in Experimental Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Czuba-Pakuła Ewelina , Pelikant-Małecka Iwona , Lietzau Grażyna , Wójcik Sławomir , Smoleński Ryszard T. , Kowiański Przemysław
Published: October 2023

Hypercholesterolemia affects the neurovascular unit, including the cerebral blood vessel endothelium. Operation of this system, especially in the context of energy metabolism, is controlled by extracellular concentration of purines, regulated by ecto-enzymes, such as e-NTPDase-1/CD39, ecto-5′-NT/CD73, and eADA. We hypothesize that hypercholesterolemia, via modulation of the activity of nucleotide metabolism-regulating ecto-enzymes, deteriorates glycolytic efficiency and energy metabolism of endothelial cells, which may potentially contribute to development of neurodegenerative processes. We aimed to determine the effect of hypercholesterolemia on the concentration of purine nucleotides, glycolytic activity, and activity of ecto-enzymes in the murine brain microvascular endothelial cells (mBMECs). We used 3-month-old male LDLR−/−/Apo E−/− double knockout mice to model hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. The age-matched wild-type C57/BL6 mice were a control group. The intracellular concentration of ATP and NAD and extracellular activity of the ecto-enzymes were measured by HPLC. The glycolytic function of mBMECs was assessed by means of the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) using the glycolysis stress test. The results showed an increased activity of ecto-5′-NT and eADA in mBMECs of the hypercholesterolemic mice, but no differences in intracellular concentration of ATP, NAD, and ECAR between the hypercholesterolemic and control groups. The changed activity of ecto-5′-NT and eADA leads to increased purine nucleotides turnover and a shift in their concentration balance towards adenosine and inosine in the extracellular space. However, no changes in the energetic metabolism of the mBMECs are reported. Our results confirm the influence of hypercholesterolemia on regulation of purine nucleotides metabolism, which may impair the function of the cerebral vascular endothelium.

Graphical abstract

The effect of hypercholesterolemia on the murine brain microvascular endothelial cells (mBMECs). An increased activity of ecto-5′-NT and eADA in mBMECs of the LDLR−/−/Apo E−/− mice leads to a shift in the concentration balance towards adenosine and inosine in the extracellular space with no differences in intracellular concentration of ATP. Figure was created with Biorender.com.
Interactions between flue gas desulfurization gypsum and biochar on water infiltration characteristics and physicochemical properties of saline-alkaline soil
Authors: Wang Peijun , Lin Xiaolan , Liu Qi , Lin Ziqi , Yang Yali , Chen Hui , Fan Shenglong
Published: October 2023

The application of flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGDG) improves the soil structure, reduces soil pH, and accelerates soil salt leaching. Biochar amendment to soil can affect the soil infiltration rate, increase soil porosity, decrease soil bulk density, and enhance the water retention capacity. This study investigated the interactive effect of FGDG and biochar on water infiltration characteristics and physicochemical properties as well as determined the optimal amendment rate as a saline-alkaline soil conditioner. Seven experimental schemes were designed, and the newly reclaimed cultivated soil from Pingtan Comprehensive Experimental Zone in Fujian Province, China, was used in an indoor soil column experiment to simulate soil infiltration. Five models were employed to describe the infiltration process. The power function was used to represent the dynamic process of the wetting front. The conclusions of this study are as follows: (1) there was a reduction in the infiltration capacity of saline-alkaline soil (sandy soil) in each treatment, and the application of FGDG alone had the highest inhibition effect compared to the control (CK). The Kostiakov model provides the best fit for the experimental data of soil cumulative infiltration. (2) All treatments increased the total porosity and water content of saline-alkali soil, with the combined application of FGDG and biochar found to be more effective. (3) The application of FGDG alone or in combination with biochar decreased the pH and increased the electrical conductivity of the saline-alkali soil significantly, with the combined application having the most significant effect. In contrast, soil amended with biochar alone had minimal effect on the pH and EC of the soil. (4) The best improvement ratio was achieved with the F1B2 combination (75 g/kg FGDG + 30 g/kg biochar).
Fishing motives and economic effects of climate change: an application on Arctic char in northern Sweden
Authors: Gren Ing-Marie , Holmgren Kerstin , Goedkoop Willem
Published: October 2023

Motives for fishing differ among fishers, which may imply different effects of climate change on the net values of fishing. Climate change has impacts on fish population dynamics and on other factors in the fishers’ harvest decision, such as alternative sources of food or income. Here we present a bio-economic model that includes impacts of climate change on fish population and on net values of harvest by fishers with recreational or subsistence fishing motives. The conceptual analysis shows that the economic effects of climate change with simultaneous impacts on fish population growth and harvest values are inconclusive with common fishing access for both fisher types and when there are opposite simultaneous climate effects with exclusive access for one of the fisher types. Numerical results from our model of Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) in northern Sweden indicate that climate change, measured as temperature increases, reduces fish population growth but increases net values of fishing for both fisher types. The combined net effect of these counteracting forces is that annual net values can almost cease for the subsistence fisher in the future but increase considerably for the recreational fisher.
Women’s Lived Experiences of Reproductive Coercion and Abuse
Authors: Wellington Molly , Hegarty Kelsey , Tarzia Laura
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Reproductive coercion and abuse (RCA) refers to the use of physical, psychological or sexual violence or coercive behaviours to control a woman’s reproductive choices. Perpetrators use various forms of RCA such as controlling the outcome of a pregnancy, contraceptive sabotage and pregnancy coercion. Current research has focused primarily on quantitative data and health interventions, yet there is limited qualitative research on the overall experience of RCA. To address this gap, this study aimed to investigate the question: “What are women’s lived experiences of RCA?”.

Methods

Twenty women who had experienced RCA were recruited to participate in qualitative in-depth interviews. Data were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis.

Results

Three themes were developed that describe women’s lived experiences of RCA: I didn’t have a way out, where women described how their partners threatened them both with direct violence or indirectly through manipulation; I still feel guilty which centered around women’s overwhelming feelings of guilt and self blame and I don’t feel worthy, that outlined how RCA eroded women’s self-concept, particularly in relation to motherhood.

Conclusions

Our findings foreground the profound impacts of RCA on women’s mental health, identity and wellbeing which can linger for many years after the experience. It is vital that practitioners working with women who have experienced RCA consider these impacts and how to address and respond to them effectively.
The Role of the Quiet Ego in Promoting Benefits from Social Participation: A Win-win Game for Sustained Social Participation
Authors: Vecina María L. , Buonomo Ilaria , Benevene Paula
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we argue that the quiet ego, defined as an inclusive identity oriented toward long-term growth in desirable and adaptive ways for oneself and others, can be expressed and developed by participating in the social sphere. The objectives of this study are: 1) to analyze the measurement quality of the Quiet Ego Scale (QES) in a sample of Spanish individuals with different levels of prosocial participation (Study 1; N = 238); and 2) to analyze how the QES is related to participants’ perceived benefits and costs and their intention to continue participating in prosocial activities, in a new sample of individuals who actively participate as volunteers, community leaders, activists, and so on (Study 2; N = 288). Our findings showed that the QES has adequate psychometric properties for use in samples of Spanish individuals who perform various social activities. Furthermore, the results suggest a positive chain of relationships, that is, a quiet ego is related to individuals’ perception of three specific benefits associated with prosocial participation (Benefits from the activities, Benefits of giving, and Benefits of sharing with similar people), and these benefits to their intention to continue performing such activities. These findings can help non-profit organizations sustain social participation based on perceived personal benefits and the dimensions of a quiet ego.
Relationship Status and Psychological Well-being: Initial Evidence for the Moderating Effects of Commitment Readiness
Authors: Tan Kenneth , Ho Daniel , Agnew Christopher R.
Published: October 2023

Past research has suggested that the association between romantic relationship status (i.e., single vs. coupled) and well-being can be dependent on different aspects of an individual’s personal life. In the current research, we examined whether commitment readiness (i.e., the subjective sense that the current time is “right” to be in a committed romantic relationship) moderates the link between current relationship status and psychological well-being. With correlational data obtained from three independent samples (two from Singapore, one cross-cultural comparison between Singapore and USA), we found a significant moderating effect of commitment readiness. Coupled individuals higher in readiness reported greater levels of well-being than single individuals, whereas coupled individuals lower in readiness reported lower levels of well-being compared to their single counterparts. Implications regarding the role of commitment readiness in well-being are discussed.
Efficacious Recovery of Zirconium and Yttrium Ions from Effluents Using a Gamma-Irradiated Reduced Graphene Oxide Polymeric Composite
Authors: Eliwa Ahmed Atef
Published: October 2023

There are many great uses for heavy elements that are expanding daily and generating enormous amounts of effluents. Therefore, tremendous scientific efforts in removing, recovering, and recycling them are carried out to prevent these harmful effects on the environment and human health. The polyacrylic-carboxymethyl cellulose-trioctyl amine/reduced graphene oxide adsorbent (AA-CMC-TOA/rGO) was synthesized as a promising sorbent for Zr4+ and Y3+ ions by gamma irradiation for a mixture of acrylic acid, carboxymethyl cellulose, and trioctyl amine as an organic solvent. A complete characterization of the manufactured composite was carried out to find out its chemical and physical properties several techniques such as XRD, EDX, SEM, FT-IR, TGA-DTA, and BET. Several factors affecting the Zr4+ and Y3+ adsorption processes were studied to set the best conditions that achieve the extreme loading capacity of Zr4+ and Y3+ ions. Loading capacities of 0.99 and 1.07 mmol g−1 were achieved for Zr4+ and Y3+, respectively. The results of the kinetic models indicated that the adsorption reactions of Zr4+ and Y3+ ions were carried out via a chemical reaction mechanism. Langmuir, Dubinin–Radushkevich, and Redlich–Peterson models accurately described the adsorption isotherm data by proving their chemical nature. The results of thermodynamics added evidence of the chemical nature, spontaneous, and endothermic nature of the adsorption processes. A complete retrieval for Zr4+ and Y3+ ions contents located in the effluent was efficiently achieved using AA-CMC-TOA/rGO sorbent which proved its uses as a promising sorbent.
Multibody model of the human-inspired robot CHARMIE
Authors: Gonçalves Fernando , Ribeiro Tiago , Ribeiro A. Fernando , Lopes Gil , Flores Paulo
Published: October 2023

The rapid ageing of the worldwide population raises pressing concerns related to ensuring proper healthcare and quality of life for older adults. A human-like mobile domestic robot, named CHARMIE, is being produced to aid in these situations by performing household chores, thus increasing the autonomy of persons with mobility limitations. The present work provides a valuable contribution to the development of CHARMIE by building a simulation environment that computes the system’s main dynamics. The obtained environment is used to evaluate the quality of the robot’s control system, to perform its structural optimization and to allow a proper selection of actuators. The system is tackled as a kinematic tree that starts on the robot’s base and then splits into three branches at the torso: the left arm, the right arm, and the head. The multibody model solves the forward kinematics and inverse dynamics of the main mechanisms by employing two recursive algorithms centred around the Newton–Euler formulation. A novel, modular, and efficient seven-step methodology was created to implement these two algorithms and program a simulator from start to finish. These seven steps include studying the system’s configuration, converting its properties into software inputs, and computing the phenomena that cannot be automatically addressed by the two recursive formulations. The presented methodology was fully validated by comparing its results to those obtained from a commercial software; the two models produced identical results.
Discrete adjoint method for variational integration of constrained ODEs and its application to optimal control of geometrically exact beam dynamics
Authors: Schubert Matthias , Sato Martín de Almagro Rodrigo T. , Nachbagauer Karin , Ober-Blöbaum Sina , Leyendecker Sigrid
Published: October 2023

Direct methods for the simulation of optimal control problems apply a specific discretization to the dynamics of the problem, and the discrete adjoint method is suitable to calculate corresponding conditions to approximate an optimal solution. While the benefits of structure preserving or geometric methods have been known for decades, their exploration in the context of optimal control problems is a relatively recent field of research. In this work, the discrete adjoint method is derived for variational integrators yielding structure preserving approximations of the dynamics firstly in the ODE case and secondly for the case in which the dynamics is subject to holonomic constraints. The convergence rates are illustrated by numerical examples. Thirdly, the discrete adjoint method is applied to geometrically exact beam dynamics, represented by a holonomically constrained PDE.
Human motion capture, reconstruction, and musculoskeletal analysis in real time
Authors: Lugrís Urbano , Pérez-Soto Manuel , Michaud Florian , Cuadrado Javier
Published: October 2023

Optical motion capture is an essential tool for the study and analysis of human movement. Currently, most manufacturers of motion-capture systems provide software applications for reconstructing the movement in real time, thus allowing for on-the-fly visualization. The captured kinematics can be later used as input data for a further musculoskeletal analysis. However, in advanced biofeedback applications, the results of said analysis, such as joint torques, ground-reaction forces, muscle efforts, and joint-reaction forces, are also required in real time.

In this work, an extended Kalman filter (EKF) previously developed by the authors for real-time, whole-body motion capture and reconstruction is augmented with inverse dynamics and muscle-efforts optimization, enabling the calculation and visualization of the latter, along with joint-reaction forces, while capturing the motion.

A modified version of the existing motion-capture algorithm provides the positions, velocities, and accelerations at every time step. Then, the joint torques are calculated by solving the inverse-dynamics problem, using force-plate measurements along with previously estimated body-segment parameters. Once the joint torques are obtained, an optimization problem is solved, in order to obtain the muscle forces that provide said torques while minimizing an objective function. This is achieved by a very efficient quadratic programming algorithm, thoroughly tuned for this specific problem.

With this procedure, it is possible to capture and label the optical markers, reconstruct the motion of the model, solve the inverse dynamics, and estimate the individual muscle forces, all while providing real-time visualization of the results.
Cognition in Chiari Malformation Type I: an
Update of a Systematic Review
Authors: García Maitane , Amayra Imanol , Pérez Manuel , Salgueiro Monika , Martínez Oscar , López-Paz Juan Francisco , Allen Philip A.
Published: October 2023

Chiari malformation has been classified as a group of posterior cranial
fossa disorders characterized by hindbrain herniation. Chiari malformation type I
(CM-I) is the most common subtype, ranging from asymptomatic patients to those with
severe disorders. Research about clinical manifestations or medical treatments is
still growing, but cognitive functioning has been less explored. The aim of this
systematic review is to update the literature search about cognitive deficits in
CM-I patients. A literature search was performed through the following electronic
databases: MEDLINE, PsychINFO, Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science.
The date last searched was February 1, 2023. The inclusion criteria were as follows:
(a) include pediatric or adult participants with a CM-I diagnosis, (b) include
cognitive or neuropsychological assessment with standardized tests, (c) be published
in English or Spanish, and (d) be empirical studies. Articles that did not report
empirical data, textbooks and conference abstracts were excluded. After the
screening, twenty-eight articles were included in this systematic review. From
those, twenty-one articles were focused on adult samples and seven included
pediatric patients. There is a great heterogeneity in the recruited samples,
followed methodology and administered neurocognitive protocols. Cognitive
functioning appears to be affected in CM-I patients, at least some aspects of
attention, executive functions, visuospatial abilities, episodic memory, or
processing speed. However, these results require careful interpretation due to the
methodological limitations of the studies. Although it is difficult to draw a clear
profile of cognitive deficits related to CM-I, the literature suggests that
cognitive dysfunction may be a symptom of CM-I. This suggest that clinicians should
include cognitive assessment in their diagnostic procedures used for CM-I. In
summary, further research is needed to determine a well-defined cognitive profile
related to CM-I, favoring a multidisciplinary approach of this disorder.
PM 2.5 juvenile exposure–induced spermatogenesis dysfunction by triggering testes ferroptosis and antioxidative vitamins intervention in adult male rats
Authors: Liu Xiang , Ai Yaya , Xiao Mingchen , Wang Cao , Shu Zhen , Yin Jia , Chu Yu , Xiao Qing , Liu Bin
Published: October 2023

PM2.5 derived from automobile exhaust can cause reproductive impairment in adult males, but the toxic effects of PM2.5 exposure on reproductive function in juvenile male rats and its relationship with ferroptosis have not been reported. In this paper, 30-day-old juvenile male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into four groups (blank control, vitamin control, PM2.5, and PM2.5+Vitamin). The blank control group was fed normally, and the vitamin control group was given intragastric administration of vitamins in addition to normal feeding. PM2.5 was administered via tracheal intubation. When the rats were treated for 4 weeks until reaching the period of sexual maturity. A mating test was performed first, and then their testicular and epididymal tissues were studied. Compared with control rats, juvenile male rats exposed to PM2.5 showed a decreased sperm count and fertility rate, redox imbalance, damaged mitochondria, a metabolic disorder of intracellular iron ions, and a significant rise in ferroptosis during the period of sexual maturity. After antioxidative vitamins intervention, the redox imbalance, metabolic disorder of intracellular iron ions, and ferroptosis were all alleviated, leading to the following conclusions: after being exposed to PM2.5 from automobile exhaust, male juvenile rats during the period of sexual maturity have significantly decreased reproductive function. The reproductive toxicity of PM2.5 is closely related to oxidative stress and ferroptosis. In addition, ferroptosis decreases and reproductive function is recovered to some degree after antioxidative vitamins intervention.

Graphical abstract
Comparative analysis of health status and health service utilization patterns among rural and urban elderly populations in Hungary: a study on the challenges of unhealthy aging
Authors: Kovacs Nora , Piko Peter , Juhasz Attila , Nagy Csilla , Oroszi Beatrix , Ungvari Zoltan , Adany Roza
Published: October 2023

The demographic transition poses a significant challenge for health systems, especially in Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries, where the healthcare needs of aging populations are on the rise. This study aimed to describe and compare the health status and utilization of health services among the elderly residing in urban and rural areas of the most deprived region in Hungary. A comprehensive health survey was conducted in 2022, involving a randomly selected sample of 443 older adults (≥ 65 years) in Northeast Hungary. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for age, sex, education, financial status, chronic diseases, and activity limitations were used to investigate the association between type of residence and health service use. Among the study participants, 62.3% were female, 38.3% attained primary education, 12.5% reported a bad or very bad financial situation and 52.6% lived in urban areas. Overall, 24% of the elderly rated their health as very good or good (27.8% in urban and 19.7% in rural areas), while 57.8% (52.6% and 63.5% in urban and rural areas) reported limitations in daily activities. Compared to urban residents, rural residents reported lower rates of dentist visits (p = 0.006), specialist visits (p = 0.028), faecal occult blood testing (p < 0.001), colorectal cancer screening with colonoscopy (p = 0.014), and breast cancer screening (p = 0.035), and a higher rate of blood pressure measurement (p = 0.042). Multivariable models indicated that urban residence was positively associated with faecal occult blood testing (OR = 2.32, p = 0.014), but negatively associated with blood pressure (OR = 0.42, p = 0.017) and blood glucose measurements (OR = 0.48, p = 0.009). These findings highlight the influence of residence on health service utilization among older adults in Hungary. Further comprehensive studies are needed to better understand the health needs of the elderly population and to develop policies aimed at promoting healthy aging in CEE countries.
Predictors of Housing Trajectories Among Young Adults Experiencing Homelessness in Los Angeles
Authors: Pedersen Eric R. , DiGuiseppi Graham , D’Amico Elizabeth J. , Rodriguez Anthony , Tran Denise D. , Jose Rupa , Tucker Joan S.
Published: October 2023

Experiencing homelessness during young adulthood is associated with negative health outcomes and understanding housing trajectories of young adults experiencing homelessness may aid in the development of evidence-based public health programs designed to serve this at-risk age group. In the present study, the authors examined baseline predictors of 24-month trajectories of housing stability and unsheltered housing among a sample of 271 young adults aged 18 to 25 recruited from drop-in centers in Los Angeles. In multivariate models, the authors found that identifying as multi-racial/other and better friendship quality at baseline were associated with less steep increases in the likelihood of stable housing over time. Being employed at baseline was associated with a less steep decrease in the probability of being unsheltered over time, while illicit drug use days associated with a steeper decrease in the probability of being unsheltered over time. Continued research is needed to establish important factors determining young adults’ long-term housing trajectories in the effort to promote greater access and engagement with housing services.
Reliability of the DSS-Swe Questionnaire
Authors: Jans Anders , Rask Eva , Ottosson Johan , Magnuson Anders , Szabo Eva , Stenberg Erik
Published: October 2023

Background

Symptomatic postbariatric hypoglycemia (PBH) is a known complication that can occur a few years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). There is currently no established rating scale for PBH-associated symptoms developed for use in Swedish populations. The aim of the study was to translate an already existing questionnaire into Swedish and to test its reliability.

Methods

The study included forward and backward translations of the original Dumping Severity Scale (DSS) questionnaire with 8 items regarding symptoms of early dumping and 6 items regarding hypoglycemia, with each item graded on a 4-point Likert scale. The reliability of the Swedish translated questionnaire (DSS-Swe) was estimated using internal consistency and test–retest methods.

Results

A total of 200 patients were included in the study. Good internal consistency was demonstrated regarding the items related to early dumping symptoms, with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.82, and very good agreement in terms of test–retest reliability, with an overall intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.91 (95% CI 0.88–0.93). The items related to hypoglycemia yielded a good Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.76 and an ICC of 0.89 (95% CI 0.85–0.91).

Conclusion

The DSS-Swe questionnaire shows good reliability regarding both internal consistency and test–retest performance for use in Swedish populations.

Graphical Abstract
A technical feasibility study on adaptation of a microsurgical robotic system to an intraoperative complication management in dental implantology: perforated Schneiderian membrane repair using Symani® Surgical System
Authors: Wieker Henning , Hinrichs Cedric , Retzlaff Merle , Spille Johannes Heinrich , Laudien Martin , Acil Yahya , Wiltfang Jörg , Gülses Aydin
Published: October 2023

The aim of the current study was to test the technical and clinical feasibility of a robotic system and investigate its potential in the surgical repair of perforated Schneiderian membranes using an ex-vivo porcine model. Eight pig heads were operated conventionally via a surgical loop and eight pig heads with the surgical robot “Symani® Surgical System” (Medical Microinstruments, Inc., Pisa, Italy). On each specimen, the Schneiderian membrane was incised over a length of 0.7 mm resembling a perforation. Operation time, the maximum sinusoidal pressure, the course of the pressure and the filling volume were measured. Additionally, adaptation of the wound edges has been detected via scanning electron microscopy. There were no significant differences for the pressure maximum (p = 0.528), for the time until the pressure maximum was reached (p = 0.528), or for the maximum filling volume (p = 0.674). The time needed for the suturing of the membrane via robotic surgery was significantly longer (p < 0.001). However, the scanning electron microscope revealed a better adaptation of the wound edges with robotic surgery. The technical feasibility of robot-assisted suturing of Schneiderian membrane laceration using the robotic system has been confirmed for the first time. No differences considering the pressure resistance compared to the conventional repair could be observed, but advantages in wound adaptation could be found with an electron microscope. Regarding the material and training costs and limited indications spectrum, robotic surgery systems still might not present financially feasible options in the daily dental practice yet.
Association between non-dipping blood pressure pattern and different glucometabolic profile during oral glucose tolerance test
Authors: Condoleo Valentino , Maio Raffaele , Cassano Velia , Bonfrate Leonilde , Pelaia Corrado , Armentaro Giuseppe , Miceli Sofia , Fiorentino Teresa Vanessa , Perticone Maria , Succurro Elena , Andreozzi Francesco , Sesti Giorgio , Sciacqua Angela
Published: October 2023

It is known that, a not physiological blood pressure (BP) circadian pattern has been associated with increased risk of organ damage and cardiovascular (CV) event. The aim of this study was to assess the association between circadian BP pattern and glucometabolic phenotypes occurring after oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). We recruited 810 hypertensive Caucasian patients. All participants underwent to OGTT, laboratory test and 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM). The analysis of collected data allowed classifying patients based on nocturnal BP profiles into four categories: dippers, non-dippers, extreme dippers, and reverse dippers. Considering the dipping pattern, the proportion of non-dippers in normal glucose tolerance patients with 1-h glucose ≥ 155 mg/dL (NGT ≥ 155) (36.4%) was higher than NGT < 155 (29.6%) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) (34.8%), but lower than type 2 diabetes group (T2DM) (52.6%) (p = 0.001). The proportion of dippers was lower in NGT ≥ 155 (47%) and T2DM (34.6%), when compared with NGT < 155 (53.8%) and IGT (51.2%) (p = 0.017). From logistic regression analysis, 1-h glucose ≥ 155 increased the risk of a pathological nocturnal drop in BP by 74%, (OR = 1.740, 95% CI 1.254–2.415, p < 0.0001). In addition, the improvement in 1 unit of Matsuda was responsible for a 3.5% risk decrease (OR = 0.965, 95% CI 0.958–0.971, p < 0.0001), while e-GFR determined a 0.9% risk reduction of nocturnal BP drop (OR = 0.991, 95% CI 0.984–0.999, p = 0.020). Our data demonstrated the existence, in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients, of an association between circadian BP profile and altered glycemic response during OGTT, in particular NGT ≥ 155 subjects are associated with a non-dipper BP pattern, this is clinically relevant because may explain, at least in part, the increased CV risk in this setting of patients.
Lymph Node Dissection in Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Dłubak Andrzej , Karwacki Jakub , Logoń Katarzyna , Tomecka Paulina , Brawańska Kinga , Krajewski Wojciech , Szydełko Tomasz , Małkiewicz Bartosz
Published: October 2023

Purpose of Review

This narrative review aims to evaluate the role of lymph node dissection (LND) in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) and its implications for staging and management outcomes, as well as future perspectives.

Recent Findings

Multiple studies have demonstrated the limitations of conventional imaging techniques in accurately localizing lymph node metastasis (LNM) in UTUC. While 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with computed tomography (18FDG-PET/CT) shows promise for preoperative LNM detection, its specificity is low. Alternative methods such as choline PET/CT and sentinel lymph node detection are under consideration but require further investigation. Additionally, various preoperative factors associated with LNM hold potential for predicting nodal involvement, thereby improving nodal staging and oncologic outcomes of LND. Several surgical approaches, including segmental ureterectomy and robot-assisted nephroureterectomy, provide a possibility for LND, while minimizing morbidity.

LND remains the primary nodal staging tool for UTUC, but its therapeutic benefit is still uncertain. Advances in imaging techniques and preoperative risk assessment show promise in improving LNM detection. Further research and multi-center studies are needed to comprehensively assess the advantages and limitations of LND in UTUC, as well as the long-term outcomes of alternative staging and treatment strategies.
Conditioning the work of colleagues: health professionals’ explorative work in technology design
Authors: Sadorge Christopher , Nerland Monika , Mäkitalo Åsa
Published: October 2023

Professional learning at work is related to the opportunities to participate in explorative and constructive practices. Co-designing tools and technologies to support work offers such opportunities, which need to be better understood in the field of professional and vocational learning. As digitalisation initiatives become more ambitious and aim at wider service reorganisation, more professionals from nontechnical domains become involved in the work of designing technologies and developing routines for their practice. This study explores how health professionals participate in the design of a technology for the registration and sharing of patient information across healthcare units in a Norwegian city. Over a year, we observed the design meetings with a team of health professionals and IT developers. The health professionals were mandated this task as part of their regular work to ensure that the way of categorising and displaying patient information would serve the services’ needs. The interactions in the design meetings were analysed to examine how categories of patient information were explored and negotiated as objects of design. Our findings show how the team needed to test candidate categories for various contexts of use. This implied both negotiation of future service routines and efforts to reconfigure tasks and responsibilities in multiple service contexts. This work brings extended responsibilities and opportunities for learning to health professionals. We discuss how their decisions are consequential beyond their own workplace as the information system and its categories condition the work of colleagues in the wider service chain.
Satellite imagery and modeling contribute understanding cover crop effect on nitrogen dynamics and water availability
Authors: Raimondi Giorgia , Maucieri Carmelo , Borin Maurizio , Pancorbo José Luis , Cabrera Miguel , Quemada Miguel
Published: October 2023

Cover crops (CCs) can affect the cropping systems’ N dynamics and soil water content (SWC), but optimizing their potential effects requires knowledge of their growth pattern, N accumulation, and mineralization. For this purpose, a 3-year field experiment was initiated in northeast Italy involving a maize-soybean rotation. The objectives of this study were to (i) evaluate the use of time series vegetation indices (VIs) obtained from the Sentinel-2 satellite for monitoring the growth of CCs and estimating their biomass and N uptake at termination; (ii) investigate the effects of different CCs on cash crop yield and SWC; and (iii) use the simulation model CC-NCALC to predict the nitrogen contribution of CCs to subsequent cash crops. Three CC systems were tested: a fixed treatment with triticale; a 3-year succession of rye, crimson clover, and mustard; and a control with no CCs. Satellite imagery revealed that rye and triticale grew faster during the winter season than clover but slower compared to mustard, which suffered a frost winterkilling. Both grasses and mustard produced greater biomass at termination compared to clover, but none of the CC species affected SWC or yield and N uptake of the cash crop. A net N mineralization of all the CC residues was estimated by the model (except for the N immobilization after triticale roots residues). During the subsequent cash crop season, the estimated clover and mustard N released was around 33%, and the triticale around 3% of their total N uptake, with a release peak 2 months after their termination. The use of remote sensing imagery and a prediction model of CC residue decomposition showed potential to be used as instruments for optimizing the CCs utilization and enhancing cropping water and N fertilization management efficiency; however, it must be further analyzed with other CCs species, environmental conditions, and cropping systems.
Multispecies blue justice and energy transition conflict: examining challenges and possibilities for synergy between low-carbon energy and justice for humans and nonhuman nature
Authors: Tafon Ralph , Saunders Fred , Pikner Tarmo , Gilek Michael
Published: October 2023

This paper explores deep insights into sustainability transition tensions and pathways in terms of place-based conflict and potential for synergies between offshore wind energy (OWE) development and justice for humans and nonhuman nature. Specifically, we build a capability and recognition-based multispecies blue justice framework that at once centers ecological reflexivity (i.e., environmental awareness-raising, proxy representation of nature, and institutional recognition and protection of rights of nature and human-nature relationality), decenters anthropocentric frames of justice, and sheds light on injustices, human and nonhuman that climate and energy transitions may create or reinforce. This framework then informs analysis of a sustainability transition conflict, specifically a longstanding OWE conflict on Hiiumaa island, Estonia. This analysis unravels justice concerns, human and nonhuman, raised by proxy representatives of nature (i.e., grassroots actors and environmental stewards), the knowledge contestations involved, and the resolution measures undertaken thus far. Next, we discuss the possible transformative role of the OWE conflict, including how a Supreme Court ruling invalidating the OWE plan has fostered reflexive planning and may have set a legal precedent that may have human and nonhuman justice implications for the handling of future planning cases. We then highlight remaining challenges for socially and ecologically responsive OWE deployment. These include the judicial non-recognition of nature’s right as well as environmental values and sociocultural ties to nature as rights worth protecting, and the likely effects that formalization of European Union ambitions to speed-up and ramp-up renewable energy could have locally. These include prospects for environmental stewards and ocean defenders to steer nature-positive, people-centered energy transitions. Last, we propose conditions for enhanced multispecies justice, including how formal interventions (e.g., law) and informal practices (e.g., negotiation, awareness-raising) can be harnessed to unlock productive conflict and align energy transitions with the norms of justice, human and nonhuman.
Non-minimaxity of debiased shrinkage estimators
Authors: Maruyama Yuzo , Takemura Akimichi
Published: October 2023

We consider the estimation of the p-variate normal mean of $$X\sim \mathcal {N}_p(\theta ,I)$$

X
∼

N
p

(
θ
,
I
)

under the quadratic loss function. We investigate the decision theoretic properties of debiased shrinkage estimator, the estimator which shrinks towards the origin for smaller $$\Vert x\Vert ^2$$

‖
x
‖

2

and which is exactly equal to the unbiased estimator X for larger $$\Vert x\Vert ^2$$

‖
x
‖

2

. Such debiased shrinkage estimator seems superior to the unbiased estimator X, which implies minimaxity. However, we show that it is not minimax under mild conditions.
Assignment of the antibacterial potential of Ag2O/ZnO nanocomposite against MDR bacteria Proteus mirabilis and Salmonella typhi isolated from bone marrow transplant patients
Authors: El-Mohsnawy Eithar , El-Shaer Abdelhamid , El-Gharabawy Fadia , El-Hawary Eslam E. , El-Shanshoury Abd El-Raheem Ramadan
Published: October 2023

The rate of infectious diseases started to be one of the major mortality agents in the healthcare sector. Exposed to increased bacterial infection by antibiotic-resistant bacteria became one of the complications that occurred for bone marrow transplant patients. Nanotechnology may provide clinicians and patients with the key to overcoming multidrug-resistant bacteria. Therefore, this study was conducted to clarify the prevalence of MDR bacteria in bone marrow transplant recipients and the use of Ag2O/ZnO nanocomposites to treat participants of diarrhea brought on by MDR bacteria following bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Present results show that pathogenic bacteria were present in 100 of 195 stool samples from individuals who had diarrhea. Phenotypic, biochemical, and molecular analysis clarify that Proteus mirabilis and Salmonella typhi were detected in 21 and 25 samples, respectively. Successful synthesis of Ag2O/ZnO nanocomposites with a particle enables to inhibition of both pathogens. The maximum inhibitory impact was seen on Salmonella typhi. At low doses (10−5 g/l), it prevented the growth by 53.4%, while at higher concentrations (10−1 g/l), Salmonella typhi was inhibited by 95.5%. Regarding Proteus mirabilis, at (10−5 g/l) Ag2O/ZnO, it was inhabited by 78.7%, but at higher concentrations (10−1 g/l), it was inhibited the growth by 94.6%. Ag2O/ZnO nanocomposite was therefore found to be the most effective therapy for MDR-isolated bacteria and offered promise for the treatment of MDR bacterial infections that cause diarrhea.