bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Existence and Stability of Infinite Time Blow-Up in the Keller–Segel System
Authors: Dávila Juan , del Pino Manuel , Dolbeault Jean , Musso Monica , Wei Juncheng
Published: June 2024

Perhaps the most classical diffusion model for chemotaxis is the Keller–Segel system We consider the critical mass case $$\int _{{\mathbb {R}}^2} u_0(x)\, \textrm{d}x = 8\pi $$

∫

R

2

u
0

(
x
)

d
x
=
8
π

, which corresponds to the exact threshold between finite-time blow-up and self-similar diffusion towards zero. We find a radial function $$u_0^*$$

u
0
∗

with mass $$8\pi $$

8
π

such that for any initial condition $$u_0$$

u
0

sufficiently close to $$u_0^*$$

u
0
∗

and mass $$8\pi $$

8
π

, the solution u(x, t) of ($$*$$

∗

) is globally defined and blows-up in infinite time. As $$t\rightarrow +\infty $$

t
→
+
∞

it has the approximate profile $$\begin{aligned} u(x,t) \approx \frac{1}{\lambda ^2(t)} U\left( \frac{x-\xi (t)}{\lambda (t)} \right) , \quad U(y)= \frac{8}{(1+|y|^2)^2}, \end{aligned}$$

u

(
x
,
t
)

≈

1

λ
2

(
t
)

U

x
-
ξ
(
t
)

λ
(
t
)

,

U

(
y
)

=

8

(
1
+
|
y
|

2

)

2

,

where $$\lambda (t) \approx \frac{c}{\sqrt{\log t}}$$

λ

(
t
)

≈

c

log
t

, $$\xi (t)\rightarrow q$$

ξ
(
t
)
→
q

for some $$c>0$$

c
>
0

and $$q\in {\mathbb {R}}^2$$

q
∈

R

2

. This result affirmatively answers the nonradial stability conjecture raised in Ghoul and Masmoudi (Commun Pure Appl Math 71:1957–2015, 2018).
The Schmidt Rank for the Commuting Operator Framework
Authors: van Luijk Lauritz , Schwonnek René , Stottmeister Alexander , Werner Reinhard F.
Published: June 2024

In quantum information theory, the Schmidt rank is a fundamental measure for the entanglement dimension of a pure bipartite state. Its natural definition uses the Schmidt decomposition of vectors on bipartite Hilbert spaces, which does not exist (or at least is not canonically given) if the observable algebras of the local systems are allowed to be general C*-algebras. In this work, we generalize the Schmidt rank to the commuting operator framework where the joint system is not necessarily described by the minimal tensor product but by a general bipartite algebra. We give algebraic and operational definitions for the Schmidt rank and show their equivalence. We analyze bipartite states and compute the Schmidt rank in several examples: the vacuum in quantum field theory, Araki–Woods-Powers states, as well as ground states and translation invariant states on spin chains which are viewed as bipartite systems for the left and right half chains. We conclude with a list of open problems for the commuting operator framework.
Evaluation of T2W FLAIR MR image quality using artificial intelligence image reconstruction techniques in the pediatric brain
Authors: Nagaraj Usha D. , Dillman Jonathan R. , Tkach Jean A. , Greer Joshua S. , Leach James L.
Published: June 2024

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) reconstruction techniques have the potential to improve image quality and decrease imaging time. However, these techniques must be assessed for safe and effective use in clinical practice.

Objective

To assess image quality and diagnostic confidence of AI reconstruction in the pediatric brain on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging.

Materials and methods

This prospective, institutional review board (IRB)-approved study enrolled 50 pediatric patients (median age=12 years, Q1=10 years, Q3=14 years) undergoing clinical brain MRI. T2-weighted (T2W) FLAIR images were reconstructed by both standard clinical and AI reconstruction algorithms (strong denoising). Images were independently rated by two neuroradiologists on a dedicated research picture archiving and communication system (PACS) to indicate whether AI increased, decreased, or had no effect on image quality compared to standard reconstruction. Quantitative analysis of signal intensities was also performed to calculate apparent signal to noise (aSNR) and apparent contrast to noise (aCNR) ratios.

Results

AI reconstruction was better than standard in 99% (reader 1, 49/50; reader 2, 50/50) for overall image quality, 99% (reader 1, 49/50; reader 2, 50/50) for subjective SNR, and 98% (reader 1, 49/50; reader 2, 49/50) for diagnostic preference. Quantitative analysis revealed significantly higher gray matter aSNR (30.6±6.5), white matter aSNR (21.4±5.6), and gray-white matter aCNR (7.1±1.6) in AI-reconstructed images compared to standard reconstruction (18±2.7, 14.2±2.8, 4.4±0.8, p<0.001) respectively.

Conclusion

We conclude that AI reconstruction improved T2W FLAIR image quality in most patients when compared with standard reconstruction in pediatric patients.
Molecular Characterization Reveals Biodiversity and Biopotential of Rhizobacterial Isolates of Bacillus Spp
Authors: Sagar Alka , Rai Shalini , Sharma Sonia , Perveen Kahkashan , Bukhari Najat A. , Sayyed R. Z. , Mastinu Andrea
Published: June 2024

Bacillus species appearas the most attractive plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and alternative to synthetic chemical pesticides. The present study examined the antagonistic potential of spore forming-Bacilli isolated from organic farm soil samples of Allahabad, India. Eighty-seven Bacillus strains were isolated and characterized based on their morphological, plant growth promoting traits and molecular characteristics. The diversity analysis used 16S-rDNA, BOX-element, and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus. Two strains, PR30 and PR32, later identified as Bacillus sp., exhibited potent in vitro antagonistic activity against Ralstonia solanaceorum. These isolates produced copious amounts of multiple PGP traits, such as indole-3-acetic acid (40.0 and 54.5 μg/mL), phosphate solubilization index (PSI) (4.4 and 5.3), ammonia, siderophore (3 and 4 cm), and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase (8.1and 9.2 μM/mg//h) and hydrogen cyanide. These isolates were subjected to the antibiotic sensitivity test. The two potent isolates based on the higher antagonistic and the best plant growth-promoting ability were selected for plant growth-promoting response studies in tomatoe, broccoli, and chickpea. In the pot study, Bacillus subtilis (PR30 and PR31) showed significant improvement in seed germination (27–34%), root length (20–50%), shoot length (20–40%), vigor index (50–75%), carotenoid content (0.543–1.733), and lycopene content (2.333–2.646 mg/100 g) in tomato, broccoli, and chickpea. The present study demonstrated the production of multiple plant growth-promoting traits by the isolates and their potential as effective bioinoculants for plant growth promotion and biocontrol of phytopathogens.
A hybrid Lagrangian–Eulerian model for vector-borne diseases
Authors: Gao Daozhou , Yuan Xiaoyan
Published: June 2024

In this paper, a multi-patch and multi-group vector-borne disease model is proposed to study the effects of host commuting (Lagrangian approach) and/or vector migration (Eulerian approach) on disease spread. We first define the basic reproduction number of the model, $$\mathcal {R}_0$$

R
0

, which completely determines the global dynamics of the model system. Namely, if $$\mathcal {R}_0 \le 1 $$

R
0

≤
1

, then the disease–free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable, and if $$\mathcal {R}_0 > 1 $$

R
0

>
1

, then there exists a unique endemic equilibrium which is globally asymptotically stable. Then, we show that the basic reproduction number has lower and upper bounds which are independent of the host residence times matrix and the vector migration matrix. In particular, nonhomogeneous mixing of hosts and vectors in a homogeneous environment generally increases disease persistence and the basic reproduction number of the model attains its minimum when the distributions of hosts and vectors are proportional. Moreover, $$\mathcal {R}_0$$

R
0

can also be estimated by the basic reproduction numbers of disconnected patches if the environment is homogeneous. The optimal vector control strategy is obtained for a special scenario. In the two-patch and two-group case, we numerically analyze the dependence of the basic reproduction number and the total number of infected people on the host residence times matrix and illustrate the optimal vector control strategy in homogeneous and heterogeneous environments.
Printing Protocol: Physical ZKPs for Decomposition Puzzles
Authors: Ruangwises Suthee , Iwamoto Mitsugu
Published: June 2024

Decomposition puzzles are pencil-and-paper logic puzzles that involve partitioning a rectangular grid into several regions to satisfy certain rules. In this paper, we construct a generic card-based protocol called printing protocol, which can be used to physically verify solutions of decompositon puzzles. We apply the printing protocol to develop card-based zero-knowledge proof protocols for two such puzzles: Five Cells and Meadows. These protocols allow a prover to physically show that he/she knows solutions of the puzzles without revealing them.
Jürgen Boeckh (1934–2023) and Vera Boeckh, née von Zwehl (1928–2022): pioneers of sensory physiology and neuroethology
Authors: Stengl Monika
Published: June 2024

Jürgen Boeckh, a respected pioneer of insect olfaction died shortly after his beloved wife Vera Boeckh, née von Zwehl, who pioneered insect vision. Both met in 1958, at the Zoological Institute in Munich. There, Jürgen worked in the group of his PhD advisor Dietrich Schneider, while Vera finished her PhD with Werner Jacobs before she joined the group of Hansjochem Autrum. There, Vera characterized the spectral sensitivity of bee photoreceptors, laying the physiological foundation of Karl von Frisch´s behavioral experiments with bee color vision. Meanwhile, Jürgen focused on the physiological characterization of insect antennal olfactory sensilla. In 1962 Vera and Jürgen married in Munich. Sadly, but characteristic of German woman at these times, Vera´s career ended after her marriage, while Jürgen moved with his mentor Schneider to the Max Planck Institute of Behavioral Physiology in Seewiesen near Munich, which became a famous cradle of insect neuroethology. Vera accompanied and supported her husband Jürgen´s career during his scientific Wanderschaft which ended in 1969, when Jürgen received a full professorship at the University of Regensburg. There, Jürgen became an accomplished German professor, focusing on insect olfaction from peripheral sensory transduction to information processing in the brain´s antennal lobe. After Jürgens retirement in 2000 they moved to Hopfen, Enzensberg near Füssen, where they enjoyed happy years together, before especially Vera´s health deteriorated. Both died shortly after one another during the Corona pandemic. We lost a remarkable couple of insect scientists that will be remembered as pioneers of sensory physiology and neuroethology.
Spectral reordering for faster elasticity simulations
Authors: Flor Alon , Aanjaneya Mridul
Published: June 2024

We present a novel method for faster physics simulations of elastic solids. Our key idea is to reorder the unknown variables according to the Fiedler vector (i.e., the second-smallest eigenvector) of the combinatorial Laplacian. It is well known in the geometry processing community that the Fiedler vector brings together vertices that are geometrically nearby, causing fewer cache misses when computing differential operators. However, to the best of our knowledge, this idea has not been exploited to accelerate simulations of elastic solids which require an expensive linear (or non-linear) system solve at every time step. The cost of computing the Fiedler vector is negligible, thanks to an algebraic Multigrid-preconditioned Conjugate Gradients (AMGPCG) solver. We observe that our AMGPCG solver requires approximately 1 s for computing the Fiedler vector for a mesh with approximately 50Kvertices or 100Ktetrahedra. Our method provides a speed-up between$$10\%$$10%–$$30\%$$30%at every time step, which can lead to considerable savings, noting that even modest simulations of elastic solids require at least 240 time steps. Our method is easy to implement and can be used as a plugin for speeding up existing physics simulators for elastic solids, as we demonstrate through our experiments using the Vega library and the ADMM solver, which use different algorithms for elasticity.
Inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H3 is a potential biomarker for disease activity in myasthenia gravis
Authors: Schroeter Christina B. , Nelke Christopher , Stascheit Frauke , Huntemann Niklas , Preusse Corinna , Dobelmann Vera , Theissen Lukas , Pawlitzki Marc , Räuber Saskia , Willison Alice , Vogelsang Anna , Marina Adela Della , Hartung Hans-Peter , Melzer Nico , Konen Felix F. , Skripuletz Thomas , Hentschel Andreas , König Simone , Schweizer Michaela , Stühler Kai , Poschmann Gereon , Roos Andreas , Stenzel Werner , Meisel Andreas , Meuth Sven G. , Ruck Tobias
Published: June 2024

Myasthenia gravis is a chronic antibody-mediated autoimmune disease disrupting neuromuscular synaptic transmission. Informative biomarkers remain an unmet need to stratify patients with active disease requiring intensified monitoring and therapy; their identification is the primary objective of this study. We applied mass spectrometry-based proteomic serum profiling for biomarker discovery. We studied an exploration and a prospective validation cohort consisting of 114 and 140 anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChR-Ab)-positive myasthenia gravis patients, respectively. For downstream analysis, we applied a machine learning approach. Protein expression levels were confirmed by ELISA and compared to other myasthenic cohorts, in addition to myositis and neuropathy patients. Anti-AChR-Ab levels were determined by a radio receptor assay. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence of intercostal muscle biopsies were employed for validation in addition to interactome studies of inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H3 (ITIH3). Machine learning identified ITIH3 as potential serum biomarker reflective of disease activity. Serum levels correlated with disease activity scores in the exploration and validation cohort and were confirmed by ELISA. Lack of correlation between anti-AChR-Ab levels and clinical scores underlined the need for biomarkers. In a subgroup analysis, ITIH3 was indicative of treatment responses. Immunostaining of muscle specimens from these patients demonstrated ITIH3 localization at the neuromuscular endplates in myasthenia gravis but not in controls, thus providing a structural equivalent for our serological findings. Immunoprecipitation of ITIH3 and subsequent proteomics lead to identification of its interaction partners playing crucial roles in neuromuscular transmission. This study provides data on ITIH3 as a potential pathophysiological-relevant biomarker of disease activity in myasthenia gravis. Future studies are required to facilitate translation into clinical practice.
Sustained inactivation of the Polycomb PRC1 complex induces DNA repair defects and genomic instability in epigenetic tumors
Authors: Rawal Chetan C. , Loubiere Vincent , Butova Nadejda L. , Gracia Juliette , Parreno Victoria , Merigliano Chiara , Martinez Anne-Marie , Cavalli Giacomo , Chiolo Irene
Published: June 2024

Cancer initiation and progression are typically associated with the accumulation of driver mutations and genomic instability. However, recent studies demonstrated that cancer can also be driven purely by epigenetic alterations, without driver mutations. Specifically, a 24-h transient downregulation of polyhomeotic (ph-KD), a core component of the Polycomb complex PRC1, is sufficient to induce epigenetically initiated cancers (EICs) in Drosophila, which are proficient in DNA repair and characterized by a stable genome. Whether genomic instability eventually occurs when PRC1 downregulation is performed for extended periods of time remains unclear. Here, we show that prolonged depletion of PH, which mimics cancer initiating events, results in broad dysregulation of DNA replication and repair genes, along with the accumulation of DNA breaks, defective repair, and widespread genomic instability in the cancer tissue. A broad misregulation of H2AK118 ubiquitylation and to a lesser extent of H3K27 trimethylation also occurs and might contribute to these phenotypes. Together, this study supports a model where DNA repair and replication defects accumulate during the tumorigenic transformation epigenetically induced by PRC1 loss, resulting in genomic instability and cancer progression.
First-line hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy plus lenvatinib and PD-(L)1 inhibitors versus systemic chemotherapy alone or with PD-(L)1 inhibitors in unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Lin Yan-Song , Li Shuo , Yang Xia , Guo Rong-Ping , Huang Yu-Hua , Bai Kun-Hao , Weng Jun , Yun Jing-Ping
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Limited treatment options exist for unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), with systemic chemotherapy (SC) serving as the primary approach. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of first-line hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) in combination with lenvatinib and PD-(L)1 inhibitors (HLP) compared to SC combined with PD-(L)1 inhibitors (SCP) or SC alone in treating unresectable ICC.

Methods

Patient with unresectable ICC who underwent first-line treatment with HLP, SCP or SC from January 2016 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The study evaluated and compared efficacy and safety outcomes across the three treatment groups.

Results

The study comprised 42, 49, and 50 patients in the HLP, SCP, and SC groups, respectively. Median progression-free survival (PFS) times were 30.0, 10.2, and 6.5 months for HLP, SCP, and SC groups. While the SC group had a median overall survival (OS) time of 21.8 months, the HLP and SCP groups hadn’t reached median OS. The HLP group demonstrated significantly superior PFS (p < 0.001) and OS (p = 0.014) compared to the others. Moreover, the HLP group exhibited the highest objective response rate (ORR) at 50.0% and the highest disease control rate (DCR) at 88.1%, surpassing the SC group (ORR, 6.0%; DCR, 52.0%) and SCP group (ORR, 18.4%; DCR, 73.5%) (p < 0.05). Generally, the HLP group reported fewer grades 3–4 adverse events (AEs) compared with others.

Conclusion

In contrast to systemic chemotherapy with or without PD-(L)1 inhibitors, the triple combination therapy incorporating HAIC, lenvatinib, and PD-(L)1 inhibitors showcased favorable survival benefits and manageable adverse events for unresectable ICC.
Trends over time in the deficit of (instrumental) activities of daily living in the Austrian population aged 65 years and older
Authors: Woldemariam Selam , Stein Viktoria K. , Haider Sandra , Dorner Thomas E.
Published: June 2024

Background

Difficulties in activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in older adults are associated with diminished quality of life and increased demand for long-term care. The present study examined the prevalence of disability among individuals aged 65 years and older in Austria, using data from the Austrian Health Interview Surveys (ATHIS).

Methods

The ATHIS 2014 and 2019 surveys were used (N = 5853) for the analysis. Binary logistic regression was performed to measure the association between disability in at least one ADL or IADL limitation and independent variables adjusted for sociodemographic, health-related behavior and survey year.

Results

The prevalence of ADL or IADL limitations increased in both sexes during the 5‑year follow-up period. For ADL limitations, the prevalence rose from 12.8% to 17.9% in men (p < 0.001) and from 19.2% to 25.7% in women (p < 0.001). The IADL limitations increased from 18.9% to 35.1% in men (p < 0.001) and from 38.2% to 50.8% in women (p < 0.001). Women reported significantly higher odds for ADL (odds ratio [OR]: 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93–1.26) and IADL limitations (OR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.53–1.98). In both sexes, participants aged 80 years and older reported higher odds for ADL (OR: 4.37, 95% CI:3.77–5.07) and IADL limitations (OR: 4.43, 95% CI: 3.86–5.09) compared to the younger group. Participants with at least one chronic disease reported higher odds for ADL (OR: 4.00, 95% CI: 3.41–4.70) and IADL limitations (OR: 4.37, 95% CI: 3.85–4.96). Primary education, single status, being born in non-EU/EFTA countries, and residing in Vienna were associated with higher odds of ADL and IADL limitations.

Conclusion

Gender, age, education, country of birth, residence, partnership status, number of chronic diseases, noncompliance with physical activity, and nutrition recommendations had a strong association with increased vulnerability to disability. Public health policy must address these factors for disability prevention strategies.
Exercise and diet support in breast and prostate cancer survivors: findings from focus groups
Authors: Dalla Via Jack , Andrew Christopher R. , Baguley Brenton J. , Stewart Nina , Hodgson Jonathan M. , Lewis Joshua R. , Stanley Mandy , Kennedy Mary A.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Cancer survival is improving, making optimal management of long-term treatment-related adverse effects increasingly important. Exercise and a healthy diet are beneficial and regularly recommended in cancer survivorship guidelines; however, few cancer survivors meet these recommendations so there is a need to explore why. This study aimed to understand experiences receiving exercise and diet support among Australian breast and prostate cancer survivors during and following treatment, and to explore what support they would like to receive.

Methods

Adults who completed active treatment for breast or prostate cancer were recruited via a private cancer care centre. Using a qualitative descriptive study design, participants attended in-person focus groups that were recorded, transcribed, then analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

In total, 26 cancer survivors (15 breast, 11 prostate) participated in one of seven focus groups (4 breast, 3 prostate). Two themes were developed: 1) It was just brushed over, and 2) Wanting more. Theme 1 reports that exercise, and especially diet, were rarely discussed. If they were, it was often limited to general recommendations. Theme 2 shows that participants wanted more specific and personalised support, and information about how exercise and/or diet could benefit their cancer treatment.

Conclusion

Despite strong interest in receiving personalised exercise and diet support, neither are routinely provided to Western Australian breast and prostate cancer survivors. If support was provided, there was inconsistency in the level and type of support provided. These findings identify important gaps in exercise and diet support provision to cancer survivors and will inform future strategies aiming to improve cancer survivorship care.
Could titanium screws be an appropriate disc stabilization technique in temporomandibular joint arthroscopy?
Authors: Martin-Granizo Rafael , González Luis Vicente , López Juan Pablo
Published: June 2024

Multiple techniques for disc fixation through temporomandibular joint arthroscopy have been described. They can be classified as non-rigid, semi-rigid, and rigid. They all offer different advantages and disadvantages, and some have greater difficulties than others. Currently, multiple modifications to the basic techniques have been described in order to facilitate the technique since disc fixation corresponds to one of the procedures that most require skill. However, each technique requires extensive evaluation and monitoring in order to avoid complications and find the benefits of each technique. For this reason, the objective of this letter to the editor is to discuss two situations observed in the previously described fixation technique with osteosynthesis screws. The first issue is the fixation mechanism, and the second is the fixation time. This is in order to continue searching for the truth among all to achieve the best results and the benefit of patients.
Does selective intraoperative music reduce pain following abdominal wall reconstruction? A double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Maskal Sara M. , Gentle Corey K. , Ellis Ryan C. , Tu Chao , Rosen Michael J. , Petro Clayton C. , Miller Benjamin T. , Beffa Lucas R. A. , Chang Jenny H. , Messer Nir , Melland-Smith Megan , Jeekel Johannes , Prabhu Ajita S.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Although intraoperative music is purported to mitigate postoperative pain after some procedures, its application has never been explored in abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR). We sought to determine whether intraoperative music would decrease early postoperative pain following AWR.

Methods

We conducted a placebo-controlled, patient-, surgeon-, and assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial at a single center between June 2022 and July 2023 including 321 adult patients undergoing open AWR with retromuscular mesh. Patients received noise-canceling headphones and were randomized 1:1 to patient-selected music or silence after induction, stratified by preoperative chronic opioid use. All patients received multimodal pain control. The primary outcome was pain (NRS-11) at 24 ± 3 h. The primary outcome was analyzed by linear regression with pre-specified covariates (chronic opioid use, hernia width, operative time, myofascial release, anxiety disorder diagnosis, and preoperative STAI-6 score).

Results

178 patients were randomized to music, 164 of which were analyzed. 177 were randomized to silence, 157 of which were analyzed. At 24 ± 3 h postoperatively, there was no difference in the primary outcome of NRS-11 scores (5.18 ± 2.62 vs 5.27 ± 2.46, p = 0.75). After adjusting for prespecified covariates, the difference of NRS-11 scores at 24 ± 3 h between the music and silence groups remained insignificant (p = 0.83). There was no difference in NRS-11 or STAI-6 scores at 48 ± 3 and 72 ± 3 h, intraoperative sedation, or postoperative narcotic usage.

Conclusion

For patients undergoing AWR, there was no benefit of intraoperative music over routine multimodal pain control for early postoperative pain reduction.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05374096.
Survival trend and outcome prediction for pediatric Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas based on machine learning
Authors: Zheng Yue , Zhang Chunlan , Sun Xu , Kang Kai , Luo Ren , Zhao Ailin , Wu Yijun
Published: June 2024

Pediatric Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas differ from adult cases in biology and management, yet there is a lack of survival analysis tailored to pediatric lymphoma. We analyzed lymphoma data from 1975 to 2018, comparing survival trends between 7,871 pediatric and 226,211 adult patients, identified key risk factors for pediatric lymphoma survival, developed a predictive nomogram, and utilized machine learning to predict long-term lymphoma-specific mortality risk. Between 1975 and 2018, we observed substantial increases in 1-year (19.3%), 5-year (41.9%), and 10-year (48.8%) overall survival rates in pediatric patients with lymphoma. Prognostic factors such as age, sex, race, Ann Arbor stage, lymphoma subtypes, and radiotherapy were incorporated into the nomogram. The nomogram exhibited excellent predictive performance with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.766, 0.724, and 0.703 for one-year, five-year, and ten-year survival, respectively, in the training cohort, and AUC values of 0.776, 0.712, and 0.696 in the validation cohort. Importantly, the nomogram outperformed the Ann Arbor staging system in survival prediction. Machine learning models achieved AUC values of approximately 0.75, surpassing the conventional method (AUC =  ~ 0.70) in predicting the risk of lymphoma-specific death. We also observed that pediatric lymphoma survivors had a substantially reduced risk of lymphoma after ten years b,ut faced an increasing risk of non-lymphoma diseases. The study highlights substantial improvements in pediatric lymphoma survival, offers reliable predictive tools, and underscores the importance of long-term monitoring for non-lymphoma health issues in pediatric patients.
Connected impacts: combining migration tracking data with species distribution models reveals the complex potential impacts of climate change on European bee-eaters
Authors: Abdul-Wahab Caoimhe , Costa Joana Santos , D’Mello Felicity , Häkkinen Henry
Published: June 2024

Climate change is a key driver of biodiversity loss in multiple ecosystems, which can act at multiple stages of a species life- and annual cycle. Identifying where, when, and how these impacts may happen is key to understanding, and planning for, the population-level effects of climate change. This study assesses how climate change will impact the breeding and non-breeding areas of the European Bee-eater Merops apiaster, a long-distance migratory bird, by combining correlative species distribution models with recent tracking data to account for population connectivity between breeding and non-breeding sites. The three populations studied (Iberian, German, and Bulgarian) demonstrated different levels of exposure to climate change, as well as different patterns of connectivity. The Iberian breeding population showed high exposure to climate change in both its breeding and non-breeding sites, which may result in significant, interacting impacts on this population. In contrast, breeding populations in Germany are likely to benefit from climate change, both in their breeding and non-breeding range. Connectivity also varied; while most populations demonstrated extremely high connectivity between breeding and non-breeding sites, the Iberian population was substantially more behaviourally flexible, indicating there may be some adaptive capacity of this population to change non-breeding sites if some become less suitable due to climate change. Incorporating breeding and non-breeding areas into species distribution modelling highlights how the impacts of climate change may combine into multiplicative impacts across a species’ annual cycle, and how combining methodologies and data sources can provide greater insight into the impact of climate change on migratory species and, in turn, inform conservation action.
A mixed methods investigation into GP attitudes and experiences of using social prescribing in their practice
Authors: Ajibade Ashley , Storry Victoria , Sewed Charlotte , Hodgson Jessica C.
Published: June 2024

Aim

Social prescribing (SP) enables clinicians to signpost patients to non-medical services in the community in order to support their psycho-social needs. SP has been promoted as a positive service delivery model for primary and community care; however, there are few data on the views of doctors working in this area on the effectiveness of SP and its implementation.

Subject and methods

This study used a mixed methods approach to examine attitudes and experiences of general practitioners (GPs) on their use of SP. GPs completed an online survey (n  = 102), provided narrative written responses (n  = 55) and took part in semi-structured interviews on the topic (n = 8).

Results

Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that 90% of respondents use SP in their practice, with significant factor loadings on six separate components. Thematic analysis revealed three main themes, which were then combined with the PCA components to derive overarching themes that underpin effective implementation of SP: (1) perceptions of effectiveness and efficacy of SP, (2) training and awareness, and (3) structure and operational delivery.

Conclusion

This study is one of the first to explore attitudes of doctors to SP. Whilst data shows that most respondents are supportive of SP in principle, the analysis also reveals that there are specific barriers that need to be overcome to enable effective implementation.
Environmental certifications in Brazilian aquaculture
Authors: Dolores-Salinas Euler , Miret-Pastor Lluís
Published: June 2024

Environmental certificates in aquaculture are becoming important market tools throughout the world. However, there are important regional and national differences, and Brazil, due to the low number of certified companies, deserves specific research. A preliminary analysis of the Brazilian aquaculture market shows a large market with strong growth and more than 25 cultivated species, but where 80% of the turnover is focused on tilapia, tambaqui, and white shrimp, primarily targeting the domestic market with very few exceptions to the external market. These particular conditions seem to explain the low number of certified aquaculture companies, even when compared to other countries in the region with similar or smaller aquaculture industries. This study interviewed managers from 80 companies in the Brazilian aquaculture production chain, including all certified companies. The results seem to be in line with previous studies conducted in different parts of the world. The main benefits associated with aquaculture certifications are access to new markets and production improvement, while the main barriers to certification are high costs, lack of awareness, bureaucracy, or lack of government support. Certified Brazilian aquaculture companies share similar characteristics among themselves but differ from most companies in Brazil; they are all large-scale firms, mainly related to tilapia production and oriented towards the international market. The low number of certified companies seems to be linked to the large demand for aquatic products in Brazil that even Brazilian aquaculture firms cannot satisfy.
The Effect of Sexual Counseling Based on PLISSIT and EX-PLISSIT Models on Sexual Function, Satisfaction, and Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cicek Ozdemir Sevil , Dogan Gangal Aliye , Senturk Erenel Ayten
Published: June 2024

This systematic review and meta-analysis study aimed to investigate the effect of sexual counseling based on PLISSIT (Permission, Limited Information, Specific Suggestions, and Intensive Therapy) and EX-PLISSIT models on sexual function, satisfaction, and quality of sexual life. We searched seven electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, Scopus, and PubMed). Studies published between January 1, 2010, and August 16, 2022, were included in the search. Eighteen articles were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. There was a significant difference in the sexual function scores of the PLISSIT and EX-PLISSIT groups and the comparison groups (standardized mean difference (SMD): 1.677; 95% CI 0.668, 2.686; p < 0.05) and “sexual and communication satisfaction” sub-dimension of sexual life quality (SMD: 0.748; 95% CI 0.022, 1.475; p < 0.05). There was no difference in the sexual satisfaction (SMD: 0.425; 95% CI − 0.335, 1.184; p > 0.05) and quality of sexual life scores of the PLISSIT and EX-PLISSIT groups and the comparison groups (SMD: − 0.09; 95% CI − 0.211, 0.032; p > 0.05). PLISSIT and EX-PLISSIT models-based sexual counseling on sexual function was affected by the moderator variables of the time of evaluation of the results after the intervention, type of comparison group, the study population, and by whom the intervention was applied. Sexual counseling based on the PLISSIT and EX-PLISSIT models improved sexual function scores and “sexual and communication satisfaction” sub-dimension of sexual life quality.
Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with metastatic breast cancer and leptomeningeal disease: a single center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Huppert Laura A. , Fisch Samantha , Tsopurashvili Elene , Somepalle Sai Sahitha , Salans Mia , Vasudevan Harish N. , Jo Chien A. , Majure Melanie , Rugo Hope S. , Balassanian Ronald , Boreta Lauren , Melisko Michelle E.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Leptomeningeal disease (LMD) is a devastating complication of metastatic breast cancer (MBC). It is critical to better understand the risk factors, natural history, and treatment outcomes, including patients in a modern cohort.

Methods

In this single center retrospective cohort study, we identified patients with MBC and LMD who received care from 2000 to 2024 and abstracted key clinical, treatment, and survival data.

Results

We identified 111 patients with MBC and LMD, including patients with the following subtypes: HR+/HER2− (n = 53, 47.7%), HER2+ (n = 30, 27.0%), and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC; n = 28, 25.2%). Median time from the diagnosis of MBC to LMD was 16.4 months (range 0–101.3 months). After the diagnosis of LMD, most patients received systemic therapy (n = 66, 59.5%) and/or central nervous system (CNS)-directed therapy (n = 94, 84.7%) including intrathecal therapy (n = 42, 37.8%) and/or CNS-directed radiation therapy (n = 70, 63.1%). In all patients, median overall survival (OS) from the diagnosis of LMD to death was 4.1 months (range 0.1–78.1 months) and varied by subtype, with HR+/HER2− or HER2+ MBC patients living longer than those with TNBC (4.2 and 6.8 months respectively vs. 2.0 months, p < 0.01, HR 2.15, 95% CI 1.36–3.39). Patients who received CNS-directed therapy lived longer than those who did not (4.2 vs. 1.3, p = 0.02 HR 0.54, 0.32–0.91). Patients diagnosed with LMD from 2015 to 2024 lived longer than those diagnosed from 2000 to 2014 (6.4 vs. 2.9 months, p = 0.04, HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.46–0.99). On multivariable analysis, having TNBC was associated with shorter OS from time of LMD to death (p = 0.004, HR 2.03, 95% CI 1.25–3.30).

Conclusion

This is one of the largest case series of patients with MBC and LMD. Patients diagnosed with LMD from 2015 to 2024 lived longer than those diagnosed from 2000 to 2014, although median OS was short overall. Patients with TNBC and LMD had particularly short OS. Novel therapeutic strategies for LMD remain an area of unmet clinical need.
Trait Neuroticism is Associated with how Often People Switch Between Emotion Regulation Strategies Used to Manage Negative Emotions in Daily Life
Authors: Daniel Katharine E. , Moulder Robert G. , Southward Matthew W. , Cheavens Jennifer S. , Boker Steven M.
Published: June 2024

Switching between different emotion regulation strategies may promote mental health by helping match strategy use to different situations. However, switching strategies very frequently might undermine any given regulation attempt. Individuals with high levels of self-reported neuroticism may have trouble finding the right balance of strategy switching versus persistence given increased negative emotionality and impulsivity; yet it is unclear whether this difficulty is characterized by too much switching, too little switching, or both. As such, we tested whether high or low rates of strategy switching within daily life was associated with trait neuroticism. We quantified how N = 89 college students switched between 20 strategies to regulate positive emotions and 20 strategies to regulate negative emotions when sampled three times daily for 10 days. We tested whether the linear or quadratic effects of strategy switching—when measured across all 20 positive emotion- or all 20 negative emotion-focused strategies, and within smaller classes of related strategies—were associated with neuroticism. We found that lower rates of switching amongst all strategies used to regulate negative emotions, and specifically amongst the adaptive engagement strategies, was associated with higher rates of neuroticism. Moderate switching amongst the aversive cognitive perseveration strategies, by contrast, was associated with higher neuroticism. Switching amongst strategies used to regulate positive emotions was not associated with neuroticism at the overall or class level. This pre-registered study suggests that neuroticism is associated with unique patterns of strategy switching in response to negative—but not necessarily positive—emotions in daily life.
The Tube Furnace with Online Mass Loss Measurement as a New Bench Scale Test for Pyrolysis
Authors: De Lannoye Karen , Belt Alexander , Reinecke Ernst-Arndt , Arnold Lukas
Published: June 2024

In this paper, a new gram scale experiment with well characterised boundary conditions is proposed for pyrolysis experiments. The set-up consists of a tube furnace, based on ISO19700, with a newly designed concept for a balance within the oven, allowing for online mass loss measurements. Samples with a length up to 50 cm can be investigated in this apparatus. The oven allows for experiments at fixed temperatures or at fixed heating rates, under controlled atmosphere, w.r.t. gas composition and flow rate. A thorough characterisation of the set-up is presented, including aspects like reproducibility of the heating rate or the precision of the balance. The functionality of the balance has been demonstrated with calcium carbonate (CaCO$$_{3}$$

3

) experiments. This material was chosen because it decomposes in a single reaction, which only releases CO$$_{2}$$

2

. This allows for comparison between the mass loss rate of the balance and the CO$$_{2}$$

2

production rate, measured by a gas analyser. Results for two different heating rates: 3 K/min and 5 K/min and for different masses (25 g and 8.5 g) are presented. The two measurement methods are in excellent agreement. Finally, the data obtained from the new experimental set-up is compared to results from thermogravimetric analyser (TGA) experiments.
A multi-tissue de novo transcriptome assembly and relative gene expression of the vulnerable freshwater salmonid Thymallus ligericus
Authors: Secci-Petretto Giulia , Weiss Steven , Gomes-dos-Santos André , Persat Henri , Machado André M. , Vasconcelos Inês , Castro L. Filipe C. , Froufe Elsa
Published: June 2024

Freshwater ecosystems are among the most endangered ecosystems worldwide. While numerous taxa are on the verge of extinction as a result of global changes and direct or indirect anthropogenic activity, genomic and transcriptomic resources represent a key tool for comprehending species' adaptability and serve as the foundation for conservation initiatives. The Loire grayling, Thymallus ligericus, is a freshwater European salmonid endemic to the upper Loire River basin. The species is comprised of fragmented populations that are dispersed over a small area and it has been identified as a vulnerable species. Here, we provide a multi-tissue de novo transcriptome assembly of T. ligericus. The completeness and integrity of the transcriptome were assessed before and after redundancy removal with lineage-specific libraries from Eukaryota, Metazoa, Vertebrata, and Actinopterygii. Relative gene expression was assessed for each of the analyzed tissues, using the de novo assembled transcriptome and a genome-based analysis using the available T. thymallus genome as a reference. The final assembly, with a contig N50 of 1221 and Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO) scores above 94%, is made accessible along with structural and functional annotations and relative gene expression of the five tissues (NCBI SRA and FigShare databases). This is the first transcriptomic resource for this species, which provides a foundation for future research on this and other salmonid species that are increasingly exposed to environmental stressors.
Effect of salinity stress and nitrogen depletion on growth, morphology and toxin production of freshwater cyanobacterium Microcoleus anatoxicus Stancheva & Conklin
Authors: Stancheva Rosalina , Brown Sydney , Boyer Gregory L. , Wei Bofan , Goel Ramesh , Henry Simone , Kristan Nathaniel V. , Read Betsy
Published: June 2024

Cyanobacterium Microcoleus anatoxicus, isolated from a coastal stream in northern California, produces both anatoxin-a (ATX) and dihydroanatoxin-a (dhATX), responsible for dog deaths, but its environmental preferences are unknown. We tested the effect of environmentally relevant stressors, e.g., salinity enrichment and nitrogen (N) depletion, on mat formation and toxicity of M. anatoxicus during the stationary growth phase in culture. Microcoleus anatoxicus showed broad salinity tolerance and the potential to enter estuaries and produce toxins in mesohaline conditions. Maximum growth was observed in oligohaline waters with salinity of 4.6 ppt. Moderate salinity stress (up to 7.8 ppt) did not affect dhATX production significantly. In contrast, higher salinity above 9.3 ppt had a detrimental effect on cell growth and significantly suppressed dhATX production. Formation of a common polysaccharide sheath covering multiple filaments was characteristic with increased salinity and may provide protection against osmotic stress. Microcoleus anatoxicus grown for 40 days in N-depleted medium formed mats with significantly elevated dhATX and increased ATX concentrations. Phycobilisome degradation was a possible acclimation response to N-limitation, as indicated by distinctly keritomized and pale cells in these cultures. In both experiments, most of the anatoxins were extracellular, probably due to toxin leaking during the stationary growth phase.
How can we understand and stimulate evidence-informed educational change? A scoping review from a systems perspective
Authors: Vanlommel K. , van den Boom-Muilenburg S. N.
Published: June 2024

Evidence-informed change (EIC) has gained attention recently because it is seen as a lever to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of educational change. Important questions are: how is EIC conceptualized, what counts as evidence, and what factors can support EIC in practice? Because of the complexity of EIC, we aimed to understand these factors from a systems perspective. Different parts of the educational system (e.g. policy, practice of teachers’ and school leaders, research) are interrelated and need to be aligned for effective and sustainable change. Based on our scoping review we propose a model that conceptualizes EIC, identifies and defines different sources of evidence, and discusses influencing factors describing a system's readiness and capacity for EIC. Our results are an important step forward in understanding and supporting EIC in practice and developing targeted policy. This article also defines a common ground for future research, bringing together insights in an integrated framework of evidence-informed change.
A review and classification of manufacturing ontologies
Authors: Sapel Patrick , Molinas Comet Lina , Dimitriadis Iraklis , Hopmann Christian , Decker Stefan
Published: June 2024

One core concept of Industry 4.0 is establishing highly autonomous manufacturing environments. In the vision of Industry 4.0, the product leads its way autonomously through the shopfloor by communicating with the production assets. Therefore, a common vocabulary and an understanding of the domain’s structure are mandatory, so foundations in the form of knowledge bases that enable autonomous communication have to be present. Here, ontologies are applicable since they define all assets, their properties, and their interconnection of a specific domain in a standardized manner. Reusing and enlarging existing ontologies instead of building new ontologies facilitates cross-domain and cross-company communication. However, the demand for reusing or enlarging existing ontologies of the manufacturing domain is challenging as no comprehensive review of present manufacturing domain ontologies is available. In this contribution, we provide a holistic review of 65 manufacturing ontologies and their classification into different categories. Based on the results, we introduce a priority guideline and a framework to support engineers in finding and reusing existent ontologies of a specific subdomain in manufacturing. Furthermore, we present 16 supporting ontologies to be considered in the ontology development process and eight catalogs that contain ontologies and vocabulary services.