bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural links from trait emotional intelligence to life satisfaction and depressive symptoms in women with breast cancer: post-traumatic responses as mediators
Authors: Cannavò Marco , Sanchez-Ruiz Maria-Jose , Barberis Nadia
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The diagnosis of a disease such as breast cancer (BC) can be experienced as a sudden, unexpected, and life-threatening event accompanied by considerable uncertainty. This experience can precipitate the development of post-traumatic symptoms and depression. Conversely, certain individuals exhibit the capacity to reframe this traumatic event and transform it into an opportunity for personal growth. Existing research shows that individuals with high trait emotional intelligence (trait EI) tend to experience fewer post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTS), and greater post-traumatic growth (PTG). The aim of this study was to investigate the interrelationship among these variables and specifically examine whether PTS and PTG play a mediating role between trait EI, depression, and life satisfaction.

Methods

Questionnaires were administered to 338 women with BC to assess trait EI, PTS, PTG, depression, and life satisfaction.

Results

Results highlighted that trait EI was negatively related to PTS and depression and positively related to PTG and life satisfaction. In addition, both PTS and PTG showed a mediating role in the relationship between trait EI, depression, and life satisfaction. This study highlights the close link between depressive symptoms and post-traumatic cognitions in women with BC.

Conclusion

Current findings highlight links between trait EI, PTS, PTG, depressive symptoms, and life satisfaction. Clinicians could use these findings when developing interventions aimed at alleviating PTS, such as low mood and worry, and facilitating PTG. This study demonstrated that trait EI can reduce PTS and increase PTG, therefore it is important to include programs aimed at fostering trait EI.
Liposomal bupivacaine versus conventional anesthetic or placebo for hemorrhoidectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Solis-Pazmino P. , Figueroa L. , La K. , Termeie O. , Oka K. , Schleicher M. , Cohen J. , Barnajian M. , Nasseri Y.
Published: January 2024

Background

Liposome bupivacaine (LB) is a long-acting anesthetic to enhance postoperative analgesia. Studies evaluating the efficacy of the LB against an active comparator (bupivacaine or placebo) on acute postoperative pain control in hemorrhoidectomy procedures are few and heterogeneous. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing LB’s analgesic efficacy and side effects to conventional/placebo anesthetic in hemorrhoidectomy patients.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials investigating the use of LB after haemorrhoidectomy. We searched the literature published from the time of inception of the datasets to August 19, 2022. The electronic databases included English publications in Ovid MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, and Scopus.

Results

A total of 338 patients who underwent a hemorrhoidectomy procedure enrolled in three randomized clinical trials were included. The overall mean age was 45.84 years (SD ± 11.43), and there was a male predominance (53.55% male). In total 194 patients (52.2%) received LB and 144 (47.8%) received either bupivacaine or placebo. Pain scores at 72 h in the LB (199, 266, and 300 mg) were significantly lower than in the bupivacaine HCl group (p = 0.002). Compared to the bupivacaine/placebo group, the time to first use of opioids in the LB group was significantly longer at LB 199 mg (11 h vs. 9 h), LB 266 mg (19 h vs. 9 h), and LB 300 mg (19 h vs. 8 h) (p < 0.05). Moreover, compared to the bupivacaine/epinephrine group, it was significantly lower in the LB 266 mg group (3.7 vs. 10.2 mg) and at LB 300 mg (13 vs. 33 mg) (p < 0.05). Finally, regarding adverse effects, the conventional anesthetic/placebo group reported more pain in bowel movement than LB groups (OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.31–5.16).

Conclusions

Comparing LB to conventional anesthetic/placebo anesthetic for hemorrhoidectomy, we found a statistically significant reduction in pain through 72 h, decreased opioid requirements, and delayed time to first opioid use. Moreover, the conventional anesthetic/placebo group reported more pain in bowel movement than LB groups.
Impact of heterozygous ALK1 mutations on the transcriptomic response to BMP9 and BMP10 in endothelial cells from hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and pulmonary arterial hypertension donors
Authors: Al Tabosh T. , Liu H. , Koça D. , Al Tarrass M. , Tu L. , Giraud S. , Delagrange L. , Beaudoin M. , Rivière S. , Grobost V. , Rondeau-Lutz M. , Dupuis O. , Ricard N. , Tillet E. , Machillot P. , Salomon A. , Picart C. , Battail C. , Dupuis-Girod S. , Guignabert C. , Desroches-Castan A. , Bailly S.
Published: January 2024

Heterozygous activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1) mutations are associated with two vascular diseases: hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) and more rarely pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Here, we aimed to understand the impact of ALK1 mutations on BMP9 and BMP10 transcriptomic responses in endothelial cells. Endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) and microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs) carrying loss of function ALK1 mutations were isolated from newborn HHT and adult PAH donors, respectively. RNA-sequencing was performed on each type of cells compared to controls following an 18 h stimulation with BMP9 or BMP10. In control ECFCs, BMP9 and BMP10 stimulations induced similar transcriptomic responses with around 800 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). ALK1-mutated ECFCs unexpectedly revealed highly similar transcriptomic profiles to controls, both at the baseline and upon stimulation, and normal activation of Smad1/5 that could not be explained by a compensation in cell-surface ALK1 level. Conversely, PAH HMVECs revealed strong transcriptional dysregulations compared to controls with > 1200 DEGs at the baseline. Consequently, because our study involved two variables, ALK1 genotype and BMP stimulation, we performed two-factor differential expression analysis and identified 44 BMP9-dysregulated genes in mutated HMVECs, but none in ECFCs. Yet, the impaired regulation of at least one hit, namely lunatic fringe (LFNG), was validated by RT-qPCR in three different ALK1-mutated endothelial models. In conclusion, ALK1 heterozygosity only modified the BMP9/BMP10 regulation of few genes, including LFNG involved in NOTCH signaling. Future studies will uncover whether dysregulations in such hits are enough to promote HHT/PAH pathogenesis, making them potential therapeutic targets, or if second hits are necessary.
Dual-language Learners’ Questions and Teacher Responses in Shared Reading in Preschool
Authors: Kucherenko Svitlana , Rydland Veslemøy , Grøver Vibeke
Published: January 2024

The current study used sequential analysis to examine dual-language learners’ (DLLs) questions and their relations to teacher responses in the context of small-group shared reading in preschool. Participants were 235 DLLs aged 3–5 years and 60 lead teachers from multiethnic preschool classrooms in Norway. Results showed that across four different books, children most often asked information-seeking questions (61–79%). Furthermore, children asked comprehension- and explanation-seeking questions more often than factseeking ones. Sequential analysis showed that the quality of teacher responses was highly dependent on the type of questions DLLs asked: preschool teachers consistently offered more extended and explanatory responses to DLLs’ comprehension- and explanation-seeking questions, compared to other types of questions. Our results suggest that in this way, children actively influence the extended talk they are exposed to during shared reading. Moreover, their questions offer possibilities for further back-and-forth exchanges about topics meaningful to DLLs.
Fires Following Earthquake Fragility Functions for Protected Steel Braced Frames
Authors: Covi Patrick , Tondini Nicola , Sarreshtehdari Amir , Elhami-Khorasani Negar
Published: January 2024

The paper describes the outcomes of the analysis of a steel braced frame protected with spray-applied fire resistive material and subjected to fires following earthquake (FFE). Nonlinear time-history analyses were performed in order to evaluate the seismic response. Then, the post-earthquake fire ignitions within selected compartments were considered based on the damage suffered by the structure, which was estimated according to the inter-storey drift ratio and floor acceleration. Natural fire curves were determined by means of zone models. Thus, compartmentation and opening characteristics were included in the analysis. Finally, thermomechanical analyses were completed and failure criteria based on the column and beam displacement and rate of displacement were investigated. The results of the probabilistic analyses were used to produce fragility functions to evaluate the probability of exceeding a limit state conditioned on an intensity measure in the context of FFE.
An exploratory prospective phase II study of preoperative neoadjuvant bevacizumab and temozolomide for newly diagnosed glioblastoma
Authors: Tanaka Toshihide , Tamura Ryota , Takei Jun , Morimoto Yukina , Teshigawara Akihiko , Yamamoto Yohei , Imai Ryotaro , Kuranari Yuki , Tohmoto Kyoichi , Hasegawa Yuzuru , Akasaki Yasuharu , Murayama Yuichi , Miyake Keisuke , Sasaki Hikaru
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This multi-institutional phase I/II study was conducted to confirm the safety and explore the clinical utility of preoperative Bevacizumab (Bev) for newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GB).

Methods

Patients were enrolled based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings typically suggestive of GB. Preoperative Bev and temozolomide (TMZ) were administered at doses of 10 mg/kg on day 0 and 150 mg/m2 on days 1–5, respectively. Surgical resection was performed between days 21 and 30, inclusive. The safety and efficacy were evaluated in a total of 15 cases by progression-free survival (PFS), changes in tumor volume, Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores after preoperative therapy.

Results

Tumor resection was performed on a mean of day 23.7. Pathological diagnosis was GB, isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-wildtype in 14 cases and GB, IDH-mutant in 1 case. Severe adverse events possibly related to preoperative Bev and TMZ were observed in 2 of the 15 patients, as wound infection and postoperative hematoma and thrombocytopenia. KPS and MMSE scores were significantly improved with preoperative therapy. Tumor volume was decreased in all but one case on T1-weighted imaging with contrast-enhancement (T1CE) and in all cases on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, with mean volume decrease rates of 36.2% and 54.0%, respectively. Median PFS and overall survival were 9.5 months and 16.5 months, respectively.

Conclusion

Preoperative Bev and TMZ is safe as long as the instructions are followed. The strategy might be useful for GB in some patients, not only reducing tumor burden, but also improving patient KPS preoperatively.

Trial Registration Number: UMIN000025579, jRCT1031180233 https://jrct.niph.go.jp/latest-detail/jRCT1031180233. Registration Date: Jan. 16, 2017
Social and seismic structural vulnerability in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico
Authors: Novelo-Casanova David A. , Suárez Gerardo
Published: January 2024

The spatial distribution of the social and seismic structural vulnerabilities in Zihuatanejo (ZIH), Guerrero, Mexico, was estimated. Social vulnerability was assessed considering twelve indicators, including parameters such as access to health services, education, housing, employment, and unfavorable family conditions. Seismic structural vulnerability was evaluated characterizing the structural features of local houses, assessing the type and age of construction, and the quality of building materials. Surveyed households were randomly selected from a statistically significant sample. Our findings indicate that in the western and eastern areas of ZIH the population has high and very high social vulnerability. The main factors that condition these levels of social vulnerability are low-income, female-headed families, and households with marginal access to information technology, such as internet and telephone. Although seismic ground amplification in ZIH is relatively low, the regions to the west and southwest of the city are zones where the impact of strong earthquakes to constructions may be greater than in other areas. In particular, the districts of Lázaro Cárdenas, Benito Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, Emiliano Zapata, Las Mesas, Buenos Aires, Lomas del Quebrachal, and Lomas del Riscal would be affected. In general, houses vulnerable to the impact of earthquakes are in regions where the population is socially more vulnerable. More than 50% of the population and 30% of the houses have high and very high level of social and structural vulnerability, respectively. Our results provide information to the local and federal authorities to strengthen their civil protection and mitigation plans.
Digital product passports as enablers of digital circular economy: a framework based on technological perspective
Authors: Voulgaridis Konstantinos , Lagkas Thomas , Angelopoulos Constantinos Marios , Boulogeorgos Alexandros-Apostolos A. , Argyriou Vasileios , Sarigiannidis Panagiotis
Published: January 2024

Taking into consideration the existing Industry 4.0 infrastructures and the rise of Industry 5.0 (I5.0), more and more solutions are being developed, aiming towards increased environmental consciousness through advanced technologies, and human centricity. However, there are ongoing requirements on data traceability, and access to the related actors, to ensure the establishment of sustainable solutions, within the context of a digital circular economy (DCE) environment. Digital product passports (DPPs) constitute such novel technological solution that can enable the transition toward DCE and sustainable I4.0 and I5.0, as digital identities that are assigned to physical products, capable of tracing their lifecycles through data such as their technical specifications, usage instructions, and repair and maintenance information. Although the respective research community has started providing a thorough analysis of DPPs potential to constitute a CE enabler, their technical requirements are still unclear. As part of our contribution to this issue, we propose a fundamental CE framework with integrated DPP characteristics, with the potential of being adapted in different sector stages for the generation and distribution of DPPs both for stakeholders and consumers. The corresponding solution is further supported through a systematic literature review that follows a technological approach to the DPPs implementation.
A Novel Strategic Water Loss Management Model and Its Optimization with Harris Hawk Algorithm
Authors: Bozkurt Cansu , Ates Abdullah , Fırat Mahmut , Yılmaz Salih , Özdemir Özgür
Published: January 2024

Water loss management (WLM) in water distribution systems (WDSs) is generally time consuming, costly and difficult. Therefore, the most appropriate methodology should be defined based on the current status, requirements and technical capacity of the utilities. In this study, a novel WLM model was developed to improve the WLM practices, to define the most appropriate and applicable targets and to determine the components that need to be improved primarily using the Harris Hawk Optimization (HHO) algorithm. Firstly, a total of 144 components in the CSAS proposed by Bozkurt et al. (Welcome Sigma J Eng Natural Sci 40:1–13, 2022b) are scored in three utilities. The averages of current scores in utilities are 3.4167, 2.9792 and 1.1597, respectively. Then the most appropriate targets were defined with the optimization algorithm by considering the current situation and the dynamic structure of utility. The target scores defined by optimization model in utilities are 4.4097, 4.3958 and 3.2292, respectively. This novel model will contribute to the prevention of time-consuming and costly processes by determining the most appropriate progress. It is thought that this study will provide significant benefits for creating a road map for practitioners in WLM.
EPR Monitoring of Oxygenation Levels in Tumors After Chlorophyllide-Based Photodynamic Therapy May Allow for Early Prediction of Treatment Outcome
Authors: Szczygieł Małgorzata , Kalinowska Barbara , Szczygieł Dariusz , Krzykawska-Serda Martyna , Fiedor Leszek , Murzyn Aleksandra Anna , Sopel Justyna , Matuszak Zenon , Elas Martyna
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Molecular oxygen, besides a photosensitizer and light of appropriate wavelength, is one of the three factors necessary for photodynamic therapy (PDT). In tumor tissue, PDT leads to the killing of tumor cells, destruction of endothelial cells and vasculature collapse, and the induction of strong immune responses. All these effects may influence the oxygenation levels, but it is the vasculature changes that have the main impact on pO2. The purpose of our study was to monitor changes in tumor oxygenation after PDT and explore its significance for predicting long-term treatment response.

Procedures

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy enables direct, quantitative, and sequential measurements of partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) in the same animal. The levels of chlorophyll derived photosensitizers in tumor tissue were determined by transdermal emission measurements.

Results

The noninvasive monitoring of pO2 in the tumor tissue after PDT showed that the higher ΔpO2 (pO2 after PDT minus pO2 before PDT), the greater the inhibition of tumor growth. ΔpO2 also correlated with higher levels of the photosensitizers in the tumor and with the occurrence of a severe edema/erythema after PDT.

Conclusion

Monitoring of PDT-induced changes in tumor oxygenation is a valuable prognostic factor and could be also used to identify potentially resistant tumors, which is important in predicting long-term treatment response.
Forensically relevant anatomical brain regions cannot be sub-differentiated by RNA expression analysis
Authors: Euteneuer Jan , Moitinho-Silva Lucas , Courts Cornelius
Published: January 2024

The contextualization of biological traces generated by severe head injuries can be beneficial for criminal investigations. Here we aimed to identify and validate mRNA candidates for a robust sub-differentiation of forensically and traumatologically relevant brain regions. To this purpose, massively parallel sequencing of whole transcriptomes in sample material taken from four different areas of the cerebral cortex (frontal, temporal, parietal, occipital lobe) was performed, followed by bioinformatical data analysis, classification, and biostatistical candidate selection. Candidates were evaluated by Multiplex-RT-PCR and capillary electrophoresis. Only a weak relative upregulation and solely for candidates expressed in the parietal lobe was observed. Two candidates with upregulation in the cerebellar region (PVALB and CDR2L) were chosen for further investigation; however, PVALB could not reliably and repeatedly be detected in any lobe whereas CDR2L was detectable in all lobes. Consequently, we suggest that differences in mRNA expression between four regions of the cerebral cortex are too small and less pronounced to be useful for and applicable in forensic RNA analysis. We conclude that sub-differentiation of these brain regions via RNA expression analysis is generally not feasible within a forensic scope.
Elevation Changes in Restored Marshes at Poplar Island, Chesapeake Bay, MD: I. Trends and Drivers of Spatial Variability
Authors: Staver Lorie W. , Morris James T. , Cornwell Jeffrey C. , Stevenson J. Court , Nardin William , Hensel Philippe , Owens Michael S. , Schwark Amanda
Published: January 2024

Tidal marshes provide numerous ecosystem services, but are threatened by recent increases in global sea level rise (SLR). Marsh restoration and creation are important strategies for mitigating marsh loss, restoring ecosystem services, increasing coastal community resilience, and providing much needed habitat for threatened species. Dredged material resulting from navigation channel maintenance can provide a substrate for these restoration projects. Few studies, however, have addressed the sustainability of these marshes. The Paul S. Sarbanes Ecosystem Restoration Project at Poplar Island, where fine-grained, nutrient-rich dredged material from upper Chesapeake Bay is being used to create > 302 ha of tidal marshes, provides a case study. The low supply of inorganic sediment is counteracted by abundant nutrients, stimulating high rates of organic matter production and elevation change. Using > 10 years of data from 39 surface elevation tables, we found that the mean low marsh rate of elevation change (7.7 ± 3.21 mm year−1) was double the mean high marsh rate (3.6 ± 0.47 mm year−1) and exceeded the natural reference marsh (3.0 ± 2.28 mm year−1) and relative SLR (5.7 mm year−1). By stimulating organic matter production, the high nutrient substrate appears to offset the low inorganic sediment inputs in mid-Chesapeake Bay. Spatial variability was correlated with initial elevation, but was also influenced by local factors that may affect sediment redistribution within the marshes.
Comparison of fatigue test results of high-strength steel DED-Arc specimens with milled and unmilled surfaces
Authors: Müller Johanna , Dastgerdi Jairan Nafar , Hensel Jonas
Published: January 2024

The surface characteristics of direct energy deposition (DED)-Arc specimens have been previously explored, revealing the dual effect of the surface topography on fatigue strength. This effect includes a reduction in the nominal load-bearing cross-section due to the waviness of the surface and the initiation of fatigue cracks at combined geometric and metallurgical notches from the surface. To complement these findings, this study focuses on the fatigue life and crack initiation of milled DED-Arc samples, e.g., after removal of the geometric notches. Fatigue tests on DED-Arc specimens validate the impact of surface topography on fatigue strength, emphasizing the significance of surface characteristics in determining structural integrity. The additional tests conducted on milled surfaces provide insights into the failure mechanisms specific to these samples. Fracture surface analysis, microstructure characterization, and hardness measurements are performed. For both surface conditions, cracks originate in the interlayer zone, where local hardness is reduced. In unmilled specimens, this is due to the stress concentration effect, and in milled samples, this is due to softened interlayer zones. The fatigue life of milled specimens is comparatively high, demonstrating the importance of optimizing surface characteristics for improved fatigue resistance.

Highlights

1. Both, unmilled and milled specimens, show crack origins in the interlayer areas. For unmilled specimens, this is because of the local stress concentration in the notch; for milled specimens, it was shown that soft zones between the layers act as the weakest link.

2. The fatigue strength of unmilled test coupons is significantly lower than those of milled specimens.

3. Unmilled samples exhibit multiple crack origins.
Optimal assessment of the glomerular filtration rate in older chinese patients using the equations of the Berlin Initiative Study
Authors: Yang Yue , Jiao Yuan-yuan , Zhang Zheng , Di Ding-xin , Zhang Dan-yang , Jiang Shi-min , Zhou Jia-hui , Li Wen-ge
Published: January 2024

Aim

To evaluate the performances of the various estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equations of the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration, the Berlin Initiative Study (BIS), and the Full Age Spectrum (FAS) in older Chinese.

Methods

This study enrolled Chinese adults aged ≥ 65 years who underwent GFR measurements (via 99Tcm-DTPA renal dynamic imaging) in our hospital from 2011 to 2022. Using the measured glomerular filtration rate (mGFR) as the reference, we derived the bias, precision, accuracy, and consistency of each equation.

Results

We enrolled 519 participants, comprising 155 with mGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and 364 with mGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. In the total patients, the BIS equation based on creatinine and cystatin C (BIScr-cys) exhibited the lowest bias [median (95% confidence interval): 1.61 (0.77–2.18)], highest precision [interquartile range 11.82 (10.32–13.70)], highest accuracy (P30: 81.12%), and best consistency (95% limit of agreement: 101.5 mL/min/1.73 m2). In the mGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 subgroup, the BIScr-cys and FAS equation based on creatinine and cystatin C (FAScr-cys) performed better than the other equations; in the mGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 subgroup, all equations exhibited relatively large deviations from the mGFR. Of all eight equations, the BIScr-cys performed the best.

Conclusions

Although no equation was fully accurate in the mGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 subgroup, the BIScr-cys (of the eight equations) assessed the eGFRs of the entire population best. A new equation is urgently required for older Chinese and even East Asians, especially those with moderate-to-severe renal insufficiency.
Δ–Springer varieties and Hall–Littlewood polynomials
Authors: Griffin Sean T.
Published: January 2024

The$\Delta $-Springer varieties are a generalization of Springer fibers introduced by Levinson, Woo and the author that have connections to the Delta Conjecture from algebraic combinatorics. We prove a positive Hall–Littlewood expansion formula for the graded Frobenius characteristic of the cohomology ring of a$\Delta $-Springer variety. We do this by interpreting the Frobenius characteristic in terms of counting points over a finite field$\mathbb {F}_q$and partitioning the$\Delta $-Springer variety into copies of Springer fibers crossed with affine spaces. As a special case, our proof method gives a geometric meaning to a formula of Haglund, Rhoades and Shimozono for the Hall–Littlewood expansion of the symmetric function in the Delta Conjecture at$t=0$.
A data-driven quasi-linear approximation for turbulent channel flow
Authors: Holford Jacob J. , Lee Myoungkyu , Hwang Yongyun
Published: January 2024

A data-driven implementation of a quasi-linear approximation is presented, extending a minimal quasi-linear approximation (MQLA) (Hwang & Ekchardt, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 894, 2020, p. A23) to incorporate non-zero streamwise Fourier modes. A data-based approach is proposed, matching the two-dimensional wavenumber spectra for a fixed spanwise wavenumber between a direct numerical simulation (DNS) (Lee & Moser, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 774, 2015, pp. 395–415) and that generated by the eddy viscosity enhanced linearised Navier–Stokes equations at

$Re_\tau \approx 5200$

, where

$Re_\tau$

is the friction Reynolds number. Leveraging the self-similar nature of the energy-containing part in the DNS velocity spectra, a universal self-similar streamwise wavenumber weight is determined for the linearised fluctuation equations at

$Re_\tau \simeq ~5200$

. The data-driven quasi-linear approximation (DQLA) provides noteworthy enhancements in the wall-normal and spanwise turbulence intensity profiles. It exhibits a qualitatively similar structure in the spanwise wavenumber velocity spectra compared with the MQLA. Additionally, the DQLA offers extra statistical outputs in the streamwise wavenumber coordinates, enabling a comprehensive global analysis of this modelling approach. By comparing the DQLA results with DNS results, the limitations of the presented framework are discussed, mainly pertaining to the lack of the streak instability (or transient growth) mechanism and energy cascade from the linearised model. The DQLA is subsequently employed over a range of Reynolds numbers up to

$Re_\tau = 10^5$

. Overall, the turbulence statistics and spectra produced by the DQLA scale consistently with the available DNS and experimental data, with the Townsend–Perry constants displaying a mild Reynolds dependence (Hwang, Hutchins & Marusic, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 933, 2022, p. A8). The scaling behaviour of the turbulence intensity profiles deviates away from the classic

$\ln (Re_\tau )$

scaling, following the inverse centreline velocity scaling for the higher Reynolds numbers.
High starch intake favours body weight control in neutered and spayed cats living in homes fed ad libitum
Authors: Goloni Camila , Pacheco Letícia G. , Luis Letícia W. , Theodoro Stephanie S. , Scarpim Lucas B. , Dalpubel Daniela , Rosenburg Meire Gallo , Jeusette Isabelle C. , Torre Celina , Pereira Gener T. , Carciofi Aulus C.
Published: January 2024

Different starch-to-protein ratios were compared among neutered and spayed domiciled cats. Male and female obese and non-obese cats were fed kibble diets ad libitum for 4 months high in starch (HS (38 % crude protein (CP)): starch 32 %, protein 38 %; DM basis) or high in protein (HP (55 % CP): starch 19 %, protein 55 %) but similar in energy and fat in a crossover design. Physical activity was evaluated using an accelerometer, and body composition (BC), energy expenditure (EE) and water turnover (WT) using the doubly labelled water method. Results were compared in a 2 diet × 2 sex × 2 body condition factorial arrangement. Cats fed the HS (38 % CP) diet maintained a constant body weight, but lean mass (LM) tended to be reduced in female obese but to be increased in male non-obese (P < 0·08) and increased in female non-obese cats (P = 0·01). The HP (55 % CP) diet induced an increase in cat body weight and LM (P < 0·05) without altering BC proportion. EE tended to be higher in males (351 (se 8) kJ/kg0·67/d) than females (330 (se 8) kJ/kg0·67/d; P = 0·06), was unaffected by diet or BC, decreased as age increased (R
2
0·44; P < 0·01) and increased as physical activity increased (R
2
0·58; P < 0·01). WT was higher for the HP (55 % CP) diet (P < 0·01) and increased with EE (R
2
0·65; P < 0·01). The HS (38 % CP) diet favoured body weight control during 4 months of ad libitum feeding. Caution is necessary to balance protein in diets of female obese cats over 5 years, as they may have low energy and food intake, with LM loss.
Complexity of needs in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients using the ENP-E scale in the north-eastern region of Spain
Authors: Castro-Rodriguez Emilia , Azagra-Ledesma Rafael , Gómez-Batiste Xavier , Aguyé-Batista Amada , Clemente-Azagra Carlos , Díaz-Herrera Miguel Angel
Published: January 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients in Spain’s north-eastern region, their inclusion in chronic care programmes, and their psychosocial and spiritual needs (PSNs).

Methods

A longitudinal descriptive study in adult patients with ALS. We analyzed clinical variables and participation in chronicity and PSNs assessment using the tool Psychosocial and Spiritual Needs Evaluation scale in end-of-life patients (ENP-E scale).

Results

81 patients (average age 65.6 ± 11.7) were studied. At the study’s outset, 29.7% employed non-invasive ventilation (NIV), increasing to 51.9% by its conclusion. Initial percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) utilization was 14.8%, rising to 35.85%. Chronic care programme participation was as follows: home care (24.7% initially, 50.6% end), palliative care (16% initially, 40.7% end), case management (13.6% initially, 50.6% end), and advance care planning registration (6.2% initially, 35.8% end). At study start, 47.8% of patients (n = 46) showed moderate-to-severe complexity in PSNs assessment using the ENP-E scale, without showing differences in age, sex, and time of evolution; whereas, on the evolutionary analysis, it was 75% (n = 24). A higher evolutionary complexity was observed in males <60 and >70 years, with no PEG and evolution of ALS of <2 and ≥5 years, and not included in chronicity programmes. When assessing concerns, physical pain and family aspects stand out in all measurements. Forty-eight percent of patients at study start and 71% at end of study showed external signs of emotional distress.

Significance of results

Most ALS patients showed a high degree of complexity and were not integrated in chronicity programmes. A “care path” is proposed to integrate ALS patients in these programmes and systematically assess their needs.
Corticosteroid fear in parents of children with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Brunner Corinne , Theiler Martin , Znoj Hansjörg , Schwieger-Briel Agnes , Luchsinger Isabelle , Weibel Lisa , Seliner Brigitte
Published: January 2024

Abstract: Background: Topical corticosteroids (TCS) are the mainstay of therapy for paediatric atopic dermatitis (AD). The use of TCS is often met with fear by parents. Assessing this parental TCS fear in clinical practice is still lacking. Aim: The aim was to assess parental fear and beliefs about TCS. Furthermore, we evaluated the quality of life (QoL) of the family and the disease severity of affected children. Methods: We conducted an observational study with a cross-sectional design. Inclusion criteria were children aged 0 to 5 years with a diagnosis of AD and outpatient treatment. The outcome measures were parental fears and beliefs about TCS, assessed with the “Topical Corticosteroid Phobia Score” (TOPICOP), parental QoL evaluated with the “Family Dermatology Life Quality Index”, and disease severity, assessed with the “Scoring atopic dermatitis” (SCORAD). Descriptive statistic was used to analyse the data. Results: The current study found that in 40 affected children, 25 (62.5%), suffered from mild AD, 12 (30%) children had moderate AD, and 3 (7.5%) children had severe AD. TCS fear among parents was notable (mean TOPICOP score 18.1, standard deviation (SD) 7.1). The QoL was moderately affected (mean FDLQI score 6.5, SD 2.8). Conclusions: Our study indicates that fear of TCS is prevalent. Furthermore, our data indicate that severity of TCS fear varies markedly between parents, ranging from parents with almost no fear to parents with high levels of fear. For effective education in clinical practice, the individual level of fear must be recognized and taken into account.
Inanspruchnahme von Unterstützungs- und Entlastungsdiensten für Eltern pflegebedürftiger Kinder
Authors: Nickel Stefan , Dingoyan Demet , Cebulla David , Högl Henriette , Mund Annette , Fuchs Birgit , Jackel-Neusser Kathrin , Kofahl Christopher
Published: January 2024

Zusammenfassung: Hintergrund: Eltern pflegebedürftiger Kinder in Deutschland können auf eine Vielzahl von Entlastungs- und Unterstützungsdiensten zurückgreifen. Bislang fehlen jedoch systematische Untersuchungen und quantitative Daten zur Inanspruchnahme solcher Angebote auf der individuellen Ebene der Eltern und anderen Erziehungsberechtigten. Fragestellung/Ziel: Die Studie zur Vereinbarkeit von Pflege und Beruf für Eltern mit einem pflegebedürftigen Kind (FamBer; Förderung: Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend) untersucht das Wissen um Entlastungs- und Unterstützungsdienste, deren Inanspruchnahme sowie den erlebten Nutzen dieser Angebote. Methoden: 1070 Eltern haben in der querschnittlichen Studie einen Online-Fragebogen beantwortet, der u.a. auf Basis der Kindernetzwerkstudie 2 aus dem Jahr 2013 sowie dem Sozio-oekonomischen Panel (SOEP) entwickelt wurde. Neben deskriptiven Analysen wurden Gruppenvergleiche mittels Chi2, Mann-Whitney U oder Kruskal-Wallis H-Test durchgeführt. Ergebnisse: 43 bis 58% der Eltern kennen die jeweiligen gesetzlichen Möglichkeiten zur Freistellung von beruflichen Tätigkeiten, genutzt werden sie jedoch nur von den wenigsten Familien. Weitere Unterstützungsangebote unterscheiden sich deutlich in Bekanntheitsgrad und Inanspruchnahme; diese variieren mit der Bildung der Eltern und dem Versorgungsbedarf des Kindes. Die genutzten Beratungsangebote werden als vergleichsweise wenig hilfreich wahrgenommen. Schlussfolgerungen: Aufgrund des Studiendesigns können wir nicht ausschließen, dass die Befunde auch auf persönlichen Eigenschaften der Eltern und ihrem Lebensumfeld beruhen. Dennoch ist eine Vielzahl an Problemen (z.B. Informationsmangel, geringe Inanspruchnahme, Unwirksamkeit von Angeboten) zu erkennen, die es zu bewältigen gilt.
Change in neighborhood socioeconomic status and childhood weight status and body composition from birth to adolescence
Authors: Zhou Shuang , Raat Hein , You Yueyue , Santos Susana , van Grieken Amy , Wang Haijun , Yang-Huang Junwen
Published: January 2024

Background

We aim to assess the associations between the change in neighborhood socioeconomic score (SES) between birth and 6 years and childhood weight status and body composition from 6 to 13 years.

Methods

Data for 3909 children from the Generation R Study, a prospective population-based cohort in the Netherlands were analyzed. The change in neighborhood SES between birth and 6 years was defined as static-high, static-middle, static-low, upward, and downward mobility. Child body mass index (BMI), overweight and obesity (OWOB), fat mass index (FMI) and lean mass index (LMI) were measured at age 6, 10, and 13 years. The associations were explored using generalized estimating equations. The effect modification by child sex was examined.

Results

In total, 19.5% and 18.1% of children were allocated to the upward mobility and downward mobility neighborhood SES group. The associations between the change in neighborhood SES and child weight status and body composition were moderated by child sex (p < 0.05). Compared to girls in the static-high group, girls in the static-low group had relatively higher BMI-SDS (β, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.24, 0.09–0.40) and higher risk of OWOB (RR, 95% CI: 1.98, 1.35–2.91), together with higher FMI-SDS (β, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.14–0.41) and LMI-SDS (β, 95% CI: 0.18, 0.03–0.33). The associations in boys were not significant.

Conclusions

An increased BMI and fat mass, and higher risk of OWOB from 6 to 13 years were evident in girls living in a low-SES neighborhood or moving downward from a high- to a low-SES neighborhood. Support for children and families from low-SES neighborhoods is warranted.
Determinants of lenalidomide response with or without erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in myelodysplastic syndromes: the HOVON89 trial
Authors: van de Loosdrecht A. A. , Cremers E. M. P. , Alhan C. , Duetz C. , in ’t Hout F. E. M. , Visser-Wisselaar H. A. , Chitu D. A. , Verbrugge A. , Cunha S. M. , Ossenkoppele G. J. , Janssen J. J. W. M. , Klein S. K. , Vellenga E. , Huls G. A. , Muus P. , Langemeijer S. M. C. , de Greef G. E. , te Boekhorst P. A. W. , Raaijmakers M. H. G. , van Marwijk Kooy M. , Legdeur M. C. , Wegman J. J. , Deenik W. , de Weerdt O. , van Maanen-Lamme T. M. , Jobse P. , van Kampen R. J. W. , Beeker A. , Wijermans P. W. , Biemond B. J. , Tanis B. C. , van Esser J. W. J. , Schaar C. G. , Noordzij-Nooteboom H. S. , Jacobs E. M. G. , de Graaf A. O. , Jongen-Lavrencic M. , Stevens-Kroef M. J. P. L. , Westers T. M. , Jansen J. H.
Published: January 2024

A randomized phase-II study was performed in low/int-1 risk MDS (IPSS) to study efficacy and safety of lenalidomide without (arm A) or with (arm B) ESA/G-CSF. In arm B, patients without erythroid response (HI-E) after 4 cycles received ESA; G-CSF was added if no HI-E was obtained by cycle 9. HI-E served as primary endpoint. Flow cytometry and next-generation sequencing were performed to identify predictors of response. The final evaluation comprised 184 patients; 84% non-del(5q), 16% isolated del(5q); median follow-up: 70.7 months. In arm A and B, 39 and 41% of patients achieved HI-E; median time-to-HI-E: 3.2 months for both arms, median duration of-HI-E: 9.8 months. HI-E was significantly lower in non-del(5q) vs. del(5q): 32% vs. 80%. The same accounted for transfusion independency-at-week 24 (16% vs. 67%), but similar in both arms. Apart from presence of del(5q), high percentages of bone marrow lymphocytes and progenitor B-cells, a low number of mutations, absence of ring sideroblasts, and SF3B1 mutations predicted HI-E. In conclusion, lenalidomide induced HI-E in patients with non-del(5q) and del(5q) MDS without additional effect of ESA/G-CSF. The identified predictors of response may guide application of lenalidomide in lower-risk MDS in the era of precision medicine. (EudraCT 2008-002195-10).
Doses of fluoride toothpaste for children up to 24 months
Authors: Sudradjat Henny , Meyer Frederic , Fandrich Pascal , Schulze zur Wiesche Erik , Limeback Hardy , Enax Joachim
Published: January 2024

Aim

The aim of this study was to test the dose of fluoride toothpaste by parents for their children aged up to 24 months.

Methods

Parents who use fluoride toothpastes for their children were asked to dose two commercially available toothpastes (A and B) with 1000 ppm fluoride each for their children as they would normally do at home. The toothpaste amounts were weighed, and as reference, the weight of an ‘optimal’ grain of rice-size amount of each toothpaste was used.

Results

61 parents dosed a mean of 0.263 ± 0.172 g toothpaste A and 0.281 ± 0.145 g toothpaste B. The parents’ mean doses were 5.9 times higher for toothpaste A and 7.2 times higher for toothpaste B than an ‘optimal’ grain of rice-size amount (the reference dose as recommended). The difference between parent’s and reference dose was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Moreover, 39.3% of parents were not aware about conditions of use and warnings that have to be printed on the package of fluoride toothpastes.

Conclusion

In this study, parents significantly overdosed the toothpaste for their children. To avoid fluoride intake from toothpaste, parents can choose fluoride-free alternatives for the oral care of their infants and toddlers.
Diagnostic reliability and accuracy of the hydraulic contrast lift protocol in the radiographic detection of sinus lift and perforation: ex vivo randomized split-mouth study in an ovine model
Authors: Youssef Mohamed A. , von Krockow Nadine , Pfaff Jacqueline A.
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Assessing the diagnostic reliability, validity, and accuracy of the hydraulic contrast lift protocol during transcrestal sinus floor elevation in detecting the lift and perforation of the sinus membrane before graft material application and assessing the effect of its use on the operator’s diagnostic confidence.

Material and methods

A single-blind randomized split-mouth study on fresh refrigerated sheep heads. The first intervention consisted of injecting 0.5 ml iodinated contrast medium on the test side and 0.5 ml saline on the control side. In the second intervention artificial sinus membrane perforations were created followed by injecting 0.5 ml iodinated contrast medium on the test side and 0.5 ml saline on the control side. Intraoperative periapical radiographs were taken for both interventions. The resulting 40 radiographs were assessed by 10 examiners to provide interpretations and confidence ratings. The primary endpoints were diagnostic reliability, validity, accuracy, and perceived diagnostic confidence.

Results

In the hydraulic contrast lift protocol, the detection rate was 99% for sinus elevations and 98% for perforations, the saline protocol yielded a detection rate of 28% and 20% respectively. The hydraulic contrast lift protocol demonstrated a high level of inter-rater agreement for the diagnosis of elevations (p < 0.001) and perforations (p < 0.001), strong diagnostic validity for the diagnosis of elevations (p < 0.001) and perforations (p < 0.001), high sensitivity and specificity (p < 0.001) and higher mean diagnostic confidence ratings for both interventions when compared to the saline protocol (p < 0.001). The difference between the predicted probability for correct diagnosis of the hydraulic contrast lift protocol and the saline protocol was significant (p < 0.001) for the detection of both elevations and perforations.

Conclusion

Following the hydraulic contrast lift protocol, the use of a radiographic contrast medium can reliably confirm sinus membrane lift and detect perforation during transcrestal sinus floor elevation prior to bone graft application in addition to improving the diagnostic confidence of the operator while relying on periapical radiographs.
ContScout: sensitive detection and removal of contamination from annotated genomes
Authors: Bálint Balázs , Merényi Zsolt , Hegedüs Botond , Grigoriev Igor V. , Hou Zhihao , Földi Csenge , Nagy László G.
Published: January 2024

Contamination of genomes is an increasingly recognized problem affecting several downstream applications, from comparative evolutionary genomics to metagenomics. Here we introduce ContScout, a precise tool for eliminating foreign sequences from annotated genomes. It achieves high specificity and sensitivity on synthetic benchmark data even when the contaminant is a closely related species, outperforms competing tools, and can distinguish horizontal gene transfer from contamination. A screen of 844 eukaryotic genomes for contamination identified bacteria as the most common source, followed by fungi and plants. Furthermore, we show that contaminants in ancestral genome reconstructions lead to erroneous early origins of genes and inflate gene loss rates, leading to a false notion of complex ancestral genomes. Taken together, we offer here a tool for sensitive removal of foreign proteins, identify and remove contaminants from diverse eukaryotic genomes and evaluate their impact on phylogenomic analyses.
Increased nitrous oxide emissions from global lakes and reservoirs since the pre-industrial era
Authors: Li Ya , Tian Hanqin , Yao Yuanzhi , Shi Hao , Bian Zihao , Shi Yu , Wang Siyuan , Maavara Taylor , Lauerwald Ronny , Pan Shufen
Published: January 2024

Lentic systems (lakes and reservoirs) are emission hotpots of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas; however, this has not been well quantified yet. Here we examine how multiple environmental forcings have affected N2O emissions from global lentic systems since the pre-industrial period. Our results show that global lentic systems emitted 64.6 ± 12.1 Gg N2O-N yr−1 in the 2010s, increased by 126% since the 1850s. The significance of small lentic systems on mitigating N2O emissions is highlighted due to their substantial emission rates and response to terrestrial environmental changes. Incorporated with riverine emissions, this study indicates that N2O emissions from global inland waters in the 2010s was 319.6 ± 58.2 Gg N yr−1. This suggests a global emission factor of 0.051% for inland water N2O emissions relative to agricultural nitrogen applications and provides the country-level emission factors (ranging from 0 to 0.341%) for improving the methodology for national greenhouse gas emission inventories.
Asymmetric α-C(sp3)−H allylic alkylation of primary alkylamines by synergistic Ir/ketone catalysis
Authors: Li Jianyu , Gong Sheng , Gao Shaolun , Chen Jianfeng , Chen Wen-Wen , Zhao Baoguo
Published: January 2024

Primary alkyl amines are highly reactive in N-nucleophilic reactions with electrophiles. However, their α-C−H bonds are unreactive towards electrophiles due to their extremely low acidity (pKa ~57). Nonetheless, 1,8-diazafluoren-9-one (DFO) can activate primary alkyl amines by increasing the acidity of the α-amino C−H bonds by up to 1044 times. This makes the α-amino C−H bonds acidic enough to be deprotonated under mild conditions. By combining DFO with an iridium catalyst, direct asymmetric α-C−H alkylation of NH2-unprotected primary alkyl amines with allylic carbonates has been achieved. This reaction produces a wide range of chiral homoallylic amines with high enantiopurities. The approach has successfully switched the reactivity between primary alkyl amines and allylic carbonates from intrinsic allylic amination to the α-C−H alkylation, enabling the construction of pharmaceutically significant chiral homoallylic amines from readily available primary alkyl amines in a single step.