bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of egg incubation temperature and parental cross on the swimming activity of juvenile brown trout Salmo trutta
Authors: Greenberg Larry A. , Filipsson Karl , Bergman Eva , Jonsson Bror
Published: October 2023

Personality varies among individuals and is influenced by the environment. Here, we tested the hypothesis that egg incubation temperature had carry-over effects on swimming activity of juvenile brown trout,Salmo trutta. Eggs from different crosses involving anadromous and lacustrine-adfluvial parents were incubated under two temperature regimes, unheated (cold) or heated c. 2.5 °C above ambient temperature (warm), until first exogenous feeding. In the laboratory, we used open-field tests to quantify swimming activity in a new environment, and mirror-image tests to measure time spent swimming and resting motionless near a mirror, measures often used as proxies for aggression. These tests were conducted for two cohorts, with one tested in June 2018 and the other in June and August 2019, enabling us to test for repeatability and if differences persisted over the summer. In June, when adjusting for differences in body size between cold- and warm-incubated trout, we found that juvenile trout incubated as embryos at cold temperatures showed more swimming activity and took less time to initiate swimming for their size than those incubated in warm water. There were also body size and year effects but no effects of parental cross. For August, none of the incubation temperature effects observed in June persisted, but cold-incubated trout spent a larger proportion of their time motionless near the mirror than warm-incubated trout and there was a general body size effect on time to initiate swimming. The lack of any persistent effects of incubation temperature between June and August suggests that the effect is ephemeral. Notwithstanding, these results support the hypothesis that incubation temperature has short-term effects on activity of juvenile of brown trout during their first summer.

Significance Statement

We studied the effect of embryonic temperature on juvenile fish behavior, focusing on swimming activity under different conditions. Brown trout eggs were incubated under two temperature regimes, cold and warm. We show that juvenile trout originating from cold conditions as embryos spent a greater proportion of time swimming and less time to initiate swimming than trout originating from warm conditions. These effects were present in June but not August, which suggests that the effect is short-lived, and occurs during the first summer when mortality of juveniles is high. The duration of the effects needs further study as our previous studies have shown persistent embryonic temperature effects on metabolism, body shape, reproductive potential and emigration of subsequent life stages of salmonids. These results also have bearing on ongoing climate change as even small differences in embryonic temperature may have ecological consequences for subsequent life stages.
Predictors for improvement in patient-reported outcomes: post hoc analysis of a phase 3 randomized, open-label study of eculizumab and ravulizumab in complement inhibitor-naive patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
Authors: Schrezenmeier Hubert , Kulasekararaj Austin , Mitchell Lindsay , de Latour Régis Peffault , Devos Timothy , Okamoto Shinichiro , Wells Richard , Popoff Evan , Cheung Antoinette , Wang Alice , Tomazos Ioannis , Patel Yogesh , Lee Jong Wook
Published: October 2023

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is characterized by uncontrolled terminal complement activation leading to intravascular hemolysis (IVH), thrombosis, and impairments in quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to identify the clinical drivers of improvement in patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in patients with PNH receiving the complement component 5 (C5) inhibitors eculizumab and ravulizumab.

This post hoc analysis assessed clinical outcomes and PROs from 246 complement inhibitor-naive patients with PNH enrolled in a phase 3 randomized non-inferiority study that compared the C5 inhibitors ravulizumab and eculizumab (study 301; NCT02946463). The variables of interest were lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, a surrogate measure of IVH, and hemoglobin (Hb) levels. PROs were collected using Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy—Fatigue (FACIT-F) and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Quality of Life Questionnaire—Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) to assess fatigue and QoL, respectively.

Improvements in absolute mean LDH levels were significantly associated with improvements in mean FACIT-F score (p = 0.0024) and EORTC QLQ-C30 global health (GH) score (p < 0.0001) from baseline to day 183. Improvements in scores were achieved despite a non-significant increase in Hb levels. To understand the interaction between LDH and Hb, a regression analysis was performed: LDH response with Hb improvements was a significant predictor of improvement in fatigue. The independent effect of improved Hb did not significantly affect FACIT-F or EORTC QLQ-C30 GH scores.

These findings suggest that LDH levels are an important determinant of fatigue and QoL outcomes in patients with PNH. CTR: NCT02946463, October 27, 2016.
Ten years of gadolinium retention and deposition: ESMRMB-GREC looks backward and forward
Authors: van der Molen Aart J. , Quattrocchi Carlo C. , Mallio Carlo A. , Dekkers Ilona A. ,   for the European Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, Biology Gadolinium Research, Educational Committee (ESMRMB-GREC)
Published: October 2023

In 2014, for the first time, visible hyperintensities on unenhanced T1-weighted images in the nucleus dentatus and globus pallidus of the brain were associated with previous Gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) injections and gadolinium deposition in patients with normal renal function. This led to a frenzy of retrospective studies with varying methodologies that the European Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and Biology Gadolinium Research and Educational Committee (ESMRMB-GREC) summarised in 2019. Now, after 10 years, the members of the ESMRMB-GREC look backward and forward and review the current state of knowledge of gadolinium retention and deposition.

Clinical relevance statement

Gadolinium deposition is associated with the use of linear GBCA but no clinical symptoms have been associated with gadolinium deposition.

Key Points

• Traces of Gadolinium-based contrast agent-derived gadolinium can be retained in multiple organs for a prolonged time.

• Gadolinium deposition is associated with the use of linear Gadolinium-based contrast agents.

• No clinical symptoms have been associated with gadolinium deposition.
Thin-film assembly via encapsulation of nano-aluminum oxide-linked-pb(II)-2,4-dinitroaniline complex into a polymeric matrix as efficient radiation shielding materials
Authors: Hussein E. M. Abou , Madbouly A. M. , Allam Elhassan A. , Mahmoud Mohamed E.
Published: October 2023

Radiation safety and protection is a subject of major concern for all communities because of the biological damage caused by different radiation sources. Therefore, the purpose of this study is aimed to synthesize two different thin films from a newly synthesized N-Al2O3@Pb(II)-2,4-DiNA nanocomposite which was prepared by the direct chemical coupling of nano-aluminum oxide (N-Al2O3) with Pb(II)-2,4-dinitroaniline complex. The synthesized materials were characterized by FT-IR, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope SEM, and elemental composition by energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX). The two thin films were assembled by the encapsulation of N-Al2O3@Pb(II)-2,4-DiNAnanocompositeinto hydrolyzed polyurethane and hydrolyzed polyvinyl chloride. Electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements have been used to investigate the newly prepared nanocomposite and thin films before and after gamma irradiation. Gamma spectroscopy, Phy-X software, and SRIM (stopping and range of ions in matter) Monte Carlo simulation code are aimed to apply and investigate radiation shielding efficiency of films for gamma/x-ray, protons, alpha, and thermal neutrons. The gamma shielding characteristics, mass stopping power (MSP), and range for both proton (H-ions) and alpha (He-ions) were also calculated. In addition, the SRIM code’s subroutine TRIM was used to predict the damage production and atomic displacements per atom (dpa) caused by the interaction of high-energy H-ions (proton) and He-ions (alpha) with the studied samples. The data obtained the good radiation shielding effect of the prepared thin films and their possible use as radiation shielding materials for X-rays and low gamma energy.
A weighted average limited information maximum likelihood estimator
Authors: Qasim Muhammad
Published: October 2023

In this article, a Stein-type weighted limited information maximum likelihood (LIML) estimator is proposed. It is based on a weighted average of the ordinary least squares (OLS) and LIML estimators, with weights inversely proportional to the Hausman test statistic. The asymptotic distribution of the proposed estimator is derived by means of local-to-exogenous asymptotic theory. In addition, the asymptotic risk of the Stein-type LIML estimator is calculated, and it is shown that the risk is strictly smaller than the risk of the LIML under certain conditions. A Monte Carlo simulation and an empirical application of a green patent dataset from Nordic countries are used to demonstrate the superiority of the Stein-type LIML estimator to the OLS, two-stage least squares, LIML and combined estimators when the number of instruments is large.
Long-term climate change impacts on regional sterodynamic sea level statistics analyzed from the MPI-ESM large ensemble simulation
Authors: Nandini-Weiss Sri D. , Ojha S. , Köhl A. , Jungclaus J. H. , Stammer D.
Published: October 2023

Statistics of regional sterodynamic sea level variability are analyzed in terms of probability density functions of a 100-member ensemble of monthly mean sea surface height (SSH) timeseries simulated with the low-resolution Max Planck Institute Grand Ensemble. To analyze the impact of climate change on sea level statistics, fields of SSH variability, skewness and excess kurtosis representing the historical period 1986–2005 are compared with similar fields from projections for the period 2081–2100 under moderate (RCP4.5) and strong (RCP8.5) climate forcing conditions. Larger deviations of the models SSH statistics from Gaussian are limited to the western and eastern tropical Pacific. Under future climate warming conditions, SSH variability of the western tropical Pacific appear more Gaussian in agreement with weaker zonal easterly wind stress pulses, suggesting a reduced El Niño Southern Oscillation activity in the western warm pool region. SSH variability changes show a complex amplitude pattern with some regions becoming less variable, e.g., off the eastern coast of the north American continent, while other regions become more variable, notably the Southern Ocean. A west (decrease)-east (increase) contrast in variability changes across the subtropical Atlantic under RCP8.5 forcing is related to changes in the gyre circulation and a declining Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation in response to external forcing changes. In addition to global mean sea-level rise of 16 cm for RCP4.5 and 24 cm for RCP8.5, we diagnose regional changes in the tails of the probability density functions, suggesting a potential increased in variability-related extreme sea level events under global warmer conditions.
Dietary amino acids and risk of stroke subtypes: a prospective analysis of 356,000 participants in seven European countries
Authors: Tong Tammy Y. N. , Clarke Robert , Schmidt Julie A. , Huybrechts Inge , Noor Urwah , Forouhi Nita G. , Imamura Fumiaki , Travis Ruth C. , Weiderpass Elisabete , Aleksandrova Krasimira , Dahm Christina C. , van der Schouw Yvonne T. , Overvad Kim , Kyrø Cecilie , Tjønneland Anne , Kaaks Rudolf , Katzke Verena , Schiborn Catarina , Schulze Matthias B. , Mayen-Chacon Ana-Lucia , Masala Giovanna , Sieri Sabina , de Magistris Maria Santucci , Tumino Rosario , Sacerdote Carlotta , Boer Jolanda M. A. , Verschuren W. M. Monique , Brustad Magritt , Nøst Therese Haugdahl , Crous-Bou Marta , Petrova Dafina , Amiano Pilar , Huerta José María , Moreno-Iribas Conchi , Engström Gunnar , Melander Olle , Johansson Kristina , Lindvall Kristina , Aglago Elom K. , Heath Alicia K. , Butterworth Adam S. , Danesh John , Key Timothy J.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Previously reported associations of protein-rich foods with stroke subtypes have prompted interest in the assessment of individual amino acids. We examined the associations of dietary amino acids with risks of ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke in the EPIC study.

Methods

We analysed data from 356,142 participants from seven European countries. Dietary intakes of 19 individual amino acids were assessed using validated country-specific dietary questionnaires, calibrated using additional 24-h dietary recalls. Multivariable-adjusted Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke in relation to the intake of each amino acid. The role of blood pressure as a potential mechanism was assessed in 267,642 (75%) participants.

Results

After a median follow-up of 12.9 years, 4295 participants had an ischaemic stroke and 1375 participants had a haemorrhagic stroke. After correction for multiple testing, a higher intake of proline (as a percent of total protein) was associated with a 12% lower risk of ischaemic stroke (HR per 1 SD higher intake 0.88; 95% CI 0.82, 0.94). The association persisted after mutual adjustment for all other amino acids, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The inverse associations of isoleucine, leucine, valine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, glutamic acid, serine and tyrosine with ischaemic stroke were each attenuated with adjustment for proline intake. For haemorrhagic stroke, no statistically significant associations were observed in the continuous analyses after correcting for multiple testing.

Conclusion

Higher proline intake may be associated with a lower risk of ischaemic stroke, independent of other dietary amino acids and blood pressure.
Comprehensive analysis of performance, physiological, and perceptual responses during an entire sprint cross-country skiing competition
Authors: Talsnes Rune Kjøsen , Berdal Tore , Brattebø Jan-Magnus , Seeberg Trine , Losnegard Thomas , Kocbach Jan , Sandbakk Øyvind
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To investigate performance, physiological, and perceptual responses of an entire sprint cross-country skiing competition in the skating style.

Methods

Eighteen national-level male junior skiers participated in a simulated competition comprising an individual time trial (TT), followed by three heats (quarterfinals [QF], semifinals [SF], and final [F]). Participants’ heart rate (HR) was continuously monitored while perceived readiness (RED, 1–10), rating of perceived exertion (RPE, 6–20), and blood lactate [La-] were assessed at standardized time points.

Results

The total duration and distance covered were 03:30 ± 00:06 h and 25.2 ± 2.9 km, respectively. The participants spent 02:19 ± 00:27 h > 60% of their maximal HR (HRmax) and 00:16 ± 00:04 h > 85% of HRmax. Average HR decreased from TT to F (89.3 ± 2.0% vs. 86.9 ± 3.0% of HRmax, P < 0.01). [La-] levels were highest before (4.6 ± 2.0 vs. 2.9 ± 1.2, 3.2 ± 2.0 and 2.5 ± 1.3 mmol·L−1, all P < 0.01) and after (10.8 ± 1.4 vs. 9.8 ± 1.6, 9.1 ± 1.8 and 8.7 ± 1.7 mmol·L−1, all P < 0.05) F compared to TT, QF, and SF, respectively. RED was lowest before F compared to TT, QF, and SF (6.6 ± 1.4 vs. 7.9 ± 1.1, 7.6 ± 1.1, and 7.4 ± 1.4, respectively, all P < 0.05) while RPE was highest after TT compared to QF, SF, and F (17.8 ± 0.9 vs. 15.1 ± 2.0, 16.5 ± 1.2 and 16.6 ± 1.8, respectively, all P < 0.01). The six best-performing skiers demonstrated higher RED before F (7.2 ± 0.9 vs. 5.3 ± 1.2, P < 0.05) and higher [La-] after F (11.2 ± 0.2 vs. 10.2 ± 0.3, mmol·L−1, P < 0.05) than lower-performing competitors.

Conclusion

This study provides novel insights into physiological demands of an entire sprint cross-country skiing competition, which involves repeated 3-min high-intensity efforts interspersed with > 2 h (25 km) of low- to moderate-intensity exercise.
Equine tapeworm (Anoplocephala spp.) infection: evaluation of saliva- and serum-based antibody detection methods and risk factor analysis in Slovak horse populations
Authors: Burcáková Ludmila , Königová Alzbeta , Kuzmina Tetiana A. , Austin Corrine J. , Matthews Jacqueline B. , Lightbody Kirsty L. , Peczak Natalia A. , Syrota Yaroslav , Várady Marian
Published: October 2023

A lack of accurate information on the prevalence and distribution ofAnoplocephalaspp. infections on horse farms has led to insufficient attention to tapeworm control and increasing horse anoplocephaloses in Europe. Our study aimed to examine the occurrence ofAnoplocephalaspp. infection using coprological, serum- and saliva-based antibody detection methods and to analyze the risk factors associated with tapeworm infection in domestic horses in Slovakia. Fecal, serum, and saliva samples were collected from 427 horses from 31 farms in Slovakia. Additionally, a questionnaire study was conducted to collect information on tapeworm distribution on horse farms and analyze risk factors associated with infection. Fecal samples were examined by the mini-FLOTAC and the double centrifugation/combined sedimentation-flotation techniques. Serum and saliva samples were analyzed by ELISA to determine antibody levels againstAnoplocephalaspp. The effects of variables associated with an individual horse were tested for the positive result of the saliva ELISA test onAnoplocephalaspp. Cestode eggs were detected in 1.99% of fecal samples (farm prevalence 12.90%), with no differences between the two coprological methods. Serum-based tapeworm ELISA results revealed that 39.39% of horses tested positive (farm prevalence 83.87%); while saliva-based tapeworm ELISA results revealed 56.95% positive horses (farm prevalence 96.77%). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed four meaningful predictors that significantly impacted the likelihood of detecting tapeworm infection in horses: horse age, pasture size, anthelmintic treatment scheme, and access to pasture. The influences of other variables associated with an individual horse were not significantly associated with detecting tapeworm infection.
Financial toxicity among cancer survivors: a conceptual model based on a feedback perspective
Authors: Scheidegger Alexander , Bernhardsgrütter Daniela , Kobleder Andrea , Müller Martin , Nestor Karen , Richle Ernst , Baum Eleonore
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Experiencing financial toxicity following a cancer diagnosis is a circular and complex process. We investigate the circular causal mechanisms that either reinforce or balance financial toxicity dynamics.

Methods

We conducted a literature review, expert interviews, a participatory modeling process, and exploratory interviews with N = 11 adults with cancer living in Switzerland. We sampled participants purposively based on health-related and sociodemographic characteristics.

Results

We describe a conceptual model based on the triangulation of cancer survivor narratives, expert perspectives, and a literature review. This model distinguishes between the reinforcing and balancing feedback loops that drive the dynamics of financial toxicity. It includes the topics “Coping with cancer and employment,” “Coping with limited economic resources,” and “Maintaining care resources while facing economic pressure.” For each topic, we identify a necessary condition for cancer survivors to avoid reinforcing financial toxicity.

Conclusions

The results allow us to reconstruct participant narratives regarding cancer-related financial toxicity. Based on comparison with scientific literature from Western Europe and North America, we hypothesize the validity of the model beyond the population covered by the sample. The results highlight the importance of screening for the risk of financial toxicity in the clinical context and individual risk and resource assessment in social counseling.

Implications for cancer survivors

These results can raise cancer survivors’ awareness of risks related to financial toxicity and strengthen their resources for coping with financial burden successfully.
Treatment of a symptomatic cervical cerebrospinal fluid fistula after full endoscopic cervical foraminotomy with CT-guided epidural fibrin patch
Authors: Motov Stefan , Stemmer B. , Krauss P. , Maurer C. , Shiban E.
Published: October 2023

Background

There is only limited data on the management of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistulas after cervical endoscopic spine surgery. We investigated the current literature for treatment options and present a case of a patient who was treated with CT-guided epidural fibrin patch.

Methods

We present the case of a 47-year-old female patient with a suspected CSF fistula after endoscopic decompression for C7 foraminal stenosis. She was readmitted 8 days after surgery with dysesthesia in both upper extremities, orthostatic headache and neck pain, which worsened during mobilization. A CSF leak was suspected on spinal magnetic resonance imaging. A computer tomography (CT)-guided epidural blood patch was performed with short-term relief. A second CT-guided epidural fibrin patch was executed and the patient improved thereafter and was discharged at home without sensorimotor deficits or sequelae. We investigated the current literature for complications after endoscopic spine surgery and for treatment of postoperative CSF fistulas.

Results

Although endoscopic and open revision surgery with dura repair were described in previous studies, dural tears in endoscopic surgery are frequently treated conservatively. In our case, the patient was severely impaired by a persistent CSF fistula. We opted for a less invasive treatment and performed a CT-guided fibrin patch which resulted in a complete resolution of patient’s symptoms.

Discussion and conclusion

CSF fistulas after cervical endoscopic spine procedures are rare complications. Conservative treatment or revision surgery are the standard of care. CT-guided epidural fibrin patch was an efficient and less invasive option in our case.
Flow of a limited stress fluid between plates rotating about different axes
Authors: Fusi Lorenzo , Tozzi Rebecca , Farina Angiolo , Rajagopal Kumbakonam R.
Published: October 2023

In this paper we study the flow of a particular type of non-Newtonian fluids generated by the rotation of parallel infinite plates about distinct axes. The constitutive law of these fluids mimics the response of a class of seemingly viscoplastic or “yield stress” materials in which the norm of the stress is bounded by a critical threshold (limited stress fluids). We assume that the plates rotate with the same angular velocity and we show that, in this case, the mathematical problem can be reduced to solving a BVP where the unknowns are the coordinates of the center of rotation. We solve the problem numerically (by means of a spectral collocation method), and we investigate the dependence of the locus of the center of rotation on the material parameters. We prove that, even for small Reynolds numbers, the flow may exhibit boundary layers depending on the particular choice of the parameters.
A novel low cybersickness dynamic rotation gain enhancer based on spatial position and orientation in virtual environments
Authors: Avola Danilo , Cinque Luigi , Foresti Gian Luca , Marini Marco Raoul
Published: October 2023

Hardware and software resources nowadays make possible new Virtual Reality (VR) interaction methods. Numerous challenges have been involved over the years, and one of the most interesting is locomotion in virtual environments. In particular, Real Walking (RW) is one of the most effective Virtual Locomotion Techniques (VLT). It causes only reduced cybersickness, but it also requires proportional real walkable space to the virtual one, often requiring wide areas. In this context, optimization techniques have been proposed in the literature, e.g., reorientation or relocation. In this work, a novel method for improving reorientation in a virtual environment, exploiting a dynamic Rotation Gain Multiplication Factor (RGMF) based on the competence of the user in VR systems usage is proposed. The results highlight the effectiveness of the system and show the specific target of users that mainly appreciated it.
To move or not to move—factors influencing small-scale herder and livestock movements in the Dzungarian Gobi, Mongolia
Authors: Michler Lena M. , Kaczensky Petra , Oyunsaikhan Ganbaatar , Bartzke Gundula S. , Devineau Olivier , Treydte Anna C.
Published: October 2023

In Mongolia, where nomadic pastoralism is still practiced by around one-third of the population, increasing livestock numbers, socio-economic constraints and climate change raise concerns over rangeland health. Little empirical evidence explains what triggers camp moves of pastoralists in the Dzungarian Gobi in Mongolia, which factors influence grazing mobility around camps, and how altitudinal migration benefits small livestock. We combined GPS tracking data of 19 small livestock herds monitored from September 2018 to April 2020 with remotely sensed climate and environmental data. We used general linear-mixed models to analyse variables influencing camp use duration and daily mobility patterns. To understand the importance of the altitudinal migration, we compared climatic conditions along the elevation gradient and looked at seasonal body weight changes of small livestock. We found that available plant biomass and season best explained camp use duration. Daily walking distance and maximum distance from camp increased with camp use duration. Pasture time increased with increasing biomass and rising temperatures. We conclude that herders in the Dzungarian Gobi have optimized pasture use by reacting to changes in biomass availability at landscape and local scale, and by embracing altitudinal migration. Flexibility in grazing mobility seems to have enabled local herder communities to practise sustainable pasture use. Maintaining this mobility will most likely be the best strategy to deal with environmental change under the current climate change scenarios.
Perceived social support and its relationship with self-regulated learning, goal orientation self-management, and academic achievement
Authors: Martínez-López Zeltia , Moran Valeria E. , Mayo Mª Emma , Villar Eva , Tinajero Carolina
Published: October 2023

Self-regulated learning is recognized as a core competence for academic success and life-long formation. The social context in which self-regulated learning develops and takes place is attracting growing interest. Using cross-sectional data from secondary education students (n = 561), we aimed to formulate explanatory arguments regarding the effect of social support on metacognitive knowledge, metacognitive and cognitive learning strategies, and academic achievement, considering the potential mediating role of goal orientation self-management. Structural Equation Modelling yielded a conceptually consistent and statistically satisfactory empirical model, explaining a moderate-high percentage of the variance in self-regulated learning and academic achievement. The results showed that perceived support from teachers and family positively predicted metacognitive knowledge, metacognitive and cognitive learning strategies, and mastery self-talk and negatively predicted work-avoidance self-talk. Moreover, mastery self-talk and work-avoidance self-talk directly and indirectly (through metacognitive knowledge) predicted academic achievement. Perceived social support is proposed as a marker of vulnerability/protection and as a resource for facing challenges in the academic context.
Does medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw affect survival of patients with Multiple Myeloma?: Exploring a large single center database using artificial intelligence
Authors: Bittrich Max , Hetterich Regina , Solimando Antonio G. , Krebs Markus , Loda Sophia , Danhof Sophia , Anton Straub , Zhou Xiang , Kerscher Alexander , Beilhack Andreas , Kortüm K. Martin , Rasche Leo , Einsele Hermann , Knop Stefan , Hartmann Stefan
Published: October 2023

In addition to randomized clinical trials, consideration of Real-World Evidence is necessary for mirroring clinical reality. However, processing such evidence for large numbers of patients often requires considerable time and effort. This is particularly true for rare tumor diseases such as multiple myeloma (MM) or for adverse effects that occur even more rarely. In such cases, artificial intelligence is able to efficiently detect patients with rare conditions. One of these rare adverse events, and the most discussed, following bone protective treatment in MM is medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). The association of bone protective treatment to MM outcome has been intensively studied. However, the impact of MRONJ resulting from such treatment on MM prognosis and outcome is poorly understood. In this retrospective study, we therefore investigated the long-term effects of MRONJ. We used natural language processing (NLP) to screen individual data of 2389 MM patients to find 50 out of 52 patients with MRONJ matching our inclusion criteria. To further improve data quality, we then performed propensity score matching. In comparison to MM patients without MRONJ, we found a significantly longer overall survival (median 126 vs. 86 months) despite slightly worse clinical features.
Environmental controls on seedling establishment in a boreal forest: implications for Scots pine regeneration in continuous cover forestry
Authors: Häggström Bodil , Gundale Michael J. , Nordin Annika
Published: October 2023

In nutrient poor and dry forest sites common to northern Scandinavia, Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is the most common species both in managed and natural forests. However, Scots pine is sensitive to competition during establishment. Harvesting of all trees within a given area, i.e., clear-cutting, liberates regenerating seedlings from competition with mature trees. However, recently, clear-cut-free or continuous cover forestry has been the subject of substantial debate. When choosing a management method, it is important to recognize how competitive interactions direct the success of Scots pine regeneration. We studied Scots pine regeneration at three environments: beneath the canopy of mature trees, at the canopy edge in full sunlight, and distant from the canopy with no influence of mature trees. We imposed three treatments in each of these environments: root isolation (i.e., trenching), nitrogen (N) fertilization, and control plots. Root isolation enhanced seedling performance under the canopy of mature trees. Nitrogen fertilization enhanced seedling performance to a greater extent in the clear-cut than at the forest edge. However, N fertilization had no effect under the canopy. In the N-fertilized plots, we measured higher N content in the soil under the canopy than in the open environments, indicating that not all excess N was obtained by the mature trees. N-uptake might have been limited by competition for water in the N-fertilized plots. Our results suggest that belowground competition limits the success of regeneration of Scots pine. However, N fertilization presents a tool to compensate for underground competition along canopy edges.
Dissecting the continuum and unravelling the phylogeographic knot of plastid DNA in European white oaks (Quercus sect. Quercus): ancient signatures and multiple diversity reservoirs
Authors: Fortini Paola , Di Pietro Romeo , Proietti Elisa , Cardoni Simone , Quaranta Luca , Simeone Marco Cosimo
Published: October 2023

Available knowledge on the European white oaks (Quercus, sect. Quercus) plastome still exhibits large gaps, mostly in respect of detailed phylogeny and information from southern Europe and adjacent Near East. We investigated DNA sequence polymorphism at two plastid loci on 270 individuals representing 13 white oak species/taxa and retrieved several hundred sequences of the same two DNA regions from GenBank to fill the above gaps, and contribute to a better understanding of white oak diversity and evolution. The modern European sect. Quercus species exhibits a poorly differentiated plastid DNA, despite its current highly diversified taxonomy. Twenty-nine haplotypes were identified across the Euro-Mediterranean and Near East regions, including two ancestral variants that are westerly and south-easterly partitioned. Other high- and low-frequency haplotypes also showed a well-structured geographic distribution consistent with the current phytogeographic framework of the European continent. The climatic and geological events that characterized the end of the Tertiary and Quaternary periods played a crucial role in triggering haplotype mixing, isolation, and in offering niche opportunities for more recent diversification. Euro-Mediterranean southern territories host a high and as yet poorly studied genetic variation; the role of the Italian Peninsula as a crossroad and threshold for haplotype diversity and distribution clearly emerges from this study.
Effects of digital skills and other individual factors on retirement decision-making and their gender differences
Authors: Lakomý Martin
Published: October 2023

Increasing the pension age as a dominant solution to population ageing does not bring desirable outcomes, if not accompanied by other essential measures in lifelong learning and fighting age discrimination. Moreover, rapid digitalisation and automation in the labour market bring additional uncertainties for the growing group of older workers. The analysis is based on the SHARE data from Waves 5, 6, and 7 and examines predictors of retirement intentions by two different estimation methods. While digital skills are positively associated with a willingness to stay in the labour market in the random-effect modelling, fixed-effects regression shows no correlation between digital skills and retirement intentions. This difference means that digital skills do not correlate with retirement intentions once we control for time-invariant individual characteristics. Thus, increasing ICT literacy among older workers can have a very limited potential for extending working lives. In contrast to this result, starting to be self-employed, health improvement, having an additional grandchild, and losing a partner increase the willingness to work longer. The study identifies the factors shaping retirement intentions, which should be reflected in any effective social policy.
Consumer’s perception and acceptance of lumpfish used in salmon cages
Authors: Thong Nguyen Tien , Ngoc Quach Thi Khanh , Voldnes Gøril
Published: October 2023

Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) are used as cleaner fish in salmon aquaculture to treat sea lice. However, after 18–24 months and reaching 0.4–0.6 kg, the fish is removed from the salmon cage and usually discarded, which raises social, economic, and environmental challenges, as well as ethical concerns. This paper assesses the viability of marketing lumpfish as food by exploring possible products that can be made from the fish in Vietnamese cuisine, and understanding the stakeholder’s perception and acceptance of the fish. We used a customer co-creation method to investigate market potential, sending a sample of 45 kg of frozen and whole lumpfish from Norway to Vietnam. Researchers, industrial stakeholders, restaurant chefs, and household consumers collaborated to discuss, process, cook, and taste the fish, and the evaluations were assessed before and after consumption. More than 10 Vietnamese dishes were identified as possible use for lumpfish, including grilled, fried, sour soup, hotpot, and several value-added products. Household consumers and restaurant buyers evaluated the fish positively in terms of sensory quality (taste, color, flavor, size, and texture), but the rough skin and sharp thorn are negative aspects. Individual consumers accept the fish and were willing to buy it if the price is reasonable. In contrast, industrial stakeholders evaluated the lumpfish less favorably, citing its soft and mushy texture, sticky smell, and very low fillet-recovery-ratio (only 15.9% of skinless fillet and 16.7% of kama can be obtained from whole-defrosted lumpfish). They also found that the taste of the fish was not delicious and bitter in some value-added products. In addition, this study found that the information relating to lumpfish as a cleaner fish is not an issue in the Vietnamese context.
Association of LDL-C level with neoatherosclerosis and plaque vulnerability in patients with late restenosis: an optical coherence tomography study
Authors: Liu Zhijiang , Deng Chancui , Zhao Ranzun , Xu Guanxue , Bai Zhixun , Wang Zhenglong , Zhang Wei , Ma Yi , Hu Xingwei , Jin Caide , Chen Panke , Ma Shuai , Shi Bei
Published: October 2023

Neoatherosclerosis (NA) is a significant contributor to late stent failure; however, predictors of late in-stent restenosis (ISR) with NA have not been systematically reported. This study aimed to identify predictors of NA incidence and plaque vulnerability in patients with late ISR and the role of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in this process. A total of 216 patients with 216 lesions who underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT) before interventional procedure for late drug-eluting stent ISR were enrolled and divided into NA and non-NA groups based on OCT findings. Results showed that higher LDL-C levels were associated with NA, thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA), intimal disruption, plaque erosion, and thrombosis. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the LDL-C level was an independent risk factor for NA and TCFA. The LDL-C levels exhibited a significant predictive value for NA and TCFA, surpassing other factors such as stent age and other lipid types. In conclusion, a high LDL-C level is an independent predictor of NA incidence and plaque vulnerability in patients with late ISR.
Metz on Enhancement: A Relational Critique
Authors: Cordeiro-Rodrigues Luís , Ewuoso Cornelius
Published: October 2023

Thaddeus Metz’s groundbreaking book A Relational Moral Theory provides a sophisticated moral theory hailing from the Global South. In this book, one of the theses he defends is that biotechnological enhancement is generally morally impermissible. This article, written for a book symposium on A Relational Moral Theory, primarily demonstrates how Metz’s criticisms presented in his book fail to convince. Furthermore, we explore some possible objections from Metzian deontology against enhancement and also show that these do not imply that enhancement is intrinsically wrong. Finally, we showed how Metzian ethics offers good reasons to support rather than oppose enhancement.
The Crisis of the Form. The Paradox of Modern Logic and its Meaning for Phenomenology
Authors: Baratelli Gabriele
Published: October 2023

The goal of this paper is to provide an account of the role played by logic in the context of what Husserl names the “crisis of European sciences.” Presupposing the analyses offered in the Krisis, I look at Formale und Transzendentale Logik to demonstrate that the crisis of logic stems from the deviation of its original meaning as a “theory of science” and from its restriction to a mere “theoretical technique.” Through a comparison between Aristotelian syllogistic and modern logic, I show why the modern discovery of the purely formal dimension of knowledge which makes possible such a mathematical technization is a positive achievement that hinders at the same time the disclosure of the truly philosophical nature of logic. The correct appraisal of this ambiguous phenomenon will explain why the rise of modern logic represents a decisive challenge for the success of Husserl’s late phenomenological project.
Associations Between Reward and Future-Related Orientations and General and Specific Mental Health Issues in Adolescence
Authors: Yang Yi , Zhu Xinxin , Auyeung Bonnie , Obsuth Ingrid , Murray Aja
Published: October 2023

Adolescence is characterised by a peak in sensation seeking accompanied by gradually developing self-control skills. Adolescents typically show steeper delay discounting performance than other age groups; a feature that is transdiagnostically related to a variety of mental health disorders. However, delay discounting performance is not a singular mental process but involves both risk/reward and future orientation elements, usually operationalised as probability/risk and time discounting tasks, respectively. To clarify the specific relations between the risk/reward and future orientation elements of delay discounting and different types of mental health problems, two bi-factor models and a series of structural equation models (SEMs) were fitted to multi-informant (parent and adolescent self-reported) mental health data from a large UK study. A transdiagnostic promotive role of future orientation was found using bi-factor modelling to separate general and dimension-specific mental health variation; however, this was limited to parent reports. In addition, future orientation was negatively associated with conduct problems and ADHD symptoms, but positively associated with emotional problems. Risk aversion was negatively associated with conduct problems, but positively associated with emotional and peer problems. The findings highlight that risk/reward and future orientation elements of delay discounting play partly distinct roles in different mental health problems and can serve both promotive and risk roles during adolescence. Findings also illuminate which elements of delay discounting should be intervention targets for different mental health concerns.
Differential gene expression in a subpopulation of Phaeodactylum tricornutum with enhanced growth and carotenoid production after FACS-mediated selection
Authors: Macdonald Miller Sean , Herdean Andrei , Gupta Vishal , Signal Brandon , Abbriano Raffaela M. , Ralph Peter J. , Pernice Mathieu
Published: October 2023

Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) is a powerful method with many applications in microalgal research, especially for screening and selection of cells with improved phenotypes. However, the technology requires review of gene expression changes responsible for enhanced phenotypes in sorted populations. Phaeodactylum tricornutum cells were sorted using FACS with excitation/emission parameters targeted to favouring the industrially-relevant carotenoid fucoxanthin. The resulting cultures showed significantly higher growth rate (1.10 ×), biomass (1.30 ×), chlorophyll a levels (1.22 ×) and fucoxanthin content (1.28 ×) relative to the wild-type strain. RNA-seq was used to elucidate the underlying molecular-level regulatory changes associated with these traits and represents the first study do so on FACS-sorted microalgal cultures. Transcriptome analysis corroborated evidence of increased chlorophyll a and fucoxanthin, showing enrichment for the genes/pathways for tetrapyrrole biosynthesis and for suites of genes directly related to photosynthesis. Only three genes were upregulated in the MEP (non-mevalonate) pathway to carotenoid biosynthesis pathway, suggesting either a strong influence of IDI, CRTISO5 and ZEP1 on fucoxanthin biosynthesis or a post-transcriptional or post-translational mechanism for the observed increase in fucoxanthin content.
Parents on the Same Page: A Mixed-Methods Investigation of the Acceptability and Appropriateness of Tuning in to Kids Together
Authors: Ambrosi Christina C. , Evans Subhadra , Kavanagh Phillip S. , Havighurst Sophie S.
Published: October 2023

In this study, we examined the acceptability and appropriateness of Tuning in to Kids Together (TIK-Together) from the perspective of program facilitators. TIK-Together is newly a modified version of Tuning in to Kids that specifically focuses on the coparenting relationship (i.e., how parents work together to raise their children) and requires parents to both attend sessions. Through a mixed-method design, Australian facilitators who participated in the TIK-Together pilot study provided their perspectives on the acceptability (i.e., affective attitudes, burden, program benefits) and appropriateness of the program in their communities. It is essential to involve stakeholders, such as program facilitators, in pilot studies as they can provide valuable feedback from their first-hand experience with the program. Facilitators reported that TIK-Together was enjoyable and rewarding, and although delivery was straightforward, additional preparation time was required to manage program materials. Facilitators observed several program benefits, including coparents becoming more aligned and collaborative in their approach to parenting. Certain program components were particularly helpful for parents, including activities that were experiential, interactive, and reflective. Overall, facilitators deemed TIK-Together appropriate for their communities; however, it is not suitable for parents who are uncomfortable or unwilling to work alongside each other in sessions. Given the increased focus on a coparent approach to parenting interventions, the findings provide important insights for researchers and practitioners.
Health Anxiety in Adolescents: The Roles of Online Health Information Seeking and Parental Health Anxiety
Authors: Svestkova Adela , Kvardova Nikol , Smahel David
Published: October 2023

Health anxiety is a condition which can negatively impact the well-being of an individual through rumination or extreme safety measures. However, literature about the factors related to adolescent health anxiety is scarce. In this study, we explored factors potentially related to adolescent health anxiety. Using structural equation modeling, we analyzed data from 1530 Czech adolescents aged 13–18, recruited through quota sampling, and their caregivers (64% female). First, we focused on its transmission from caregiver to offspring and on the moderating effect of gender. Second, we studied the relationship between online health information seeking and adolescent health anxiety with eHealth literacy as a potential moderator. The responses partially supported our hypotheses. Adolescent health anxiety was positively related to the health anxiety of the caregiver. Disease information seeking was positively related to health anxiety, but we found no such effect for fitness information seeking. Finally, eHealth literacy did not moderate online health information seeking. Our results underline that the health anxiety of caregivers and their offspring are intertwined and should ideally be addressed together. Furthermore, we show that for adolescents, like adults, online disease information seeking can be related to health anxiety and should be considered.