bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns and trends of mortality from metastatic colorectal cancer in Shanghai, China from 2005 to 2021: a population-based retrospective analysis
Authors: Cheng Xuelin , Zhou Jing , Chen Yichen , Zhao Yajun , Zheng Huichao , Wang Qizhe , Li Xiaopan , Jiang Sunfang
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is the leading cause of CRC deaths, however, the relative epidemiological research was insufficient. We aimed to analyze the patterns and trends of mortality of mCRC in Shanghai with a more complete system for monitoring the cause of death of the population and find potential methods to reduce the burden of CRC in China.

Methods

Mortality data from 2005 to 2021 of mCRC deaths were obtained from the mortality registration system in Shanghai. We analyzed the crude mortality rates, age-standardized mortality rates, and rates of years of life lost (YLL rates) of mCRC. In addition, the trends were quantified using Joinpoint Regression software.

Results

A total of 4,386 mCRC deaths were included, with 1,937 (44.16%) liver metastases and 1,061 (24.19%) lung metastases. The crude mortality rate and age-standardized mortality rate of mCRC were 9.09 per 105 person-years and 3.78 per 105 person-years, respectively. The YLL was 50,533.13 years, and the YLL rate was 104.67 per 105 person-years. The overall annual crude mortality rate of mCRC increased by 1.47% (95% CI 0.28–2.68%, P < 0.001) from 2005 to 2021. The crude mortality rate of mCRC increased by 3.20% per year (95% CI 1.80–4.70%, P < 0.001) from 2005 to 2013, but the trend of mortality growth remained stable from 2013 to 2021. The YLL rates remained stable between 2005 and 2021.

Conclusions

Population aging was the most likely factor responsible for the increase in CRC mortality in Pudong. Physical examinations and screenings for the elderly were possible reasons for reducing the burden of CRC in fast-growing regions.
Evaluation of AR, AR-V7, and p160 family as biomarkers for prostate cancer: insights into the clinical significance and disease progression
Authors: Pimenta Ruan , Malulf Feres Camargo , Romão Poliana , Caetano Giovana Vilas Boas , da Silva Karina Serafim , Ghazarian Vitoria , dos Santos Gabriel A. , Guimarães Vanessa , Silva Iran Amorim , de Camargo Juliana Alves , Recuero Saulo , Melão Bárbara V. Lima Aguiar , Antunes Alberto Azoubel , Srougi Miguel , Nahas William , Leite Katia R. M. , Reis Sabrina T.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To assess the role of the p160 family, AR, and AR-V7 in different initial presentations of prostate cancer and their association with clinical endpoints related to tumor progression.

Methods

The study sample comprises 155 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy and 11 healthy peripheral zone biopsies as the control group. Gene expression was quantified by qPCR from the tissue specimens. The statistical analysis investigated correlations between gene expression levels, associations with disease presence, and clinicopathological features. Additionally, ROC curves were applied for distinct PCa presentations, and time-to-event analysis was used for clinical endpoints.

Results

The AR-V7 diagnostic performance for any PCa yielded an AUC of 0.77 (p < 0.05). For locally advanced PCa, the AR-V7 AUC was 0.65 (p < 0.05). Moreover, the metastasis group had a higher expression of SRC-1 than the non-metastatic group (p < 0.05), showing a shorter time to metastasis in the over-expressed group (p = 0.005). Patients with disease recurrence had super-expression of AR levels (p < 0.0005), with a shorter time-to-recurrence in the super-expression group (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Upregulation of SRC-1 indicates a higher risk of progression to metastatic disease in a shorter period, which warrants further research to be applied as a clinical tool. Additionally, AR may be used as a predictor for PCa recurrence. Furthermore, AR-V7 may be helpful as a diagnostic tool for PCa and locally advanced cancer, comparable with other investigated tools.
Prognostic factors in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer patients with organ-specific metastasis: unveiling commonalities and disparities
Authors: Wu Yuanli , Zhang Jing , Zhou Weiying , Yuan Zhongzhen , Wang Hongmei
Published: February 2024

Background

This study aimed to identify shared and distinct prognostic factors related to organ-specific metastases (liver, lung, bone, and brain) in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) patients, then construct nomograms for survival prediction.

Methods

Patient data for ES-SCLC were from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2010 to 2019. Kaplan–Meier analysis was applied to estimate overall survival (OS), and Cox regression was used to identify prognostic factors. A Venn diagram was utilized to distinguish common and unique prognostic factors among the variables assessed. These identified prognostic factors were used to formulate a nomogram, and its predictive accuracy and reliability were evaluated using C-indexes, calibration curves, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

A total of 24,507 patients diagnosed with ES-SCLC exhibiting metastases to the liver, lung, bone, and brain were included. The 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year OS rates were 46.1%, 19.7%, and 5.0%, respectively. Patients with liver metastasis demonstrated the most unfavorable prognosis, with a 1-year OS rate of 14.5%, while those with brain metastasis had a significantly better prognosis with a 1-year OS rate of 21.6%. The study identified seven common factors associated with a poor prognosis in ES-SCLC patients with organ-specific metastases: older age, male sex, unmarried status, higher T stage, presence of other metastases, and combination radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Furthermore, specific prognostic factors were identified for patients with metastasis to the liver, bone, and brain, including paired tumors, lack of surgical treatment at the primary site, and household income, respectively. To facilitate prognostic predictions, four nomograms were developed and subsequently validated. The performance of these nomograms was assessed using calibration curves, C-indexes, and the area under the curve (AUC), all of which consistently indicated good predictive accuracy and reliability.

Conclusions

Patients diagnosed with ES-SCLC with organ-specific metastases revealed shared and distinct prognostic factors. The nomograms developed from these factors demonstrated good performance and can serve valuable clinical tools to predict the prognosis of ES-SCLC patients with organ-specific metastases.
Peeling Sequences
Authors: Dumitrescu Adrian , Tóth Géza
Published: February 2024

Given a set ofnlabeled points in general position in the plane, we remove all of its points one by one. At each step, one point from the convex hull of the remaining set is erased. In how many ways can the process be carried out? The answer obviously depends on the point set. If the points are in convex position, there are exactlyn! ways, which is the maximum number of ways fornpoints. But what is the minimum number? It is shown that this number is (roughly) at least$$3^n$$3nand at most$$12.29^n$$12.29n.
Myocardial work across different etiologies of right ventricular dysfunction and healthy controls
Authors: Berg-Hansen Kristoffer , Gopalasingam Nigopan , Clemmensen Tor Skibsted , Andersen Mads Jønsson , Mellemkjaer Søren , Poulsen Steen Hvitfeldt , Jensen Jesper Khedri , Nielsen Roni
Published: February 2024

Evaluating right ventricular (RV) function remains a challenge. Recently, novel echocardiographic assessment of RV myocardial work (RVMW) by non-invasive pressure-strain loops was proposed. This enables evaluation of right ventriculoarterial coupling and quantifies RV dyssynchrony and post-systolic shortening. We aimed to assess RVMW in patients with different etiologies of RV dysfunction and healthy controls. We investigated healthy controls (n=17), patients with severe functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR; n=22), and patients with precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PCPH; n=20). Echocardiography and right heart catheterization were performed to assess 1) RV global constructive work (RVGCW; work needed for systolic myocardial shortening and isovolumic relaxation), 2) RV global wasted work (RVGWW; myocardial shortening following pulmonic valve closure), and 3) RV global work efficiency (RVGWE; describes the relation between RV constructive and wasted work). RVGCW correlated with invasive RV stroke work index (r=0.66, P<0.001) and increased in tandem with higher afterload, i.e., was low in healthy controls (454±73 mmHg%), moderate in patients with FTR (687±203 mmHg%), and highest among patients with PCPH (881±255 mmHg%). RVGWE was lower and RVGWW was higher in patients with FTR (86±8% and 91 mmHg% [53-140]) or PCPH (86±10% and 110 mmHg% [66-159]) as compared with healthy controls (96±3% and 10 mmHg%). RVMW by echocardiography provides a promising index of RV function to discriminate between patients with RV volume or pressure overload. The prognostic value of this measure needs to be settled in future studies.

Graphical abstract

Combining right heart catheterization and echocardiography, right ventricular (RV) pressure-strain loops were evaluated in healthy controls and in patients with severe functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) or precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PCPH). RV global constructive work (RVGCW) entails the work needed for systolic myocardial shortening and isovolumic relaxation; it increased in tandem with higher afterload. RV global wasted work (RVGWW) describes myocardial shortening following pulmonic valve closure and RV global work efficiency (RVGWE) is the ratio between RVGCW and RVGWW. RVGWW was higher and RVGWE was lower in both patient groups with RV hemodynamic overload.
METTL3 regulates TFRC ubiquitination and ferroptosis through stabilizing NEDD4L mRNA to impact stroke
Authors: Su Wenjie , Yu Xiang , Wang Shan , Wang Xu , Dai Zheng , Li Yi
Published: February 2024

Background

Stroke is a major medical problem, and novel therapeutic targets are urgently needed. This study investigates the protective role and potential mechanisms of the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methyltransferase METTL3 against cerebral injury resulting from insufficient cerebral blood flow.

Methods

In this study, we constructed mouse MCAO models and HT-22 cell OGD/R models to mimic ischemic stroke-induced brain injury and neuronal damage. We generated NEDD4L knockout and METTL3 overexpression models and validated therapeutic effects using infarct volume, brain edema, and neurologic scoring. We performed qRT-PCR, western blotting, and co-immunoprecipitation to assess the influence of NEDD4L on ferroptosis markers and TFRC expression. We verified the effect of NEDD4L on TFRC ubiquitination by detecting half-life and ubiquitination. Finally, we validated the impact of METTL3 on NEDD4L mRNA stability and MCAO outcomes in both in vitro and in vivo experimental models.

Result

We find NEDD4L expression is downregulated in MCAO models. Overexpressing METTL3 inhibits the iron carrier protein TFRC by upregulating the E3 ubiquitin ligase NEDD4L, thereby alleviating oxidative damage and ferroptosis to protect the brain from ischemic injury. Mechanistic studies show METTL3 can methylate and stabilize NEDD4L mRNA, enhancing NEDD4L expression. As a downstream effector, NEDD4L ubiquitinates and degrades TFRC, reducing iron accumulation and neuronal ferroptosis.

Conclusion

In summary, we uncover the METTL3-NEDD4L-TFRC axis is critical for inhibiting post-ischemic brain injury. Enhancing this pathway may serve as an effective strategy for stroke therapy. This study lays the theoretical foundation for developing m6A-related therapies against ischemic brain damage.
Impact of forest landscape restoration in combating soil erosion in the Lake Abaya catchment, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Eshetu Shibire Bekele , Kipkulei Harison Kiplagat , Koepke Julian , Kächele Harald , Sieber Stefan , Löhr Katharina
Published: February 2024

As an effect of forest degradation, soil erosion is among Ethiopia’s most pressing environmental challenges and a major threat to food security where it could potentially compromise the ecosystem functions and services. As the effects of soil erosion intensify, the landscape’s capacity to support ecosystem functions and services is compromised. Exploring the ecological implications of soil erosion is crucial. This study investigated the soil loss and land degradation in the Lake Abaya catchment to explore forest landscape restoration (FLR) implementation as a possible countermeasure to the effects. The study used a geographic information system (GIS)-based approach of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) to determine the potential annual soil loss and develop an erosion risk map. Results show that 13% of the catchment, which accounts for approximately 110,000 ha, is under high erosion risk of exceeding the average annual tolerable soil loss of 10 t/ha/year. Allocation of land on steep slopes to crop production is the major reason for the calculated high erosion risk in the catchment. A scenario-based analysis was implemented following the slope-based land-use allocation proposal indicated in the Rural Land Use Proclamation 456/2005 of Ethiopia. The scenario analysis resulted in a reversal erosion effect whereby an estimated 3000 t/ha/year of soil loss in the catchment. Thus, FLR activities hold great potential for minimizing soil loss and contributing to supporting functioning and providing ecosystem services. Tree-based agroforestry systems are among the key FLR measures championed in highly degraded landscapes in Ethiopia. This study helps policymakers and FLR implementors identify erosion risk areas for future FLR activities. Thereby, it contributes to achieving the country’s restoration commitment.
Transforming MSMEs towards circularity: an attainable challenge with the appropriate technologies and approaches
Authors: Vásquez Paola , Gallego Viviana , Soto J. David
Published: February 2024

Moving Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), in developing countries, from linear “take—make—dispose” production patterns to circular models where inputs and natural resources consumption is minimized, and products and waste reuse is promoted, is still a challenge. Environmental transition initiatives with multiple gaps, based on narrow and corrective approaches, isolated measures, and costly and complex technologies suitable for large companies, limit the incursion of MSMEs into the new circularity. It is in this context that the research aims to understand: How to accelerate the transition of MSMEs in developing countries towards circular production models? A critical literature review guided the design, development and analysis of the case study; a small coffee and pig farm located in Colombia, where a circular transition process was undertaken, acted as the unit of analysis. Interviews, theoretical and practical workshops, on-site measurements, systematic observations, and multi-stakeholder dialogs helped to collect and triangulate the empirical data provided by the case. By following systems thinking and sustainable and circular production principles, low-cost, simple and complementary clean technologies were implemented in the farm-system, resulting in multiple benefits at environmental, social and economic levels. This applied research helped to transform a small rural polluting enterprise into a greener and circular business. The study provides theoretical and empirical contributions to the field of research on the transfer of cleaner production and circular economy to MSMEs, expanding our knowledge on the subject.

Graphical abstract
Short-term fasting of a single amino acid extends lifespan
Authors: Fulton Tahlia L. , Wansbrough Mia R. , Mirth Christen K. , Piper Matthew D. W.
Published: February 2024

Diet and health are strongly linked, though the strict changes in diet required to improve health outcomes are usually difficult to sustain. We sought to understand whether short-term bouts of amino acid–specific modifications to the diet of Drosophila melanogaster could mimic the lifespan and stress resistance benefits of dietary restriction, without the requirement for drastic reductions in food intake. We found that flies that were transiently fed diets lacking the essential amino acid isoleucine, but otherwise nutritionally complete, exhibited enhanced nicotine tolerance, indicating elevated detoxification capacity. The protection from isoleucine deprivation increased with the duration of exposure, up to a maximum at 7-day isoleucine deprivation for flies 2, 3, or 4 weeks of age, and a 5-day deprivation when flies were 5 weeks of age. Because of these beneficial effects on toxin resistance, we intermittently deprived flies of isoleucine during the first 6 weeks of adulthood and monitored the effect on lifespan. Lifespan was significantly extended when flies experienced short-term isoleucine deprivation at 3 and 5 weeks of age, regardless of whether they were also deprived at 1 week. These results indicate that short-term bouts of isoleucine deprivation can extend lifespan and highlight its cumulative and time-dependent benefits. Interestingly, we found that isoleucine-deprived flies lost their protection against nicotine within 3 days of returning to fully fed conditions. Therefore, the mechanisms underlying lifespan extension may involve transient damage clearance during the bouts of isoleucine deprivation rather than sustained enhanced detoxification capacity. These data highlight a new time-restricted, nutritionally precise method to extend life in Drosophila melanogaster and point to a more manageable dietary method to combat ageing.
A FE Model for the Efficient Simulation of the Thermo-Elastic Machine Tool Behavior
Authors: Brecher Christian , Dehn Mathias , Neus Stephan
Published: February 2024

In modern machine tools, the thermo-elastic positioning error has a large share on the overall machine tool error. A multitude of different approaches can be found in the literature to correct this error in order to improve the accuracy of the machine tool. However, an FE-based approach to model the thermo-elastic error of 5 axis machine tools is still an active field of research. Therefore, the goal of this work is the improvement of the machine tool accuracy by modelling the machine tool error using a FE model. The model uses real time measurement data of the thermo-elastic error using an R-Test, as well as real time temperature measurements of the machine structure.
Development of Smart Pill Expert System Based on IoT
Authors: Dayananda P. , Upadhya Amrutha G.
Published: February 2024

An improved version of the smart pill expert system known as SPEC 2.0 is presented in this paper to give a knowledge of IoT in healthcare. At the designated moment, the system strives to accurately dispense the recommended dosage of medication. The user-friendly interface of SPEC 2.0 is one of its standout features since it makes it simple for people of all ages to utilize among all the smart medicine dispensers. The main objective of this system is to deliver control and monitoring capabilities via an android application, free of in-app purchases or subscriptions. Numerous features, including the capacity to send alerts and SMS messages regarding pill distribution, are included in the android application. With the help of this tool, users can keep on schedule with their medicine and receive frequent reminders. In order to successfully manage the issue of overdosage, the system lays a special emphasis on preventing the consumption of medication in excess amounts. Users of SPEC 2.0 can reduce their risk of adverse drug reactions by following the directions for dose intervals. Daily tests have been conducted to ensure that SPEC 2.0 works as intended, and thorough records have been kept of each test. These tests offer important information about the system's dependability and its capacity to deliver precise drug dosages on a regular basis. In conclusion, the improved smart pill expert system reveals its potential to dramatically increase medicine adherence and avoid any health concerns brought on by ingesting the wrong dosage.
Telecoaching as a new training method for elderly people: a systematic review
Authors: Leale Ignazio , Figlioli Flavia , Giustino Valerio , Brusa Jessica , Barcellona Matteo , Nocera Valerio , Canzone Alberto , Patti Antonino , Messina Giuseppe , Barbagallo Mario , Palma Antonio , Dominguez Ligia J. , Battaglia Giuseppe
Published: February 2024

Background

The numerous restrictive measures implemented during the recent COVID-19 pandemic have reduced the levels of physical activity (PA) carried out by elderly people and telecoaching (TC) could be a training method to maintain the recommended levels of PA. In fact, TC uses information and digital communications technologies, such as computers and mobile devices, to access training services remotely. Thus, this study aimed to systematically review the scientific literature to verify the application, efficacy, and safety of TC training programs.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Sciences databases were used for this review, and randomized controlled trials analyzing TC training programs for elderly people were included. Only articles written in English and published in the last decade were considered.

Results

3 articles were included in the qualitative synthesis including 194 elderly people. The sample size ranged from 12 to 117 and the TC training program from 8 to 12 weeks. The TC training programs were applied to elderly people with metabolic diseases and respiratory diseases. TC training program was effective in elderly people with metabolic diseases while the benefits for respiratory diseases have yet to be clarified.

Conclusion

TC seems to be a safe, effective, and injury-free training method, despite its limited application in elderly population. Future studies should better investigate this training method in elderly people in order to evaluate the effectiveness in a wider range of diseases.
Friction and wear performance of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) polymers in three lubrication regimes
Authors: Massocchi Davide , Lecis Nora , Lattuada Marco , Scaglia Davide , Chatterton Steven , Pennacchi Paolo
Published: February 2024

This experimental study investigates the friction and wear of three coatings commonly used in industrial applications, particularly in hydrodynamic bearings. The three materials under investigation were Babbitt, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) reinforced with 15% carbon fibers, and PEEK reinforced with 20% carbon fibers. The first polymer material was extruded, while the other was produced by fused deposition modelling (FDM). The materials were subjected to sliding tests in a pin-on-disc configuration, with a steel ball serving as the counter surface. The tests were conducted at room temperature, with a load of 10 N and under three different lubrication conditions: dry, grease, and oil. The linear speed was set at 0.3 m/s for the dry and semi-solid lubrication tests, while for the oil tests, the speed was set at 0.25 m/s. The greases used had consistency grades of NGLI 000 and NGLI 2. An ISO VG 68 circulation oil was used for the oil lubrication tests. Additionally, thermodynamic analyses were performed under the most severe conditions (i.e., dry) to investigate the steel-Babbitt and steel-PEEK contact.
A Psychometric Analysis of the Moral Disengagement Scale (MDS) in Association to Bullying Roles in Colombian Youth
Authors: Restrepo Cervantes Dayana , Chamorro Coneo Ana , Bolivar Pimiento Daniel , Hoyos de los Rios Olga , Llinás Solano Humberto
Published: February 2024

The Moral Disengagement Scale (MDS) is a widely employed tool for assessing moral neutralization strategies in the context of bullying. However, studies conducted globally exhibit inconsistencies in both the factor structure and the number of items comprising the MDS. This study was conducted to assess the reliability and factor structure of the MDS within a sample of Colombian adolescents (N = 375; M age = 13.3; SD = 1.69) and to compare the use of MD mechanisms across victims, perpetrators, non-involved students, and bystanders of school bullying. To begin, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) compared the fit indices of theoretical models proposed in the existing literature. The results revealed that all previously suggested models exhibited similar fit indices, indicating that these structures could be equally applicable for evaluating various dimensions of moral disengagement among adolescent populations. In order to identify the most suitable model for our culturally specific sample, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) pointed towards a more concise 13-item version of the MDS as the optimal solution. Individuals meeting the scores for “bullies” employed more MD mechanisms compared to victims and non-involved students. There were no significant differences in MDS scores between pro-victim bystanders and those remaining passive or supporting aggressors. In light of these findings, targeting cognitive mechanisms that neutralize moral self-sanctions in perpetrators and potential bystanders of bullying may prove to be a valuable strategy in enhancing the effectiveness of anti-bullying interventions.
Plant genomic resources at National Genomics Data Center: assisting in data-driven breeding applications
Authors: Tian Dongmei , Xu Tianyi , Kang Hailong , Luo Hong , Wang Yanqing , Chen Meili , Li Rujiao , Ma Lina , Wang Zhonghuang , Hao Lili , Tang Bixia , Zou Dong , Xiao Jingfa , Zhao Wenming , Bao Yiming , Zhang Zhang , Song Shuhui
Published: February 2024

Genomic data serve as an invaluable resource for unraveling the intricacies of the higher plant systems, including the constituent elements within and among species. Through various efforts in genomic data archiving, integrative analysis and value-added curation, the National Genomics Data Center (NGDC), which is a part of the China National Center for Bioinformation (CNCB), has successfully established and currently maintains a vast amount of database resources. This dedicated initiative of the NGDC facilitates a data-rich ecosystem that greatly strengthens and supports genomic research efforts. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of central repositories dedicated to archiving, presenting, and sharing plant omics data, introduce knowledgebases focused on variants or gene-based functional insights, highlight species-specific multiple omics database resources, and briefly review the online application tools. We intend that this review can be used as a guide map for plant researchers wishing to select effective data resources from the NGDC for their specific areas of study.
Development and validation of a semi-automated, scalable response to intervention framework in mathematics
Authors: Correig-Fraga Eudald , Vilalta-Riera Albert , Calvo-Pesce Cecilia
Published: February 2024

Response to Intervention (RTI) has been shown to be better at identifying and addressing learning difficulties than other frameworks. However, only a few educational systems have implemented it, and it can be difficult for schools to implement RTI on their own without policies in place. One solution is to create semi-automated digital tools that can assist with RTI without requiring a lot of extra time from the teacher. This study describes the development and implementation of such tools in schools that were not previously familiar with RTI. The effectiveness of the tools was tested by comparing 5 schools (149 students) that used RTI with 8 schools (269 students) that did not. The results showed that the extra practice was effective and that students in the intervention group made significantly more progress in arithmetic fluency than their peers in the control group. These students were also more likely to leave the “low achievement” and “at risk of Mathematics Learning Difficulties” zones than students in the control group. This suggests that it is possible to develop a scalable RTI framework and implement it in educational systems without RTI-based policies.
Density-based Reactivity Theory Applied to Excited States
Authors: An Xiaoyan , Zhang Wenbiao , He Xin , Li Meng , Rong Chunying , Liu Shubin
Published: February 2024

Excited states are essential to many chemical processes in photosynthesis, solar cells, light-emitting diodes, and so on, yet how to formulate, quantify, and predict physiochemical properties for excited states from the theoretical perspective is far from being established. In this work, we leverage the four density-based frameworks from density functional theory (DFT) including orbital-free DFT, conceptual DFT, information-theoretic approach and direct use of density associated descriptors and apply them to the lowest singlet and triplet excited states for a variety of molecular systems to examine their stability, bonding, and reactivity propensities. Our results from the present study elucidate that it is feasible to employ these density-based frameworks to appreciate physiochemical properties for excited states and that excited state propensities can be markedly different from, sometime completely opposite to, those in the ground state. This work is the first effort, to the best of our knowledge, utilizing density-based reactivity frameworks to excited state. It should offer ample opportunities in the future to deal with real-world problems in photophysical and photochemical processes and transformations.

Graphical Abstract
AmyKoS—a German real-world prospective cohort study of patients with suspected and proven amyloidosis
Authors: Ihne-Schubert Sandra Michaela , Morbach Caroline , Papagianni Aikaterini , Cejka Vladimir , Steinhardt Maximilian Johannes , Held Melissa , Zeller Daniel , Frantz Stefan , Geier Andreas , Knop Stefan , Sommer Claudia , Störk Stefan , Einsele Hermann
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Systemic amyloidosis represents a yet poorly characterized complex and multifaceted rare multisystem disease with high mortality. Clinical presentation, clinical course, and treatment vary within and across subtypes. Established biomarkers are predominantly non-specific. Diagnosis and management of these patients require specifically tailored interdisciplinary structures. Well-characterized patient cohorts are needed to optimize diagnostic tools and treatment options.

Method

The prospective cohort study AmyKoS was established as a monocentric observational study for patients with suspected and proven systemic and localized amyloidosis at the Interdisciplinary Amyloidosis Centre of Northern Bavaria in 2018. We here describe the study rationale and design based on the underlying clinical structures. The primary aim is to establish a large in-detail characterized patient population with appropriate biomaterial resources. The primary endpoint is overall survival; secondary endpoints are disease-associated complications, prevalence and incidence of ICD-10-coded psychological disorders and characterization of organ involvement and response.

Results/conclusions

AmyKoS serves as an umbrella structure for clinical and translational research. It differs at least partly from other amyloidosis cohort studies by its cross-subtype approach and is unique regarding the inclusion of patients under suspicion regardless of confirmation of amyloidosis. Therefore, AmyKoS simultaneously generates a negative control group for the evaluation of diagnostic markers and methods and allows to test their generalizability to all subtypes. As a special feature, the multi-step AMY-NEEDS substudy systematically evaluates the established structures with the aim of improving patient-orientated care and the interfaces with referring physicians. The characteristics of the AmyKoS cohort are congruent with the findings of large clinical trials.
AI in architecture and engineering from misconceptions to game-changing prospects
Authors: Sourek Michal
Published: February 2024

Artificial intelligence invades our lives and professions at an ever-increasing pace and intensity. Architecture, engineering, construction, and operation of the real estate have been joining the trend only timidly and belatedly. The paper overviews the basic concepts, methods, general background, and results of artificial intelligence in architecture to date, discusses the achievements and prospects, and concludes the perspectives on the deployment of machine learning in the field. The record of some of the most recent “famous achievements” in the field is set straight and challenged, the flawed idea of a (truly) creative potential of the technology is debunked. Its roots equidistributed both in a farsighted vision of the next workflow of both productive and creative architectural and engineering designing, and construction and real estate management on the one hand and state-of-the-art machine learning on the other, an ambitious though realistic blueprint for R&D of AI-fostered architectural creativity, building design, planning, and operation is tabled for discussion. The attention turns to open-source patterns platforms, generative patterns processing, generative pre-design, parametric evaluation and optimization, latest achievements in machine learning building on reinforcement learning, imitation-based learning, learning a behavior policy from demonstration, and self-learning paradigms zooming in on the design-development processes instead of only on their results. Leveraging the objectivity of assessments and streamlining workflows, artificial intelligence promises to unleash true architectural creativity and leverage the productivity and efficiency of the design, planning, and operation processes.
Theoretical approach and practice of “National Spatial Planning Theory”: how Chinese cities and towns precisely adapt to nature and culture
Authors: Wang Kai , Xu Hui , Zhou Yajie
Published: February 2024

Over the past 40 years, China has witnessed the world’s largest urbanization process. In light of its natural and cultural conditions featuring resource scarcity, frequent natural disasters, rich cultural heritage and regional disparities and dynamics, this process aggravates the complex and severe problems faced by urban areas, including resource and environmental damage, security risks and cultural degradation. To address these issues, a shift in national and regional urban spatial layouts from improving economic competitiveness to balancing protection and development as well as security and development is needed. Related theories and research methods should also be adjusted accordingly. Therefore, given China’s specific conditions and regional spatial layouts, the paper introduces the “national spatial planning theory,” which aims to create a sound living environment. The core concept is “precise adaptation,” which ensures the adaption of urban development to natural and cultural conditions. It is the first theory that proposes to develop the national urban spatial layout based on the analysis of ecological environment. It also suggests shifting the focus from eco-environment to security and culture as urbanization progresses and problems change constantly. In addition, a method framework and technical system of “precise analysis, adaptive distribution and dynamic evaluation” is formulated to build an adaptive urban spatial layout on the basis of quantitative analysis of the capacity of spatial resources. The practices of regional planning processes on varying scales in the past 20 years are to illustrate the specific applications of the theoretical approach.
Determinants of Psychosocial Health Status in Pregnant and Postpartum Women Experiencing Earthquake in Turkey
Authors: Yalniz Dilcen Hacer , Çakır Koçak Yeliz , Ada Güleser , Demir Bozkurt Feyza , Dülger Hanifi
Published: February 2024

Objective:

It is well known that natural disasters such as earthquakes negatively affect physical and mental health by exposing people to excessive stress. The aim of this study was to investigate determinants of psychosocial health status among the pregnant and postpartum women who experienced earthquake in Türkiye.

Methods:

Pregnant and postpartum women (n = 125) living in tent cities in the Kahramanmaraş region formed the study sample. Data were collected between February 20 and 26, 2023, through face-to-face interviews. The instruments used for data collection were the Introductory Form, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, the Traumatic Childbirth Perception Scale, and the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder–Short Scale.

Results:

A moderate positive relationship was found between stress and posttraumatic stress and traumatic childbirth perception in pregnant and postpartum women, and a high positive relationship was found between anxiety and depression. A high level of relationship was found between anxiety and stress and depression.

Conclusions:

It is seen that the psychosocial health of pregnant and postpartum women, who belong to the risk group in the earthquake zone, is at high risk. Psychological support is urgently needed to preserve and improve their psychosocial health.
Measuring and Modeling Neighborhoods
Authors: McCARTAN CORY , BROWN JACOB R. , IMAI KOSUKE
Published: February 2024

Granular geographic data present new opportunities to understand how neighborhoods are formed, and how they influence politics. At the same time, the inherent subjectivity of neighborhoods creates methodological challenges in measuring and modeling them. We develop an open-source survey instrument that allows respondents to draw their neighborhoods on a map. We also propose a statistical model to analyze how the characteristics of respondents and local areas determine subjective neighborhoods. We conduct two surveys: collecting subjective neighborhoods from voters in Miami, New York City, and Phoenix, and asking New York City residents to draw a community of interest for inclusion in their city council district. Our analysis shows that, holding other factors constant, white respondents include census blocks with more white residents in their neighborhoods. Similarly, Democrats and Republicans are more likely to include co-partisan areas. Furthermore, our model provides more accurate out-of-sample predictions than standard neighborhood measures.
Abelian absolute Galois groups
Authors: Jarden Moshe
Published: February 2024

Generalizing a result of Wulf-Dieter Geyer in his thesis, we prove that if
$K$
is a finitely generated extension of transcendence degree
$r$
of a global field and
$A$
is a closed abelian subgroup of
$\textrm{Gal}(K)$
, then
${\mathrm{rank}}(A)\le r+1$
. Moreover, if
$\mathrm{char}(K)=0$
, then
${\hat{\mathbb{Z}}}^{r+1}$
is isomorphic to a closed subgroup of
$\textrm{Gal}(K)$
.
The Underside of Order: Race in the Constitution of International Order
Authors: Brown Owen R.
Published: February 2024

While there is increasing recognition of the role of race in shaping global politics, the extent to which the construction and operation of international order is entangled with race remains underexplored. In this article, I argue for the centrality of race and racialization in understanding the constitution of international order by theorizing the constitutive connections between race and international order and showing how the two can be examined as intertwined. I do this, first, by articulating conceptualizations of both international order and race that center on processes of regulation and regularization. Second, I bring these together to suggest that race be understood as a form of order that functions to reproduce a historically emergent form of hierarchy and domination across a range of spaces and contexts. Third, I operationalize these conceptualizations by outlining and historicizing some of the key features of this racialized and racializing international order, specifically coloniality, the racial state, and racial capitalism, and thereby illustrate important aspects of the persistence of this order. Centering race in the study of international order, I suggest, helps us better understand how racializing hierarchies and racialized inequalities persist in the present and are reproduced through structures and practices of international order.
Linear transmission between malleus and stapes in cases with incus necrosis
Authors: Nassif Mena Maher , Hamdy Tarek A. , Saad Mohmed
Published: February 2024

Objective

The outcome of cartilage interposition ossiculoplasty was assessed in cases of incus necrosis after posterior malleus repositioning in the plane of the stapes, in terms of hearing gain after ossicular reconstruction.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted of 30 patients admitted to an Ain Shams University hospital from March 2021 to September 2021. All patients with ossicular disruption due to chronic suppurative otitis media and hearing loss of more than 40 dB were included in the study. Pure tone audiometry was conducted for each patient after three months, six months and one year post operation.

Results

The audiogram showed a post-operative air–bone gap of 20 dB or less in 83.33 per cent of patients (n = 25) at three months post-operatively and in 80 per cent of patients after six months; after one year, the results remained the same.

Conclusion

The use of cartilage interposition after malleus posterior mobilisation represents an excellent partial ossicular replacement technique.
Oestrogens, adipose tissues and environmental exposures influence obesity and diabetes across the lifecycle
Authors: Bardhi Olgert , Dubey Pallavi , Palmer Biff Franklin , Clegg Deborah J.
Published: February 2024

Endogenous oestrogens regulate essential functions to include menstrual cycles, energy balance, adipose tissue distribution, pancreatic β-cell function, insulin sensitivity and lipid homeostasis. Oestrogens are a family of hormones which include oestradiol (E2), oestrone (E1) and oestriol (E3). Oestrogens function by binding and activating oestrogen receptors (ERs). Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds which exhibit oestrogenic-like activity and can bind to ERs. Phytoestrogens exert potential oestrogenic-like benefits; however, their effects are context-dependent and require cautious consideration regarding generalised health benefits. Xenoestrogens are synthetic compounds which have been determined to disrupt endocrine function through binding to ERs. Xenoestrogens enter the body through various routes and given their chemical structure they can accumulate, posing long-term health risks. Xenoestrogens interfere with endogenous oestrogens and their functions contributing to conditions like cancer, infertility, and metabolic disorders. Understanding the interplay between endogenous and exogenous oestrogens is critical in order to determine their potential health consequences and requires further investigation. This manuscript provides a summary of the role endogenous oestrogens have in regulating metabolic functions. Additionally, we discuss the impact phytoestrogens and synthetic xenoestrogens have on biological systems across various life stages. We highlight their mechanisms of action, potential benefits, risks and discuss the need for further research to bridge gaps in understanding and mitigate exposure-related health risks.
Unresolved attachment and identity diffusion in adolescence
Authors: Gander Manuela , Buchheim Anna , Kohlböck Gabriele , Sevecke Kathrin
Published: February 2024

This study examined the severity of unresolved attachment underlying adolescent identity diffusion. Our sample consisted of 180 inpatient adolescents aged 14 to 18 years (77% female, Mage = 15.13, SD = 1.35; 23% male, Mage = 14.85, SD = 1.41) and 84 age-matched non-clinical adolescents (52% female, Mage = 16.14, SD = 1.21; 48% males, Mage = 15.98, SD = 1.07). We used the Adult Attachment Projective Picture System (AAP) interview to assess attachment representations and the Assessment of Identity Development in Adolescence (AIDA) questionnaire to evaluate the severity of identity diffusion. Our results demonstrate a higher amount of unresolved attachment and identity diffusion in the patient sample than in the control sample. Furthermore, patients with an unresolved attachment status scored higher on identity diffusion than those with no unresolved attachment pattern. Interestingly, this was not found in the control group. Furthermore, patients with a greater severity of unresolved attachment showed the highest maladaptive identity development scores. Psychotherapeutic interventions integrating attachment-related aspects might be useful to treat young people with identity diffusion.
Network-based kinetic models: Emergence of a statistical description of the graph topology
Authors: Nurisso Marco , Raviola Matteo , Tosin Andrea
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we propose a novel approach that employs kinetic equations to describe the collective dynamics emerging from graph-mediated pairwise interactions in multi-agent systems. We formally show that for large graphs and specific classes of interactions a statistical description of the graph topology, given in terms of the degree distribution embedded in a Boltzmann-type kinetic equation, is sufficient to capture the collective trends of networked interacting systems. This proves the validity of a commonly accepted heuristic assumption in statistically structured graph models, namely that the so-called connectivity of the agents is the only relevant parameter to be retained in a statistical description of the graph topology. Then, we validate our results by testing them numerically against real social network data.
Population estimates and sex ratio of the Critically Endangered Antioquia Brushfinch Atlapetes blancae
Authors: Chaparro-Herrera Sergio , Gomez Juan Pablo , Restrepo Arias Marcela , Ponciano José Miguel
Published: February 2024

Antioquia Brushfinch Atlapetes blancae is a recently rediscovered Colombian microendemic species with a restricted distribution. Although the species might use a variety of habitats, current information suggests that it is a shrubland specialist. It is categorised as “Critically Endangered” because due to habitat loss its population has been estimated to be smaller than 50 individuals. Such estimates are based on indirect measurements of its population and assumptions regarding its restricted range/habitat. We provide the first direct population estimates and adult sex ratio for seven localities, using mark-resighting techniques. Individuals were captured using mist-nets, bled, and colour banded. Subsequently, we performed censuses along transects to record banded and non-banded individuals. Population estimates were obtained using the classic closed population mark-resighting model. In addition, we used the abundance–area relationship to estimate population size at other sites where the species has been previously recorded. Finally, individuals were sexed by amplifying the Z and W-linked Chromo-Helicase DNA-binding gene (CHD) genes. In total, we banded 55 individuals at four locations. Summarising across the seven sampled localities, we found that the population is most likely composed of 109 individuals in the 122 ha sampled. Based on the abundance–area relationship, we estimated that the population of Antioquia Brushfinch could be as large as 405 individuals in 322 ha of suitable habitat. We found that male/female sex ratio was 0.45 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32–0.6) and that it was not significantly biased. Our results suggest that the population of Antioquia Brushfinch is at least eight times larger than suggested by secondary information. We found that populations are properly structured at least regarding sex ratio, although we caution for further research on sex biases of immature and juvenile individuals. We recommend that future studies should focus on population trends and the impact of habitat transformation on the demography of this iconic species.